Since its first launch in 2000, the ASP Angels Walk for Autism, a long-running initiative of ASP, has grown into a collective call to action, bringing together communities nationwide across Metro Manila, Bacolod, Baguio, Butuan, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Lipa, Lucena, Olongapo, Tuguegarao, and Virac. 

“This year’s walk is about moving beyond awareness,” said ASP Chair Emerita Dang Koe. “We are spotlighting talents on the spectrum who are reaching for the stars with ambition and purpose while pushing for an Autism-OK Philippines where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.”

At the walk’s Metro Manila leg at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte was conferred with the Hans T. Sy Leadership Award for Autism Inclusion and Welfare. Book Nook was awarded the ASP Autism Works Employer of the Year. The ASP Autism Angel Achievement Awards, nicknamed A5, were also awarded to Cid Tampo, Rhav Lomboy, and Peggy Geiser, who garnered medals at the ASEAN Autism Games.

“We reflect on years of walking side by side in keeping with the theme ‘Aumbitious. Aarangkada. Aangat.’ towards a shared goal: impactful inclusivity. This journey calls us to evolve—turning aspirations into meaningful, transformative action,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.

Across the country, advocates renewed calls for the passage of the National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Bill, which seeks to institutionalize access to services, strengthen coordinated support systems, and ensure lifelong inclusion. The proposed measure aims to address persistent gaps in education, healthcare, employment, and community support.

According to WHO data, some 1 in 100 are on the autism spectrum. Current legislation seeks to institutionalize access to services, strengthen support systems, and ensure lifelong inclusion for Filipinos on the autism spectrum to address gaps in education, healthcare, and employment. At least 26 counterpart measures to the National Autism Care, Support, and Inclusion Act remain pending in the House of Representatives’ Committee on Health as of this writing. 

One of its famous and world-class festivities is the Masskara Festival originating all the way from Bacolod, the “City of Smiles”. Having been put to a halt for two years given the global pandemic, the province is more than ready to host its vivacious month-long celebration.

Home Credit, as the lifestyle partner of every Filipino, wants festival-goers, locals, and foreigners alike to capture a picture-perfect image of the festivity and make the most out of this year’s Masskara Festival through its wide product offerings for photography and videography.

Record the Masskara street dance and float parade hands-free

Fear of missing out on capturing Masskara Festival’s stars of the show – street dance and float parade? Never miss a good moment by setting up your smartphone or digital camera with a durable tripod to get steady shots with smooth pans and tilts. Going hands-free with a tripod, you are now able to fully enjoy the unfolding event in front of you and admire the skillfully crafted colorful gigantic masks by the Bacolodnons or the energetic dances of the youth in the streets.

Take selfies at the breathtaking tourist spots of Bacolod

If you’re a traveler as much as a festival-goer, you would certainly dedicate a good portion of your trip to visiting the scenic tourist spots in Bacolod City and the rest of Negros Occidental. Some of the good spots that the province has to offer are The Ruins, an ancestral home mansion of a wealthy baron in the 1920s; Lakawon Island, a 33-hectare white sand beach with clear waters; and Negros Museum, where historical and cultural artifacts of the province are preserved for the Negrenses’ sense of identity. With the breathtaking places, Bacolod has to offer, you want to make sure that you are able to seize it with a flagship smartphone with a good camera.

Capture your Bacolod food trip using a high-quality vlogging camera

After all the standing, strolling and cheering at the lively parade, food is the only possible cure for exhaustion! And so, don’t think the City of Smiles would lag behind other provinces when it comes to culinary. One of its trademark foods is its chicken inasal – marinated with a mixture of condiments and spices meant to explode in your mouth. While you’re at it, what better way to document hopping from one manokan restaurant to another than by vlogging it with a portable and top-notch digital camera?

Unleash the adventurer in you in the Masskara Cup Drag Fest

For all the adrenaline junkies, you have a place this coming Masskara Festival 2022! The city government has Masskara Cup Drag Fest lined up this year. Expected to set in motion in this event are drag racing, autocross, and cross-kart. To further build up the adrenaline rush, motorists and cyclists can now participate in a BMX competition. Recording rigorous activities like these calls for a reliable action camera so you would never miss out on recording the jumps and swerves when you fully shift into your element.

As the lifestyle partner of every Filipino, the country’s leading buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider Home Credit Philippines (HCPH), helps festival-goers elevate their Masskara Festival experience with essential photography and videography gadgets that can be purchased through hundreds of its partner merchants. All items can be purchased through flexible payment terms and low-interest rates— making preserving vibrant moments and celebrating the country’s history, culture, and traditions accessible for all.

Home Credit Philippines is a financing company duly licensed and supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). To learn more about the latest updates from Home Credit Philippines, visit their official website www.homecredit.ph. You may also follow them on their official Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok accounts.