Pixar’s “Float” Connects With the Pinoy Autism Community

(This was first published in When in Manila on 5 April 2020.)

“Float”, the first animated Pixar short film to feature Filipino characters, was made available for viewing on YouTube for a limited time. The 7-minute film walks the viewer through the journey of an amazing boy who can levitate and a father crippled by fear of what others may think of his unique son.

The Pixar SparkShorts short has over 46 million views on YouTube since it was released last February 27. The film’s message resonated strongly with the world -- most especially the Filipino autism community.

Pixar's Float Movie

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) and Best Buddies Philippines shared the reactions and insights of adults on the autism spectrum and parent advocates after viewing the short film -- in commemoration of World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April 2021. By listening to the perspectives of those whose lives have been touched by autism, the advocacy groups hope to spur conversations on genuine inclusion -- within the Filipino family and in Philippine society.

Filipino-American director Bobby Rubio shared his personal message of hope for the Pinoy autism community, “The short was based on my own personal story with my son Alex who is on the autism spectrum; and I was hoping that the story would reach out to families just like mine."

The film’s message of acceptance in the face of diversity evokes deep emotional connection with many in the autism community.

Andrea Santiago, a single mom to a child on the spectrum from Marikina, advised: ‘What matters most is we keep coming back, full circle, to true unconditional love for our loved one who may be deemed different but will always be our source of joy.”

“It showed us that we are not all the same,” shared Ian Borleo, a young man on the spectrum, “but that doesn't mean that those who seem different don't belong.”

A special needs mom and public servant from Davao, Momay Donaire expressed: “It is a good reminder na kahit ano mang kundisyon meron ang aming mga anak, hindi natin sila kailangan baguhin bagkus mas kailangan nila ang ating pag-aaruga, pag-suporta at pagmamahal.”

Carl Veluz, who is also on the spectrum and one of the leaders of the ASP Self-Advocates Circle affirmed, “Acceptance is the key to a happy life for persons of the autism spectrum and those who love us.”

Olive Medina, whose child Lorenzo is the inspiration behind Lorenzo’s Sanctuary in Laguna professed her belief: “Love and acceptance starts at home.”

The reaction video features disability advocates from all over the country -- adults on the autism spectrum Kyle Ebora, Randy Motoomull, Brian Pabustan, Matt Somera, Kiel Lagmay, Alan Ng, Vico Cham, Carl Veluz; and parents of children of the autism spectrum, Leah Cendana, Julia Moll, Andrea Santiago, Cyril Borja, Bernadette Tabares, Ai-Ai Abello, Momay Donaire, Olive Medina, Babylin Borja, Caren Tiangco, and Mona Magno-Veluz.

About the author: Mona Magno-Veluz serves as the national president of the Autism Society Philippines. She is a mom to three kids with her eldest Carl on the autism spectrum. Her passion propels her to write and talk publicly about disability inclusion and PWD empowerment. Find her on Instagram and Twitter @mightymagulang.

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Posted in: media

Why Filipinos should say "No" to the "Boyet Challenge"

The Autism Society Philippines condemned the latest social media experiment called "The Boyet Challenge" (where participants mimic the title character from the soap opera "My Special Tatay") as thinly-veiled instruments of ridicule of those who live with autism and intellectual disabilities, just as the Philippines began to the commemorate the National Autism Consciousness Week on the third week of January.

The #NO2BOYETCHALLENGE digital poster

This is in response to the increase of posted videos of Filipinos doing their versions of this fictional character with a developmental disability, which began in December 2018.

In January 2019, the ASP called out YouTube influencer Benedict Cua on Twitter for posting a "72-hour Boyet Challenge" video. The ASP appreciates how Mr. Cua apologized in writing and via video; and has since taken down the original post.

Since our Facebook and Twitter posts, this story was covered by GMA News Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Abante TNT, Abante VisMin Remate, Yahoo News Philippines, PEP.ph, Coconuts.co, Kami.com, among others.

Our call for kindness has spurred questions and conversations via comments and direct messages worth sharing here.

