Fashion For Hope launched in New York

By Carol Tanjutco

Autism Hearts Foundation and the FAAB Team New York met at the Philippine Consulate General of New York (L to R): volunteers Julien Borromeo, Julie Babich, Lissa Sobrepena, AHF President Lynda Borromeo, Consul General Tess Dizon De Vega, designer Anthony Legarda, FAAB-NY Committee Carol Tanjutco, AHF Executive Director Thomas Natale, CA volunteers Sonia Delen, Bob Sobrepeno standing behind and Charlie Borromeo. INQ photo.

Autism Hearts Foundation, a 501-c(3) non-profit organization based at San Francisco, CA launched in New York its project Fashion Arts Autism Benefit (FAAB)  Fashion For Hope, to be held from April 3- 7, 2017 at Philippine Center, New York, with a display at the United Nations lobby. Founder Erlinda Borromeo and Executive Director Thomas Natale made the announcement to the local press members and community leaders.

FAAB will show the works of children affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The young artists will premier their hand-painted piña fabrics in New York at the FAAB International Runway, a product of the innovative art therapy program started one year ago. The Foundation itself was started when Erlinda Borromeo discovered that her own grandson was afflicted by the condition.

Erlinda Borromeo (center) relates her story of how she discovered her grandson with ASD at 18 months of age, Julien (seated next to her) is now 18 years old, accompanied by her husband, Charlie Borromeo (L). Consul General Tess Dizon De Vega pointed out the Philippine initiatives for autism awareness, Carol Tanjutco, Inquirer correspondent (R), interviewed the founder about the Autism Hearts Foundation projects and their family experiences with ASD..INQ photo.

Since its inception, the FAAB Project has gained noteworthy attention from national and international communities and organizations that share a similar mission to maximize the potential of children and adults with autism spectrum disorders and empower them to live meaningful and productive lives.

Autism is a neuro-developmental disorder that affects the person’s social, communication and behavioral capabilities creating serious challenges in learning and development. It knows no boundaries occurring in all racial, ethnic, and socio-economic groups.

The FAAB Project enables these individuals to courageously overcome such challenges by promoting healthy self-expression, building essential life skills and providing inclusive opportunities in the creative arts. The entire FAAB Project includes an educational art therapy program and a series of fashion shows. The program involves ongoing workshops where students produce original works of art on canvases made of piña cloth.

Children in art therapy are productive. Their hand-painted art works will be used by Patis Tesoro and Anthony Legarda in the upcoming New York fashion runway on April 7, 2017. Other works in canvas will be displayed and auctioned off for the benefit of children with ASD, by supporting the art therapy program in the Philippines..Contributed photos.

FAAB artist’s creations are transformed into fabulous outfits, gowns and accessories by distinguished fashion designers and brought to runways around the world from the Philippines to San Francisco and Geneva. On April 7, 2017, two renowned designers will collaborate, Patis Pamintuan Tesoro and Anthony Legarda, to show their collections at New York. A mini-show was presented last September 22 during the visit of Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial, a champion for autism and supporter of mental health program. View the youtube video: https://youtu.be/yr4ty_yBdD4

The FAAB International Runway Show is made possible through the collaboration of Autism Speaks, United Nations World Focus on Autism, World Health Organization, Philippines Mission to the United Nations, Philippines Consulate Generals of New York and San Francisco, and the Filipino-American communities of San Francisco, New York and New Jersey.