Months ago, my friend/office mate/co-blogger Faith Salazar informed me about the SPED Expo 2009 which will happen on the 1st of December 2009. A former SPED teacher herself, she truly knows the sentiments of the families of Special Children.

I’ve been getting a lot of hits from search engines and comments from my old post SPED Schools in the Philippines. I strongly recommend that you register and attend the SPED Expo 2000 with the theme “A World of Possibilities”. See the press release below:

Every child with special needs has a right to an educational program that is suitable to his/her needs. Having the right education and the right tools is crucial in ensuring that a child fully realizes his/her full potential for development, both as an individual and as a member of the society.

It is for this reason that our company, Etera Events, is initiating a Special Education Expo on December 1, 2009 at the newly renovated Glorietta Activity Center. Simultaneous to the exhibition is a Special Education forum, storytelling, games and performances by celebrities.

The Special Education Expo 2009 is the first fair on special education to be held in the country. With the theme “A World of Possibilities”, this event aims to bring together parents of special children, special education schools, therapy centers, toy manufacturers, suppliers of special tools and equipment, specialized food sellers, book publishers, and other SPED industry practitioners like teachers, doctors, therapists, among others.

The goal of the event is to create awareness on the needs of special children and provide options for these individuals to ensure they live a happy and normal life.

By contributing to make this event happen, you are helping improve the quality of life and dignity of more than 5.4 million Filipinos who are in need of special education products, equipments and services. Proceeds for the said event will be given to Support and Empower Abused Deaf Children, a non-profit organization dedicated at defending the rights of deaf children who are victims of sexual abuse and maltreatment.

One of the event’s major sponsors, World Vision, will be bringing celebrity endorsers to do intermission numbers, storytelling and other activities.

You can confirm your attendance through the SPED Expo 2009 Facebook page or simply register in this Google Docs spreadsheet.

Jehzeel Laurente Photo Credit: Ada Lajara

The first topic that came into my mind is autism. You probably know that the reason why. In my whole lifetime, I haven’t seen a single Filipino movie whose main topic is dealing with autism.

As a sister to a special yet cuddly boy named Carlo, I decided to write a script about the life of having an autistic sibling – the joys, the pains, the sacrifices, the LOVE.

I wrote a script comprising of 18 pages and a number of sequences. The story basically tackles the love and bond between a special elder brother who loves to draw and listen to music and a younger sister who is torn between staying for the sake of her brother and pursuing her dream.

Last year, I made a blog post looking for volunteer cast and production members. I considered a female celebrity friend for the lead female role. Due to time constraints and corporate life, I wasn’t able to push through with the shoot ASAP.

Buddy Gancenia, Josh Liao, Mica Rodriguez and Cai Abbass Photo Credit: Ada Lajara

In May 2008, I attended a short lecture on Video Editing at Discovery Suites and the lecturer was Philippine Wedding Videographer Buddy Gancenia. I was amazed on his works specifically on how unique his concepts are in wedding coverage. The set-up, the interviews, the wedding ceremony, the reception, the works, the aftermath of every wedding is unique from their other clients. I, a struggling writer/director approached him and his lovely wife about the camera. They both agreed to help me out with my project. I think they liked the concept.

Lizz Buenaventura, Mica Rodriguez, Josh Liao and Cai Abbass Photo Credit: Luis Buenaventura

One of the respondents who showed interest in helping out with the short movie is Josh a.k.a. Joyful Chicken of ChickenMafia.com. I asked him again and he said that he is really interested in helping out and he wants to direct his own short movie soon. Later on, he told me that his girlfriend, Lizz Buenaventura will go with him to help too. Waaah little did I know that Lizz is really an artist! Weeee. T’was nice to see a lovely couple on the set

Cai Abbass and Jehzeel Laurente Photo Credit: Carl Valenzona

In June 2008, I took a picture of Cai and Jehz at the Coke event at Taste Asia. Though they were not really that close during those times, I saw the chemistry between them. Cai, who is a director of three wonderful short films was originally appointed as my assistant director. Jehz was a new blogger friend whom I easily liked due to his child-like personality and how appreciative he is in a lot of things. I took their picture and I said “Mukha kayong magkapatid”. They both smiled.

After a few weeks, I mentioned to them that I am considering them for the role of the Arcilla siblings. Cai was a bit hesitant because she is more comfortable working behind the scenes. Jehz was a bit more open and I got excited when I found out that he is a true artist when he showed me one of his works back in high school.

Since then, I took pictures of them or ask my other blogger friends to take lots of photos of them together. I saved them in my USB and had it printed. I asked them to pose as if they’re real siblings and they gamely obliged to my requests. We even had a happy nightout last All Saints Day

Jehzeel Laurente Photo Credit: Ada Lajara

For some reason, I saw Carlo in Jehzeel. I wrote a post about it here three months ago and when my grandparents saw him after the shoot, they all agreed that they can see the loving Carlo in him – cheerful, playful and innocent.

Carl is a good photographer friend of mine. He was supposed to play one of the important roles in the movie, but he had some prior commitments. I am thankful because he arrived on time (and left on the wrong time LOL) yet he managed to take some good pictures and he taught us how to swim haha

Ada Lajara, Cai Abbass, Mica Rodriguez and Maki Eduardo Photo taken by Carl Valenzona

I asked a number of blogger friends to play the support characters. I chose Ada to play the role of the boyish cousin. The happy thing there is she did execute her scenes perfectly. Her role might be short, but you will remember her character.

