ASP Sta. Rosa Opens “A Special Exhibit”

ASP Sta. Rosa Chapter celebrated World Autism Awareness Day on 02 April 2014 with a Special Art Exhibit by Persons with Autism at SM Sta Rosa City, Laguna. The exhibit aimed to show that persons with autism can contribute positively to the society given the proper intervention, guidance, love and acceptance.

ASP Sta. Rosa WAAD Ribbon Cutting

The exhibitors are children of Autism Society Philippines officers and members, namely: Juan Gabriel Allegre, Noelle Cruz, Lorenzo Miguel Medina, Lauriel Lambon, Caryl Alvarez, Ethan Zamora, Nathan Sta Ana, Sean Tiu, Franco Santos, Justin Erolin, Christopher John Flores, Ella Ramos, Jan Carlos Alo, Yshi Garcia, Simon Perez, Miggy Memita and Justin Napoles.

Dr. Olive Medina, President of ASP Sta. Rosa Chapter, gave the welcome remarks in behalf of the society; while Mr. Doni Orolfo from SM Operations Department gave the welcome remarks in behalf of SM Sta. Rosa.

The inspirational talk was given by one of the PWA exhibitors, Juan Gabriel Allegre. He shared:

I am Jorel Allegre. I am 13 and I have autism. Today is the 7th year since the United Nations designated every April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day. This celebration aims to increase awareness of people about individuals especially children with Autism. As most of you may have observed, there are no two persons with Autism who are alike. Each PWA is entirely unique since Autism is a spectrum. Each child has a different degree of social, communication and behavioral difficulties. Some of us may not speak. Some of us like me have the words but cannot express and label our feelings. It is thru the arts that we have learned to express ourselves. To paraphrase a quote of the painter Georgia O’Keefe – “We found through painting that we could say things with colors and shapes that we can’t say any other way – Things we have no words for.” We want people to know that though we maybe different from other children, we are not less. We do have a God given talents and gifts that we can share to give joy and hope to others. My parents would like to tell other parents especially those whose child had just been diagnosed and are struggling with acceptance that there is always hope and you can still dream and work for a better life and future for your children with Autism. Also although your child needs unconditional love, they also need tough love too. That’s it. We hope you will enjoy our art works. Thank you!

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