• 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 Special Needs

#29DaysofAwareness Feburary 7th

We have had an eventful weekend. 

Gia attended prom, and as her mom I couldn’t have been more excited for her. 

My Senior Prom was wonderful for me. My mom helped me get ready. She not only helped me attend my fittings in the local bridal shop , she made the appointments for my hair and make up so that I was physically ready for a milestone that marks so many high school careers.

Prom

My boyfriend and I shared a limo with Christine and her boyfriend.

It was never any question of who I would go to the prom with, since I had a boyfriend for a few years already. My prom was everything I wanted it to be. We shared a limo with good friends on the way to and from the prom venue. We laughed. We had fun. We danced as teenagers do, without worry of what tomorrow will bring.

My daughter’s experience with her first prom was a little different, but not much. 

IMG_0317 copy

She has a boy who loves her. He’s good to her. I can see it. He visits her with sweet treats and brings her flowers. He courted her and waited for her to say yes to being his girl. My heart is full for her as her friend, but nervous for her as her mother. 

She loves him too. I can see it when they are together. She watches him move. She teases him on occasion and they laugh. Oh, how they laugh together!

My daughter’s preparations leading up to the event were a tad different than what I was used to growing up in the suburbs of New York. I searched magazines like Cosmopolitan for prom dresses that I liked, and visited the bridal shops near my home to try on the styles that I kept from torn out magazine pages.

Mimi from Bumblebee has been making the kids' costumes and dresses (even for me too) since we moved here in 2006.

Mimi from Bumblebee has been making the kids’ costumes and dresses (even for me too) since we moved here in 2006.

Conversely, Gia pegged the dresses she wanted for inspiration to take to our favorite designer. She pegged her make up looks and her up-dos on Pinterest to show to Tita Tyn. 

IMG_8406 copy

Mimi drew more than enough sketches from Gia’s inspiration pegs for her to choose from.

There was never any doubt that Gia would go with anyone else to her prom either, but there is this movement amongst her generation to make grand gestures of love and affection through promposals.

Prom2 copy

Gia showed her Tita Tyn the looks she wanted from her Pinterest board.

So her boy promposed. He got us all in on his grand plan. He called Nino weeks in advance. He planned with Gia’s brothers. He planned with her best friends. He even included Gelli in playing the last and most important role of his grand gesture of love by telling Gia to turn around so she could see him waiting for her and ask her to the dance. 

IMG_9100 copy

Everyone was in on the plan. The beauty of technology now, is that even if Nino and I were in Cebu celebrating his birthday we could be part of it immediately after she said yes.

He gifted her flowers, balloons, and an experience she will remember forever. He let her know his feelings in the sweetest way possible. He made her feel special.

IMG_9101 copy

We prepped for the event by reserving rooms at a hotel near the venue for prom. Gia made plans with her girlfriends to have a slumber party and watch movies after the prom, as opposed to attending the after party. I was relieved she opted to bond with her girls instead of drinking with her batch at a bar where there was no adult supervision.

DSCF1304 copy

All dressed up and ready to cut a rug…I promise I didn’t cry (that hard.)

My girl had one last request. After the prom, she wanted to eat a burger in her prom dress. 

DSCF1375 copy

She’s all grown up.

Her request was granted with burgers at The Belle and Dragon. We sat at another table with other parents so as not to cramp their style.

DSCF1407 copy

I’m not sure what makes me happier. The fact that she has these girls. Or the fact that she has these girls!

I checked in on the girls this morning before going down to breakfast with Nino to see their hotel room littered with empty chip bags and Instamax photos of their fun together. They slept four girls in a bed, sharing a friendship that many girls hope for.

All of the events from the weekend made me feel a little nostalgic. They reminded me of a time long ago where I was filled with hope and the naïveté of adolescence.

But they also evoke a little bit of sadness, fear and maybe even worry.

gellisbirth5

When Evangelina was born, I worried. 

I worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle the newfound motherhood or raising a child with special needs. I worried about the discrimination I knew she would suffer. I worried about whether or not she would be able to stand for her older sister as her maid of honor. 

But while that initial onset of worry got me to thinking about the hope of Gia’s one day marriage, one vision I didn’t foresee was the prom. 

I didn’t foresee the girlfriends that I want both  of my daughters to bond with. I didn’t think about young love and the excitement or happiness my daughters could experience at prom or in the days and weeks of preparation for their own current versions of this milestone event. 

It hadn’t occurred to me then, what either of them would envision as their perfect night of friendship and young love for their OWN proms. (If that’s what they wanted.) 

