A first at Project HeART

Members of ASP Tacloban Chapter gathered for Project HeART, an art psychosocial intervention program, as post-disaster response for the Yolanda survivors in Leyte. This unique event was funded by Metrobank Foundation and held last 4-6 June 2014 at the Eastern Visayas State University.

Mommy Fajardo (in stripes) and her son Ruvic with ASP National President Jan Peña, Muneer Peña and other Project HeART participants in Tacloban.

I’m very glad to have been a part of it. It was a first time experience for most of the participants to be gathered around with fellow special children for one movement. There was an excitement in each and everyone including the parents and guardians.

For the Group 8 years old and above, Day 1 was to draw their own profile and it gave them freedom to introduce themselves in the way they wished using mixed media. Day 2 was to etch "who or what supports them" using 3 square boards with oil pastel. They had to think hard to be sure what or who really are giving them full support in their daily living; because there's no erasure in etching technique thus making them feel confident realizing the reinforcements they already have. The last day was also in mixed media but in a relief form or in three-dimensions. Participants were given a board where they can create a 3D work of the surroundings or an ideal environment they wish to have. Through this, they were able to use their imaginations and their outside world experiences.

I would like to thank the Autism Society Philippines together with the sponsor, Metrobank Foundation for spearheading such activity. This will be a great help for my son in order for him to develop his skills and talents needed for his development. This will pave way for him to have social exposure in order for him and for the public realize their potentials as a member of their society and not to be ridiculed with their disability.

About the Author: Elisa N. Fajardo married with 2 kids Ashley Nicole and son Ruvic 8 yrs old with ASD living in Pawing Palo, Leyte. A BS Management graduate at St. Paul’s Business School in Pawning Palo.

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Posted in: art,chapters,metrobank

Project HeART in Tacloban

ASP Tacloban participated in MADE-N.O.W. Project HeART: HeART for Humanity Phase III, an art psychosocial intervention program as post-disaster response for the Yolanda survivors in Leyte funded by Metrobank Foundation.

ASP Tacloban Family with artworks of PWAs

The art workshop for children with autism was opened by Dr. Grace Evangelista of Miriam College and UP Diliman; and Lee Marja Mercado of ASP Tacloban. The participants were divided into 2 groups. Mentor Buddy Ching handled the children with ages 8 years old and above; while Mentor Thomas Daquiaog taught the children aged 7 years old and below.

The workshop ran for three days beginning 4 June 2014.

About the Author: Lee Marja Mercado an ASP Tacloban President since 2012. Lee worked with Metrobank in Tacloban for 10 years. She is mom to Maddaox Lenard (who is on the spectrum).

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The Power of the Arts

Metrobank Foundation’s Art for Healing project has excited me to no end, being a parent of two teenage boys diagnosed with ASD. In 2013, I helped organize a 6-day art psychosocial intervention workshop. In 2014, through a partnership between Metrobank Foundation, MADE, NCCA and SM Supermalls, a new batch of young PWAs was treated to a one-day workshop, exclusive for Autism Society Philippines members at SM Aura, in celebration of National Arts Month.

Art for Healing is a unique art psychosocial intervention workshop for teens with autism. This workshop differs from others as it allows PWAs the freedom to express their own thoughts and feelings without judgment. The focus is not on fine motor skills; but rather expression.

It is in the teenage years where most individuals, neurotypical or otherwise, struggle with their identity. Using the power of the arts, the workshop hoped to draw out how these participants saw themselves -- a potential challenge for teaching artists, in my view. When asked about what his commitment to mentor, despite how the workshop was a mix of teenagers with diverse ASD deficits, award-winning sculptor Jonathan Dangue gave a reply reflective of his inclusive nature, sans hesitation: “Oo ba. Ibang klaseng pag-iisip yan.” His answer assured me that the kids were going to be in good hands.

