Kamp Pagasa 2012

Kamp Pagasa has never stopped teaching me. Year after year I gain valuable insights on how to stay calm and firm despite having all those destructive factors. People's negligence on their duties and inevitable occurrences  that generally affects the activity could have totally broke me and allowed me to reach my elastic limit!However, I am surprised that I was able to hold my temper.I just realized the things I'm capable of doing. That I can disagree in an agreeable manner.It's good to know that I can still be nice to people who aren't to me and to the staff. I'm an officer and I have to control the crowd since the first person in rank was sent by our mayor in Manila for PWD's National Conference so I have to take over.

Campers and Volunteers at Davao Crocodile Park

Kamp Pagasa 2012 that was held in Palma Gil Elementary School in Quirino is indeed fun! I see new campers.It's worth sacrificing to see their smiles.It keeps my pain and sleepless nights away to see them on stage performing and enjoying all the games.

I have met new volunteers too. The summer camp for children with disability is not possible without the commitment of every volunteer to take care one child for seven days. As well as the support coming from the city government of Davao and different agencies has contributed to the fullness of Kamp Pagasa.Our deepest thanksgiving to all our sponsors that sustained us throughout the duration of the camp for their donations.

The success of  this life-changing summer camp is dedicated to all the children with special needs.Let's not forget that they're part in our community and they have rights to be respected. Differebtly-abled persons are truly special for they give us unique inspiration that would change our attitude towards life. Thank you and God bless every heart  that sincerely help.To God be all the glory!

"The greatest form of love is to sacrifice and to give service to humanity."

Happy Walk 2012

Every year the children with down syndrome come together to engage themselves in an annual parade called Happy Walk. It happens in accordance to National Syndrome Consciousness Month. This outdoor activity welcomes different organizations like Boy and Girl Scouts of the Philippines that support DSAPI which is also a way of showing to people that these children exist and to remind us that they're part in our society. 

angels on the road

The parade starts in Freedom Park and ends in People's Park. There is a short program and dance presentation from the kids. Free soup is also provided.

with former Davao City Councilor Leo 'Happy L.A' Avila III

 The participating schools are the following:

• Lamb of God Sped Academy-Buhangin
• San Pedro College
• University of Southeastern Philippines
• Brokenshire College
• University of Mindanao
• Davao Doctors College

she's good to go

The City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO) and Association of Differently -Abled Persons (ADAP) support the activity as well by having their presence with us. 

Kamp Pagasa Volunteers

Right after the parade, my fellow volunteers and I had our meeting for the summer camp intended for these children. The staff has been discussing important things since the camp will be in April.

Angel's Walk

Angels with Autism Walk is an annual walk that happened around SM Mall last month. There was a short program at the entertainment area.I saw the kids perform and everybody's happy to see them trying to give their best. Services are offered for the children with special needs such as Persons With Disability or PWD I.D registration, distribution of Vitamin A and deworming tablets plus pedia consultation.

Angel's Walk is brought to us by Austism Society of the Philippines participated by the following schools in Davao:

• RICAFI- Rainbow Intervention Center for Autism Foundation Incorporated
• DCSS- Davao City Special School Bangkal
• DSSFI- Davao Stepping Stone Foundation, Incorporated
• DAICFI- Davao Autism Intervention Center Foundation Incorporated
• AME- Academy of Multiple Intelligences Education of Davao Incorporated
• ILLC- Independent Living Learning Center
• Anchorage School

  See more photos

There's also a special participation by DSAPI (Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Incorporated). It was great to see the kids again after the long Christmas holiday break.

Facebook's Zuckerberg has Asperger's Syndrome

There are some people who are ungrateful for the creation of the popular social networking site which is facebook but you would probably agree with me if I say that majority of people love it!A yahoo article that tells about the The Confessions of a Facebook Employee gives me an idea that the CEO and co-founder of facebook has Asperger's. Individuals who have this syndrome shows difficulty in social interaction. They do restricted and repetitive behavior of  interest. I believe that because of this condition, Zuckerberg has created facebook and it makes us enjoy the things it gives us.

