• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Momma 'N Manila

Growing through parenting

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Blog
  • Nourish
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Cheers
    • Guest Recipes
  • Advocate
    • Autism
    • Best Buddies
    • Down Syndrome
    • Special Needs
  • Gather
    • Crafternoons
    • Entertaining at Home
    • Events
    • Mothers Who Brunch
    • DIY
  • Review
    • 4 KIDS
    • Dining
    • Travel
    • Home & Hearth
    • Health & Beauty
    • Giveaways
    • Fashion
  • Nurture
    • Education
    • Parenting
    • Relationships
    • Yoga
  • MWB

Advocate Down Syndrome

#29DaysofAwareness February 27th

Today was one for the books. This was probably the biggest day for me in my #29DaysofAwareness personal campaign.

DSCF2741 copy

THIS GIRL.

I share so much of this journey in parenthood with all of you. I believe that by sharing little bits and pieces of what our lives are like with Gelli in it, y’all can create the understanding that while life may have challenges for both me and Gelli, we are pretty much like any other family you might meet on the street.

Events like these are a family affair. Everyone can contribute to our cause.

Events like these are a family affair. Everyone can contribute to our cause.

We have the same hopes, fears, worries, and JOYS, that other parents experience with their typical children. Life is not sad because Gelli has an extra chromosome…in many ways, it’s enriched…

We have met so many wonderful people because of Gelli's extra chromosome.

We have met so many wonderful people because of Gelli’s extra chromosome.

So much of what I do with the organizations that I volunteer for is driven by my love for Gellibean. But so much more of it comes from a place of understanding and acceptance for children like her. Even if I have been living here in Manila for almost 10 years, I grew up my whole life in the Tri-State area and attended public school in the State of New York.

Working with people who are furthering inclusion in the schools is exactly what we need to do for Best Buddies. Thank you Peter for taking the time to share on our panel.

Working with people who are furthering inclusion in the schools is exactly what we need to do for Best Buddies. Thank you Peter for taking the time to share on our panel.

I think this is what fuels my passion when it comes to furthering inclusion. I know that we can push the envelope in education, in social situations, and in the work force. 

Rhodora and Grant are pushing the envelope for inclusion in the workforce through Project Inclusion. GALING!

Rhodora and Grant are pushing the envelope for inclusion in the workforce through Project Inclusion. GALING!

When I first saw many of my favorite bloggers from the U.S. blogging, tweeting, or instagramming about this reality show that launched on December sixth last year, I tried viewing the episode online. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to watch it right away. 

DSCF2907 copy

Born This Way is a reality series where the main cast is comprised entirely of young adults with Down Syndrome. Their families are featured in this unscripted show as well, and they don’t hold back when discussing or tackling real life and sometimes uncomfortable issues. It’s a fresh new take on a decades old concept that began with The Real World.

BMP_Born_This_Way_1140x390

Well, I got it in my head to bring together people to watch the show and react to in an open forum type setting with 5 experts on a panel. My hope in bringing everyone together was to create a community where everyone involved could openly share their thoughts, hopes, fears, and maybe even resources with one another. I believed that the experts on the panel would be able to share all of the amazing work that they are doing in the different sectors of society to further acceptance and inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

I have met all of these experts through the different orgs as our paths have crossed because we are all doing similar work. I look up to everyone on the panel because I learn from each of them, and I am inspired by the work that they do.  

LYT_7871

You know what else? I have an even greater respect for anyone who does this kind of work that we do, not because they have a loved one who they want to make the world a better place for, but simply because they know it’s work that needs to be done…

I am grateful for DSAPI and the people behind this org. Co-presenting this reality show just made so much sense because we are celebrating National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month.

I am grateful for DSAPI and the people behind this org. Co-presenting this reality show just made so much sense because we are celebrating National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month.

I consider the Born This Way showing and Open Forum a great success in creating awareness for individuals with Down Syndrome and for establishing the relationships between these organizations which can only be strengthened as time passes.

I am grateful for their support as well as the support of Starbucks and Krispy Kreme for providing all of our viewers with some early morning coffee and snacks. 

Best Buddies Philippines will be planning more of these showings. We plan to show one episode of the 6 part series in all the different schools that we work with. It’s going to be awesome. Be on the lookout in April for episode two!

Thank you to all of our sponsors who made this event possible:

De La Salle College of Saint Benilde and the Center for Inclusive Studies

Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc.

Starbucks

Krispy Kreme

For more information on Best Buddies Philippines and how to get involved visit our website.

 

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Related


« #29DaysofAwareness February 26th
#29DaysofAwareness February 28th »

Comments

  1. Peter A. Ressa says

    March 6, 2016 at 3:47 am

    Thank God for all the good work you and the others are accomplishing in making folks aware that one extra chromosome does not lesson a persons beauty… in my humble opinion that one extra chromosome is a gift from God that creates another Angel!

Hello and Welcome!


Hi! Here is where I share my thoughts on yoga, cooking, crafting, raising a special child, exploring, eating, playing, and living in Manila.
READ MORE

You can also say hi or email me at mish@mommanmanila.com

Twitter

Tweets by @mishaventajado

Pinterest

Recent Posts

  • 7 Minimalist Upgrades to Streamline a Cluttered Home
  • Our Dental Experience at Affinity Dental, One Bonifacio High Street
  • Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • A Grapeful Summer with Taste Australia

Archives

Categories

Recent Comments

  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • Ran on Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • michelle on LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • Angelie G. Y. Melsbo on LUMOS RAY Projector Review

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @mommanmanila

mommanmanila

I started taking my coffee black, years ago when I I started taking my coffee black, years ago when I ran outta milk and had no choice. I quickly realized that I would much rather trade my calories in milk and sugar for the calories in my dessert. 