PWAs enjoying doing artworks

As much as noted artists such as Noell El Farol, Salvador I. Ching, Thomas Daquioag, Ferdinand Doctolero, Rex Tatlonghari were teaching the participants different techniques of expression, it was their open-mindedness and gentle nature that allowed them to connect with the children so quickly. They knew that the kids were very sensitive and that they have to be responsible in maintaining their energies. As they were having fun teaching the kids, the kids were enjoying expressing themselves through their self-portrait and the parents were relaxed and had generous smiles.

Attending psychologist, Dr. Grace Evangelista, was vigilant in keeping the mood relaxed yet productive. She assisted the artist / teachers if there were any sensory or behavioral issues.

Towards the end of the workshop, each child was asked to present their collages and what it meant. Ezekiel, presented an impressive and intricate collage that was given so much thought. The clarity of his thought was also reflected in his description of his collage. Jay Buenaventura showed his affections for his family as he show how he drew each of them in his collage. Show-and-tell did not exclude the kids who were non-verbal. Clay sculptor, Carlos, may have no words but he knew the sounds that his clay dinosaurs made and he also knew that he made us happy with his dinosaur impressions. The non-verbals were equally proud of their work and they clearly want to share.

Most people make the mistake that art is only for the rich or something that cannot put food on the table. Yet I have seen the power of the arts so many times. It has inspired, fulfilled and uplifted spirits. It has provided respite for those who are downtrodden. It builds character and discipline. It has the power to affect lives with its messages. Communities are formed and united with no need for words.

While others need data and evidence, only a trusting nature can understand what I had witnessed that day. I saw the love in each parent’s eyes as they see their children happy with their accomplishment. I saw teachers embracing the uniqueness of their students. I saw the beautiful gentle souls of kids (and adults) with ASD that can only be expressed beyond words. I saw a higher order of thinking that can only be delivered through the arts. I saw fledging community working together to supporting and uplifting kids with ASD. HeART for Healing always awards me to be a witness to the inclusive power of the arts.

We look forward to the stories and revelations from the next Art for Healing workshop in Davao.

This article is a contribution of Ms. Cristina Estampador, former ASP Trustee and current ASP project coordinator for the Art for Healing project.

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Posted in: art,chapters,community,metrobank,sm,therapy

Project HeART for Healing Workshop on February 9

The Autism Society Philippines, the Metrobank Foundation and the MADE-NOW (Metrobank Art & Design Excellence – Network Of Winners), the alumni organization of the Foundation’s 29-year art and design program, collaborated to bring you “Project HeART for Healing,” an art therapy program that uses the science of art psychotherapy and the technical skills of the artists in 2013.

Teens with autism in Project HeART for Healing Workshop

Another “Project HeART for Healing” workshop will be held on 09 February 2014, Sunday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the SM Aura, with the support of Metrobank Foundation and SM Communications. Moderated by psychologist Dr. Grace Brillantes-Evangelista, the 3-hour workshop is an art psychosocial intervention for teens with autism to help them build a good sense of self and confidence.

This workshop is open to budding artists aged 13 and above, who belong to an ASP member family. Seats are limited to 40 participants. Deadline for submitting an application is 7 February 2014, Friday.

Register now!

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Posted in: 4pwas,art,best,chapters,metrobank,special,therapy

Pushing beyond boundaries of autism through art

Autism Society Philippines’ former board trustee, Cristina Estampador, is our Angel Talker this week. Chris is a mother to two boys, Henry and Derek who are in the autism spectrum, a blogger (Eclectic Journals) and one who is into esoteric practices and quantum science. She recently facilitated Project HeART for Autism Society Philippines and Metrobank Foundation.

•••

Art has long been seen as a powerful means of self-expression. The process of art making has been recognized to ignite movements, evoke emotion and open communication in visual and theatrical forms.

Combined with the science of psychology, art plays the role not only of communicator and educator but also as a healer due to its therapeutic and experiential nature. This, therefore, brings to light its own field in psychology: art psychotherapy.