But now, as I sit here, and I am forced to think…

I think about all of the work I’m doing to further inclusion and I am prayerful. 

I pray for a day when girls like Gelli are not stifled or limited because of the stigma of disability.

I’m hopeful…

Hopeful for the day when Gelli attends high school that she will have girlfriends to laugh and bond with, who love her for who she is. Hopeful that those same girlfriends will be present when she suffers heartache or needs the comfort of a sister from another mother who stands by her side.

I’m optimistic…

Optimistic for the future that can include Gelli experiencing all the same things that I had as a young girl. 

Young love, and a courtship where she feels special and loved and honored…

A prom where she can dance the night away, wear flowers on her arm, and a boy who will adore her, because my girl loves to dance and deserves to know romantic love…

IMG_6707

#29DaysofAwareness is a great exercise for me. I’ve been enjoying sharing a little bit more about my hopes and fears as Gelli’s Momma.

I will not rush the days from now till then, instead, I will continue to bring awareness to these same wishes and hopes that brings so many girls like me, Gia, and Gelli to a prom that they can enjoy which is exactly right for them. 

It’s funny how things come together at just the right time. It’s funny how when I come to some revelation or epiphany in my parenting of Gelli and I share it here with all of you that things just sync…

This is why I’m excited to share how another group is bringing awareness to children and teens and adults with special needs in another way. 

This coming Saturday, here in Manila, more than one hundred teens and young adults have been invited to enjoy their own prom. The Tim Tebow Foundation will be holding a prom of a very special kind. I can’t wait to see the photos from A Night To Shine and hear of the stories that will be told.. 

 

Share this:

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

Related


« #29DaysofAwareness February 6th
#29DaysofAwareness February 8th »

Comments

  1. Peter A. Ressa says

    February 8, 2016 at 2:30 am

    God will take care!

    • michelle says

      February 8, 2016 at 2:42 pm

      He always does.

  2. PAUL NARSON says

    February 8, 2016 at 4:25 am

    GIA IS BEAUTIFUL JUST LIKE HER MOM. GELLI WILL BE OK. SHE IS SURROUNDED BY LOVE. I’M SORRY I’M MISSING THE FAMILY GROWING UP. LOVE YOU ALL.
    UNCLE PAULIE

    • michelle says

      February 8, 2016 at 2:42 pm

      We miss you and Aunt Marilyn, so much!

  3. Stephany Fair says

    February 8, 2016 at 12:58 pm

    Gelli deserves all that and MORE! It will all happen, in time.

    • michelle says

      February 8, 2016 at 2:41 pm

      Thank you my friend. Miss you tons. Sending you healing energy and love & light.

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

  • Waterside BBQ Brunch Buffet at Solaire
  • LUMOS RAY Projector Review
  • A Grapeful Summer with Taste Australia
  • Suite Treat Mommy Weekend at Marco Polo Manila
  • Weekend Grills at the Bay City Café

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

@gelliaventajado is still super excited to go to s @gelliaventajado is still super excited to go to school everyday. She comes home completely exhausted and falls asleep before her 2pm socialization class on zoom. Can’t wait for her to adjust and for everyone to settle in the groove of the new school year. 

Especially since she has yummies from @yaya.lola and a new backpack and lunchbox from @herschelsupply!

And truth be told, I really don’t have a favorite. ✌🏻
One of the parts of @kitchen143 that I love, is ho One of the parts of @kitchen143 that I love, is how we empower our viewers to try recipes, products and services that we talk about on the show with our guests.

This week’s show is going to be amazing for those lucky #QuizTheCook winners!!

Swipe left to see all the swag up for grabs!

Big thanks to all of our partners who will be sharing products and services with our guests and viewers!

@brainrxph 
@herschelsupply 
@brightbrands.ph 
@yumboxph 
@greencrossphilippines 
@yaya.lola 
@panonymous.ph 
@panonymous.bgc 
@candishhh 
@hydroflask.ph 
@katguidottistehmeier 
@che.a.sy 
@thevanguardacademyph 
@ericsonperezj
Mommas need time alone too. So much of what I do Mommas need time alone too.

So much of what I do is for everyone else around me. For the kids. For Nino. For my extended family and friends.

But I need time for myself too. 
This is vital for self awareness, self reflection, and self improvement.

This means quiet time with verse, which admittedly I have not had much time for. It also means making time to find my way back to the mat to practice yoga. It also means time to listen to to music which soothes my soul and often provides ways for me to tune into how I’m feeling. If The Lord makes ways, it also means short trips where I can reconnect with family and girlfriends or opportunities for retreats too.

