• 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

#Kuya McSaver Meals by McDo

Last night I went to bed with a big smile on my face. I was thinking about how I can feel changes coming just around the corner.

It all started a little more than a year ago with a young boy being noticed in quite a few print advertisements in the United States. It was the same boy who had been seen in some ads for Target and Nordstrom. Seeing the ads sparked a feeling of disappointment in me. Not for the young boy Ryan who has Down Syndrome-I was actually thrilled to see him up there in the circulars right next to the typical kids knowing that the retail giants didn’t make fuss over the fact that he was included in their campaign. It all seemed like it was pretty much the next step…RIGHT?  My disappointment came from the fact that  I felt that the Philippines was light years away from being able to boast of such inclusion in advertising.

And then this happened last night…

Before getting the kids ready for bed, Nino called us all over to see something he found on the internet. We all gathered around him while Gelli played on the floor.

He played this commercial for us.

We played it again and again. We probably watched it about 3x back to back. It made us all feel really good. In fact, my eldest son said “Mom, I think that’s the best commercial I’ve seen in a long time.” I completely agreed.

I have always wondered if staying here in Manila was a good choice for Gellibean. I contemplated leaving Manila after she was first born, thinking that I needed to be back in NY where I knew how things worked for special kids. Or at least where I had an idea of how they work…

I’m sure that there will be many days where I contemplate whether or not I’m making the correct decisions in raising ALL of my kids. I do this often. It’s what makes me…me. I don’t pretend to know everything, and I’m definitely not an expert at anything more than trying my best…but I do know what makes me feel good.

And this commercial made me feel good.

Kudos to McDonald’s and all those involved with the making of this TVC. Congratulations to Paolo for forging ahead with the support of his loving family.

Share this:

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

Related


« Coach Pia and One Core
Vanilla Rainbow Cupcakes »

Comments

  1. Ebong says

    July 18, 2013 at 7:55 am

    God placed you here for very special mission ! God bless you, your family specially Gellibean !

    • michelle says

      July 18, 2013 at 8:01 am

      Thank you Ebong! I do believe God has a special mission for all of us! Have a great day!

  2. Tiffany says

    July 19, 2013 at 12:34 pm

    Thanks for sharing this, Michelle. This is a beautiful post.

    • michelle says

      July 19, 2013 at 2:51 pm

      Thanks Tiff! It really is a beautiful commercial that totally tugged on my heart strings:-) Thanks for dropping by and reading the post!

  3. Nadj says

    July 22, 2013 at 9:58 am

    Hi, I’m nadj from adobo Magazine. I’m doing an article about McDo ‘Kuya’ TVC. Can I quote your blog in the article? If it’s okay with you po. Thanks!

    • michelle says

      July 22, 2013 at 10:31 am

      Yes. Of course Nadj. Thank you. Can you please email me the quote you will use and in what context? You can email me at mishaventajado@gmail.com

  4. Curious Cat says

    July 24, 2013 at 4:51 pm

    Hi, Michelle,

    I think you’re a great mother, and I love reading your blog. I’m about to be a mother myself, and I can’t wait!

    I have a question though. I read about Gellibean and that she has down syndrome, and I read some pieces about your family. This sentence caught my attention:

    “I have always wondered if staying here in Manila was a good choice for Gellibean. I contemplated leaving Manila after she was first born, thinking that I needed to be back in NY where…”

    Like what you wrote about contemplating leaving Manila for Gellibean. Would that move also benefit the other 3 children? (adjustment of moving, cost of moving from mnl to ny) How do you deal with making decisions for your special child, that may not necessarily be the best decision for the rest? And do the other kids feel that mom’s spending too much time with Gellibean and they get jealous?

    Being a mom must be hard, and having a special needs child might be even harder. Kudos to you! And I love the rainbow cupcakes. Makes me want to go to Sonja’s cupcakes now and get one. Hehehe

    • michelle says

      July 24, 2013 at 8:11 pm

      Thanks Cat for your comments and question 🙂

      First-Congratulations! I do hope you are enjoying your pregnancy. Motherhood changed me in so many ways. It’s a journey, and the beauty in that journey is that you are always learning…learning new things about your children and of course about yourself.

      I feel parenthood and the decisions we make for our children always have to be made with a balance in mind. After I accepted the fact that Gelli had Down Syndrome, I was able to find a support group which helped me navigate the unchartered waters of being a “Special Parent.” I continue to do my research and am grateful we were able to find competent doctors and therapists who both my husband and I were comfortable with in caring for our daughter.

      What I have found is that sometimes, because special parents are always researching for the most current treatments and therapies, we end up sharing information with each other to stay up to date with the best ways to help our children reach their full potential. I even found a yoga teacher who specialized in Yoga For the Special Child.

      I don’t think I would be the kind of parent I am, if I didn’t consider every option for my family and weigh those options with the whole family in mind. I try really hard. I know I’m not perfect…actually, far from it…but I also don’t beat myself up. Gelli helped me realize that I didn’t need to be perfect-I just needed to LOVE with intention and continue to live mindfully.

      As for the kids-I have always taught my kids that they are a “TEAM.” Gelli is the most precious member of their team and she has actually brought out the nurturing skills of my boys. My eldest daughter was always caring and aware of those around her, but my boys became aware when their baby sister arrived. No one was jealous. Actually, after each child was born I was sure to always include the baby before in caring for their sibling. My boys even researched how to change a diaper on YouTube before their sister was born so that they could help in caring for the newest member of our family.

      Now-don’t get me wrong, my boys fight and are pretty typical when it comes to the typical antics of siblings growing up…but none of the kids are jealous of Gellibean. (Thank God for that!) Even now, as I read my comment aloud, my daughter said- “You should tell her that we know that Gellibean needs a little more from you, Mom.” Plus-my kids are older already. My youngest was already 6 years old when his baby sister arrived. He understood what it meant to be the baby for 6 years-and now he gets to baby his little sister.

      Thanks for visiting Cat! I loved your question. It really made me think 🙂

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

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 
2) Follow @mommanmanila & @kitchen143 
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 
#sedaresidencesmakati 
#sedaat10
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
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · Blog Design by Fancy Girl Design Studio

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