Monday, April 21, 2014

Free Art Workshop from FABER CASTELL and Memory Crafters

Whenever I see crayons and coloring pens, the first thing that comes to mind is my youngest son, Red. Though his speech was delayed because of his autism, he was able to express himself thru music and art. And because that was the only way where he can communicate, he gets overwhelmed each time he sings, draws and colors. He would hum Ryan Cayabyab's composition " Sineskwela "  while he is in the jeepney where we receive all kinds of looks simply because of his high voice and never off key notes, while being stitched on his head when he once had a playing accident and where the doctor and two nurses who assisted all sang " Old Mcdonald " with him and even his all heart version of " Lupang Hinirang " whenever he feels like it. 

Now you could just imagine how he gets overwhelmed once he sees crayons and coloring pens. He would draw and color almost everywhere. Not just on paper but on books, our walls, cabinets, even on everybody's clothes as well.Though at times his sisters are tempted to just grab him by the neck,it is one effective way to keep him quiet and behave, as attested by his Sped teacher when she had no choice but to tag him along while she had an emergency meeting. He really did behave until she announced that it was time for him to go home. That was when Red threw all his crayons and coloring materials where he earned a disciplinary action and was told to pick up all he had thrown and have him return to their proper places.

Such attitude, this autistic son of mine.

Recently I received an email from Manila Workshops about a A Free Art Workshop from Faber Castell and Memory Crafters. Intended for kids ages 7-13 years old, it will be held on Valle Verde Social Hall tomorrow, April 23 from 9AM to 11:30 AM.




I just wished my son was here. It would be great to see him sit still and behave even for two and a half hours. He may not even want to be disturbed once he gets started. I suddenly missed his doodles on the different TV networks, NICK JR logos and of his all time favorite word which is "AMEN."

For those living near Valle Verde, take advantage of this free workshop and have your kids experience a morning filled with arts and crafts. It is one great way to express not just their creativity but their selves as well, just like my autistic son, Red. 

To register, visit the Manila Workshops website where you could also check on their upcoming workshops. You could also follow them at facebook.com/manilaworkshops and 
twitter.com/manilaworkshops for more updates.








Saturday, April 19, 2014

EarthDay Jam 2014

My daughter Kyle who just graduated from college told me that she wanted to watch a free concert at BGC next Friday, the 25th. She added she had planned on going the minute the event has been posted on facebook and that there will be lots of bands playing from 6pm till early morning. I have to admit that I cannot help but feel a little bit envious because I have work on the said date plus the fact that I cannot recall the last time that I had watched a live concert. Since it was already too late for me to file for a leave I just decided to write about this awesome event , hoping that next time I will be there with my kids to witness it.


I am referring to the EarthDay Jam 2014 concert this coming April 25, 2014 at Bonifacio Global City. See the line up of artists performing on that day ?

Le sigh.

Anyway, for those of you who are lucky to watch this concert on Friday, (that includes my kids ), make sure to follow and like EarthDay Jam Foundation's  facebook page at facebook.com/EarthdayJamFoundation for updates. I will try my best not to let my mind drift while at work, pretending I am there with my kids, joining the crowd singing and having a great time. 








Saturday, April 12, 2014

How Your Foodless Plate Can Help Someone In Need

Food. One of man's basic needs. Along with shelter, clothing and water these are also the things that need urgent attention especially during times of catastrophes. But whether it is a case of emergency or not, the stress of urgency cannot be under estimated when it comes to food because hunger and its consequence is one universal call that touches everyone, whether well fed or not. Such issue is very close to my heart because my children and I had personally came to a point in our lives when we almost had nothing on our table except " lugaw, " which is boiled rice with a pinch of salt to add more taste in it. It may have happened ages ago and now part of a memory better left behind but that sensitive chord still gets triggered each and every time I see people with  leftovers on their plates or worst food being thrown in the garbage due to spoilage. And though it is true that spoiled food should better be left untouched due to health reasons, the fact that a lot of people die because of hunger cannot be easily ignored.

When I read about Healthy Options  program on how you can help someone in need by simply not leaving any left overs on your plate, I immediately became interested and was even inspired to write a post about it. The idea that you can lessen hunger by simply not throwing away food had again touched that chord and I cannot help but be part of such noteworthy cause which does not really take that much to join .





A foodless plate. A photo. A chance to help diminish hunger and make a difference. That's all it take to feed a less fortunate kid or nourish even a starving community. In joining this cause I have come to realize that my kids and I are such fortunate souls, that despite the fact that we had experienced hunger and deprivation, we had learned that we can turn things around and give back by loving our food and not throwing it away.



My autistic son's plate is always spotless after every meal 

For more updates, visit the Healthy Options website at www.healthyoptions.com.ph. You can also find them at https://www.facebook.com/HealthyOptionsPhilippines or follow them @ twitter.com/_HealthyOptions.