ASP Project Gourm-A celebrates an Autism-OK Pancake House

The Autism Society Philippines invites all to a Project Gourm-A [gur-'may] Autism-OK Dining Experience on 21 September 2019, Saturday, at the Pancake House along Tomas Morato in Quezon City (Map).

This ASP Autism Works x Project Gourm-A event aims to discover and show off skills of individuals on the spectrum in the restaurant industry. These encounters inspire acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of persons with autism through delivery of an autism-inclusive dining experience, development of employability skills of persons with autism in the food industry, development of autism-inclusive workplaces, and exposure of professionals in the food and hospitality industries to neurodiverse individuals.

Project GourmA Digital Poster

"This Project GourmA event is unlike the others we have done before," shares ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz. "We are celebrating an Autism-OK Pancake House that has genuinely embraced inclusive employment; by hiring workers on the autism spectrum for permanent roles across various disciplines and locations within the company."

The Autism Society Philippines and Pancake House have recently inked a partnership towards the employment and support of workers on the autism spectrum; as well as providing the company training and tools for performance management, employee coaching and resource development. "I have seen the organization's commitment firsthand; and we are excited to work with them towards designing best-in-class practices in disability-inclusive employment, specific to the service and food industry."

"The Max's Group genuinely believes in the potentials of persons with disabilities," explains Pancake House Chief Operating Officer John Amante. "Our brands Teriyaki Boy and Sizzlin' Steak have been recognized with Franchise Excellence Awards for PWD Hiring -- the culmination of an initiative with the Benilde School for Deaf Studies. As leaders, we are eager to learn more about the how to bring out the best in our future employees on the autism spectrum."

Funds raised from this event will help support the ASP Autism Works program that help persons on the autism spectrum access jobs in compassionate workplaces, as well as employability training, counselling and life coaching necessary for sustainable and successful employment -- for some of the more than 200 workers on the autism spectrum receiving workplace support, across 9 provinces.

Join us! Sign up below to reserve your seats for either the 3:00pm or the 4:30pm merienda sena service. You will receive a confirmation email for your reservation.

The Autism Society Philippines, through its Autism-OK Philippines campaign, aims to build an autism-inclusive society by working proactively with the public and private sectors to create institutional mechanisms that inspire responsive policies and programs, autism-inclusive education, autism-friendly public spaces, compassionate workplaces, more transitions specialists, more professionals on the spectrum and livelihood opportunities for PWAs and their families. #AutismOKPH #TRENTAgether

(As of 19 September 2019, all seats are sold out)

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Posted in: autism-friendly spaces,autism-works,autismokph,food,fundraising,gourm-a

ASP Project Gourm-A showcases an Autism-OK dining experience

As we anticipate the global commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day, the Autism Society Philippines invites all to a Project Gourm-A [gur-'may] Autism-OK dinner on 30 March 2019, Saturday, at the Vatel Restaurant Manila on the roof deck of the Hotel Benilde in Manila City (Map: https://goo.gl/maps/3ydyiJDoh3v).

This ASP Autism Works x Project Gourm-A event aims to discover and show off skills of individuals on the spectrum in the restaurant industry. These encounters inspire acceptance, accommodation and appreciation of persons with autism through delivery of an autism-inclusive dining experience, development of employability skills of persons with autism in the food industry, development of autism-inclusive workplaces, and exposure of professionals in the food and hospitality industries to neurodiverse individuals.

"A Project GourmA event, as always, promises to be an intimate, sumptuous dinner. We dine. We have fun. We celebrate diversity and inclusion." shares ASP National President Mona Magno-Veluz. "This project, which is among Autism Works pillars, allows the general public to experience how many young adults on the autism spectrum are ready for employment in the food and restaurant industry."

Project Gourm-A Digital poster at Vatel Restaurant Manila

This year's event is done in partnership with the De la Salle-College of Saint Benilde family -- the Center for Inclusive Education, the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management, and Vatel Restaurant Manila; with the participation of student organizations Chefs in Progress and World Hoteliers in Progress. Young adults with autism will work as kitchen staff, bartenders, waiters and hosts, alongside neurotypical students to provide a unique dining experience.