Jehzeel Laurente and Ed Arevalo Photo By: Ada Lajara

Some of the ‘accidental’ cast members are Ed and Jhelo. I texted Ed a night before the actual shoot when another friend backed out the last minute. I am happy because Ed promised to help me out with the project as long as he is free on the day of the shoot. He helped us out during breaks too. Jhelo, who dropped by the shoot mainly just to accompany Ada became an instant replacement. His character in the short movie is short yet funny. He’s wearing his uniform pa LOL.

Winston Almendras and Jehzeel Laurente Photo Credit: Carl Valenzona

Winston was not my first choice for the role since he was originally based in Davao City. He played the role of the pretentious suitor who later on got what he deserved. Winston had a lot of commitments that weekend, but I insisted that he must join the shoot. Thank God he did because you will see a rebellious yagit here LOL.

Jehzeel Laurente and Cai Abbass Photo Credit : Carl Valenzona

Ate Sire and Lenny played a worth gossiping role LOL. The former brought in some Maki for Jehz and I asked her to appear on the movie a night before the second day of the shoot. She said yes though she’ll be a bit late. Ate Lenny didn’t like the idea of appearing in the short movie, but since Carl left the last minute, I needed her help and she had no choice LOL.

And oh, I appeared as the best friend of Cai in the short movie. Hindi ito sinasadya LOL.

Me and "other" siblings Photo Credit: Ada Lajara

I am happy because we were able to finish the shoot for two days. Thanks to the guidance of Sir Buddy. I learned a lot from him from the different angles, the audio, the production design, the technical stuff, the creative team, the budget and a lot more. No wonder I can hear nothing but all praises from his friends and clients. He is a passionate videographer and he is a bit strict hehe

Yihee Photo By Luis Buenaventura

I would like to thank my dear friend Louis for letting us shoot on your house. I know you were dead tired that day and lacked some sleep. Teehee. Thanks to my grannies for letting me use the condo. Please do not charge me for the next electric billing. Thanks to Angel Juares, Maki Eduardo and Luis Buenaventura for the support and the pictures weee

For the meantime, I would like to share this “blurry” aftermath video. Sinadya ko yan haha

Most of my classmates in the scriptwriting class became busy with their respective careers. Only 1 out of 7 was able to transform her script into a short movie.

I wrote a script that has something to do with a sister’s love for her autistic brother. Sounds familiar?

I am really excited because I’ll be producing and directing a short movie for the first time. I am happy because some of my friends agreed to act and help out in the production for free. We will be having our shoot this weekend and hopefully we’ll be able to finish it asap.

I wouldn’t narrate the flow of the story here, but contrary to most autism movies made by movie makers who hasn’t experienced autism at all, my story is full of love, passion and honesty. I can’t wait!

I am here in Dagupan right now. I went back here yesterday morning because I had a number of papers to fix since I will be working in Makati starting on Monday.

When I arrived, the house was too quiet. I am not really used with the silence. I used to catch my brother either watching tv, playing with his yaya or simply listening to the radio everytime I arrive home from school or other activities.

Sleeping alone in my bed was also a big adjustment. Carlo has his own routines that I embraced for the past few years. He is simply a part of me. He was my stress boy as I would hug him soooo tight whenever I am lonely and I kiss him when I feel unloved. I spoil him like a brat when I have money because he really loves to eat. Sulit na sulit ang pera ko sa kanya.

Ate Virgie called lola up this afternoon and she informed her about Carlo’s developments. I am happy for my brother but I do really miss him. Oo, alam ko gasgas na yung katagang “I Miss You Carlo” dito sa blog na ito, pero totoo.. I really miss you, Carlo.

I found out that June 18 is Autistic Pride Day. I would like to thank Bulitas for informing us about it through Plurk.

So where did the celebration for the Autistic Pride Day originated?

The autism rights group Aspies For Freedom initiated it with the goal of educating people about autism and stop the ignorance about the condition. The first ever major event was held in Brasilia, Brazil with the theme “Acceptance, Not Cure“. In 2006, the Autistic Summer Pride Camp took place in Germany with the theme “Celebrate Neurodiversity” and in 2007, the theme is “Autism Speak: Time To Listen“.

I am not really sure if Autism groups activists in the Philippines do recognize this day, but I am glad that there are some individuals in other parts of the world who sees autism not as a “disease”, but as a “difference”.

Little boys usually show their affection to their parents, siblings and yayas by hugging and kissing them. It is their way of expressing how much they appreciate having these loving people by their side.

With my brother’s case, Carlo was a little boy who wouldn’t hug me voluntarily. It has to be I who will do the hugging first and most of the time, he would reject it. Kissing is also an issue. I would kiss him often in the cheeks, but he will never kiss me back.

I just found out awhile ago that autistic children are usually overwhelmed with hugging. One autistic individual even commented that: “It felt like there is a big ocean wave coming at me and i am being swept and lost in it.”

Before Carlo left, we both kept on hugging each other. Of course, majority of the hugging sessions was initiated by me. He would hug me voluntarily from time to time especially if he wants me to call Jollibee or Mc Do for a spagetti with chicken meal.

Special thanks to Teacher Julie
for the information.