Teens with autism in Project HeART for Healing Workshop

This marriage of science and artistic practices gave birth to “Project HeART,” an art therapy program by Metrobank Foundation’s Metrobank Art & Design Excellence – Network Of Winners (MADE-N.O.W.). MADE-N.O.W is the alumni organization of the Foundation’s 29-year art and design program, MADE. Past winners who are painters, sculptors, interior designers and architects become a part of this organization which aims to implement projects that “pay it forward” to the community.

The first-of-its-kind art therapy program, Project HeART uses the science of art psychotherapy and the technical skills of the artists. In consultation with clinical psychologist Dr. Grace Brillantes-Evangelista, MADE-N.O.W., with the support of Metrobank Foundation, Inc. partnered with the Autism Society Philippines for “HeART for Healing: art therapy for children with autism.”

Fourteen adolescent children with autism and other special needs participated in the weekly art therapy workshop sessions with volunteer artists from MADE-N.O.W: Noell El Farol, Salvador Ching, Rex Tatlonghari, Ferdinand Doctolero, Jonathan Dangue, Thomas Dacquioag and Dr. Evangelista. The workshop aimed to utilize artistic practice in order to discover talent, open lines of communication and explore possibilities of self-discovery for the child.

The children were introduced to different art making mediums and techniques such as basic drawing, watercolor techniques, sculpture and mixed media. More than learning about creativity, both parents and participants engaged in activities for self discovery, visual communication and exploration of positive emotions. All these were supervised by a clinical psychologist.

Through the various sessions, the participants learned more about themselves and their personality through mixed media portraits. A unique visual conversation between the parent and the child resulted in better understanding as HeART for Healing was designed to include parent-child participation in the exploration of shared memories and feelings of happiness.

Watercolor as a medium was used to explore the child’s focus, expressions of release and interpersonal relations through a collaborative artwork for the whole class. Symbols of healing, empowerment and self-transformation were transformed into tangible sculptures, which served as a reminder that they are equipped and empowered to express to the best of their potentials.

HeART for Healing is the first of several art therapy projects to be conducted and supervised by a team of clinical psychologists, occupational therapists and professional artists. Metrobank Foundation, Inc., MADE-N.O.W. and Autism Society Philippines embarked on this journey of self discovery and empowerment to promote the transformative effect of art practice in discovering ones’ full potential. Pioneer organizations hope to continue this endeavor in collaboration with other groups.

The ASP will celebrate its 25th year with various activities. The highlight is the Angels Walk for Autism on Jan 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The event which also marks the 18th National Autism Consciousness Week, attracts thousands of participants from all over the country, through simultaneous walks organized by ASP’s provincial chapters. Sign up on-line for free tickets at http://bit.ly/angelswalk2014.

This article appeared on 02 December 2013 in the print and on-line versions of Manila Bulletin's "Angels Talk" under the by-line of Dang U. Koe, ASP Chair Emeritus.

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Posted in: angels-talk,metrobank

ASP receives Metrobank grant

Team Metrobank and ASP Family

The Autism Society Philippines received a grant from the Metrobank Group on 05 September 2013, together with 41 other development organizations. Metrobank Foundation (MBFI) Chairman George S.K. Ty and MBFI President Aniceto Sobrepeña led the awarding of a total of P10 million to legitimate and credible non-government organization and foundations, during the company’s annual grants turn-over ceremony.

Grants are allocated for programs and projects that contribute to the attainment of Philippine Millennium Development Goals -- such as to eradicate poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, and discover creative intelligence.

Metrobank Arts and Design Excellence Network of Outstanding Winners (MADE NOW) will lead the propagation of awareness of arts and culture and conduct of art workshop among the disadvantage groups. The Autism Society Philippines will roll out an Art Therapy workshop with MADE NOW in the last quarter of 2013.

Read more about the Metrobank Foundation grants here.

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Posted in: community,metrobank,special