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Advocate Best Buddies Special Needs

Namaste Best Buddies

 

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Best Buddies International is an organization which fosters inclusion and acceptance for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities through friendship. With eight different programs that begin when children are in middle school and continue all the way through adulthood with job placement, and the chance to later become ambassadors and promoters.

There are so many wonderful things happening for Best Buddies Manila.  In fact, Best Buddies Manila has kicked off the start to the school year with some exciting prospects! Aside wrapping up our second group activity for our Peer Buddies, we have some new developments with some local schools.

We are so excited that DLSZ will kick off their SAFE program with the "End the R Word" Campaign. Pictured here are the Guidance Counselors who will be spearheading the soon to be Best Buddies Special Club for the 2014/2015 school year.

 Pictured here are the Guidance Counselors who will be spearheading the soon to be Best Buddies Special Club for the 2014/2015 school year.

We are so excited that DLSZ has asked Best Buddies to kick off their SAFE program with the “End the R Word” Campaign. In addition to DLSZ, we are also speaking with La Salle College of San Benilde, and Xavier to being chapters and clubs into their schools as well! We are receiving so much positive feedback from these schools that it gives us all great hope in pairing partner schools who have a SPED program so we can start budding friendships on their way to facilitating inclusion.

My friends Anj, Neva, Dan, and April are the people who make the magic happen with Best Buddies. We all have a personal interest in supporting this organization here in Manila and it’s because of our loved ones that we know and understand that being involved in this organization is worthwhile.

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For our second group event, we were able to bring the kids together to play through yoga. I was really excited about kicking off this second event for the Best Buddies Team, because I wanted to have fun with everyone in a safe environment, facilitate some budding friendships, and introduce yoga in a fun and exciting way.

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More than anything…Best Buddies is about building a community. This is what we do when we attend Yoga classes too. We build a community. Photo Credit: Imagine Nation

I figured that many of the participants would have minimal exposure to yoga prior to our Namaste event, so I planned to keep everything light and fun. Between Anj, April, Neva, and Dan, I knew we would be able to pull off  lots of fun for the kiddos.

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Photo Credit: Imagine Nation

We were so very fortunate that Yoga + agreed to sponsor our event, because this meant that we could have everyone meet in a location central to many of our participants, and no one would have to purchase a yoga mat for us to have fun together. Adding an expense to an activity can sometimes be a factor in the amount of attendees that will turn out for the fun that we plan, so Yoga + agreeing to sponsor the venue and mats for us- all the participants had to do was show up ready to have some fun.

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It was a wonderful afternoon filled with some Yoga Games which further reinforced the budding friendships from some of our previous meetings. My boys and I had fun playing through yoga and I was reminded again how fantastic I feel after teaching a class. Teaching is hard. It’s not an easy job, but what I do know is that it feels great to be in the presence of such a wholesome and healing energy. The community we are shaping now for our children will only get better as we breakdown stereotypes and move towards a more inclusive society and culture.

Buddy Boat Pose  Photo Credit: Imagine Nation

Buddy Boat Pose
Photo Credit: Imagine Nation 

This whole activity was so much fun because we were all playing our yoga games and getting to know one another. The benefits of a regular practice can be seen for pretty much anyone who practices. From adults, to babies, and children with special needs. If you are considering enrolling your child in yoga, your best bet is to find someone who is certified in a program that involves extensive training.

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The kids were able to work on some mandalas. Coloring these mandalas is meditative. I have often lost myself in coloring when this is our activity in class. Photo Credit: Imagine Nation

Some of the many benefits of practicing YOGA include:

  • Facilitates self awareness.
  • Strengthens muscles and improves posture
  • Improves confidence and social skills
  • Improves coordination and flexibility
  • Provides a greater sense of connectivity to the world
  • Improves digestion and circulation
  • Reduces stress and anxiety
  • Improves the mind body connection
  • Provides the base for a healthy life of well being

Kids make better life choices when they are more aware. Whether the choose to eat better, they sleep better, or are more in control of their emotions, yoga can provide the time needed to explore oneself physically and emotionally. This exploration of oneself leads to greater understanding, awareness, strength, and coordination.

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Photo Credit: Imagine Nation

Making healthy choices is not only about exercise and getting the right amount of sleep, it is also about choosing what we put into our bodies. 

Juju Eats was generous enough to sponsor three different juices for each of our participants.  We are so grateful that JuJu founder, Kat Azanza, saw the importance of a healthy snack after yoga for our Buddies! 