I like Ken Chan and his portrayal. Why are you against "My Special Tatay"?

The Autism Society Philippines respects the rights to creative expression of performance artists, writers and producers of TV and film in the interpretation of fictional characters who have autism and intellectual disabilities.

We condemn the "Boyet Challenge" social media trend involving the imitation of a popular fictional character named Boyet, because it uses traits of persons with disabilities for the purpose of comedic entertainment and social media notoriety. Sadly, this includes Mr. Chan (who joined and supported the Angels Walk for Autism years ago) who often slips into his Boyet character outside the context of his soap opera.

Ganun naman talaga magsalita ang mga may autism. Uma-acting lang naman kami, kasi fans kami ng show.

"My Special Tatay" is an undeniably popular show with a wide audience base. When the show launched in August 2018, Ken Chan articulated his aspiration to be a "voice of people with autism". This made us hopeful that his portrayal of a man on the spectrum will inspire compassion and respect for persons with autism and intellectual disabilities as human beings, who do not deserve being spoofed in the name of comedic amusement.

We would like to share a list of honest and nuanced portrayals of characters with autism and/or intellectual disability worth emulating: Alden Richards in Eat Bulaga's Lenten Special "Kapatid" (2017), John Lloyd Cruz in "The Trial" (2014), Gerald Anderson in "Budoy" (2012), Terence Baylon in "Ipagpatawad Mo" (1991), among others. We are keen on watching how Arjo Atayde's character with autism in "The General's Daughter" (2019) will be developed. The Autism Society Philippines serves in an advisory capacity on film and television projects that will further the understanding of autism through media.

We especially commend actor Gerald Anderson for starting a foundation which trains dogs to serve in rescue missions and to act as service dogs to children with autism -- after his show ended and without the intention to promote his television project. He also partnered with Kiehl's Philippines to raise funds that will provide free therapy for children with autism from indigent families.

Wala pong masamang intention ang mga gumagawa ng challenge. Pampa-good vibes lang po ito.

Ginagawa po ang challenge para magpatawa. Bakit po naging nakakatawa ang mga taong may kapansanan na nahihirapan magsalita o parang musmos magisip? Hindi po makatao na gamitin ang hirap nila na pampatawa! Hindi po makatao na gawing katatawanan ang kanilang kaibahan! Para po sa mga milyong-milyong pamilyang Pilipino na may minamahal na may kapansanan, hindi po ito nagbibigay ng "good vibes".

This is a harmless social media gag. It has no effect in real life.

Here's an effect which can be measured by empirical data. With the popularity of the Boyet Challenge and its variations like the "Kapag lumingon ka ..." and the "This is my voice after watching #myspecialtatay ...", measured in post volume, likes, comments, reposts and number of compilations, it appears that it is now acceptable to mimic persons with communication challenges in the name of entertainment and social media virality. The term "Boyet" is now an emerging euphemistic insult for anyone likened to persons with autism and intellectual disability -- just search #boyet on Twitter.

As an ethnographic observation, the thousands of people who have posted this challenge expose a dark layer of society who think persons with disabilities are different, therefore less than them and are laughable. This perpetuates the culture of bullying that Filipino children and adults with autism and intellectual disabilities have to live with everyday.

This may be just a TV show or a way to rack up social media likes for some; but this is real life for persons with autism and their families.

We are free to express ourselves. We are protected by freedom of expression by law.

The freedoms we enjoy as citizens carry obligations. We should not abuse these freedoms by infringing on the rights of others to exist with dignity. Persons with disabilities are protected by the Magna Carta of PWDs. Republic Act No. 9442 (the ammendment to RA 7277) protects PWDs (which include those with autism and intellectual disabilities) against ridicule and vilification. Violation of this law carries fines and prison time. Pursuit of legal action is an option the Autism Society Philippines is ready to take as a last resort.

What can I do to help the #no2boyetchallenge campaign?

Send this FAQs to anyone in your sphere of influence who has posted a #boyetchallenge video. If you have made a #boyetchallenge video, delete it now. If you are a parent, please talk to your kids. If you are a teacher, please discuss this in class. If you are part of a student group, please create a campaign on campus. Take a stand! And read more about the Autism Society Philippines' 1Pangako campaign at http://bit.ly/1pangako.