"Benilde has always believed in the importance of inclusion. In providing our students with opportunities for learning, along with the necessary support and accommodations, we open doors for them to become contributing members of society" declared Ms. Nicky Templo-Perez, Director for the De la Salle-College of Saint Benilde Center for Inclusive Education. "We are so excited to be supporting ASP’s Project Gourm-A and have our students from the SHRIM organizations work with persons with autism! I’m sure it will be a powerful experience for everyone."

Dean Angelo Lacson of De la Salle-College of Saint Benilde SHRIM is among the project's enthusiastic supporters. "Embracing inclusion as School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management is not about just following the mandate of the College but rather our championing of equal opportunity and equal representation. This dinner involving young adults on the autism spectrum is our school’s initial step in providing them with hospitality and culinary enrichment options.”

The four-course French Mediterranean set-menu dinner will be overseen by the Vatel Restaurant Manila Executive Chef Pierre Cornelis.

SOUP

Curried Cauliflower with roast cashew

Or

Zucchini, garlic with crouton and mozzarella

APPETIZER

Asparagus pomelo salad with andalusia dressing

MAIN ENTRE

Beef Bourguignon

Slow braised beef in red wine, demi-glace,

onion, carrots, with potato gratin

Or

Salmon fillet with tian vegetables

Served with jasmine pilaf rice

DESSERT

Cerveza Negra and chocolate ice cream

Or

Mango crème brulee

Your minimum donation of P1,000 per head will help support ASP's programs and services for families who live with autism. Sign up below to reserve your seats for either the 6pm or the 8pm dinner service. An electronic ticket will be sent to your email to confirm your reservation.

The Autism Society Philippines, through its Autism-OK Philippines campaign, aims to build an autism-inclusive society by working proactively with the public and private sectors to create institutional mechanisms that inspire responsive policies and programs, autism-inclusive education, autism-friendly public spaces, compassionate workplaces, more transitions specialists, more professionals on the spectrum and livelihood opportunities for PWAs and their families. #AutismOKPH #TRENTAgether

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Posted in: autism-works,employment,food,fundraising,gourm-a,partners,university

ASP Alfonso joins “Children’s Hour”

The Municipality of Alfonso, Cavite launched the "Children's Hour" during the celebration of Alfonso Day last 10 December 2015 at the Municipal Covered Court of Alfonso, Cavite. The "Children's Hour" is a gift-giving program spearheaded by the Municipal DSWD which benefited children from the indigent communities, including some members of ASP Alfonso.

Municipal Covered Court of Alfonso, Cavite

Government leaders, including Mayor Virgilio Varias, the vice mayor, and members of the Sangguniang Bayan, MSWDO head, DepEd District supervisor Mrs. Milagros Norcio, and teachers from different schools of Alfonso, and other generous individuals received free books as tokens of gratitude for their cash donations to the ASP Alfonso. The fund drive gained support for the behavior management forum conducted by ASP Alfonso chapter last 19 December 2015 in Patciano's Resort, Mangas II, Alfonso, Cavite in partnership with the Municipal DSWD.

About the contributor: Noleth Rozul is a college graduate B.S medical technology at De Ocampo Memorial College Manila. She has a son with ADHD. A fulltime housewife married for 19 years, now an active member and secretary to ASP Alfonso Chapter.

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Posted in: chapters,fundraising

Project Gourm-A to launch in Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe

ASP is launching Project Gourm-A [pronounced gur-'may], a program which aims to showcase skills of individuals on the spectrum in the restaurant industry -- from cooks, to waiters, from back office staff to entertainers. We partnered with Open Hands School of Applied Arts and Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe to bring the public a dining experience with a difference, featuring adults with autism.

