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

Artismo: Kulay at Himig ng Autismo

The National Autism Consciousness Week culminated with "Artismo: Kulay at Himig ng Autismo,” celebrating the artistry of young adults with autism at The Podium in Ortigas last 31 January 2015. The Atrium was transformed into an art gallery featuring the visual art of JA Tan, Thomas Perez Diaz and the PWAs of ASP Baguio.

ASP Baguio and National Officers with PWAs in ARTISMO: Ang Himig at Kulay ng Autismo

Despite the string of events that week, the leadership of the Autism Society Philippines and supporters came to the event in their Filipiniana best, a fitting honor to the young people with autism who have inspired our 26-year old advocacy.

The autism-inclusive Philippines National Anthem opened the event, followed by a solemn prayer from one of our featured artists Thomas Perez Diaz. Hon. Carmen Zubiaga, NCDA Executive Director, welcomed the guests and gave a perspective on how the week has made an impact not just on the cause of those with autism; but of other marginalized PWDs.

Ms. Mona Magno-Veluz, ASP National President then introduced the credentials of the featured visual artists JA Tan and Thomas Perez-Diaz who both garnered a standing ovation from the appreciative crowd. Ms. Vell Baria, a young lady with autism garnered much admiration for her rendition of traditional Filipinos songs. Ms. Lilet Lavina emceed the morning's affair.

The Autism Society Philippines Baguio chapter gave special recognition, not only to their pool of talented photographers; but also the angels who have helped ensure the success of ASP's Colors of A Spectrum Workshop over the years -- Mr. Ompong Tan, Mr. John Chua, Canon Philippines and SM Cares.

The "Artismo: Ang Kulay at Himig ng Autismo" ran from January 31 to February 1, 2015 at The Podium, Atrium.

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Posted in: art,artismo,book,canon,chapters,colors,exhibit,photography,self-advocates

Capturing the colors of cadets

This article appeared on 10 February 2014 in the print and on-line versions of Manila Bulletin's "Angels Talk," edited by Dang U. Koe, ASP Chair Emeritus.

In the past, most children with autism were not allowed to even touch a camera for fear that they would toss or break the gadget. It never occurred to most people that photography is something they can learn and which can serve as a means of expressing their perception of the world as they see it.

The Autism Society Philippines (ASP) – Baguio Chapter, in collaboration with some of Baguio’s photography clubs and photo hobbyists, conducted 2014 Colors of ‘A’ Spectrum photo-workshop last January 26. Former Baguio City Mayor Peter Rey Bautista, a photo enthusiast who has mentored autism kids in past workshops, said, “Flowers and horses took us places with new found faces during past workshops. This year, it is with cadets in the Philippine Military Academy.”

Our Angel Talker this week is a founding member and current vice president of ASP Baguio Chapter, Belette N. Vizcocho. Belette is also the proud mother of Josef, 21, a fourth year Hotel, Resort,- and Restaurant Management student at St. Louis University and happily living with autism.
Canon Ambassador John Chua conceptualized The Colors of “A” Spectrum photo-workshop with the idea that children with special needs are capable of venturing into the realm of photography. In 2009, John encouraged and influenced Ompong Tan, one of Baguio’s most distinguished and respected photographers, to conduct a workshop for children with autism and other learning difficulties. That workshop led to an SM mall exhibit in time for Autism Consciousness Week. Ompong and his photographer friends have become certified autism angels as a result of that while the project is already on its sixth consecutive year.

The cadets from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) are more than willing to teach photography to children with autism.

ASP Baguio now awaits the opening of 2014 Colors of ‘A’ Photo Exhibit on February 13 at the Lower Basement Gallery of SM City Baguio. Participants for this year are 22 junior photographers with ages ranging from 5 to 26. Eight of them are from ASP Baguio and four are from ASP Dagupan.

Former Mayor Bautista said, “The kids have now taken the art! Onel Gundran, 17, has even won first place in the 2010 Baguio Photo Walk and in other competitions participated in by professionals and amateurs alike, while others have had exhibits in many places. That’s how good these kids are!

Through the efforts of ASP parents, Major Paolo and Jane Teodoro, the Philippine Military Academy opened its doors to the workshop, a special privilege granted by Vice Admiral Edgar L. Abogado, superintendent of the country’s premier military institution. The participants used a variety of cameras ranging from point and shoot to DSLRs, with the PMA Camera Club acting as mentors to some of the kids.

