Kadayawan 2011 Opening Ceremony

The king of all festivals which is Kadayawan was officially opened yesterday at People's Park headed by Mayor Inday Sara Duterte.There was a mass going when I arrived followed by a formal program. The contestants of Hiyas ng Kadayawan 2011 were seated on the stage along with some councilors and the people behind the annual festival.The said event was participated by different dance troupes in different schools in the city.The park was filled with spectators and colorful costumes wore by the performers.
 

I caught an eye on some foreigners who were having fun while taking some photos. Lucky for them that they are able to witness how Dabawenyos celebrate our thanksgiving!

Mayor Inday gives the signal that Kadayawan 2011 is open by beating a gong.The moment she stops speaking we saw butterflies being freed and the dancing fountain starts to splash some water!That marks that we are ready for the celebration.

I had fun watching my fellow Dabawenyos doing our native dance. They remind us of how rich our culture is and the ten tribes present in Davao. The cultural show of differently-abled children from DS Foundation was the last part I witnessed there.

Kakayahan Fair 2011

The event last July 18 in celebration of the 33rd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week proves what people with special needs can do! It was nice to see the kids from different organizations sing, dance, paint, and do some martial art exhibitions.The said event was participated by all known differently-abled groups in the city.

Ate Babes from Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Incorporated-Davao assigned me to be one of the judges. I'm extremely proud of them! They make me happy as always as they perform on stage in Sayawitan,a sing and dance competition (sayaw means dance and awit means song).

Photos coming soon.

Faces of the Down

I was very delighted when I saw the individual photos of the members of Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI) in a frame mounted in a wall at SM Davao last December.The photo exhibit by Artgraphix with the cooperation of Bounce Photography made the people of Davao know that they exist. Exposing these children to public would gain respect and acknowledgement that despite their disability they are able to live a happy and healthy life with the presence of their loving family and the people who value them as part of our society.

We were there during the cutting of ribbon. Some parents could not wait to see the photos. The exhibit lasted for a week. The displayed photos of the kids are for sale for the benefit of the organization. Then the framed photo will be given to the child with his image.I asked my friends and some of my relatives to see the photos. They might like to buy one. To my surprise, all the photos were sold in just three days! That was really good news!

I would like to express my gratitude to all who came and responded to our call. Christmas season was indeed a joyful one to the downs and to their family as well.I might not be as active as I was since I'm no longer in Davao but my heart remains faithful to them. Although I can't join in their activities this year, I always pray for their success.

See more photos : DSAPI Davao Photo Exhibit

DSAPI Kids' Day Out

As promised by Mr and Mrs Brodie they met the kids of Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Incorporated when they visited Philippines again. I first saw the couple in 2009 with their grandchild who is also down. It was nice to see them again.



The members of DSAPI- Davao had a small party in Jollibee at SM Davao. They had their lunch with their family member and danced with the mascot. Then we proceeded to SM's World of Fun to enjoy! Mr and Mrs Brodie bought tokens for the kids to use. They also bought tickets for the bumpcar.



Before leaving they handed some cash to provide school materials for the children. Every week the kids go the office of DSAPI to learn some lessons. There are volunteer Sped teachers who offered their time and knowledge to them.

See more photos: DSAPI Kids with Mr and Mrs Brodie

DSAPI's Christmas Party 2010

The parents or guardians of the members of Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Incorporated are always excited for their Christmas Party.So are their kids. Every December they gather in a place to celebrate the season of giving with the officers of DSAPI- Davao spareheaded by Sir Tony Brias and Doctor Ro Domingo. Parents told me that it is the moment when each kid gets cash! They always expect a raffle draw that gives away home appliances like flat iron, electric fan, rice cooker and gas stove.Free lunch was given. The children got balloons, gift bags and stubs for sweats and family photo. They had fun on the mascot show as well!



As a volunteer for DSAPI, I witnessed how happy the kids' faces are. I saw how they played the games. I felt how they felt on that day. Most DS kids love music and dancing as well.



I'd like to express my gratitude to every person who keep on helping the organization and  to ate Babes for inviting me in their activities.

See more photos: DSAPI Davao Christmas Party 2010

Cosplay

Cosplay is the short form of "costume play" which is a kind of performance art. Cosplayers wear different costumes and accessories to copy their favorite anime cartoon character.It originated from Japan. The country is popularly known for producing a number of animated shows for kids and kids at heart.Cosplay is also done in the west doing their own style.

Last October, the children of Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc. (DSAPI) Davao were invited at SM for the MCS X or Mindanao Cosplay Summit 2010. The kids had fun with the costplayers taking photos with them. They got free lunch as well.They played games and were given something to bring home!

Check out their photos : DSAPI Davao Joins MCS X

Diversity and Equality

I used to ask the presence of people with disability in the society.I couldn't see the point of having them around us. It hurt me to see them suffer. I asked God why He created them if they can't live normally as I do.I imagined how hard for their parents and family members to deal with people with special needs.The worst thing is rejection.They're hardly accepted because of how they look and act.

Then I learned a great lesson about diversity.It was in 2008 when these special children turned my life into a better perspective.I joined a summer camp for children with disabilities.Being with them in ten days gave light to my question. It was clear to me then that they're sent from above to teach  us love, acceptance, patience and equality despite their physical and mental condition.

Though they don't look, think and act as expected to their age they're still part of the community. They belong in our society. They ought to be given educational and social rights.We might think they're no use but disabled people who became successful in their quest as physically and mentally-challenged people lift our spirit.They simply inspire us.All things work together for good. They're with us to touch the dying souls and to give courage to hopeless ones.Despite their condition you see the smile on their faces.

At times we question God about His ways but the moment we find the answer, it will lead us to thank Him.

The Creed of Babies with Down Syndrome

My face may be different but my feelings the same.
I laugh and I cry and take pride in my gains.
I was sent here among you to teach and to love
as God in the heavens looks down from above.
To Him I'm no different, His love knows no bounds
It's those here among you in cities and towns
that judge me by standards that man has imparted,
But this family I've chosen will help me get started.
For I'm one of the children so special and few
that came here to learn the same lesson as you.
That love is acceptance, it must come from the heart;
we all have the same purpose, though not the same start.
The Lord gave me life to live and embrace,
and I'll do it as you do but at my own pace.

Fun Day of DSAPI Kids

A child's ordinary day was turned into a merry one with the help of kind-hearted people. Two days ago I was with the children of  Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc, or DSAPI-Davao Chapter. We had a small party in Jollibee at SM Davao.

Generous people like Mr. and Mrs. Brodie gathered the kids in one place.Mr. Michael Brodie is a doctor and Mrs. Brodie is a nurse.These people and their company gave us a treat. It was in July when I first met the couple and had the same activity. They brought with them their granddaughter Jade who is also a DS kid.They want to share their blessings and make the DS children happy even in simple way. The kids were joyous to see Jollibee's mascot and dance with the music together.

Deo,Pauline,Cresten,Aurain,Alvin and EJ at the back 

 After eating, we extremely played at the arcade. They bought too many tokens and tickets for the bump cars. I'm certain the kids had a great day. It was nice to see them play,get souvenirs and enjoy the rides.

Jezreel Deo and I

The couple promised to see the kids again in December. God bless them more.It was great to be acquainted with helpful people who paint smiles on the kids' faces.

Jade and I

The Brodies with Lance and his mom

Their future mission will be centered around collaborating support for earlier intervention programs such as occupational, speech and physical therapy.

Mrs Brodie,Jade,ate Babes,Cresten,her granny and I