Early this morning I've come across a news photo on my wall that says Facebook is closing on March 15,201.I'm not sure if it's true or just another hoax. Is it? I've read Zuckerberg doesn't care how much billions he makes. All he wants now is to have his old life back. I don't own a company but I understand how difficult it is to deal with different problems because of the thing you created.

A goal-driven person is likely to achieve what he wants to get.World Business leaders have characters that others might see it negatively but realize that it's one of factors why the dream has come to a reality.They have strong personalities that contributes to their success.I remember a point of Andrew Bosworth that talks about trusting Zuckerberg's plan and ability although his boss is not apparently showing  confirmation or reaction to their suggestion/proposition. I think it's a good idea to let the people know that Zuckerberg has Asperger's to make it easy for people to work with him and accept his natural behavior in which we find unusual.

Asperger is an autism spectrum disorder.Last Saturday we had our Autism Walk for 16th National Autism Consciousness Week with the theme: Making the rights real for Filipinos with Autism.I'm happy to be a volunteer for children with disabilities and have the exposure. It's really important to know more about this disorder to help the person who has it. Like Mark Zuckerberg, his employees will widen their minds and deepen their understanding about their boss if they know the nature of a person who has asperger.

Every Child is Special

If you are a teacher and deals with children everyday 'Every Child is Special ' will definitely move you! A film that touches my emotion. It involves issues on family, school and teacher-student relationship. The movie starred by the producer himself Aamir Khan and Darsheel Safary helps me to refresh my dedication for teaching. It relives the passion I have for young learners specially those who have special needs.I can relate to the movie because I am currently a substitute teacher in a private school that caters the different intelligences of  students although my major concentration is not special education. I'm a volunteer and been exposed to children with disabilities since 2008 and the movie simply brought me to tears.

The story is about a third-grade pupil who keeps failing his subjects and acts slightly different from children at his age. All the people around Ishan are disappointed in his school performance including his own parents.They then decided to transfer him to a boarding school where he became completely inactive in school activities. Last November 8, the local news in my city reported that a 15-year old named Dexter with special needs is beaten by a prison guard and a teacher made me feel so bad. "Budoy" is a Philippine prime time TV show which features a special child and it strikes my heart every time I hear anybody like them who is belittled and under treated by people who suppose to be behaving better than these children who needs assistance physically, mentally and emotionally.

I highly recommend this movie to parents for them to have better understanding on their children. Through watching this movie they will be able to get more involved in the development of their children as well as to give more importance on their studies.'Every Child is Special' is suited to every teacher. Each learner has his own growth and maturity and the Indian movie will remind us to know and understand our student. Not all teachers could see the problems a student is facing. The movie highlights a mentor's real purpose- not just to impart knowledge but to nurture the gift a child has by looking at him as a person since every child is indeed special in the eyes of God and man.

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.

Lingap Center in Tugbok

"Lingap" is a Tagalog word which means "compassionate care". On the last day of 2010, my fellow volunteers and I decided to visit a center that needs help the most.The first plan was to invite poor children with disability that we know in our vicinity.Our very good friend, ate Che works outside the country and initiated the idea of gift giving since it was holiday season. The planned activity changed for some reason. In the end, we realized that we did the right choice.



I always hear people talk about Lingap Center which is located in Tugbok District and the people who stay there. It used to be a temporary place for homeless children. The center accepted children who got lost and were abandoned by their own family. I felt so sad when I saw twenty six mentally retarded people who live in an old house sorrounded by iron bars. Is the family they used to belong got tired of taking care of them that's why Lingap Center is their new home?



If you have too much money or possession for yourself, I'm asking you to give some to those people. The place they are currently staying and the people working with them need our support. If you get to see them, you will realize how good our life is. They rarely have good meals the caretaker revealed.

Let's express our love to needy people too by visiting them and giving them what we can. It was my first time to visit Lingap Center and my heart sank...really sank.

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

Faces of Down Syndrome

Right Down the Lens is a photo exhibit presented by Artgraphix with DSAPI or Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines-Davao Chapter.The photos of the children with down syndrome was taken last month and will be exhibited on December 26, 2010 to January 1, 2011 at SM Davao.

