Find out how these celebrities express their love and support for family members who are differently-abled.
In an interview with Kris Aquino, she discussed the way she is raising her eldest son, Josh, who was born with autism. According to Kris, letting go of the “denial phase,” showing love and accepting his condition is the most essential part in caring for a child with special needs. She said, "Kailangan talaga as a family, you let go of that, because you really have to accept. You also have to accept that there will be so many limitations."
She also pointed out that having Bimby as Josh's brother keeps her at peace. "Parang bina-balance ni God in that sense. Because I think Bimb came into my life because I needed someone that I am sure can be there for Kuya come what may."
Candy Pangilinan discussed her life as a parent of a child with special needs in her book, "Mommy Dear: Our Special Love." In the book she revealed that she was able to learn how to give unconditional love specifically to her son, Quentin. "It's not only for parents with kids with special needs. It's for all human beings who know how to love and hope and want to be inspired and live a better life."
Vickie Rushton and her brother Kian's lunch date story became viral last 2017 and netizens named them as "sibling goals." In an emotional Facebook post she disclosed how much she loves her brother with Down syndrome. She said, "Seeing how happy he is right now and throughout the day. How I wish I can stay here beside him so that I can take him out more often. The only time he can leave the house and eat in restaurants is when he is with me. To those who don't know, my mom is blind so it's really hard for them. I want him to be happy. I want him to enjoy life. An angel like him deserves a good and a happy life."
Andrea Torres is a protective sister to her brother Kenneth Torres. The Kapuso actress revealed in an interview with GMA Network's Heart Over Hate campaign that she will always protect her brother against netizens who attack him. She said, "Kung ang normal na artista sinasabi [na] huwag niyong gagalawin 'yung family ko, [how] much more sa akin doon sa kapatid kong special child kasi siyempre he cannot defend himself... Mas nasaktan ako sa isang bashing na hindi sa akin nakatira or nakadirekta [kundi] sa kapatid ko."
Ruby Rodriguez revealed that she is a proud mother to Don AJ after he graduated and qualified for junior high school. The 'Eat Bulaga' host is beaming with pride when she declared the good news in her social media account, "Proud Mom moment!!! Yes Don Aj you did it! Children with learning disability has more obstacles to conquer. Special children who have dyslexia exert more effort, double time to comprehend what they are reading. The fact that you are moving up my boy, we are so proud of you. Know that we will always support you in all your endeavors."
AJ's sister, Toni Aquino, defended him after a netizen dropped negative comments. She said, "Before you even dare to speak, tignan mo pagmumukha mo sa salamin and umayos ka. Okay lang ako na insultuhin mo ako pero pag ininsulto mo na kapatid ko at tinawag na abnormal, mali 'yun."
Karen Davila is among the celebrities who learned unconditional love for having a family member with special needs. In an interview, the broadcast journalist admitted what she went through as a mother to her firstborn, David, who was diagnosed with autism. She said, "Alam mo, the real one person who taught me how to love was David. You have to be so patient with children with autism. They don't respond like regular children. Sometimes when the intervention is not full, they cannot show your love back. There were very painful times when David was around five, he was not hugging me, not saying I love you, he could not look me in the eye. And nothing is more painful to a mother."
In Karen's recent post, she said that David just had his moving up day and will be in Grade 11 soon.
Sofia Andres always uploads sweet photos and videos with brother Bryan in social media. Bryan who was diagnosed with Down syndrome is considered as a special blessing to the actress. In one interview Sophia said, "Love na love ko 'yung brother ko na 'yun."
Ara Mina referred to her sister Mina Princess Klenk or Baching as her lucky charm. Mina is her younger sister who is diagnosed with Down syndrome. The actress admitted that she considers having a sister with this condition is both a challenge and a blessing. "Kasi nung wala pa siya sa buhay namin, ilang audition ako hindi ako natatangap. Nag-audition ako sa Ang TV, hindi ako natanggap kasi wala pa siya. Tapos, nung pinanganak na siya, nag-audition ako sa That's Entertainment, pumasa ako."
Ara also stood by in her belief of being saved when you have a family member with special needs. She said, "Kasi sa pagkakatanda ko, kahit Christian ako, narinig ko na pag nag-alaga ka ng mga special child, parang masi-save ka na."
Bangs Garcia's brother Ayi was born with Down Syndrome. In this photo, Bangs proudly shares the achievement of his brother training for a job at a coffee shop. She wrote: "My brother Ayi's first #payenvelope kunwari from @cafeamarela yesterday after his job training. He doesn't know that it's actually from me. It's great to give him an incentive so that:
1.) he'd know that he's actually doing a great job and he would continue being a good trainee/employee
2.) he would know the feeling of having a real job
3.) he would enjoy the satisfaction of WORKING HARD for something and getting rewarded for it
4.) it'll boost his confidence
5.) it'll give him a sense of purpose