A Mind-Blowing Experience

It was August 17-18, 2008 when I joined the Youth Leadership Training for Person's With Disability held at Hope Mountain, Ulas Davao city. It was a 2 days seminar funded by the Liliane Fonds Philippines in cooperation of the Maharlika Charity Foundation. Attended by 15 differently-abled persons and it aimed to boast the self-esteem and the leadership of each PWD in their own communities. The 15 PWDs comes from the different regions in the country.

It was actually my first seminar together with my fellow PWDs.  Way back high school days, I am not really at ease and comfortable to be with this group of people (as if i'm not one of them).  Yes, that's true. I didn't even want to be of friends of them 'coz I feel pity for myself and I feel so insignificant. Seeing their situations also really makes me feel sorry and it really breaks my heart. And I realized that it was just part of the pride inside in me that it was just part of the denial phase of any person struggling. In short, di ko pa tanggap ang sitwasyon na merun ako (at that time). I believed it's really in us (PWDs). I mean, we really encounter this stage of ours and its tough.

Almario's Bedroom at PSID Class 2012 Exhibit

Booth #11 - Abot Kamay

This bedroom was design to be a handicap-friendly bedroom inspired by Naprey Almario (yours truly), and the needs of someone with a disability. He is a teacher, a friend to all, a brother, an active charity worker, an ex -PBB Housemate and a voice for people with disabilities, but most of all a person that represents hope.

Functional and aesthetically pleasing, it is a space that reflects the personality and lifestyle of the individual. It is a sanctuary where he can relax, unwind but still be productive, a place where he can be himself.

PSID Advanced Class 2012 Exhibit

       The Philippine School of Interior Design (PSID) marks its 45th year with “Gabay: Dibuhong Umaakay,” the graduation exhibit of the PSID Advanced Class of 2012, on September 29-October 31, at the former Super Sale Club. In cooperation with SM City North Edsa Interior Zone and the National Council for Disability Affairs, “Gabay” showcases 20 different spaces designed in creatively planned solutions. 

          PSID has been known to produce groundbreaking exhibits that become the benchmark of interior design exhibits in the academe. This year’s exhibit delves into a topic rarely discussed in interior design: livable yet stylish spaces for the blind, the deaf, the mute, the crippled, and the elderly.

     There are 24 spaces will be divided into four main areas: “Tanaw” (for the visually impaired), “Dinig” (for the hearing impaired), Galaw (for the elderly), and “Tindig” (for the orthopedically-challenged). The goal is to create environments for the persons with disability that will help in their healing process as well as assist the physically impaired and geriatric in their homes and assure their safety while providing comfort and style.