• 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

Best Buddies

Playing Catch Up

I’m sad.

I had a bit of a problem last month with the blog.

I updated a bunch of my plugins and did all this technical stuff to keep everything neat and up to date, and somehow something went awry. Turns out some of the updates had bugs, we had to roll back the blog till the last update that was saved and left unscathed, which meant that I lost a bunch of posts on DS awareness.

I had plans of getting everything fixed and back up and running as quickly as possible. But as many of you know, life happens and things don’t go exactly as we plan.

The first quarter of the year is always the busiest for me. January is usually when we focus on Autism Awareness. February is reserved for Down Syndrome Consciousness Month as well as my son’s birthday celebrations. March is always busy because it is Best Buddies Month and believe, you, me, this month is just as busy as the two months that came before it.

I will try and catch up on the backlogged posts. But because there are so many other things going on, I wanted to at least get something out there so that I can tell you all just how much I have missed writing and letting you know what’s going on.

The most devastating thing is that I had a bunch of guest posts published and new ones queued for Down Syndrome Consciousness Month and I lost them too. Because I have those posts saved in other places, I can definitely revisit them and publish them at a later date.

But for now, I will share with you the week that was…

Last week was jam packed with Best Buddies Philippines events and I wanted to share them all with you now. 

It’s as if time escapes me every single day. I’m trying to fit in as much as I can while still managing the home and taking care of the kids. But to be honest, so many things are falling through the cracks.

BALANCE. BALANCE. BALANCE.

On Thursday March 16th, Best Buddies Philippines launched their first art exhibit with over 32 paintings all completed by artists with special needs. These acrylic on canvas paintings featured collaborations done by our Citizen Buddies during Vico Cham’s last birthday.

Since Vico has opened Vico’s Artism Gallery, he has welcomed artists of all abilities to attend art classes with teachers who can further the artistic skills of all individuals.

To learn more about the inclusive art therapy classes that Vico’s Artism Gallery offers, visit their FB page.

The featured artists will be donating 20% of the proceeds to Best Buddies Philippines to further inclusion through our friendship programs

On Friday of last week, we were able to train 8 new ambassadors. These 8 new ambassadors will join Vico, Jessica, and Ian in our roster of self advocates. They will attend Best Buddies events, and be given the opportunity to speak publicly at different events around the metro.

Best Buddies Philippines Ambassadors L-R: Jessica, Ian, Cojie, Randy, Nicey, Dacki, Andie, Clarence, and Vico

On Saturday morning we met with almost 60 new public and private school teachers. Jennifer Allen, our International Programs Director facilitated this training, arming these educators with the tools they will need to bring Best Buddies back to their respective middle and high schools.

How exciting is it that we had teachers from as far as Sorsogon, Lipa, and Valenzuela attend this training?

On Saturday night, Best Buddies Philippines was welcomed into one of Manila’s premier dance clubs for a Teen and Adult Dance Party that would have our Buddies dancing NON-STOP for four hours straight.  

This photo totally amazes me. These are our buddies, our parents, our faculty advisors, and supporters of Best Buddies dancing the night away (which they did for four hours straight) in a place that is safe, secure, and a real live nightclub. Not many of our Buddies have experienced this kind of dancing like you are totally free, and we are so thankful that Prive Luxury Club believes in our mission of social inclusion. They gave our Buddies an experience that they will remember FOREVER. 

The image that remains in my head from this evening?

Watching our Buddies laughing, grooving, and getting lost in the music, the lights, and the truth that everyone in that place “gets them.” We all jammed together. We all let loose and had perma-grin from all the good clean fun that we were gifted for that evening.

That evening? That was social inclusion at its BEST.

All for BEST BUDDIES.

Will still try and play catch up. I have so many hugot posts lined up. This year has been amazing and eye opening for so many reasons. We are coming up on graduation for all of my kids in the different stages of their educational careers. But for now, I will leave you with the fun that we had and our newly trained ambassador Andie who was rocking it out on the dance floor at Privé.

 

 

This is how our Ambassador Andie Cruz gets down during our Teen and Adult Dance Night @priveluxuryclubbing! #inclusion #priveluxuryclub #bestbuddiesasiapac #bestbuddiesdlsz #bestbuddiesph #bestbuddies #downsyndromeawareness #autismawareness #danceparty #dance #fundraiser #foundation

A post shared by BestBuddiesPHL (@bestbuddiesphl) on Mar 18, 2017 at 10:49pm PDT

Happy Best Buddies Month!

