By Jojie Alcantara

“A month ago, I received an e-mail about this new thing to experience...all about a photo workshop/exhibit involving parents and their kids with autism,” writes Rinah Garrido, mom of Nico, aged 6.

“That was quite interesting on my part since I love to take photos. However, I did not take it seriously. I thought my son Nico is too young to get involved in this activity. Although lately, he is interested and insisting on taking pictures whenever I use the camera, I just don't allow him freely.”

Upon the insistent emails of Jane Gonzales, Davao’s project team leader of Colors of “A” Spectrum, Rinah gave in and signed up for his kid.

"COLORS OF “A” SPECTRUM" was the first photography workshop and exhibit for persons with Autism in Davao City held on November 22, 2008 at the Eden Nature Park and Resort.

Organized by the Autism Society Philippines, Davao City Chapter (ASP-Davao), the project was initiated by John Chua, a renowned and sought after advertising photographer who owns Ad Photo in Manila, and considered one of the best in the country. John and wife Harvey started a passion among volunteer photographers to make a difference in touching people's lives by advocating for autism through photography. He also encourages parents to participate in their children’s hobbies, particularly through art and photography.

John was very inspired after seeing his protégé, Ian Po, taking photographs of life around him. One of Ian’s images landed in the front page of Philippine Daily Inquirer. Ian was more than 20 years old, lives in a boat, and often has his life disrupted by seizures. But his photography meant the world to him, and it opened him to self-confidence and social skills. People who used to avoid or misunderstand him are now drawn to him.

After a successful event in Manila where kids and volunteer photographers had a workshop/exhibit armed with cameras lent by Canon Philippines, John contacted the ASP and photographers based in Davao for another hopeful venture. The response he got was quick.

Davao-based Rhonson Ng was tapped as the coordinator for photographers as he listed members from the Fanatic Photographers Society of Davao (FPS) and the Camera Club of Davao (CCD). In a three-way email that went back and forth among Jane, John and Rhonson, they gathered together 100 participants composed of 18 families of children with autism, 25 photographers/hobbyists, writers from our local dailies, Bulletin Today, and news reporters from ABS-CBN and GMA7. I was one of the volunteers.

Rinah recalls, “Indeed, we were amazed by the great support we witnessed during that day. We were so privileged to be working with Mr. John Chua, the FPS-Davao and known photographers who assisted the kids in taking pictures.”
“Mr. Dennis K. Tan, a photo-hobbyist here in Davao, was assigned to our son Nico. I thought he will not cooperate all throughout the day because when the activity is new to him, he is fascinated and disturbed by things that will catch his interest. Thanks to his mentor, Teacher Dennis was able to manage Nico and teach him new and easy ways of taking pictures.”

For ASP-Davao, the objectives of this event are to help children/adults with autism express their world through the pictures they take. This creates a higher level of public awareness and understanding about autism as well as opportunities for companies to carry out their corporate social responsibility. For the Fanatic Photographer Society of Davao, founded by Dexter Tan in 2006, this was the best opportunity to start their first advocacy project that meant a lot.
“With all the pictures taken by our son, we could not imagine that he also has this passion in taking pictures, aside from being a music lover. Although his grip, focus and handling of the camera is still not very proficient, we decided to find time to take him to places of his interest like the zoo and allow him to take pictures so his skill will be developed,” Rinah proudly continues in her email to other parents.

Tarhata Atienza, mom of 15-year old Omar (a born pianist and drummer with an IQ of a genius), speaks of her gratitude,”I asked Omar how he felt about the photo workshop and he answered, ‘I think the Autism Society Philippines is a very good organization because they know how to deal with special people like me. I really enjoyed the activity.’”

“A comment like that coming from my son, who seldom speaks his mind and who cares only about himself, computers, math and music, almost made my heart explode with joy. He is one person who does not care much about things and happenings that do not interest him. His heart and mind was really into photography that day. He was happy and he respected Teacher Morris Uy's expertise in photography.”

“From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for making all these good things happening to our family. Many times in the past, a lot of people had hurt Omar and our family that is why I have reservations in joining organizations. I now believe that there are many people who truly care for people like Omar, and my trust is renewed. People like the Fanatic Photographers, Morris Uy, and the ASP members. Now I can truly say that we are home.”

Photographer hobbyist Ana Caguiat sums it up tearfully, “When everyone started leaving, I talked to some photographers, and we all agreed that though these children might not remember us in some way, they will never be forgotten and they will have a special place in our hearts. They have taught us so many things.”

The major sponsors of this event were Eden Nature Park and Resort, Canon Philippines, Shakeys, Alsons Properties, Bachelor Express, SM Davao, Centrex, ABS-CBN, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Bulletin Today and more.

“The Colors of “A” Spectrum” is now launched as a nationwide project to elevate the communities’ level of awareness about autism, and to discover potential talents among the children. The photo exhibit of both children and photographers will be held on the 3rd week of January 2009 during the celebration of the National Autism Consciousness Week.

As for being personally touched by these wonderful children, my student, James Evan Pacheco, aged 13, has an artistic eye and a hearty laugh which bring tears of joy to my eyes. But meeting William Maugen Cabanes, aged 10, was a different story. His mom says William has a very strong memory and never forgets names. I noticed him moving around taking note of all our names.

Approaching me with a bedimpled wide smile, he said, “Jojie Alcantara, I know you. I’ve seen you on TV.” And he named the episodes I was in during my stint on ABS-CBN, even the short commercials. I gazed at him, astounded.

He looked at me in the eye, and declared innocently, “…you are my biggest fan.”

It was so true. From that very moment, I was his fan.

* * * *