Fun, food and camaraderie at SDEAS’ Partners’ Lunch and 25th anniversary

Wednesday, August 30, was a big day for the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) and its partners in opening doors of opportunity for the Deaf community.

It was a day of saying thank you to persons and companies that have helped SDEAS reach its 25th or silver year of serving the Deaf by providing them jobs, access to information and a means of expressing their talents and skills.

SDEAS Dean Nicky Templo-Perez showed up bright and early at Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle to welcome guests.   Deaf and hearing SDEAS staff in corporate attire joined hands to man the registration table, mingle with guests and usher  them in the hall where hosts Leo Sulse (Chair, Center for Academics) and FSL (Filipino Sign Language) faculty Maria Elena Lozada were waiting for them before the program started.

Vice Chancellor for Academics Geronio ‘Onyoy’ Ulayao was all smiles as he welcomed guests with a  short speech.

Short videos about how SDEAS’ community partners make life better for the  Deaf, companies that employ the Deaf, and how the school’s partners provide access to the Deaf were shown.

Elena herself attests to the fact she can now attend Sunday Mass and watch a play in the theater, thanks to the partners’ efforts in helping Deaf people like her gain access to information.

She also joined Silent Steps, a student dance group that  performed that day, to enhance her talent in dance.

Excitement was written all over Elena’s face and gestures as she explained why the plaque SDEAS’ partners and friends were about to receive were designed as such.

It’s shaped like fire to symbolize the passion for service and resource sharing for the development of the Filipino Deaf community.

The plaque is made of glass to show transparency of the partnerships and the sensitivity needed in dealing with issues about Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). It also reinforces the fact that all partnerships hinge on mutual respect and honesty.

The small clock at the upper left hand portion of the plaque, on the other hand, represents SDEAS’ history and the partnerships it has made through the years. It also represents upcoming projects with SDEAS’ partners.

Awards were given to San Isidro Labrador Parish, ABS-CBN Channel (ANC), GMA Network Inc., TV5, Red Turnip Theater and filmmaker Myrna ‘Mirana’ Miranda, for giving the Deaf access to worship, news, theater and film.

Nippon Foundation, PEN-International, the US Embassy in the Philippines and former SDEAS dean Christine B. dela Torre received awards for their continued support of SDEAS students and programs.

About nineteen (19) companies and individuals were were also recognized for working closely with SDEAS in employing Deaf Benildeans, including Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Makati Shangri-La Manila, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Ristorante delle Mitre, Sevilla Candle Factory, Resources for the Blind, Inc., and Rotary Club University District of Manila.

Dean Nicky wrapped up the program with a quote from Archimedes, “Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.” She then likened the School’s partners as the fulcrum on which the Deaf Program is placed. SDEAS would not have made it this far without their help.

Food and laughter overflowing following the program was a testament to how far SDEAS has come after 25 years, and how much further it can go to help more Deaf people find their place and be members of an inclusive society.

To Fulfill a Dream: Graduate Study at Gallaudet University

By Ana Kristina Arce

It had always been my dream to study at Gallaudet University, an academic institution known for its prestige as an institution committed towards excellence in Deaf education and the first and only Deaf University in the world. My dream finally came true when I became the first Filipino to be awarded the World Deaf Leadership Scholarship to study at Gallaudet in 2012. I completed a master's degree in Deaf Studies: Cultural Studies and graduated in May 2014. I would like to share a brief story with you on how I lived and survived the academic challenges at Gallaudet as a graduate student.

Ana received the University diploma with Gallaudet University President Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz

My initial expectation about Gallaudet is that it is just like my school in college from our home country. I was surprised to find out that Gallaudet had all these video relay service booths, round tables in the cafeteria, and that the University is an ASL/English bilingual environment. The University's facilities from the cafeteria to the classroom were all the way of deaf beings. The University is a wide campus of accessibility for deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing and deaf students with disabilities. I did not expect that there would be a lot of written assignments and projects. I lived in the campus dormitory for four semesters and I saw that everyone including the staff, faculty, and students use sign language. I felt like I am one of those who belong to the majority because I did not experience any communication barrier. I also learned that hearing students are accepted in some programs such as Deaf Studies and Interpreting undergraduate programs as well as other graduate programs in the University but they have to learn sign language because professors in all courses taught students in American Sign Language (ASL). If I may exaggerate a bit, speaking people or those who use verbal communication in the campus are frowned upon by Deaf students.    

My fellow MA classmates

Two things I found difficult to adjust to were the new environment and American culture where I experienced a cultural shock. In the past four semesters, I reflected on why I choose to study there. I had to learn ASL, adjust to the new academic environment, educational system and American culture. Being a new student in a diverse, multicultural academic institution, I had to do self-reflection and learned to embrace and appreciate other diverse cultures. I also learned a lot of new perspectives on social justice and listened to people of color’s voices, which led me to teach “Dynamics of Oppression” course for my graduate internship under my South African professor Lindsay Dunn who had experienced in his Social Justice movement.

South Korean Seung Shin, Ana Arce's classmate and South African professor Lindsay Dunn

From Left to Right: Allara (Chad), Dae-Kun (South Korean), Ana,
-Kun's friend, Ikumi (Japanese) and Dana (Mali)

In graduate school, writing academic papers drove me crazy, plus a big project like the MA thesis. There were tons of scholarly articles, journals, and other publications from the course requirements I have to read to write papers and other written assignments. I fell in love with the Gallaudet library and archive and frequently visited them to do reading, writing assignments and projects.  Time flew fast, and I now completed the two-year graduate studies. Before the end of the program, I had mixed feelings-happy for I am now armed with an M.A. degree but sad because I left the campus, a place where I lived and learned and where signing is a way of life. I benefited a lot from the program, seminars/workshops, mentoring and trainings at the University. I also acquired a deeper appreciation and understanding of the Deaf ways-of-being. I went home with the aim to help improve the lives of the Filipino d/Deaf in my home country. The count down began after my graduation.

