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Advocate Down Syndrome

28 Days of Awareness

I have met many parents I look up to through my journey of parenting Gellibean. Some are mommas I spend time with every now and then, some parents I have only met online through Instagram and by following their blogs, and others, I get together with on a regular basis.

Agnes is one of the moms in DSAPI who I go to when I need help, understanding, and inspiration in my parenting journey with Gellibean. Whenever we get together, I am reminded just how much one can do in a day if she is organized, has a desire to help others, and would still like to find time for herself. Through our friendship, I have gotten to know her and I admire her ability to be able to bring people together for our cause.  

Her son Jeremy is almost 19 years old. He plays golf, is super witty, a little naughty, and whenever Nino and I go to the DSAPI events, we know that we will get to spend a little time with him as well.

28 Days of Awareness was originally published on Agnes Lapena’s Facebook Page last year during the month of February. She has been contributing to Down Syndrome Awareness ever since Jeremy was a little peanut. And you can see it not just through parts of the album I will share with you here, but through all the work she does in our community.

Thank you Agnes for allowing me to share bits and pieces (once again) of your album through my blog!

1797540_10152041550804219_1271861644_n

In 2002, President Gloria Macapagal declared February as National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month. 

1782152_10152041554089219_1323555657_nJeremy was born to the Lapeña family and their lives would forever be “different.”

Photo Credit: Agnes Lapeña

Photo Credit: Agnes Lapeña

Down Syndrome fact: Dr Jerome Lejeune is the first doctor who identified Down syndrome with trisomy of 21st chromosome. This research was done in 1959. The characteristics of people with Down syndrome were identified by Dr. John Langdon Down

No one is left behind... not even those with Down Syndrome

No one is left behind… not even those with Down Syndrome

Photo Credit: Agnes Lapeña

Brina Maxino, Edward John Dee, Paolo Pingol, and Arthur Ryan De  Photo Credit: Agnes Lapeña

People with Down Syndrome make good friends. They’re really cool! 

Does Paolo look familiar to you? Check out this post where I get super emotional about his first McDo commercial! 

1898187_10152050183609219_666346675_n

Individuals with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. It is the most frequently occurring chromosomal disorder. Down syndrome is not related to race, nationality, religion or socioeconomic status. The most important fact to know about individuals with Down syndrome is that they are more like others than they are different.

 1891008_10152060735069219_1629845086_nThis statistic is still very close to how many babies are born with Down Syndrome, not just in the Philippines but also worldwide. It’s a little lower in some countries and a little higher in others. 

1898188_10152077747304219_1892405395_n

 MYTH vs. TRUTH

I would much rather have someone ask me a question about my daughter, or the community we have found comfort in, then go on believing or perpetuating something that is a myth or an untruth. This is part of the reason why I find it so important that during this month of the year, I go out of my way to make sure I do my part in creating awareness, nurturing acceptance and fostering inclusion to make the world a better place for our kids.

Please celebrate February with our family. Celebrate Gellibean. Celebrate the love we have for all kids are a lucky enough to have an extra chromosome. Want to really have fun with us? Join us during The Happy Walk! 

To view Agnes’ album in its entirety, click the Facebook link here.

To check out the DSAPI Facebook page click here.

To learn more about how you can get involved and join The Happy Walk, click here.

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Waterside @solaireresort’s BBQ Brunch Buffet has Waterside @solaireresort’s BBQ Brunch Buffet has all the southern fixings and more.

Grilled and smoked meats. Seafood and mixed drinks. Fried chicken and fish and chips. Starters include fresh salads, corn bread, nachos and more. But the kicker comes in the form of a Make Your Own Milkshake bar, and YES, you can order it spiked with your favorite liquor! 

Waterside is only one of quite a few restaurants that you can enjoy  beautiful weekend brunches with your favorite person, the fam bam, or your friends. 

Check out www.mommanmanila.com to see the full menu and what Nino and I enjoyed most.
Creating food together is one of our love language Creating food together is one of our love languages. We flow in the kitchen. I get excited and move too fast, and she grounds me, and slows things down. We can move around one another while still staying in sync. In our own kitchen, there is music that guides us and sets the tone for the meal. Gelli would be in the mix, the boys will set the table, someone makes dessert, and maybe @manila.gent  makes a drink. 