Project Gourm-A Poster

The first Project Gourm-A dinner will happen on May 9, Saturday, 7pm at the Gourmet Gypsy Art Cafe, 25 Roces Avenue in Quezon City. The three-course dinner will be designed by Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco. Limited tickets are available for P1,000 at the ASP Office or via the link below. Proceeds from the dinner will help fund the programs and services for families who live with autism, at the ASP National Autism Resource Center, poised to open in July 2015 in Quezon City.

The Autism Society Philippines, through its A-OK Philippines program, aims to build an autism-inclusive society by working with government, businesses and schools to create institutional mechanism that inspire autism-friendly spaces, compassionate workplaces, more professionals on the spectrum and livelihood opportunities for PWAs and their families.

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Posted in: autismokph,fundraising,gourm-a

A Labor of Love

Sometimes, it is easy for us to say that we support a certain cause. Some plant a single tree and claim that they are environmentalists. But what does it really take to be an advocate for something? It’s simple - the one who walks the talk and not just quacks.

Through the years, I’ve been a witness to how the people behind Autism Society Philippines Baguio Chapter, comprised mainly of parents and educators, engaged themselves with passion and dedication to create an environment that empowers individuals with autism spectrum disorder to be self-reliant, productive and socially accepted members of the community. They conduct innumerable activities to make this advocacy come into fruition and one of these is the Colors of ‘A’ Spectrum Photo Workshop hosted by the chapter annually by pooling together professional and hobbyist photographers to mentor children with autism.

Inspired by Canon Ambassador and master photographer John Chua, who is at the forefront of Photography with a Difference, this photo workshop that started in 2009 has now become not just an avenue of showcasing the talents of children with autism but a family affair. In Baguio, this annual event is like a timeline of both ASP and Baguio Photographers growing together as one in pursuit for the love of photography and an avenue to exhibit the beauty of that lies within the City of Baguio and Benguet.

Now on it’s seventh year, the 2015 Colors of ‘A’ Photo Exhibit following the workshop that took place at the Winaca Eco-Cultural Village formally opened at the Lower Basement of SM Baguio last 21 February 2015 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by ASP Chair Emeritus, Dang Koe, ASP advocate and exhibit director, Ompong Tan and the lovely couple, John and Harvey Chua. Obvious were the sense of accomplishment seen in the eyes of the participants and their families and fulfillment in their mentors.

Ms. Dang Koe during the Colors of "A" Exhibit

The photos in exhibit exemplify how the talents of these kids, now mostly in their teens, have evolved into masterpieces, honed by talented mentors through the years.

The Colors of ‘A’ Spectrum Coffee Table Book is a compilation of photos taken by 43 participants with ages ranging from 5 to 27 years, exhibited at SM City Baguio from 2009 to 2014 – a six-year labor of love in the making. According to ASP Baguio Chapter president, Belette N. Vizcocho, this was a rather ambitious project with pure guts and the determination of all those who collaborated - from the gathering of materials, lay outing, getting sponsors to help finance the printing, which brought this project to fruition.

First launched in Manila on 31 January 2015 at The Podium Mall in Pasig, the Colors of ‘A’ Spectrum coffee table book had its Baguio Launch at the SM City Baguio Atrium on 21 February 2015 where guests of honor and speakers John Chua and Dang Koe challenged everyone involved to take this advocacy a notch higher by aiming to be able to send at least one individual with autism to compete and win in an international photography competition and to push the advocacy beyond education by bringing it to the workplace as a full proof of what understanding, acceptance and empowerment is all about.

The young participants, who were the “superstars” of the event which marked the 15th Year Anniversary of ASP Baguio Chapter, happily obliged in the signing of the books!

The Colors of ‘A’ Spectrum Coffee Table Book sells for P 2,100.00 (hardback) and P 1,900.00 (paperback) and is available at the locations outlined below. A mailing charge of P150.00 for delivery within the Philippines will be added to the cost of the book. The proceeds of the sale of the book will be used to subsidize continuing and future projects of the ASP Baguio Chapter.

