Happy Hearts Day!

Be still, my heart.

Condura Run for the Dolphins 2010

After only one hour of sleep (It's a long story!), my friend and co-teacher, Ammy, and I got ready for our first race of the year: the Condura Run for the Dolphins 2010.

We woke up almost unwillingly when our alarm clocks shattered the silence at the unholy hour of 4:00 AM. On our way to Global City, we passed by a runner who was steadily moving along the highway. Wow. The guy made running look as easy as simply breathing. Without much preparation for the run except for a few jogging hours in the past weeks and walking in between daily commutes, we prayed to God that we'll be able to make it through our own races.

When Ammy and I arrived at the assembly area, we were amazed by the large number of people already gathered there. The public address system boomed to life the moment we stepped off the taxi. "Five minutes to gunshot for the ten kilometer race!" We quickened our pace and discussed on how we were to meet each other after completing our runs. Ammy was running 3K; I was going for 10K. While we hurried through the crowd, we bumped into our HR officer from the center where we work. She was also running 3K with her friends. I greeted them but had to go right away because it was almost time for the 10K race to begin.

They all wished me well before I weaved through the throng of people to stand somewhere near the starting line. As the 60-second countdown began, fireworks shot up into the black sky, which fired up the enthusiastic runners who couldn't seem to calm their nerves and tense muscles any longer.

Bang! It was time to go!

It is hard to describe what went on in my mind as I steadily ran the first five kilometers and half ran, half walked the last five. At first I was like, "Oh yeah! I can do this!" and then next I was, "What have I gotten myself into? Why did I sign up for 10K? I should have ran for just 5K." Although my head was somewhat throbbing because of lack of sleep before I even reached the halfway mark, I silently encouraged myself that I can finish this race.

I stopped several times for water break and walked when I needed to especially during the last five kilometers of the run. By now I knew well enough to listen to my body.

The part I didn't like the most about the race though was seeing plastic cups strewn all over the road near the water stations. I mean, does it cost more effort to drink water and put the cup back on the table where it belongs than to gulp water and splash the remaining contents of the cup before throwing it haphazardly on the ground? Seriously. It was contradicting to think that people would run for the dolphins, yet throw plastic cups on a whim. Yes, volunteers and organizers would pick up the trash when the event is over and maybe everyone's just trying to maintain their pace... but still. Bring your own water containers and tie them around your waist next time or hold the plastic cup until you run past a garbage bin or something.

Anyway, a more positive moment replaced the disappointment I felt with the water incident. The best memory I have of the 10K race was when I fell into step beside a man who was pushing a younger man on a three-wheel contraption that worked like a modified wheelchair. Part of our conversation went something like this:

Me: "Hi! Are you running with your friend?"

Man: "Hi! No, I'm running with my son."

Me: "How old is he?"

Man: "18."

Me: "Wow! It's great that you run with him. Congratulations in joining the race together."

Man: "Thank you! Congratulations to you, too."

Me: "Well, I probably shouldn't talk to much so we can conserve our energy. See you later."

Man: (laughs) "Okay, see you later."

Me: "See you at the finish line."

As he went ahead with his son, I noticed they wore the same white shirt that bore the words "Never Run Alone" at the back in red letters.

At that moment, I was inspired like I was never inspired before. I realized I was not running alone either. Someone else was running with me. God was running with me, cheering me on and helping me move forward when I needed a little push.

My unofficial time for the ten kilometer run is 1 hour, 15 minutes and 30 seconds.

I was the 1236th runner to reach the finish line out of 2110. Ammy also finished her race with flying colors. Praise the Lord! :) I am tremendously happy with the race results! It was a big personal achievement. (I mentioned that the time is unofficial because the marshals were not able to punch in our stubs right away. There was a five minute delay more or less because we had to wait in line after reaching the finish.)

When I ran for the five kilometer category in Race and Shine in 2009, I clocked in at 43 minutes and 14 seconds. This record time became my baseline time for the Condura Run. I figured that if I double the time of my 5K finish, that will be 1:26:28 - the time I need to beat for the 10K stretch... and beat the time I did.

But more than setting a new time record for myself, this year's Condura Run for the Dolphins proved to be an even better experience of discovering the many blessings of God.

International Autism Conference

"While we try to teach our children all about life,

our children teach us what life is all about."

- Angela Schwindt

The first international conference for autism held in the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Manila, Philippines from February 3-5, 2010 was a resounding success that shattered the silence surrounding autism. It was such an honor to be part of the three-day series of plenaries and symposia by respected experts collaborating to give further light to the mystery of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

The conference itself [as a whole] was very systematic and well planned for. The organizing committee's truly Pinoy approach was inspiring: name tags were placed in woven mat holders, staff members wore the IAC black t-shirt with a malong to match, and the conference kit was a canvas bag with the IAC insignia. The ushers and usherettes, hands down, were one of the most hospitable and pleasant people I have ever encountered. Furthermore, it was heart-warming to see the guest speakers wearing the Barong Tagalog (for the men) and the Kimona (for the women) on opening day.

