The Autism Society of the Philippines-Iloilo Chapter (ASP-Iloilo) had a photo workshop last January 4, 2009 at Racso’s Woodland Resort, Guimbal, Iloilo and the Photographic Society of Iloilo (PSI) was privileged to be part of this workshop. The members volunteered their time & knowledge of photography for this special project.
The aim of the workshop is not only to teach the children the art of taking photographs but also time for the family to bond together. For us photographers, it was also an opportune time to give something back to society through photography and forge new friendships.
Weeks before the workshop, there were a lot of questions raised among ourselves. Were we equiped to teach the children? How do we communicate with the children? Will they be receptive to what is being taught to them? But we all knew that we will be part of something special. We had members who were always absent during our regular meetings volunteering to join the workshop. We knew that the workshop will be on a different level… one that touches the heart.
On the day of the workshop, all questions were extinguished when we met the children. Most of the children were really into taking photos and really enjoyed the activity. I can really see in their faces the joy of taking pictures. They were even more happy when got to see their photos printed! At the end of the day, it was inappropriate to call them our “wards”, they are our new found friends.
We were all glad to be part of this heart-warming activity… A kind of activity that we always want to be a part of…
The PSI would like to share some of the photos during the workshop…
Group photo of ASP-Iloilo and PSI.
Romil showing his sister some of his photos.
Romil taking a picture of his mom.
Romil composing his photo while mom looks on.
The entire family looks on Romil while he’s preparing to shoot.
Jonathan with Mom.
Toto striking a wacky pose with Mon & Dad.
Raprap gives a kiss to his sister.
Jason & Doc Ruben (PSI) goofing around. I think Jason mistook Doc Rubens nose for a telephone dialer 
Angelo showing me the shot he took.
Bianca checking out her photos while Mom looks on.
Toto asking for a copy of photo with mom.
Jonathan saying a little prayer before the start of the workshop…
Romy (PSI), Christian and Mom all set to start the workshop.
Angelo showing his photos to his sister and friend
Cora (PSI) and Jonathan anxiously waiting for the prints from the Canon Selphy.
That’s me with the family of Angelo.
Angelo with his aunt.
Angelo having fun at the monkey bars after the workshop.
That’s me with Angelo unwinding at the playground after the workshop.
Jonathan gives a kiss to Doc Cora (PSI)…
Jason taking a souvenir photo of himself & Teacher Resy.
Marky checking out his photos in the computer
Jason with Mom
Edith Jardeleza (ASP-Iloilo President) and her daughter playing house…
Toto and his mom
Doc Ruben (PSI) giving some pointers to Marky before the start of the workshop.
Doc Malbar (PSI/right) teaches Jason the basic operations of a digital cam. Doc Malbar’s wife, Gina (left), looks on.
Doc Therese (PSI) with Mavis and mom.
Jonathan & Doc Cora..
Doc Israel (PSI) checking out Toto’s shots.
Romy (PSI) helping out Christian compose his shot.
Yours truly getting to know Angelo before the start of the workshop..
Rap-Rap gives a high five to Paul (PSI) after being introduced.
The sister of Rap-Rap helps out..
That’s me taking a photo of Angelo showing his shots to his aunt..
Paul showing Rap-Rap the basic operation of a camera as Rap-Rap’s sister looks on.
Carlos (PSI President) giving Romil an orientation of the basic camera operations.
Toto taking a photo of me
Rap-Rap having a conversation with his sister
Mavis with Doc Therese (PSI)
Romy (PSI) explaining to Jonathan and Mom the details of the photos.
Doc Cora having a light moment with Jonathan.
Jonathan & Dad uploading their photos…
Doc Ruben checking out Marky’s shot
Mavis & Dad taking a photo together
Jason browsing through this photos
Chowtime!
Romil, Marky & Jason enjoying the food!
Doc Therese (PSI/right) having a conversation with Toto’s mom.
PSI members sharing photos. From left: Neil, Cora, Ruben, Malbar, Erwin & Therese.
Printing the photos of the children using the Canon Selphy printers. From left: Angelo, Israel, Christian’s mom, Jonathan’s mom, Romy, that’s me & Erwin.
January 16, 2009 at 2:25 am
thanks a million to all psi and asp who made this workshop a success. ang galing ng mga kuha… bakas na bakas talaga sa mga kids ang saya at tuwa… enjoy gid sila.. kag tanan…
January 14, 2009 at 11:26 am
Congratulations on the success of such a wonderful project! Way to go! I hope and pray that this won’t be the last. Other children like them need us..
May God bless you more!
January 12, 2009 at 11:26 pm
Hi Jowell!
No probs… I’ll try to get permission from the parents of the children if I can post their pictures. I do have it with me coz I was the one who prepared the layout for the exhibit. When I get their approval, I’ll post it asap. Thanks for your comments and I appreciate your suggestions…
Cheers, Jun
January 12, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Hello
Congratulations and may I say that you guys have done a great job! I liked how you captured the emotions of these kids who are misunderstood most of the time. My favorite would have to be the photo of Jason goofing around with Doc Ruben and the one with Rap-Rap and his sister. The second one gave me goosebumps :p
It moves me that some people like you still have the time for these “odd” people as some might address them, despite having to most probably juggle your work and perhaps their own family and social lives in the same life time. (I say it that way because I have never found time yet to do something like this, but I would very much want to.)
I visited John Chua’s studio a few months back here in Manila, and he promoted to us this very program. That’s why I got goosebumps when I saw your email at PhPhoto. I liked the photos you posted, though I can’t help but notice that something was missing? I remember “The Colors of “A” Spectrum” being able to show more of the perspective of the kids, on how he views the world around him and how those similarities and differences may bridge the gap between us “normal” people and the autistic children. I was just wondering if you could also include the photos of the autistic children who participated in the outreach.
I remember that the program started out with just one boy whom John met. He noticed that when the child took photos, it was in a different perspective, I thought it was amazing! I’ve taken quite a few snaps but I was still surprised at how the child had a very different way of expressing himself through photos. I don’t mean to barge in on you demanding and I hope it doesn’t come to you that way, but if you have them then you could maybe share them also
I just feel that it would also be wonderful if the other people who view your photo blog could see how autistic people view things.
Anyway, I’m looking forward to more of your posts like these, and I hope you continue to spread the love of God
God bless!
January 12, 2009 at 8:01 am
Heart-tugging! Keep on sharing the good work and God’s warmth and love. Thanks for sharing these pictures.
January 12, 2009 at 7:54 am
such a wonderful project. Congrats!