Angels’ Walk for Autism 2009

This has been the greatest Angel’s Walk thus far! We’ve had an incredible amount of support from SM Management who gave us the Music Hall for free. Even Hans Sy was there. Geiser-Maclang gave us the press attention we needed. Leo-Burnett responded to our call for angels. Cong. Irwin Tieng was our honorary chairperson. Chairperson De Lima of the Commission of Human Rights gave a heart-tugging speech. Our friends from Autism Society Norway were also there. Even, Karylle Tatlonghari was there to lend her stellar support.

Karylle’s presence did cause a bit of stir from the star-struck angel walkers. I ended up being her security detail. As the paparazzi insisted on having their pictures taken with her, I had to keep them in order and away from her just so we everyone can listen to the wonderful speeches. It was only for an hour. It didn’t hurt but I will admit that I didn’t like acting like a heavy telling grown up people to contain themselves and wishing they would behave. Next time, I’ll be prepared. I will have at least 3 security guards on hand to help me with the paparrazi. I will allow children being photographed with the celebrities but the grown-ups will have to gut it out.

I’m glad that I didn’t hesitate to suggest this event to our VP back then, Chrissy Roa. Good thing she saw the merit of the project immediately. Even my father was impressed with the turn-out. We estimate close to 6,000 came. Not bad for 8 weeks of work. Work credit goes to our executive director, Ranil Sorongon, and our awesome Board of Trustees. Woohoo! Go, Angels!

Credit for poster design goes to Hazel Navarro of www.digital2design.com. Credits for the photos go to Ben Reyes of Leo-Burnett and Raphael Torralba of Withnews.org

Click on photo to see more of Ben Reyes' photos