Music is the key to the soul

Last February 22 2013, McCann Philippines hosted a music event that supported an adoption advocacy. Love Sees Beyond Differences, is an adoption advocacy campaign that was launched last November 29, 2012, that aims to eliminate the negative stigma that adoption has held and to promote adoption in the country. The music event started with a mass which was presided by Fr. Armand Robleza SDB and continued on with a concert of various of OPM artists and appearances from our nation's leaders.

                             

Erik Santos voiced out a heartwarming song.

A short inspirational message was given by Undersecretary Dinky Soliman.

Jamie Rivera

Nay

Jeffrey Hidalgo dedicates a song to his younger brother.

Moonstar88 sings Torete

UST Student Volunteers

The night was filled music and smiles. Everyone enjoyed the sound as it rung from the string of the well toned guitars and the beat coming from the tap of the stick against the skin of the drum. The crowd had a wonderful night. 

author: Pat U.

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

A Bigger and Richer Family

“The time when we first met Felice, we fell in love” says Mrs. Nenita Santos, an adoptive mother. Mrs. Nenita shared their journey on adopting Felice, their adoptive daughter, last January 12, 2013 in an interview we held at their lovely home in Makati.

            We asked them how they met Felice and if there was this certain spark right at that very moment they’ve been with her. Ironically, according to Mr. Bobby Santos there was no spark at all. The connection between him and Felice just grew stronger eventually. Mr. Santos’ was actually a bit hesitant at the beginning because they didn’t know how demanding and time-consuming the legal adoption process was. He was also very open in admitting he wasn’t 100% sure he’s on board with the whole adoption idea. However, with the helpful encouragement of their social worker and the grace of the Lord, he says that he was really enlightened that he put all hesitations behind out of love because he realized he really wanted to push through with the process. He really wanted to give it a chance. He knew that he and his wife wanted to give their overflowing love to a child who deserves it. Because in fact, there are a lot of children who are still living in foster homes and feels neglected for not having a family who wants to adopt them.

            True enough, Felice had been a blessing to them and vice versa. Before Felice, they shared how they were in fact a happy couple. But things changed now that Felice had come into their lives. They seem to be even more excited because of the good and bad things that continue to surprise them along the way. There are three of them now - three different people with three different moods, attitudes, needs and wants. But the love was there. There was an abundance of love. That was enough for them to go through any challenges they may encounter as family. And if not for Felice, they wouldn’t be here to tell their story. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sonny Santos

By Erica Doria 

DSWD Gives Support to Solo Parents Who Want to Adopt

There are no stereotypes, first impressions, and discrimination when it comes to adoption.

Who says that adoption is for couples only? The Department of Social Welfare and Development [through Ms. Sally Dagulo] expressed and extended adoption by supporting and giving assistance to solo parents now. Ms. Dagulo said that the solo parents should have the right motivation for adopting a child and can provide all the love and care the child needs.

DSWD also wants to lessen the misconception of adoption; one is the idea that adoption is for couples only; second is that adoption has a preferred sexual orientation and third is a long, difficult and expensive process. The DSWD is meticulous, but the process is not that complex, according to Dagulo. The DSWD is also pushing for legal adoption, which gives a child the same rights as a biological child of the adoptive parents, including the right to use their surname.

Speaking of a free sexual orientation, DSWD is gender-sensitive and does not judge the prospective parent based on his or her sexual orientation. As long as the applicant meets all the requirements and has shown the proper motivation for wanting to care for a child, he or she will be considered. Moreover, religion is also not a factor in allowing someone to adopt, she said. Religion only comes into consideration when the child to be adopted is over 6 years old, when the child usually already practices a religion

Adoption is not a measure of who you are and how much you have as a person. Adoption is heartfelt decision. You do not owe anybody an explanation, why you decided to adopt. As long as you are capable to raise the child and equip him with the positive values, that is more than enough of what is expected from you. To open your hearts is already an effort, but to raise the kid in a good family is a great leap. It is a good news that DSWD is very willing to help solo parents and couples look for a child that is matched to them. The government agency doubles their effort not just to provide families to abandoned kids, but to also shelter love and care to them.