Thank you Kat for your generosity! The kids (and the parents) all LOVED the juices. They were the perfect thirst quencher after an hour and half of yoga!

Thank you Kat for your generosity! The kids (and the parents) all LOVED the juices. They were the perfect thirst quencher after an hour and half of yoga! (Pictured here are Pineapple with Chia Juice, Buko Juice, and Orange Juice)

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You can find Yoga+ on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Yoga+ in Makati

3F Cambridge Center

Tordesillas Corner Gallardo Street

Salcedo Village

 +63-2-847-0697
 +63-927-558-1829

You can find Juju Eats on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Makati Branch:
G/F BCS Building, 2297 Chino Roces Extension

Hours: 10AM – 9PM Monday to Saturday, 10AM – 8PM Sunday

Eastwood Branch:
G/F, Le Grand Tower 1, Union Street

House: 10AM – 11PM Sunday to Thursday, 10AM to 12AM Friday to Saturday

You can find Best Buddies on Facebook and Instagram.

Sources for benefits of yoga for children:

  • http://www.yoga4classrooms.com/benefits-of-yoga-in-schools
  • http://www.gaiamtv.com/article/yoga-special-needs-children
  • http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-3817/7-Benefits-of-Yoga-for-Kids-with-Autism.html
  • http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/210

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In honor of #NationalSiblingDay... • • • • In honor of #NationalSiblingDay...
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Excited to be part of this international gathering Excited to be part of this international gathering of women! @strongertogetherevent is less than a two days away! Mommas from all over the globe will gather for some #RealTalk. We will open up to share struggles and triumphs with other mommas through candid conversations where participants can get real answers to their questions about this crazy ride that we call motherhood. There is strength in numbers ladies!!! Sometimes all we need is to hear someone else’s story to know we are on the right path. Sometimes we just need to hear someone else’s story to know that we are not alone in our frustration, our fears, and the smallest of victories. 
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Swipe left to see the schedule and the speakers, the healing modalities, and informational sessions on how to find your groove as a momma of a kid who may be extra. If you want to purchase your ticket, click the link in my profile and use the code MISH (case sensitive) for a $5 discount!
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This conference will include mommas with podcasts, mommas who have written books, shared their truths, walked together and walked alone. #YouCanSitWithUs too. 
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I’m so pleased to announce the mommas who will get to attend this conference with me! 
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Thank you @sineadquinnofficial @justwhenyouthinkshesdown and @elle.frazzetta for making magic happen for the following mommas:
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No school yesterday, means pajamas all day at Nina No school yesterday, means pajamas all day at Ninang’s place. I haven’t had the mind to work at all. I lost one of my sorority sisters earlier this week, and someone very dear to our family yesterday morning. I have been doing my best to focus on this little one, keeping her busy, and having mindful conversation with her. Reminding myself to stay present and grateful through this overwhelming sense of sadness and loss. I find myself having these little conversations through out the day with Jesus. Thanking Him for His sacrifice, and for the most meaningful Easter, I have had in a long time. I try not to question the loss and the pain that I know so many of our friends and family are suffering. But I’m human, and well, no one looks forward to loss 😔
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I keep coming back to the idea that there is purpose to the pain God allows for us. And the promise of something beautiful when we have lived a life where we do all we can, for His Glory. In this conversation I had with a Friend late last night, I shared this newfound understanding that recent events provided for me. It is through all of this loss that I have learned how grief and gratitude can both lighten and anchor my heart at the same time. That I can be grateful to have experienced the gifts of friendship and sisterhood yet grieving the loss of a human being who was luminous, generous, and Godly in everything she did. 
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And this little girl reminds me. Reminds me of His Grace. Of how precious each moment is. And how when she sees us full of sorrow, that we may need to dance. And we did that. We danced. We danced for @faithoverfearheal, prayed for everyone who has suffered loss in this very difficult season, and thanked Him for His Grace and His Love. 
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Even through the tremendous loss, I am reminded that God has a plan. And that there is a circle of life. Gelli and I celebrate Savi’s first birthday with his giveaway craft from @antspocketph that @sinfullysabrina sent out last month. We crafted, celebrated, and were able to remain thankful even through the most difficult of times. 🙏🏻🌹💙💛
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#gritandgrace #love #HisPromise #faith #Jesus #ThankYouJesus #loss
I have been so blessed by friends that share their I have been so blessed by friends that share their talents with me. I have never been so talented with paint or the arts, but I can appreciate all the work that goes into honing these skills. Especially, when it reminds me of the reason why I started blogging almost 9 years ago. Thank you @gingdsantos for this #Bespoke #Watercolor #Painting. I am humbled by your gift and the thoughtful note you scribed. This is such a beautiful representation of me and my beautiful @gelliaventajado. 