My nana used to take her coffee black. And sometimes she would have tea in the afternoon and dip her saltines in it while watching her “programs.” These programs were shows like The Young and The Restless, Falcon Crest, and Dallas. I would sit at her feet, or on the sofa next to her. And just being near her provided comfort.
#GratitudePost Thankful for my sisters. My sister #GratitudePost

Thankful for my sisters. My sisters have always supported me. The last seven years especially. Grateful for their generosity, their guidance, their prayers and their love for my children. 

Are you thankful for your sister? She doesn’t have to be one that your parents gave you. She can be your chosen sister too! Tag her and let her know.

Tagging mine:
@maria_ressa 
@nemomoffour 
@nic22ressa
Last month I spent a few days in Madrid with @best Last month I spent a few days in Madrid with @bestbuddies staff from all over the world. We had the chance to spend some meaningful time with our founder, @anthonykshriver, learn from the other countries who were present, and celebrate the relaunch of Best Buddies Spain with their Gala.

I came home inspired. Ready to jump into our employment program, and expand our friendship and leadership programs to create greater impact.

We are furthering inclusion in 47 countries all over the world. Curious about how you can bring our inclusive programs to your school or company? 

Send me a DM or a PM so we can start the discussion!

#BestBuddiesPh
#BestBuddies 
#Inclusion #InclusionMatters
Are you feeling the holiday spirit already? Righ Are you feeling the holiday spirit already? 

Right now, I’m thinking of my Thanksgiving menu and all of the many things I am grateful for…

Especially weekend getaways with @manila.gent.
Tis the season to be merry! Just last week, @mani Tis the season to be merry!

Just last week, @manila.gent and I visited @westinmanilahotel for their very FIRST Tree Lighting to kick off the holiday season. 🎄

We enjoyed holiday themed drinks, festive music, and the sustainably decorated tree while celebrating “Green & Bright,” in the hotel lobby. 

As always the eats and treats are for the whole family to enjoy. Bring the kids, the grandparents, and even the fur babies to celebrate this Holiday Season because everyone is welcome! 

Here are the special offerings you can look for when you visit:

• Visit The Lobby Lounge for the 12 Christmas Cocktails or the Westin Holiday High Tea.

• Celebrate Thanksgiving Dinner with the buffet at Seasonal Tastes. Be prepared to be wowed with Turkey and the fixings.

• Check in and enjoy Christmas and New Years staycations complete with the Westin Pillars of wellbeing. The Holiday Getaway room package includes breakfast for two persons, an Afternoon High Tea, a festive giveaway, and a P1,000 food and beverage credit. (This is valid for stays until January 7, 2024.)

• Take advantage of Seasonal Tastes’ holiday menu for both Christmas and NYE that includes Seafood Paella, Beef Prime Rib Roast, Italian Style Roast Pork “Porchetta”, Slow Cooked Leg of Lamb, Slow Roasted Whole Turkey, Grilled Bratwurst and Veal sausages, and more.

Looking forward to celebrating with the family this holiday season. We all have so much to be grateful for. 🙏🏻
Self Care Sunday! Quick trip to @alpinalounge mea Self Care Sunday!

Quick trip to @alpinalounge means we are ready for the week! Visiting the lounge for my gel manicure and monthly massage is not just a treat, it’s part of what I look forward to when spending time with @gi.aventajado. 

I love that my manicure lasts more than a month, and that the care I receive from the technicians is with my preferences taken into consideration.

Waiting patiently as my lashes grow out and heal from the years of wearing falsies, so I can enjoy the lash extensions that I have missed!
I ❤️ NY. I ❤️ NY.
Mother Daughter Dates like this @alpinalounge. I Mother Daughter Dates like this @alpinalounge.

I didn’t know that when I turned 50 one of my besties would be half my age. What a blessing to have a daughter who likes spending time with me. 

Alpina has been our go to for nails, massage, and eyelash extensions for the two of us. Even @manila.gent and I go for massages once a month too!

#inmyhood #uptownbgc #alpinalounge #selfcare #nails #artsy #nailsnailsnails #momandme #momanddaughter #metime #golden #gold #nailart
This is us. Welcoming the new followers to my fe This is us. 

Welcoming the new followers to my feed. 

Thanks for joining me here!!

Sharing selectively. But always honestly. Just trying to figure out how to do my best, while raising our kids, running a foundation, and sharing about my foodie and parenting adventures. 

Parenting is hard. 
Marriage is harder. 
Self awareness at 50 is golden. 

And I’m thankful that Jesus has my back.

If He leads me to it.
He will see me through it. 

#ThankfulThursday
#TeamGellibean
#MommaNManila
Things we have in common: New York The appreciati Things we have in common:

New York
The appreciation of good food
And our birthday month

Thank you @treishavanns for including me in your very special birthday celebration at @modan.mnl. The company, conversation, and carefully executed courses were an experience to remember. ❤️😋🎂

Hoping that your birthday month is everything you hoped for! Celebrating you (still) and looking back on this delicious meal with the fondness of new friendship beginnings. 

Now, how to book for @manila.gent’s birthday? He will love it!
Load More Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Blog Design by Fancy Girl Design Studio

Copyright © 2023 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...