Jet Bookstore
2M Porta Vaga Mall, Session Road 2600 Baguio City, Philippines
Call +63 74 442-4485, +63 917-506-9153
Email: aspbaguiochapter@gmail.com

Fog Photo
4 BPO-B Ayala Technohub, Camp John Hay 2600 Baguio City, Philippines

Autism Philippines Inc.
Room 307, ML Building #47, Kamias Road, Quezon City, Philippines
Call 7-903-5496
Email: autismphils@gmail.com

Buy on-line at www.facebook.com/ASPBaguioChapter.

About the contributor: Melanie Ku Marquez, a Colors of ‘A’ Spectrum Photo Mentor, is a mother, ultra runner, trail runner, duathlete, writer, columnist, photographer, traveller, graphic designer and entrepreneur.

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Posted in: book,canon,chapters,colors,community,fundraising,merchandise,photography,regional,self-advocates

ASP Cebu Chapter Dinner Concert

By: Socorro Deligero ASP Cebu Chapter, Secretary

ASP Cebu Chapter celebrated Independence Day last June 12 with a Dinner Concert for A Cause. It was a relaxing night for loving people, who came in support for the chapter. To be celebrating with special children in the same event is a dream-come-true for the parents and therapists alike.

Families and friends of CWAs

Guests were unmindful of the hand-flapping and other odd behaviors of these children; since people around them are aware and understood their condition. It was not only a worry free night, but a night full of merry making and surprises.

On the Cover Band

ASP Cebu Chapter Officers (l-r) Miriam Uy (Treasurer), Cyril Borja (Auditor),

Babylin Roa (PRO),Sandra Espina (President) ,Socorro Deligero (Secretary)

Children from REACH Center, Responsive Education for Autistic Children, awed the public with their exceptional talents on stage. They rendered classical songs chosen by their therapists.

Miguel Gabriel Luna, mesmerized us with his version of “The Celts” and “I Have a Dream,” popularized by ABBA, through is flute recorder. Miguel was diagnosed with autism a few years back, and is now into mainstreaming.

CWA Miguel Gabriel Luna, playing his flute

ASP Cebu Chapter would like to thank the officers and supporters who helped raised funds for the chapter and ASP Cebu Chapter President, Ms. Sandra Espina, for conceptualizing the event.

ASP Chapters continue to work hard to raise funds for projects and activities. Be an Angel for Autism. Donate to ASP Chapters. The time is now. Log on to ASP Community Website or email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call 7-903-5496.

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Posted in: chapters,fundraising,music

“A” Fun Run For a Cause

By: Jenny Gundran, ASP Baguio Chapter, President

ASP Baguio Chapter spearheads their first “A” (Autism) Fun Run for a Cause at Burnham Lake Drive, Baguio City last June 27, 2010. A total of 482 participants, coming from different schools, universities, establishments and private sectors of Baguio City; running enthusiasts; friends and family of members; joined the activity.

The "A" Fun Run for a Cause at Burnham Lake Drive, Baguio City

last June 27, 2010 with a total of 482 participants

The Fun Run was organized by the chapter in cooperation with Play and Say Therapy Center, through the help of Cool City Group, headed by Ms Che Alberto. The activity aimed to raise funds for the continuity on ASP Baguio’s Autism Awareness Campaign and projects like seminars and free therapy for children with autism and special needs.

During free therapies, the chapter invites Occupational, Speech and Physical Therapists to help the children. Hopefully this time, a Developmental Pediatrician will join the team to assess and give home programs for CSN.

Aside from competing in the 3K, 5K and 10K runs, it was really a day of fun, as it was like a reunion for everyone, with old friends meeting again. Many willingly joined the activity, despite the chapter running out of commemorative shirts, or the prizes, simple. The activity was also a chance for the community to give back to children with autism and their families. The “A” (Autism) Fun Run for a Cause is the first in Baguio City but, it won’t be the last.

Acknowledgments: Sponsors of bottled water and other donations in kind; volunteers from BBPICAG, HPG, BFP, BPC and friends, and to everybody who made this activity successful, “THANK YOU!”

