The Palms Country Club at Angels Walk

By: Gina Bermudo, ASP Trustee

Autism Society Philippines (ASP) celebrated the annual “Angels Walk for Autism” last January 16, 2011, at the Music Hall, SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. Angels Walk’s aim is to generate public awareness on autism; as per Presidential Proclamation 711, declaring every third week of January as Autism Consciousness Week. This year’s theme is “Autismo Paghandaan: Maagap na Deteksyon at Interbensyon Isakatuparan”.

Angels Walk for Autism last January 2011

Angels Walk was attended by more than five thousand families, supportive friends, along with government representatives, movie stars, media personalities and different organizations from the public and private sectors; as well as active advocates of the Autism Community.

Most of the “Autism Angels”, as autism advocates are fondly called, were dressed in this year’s commemorative t-shirt, which display the words, “Thousands Walk Every January.” A brown haloed angel is prominently displayed in the middle of the green shirt – the color which symbolizes HOPE for children and families, dealing with autism. Each group held on to their banners/streamers, proudly displaying tarpauline sized pictures of their “special angel” or the organization/school they represent.

But in every walk or exercise, a warm-up is needed to gradually condition the body, before engaging in the “walk” proper; and of course, our children; Nico and Xandie, are no exception. Autism Angels from The Palms Country Club, Alabang led the low impact warm-up exercises, specifically designed for the event.

Thanks to the generosity of General Manager/Executive Chef, Mr. Hans Rudolf Neukom and Sports Supervisor, Mr. Rhoy Landicho; who has been consistently providing Autism Society Philippines (ASP) with fitness instructors for the Angels Walk for the past two years.

With an Autism-Friendly Environment and trained professional staff to handle differently-abled persons, The Palms County Club is truly a safe haven for families of children with special needs.

To Mr. Neukom, Mr. Landicho, Trainers Joel, Kristoff, Lota and Nina, “Thank you for being Autism Angels! We look forward to seeing you next year.”

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Gina Bermudo is currently serving as ASP Trustee. She regularly contributes articles to the ASP’s on-line blog and is mom to two special boys, Nicolas and Alexander. Gina is also a composer. Her songs are compiled in the CD called “Mga Awiting Alay sa Autismo,” a collection of heart songs for families of special children. To purchase CD "Mga Awiting Alay sa Autismo" call ASP Office at 7-903-5496. Buy Now!

For more information on autism and ASP services, please contact 7-903-5496 or visit our blog http://autismsocietyphilippines.org, Facebook, or Twitter. Email us at autismphils@gmail.com.

This article of Ms. Gina Bermudo is also featured at Palms Country Club Newsletter. Uploaded with permission.