Thomasians speak up: What adoption is for them

Margi Fajardo, College of Fine Arts and Design Major in Advertising

With this experience I was able to appreciate more the family I have now. As early as 18 years old I already have decided that I would adopt when I grow up and have my own family. And being part of the Love Sees Beyond Differences campaign it convinced me enough to actually want to solidify that plan in the future. Also, it actually enlightened me somehow on the process of adoption.

 Hans Lagman, College of Fine Arts and Design Major in Advertising

After attending the music event last Friday, I watched and observed how the families with adopted children acted. Adoption isn’t about whose blood you carry, or having different bloodline, it’s about who you love and who loves you. It’s all about taking care of each other no matter how big the differences are between you and them. 

Venzerie Bernabe, Faculty of Arts and Letters Major in Communication Arts

It has become clear to me: adoption is a kind of love worth declaring. Adopted children should not be ashamed of being such, because it means that they are lucky to have a family that will guide them and love them as they grow old. Adoption promises light, a good future, and everlasting love. It is something very beautiful, not something to be ashamed of. 

Rencie Baluyot, Faculty of Arts and Letters Major in Communication Arts

I learned that adoption should never be a subject of shame or embarrassment, but of love, gratefulness and hope. 

Cy Aquino,  College of Fine Arts and Design Major in Advertising

Attending the music event is really a great opportunity for me. Well, as I saw the parents and children in the event, I was very moved. I can see that they really love their children so much. Another thing, these parents are like angels sent from above, giving endless love to the children they adopted. As what Ma’am Dinky Soliman said, “Coming from the stomach is not the important thing, it’s loving from the heart.” I’m thankful for the parents that provide love and non-stop support to all their adoptive sons and daughters. 

Love Sees Beyond Differences: An Advocacy Campaign on Adoption

Last Friday, February 22, 2013, I was given the chance to be a part of this event as a student photographer. It happened in Terra 28 Park, Bonifacio Global City. It was my first time to be a photographer for a music event and I had so much fun!

Love Sees Beyond Differences is an advocacy campaign for adoption to remove the stigma to adopted children. This year’s Adoption Consciousness event is brought to you by Department of Social Welfare and Development, Inter-Country Adoption Board and McCann Erickson Philippines. Adoption is a love worth declaring! :)

Here are some of the photos that I took in the music event.

 Thank you to Sir Velez(middle) for this opportunity! I’ve learned a lot :)  I think they are two of the official photographers for the event!

 Too bad some of the big local artists that are supposed to be part of this event are in Clark! It includes Ogie Alcasid and Gary Valenciano. Nevertheless, I sang my heart out while taking the artists' photos!

Celebrating Adoption Consciousness Week through Good Music

An adoption advocacy has never been this fun.

As part of the adoption campaign “Love Sees beyond Differences” of DSWD, ICAB and McCann and as part of the celebration of Adoption Consciousness Week, a music event was held at Terra 28, in front of Active Fun building, on November 22, 2013.

I was able to listen to OPM artists and singers who I love like Jaime Rivera, the UP Concert Chorus Alumni, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Ney, Erik Santos and Moonstar88. I was so happy to hear and see them sing live, especially when I think that their performances are for a cause.

My friend Rencie and I were star struck by Moonstar88, and we sang “Torete” and “Migraine” like it’s our concert, too!

University of Santo Tomas students are enjoying Moonstar88's "Migraine"! 

The soothing voice of Erik Santos made the crowd relax.

Jaime Rivera sings her heart out 

UST students had a photo opportunity with Moonstar88!

Another good thing about the music event is that I was able to discover talented artists. They are Triple Fret, the trio who played classical guitar; the pretty Chadlyn Lacdo-o, the charming Luigi D’ Avola and contemporary singer Timmy Pavino. All of them serenaded us with music of various genres, something that the audience (and I) truly enjoyed.

It rained pretty hard that Thursday night, but it did not stop us from having fun and appreciating what the event is truly all about.

Heart wrenching stories were shared by DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman and Jeffrey Hidalgo, who came in the concert with his adopted brother.

The adoptive families who are part of the campaign were also there. The heavy rain that Thursday night did not falter their happiness in being part of the program. They were recognized and were given caricatures of their families, too, which were made by students from University of Santo Tomas College of Fine Arts and Design.

As a closing number, the artists sang the official song of the “Love Sees beyond Differences” campaign, “I Love You Anak,” which was composed and sung by Mr. Ogie Alcasid.

For me, the greatest thing in this music event is that it brings adoptive families together. Seeing the adoptive parents holding their kids lovingly while smiling and singing with the artists is such a wonderful sight. The event bring closer ties in a way that they show people that adopting a child or being adopted is nothing to be ashamed of. They remove this negative stigma that the society imposes on adoption. 

Indeed, the event was fun-filled and gives people hope and love.

By: Venzerie Bernabe
Photo credits to: Patrick Uy and Nikki Rudi