ASP Chapters continue to work hard to raise funds for projects and activities. Be an Angel for Autism. Donate to ASP Chapters. The time is now. Log on to ASP Community Website or email us at autismphils@gmail.com or call 7-903-5496.

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Posted in: chapters,fundraising

ASP Chapter Activities for the month of November

The Language of Autism

This seminar aims to provide knowledge and understanding of common language and communication problems in children with autism. Focal points of discussion will also center on available options and therapy procedures that effect as well as facilitate improvements.

About the Speaker:

Ms. Mae Sadicon

Ms. Mae Sadicon is a BS Speech Pathology graduate of the UP Manila College of Allied Medical Professions. Teacher Mae is currently connected with SPEECH Clinic and St. Luke’s Neurodevelopmental Center. She has likewise returned to her alma mater as a special lecturer.

For Iloilo
Venue: Centennial Plaza Hotel
Date: 15 November 2008
Contact Person: Ms. Neva Gregorios (0921-431-9797)

For Cebu
Venue: Castle Peak Hotel
Date: 16 November 2008
Contact Person: Haidi Fajardo (0906-312-3887)

Brain Gym

BrainGym is more than being just an adjunct to education and occupational therapy. BrainGym movements are the foundation of an innovative program called Educational Kinesiology which involves gentle brain-body movements that help free neutral pathways and make learning easier and faster for all students with learning challenges.

About the Speaker:

Ms. Gless Dela Cruz

Ms. Gless Repia-De La Cruz is a licensed Occupational Therapist. She is BrainGym’s Instructor and Consultant, a prestige granted to her by Educational Kinesiology Foundation in Ventura California. She is a seasoned presenter and facilitator. She is experienced in handling special children, adolescents and adults.

Venue: Abcede Hall, Philam Village Clubhouse, Pamplona, Las Piñas City
Date: 15 November 2008
Contact Person: Mr. Evert Malapad (0910-223-9995) of ASP Metro South

Facilitating Communication at Home

The lecture is designed to help parents and other professionals in facilitating communication and language acquisition at home. The lecture would include discussions of speech and language as well as the different techniques used for achieving language milestones.

About the Speaker:

Ms. Kate Reyes

Ms. Kate Reyes is a BS Speech Pathology graduate of the UP Manila, College of Allied Medical Professionals in 2001. She served as a Clinical Supervisor of UP Camp in 2006. She is a co-owner of Independently, a family centered clinic in San Pascual, Batangas. Kate is a consultant of various centers in the country. She currently engages in research and continuing education of speech therapists in the management of children with various speech and language disorder. For the past 7 years, Kate has been a clinician, researcher, teacher and consultant.

Venue: CDIC Rizal St., Lipa City
Date: 16 November 2008
Contact Person: Ms. Mean Magsino (0919-496-3333) of ASP Lipa

Structuring Home and School for PWAs

Learn how a family’s team work and support from licensed therapists help Dang and Gio, her teen with autism, re-structure their home and school environment to the principles of physical structure, schedules, work systems, to task organization. Be inspired by Dang’s personal testimonies and practical tips.

About the Speaker:

Ms. Dang Koe

Erlinda “Dang” Koe is currently the President of Autism Society Philippines. She “re-engineered” her home to facilitate structured teaching for her son with autism. She is a sought-after conference and seminar speaker, and travels around the country as such. She finished her AB Communication Arts at UST Faculty of Arts and Letters and Masters at UP-Diliman, Quezon City.

Date: 29 November 2008
Contact Person: Dr. Gie Abuyabor (0917-306-3539) of ASP Tacloban Chapter

Alyana Film Showing

Date: 29 November 2008
Contact Person: Dr. Gina Flores (0917-504-4171) of ASP Batangas Chapter
Click here to view trailer

Garage Sale

Date: 28-30 November 2008
ASP Lagro Chapter

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Posted in: 4parents,chapters,film,fundraising,seminar