There is no need to pick fights. Many who have participated in this challenge quickly recognize the disability slur once it is pointed out. Think of this as an opportunity to teach and inspire change. Peace to all!

About the contributor. Mona Magno-Veluz serves as the National President of the Autism Society Philippines. She engineered many of ASP's widely successful national programs and campaigns, such as Autism Works, 1Pangako, Project ChocolatA, Project GourmA, among others. She writes about parenting, family history and disability inclusion. She is a mom to three kids and a grandma to 12 cats. Find her on Twitter @mightymagulang.

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Posted in: media,myspecialtatay,no2boyetchallenge,social-media

ASP CSFP in an Animal-Assisted Therapy for PWAs feature

The ASP City of San Fernando Pampanga Chapter members were honored guests at ABS-CBN’s “Salamat Dok” episode which tackled animal-assisted therapy for individuals with autism.

It was a gratifying experience as we were treated, as genuinely special guests. Our Chapter President, Joyla Ofrecia and her son and four more kids with autism and their companions were able to join the location shoot. We reached Camayan Beach Resort at 9:30pm where cozy family rooms were reserved for us and a sumptuous dinner was prepared by the shore.

The cameras started rolling at 9am the following day. We were directed to go to Ocean Adventure for the Dolphin Encounter; while the hosts, Bernadette Sembrano, Alvin Elchico Dr. Francis Samonte and Joyla Ofrecia talked about autism, its nature, signs and symptoms; and how dolphins and other animals can help children with autism.

Ms. Joyla Ofrecia interview in Salamat Dok

In the background, the kids and mommies enjoyed a very close encounter with Zack, the smart dolphin -- assisted by dolphin trainers led by Kuya Paulo. We made him sing, waved hello, tickled its tummy, and the coolest trick was the water fight! The kids won’t stop hugging and kissing Zack. It was indeed, a very memorable experience for both mommies and the kids.

From picking us up in San Fernando via ABS-CBN van, up to driving us back home safe, we were all treated very well! Thank you, “Salamat Dok” for making our kids feel more special than they already are.

The episode aired on 18 April 2015, Saturday at 6am.

About the contributor. Melanie Liang is ASP CSFP Chapter Secretary and mom to 7-year-old Josh.

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Posted in: chapters,media,regional,therapy

ASP National President interviewed on NBN 4’s At Your Service

By Catherine Genovia, ASP Program Assistant

ASP National President Grace Adviento was a special guest to NBN Channel 4’s @ Your Serbis (At Your Service) on 17 June 2010.

NBN or the National Broadcasting Network is a government owned TV Station. Hosts William Thio and Atty. Marc Castrodes interviewed Grace during the 30 minute program about autism and the programs and services of ASP.

ASP National President Grace Adviento during the interview "@ ur serbis"

As head of the Public Information Committee, Grace believes that TV is a good source of information for parents or caregivers on autism. “Autism is not a disease but a condition that affects an estimated 500,000 Filipinos and only about two percent of them are given appropriate care,” she said.

Grace with son, Adrian

Grace also explained the different signs and symptoms of autism. She emphasized that early detection and early intervention is crucial for her son Andrian, who now studies in Grade Two. She also told televiewers in case they suspect a child to have autism, to seek a licensed medical professional, such as developmental pediatricians.

To keep parents or caregivers informed on the latest research and interventions for autism, she also invited the televiewers to the upcoming whole day seminar-workshop on The Big Picture: Children CONNECTING to Life Experiences on June 26, 2010. Click here for more details.

Acknowledgements: NBN’s @ Ur Serbis Staff and Hosts William Thio and Atty. Castrodes.

ASP believes that an informed public is an educated public. Autism is not a tragedy, but ignorance is. To request an Autism Orientation in your schools or organizations, call us at 7-903-5496 or email us at autismphils@gmail.com.

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Posted in: awareness,interview,media,news,press