Missing Carlo will be back soon

For the meantime, feel free to browse through the site or simply proceed to my personal blog.

Thank you!

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.

It’s raining real hard here in the Philippines as I type this entry and I’m all alone at my room. My grandmother is currently recovering from a heart operation at St. Lukes and my grandfather is beside her. A blogger friend and I originally planned to avail the GC we got as a prize last year, but the weather just won’t let us out.

Anyway, I would like to share this photo I found at an old USB I used way back in college. If I’m not mistaken, this photo was taken at the rooftop a day after Christmas 2006. Carlo wanted to swim though he doesn’t really know how. I remember how he threatened me as a child when he kept on jumping at our school’s swimming pool even at a young age of three. Yes, he is a water baby. My father kept on bringing him at the school swimming pool at least once a week.

On my first day as a second year high school student, Carlo escaped from our house and he went straight to the swimming pool! I didn’t know how to swim back then (ermmm… until now LOL). He ended up jumping at the 6 ft pool. Know what I did? I also jumped at the pool wanting to save him. We held each other’s hands and he kept on laughing while in reality, we’re drowning.

A resident lifesaver saved us. My black shoes, my school uniform and backpack’s wet. I ended up not going to class. I remember crying when I got home. I didn’t want my baby brother to drown and I just need to save him… even if it means risking my own life.

NOTE: Though Missing Carlo is NOT a Food Blog, I just felt that I have to post my Thank You entry here

Last year, this blog was recognized as one of the Emerging Influential Blogs of 2008. Missing Carlo received a lot of nomination mostly from parents of special children. I do admit that I was rather active last year compared to now. I can say that in a way, I have moved on from the loneliness that Carlo’s moving out caused me. This blog also inspired me to write, produce and direct a short film called Kuya Bunso, which is now on its post-production stage.

Anyway, I am happy to inform you guys that Patay Gutom, the group food blog where I am an active member, was recognized as one of the Emerging Influential Blogs of 2009! The awards night took place last August 8. Too bad I wasn’t able to attend because I was in Cebu. However, the PG Respondents led by Jehz were there to receive the award. My dear Nyokers Winston and Ada were included in the list too.

If only Carlo was here, I have a feeling that I will be blogging about our food trips at Patay Gutom every week. Carlo loves to eat and Ate Mica loves to see her little brother enjoying his favorite meal. Most probably, Jollibee, McDo, KFC and Greenwich is included on my PG posts.

PG Respondent Carlo eating his favorite getti

I am happy to be a part of this project for two consecutive years. Up to this day, I am still receiving some emails from parents who are asking for help and support. I would like to take this chance to apologize just in case I am not responding to the emails. For those who are looking for SPED Schools in the Philippines, you can refer to the comments section of my post written last year.

Btw, I saw this video a few nights ago. Here’s a video taken during the Emerging Influential Blogs of 2009 awards night where Jehz, Winston and Fitz explained the concept of the food blog. Jehz even mentioned my name at the last part blaming me for something haha

Here’s the complete list of winners. Congratulations!

1. Writing to Exhale
2. Patay Gutom
3. The Struggling Blogger
4. Zorlone
5. Father Blogger dot Com
6. Kelvinonian Ideas 2.0
7. Tales from the Mom Side
8. Adaphobic
9. Lakwatsero
10. Let’s Go Sago!

Btw, Jehz, Winston, Ada and Sire of Patay Gutom took part on my short film about autism. Coming soon!

Despite our busy schedules, we see to it that we’d be able to chat at least once in every two weeks. Our first Skype session is full of bloopers. Carlo was amazed upon seeing me eating his favorite McDo Cheeseburger meal

Let me share you some of the screen shots i took while chatting with my loving family who is now based in England:

Last month, Carlo’s teacher sent the following photos to my grandfather. Carlo and the rest of his classmates went to Warwick Castle to have a short visit. I can say that my brother is now a certified lakwatsero and it seems like this blog will be transformed into a travel blog soon

Anyway, I am really happy that my brother is now able to travel and appreciate the beauty of his current home. Way back, he has limited place to go to in Dagupan. You’d see him and Ate Virgie at the City Park, at the University Campus or in the market (yes, he loves to go to the market). The first photo with the peacock is just priceless. He giggles like a little kiddo

Up next: Carlo’s pictures from Drayton Manor Park and Zoo!

I am also planning of making a slideshow with my Enchanted Kingdom photos and Carlo’s amusement park photos

Here’s Carlo’s short email message for Lolo:

hellio         lolo

i am a g oold  vboy  ii likred the food shjow i always say cheessde on pictures.  h j y    9opiuhhgffddss 

There are the photos attached in the email. I really can’t believe my baby brother is now in his puberty stage! Good-looking guy, isn’t he?

No matter how cheesy this photo looks like, this is priceless for me

I was able to talk to my mom awhile ago and I heard my brother singing Lady Gaga’s Poker Face at the background. His voice is still the same. I really miss him.

All I can do by now is reminisce:

11 Years of Laughter, 11 Years of Joy – This entry was written when I was still in Dagupan. We went to his school to give his classmates a Jollibee treat. As expected, he ate a lot. It was a heartwarming experience for me because it was the first time I was able to mingle with his schoolmates.

Someone’s turning 12 years old! – We were in Manila when we celebrated his 12th birthday. We went to Greenwich and had a little Pizza siesta.

Carlo’s 13th Birthday – My brother became a part of the “teens” group. Unfortunately for me, I wasn’t able to witness this event in his life. My mom and some of her friends managed to give my baby brother a simple birthday party – Filipino style.

Despite the distance, I am planning to celebrate my brother’s birthday too. I might go to one of his favorite fastfood chains and eat there with a friend or alone. Oh well. I miss my brother.

BTW, here’s a funny conversation that took place after I talked to mom:

Me: Hi Carlo! Happy Birthday!
Carlo: Pizza, Chicken Joy, Spagetti!
Me: Ay, wag naman ganyan. Di ako delivery girl.
Carlo: I Love You Forever.

And that made me smile

I received a forwarded email from my grandfather this afternoon. Sharon, Carlo’s teacher is constantly sending updates about him and we are really happy about it. I really smiled when I saw the attached photos of my brother taken during a bowling event. Oh my, my brother is no longer a kid!

Here’s the message of Carlo’s teacher:

Hi Mr Rodriguez,
Thank you for the pictures we printed them off for Carlos he smiled when he saw the pictures of yourself and your wife. He gave Micas’ pictures a kiss and then put them all in our cupboard under some books. We are not sure why he put them there we think he probably thought that was a safe place for them. Today I showed him the picture of you and told him who we were writing to.

 Carlos has certainly grown since he came here last May, we all thought he had but seeing those pictures you can really see how tall he has become and how much slimmer he is, he is now looking so grown up.

 I have attached a photo of Carlos take on 13th Feb when we went on a class treat day to the local bowling alley. Carlos had a great time he was jumping around everywhere, I was worried a couple of times that the bowling ball was going to go in the wrong direction but he managed to do it ok. He waited patiently for his turn and played the whole game. He did enjoy taking different members of staff up to the coffee bar and taking sachets of sugar and bringing them back to his seat. He certainly makes us smile everyday.

 
 Well we had better get back to our work
 We will write to you soon.
 
 Carlos and Sharon

 

Here are the photos:

My little brother is now a teenager. I wonder how tall he is. 

I miss you Carlobobet!

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