The opening ceremony of the International Autism Conference (IAC) was graced by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the First Gentleman, Attorney Jose Miguel Arroyo, who presented an overall scenario of the current state of autism awareness efforts and diagnosis-intervention assistance being provided in the Philippines.

I especially appreciated the multidisciplinary perspective on autism that the conference provided for its participants. In spite of the various fields of expertise of each keynote speaker, all of them emphasized the importance of explaining and understanding autism holistically. It was very evident in how each leading expert referred to the other presenting lecturers' works or researches. Everyone is part of the solution.

As I was sitting on one of the more comfortable chairs at the upper level of the summit hall, for a moment, I looked back at my college days. I had no idea that I will find myself immersed in the world of autism as a teacher/therapist a year ago.

In 2004, the Psychology program that I enrolled in generally introduced me to three big fields namely Industrial, Educational and Clinical Psychology, which gave me a good overview of how flexible Psychology is as a field of study. After graduation, I took a year off to take a breather from my workaholic lifestyle and to reset priorities and set new goals. However, until now, I am still quite unsure which particular field I want to specialize in although I have pretty much put the Industrial field at the bottom of my list. I originally envisioned myself becoming a medical doctor but certain paths have led me to where I am now. I know doors of opportunities are still open, including the one for medical school, but I must go through the door to find out what lies ahead before they close.

IAC plenary sessions included the following:

• History, Screening, Assessment, and Diagnosis
• Medical and Co-morbid features of Autism
• Early Identification of Autism
• Diagnosis and Evidence-based Treatment of Adolescents and Adults with Autism
• The Genetics of Autism
• The Neurobiology of Autism
• The Epidemiology of ASIAN Autism
• Social and Neurocognitive Development in Autism
• Language of Autism
• Behavioral Management of Autism Across Settings
• Social Skills Training in Autism
• Interactive Discussion with Autism Speaks

Listening to the lecturers present data and research findings on these various topics gave me a renewed enthusiasm for subjects I found joy in studying like Neuroanatomy, Abnormal Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Human Exceptionality, and Experimental Psychology. In many ways, for me personally, the conference has helped me find a definite sense of direction again.

In my mind, I became sure that where I am is where I need and want to be. We go where we are needed the most.

On the very same stage where different important people stood to deliver their speeches during the first day of the conference, I had the once-in-a-lifetime chance to give the Address of Petition speech in behalf of the UST College of Science graduating batch of 2008. I faced parents, members of the UST administration, and faculty members of the College of Science as well. As I remember the moment, I know God has a purpose why things happened the way they did and why things are happening the way they are. With God's help, I believe I will succeed in whatever I wish to pursue. Nobody said the way to making a difference would be easy but it is not impossible.

"We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love."

- Mother Teresa

As a novice professional in the field of autism, I signed up for certain symposia that will help me establish a clearer foundation with regards to my work as a teacher/therapist in early intervention. I attended the symposium on "Designing and Carrying Out Early Intervention for 0-4 year olds" by Dr. Laura Schreibman and Dr. Sally Rogers and "Positive Behavior Management of School Age Children with ASD in the Classroom" by Dr. Laura Schreibman, which were truly informative lectures that offered me a lot of insights on how to deal with very young children with special needs.

My co-teachers from work and I approached Dr. Schreibman during one of the breaks and she was simply a delight to talk to. She said she wanted to visit the Philippines again and that she finds the country beautiful. :)

I also participated in the symposium on "Play and Imagination in Children with Autism: Guiding Social Experiences with Peers" by Dr. Pamela Wolfberg, one of the most passionate speakers in the conference. Her talk was very enlightening; it was a great reminder of the universal truth that children with autism are first and foremost CHILDREN. They need be cared for and loved just like any other child and that they also learn about world through play the way all of us did when we were kids.

For the culmination of the International Autism Conference plenary sessions, Mr. Michael Rosanoff, together with Dr. Andy Shih and Ms. Dana Marnane, presented the Global Autism Public Health Initiative. The interactive discussion was facilitated by the Chairman Emeritus of the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP), Dang Koe. It was a wonderful venue where pressing concerns regarding autism in the Philippines were brought out in the open.

