PWD Thanksgiving Celebration

Thanksgiving is not just limited to the American holiday. Since the celebration of Advent in the Judeo-Christian calendar started just recently, it marks the celebration of the Christmas season. Since thanksgiving is about celebrating with families, it is just appropriate that we should celebrate in our own way.

I arrived at Manila Zoo to join the Thanksgiving Celebration organized by the Photography With A Difference or PWD. These are group of photographers focused on an advocacy which in this case, the special children. The first thing I noticed was the different organizations represented that made this event possible.  Each group has a booth with different gimmicks from balloon making, face painting and art booths. The groups represented are Down Syndrome Association of the Phils., Phil. Society of Orphan Disorders, Inc., Ambassadors of Light, and a lot more.

The program started with the invocation national anthem led by the Ambassadors of Light and their very own Nelmida twins respectively.  Manila Zoo director Deogracias Manimbo and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim gave words of welcome in the facility and the city respectively.

Also present to make this event possible were PWD Advocate Leader Mr. John Chua, CEO of Canon Marketing Philippines Mr. Alan Ching, Engr. Bien Mateo; Chairperson of SM Programs on Disability Affairs and Mr. Tony Pasia; Representative of all PWD Organizations. I didn’t leave the place not entertained because each group the children represents has a presentation. 

The event was way better than the Western thanksgiving because it is like a children’s fair. I am amazed how eager the parents prepared just for this event.  I don’t have children yet but what does this experience taught me. Children are considered blessings. We can’t choose what kind of children we are entrusted to.  These children need our care and they have the same right to be part of the society as anyone else does.