By Catherine Cenal

(Full news article: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/144071/adoption-open-to-singles%E2%80%93dswd)

DSWD and Adoption

“Sana mawala na ang mga bata sa mga institution. Dapat may pamilya sila,” – Atty. Dulfie Shalim (Director of the DSWD’s Program Management Bureau)

When I was in my 4th grade, we went to an orphanage [Association de Damas de Filipinas]. In my mind, I was wondering, we were suppose to go to a park or to a mall or to a theme park but why are we here. Imagine a flock of innocent 10 year old boys and girls roaming around the orphanage, checking out the rooms, the playground and the kids. I was not a noble person that time, I pity the kids for they do not have parents to love them. My heart almost melted because babies were also left at the Association.

As a 10 year old girl that time, I was vulnerable to emotions because the idea of losing my parents was never entertained. Now that I am fully aware that more and more kids are left in orphanages, emotions have no room, because an open heart and mind are what they need.

According to a report from Karen Galarpe of GMA News, DSWD Undersecretary Parisya T. Taradji, said that they have facilitated the processing of the legal adoption of 6,558 children from 2006 to 2011, or an average of 1,300 children annually. On the other hand, Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB), has placed 4,406 Filipino children for adoption in other countries from 2000 to 2011, said Taradji, yielding an average of 400 Pinoy kids adopted by families abroad yearly. But these numbers are still insignificant because many children are still in orphanages or child care agencies, and it would be for the best interest of the children if they can be placed in the care of families legally, the DSWD said.
Adoption Consciousness Week had gone (Feb. 4 to Feb. 10), DSWD with the theme ““Isulong! Legal na Pag-aampon,” according to them it was very timely, given that many children are being abandoned these days. DSWD and ICAB felt that the “lack of awareness” about the legal adoption process maybe the reason why there is no increase in fosters and adoptees. Pepito de Leon, who adopted two children with his wife Flor more than 20 years ago, said he tried to convince friends to consider adoption when they have a hard time having a baby. Moreover, he said that “it is still difficult to convince people to consider adoption. There is a lack of knowledge and awareness, and there are fears that these children up for adoption may be children of incest, rape, or have a problem with their parental history,”

Atty. Bernadette Abejo, ICAB Executive Director, explained that “those are children. We shouldn’t lump them as children of GROs, children of crime. These children are not at fault. Ang problema ng parents, hindi problema ng bata.”

The process of legally adopting a child may involve several steps, but these are done to make sure the child is placed in a family that will best serve his or her interest.
Shalim explained the steps as follows:
1. Application. Interested adoptive parents will have to go to the DSWD office nearest them or to a duly accredited child placement institution. They will then be required to attend an adoption forum at a DSWD Field Office or at the Kaisahang Buhay Foundation and Norfil Foundation, both licensed by the DSWD to receive and process domestic adoption. After that, they are asked to submit required documents to the DSWD, Regional Trial Court, or child caring agencies.


2. Preparation of homestudy report. A social worker will interview and visit the home so she can evaluate “the parenting capability of prospective adoptive parents and capacity to provide for the best welfare of the child.”

3. Approval/disapproval of application

4. Matching or family selection. The National Child Welfare Specialist Group will deliberate on cases
.
5. Pre-placement of child. Information about the child is shared with the prospective adoptive parents.

6. Placement. The social worker will bring the child to the prospective adoptive parents.

7. Supervised trial custody. During a 6-month period, a social worker will visit the home regularly to monitor the adjustment of the child and parents.

8. Finalization of adoption. The social worker will recommend that a Consent to Adoption be issued and signed by the DSWD Undersecretary for Operations and Capacity Building Group. Prospective adoptive parents then hire a legal counsel to file the petition for the legalization of adoption and represent them in court.

9. Issuance of adoption decree. The Court issues an Adoption Decree and Certificate of Finality.

10. Issuance of an amended birth certificate. The Court will forward a copy of the Adoption Decree to the Local Civil Registrar for preparation of the amended birth certificate.

11. Post-adoptive services. This will be provided by the social worker as needed

I don’t think the legal process should haunt the interested families. One, the process is a must, everyone who wants to legally and clearly adopt a child must undergo the step. DSWD and other agencies have clearly stated that the process would safely transfer the kid from an orphanage to a family. Second, after the process the end result is priceless and truly worth it. Seeing a new member of the family is indeed more than the process the family had gone through. It will be an overwhelming feeling to give the child a humble abode and a loving family.

