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Advocate Best Buddies

End the R Word with Best Buddies

I start this post feeling so super grateful. 

 

@bestbuddiesphl @bestbuddies @bestbuddiesasiapac This has been an amazing year for our family. There have been so many different moments brought together by so many different people which I know I will not soon forget. Christmas is only days away, and I confess that I am way behind on my gift giving for our friends and for our friends who are just like family. But this? This is probably the greatest gift I could have been given. I’m not just talking about the beautiful family that I prayed for. I’m talking about all of the people who have supported #Gellibean and the fight to #EndTheRWord. This is us. Shooting for the very first time with a #greenscreen and all done by the generosity of some very wonderful people. Thank you?? Thank you from the bottom of my Gellibean loving heart. ???? #bestbuddies #bestbuddiesasiapac #bestbuddiesphilippines #inclusion #downsyndromelove #downsyndromeawareness

A photo posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Dec 19, 2015 at 12:38pm PST

I’m sitting up in a bed with my loves surrounding me.  Everyone is asleep. Everyone is healthy. Everyone is under one roof and we have more than enough. We are blessed. Truly.  More than four years ago, we were gifted with the fourth child to complete our family, and SHE was gifted with an extra chromosome. That extra chromosome has rocked our world in every way possible.   

 

Us. A photo posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Dec 13, 2015 at 3:42pm PST

Gelli’s extra chromosome initially brought me to my knees in my faith. But as many of you know, it’s only by being brought to your knees, that you can you restore your faith into something greater than it was before. 

When we began sharing Gelli’s gift of an extra chromosome with our friends and our family, we got a few reactions.

  • We were told that having a special baby just like her would give our family an advantage in life. We were told that she was “lucky” or what people say here is “suerte.” 
  • We were told that “God gave us a special child, because we were special parents, and because we could “handle” it.”
  • We were told that Gellibean chose us to be her parents.

I think all of these statements may be a little bit correct. I do feel lucky. I’m glad she chose me to be her mom. And I think the advantage is perspective…

I was inspired to return to the keyboard today, but to be honest I have been so overwhelmed to sit down and write for the past three months. 

I know. I know. I have neglected writing here, sharing, and catching up on many long overdue posts because LIFE was happening. Sometimes, LIFE can do that. It can be overwhelming. 

There have been many a days in the past few months where I woke up so extremely tired feeling like I was chasing time and even like I was never going to catch up. I suppose that is what happens when you are a mom, who tries to do as much as she can, balancing life, home, parenting, family, and trying to contribute to something greater than herself.

I take so much inspiration from my sister. Thanks Maria for all your support and your love for Gellibean. She leads the change she wants to see...and I take my cues from both her and Gellibean.

I take so much inspiration from my sister. Thanks Maria for all your support and your love for Gellibean. Maria leads the change she wants to see…and I take my cues from both her and Gellibean.

These things… the things that are greater than myself? These are the things that usually provide the greatest inspiration…much more than I could have ever imagined. 

 

#BTS with @jaysantosphotography @bestbuddiesphl

A photo posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Nov 7, 2015 at 11:15pm PST

It’s things like Best Buddies and inclusion for people with IDD. It’s things like someone sending me a message through my IG account saying that she has stumbled upon my account and that she felt like she needed to reach out.

Thank you Ciella, for reaching out. Thank you for sharing part of your story with me. I cant wait to meet you in person.

Thank you Ciella, for reaching out. Thank you for sharing part of your story with me. I cant wait to meet you in person!

It’s meeting with Gellibean’s teacher, and learning of new antics, accomplishments, and anecdotes from her days in school. 

 

  After quite a long delay, we finally had our home visit parent teacher conference with our teachers from @thelittleapprenticepreschool. #Gellibean was so excited to host her teachers in her home! Can you tell? Thank you T. Maricel and T. AJ for coming to visit us!   A photo posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Dec 11, 2015 at 1:39am PST

It’s watching my eldest daughter navigate adolescence with the help of some really great girlfriends.

IMG_0521

It’s seeing my buddies in DLSZ finally start to make the connections that I hoped they would by opening themselves up to the idea that we are all alike in our differences.

 

@bestbuddiesasiapac #DLSZBestBuddies Patrick, Carlo, Mattheus, and Miguel stop and grab something to eat before exploring the fair. #bestbuddies #bestbuddiesasiapac #inclusion #friendshipgoals

A photo posted by BestBuddiesPHL (@bestbuddiesphl) on Nov 26, 2015 at 8:04pm PST

It is by asking for help, knowing it’s a long shot, but being gifted with many surprises a long the way by people whom you didn’t even know supported your fight.

Today, those long shots? They are what I am most grateful for.  I am grateful for everyone who helped put something very special together.

So many people that were behind during this shoot are responsible for making this PSA happen. I'm grateful for the Head of Media and Production, Beth, for making this shoot happen and for guiding us along the way.

So many people that were behind the scenes during this shoot are responsible for making this PSA happen. I’m grateful for Head of Media and Production, Beth, for guiding us before, during and after the shoot. She did this seamlessly with the help of her crew. 

From shooting in The Rappler Studio, to very busy people taking time out of their holiday schedules, to donate their time, talent, and energy into something greater…  

 

  Early morning shoot at Rappler with @maria_ressa @mommanmanila and #gellibean.   A photo posted by DAPHNE® (@daphneop) on Dec 18, 2015 at 7:44pm PST

The End the R Word campaign is so near and dear to my heart not just because I have been gifted Gellibean and she has been gifted an extra chromosome.

It’s near and dear to my heart because before I had Gellibean I was extremely insensitive.  

 

  These are only some of the young ladies who will grace the stage on October 7th @mangotreemanila for The FIRST EVER #Pageant for girls with Special Needs. For more information on #MissPossibilitiesPH and how you can purchase tickets to help further our cause of #inclusion #friendship and #BeautyKnowsNoBoundaries please follow @misspossibilitiesph here on Instagram and on Facebook. If you would like to volunteer or learn more about what we are doing, please email misspossibilities@gmail.com   A photo posted by Michelle Aventajado (@mommanmanila) on Sep 25, 2015 at 6:28am PDT

I am actually ashamed of how I was completely ignorant of the people I was hurting when I would use the r-word or words like it.

There is a big part of me that feels guilty about using that word before Evangelina, and maybe that’s why I feel like I need to educate people on the ill affects of using this word or words like it. Once you offer someone understanding and perspective, you offer them the opportunity to change.

And I suppose one of my greatest hopes is that when this short but powerful PSA is fully edited and out there in cyberspace ready to be shared and seen, that each and every viewer will want to take the opportunity to do the same. 

I hope that it will CHANGE THE WAY WE ALL VIEW LANGUAGE…

Imagine the good we would do if each viewer would change just a little…and maybe even influence others to change a little too?

Be on the lookout for our Best Buddies End the R-Word PSA…I’ll share it here with everyone once it is completed.

 

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Comments

  1. Peter A. Ressa says

    December 30, 2015 at 6:41 am

    Good for you Michelle Ann! Love you, Nino, Gelli and all the kids! Great article and I know you will be a big success as National Director of Best Buddies!!!

    • michelle says

      January 1, 2016 at 8:25 am

      Thanks Dad. Thanks for always believing in me.

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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.
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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!

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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
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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!
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