Participants and mentors from the Baguio Photographers Club, Mukha ng Baguio, La Trinidad Shutterbugs, and the Pangasinan Photographers Club, were warmly met by the PMA cadets headed by Major Concepcion Reaño, who guided and toured their special guests. Each participant – with his family, mentor, and a documenter- had the freedom to capture photos of whatever object, subject, or activity that caught his interest, from the Relics Point, the Simulation Room, to the Tree House, and every other nook and cranny within the compound.

A usual sight during the workshops would either be fast-paced shoots, with the mentor running after or alongside the child, teaching him / her the basics of photography, introducing new techniques to former participants. The newer participants had slower paced shoots, taking time to adjust to the new surroundings, new teachers, and new activities.

At mid-morning, the entire party moved to the grandstand to witness the Silent Drill at the Borromeo Field, where the cadet corps underwent outdoor inspection in ranks and marched with precision. It was a sight to behold. The kids sat still and enjoyed the impressive spectacle, taking more shots from this angle, with their mentors by their side. After the drill, more photo ops of participants with the cadet corps ensued.

Before each meal, the common practice for the cadet corps is to assemble and march into the Mess hall, providing another opportunity to take photos of the cadets in their daily routine. The group joined the cadets for lunch which was another new and special experience for the children to enjoy.

After the good meal and pleasant interaction with the cadets, it was time to move on to another exciting activity – the obstacle course situated down the stretch. Normally off limits to outsiders, some of the more adventurous kids and mentors were allowed to experience hurdling through logs at the mountain side, crawling through concrete culverts, and climbing and descending ropes, all within reach of the watchful cadets who assisted the kids and ensured safety. The rest of the group enjoyed watching the bonding of kids with the cadets in this hideaway amid the tall trees, with the refreshing scent of pines filling the air.

“Families living with autism in Baguio have gained new friends in the photographers and photo hobbyists who mentored our kids. In the past, we admired the bigwigs in photography from a distance. Now, we regard them as allies and friends on a more personal level, helping us in our advocacy of promoting better awareness, understanding, and acceptance of autism in the community. Why, even 17-year-old Ven Wanchakan now includes ‘Sir Ompong’ and former Mayor Peter Rey in his daily prayers,” shared ASP Baguio chapter president Jenny Gundran.

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Posted in: angels-talk,art,canon,chapters,colors,community,nacw,photography

ASP joins Manila Zoo 54th anniversary

The Autism Society Philippines was honored to have been the biggest contingent at the Manila Zoo’s 54th anniversary celebration last July 25, led by Trustees Jan Peña, Grace Adviento and Elizabeth Udquin. Families from ASP chapters from Dasmariñas, Bacoor, Alfonso, and Manila joined, upon the kind invitation of John Chua. Children with autism were treated to a tour of the zoo and a chance to feed Maali with bananas.

ASP Family in Manila Zoo

The Manila Zoo has hosted many PWD events and has brought happiness to many children with disabilities. Despite the ongoing global campaign to transport Maali, the elephant, back to Sri Lanka by the international organization PETA, the news that “Maali will stay” brought smiles to the children present at the anniversary. Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada reiterated that he will not allow the aging Maali to be transferred to a sanctuary in Thailand. In his speech that was read by Vice Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno, Estrada said that “nothing can match the smiles and joys brought to us by animals like lions, tigers, deers, and Maali, the famous elephant.”

Estrada plans to boost the city’s tourism with a P2-Billion modernization project of Manila Zoo as one of the priorities. “I will not let Maali leave the place where she grew up,” he said. One of the plans for zoo rehabilitation is to add two more elephants from Sri Lanka to keep Maali company.

ASP is looking forward to the completion of the Manila Zoo modernization project which promises to provide a humane, happy home to the inhabitants of what is meant to be a metropolitan sanctuary. This project is a fitting “thank you” for the sensory delight the animals have brought to the Filipino children who behold them -- with special needs or no.

Read more about ASPs participation in Manila Zoo’s anniversary here.