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Good Morning IG Peeps! Happy Hump Day! What’s on your list to check off today? 
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Remembering last week’s brunch that we enjoyed w Remembering last week’s brunch that we enjoyed while watching worship service. Pinwheel sausage from @santisdelicatessen @usblueberriesphl @realcaliforniamilkphl cheese @bountyfreshph eggs salted pretzels from @lartizan @hummingbirdspreads and @ilovewhisk jam was perfect with our ciabatta too. And because I realize that alcohol has been affecting my digestion lately, we switched over to a little sparkling @welchs_ph to add to our meal. 
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Read all the way to the END!!!
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@strongertogetherevent is a gathering of women from all around the globe sharing the triumphs and trials of their very special motherhood. We will come together because we know there is strength in numbers, in sharing, and how our stories are intertwined and intersectional. The raw gritty parts of motherhood, burnout, and the mountains we face can only be faced with our faith and women by are side who really “get” where we sit, stand, and fight for our children. Women who know that we sometimes struggle to own our own identities, and self care, too. Want to join the LIVE conversation? 
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Up for grabs is a total of 8 tickets to attend the LIVE event which will include panel discussions, talks from celebrated authors, and advocates in the differently abled community!!!!!There will be healing sessions, yoga classes, and talks on wellness and self care to help us navigate our motherhood in current times. I will announce the two winners on Friday, April 9th! Good Luck!!!
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Naked Sea Salt Chocolate Cake by @gi.aventajado fo Naked Sea Salt Chocolate Cake by @gi.aventajado for Easter Sunday. She has perfected this delicious recipe. From tweaking the cake to mastering the ganache, I think she has it down right perfect! 👌🏻❤️🍫
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Struffoli. • • • • Little chewy round bal Struffoli. 
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Little chewy round balls of fried dough coated in honey and rolled out with a hint of citrus, generously topped with rainbow non-perils.
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This sweet tower of dough would always come out after Christmas and Easter dinner with the Sambuca or the Grappa, when I was growing up. My mother’s table would have ham and Turkey, stuffing and pasta, eggplant and sweet potatoes. We would celebrate Easter Sunday together with my Titas and Titos, my Nana and my Lola, and all my cousins. My Dad would take his place at the head of the dining room table which was extended into the living room by saw horses and a make shift table top that he built for family gatherings when we had overflow. 
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Our gatherings are smaller now. But they are filled with so much more meaning. I was able to rest. Spend time in the kitchen with my best girls, break bread with my sister, face time my parents, and #BingeJesus by watching @thechosentvseries all afternoon with @manila.gent. 
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Happy Resurrection Day!
Christ is Risen!
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This is my Team. We are not perfect. But we belong This is my Team. We are not perfect. But we belong to each other. Thank you Lord for making it so. There are so many things happening in this world right now, that may not make sense without our faith. 
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Loss. Suffering. Pain. Sickness. And as the realities of the pandemic are giving us so many more reasons to be thankful, I am clinging to His promise. His Love. And the understanding that He has plans for us. So we will do our part, stay safe, and take this time to reflect while giving thanks, and being mindful. 
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Holy Week has never been so full of reflection as it is for me now. Praying for my friends, my family, our frontliners, and all of those affected by COVID19. 
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Perhaps the wisdom that comes with age and life experience in your faith, involves knowing and understanding that the extreme emotions of pain and loss, grieving and gratitude, joy and happiness CAN exist in the human heart all at the same time. Not taking any of His gifts for granted. 🙌🏻
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@bountyfreshph Chicken Fingers and Honey Mustard D @bountyfreshph Chicken Fingers and Honey Mustard Dip made by @migaventajado with ingredients care of our #Easter #Basket from @momzillaph. As March is coming to a close, I am thankful for all the women I have met because I started blogging who are passionate in their purpose. I am thankful for Best Buddies and the successful month of awareness activities we mounted with partners who believe in what we do. And I am thankful that my family is safe and sound. Stay safe IG Peeps. Stay Home. Stay grateful. 
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Praying for all of our friends and family who are struggling with this virus right now. My heart is breaking but I know we have a Big and Mighty God. He can move mountains. Make miracles. And raise Jesus from the dead.
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