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Advocate Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome Consciousness Month

Every year, I take the month of January to regroup after the holidays. 

I try to get everything in order after the rush, the visitors, and the hustle and bustle of the holidays. I clean up the house, purge what we can pass on to those in need, and set goals for the coming year. I always vow to be just a little bit more organized. I may not always succeed at being as organized as I would like, but I do pick up tips and tricks from my friends to help me a long the way.

And then FEBRUARY comes. 

It’s the month of LOVE. It’s the month that my first son was born. It’s the month that our family celebrates with other families ALL OVER the Philippines because we have kids with a little something extra. 

In 2002, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared February, DOWN SYNDROME CONSCIOUSNESS MONTH under the auspices of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines Inc. Proclamation Number 157, as we call it, brings an awareness to our cause, and enables our organization to constantly move forward in providing information about our community and our children to those who may not understand or relate to children and adults with Down Syndrome.

What is Down Syndrome?

Typical children are born with 23 chromosomes from their mom and 23 chromosomes from their dad. So they have 23 PAIRS of chromosomes for their genetic make up. (23 +23 = 46 chromosomes)

Children with Down Syndrome have an extra chromosome. (23 +23+ 1= 47 ) The extra chromosome is usually of the 21st pair.  This is where the name Trisomy 21 comes in. So that means that children and adults with Down Syndrome will have 3 chromosomes instead of 2 on the 21st pair. Down Syndrome affects about 1 in 800 children. 

If you are new to reading this blog, you can read about some of Gelli’s therapies and therapists here. We believe that all the hard work that Gelli has been doing with her therapists is completely worth it’s weight in gold. With her therapists’ help, she is able to crawl, walk, run, talk, listen, and play all at a rate which is not as delayed as it would have been without their help.

Truth is…Gelli will be able to do lots of things just like other kids her age. She just might end up doing them a little later than the rest of the kids at school. 

Through out the entire month of February, I am going to challenge myself to publish a post relevant to Down Syndrome and Down Syndrome Consciousness month every day. I have asked some of my friends, family, and bloggers that I know who are willing to share a little bit of their stories and how Down Syndrome factors into their lives to share their stories as well. These will be Featured Guest Posts. 

I hope you enjoy this new facet to my blogging. I will see how it goes for this month (28 days in a row has me really stressed) and then if it goes well, I will ask for guests posts regularly. 

For now, I would like to share all of the upcoming events, celebrations and fundraisers for the most important month for our organization DSAPI.

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Winning Team Jeremy from last year’s Tee Up For Down. Photo Credit: Agnes Lapena

February 6, 2015: 

12th Tee-Up for Down

Tagaytay Midlands Golf Club

Shotgun start at 8am 

Registration at 6:30am 

Ticket: P3,000 (inclusive of Green Fee, Cart, Lunch& Giveaways)

10960298_10205280084309198_3786097758609188519_oClick on the poster to be taken to DSAPI Facebook Page for Registration Forms 

February 8, 2015:  

United for Down (FREE Clinic)  

8am-5pm 

Crown Plaza Manila Galleria

Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City

Team Gellibean continues to grow in love and support each year for the Happy Walk.

Team Gellibean continues to grow in love and support each year for the Happy Walk.

February 22, 2015:

13th Happy Walk

7am-4pm

Skydome, SM City North Edsa

Registration Fee:  P50 (FREE for Individuals with Down Syndrome)

The staff of Mango Tree was extremely supportive and patient with all of the girls as they learned their jobs for the day.

The staff of Mango Tree was extremely supportive and patient with all of the girls as they learned their jobs for the day for Dine for Down last year.

February 27, 2015:  

Dine for Down Take 2  

6pm 

Highlands Prime Steakhouse in Pasig
If you would like to know more about DSAPI and the activities we will have all month long please visit our Facebook group.

If you would like to know more about our association:

DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILS., INC. (DSAPI)
2nd Floor, 6372 Agrifina Building
Camia corner Meleguas Streets
Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City, 1211 (near Rockwell)
Contact Numbers: (63-2) 895-36-06 / Tel/Fax: (63-2) 895-96-42
E-mail: dsapi@hotmail.com
Yahoo Groups:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dsapi/
Office Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00AM – 6:00PM

Best Buddies will be supporting DSAPI in our month long celebration. To learn more about Best Buddies and how to become a buddy visit Best Buddies Manila Facebook page.

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Comments

  1. amor magtibay says

    February 1, 2015 at 11:23 am

    Hmmm… i just wish DSAPI can have one activities be duplicated in other areas like ours.. we would like to always take part in DSAPI’s activities, but the distance wouldn’t allow us…. i am a mom of a cute and adorable 16 month old baby with DS…. i myself would like to participate with the advocacy of spreading the word about down syndrome…. coz i really believe that the more people who are aware of the condition, all the more that our babies will be easily accepted and loved…. but i find it difficult coz i don’t have the time and resources to do so…l do the advocacy in social media sites only… and from time to time, i do it at work….

