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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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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
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