These are the children I serve and I am inviting my fellow Dabaweñyos to come and visit SM to witness the faces of down syndrome in our city.Take a look at some of their photos: Faces of Down Syndrome (You need to login on facebook first so that the video will be available for you to see.)

Helping the Disabled Move

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of NMEDA. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am exposed to different people with disability. I see how they fight to live normally. I feel what they need to ease their burden in moving from place to place because of their limitations in accessing the public.National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association or NMEDA is an organization that promotes safe transportation for the disabled.The goal of the association is to satisfy the customers by providing them with dealers who are equipped with the knowledge that will suit the needs of every person with disability.

NMEDA has dealers that observe the safety standards of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to ensure high quality cars and equipment for physically challenged people.There are times that we get the wrong equipment for them because we lack the knowledge and proper approach.Thus,dissatisfaction is what we get in return.

You're in good hands with Quality Assurance Program.QAP is the only nationally recognized accreditation program for the Adaptive Mobility Equipment Industry.With the said program you know that you're getting the perfect product since QAP is looking after the customers satisfaction by understanding the nature and needs of the handicapped.

Attending a person with disability is a tough job.I volunteered myself in a 10-day summer camp for children with disability and it's not easy to become a caregiver.A person in a wheelchair always needs assistance.Some of them had told me that they feel like giving up most of time and I know that a NMEDA dealer can bring their hope back by  making their life easier through providing them with cars and equipment that are specially designed for their physical condition.

If you live with disabled people going to  nmeda.org will surely help you.Find the dealers locator on the homepage and type in your ZIP code to see if there is a qualified dealer near you.Let me know your closest dealer by leaving it as a comment.

Let's help every person with disability and ourselves.

Teachers as Volunteers

I've just deleted some photos in my files and I ended up reminiscing the moments I had in Kamp Pag-asa or the Camp of Hope. I've come to think about the number of teachers who served and volunteered themselves for the said activity.The delegates are usually nurses,physical therapy students,social workers and Special Education or SpEd teachers.I've met a huge number of teachers in the camp.It was nice to meet them.Their presence is really important.They serve as our mother in the camp.

As the days went on, I saw how these teachers shoulder the activities.I felt their sincerity and dedication in helping the kids with different disabilities.With our programs, I was able to witness the talents and unique strategies employed by them which are definitely helpful to the needs of those children!

The leaders and asst. leaders of Kamp Pag-asa 2010

At night time, the kids enjoy story telling.I'm already old to hear those kiddie stories yet I was still entertained.Through this short time bonding with the kids and fellow volunteers  who are teachers,I was able to utter these words: "These people are really educators and facilitators".

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

DSAPI

DSAPI stands for Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines, Inc. It's a joint project by the doctors and parents that is created in 1992.Its aim is to give sufficient information about the down children.One of the goals of the organization is to assist the parents understand their down children.Thus, giving their proper needs.Letting them know the nature of their kids will surely help them in taking care of them. Joining DSAPI will ease their burden for having a special child.It benefits themselves for they learn things through communicating with other parents. Sharing experiences will help them understand a down child better.

DSAPI has its calendar of activities. Down children get to see people with the same case regularly. Different programs like Early Intervention,Free Clinic, Happy Walk, and Special Olympics are participated and enjoyed by the kids annually.

The pioneers of DSAPI look forward to having a happy family life despite the presence of down children. They encourage the parents with down children to join the organization to  support them in rearing their kids.The downs and their families can live a normal life if people learn to accept them. Community acceptance is what they need from us.

They are DOWN, but not OUT in the society.

The Camp of Hope 2009 Images

I'd like to share some of the photos that we had taken during the summer camp called Kamp Pag-asa (The Camp of Hope) 2009.

Demons Attack During the Camp

On the last night at Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Central Elementary School, my group mates and I had a terrifying experience. Supernatural and satan’s form of deception tried to fool us! It was during our campfire when one of our volunteers cried with so much fear. She had seen ghost many times  on that day after it got dark. At first she said  a white lady was roaming around the place and finally entered our room. I wasn’t shaken though. In fact I went in and out alone. We planned to have a short gathering in our room since it was our final night together. Our planned activity was changed when the other volunteer said  a disembodied soul was standing behind me. I hurriedly close my eyes without looking at my back. Our group leader encouraged us to hold our hands together and started praying  intimately.