Funny thing is, it took me to reach middle age to understand how important this for my human-ness. 

The most recent trip and time spent with my cousin @tricciaramos was eye opening. She has a retreat coming up in Sedona next month. I’m hoping to attend, but still figuring out how I can make it. I know it will be incredibly restorative and healing.

Wanna come with? Check it out: https://www.wetravel.com/trips/surrender-to-serenity-reconnect-with-the-divine-feminine-triccia-ramos-sedona-az-86336-usa-83934617
Swipe right to see what my fifth grader took to sc Swipe right to see what my fifth grader took to school for her snack on her first day. 

There are a few things that my kids need for school besides healthy snacks. 

Join me this afternoon as we talk LIVE about some non-negotiables when getting #TeamGellibean ready for learning. 

@kitchen143 
@rappler 
@hydroflask.ph 
@yumboxph 
@brightbrands.ph 
@greencrossphilippines 
@herschelsupply 
@panonymous.ph 
@yaya.lola 
@brainrxph 
@thevanguardacademyph
It’s early evening in NY. So that means it’s s It’s early evening in NY. So that means it’s still our anniversary on the east coast.

At this time, 24 years ago, we were walking into our reception. Our first dance was, It had to be You. Our second dance was For You, by Kenny Lattimore.

We have come a long way since then. It’s hasn’t been easy, but we have had wonderful guides by our side to help keep it together. Thankful for all the lessons in love, and the beautiful children God has given us. 

Happy Double Dozen @manila.gent.
Excited to jump into this conversation that is rel Excited to jump into this conversation that is relevant and a concern for so many people.

Sending our kiddos back to school is exciting and stressful at the same time. Looking forward to making things a little easier for all of us by learning from everyone  later today!

See you in the kitchen at 4pm later today, as we go LIVE with Ericson, Kat, Didi, and Joy. And if you are preparing like we are, you will appreciate all of our partners who are making this episode extra special.

@herschelsupply 
@hydroflask.ph 
@yumboxph 
@brightbrands.ph 
@panonymous.ph 
@yaya.lola 
@greencrossphilippines 
@brainrxph
If there are apples, mangoes, and bananas, it imme If there are apples, mangoes, and bananas, it immediately qualifies as healthy right?

But who are we kidding? Snacks for the movies absolutely does not have to be healthy. 👆🏻

Easy to order snacks for the beach, a movie board and more with the click of a button. 

Thanks @benbymart for helping make the Movie Munchies episode so much fun!

@kitchen143 
@rappler
@gelliaventajado had her first day of school today @gelliaventajado had her first day of school today and I still can’t believe that she’s in fifth grade already. 

Looking forward to another amazing year @thevanguardacademyph!

#BackToSchool
What do you send with your daughter when she is su What do you send with your daughter when she is supposed to be in school from 8am to 5pm?

If you are like me, you send a lot. 

😂😳😅

In this photo is our oldest @yumboxph and our newest Yumbox. Our first #Yumbox was purchased almost 7 years ago. @kayecatral hand carried the Panino home for @gelliaventajado and we still use it today. 

The #Yumboxph Presto is the newest in the lunchbox line up and it’s perfect for my girl who is Uber concerned with #sustainableliving and #sustainable #choices. 

What’s in her Yumbox?

For brekkie in the car:
Truffled Egg salad on sourdough loaf from @lartizan. Banana with peanut butter. Tangerine. And @hersheys kisses.

For lunch: leftovers from @mangotreemanila which include grilled pork belly, pandan chicken, prawn pomelo salad, and red curry.

Lunchbox notes I kept from @expomom @mommymundo because it’s extra. And a @starbucks cheese latte.

Wanna know more about these lunchboxes that each member of #TeamGellibean uses when the go to school and work? 

Tune in tomorrow @kitchen143 at 4pm on the @rappler and @mommanmanila Facebook pages to learn more about all the brands we love for #BackToSchool.
Calling all parents and educators!! What are some Calling all parents and educators!!

What are some of the ways we can keep everyone safe as we head back to school? 

How can we prepare and adjust for the new challenges we face as we head back to campus?

@yumboxph 
@candishhh 
@yaya.lola 
@brainrxph 
@hydroflask.ph 
@herschelsupply 
@greencrossphilippines 
@panonymous.ph 
@thevanguardacademyph 
@brightbrands.ph

Tune in on Tuesday to @kitchen143 on the @rappler and @mommanmanila Facebook pages to participate in a candid conversation about how we are getting ready for the new school year.
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2022 · Blog Design by Fancy Girl Design Studio

Copyright © 2022 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...