    • michelle says

      February 2, 2015 at 8:23 am

      Hi Amor. Thanks for stopping by. You can always create a community where you are. Batangas isn’t that far and since the only time we really call on our DSAPI family to get together is The Happy Walk, maybe you can try and make it with other people from your area? I think, even if you can’t make it, just by bringing your baby out and around and then answering questions when people have them…you are already creating an awareness and fostering acceptance for all of our children!!

  2. Peter A. Ressa says

    February 1, 2015 at 8:23 pm

    I am so proud of our little Gellibean and her parents and siblings!

  3. Stephanie says

    February 6, 2015 at 12:06 am

    Just found your blog this morning, thanks to my friend, Megan (My Stubborn Miss) and her guest post! I’m mom to Owen, who is 5 1/2 years old and has Down syndrome too. He is also half Filipino-American–my husband is a 1st generation Filipino-American; his parents were both born in the Philippines and moved to the US as young adults in the 1970s. I am a blogger too over at http://www.thesumulong3.blogspot.com.

    • michelle says

      February 6, 2015 at 7:56 am

      Hi Stephanie!
      So thankful for this online community of Mommas who have kids with an extra chromosome. It was actually, my saving grace when Evangelina was born. It was what helped me survive the long nights at home while Gelli was in the NICU recovering from her corrective surgery for Duodenal Atresia. After prepping my three big kids for bed, and tucking everyone in, I would curl up with my breast pump and my laptop searching for parents like me who were sharing their story in cyberspace. Owen’s birth story sounds much like Gelli’s and I’m not sure if I had the choice I would change the fact that I didn’t know…but I sure would change the way the doctors and nurses delivered the news of T-21. I have many things to be thankful for because of the birth of my daughter…even this blog…I’m not sure I would have had the courage to put myself out there, if it weren’t for sharing little pieces of her and our family and our journey.

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It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

#tistheseason #seasonofgiving #downsyndromeawareness #aintnothingdownaboutit #upsyndrome
I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Th I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Through this learning exercise with @usapeecphl, I have learned a bit more about these little birds that have bigger breast parts, and thank you Chef @ivoryyat for showing me how easy it is to prepare Greek Lemon Roasted Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes.
 
Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
Interested in U.S. Cornish Hens? You can buy them in stores near you. #CornishHen #USCornishHen #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ad
@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

#workinprogress #wasdelicious #giabaked #puratosph #gavinosph #anyonecanbake
@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
****GIVEAWAY ALERT*** 10 things I LOVE about @sed ****GIVEAWAY ALERT***

10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

1. Each property has a Signature Dish. If you can’t make it to Bacolod, you can still enjoy Chicken Inasal in any of their properties.

2. Clean Design. So easy to work and play in a space that is light, modern, and clean in design. 

3. Beautiful views. Every chance I got, I would sit outside at @straightupatseda. 

4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

5. Attentive Service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating.

6. Centrally Located. If you are thinking of fun things to do in Makati and want a home base, Seda Residences Makati is near a few of the museums, parks, and malls.

7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

8. Relax and Play. From mid-day tubbies with Gelli to, taking advantage of the pool, or the children’s room, the little girl had more than enough things to keep her busy!

9. #FamilyTime. Spending an extended amount of time outside our own space led to laughter, fun conversations, and opportunities to try new things. We were comfortable and rested in the space we were in, which meant more opportunities for us to connect.

10. Homegrown with a Purpose. A Filipino brand that understands the importance of both work and travel, each property is important to the city & province location. Environmentally aware by adopting Mayumi, a Philippine Bald Eagle. 🦅

Want to win your own staycation at #SedaResidencesMakati?

Up for grabs is one night in a ONE BEDROOM DELUXE for two persons with breakfast!

Here’s how to enter to win:
1) Follow @sedahotels 
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3) Tag a friend (or more) who love(s) staycations too!
4) Comment why you should win this staycation treat!

Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

#Thanksgiving
Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

@sedahotels 
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Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
Frozen U.S. turkey products are available and ready to cook for people who want to dabble with flavors for this bigger bird but aren't sure how.
 
Thank you to Chef @ivoryyat for putting together a medley of my favorite fall flavors. This combination of apples, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup perfectly compliment  the roasted turkey leg and remind me of flavors and scenes from back in New York. 
 
@usapeecphl l has the highest standards that follow USDA requirements which are certified safe before shipping to the Philippines. Get them in stores near you. 

#ad #Turkey #USTurkey #Thanksgiving #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ServeTurkey #EatTurkey
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