"Autism Speaks is the world’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Its mission is to fund research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocate for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Officially designated a non-governmental organization (NGO) associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI), the first and only such organization devoted to autism, Autism Speaks is able to reach a global audience in its efforts to promote the dignity, equal rights, social progress and better standards of life for individuals with autism. In 2008, Autism Speaks launched the Global Autism Public Health Initiative (GAPH), an ambitious international advocacy effort designed to help countries around the world: (1) enhance public and professional awareness of autism; (2) facilitate research, including research that informs public health policy (e.g. autism prevalence); and (3) build capacity for autism services, especially in early detection and intervention. Through GAPH, Autism Speaks has already established partnerships with local governments, professionals, and parents in Central and South America, the Middle East, Eastern and Western Europe, South Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Rim. The International Autism Conference (IAC) will serve as the launching pad for GAPH-Philippines, calling attention to the unmet needs of the Filipino autism community and developing a strategic, evidence-based approach to improving the lives of all those affected by autism in the country."

I am truly honored to have been a participant in the International Autism Conference. It was an experience I'll always remember. Making myself more equipped in order to help children with autism reach their highest potentials is one way I can give back. Letting the world know that we can all be part of a solution is one way I can pay it forward.

1 A.D.

Hallelujah!

It is going to be exactly a year and one day in a couple of hours since my first entry for this blog. Honestly, I did not expect this online journal to last a year - but I sure hoped hard it would. Now that Adsum Domine has crossed the one year mark, I am all smiles and my heart is on cloud nine.

I have started and [eventually] ended several blogs in the past seven years for many reasons like lack of time, not so user-friendly hosting sites, difficult internet access and so on. In spite of the many challenges that the online world poses, I have convinced myself to look at them as little distractions to the real opportunities instead: opportunities to spread the Word, to touch lives, and to open new horizons.

2009 was an uphill climb but it was worth the struggle if only to see what's waiting at the top... and it was definitely a breathtaking view I'll never forget.

This year, it's time to take chances and defy gravity.

Help Haiti: Act now!

As unending talk about the Maguindanao massacre in the Philippines has slowly quieted down, I would like to join the rest of the world in praying for and providing for the people of Port-au-Prince, Haiti who were extremely devastated by the strongest earthquake the country has had in more than a couple of hundred years.

The death toll continues to rise and it is believed that casualties may even reach about 200,000 or more. The numbers are staggering and disturbing but we shouldn't be content with knowing mere facts and feeling overwhelming emotions. People in Haiti are dying. We must be moved to ACT now.

I do not have firsthand experience of the the tragedy that befell Haiti. I cannot even begin to describe even the littlest glimpse of what it feels like to be in the shoes of the people in Haiti now as they fight their way to live - to survive - amidst all the rubble and despair. I was not there when it happened. I'm not there right now.

But being far away or not having enough money are not excuses for just standing to watch, listen, and wait. We can all do something - big or small, it doesn't matter. Each one of us has something to offer:

• Donate to World Vision or Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres) and many other organizations that mobilize relief operations and rescue missions to Haiti.
• Volunteer to physically help and assist in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
• Raise money for the benefit of the victims of the earthquake.
• Make your community aware of the Haiti crisis happening right this very moment.
• Pray for lives to be saved and pray for those who are offering help to never falter in giving help to those who need it.

And the list goes on. We can all contribute and make a difference.

A few months back as the year 2009 was coming to a close, I have experienced first hand the wrath and aftermath of three successive typhoons namely Ondoy [Ketsana], Pepeng [Parma], and Quedan [Melor] that swept my country. It broke my heart and hurt my soul to see the people who were suffering tremendously from the calamities. Nevertheless, that did not leave me and many others helpless and hopeless. In fact, we were more fueled to deny ourselves and take up not only our crosses but our brothers' and sisters' crosses as well. Who else do we have but God and each other?

The world is getting smaller.

We are considered a global village.

What happens to one affects every one.

What will you do?

Travelogue

There's nothing like a long journey home to let my mind get lost in its own sea of thoughts.

While the things I think about seem to be permanently stuck at a certain point, the actual feeling of being in motion eases the furious battle in my head and assures me of a promise of moving on.

"If I could make these moments endless
If I could stop the winds of change
If we just keep our eyes wide open
Then everything would stay the same..."

The way is barred by many obstacles but I know that beyond all the red lights, the intersections, the toll plazas, and the heavy traffic - lies the goal, the destination, that makes the journey worthwhile.

"And I know that only time will tell me how
We'll carry on without each other..."

Twenty Ten

As one of my favorite songs, In Good Time by Jessica Sheely (Wedding Planner OST), goes: "Smile for the picture man, dear. It's another day, another dream, another new year."

Welcome to the year 2010!

Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

- Philippians 1:19-21 (NIV)

I pray that the new year will be an opportunity to know God, love God and serve God in a deeper way possible. I have set new goals for my self this year but I know that 'as man proposes, God disposes,' so may the Lord set the path and make the way clear for me beginning today.

For those who have new things to learn and old things to unlearn, for those who have habits to start and habits to break, for those who have ideas to keep and ideas to throw away, for those who have battles to win and battles to lose, and for those who have plans to starts and plans to end...

May the year two thousand and ten be kinder to us all. Namaste.