When we prepare our table together there is so much that goes into the process and the ingredients. This mindful movement brings me so much joy when we are all together.

Even more so when we attend classes together to learn new dishes too.  @themayakitchen1 has regular classes offering cooks of all abilities to learn something new when preparing meals for for our families.

Check out my new article on @rappler for @kitchen143 where Gia and I learned from Chef @cocoyventura a few new Pinoy dishes that will definitely be on rotation for #TeamGellibean.

Link in my profile: 

https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/food-drinks/kitchen-143-learning-lovelokal-the-maya-kitchens-cooking-classes/
Crispy Pata. Is there anything better than perfec Crispy Pata.

Is there anything better than perfectly brined crispy fried pork? 

@manila.gent and I visited @viicsrestaurantph for simple Pinoy fare that hit the spot. Admittedly, after moving here so many years ago, I took a while to warm up to this dish that is one of Nino’s (and my mom’s) favorites. But every once in a while-I won’t feel guilty about indulging in this deep fried treat.

Happy to learn that we can also order for when Mom arrives through @foodpanda_ph too!
The @admiralhotelmanila M-Gallery has opened their The @admiralhotelmanila M-Gallery has opened their doors! @manila.gent and I were privileged to visit the hotel on Friday night with some new friends and we were both so excited to explore some new digs in Manila.

Looking forward to bringing the family back soon!
We were a little early for therapy this morning, s We were a little early for therapy this morning, so @gelliaventajado got to spend a little time with @grace_loedin!

@thevanguardacademyph is still open for enrollment in their summer program, and has a full staff for all therapies and interventions. We really love her school and all of the faculty and staff. It makes a huge difference when you have confidence in the people you leave your child with for learning!
Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappl Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappler now!

Link in my profile!

https://www.rappler.com/nation/kitchen-143-dreaming-greece-try-making-easy-whipped-feta-dip/
Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGu Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGuardia, was picked up by one of my dearest friends and spent the entire day at the beach just catching up on LIFE.

It was a breezy day. Overcast. A little chilly to be in a suit, but it was perfect to catch up with my girl Candy. Sometimes, if you have chosen your friends well, you can pick up where you left off, as if no time has passed at all. 

Just like I did, sitting in that beach chair, feeling the mist of the Atlantic Ocean, and watching the seagulls pick and the seaweed.

Thank you Candy! For the friendship, for dropping everything to come and pick me up. Drive me around and have dinner with me and Fayth. 

Wishing I was sitting on this beach with you right now!!!
Eggs Benny with BBQ Pulled Pork was just one of ma Eggs Benny with BBQ Pulled Pork was just one of many dishes that we enjoyed during #SundayBrunch at Waterside in @solaireresort .

From cornbread, to mom’s potato salad, melt in your mouth whisky cured short ribs, homemade sausages and more. This #BrunchBuffet had @manila.gent and I rolling each other out the door!

Hard to choose which was our favorite from the feast that was set before us!

Brunch is inclusive of some delicious drinks, some Southern smoked and BBQ Fare, and a most colorful sweet dessert buffet by way of Milkshake Bar!
Movie Night at home with the big screen made easy Movie Night at home with the big screen made easy by @lumosprojector_ph!

Summer Lovin’ ain’t over for #TeamGellibean. Hop on over to www.mommanmanila.com to read my full review on how easy this #homeprojector is to use when you want to watch your favorite family film!!

Gelli and I have watched Sharkboy and Lavagirl, Grease, and BTS Videos. Up next? The Sound of Music! 

Want to have your own #LUMOSRAYProjectoe delivered to your home? Stay tuned for an upcoming giveaway, too!

Link in my profile!

https://www.mommanmanila.com/lumos-ray-projector-review/
Missing my @migaventajado The short time I had w Missing my @migaventajado 

The short time I had with this guy in Florida was definitely something I will look back on. Wish we had more time to explore and do some fun things on our own.

Gah. How is this kid 20 years old already?
I remember when he was little and he loved peanut butter, chicken nuggets, Kylie Minogue, and sitting on my lap. He was squishy, in tune with my feelings, and I was always worried that he might have an asthma attack in his sleep so I would nebulize him every few hours. He always looked at new experiences with gratitude and wonder, much how he did while we were in FL together.😍

Praying he continues to strengthen his faith as he grows. 🙏🏻👨🏻🙌🏻

Miss you Miggy!
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