Every abandoned kid deserves a shelter and unconditional love.

By: Catherine Cenal

(Full news article: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/247444/lifestyle/people/adopt-children-legally-dswd-urges-families)

When Stars Shine Brighter

Hearing stories of celebrities adopting kids mean a lot to me and mean more than anything else to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Who would have thought that superstars would be very much interested in adopting? Big names like Nora Aunor, Claudine Barretto, Judy Ann Santos and Kristine Hermosa are some celebrities who have stood up and proudly declared love to their adopted kids.

Teleserye Queen Claudine Barretto has been very open to the public about Sabina. Sabina luckily came to the couple years before their biological son was born and no doubt that love and care is equally divided and shared to them. Fortunately, Claudine did not do it alone because DSWD was there when they had to tell the truth to Sabina. Claudine assured the public that all the papers were already settled, it was easy to fix the papers but to tell Sabina the truth is a different story. Claudine already plead to the public that words should not carelessly come out of their mouth at the end of their journey they want every bit of information to come from them. DSWD is very helpful to their family; they facilitated seminars and counselling on how to properly tell your child that they are adopted.

On the other hand, another Teleserye Queen by the name Judy Ann Santos have already disclosed to her adopted daughter Yohan the truth. 'You didn't come from mama's tummy. You came from mommy's heart and we really prayed for you' this were the exact words that Juday uttered when she had her serious talk with Yohan. Unlike Sabina, Yohan is very aggressive and very confused that she had to ask her mother more questions when she knew about the truth. It was normal not to have a good relationship with Lucio [Santos’ biological son] but at the same time it was a time for adjustment for Yohan.

Superstar Nora Aunor’s story is not new to everyone. Her adopted kids Lotlot and Matet never questioned their mother but soon found their biological parents. Lotlot already met her mother few years back but it was only last year that she found her dad. It was very emotional for her because after long years of waiting she found her biological dad. Lotlot admitted that looking for her dad didn’t mean to replace La Aunor, it was the idea of looking for her identity that pushed her to look for him. Matet, on the other hand, is already fulfilled and contented of what she has become and what she had receive from La Aunor.

These stories are priceless, you think you only saw them acting out scripts and dialogues. These are real stories, these are not teleseryes or telenovelas. I know there are still a lot of celebrities who are just finding the right time to become more open in the idea of adoption, some may have adopted kids but are not yet ready to disclose it to the public. But, I hope in the near future they will also be able to declare their love for their adopted kids.

By Catherine Cenal

A Step Towards Change

One does not see a person and instantly know what that person has been through, all that he is about. An outside observer could always judge and say something after one look. After all, if someone is a stranger, it is not usually the case that one cares.

Adoption can be considered a taboo in our country. It is not always talked about. It is even avoided at times. People are not always proud of the fact that they are adopted, or that they are a part of an adoptive family. Still, there are people who are very well open to this matter. These are the people who know the truth about adoption. These are the ones who can proudly say that adoption is merely a word, not a reason to differentiate one from another.

December 7th of last year, I got the chance to be a part of an adoptive families sharing program in the McCann Worldgroup social lounge. Guests from government and child-caring organizations like the Center for Family Ministries were present. One of the speakers was Sen. Pia Cayetano who is a foster parent herself and soon to be an adoptive parent. Adoptive families were there to share each of their stories. A lot of issues on adoption and the stigmas were raised. More importantly, the adoptive parents were able to inspire all who were part of the event with their stories.

Ms. Cecile Gabutina-Velez, vice president managing partner of McCann Worldgroup, expressed how their company worked with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Inter-country Adoption Board in order to start the "Love Sees Beyond Differences" adoption advocacy campaign. She said that the most prevalent stigma on adoption is "hiya" which is the primary thing the advocacy wants to address. The adoptive families sharing program is a fitting step towards softening the stigma.

Witnessing all these people and families come together in one place so that others can learn from their stories did not only teach me. It also made me think of all the possible things that people can achieve through a collective and real effort.

Even if it will take a long while, change can happen for those who try.

Senator Pia Cayetano

Mr. Mike Tripp is one of the adoptive parents.

By Paola Brinas