Popular singing group takes up the Down Syndrome cause

MANILA, Philippines – It is understandably difficult for some parents to accept that their children will, in some ways, be different from the others. While Down Syndrome does have certain implications on the child’s growth, what parents need to know is that it will not prevent them from leading normal lives.

Down Syndrome or Trisomy 21 is a condition wherein a child has one extra chromosome number 21, totaling 47 instead of the normal 46-chromosome-count, and this affects the way his/her body develops. A child with Down Syndrome has certain physical features, such as a flatter face and upward-slanting eyes. They may also have trouble learning. However, this is in no way a hindrance for them to live normally — in fact, many kids with Down Syndrome are able to go to regular school, make friends, and even work in regular jobs when they get older. In short, detection and awareness, as well as getting professional support as early as possible are the key things that will make all the difference.

In the Philippines, Down Syndrome is not at all unheard of; in fact, one out of 800 Filipino children has it. There’s a group that supports these children and their parents. The Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI) is a non-stock, non-profit organization founded in 1991 to offer support for families with kids that have Down Syndrome, as well as initiate, develop, promote, encourage, and support programs and projects concerning the condition.

DSAPI chairman Elmer Lapena believes that there is a great need to further awareness on Down Syndrome in the Philippines as many parents, while having heard of the condition, don’t really know what to expect from someone who has it. “In spite of several studies and research on Down Syndrome, there are still a lot of people who really don’t know what it is. That’s why there is a real need to constantly come up with public information campaigns about it,” he says.

Since its start, DSAPI has successfully undertaken different programs and projects, including parent counseling; seminars and lectures; referrals to doctors, therapists, and schools; and library access.

This year, popular Filipino vocal group The Ang4Gettables (Dyords Javier, Bimbo Cerrudo, Pinky Marquez, Isay Alvarez) will show its support for DSAPI and its members by holding a fundraising concert for them on April 24, 7 p.m. at the GSIS Theater.

Entitled Kantahan, Katatawanan, Kayang-Kaya with the Ang4Gettables, the concert will feature the group performing song numbers from different eras and genres, encouraging Filipinos from all walks of life to keep finding reasons to smile despite difficulties in life, such as the current economic crisis. This concert also serves as a celebration of Ang4’s 15 years of friendship and partnership.

For ticket inquiries to the Ang4 concert Kantahan, Katatawanan, Kayang-Kaya (KKK), call Greenlight Entertainment & Services Inc. at 721-2266, 09159942010 or 09178008524 or Leslie Fangonin of the GSIS Museum Office at 859-0395, 479-3588 or 09173738685. Tickets are priced at P1,500 for Orchestra 1, P1,000 for Orchestra 11, and P500 for Balcony.

For more info on Down Syndrome, visit DSAPI’s website http://www.dsapi.org. Or visit its office on the second floor, Agrifina Building, 6372 Camia corner Meleguas Streets, Guadalupe Viejo, Makati City (near Rockwell). Or call 895-9642 or 895-3606; e-mail dsapi@hotmail.com.