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Posted in: animals,canon,community,photography,zoo

Beyond Pixels, Beyond Borders

By Thea Ann Cayaban, ASP Rosales Chapter

Finally the long wait is over. The Municipality of Rosales, Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center – Rosales (STAC-15) and ASP Rosales Chapter are now Part of Photography with a Difference (PWD): An Advocacy Touching Lives Through Photography. This all happened last 19 August 2011 wherein 32 families with children with disabilities (CWD) were gathered to do the activity with the volunteer photographers from Pangasinan and Tarlac namely Pangasinan Wedding Photographers Association (PWPA) and Pangasinan Photographers Club (PaPhoC) as well as Litratista de Tarlac. The venue was held at the tallest dam in Asia, San Roque Multi-Purpose Dam, located at Brgy. San Roque, San Manuel, Pangasinan. This event was made possible through the support of SM City Rosales and Photography with a Difference (PWD) group headed by Mr. John K. Chua.

This activity entitled, “Beyond Pixels, Beyond Borders,” reminded the CWDs that there are no boundaries for them to experience fun and laughter with their families despite of their disabilities. The kids also experienced handling small point and shoot cameras to big professional cameras wherein the enthusiastic photographers share it to them without any hesitation. The photographers also captured their wonderful moments together with their families.

Rosales Chapter Group

Lucky we are that this event was attended by ASP National President Mary Grace Adviento, ASP Vice President Peng So, Chairman-PWD Commitee and VP for Operations SM Supermalls, Engr. Bien Mateo , the Regional Operations Manager Mr. Cesar P. Bondoc, SM City Rosales Mall Manager Engr. Jersey Y. Mendoza and and Assistant Mall Manager Ms. Catherine R. Garcia as they joined the kids during the visit to the third tallest dam in asia. The participants had also the chance to have an encounter with the giant tilapia, had some parlor games, and kite flying activity. Though the rain poured, the fun never stopped when the SM City Rosales heads and the Pangasinan Wedding Photographers Association had a chance to have a gift giving activity to the CWDs. Indeed, it was really a fun day for everyone!

ASP Vice President Peng So, Rosales Mayor Ricardo Revita and ASP National President Mary Grace Adviento

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Posted in: chapters,photography

39 Special Kids Reach for the Sky

By Tonette Orejas, Philippine Daily Inquirer

MAGALANG, Pampanga—Blessed with a sunny yet cool day and aided by 15 aircraft manned by Filipino and foreign pilots, 39 special children and teens from Luzon learned and felt what it was like to be up in the sky while enjoying an aerial view of Mt. Arayat and Central Luzon’s verdant farms.

PWA Achievers Vell Baria, Emman Zamora, Derek & Henry Munarriz and Vico Cham as they reached for the Sky.

When Nikko Tallada, Jeremy Lapeña, Carol Inere and other children with disabilities and ailments joined the “Reach for the Sky” event at the airfield of the Angeles City Flying Club (ACFC) here on Saturday, more than 50 photographers were on hand to capture their joy, excitement and fear.

The children and teens rode in groups on three helicopters of the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy or took turns riding with pilots on 12 two-seat light planes. They spent 10 to 20 minutes up in the air and were allowed to ride the planes and helicopters more than once.

Tallada, who lost his right leg to bone cancer last August, looked tense when he took his seat on a light plane.

“Oh, you’re a veteran of the Vietnam War,” Boy Guevarra said before his 16-year-old passenger, donning two dog tags on his neck, put on the audio system and handed his crutches to his mother.

By 10:20 a.m., the plane took off, giving Tallada what he called a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

“I’m happy. The flight made me happy. I feel loved because they gave us this experience,” said Tallada, who wants to be a policeman.

This feeling of being touched, said John Chua, founder of Photography With a Difference (PWD), was what his group’s project, “Reach for the Sky,” was all about. Chua, 63, has been doing advertising photography over the past 40 years.

“One photographer can make a difference and many photographers can do a lot of difference,” Chua told the Inquirer.

He was referring to his encounter in 2008 with Ian, a young man with autism. Instead of just helping the mother and Ian bond at Manila Zoo and giving her solace through photographs of her son, Chua taught Ian point-and-shoot photography.

Unique perspective

He produced what Chua called “pictures with unique perspectives.”