 

Best Buddies Philippines
http://www.bestbuddiesphilippines.com/
https://www.instagram.com/bestbuddiesphl/

Unilab Foundation Inc.
http://www.unilabfoundation.org/
https://www.instagram.com/projectinclusion_ph/

Vico’s Artism Gallery
https://www.facebook.com/Vicos-Artism-Gallery

Prive Luxury Club
https://www.facebook.com/PriveLuxuryClub/

Share this:

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

Related


« Pixi X ItsJudyTime
Vitamix Philippines »

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

  • Three Online Courses for Quarantine Learning
  • California Cheese and Beer Pairing
  • Safe Hands at SM Supermalls
  • Menu Planning with Lady’s Choice
  • Father’s Day with Sinfully at Home

Archives

Categories

Recent Comments

  • Peter A. Ressa on Inay Ko Po
  • michelle on 4 Ways to Cope with Enhanced Community Quarantine
  • Marycor Valencia on 4 Ways to Cope with Enhanced Community Quarantine
  • michelle on Dear 20 Year Old You
  • Liz on Dear 20 Year Old You

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @mommanmanila

mommanmanila

In honor of #NationalSiblingDay... • • • • In honor of #NationalSiblingDay...
•
•
•
•
#sibs #siblings #brother #sisters #love #family #ressagirls #fierce #familyfirst #teamgellibean #mytribe #ilovethem
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. 
•
•
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!
•
•
#Motherhood ain’t easy, but when we gather, the load is lighter. Even as women we are  #MoreAlikeThanDifferent. 
•
•
This conference will include mommas with podcasts, mommas who have written books, shared their truths, walked together and walked alone. #YouCanSitWithUs too. 
•
•
•
•
I’m so pleased to announce the mommas who will get to attend this conference with me! 
•
•
Thank you @sineadquinnofficial @justwhenyouthinkshesdown and @elle.frazzetta for making magic happen for the following mommas:
@akiko.guevara 
@trishcc 
@tatumi.ph 
@treyjav 
@jmieliz 
@momofhyperkids 
@ricamatajean 
@mommyloiscorner
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 😔
•
•
•
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. 
•
•
•
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. 
•
•
Grief
Gratiude
Grace
Love
•
•
•
•
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. 🙏🏻🌹💙💛
•
•
•
#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. 
•
•
•
•
Good Morning IG Peeps! Happy Hump Day! What’s on your list to check off today? 
•
•
•
•
#gellibean #artwork #bespoke #gingsantosart  #beautiful #motherhood #special #upsyndrome #aintnothingdownaboutit #love #momma #momlife #mywhy #moveph #friendship #watercolor #watercolorpainting #watercolorart
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. 
•
•
•
•
Brunch is by far my most favorite meal. We can put anything on the table and it works. What did you serve on Sunday? Did you order in? Did you bake? Cook? Grill? Share your favorite finds with me?
•
•
•
•
#lovelocal #brunch #brekkie #food #goodfood #fruit #easy #addeggs #delicious #lunch #imhungry
********GIVEAWAY ALERT*********** Read all the way ********GIVEAWAY ALERT***********
Read all the way to the END!!!
•
•
•
@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? 
•
•
•
•
All you have to do is:
1) Follow @strongertogetherevent 
2) Tag a momma who you know who you know needs this. (You can tag more than one.) 
3) Extra Points for sharing this post on stories and tagging @mommanmanila @strongertogetherevent @justwhenyouthinkshesdown @sineadquinnofficial 
•
•
•
•
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!!!
Thank you @elle.frazzetta for sponsoring an extra ticket when you purchased your own!!!
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! 👌🏻❤️🍫
•
•
•
•
#chocolatecake #cake #dessert #sweet #sweettreat #delicious #onmytable #chocolate #gavinosph #homemade #homebaker
Struffoli. • • • • Little chewy round bal Struffoli. 
•
•
•
•
Little chewy round balls of fried dough coated in honey and rolled out with a hint of citrus, generously topped with rainbow non-perils.
•
•
•
•
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. 
•
•
•
•
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. 
•
•
•
•
Happy Resurrection Day!
Christ is Risen!
•
•
•
•
#eastersunday #easter #italianamerican #italian #dessert #sweet #sweettreat #struffoli #frieddough #dough #honey #honeyballs
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. 
•
•
•
•
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. 
•
•
•
•
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. 
•
•
•
•
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. 🙌🏻
•
•
•
•
#latepost #family #teamgellibean #familyfirst #giamynina #miggymange #jbirdicusprime #gellibean #manilagent #mommanmanila
@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. 
•
•
•
•
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.
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 · Blog Design by Fancy Girl Design Studio

Copyright © 2021 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in