As to myself, I’m not so worried. I know what I believe in and whom I stand for. Whom shall I fear if I know that Jesus is in me? An evil can be defeated  with strong and genuine prayers. God is powerful more than any creature on earth and He can definitely do everything to change things around us.

What I was thinking about was  the event may get worse if my fellows would start to feel afraid, threatened and shaken with what they had heard. It was a blessing that five of us are born again Christians. We share the same faith and we weren’t touched by wraith. The eyes of those people who had seen it were full of blazing fire in my sight. I can feel that they have a resisting spirit. They’re like hard stones which are hard to pound. Thank heavens that nobody was enchanted by any ghosts or possessed by demons.

I told mom and our church leader about these things and both of them had the same explanation.

This usually happens when evil witnesses false worship.They can easily bother us if we’re not firm with God.That’s why Christians should be very careful with it most specially when we are in haunted places.Usually, territorial bad spirits linger and live in it. They will try to frighten us and lead us to doubt God’s existence if He’ll truly save us when supernatural cross our way.
God shows miracles and He definitely fought for us.The intercession lasted for four hours.We didn’t stop praying asking God to cover us with His precious blood and that He’ll hide us under his mighty wings.
This thing that happened in Kamp Pag-asa (The Camp of Hope) 2009 gave me fresh revelations. My faith has been put into a test and by God’s glory He delivered us and comforted us that we’re truly His children.The verse below is very helpful in times like this.

Pslams 91-Abiding in the Shadow of the Almighty

1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High
 shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD,
 He is my refuge and my fortress:
my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler,
 and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers,
 and under his wings shalt thou trust:
his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night;
 nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness;
 nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side,
 and ten thousand at thy right hand;
but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold
 and see the reward of the wicked.

Be Back Soon

I'll be away home for eleven days.I'm joining Kamp Pag-asa's 10th year. I settled my work loads so I'm free now to join the said summer camp.There'll be no earning on those days and I'll probably miss my email box! However, I know it's worth the time and effort.This is the second time around that I participate in such a unique camp for children. My niece said that she'll miss me.I laughed at her when she asked me why do I have to leave home.My sister and I were laughing while she was telling us that I dislike somebody in the family that's why I'm leaving!Moreover, my students were also asking me if I'm coming back.Of course I am! To all my friends online I'll be in touch soon.There are scheduled posts in my blogs while I'm away home so there's something new to read through out the days that I'm offline (^_^)

Camiguin or Summer Camp?

My batch mates in college are going to Camiguin on April 16. One of my classmates informed me last night and she's inviting me in!She told me who among us are joining the group. I've been planning to visit that place and this is my chance to go there! I want to see my classmates too.The last time I saw them was last Christmas! We gathered together and it was a nice experience.We chatted about our jobs and how much we make out of it!jajajajajaja. It's not surprising to know that 70% are not working as teachers! I know what they love to do and many of them don't feel like teaching. I'm now excited to visit Camiguin and be with them.However, it's hard to make a decision.On the same day will be the official Opening Day of Kamp Pag-sa (The Camp of Hope).This is a summer camp for physically-impaired children and I'm volunteering myself.It's a 10-day camp and I already attended the seminars and meetings in preparation of next month's camp. All of us are waiting for this day to come.I want to see the campers that I met last year.I want to know how well they are right now. I can't easily give up the camp to have fun on my own because I got a responsibility. I'm appointed as an assistant group leader and I want to volunteer myself. Next month will be Kamp Pag-asa's 10th year. My only chance now is if the date of going to Camiguin will be moved earlier.Perhaps I can go.I love the beach and every summer I always have the chance to go somewhere where I can take a break and relax.A place which is far and a different one from the place where I live and work. Giving public service has been a good feeling.Meeting new people specially the disabled kids with much hope are definitely enticing me to be contended in life.Those children was able to touch me the moment that I was giving up. There was a sudden change in me after I joined the camp last year. I want to see Camiguin and join the summer camp too (^_^)