Tallada’s mother, Teresita, said the event also helped her son cope with the sadness of losing his leg. Jeremy Lapeña, 14, stricken with Down Syndrome, was both excited and afraid. But he never asked Jay Cook, a retired Australian bush pilot, to put the light sport aircraft down.

The plane’s owner, Helmuth Cotter, gave the free flight because it was for a cause. “All this flying is putting a smile on the faces of the children,” Cotter said.

Ecstatic

“He overcame his fear and look at him, he’s ecstatic,” said Lapeña’s mother, Agnes. In fact, he also rode the Philippine Air Force chopper.

“This is learning for him,” she said, adding she was not afraid for her son because “we want him to experience all the possibilities.”

Terry Hockenfhull, president of the ACFC, said the 15-year-old club lent the facility because “it’s the right thing to do.”

Clouds as gift

JC Lee, 8, who is blind, jumped around as he waited for his turn and blurted loud: “Gagawin kong pasalubong ang clouds (I’ll bring clouds as my homecoming gift).”

The whole day affair saw Henry Munarriz, a 12-year-old boy with autism, helping paint a mural after the flight. Fun activities, games and picnics followed.

From Ian in 2008 to a similar but small event, called “Dream Flight,” in 2010, the PWD advocacy for the well-being and acceptance of special children and youth has grown.

Support

The event started with the support of the Philippine Navy and the Kythe Foundation last year. But this year’s event also drew support from Canon Marketing Philippines and SM Cares, the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls.

Aside from Kythe Foundation, the beneficiary organizations now include the Philippine Society for Orphan Disorders Inc., Autism Society Philippines, Parent Council for the Welfare of Hearing Impaired Children Inc., Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc., AD/HD Society of the Philippines, and Parent Advocates for Visually Impaired Children Inc.

Photo exhibit

Photographs taken from the event will be exhibited at SM malls, said Bien Mateo, SM Supermalls vice president for mall operations and program director for SM Cares program for persons with disabilities.

“We want the exhibits to help change attitude toward PWDs and special kids and youth,” Mateo said.

Chua said he was amazed by how he got organizations and people on the advocacy through the social networking site Facebook.

He initiated similar events in Singapore and Indonesia last year and is set to do Reach for the Sky next month in the United States with Filipino photographers.

Uploaded with Permission by Philippine Daily Inquirer, 39 Special Kids Reach for the Sky.

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Posted in: photography,pwd,special

Touching Lives

There is a saying, "It's hard to get the first pickle out of a newly opened pickle bottle. But once you succeed in getting that first pickle out, the rest is easy." This is what I had in mind with this "unexpected" photo event by ASP.

What do I see in the near future? Photography, to be used as a tool for persons with autism. Exploring their world and capturing them in images for us to understand and appreciate them as being one of us, too.

As a photographer, I was able to share my experiences with children with autism. Through the images they capture with the simple camera, I was able to understand their world. They now have the tool to communicate with us.

Mr. John Chua, the man behind Photography with a Difference

In my brief encounter with Ian and his family, I began to rediscover the greatest love of a mother for her child. I saw how she patiently cared for Ian.

Surprisingly, during the photo shoot event with Mike, Geoffrey, Kevin, JR, Bryan, Budong, Seidji and the rest of the ASP children at Manila Zoo, I noticed great bonding between mother and child: looking for subjects or places to shoot, both eager to see what they have captured from the monitor.

I saw the joy in the eyes of the parents as they view the images taken by their children.

Indeed, photography can change lives, as I have experienced with Ian. People who used to avoid him at the Manila Yacht Club are now happy to see and interact with him, hoping that Ian could take their pictures and get published in the newspaper. Ian is more confident now as he sees what he can do for others.

Pictures are the best thing that ever happened to him. He, too, can do something people would appreciate. Even Ian's mom Angie, has started to learn photography with beautiful images to show.

With this in mind, I would like to see ASP undertake this kind of activity. The best possible outcome would be a closer bonding with the parents and their children and encourage public awareness of the ASP activities. I am willing to take the first step in this journey with you.

About the contributor. John K. Chua is an advertising photographer in the Philippines with more than 30 years experience in aerial, car, product, food, special effects and model photography. John and his wife Harvey are the founded Adphoto in 1978. He is also the spirit behind “Photography with a Difference”, a movement which has captured the lives of families and children with disabilities.

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Posted in: photography