Graduate Class of 2014

In the University’s Graduate Hooding and Awards ceremony, I was totally surprised to receive two awards –  the George W. Veditz Award, which recognized the impact I have made and will continue to make in the field of Deaf Studies and the Graduate Writing Research Award for having completed an outstanding research study in my academic program. Both awards were presented by the Department of ASL and Deaf Studies and Graduate School. I told myself, “Incredible, I made it, dint  I?” with my big eyes when receiving the awards. I also joined the University’s Sesquicentennial Commencement Exercises and marched proudly carrying the Philippine flag.

Ana received two awards - George Veditz and Graduate Writing Research Award.

Ana Arce received a Master's hood from the Department of ASL and Deaf Studies.

I am deeply thankful to the Nippon Foundation of Japan and Gallaudet University for the WDL scholarship. It is an amazing opportunity for me to prove my worth studying at Gallaudet to further enhance my skills and help improve Filipino d/Deaf lives – in education, employment and preservation of deaf culture in our home country.

International Coordinator of WDL team Danilo Torres presented the certificate of achievement to Ana Arce from Nippon Foundation of Japan making me part of the Nippon Foundation Group Alumni Society.

I also wish to thank Dr. Rosalinda Ricasa, my WDL mentor and Dr. H-Dirksen Bauman, thesis adviser and graduate academic advisor for the awesome mentorship. 

World Deaf Leadership (WDL) mentor, Dr. Rosalinda Ricasa (first Filipino sign linguist) who mentored me in my WDL project for the Philippines to improve lives of Filipino d/Deaf people.

My parents, Ana Arce and Dr. H-Dirksen Bauman, chair of the Department of ASL and Deaf Studies

My special thanks to my friends Seung Sook Shin, Thuy Tien Nguyen, Lindsay Dunn, deaf Friends, Arlyn Penaranda, Peter Ji, Le Toudjida Allara, professors of Department of ASL and Deaf Studies, fellow WDL scholars, WDL team of Gallaudet University, my parents’ friends Gani Penaranda, Leny Santos, Victoria Vaughan and Jeffery Bowden for their wonderful encouragement and support. 

My fellow MA classmates, MA Cohort 2012-2014

Ana Arce with Dr. Gemma Gabor (former SDEAS teacher)

My deepest gratitude to my loving parents, Ramon and Vilma Arce for their wonderful support and inspiring me to strive for excellence in everything I do.

From Left to Right: Tita Leny (my mom's best friend), Ana, Ramon, and Vilma (my parents).

Ana Arce carried the Philippine flag that represented the "Proud Filipino"
and wore the special graduation stole with the national flag and Nippon Foundation logo. 

“A Very Overwhelming Experience”

By: Patrick Silver Padao

“A very overwhelming experience” is what I reply when asked how I feel everytime my friends, classmates, teachers and SDEAS family talk to me about last week’s school events.

It all started when Mr. Geronimo “Gerry” Elle, Chairman of the Young Hotelier’s Exposition came to SDEAS to invite participants to the Seminar/Workshop in Table-Setting and Coffee-Making.

As Dean Letty Delarmente of SHRIM explained, the workshop will culminate in a competition among selected participants from SDEAS and students from the School of Hotel and Restaurant Institution Management (SHRIM) a part of the Young Hoteliers Exposition.

Mr. Elle came to invite(originally) only 3 students from SDEAS for the event but there were 6 of us who signified interest which he gladly accepted. Our seminar/training was scheduled on November 6,8,10 and 13^th. Through the help and support of the SDEAS Dean Nicky Templo-Perez and the former Dean, Ma’am Theresa B. Dela Torre, all systems “GO” for the 6 SDEAS student/participants.

To make things easier for us, Deaf students, Sir gave us a hearing partner. My partner was Mr.EJ de Leon. He coached and assisted me.

He taught me everything I needed to know starting with the utensils(when to use, how to use, how to clean); the ingredients(how to measure, when to use); how to mix and make the concoction; that concoctions should be done in less than 8 minutes and most importantly, is to enjoy what I am doing and not to forget to smile and show that I’m having fun while doing it.

During the workshop, my first try to make a coffee concoction lasted for 9 minutes(which is a minute off). The second time I made it, it took me 8 minutes(still off-time because I have to finish it in less than 8 minutes). It took me several tries and practices to make it within the allowed time.

EJ kept reminding me to practice and that I should never let nervousness or should I say, the “jitters” eat me up. I worked hard to master my piece until “Judgement Day” came.

It was last November 18,2010(Thursday) when the Classic Coffee Competition was held at the 2^nd floor of the International Conference Center of DLS-CSB. That morning when I woke up, I was starting to get nervous but at the same time very excited for the event. I began my day with my morning prayers and uttered a short prayer for guidance and confidence more particularly, during the competition.

At the competition proper, there were hearing students, all from HRIM. Of course, in attendance were the former Dean, Ma’am Theresa Dela Torre and Dean Nicky Templo-Perez to show their support (thank you for being with us all the way).

Among us Deaf students, the first to perform was Almira Tuazon, I was next and Ria dela Cruz was last.

The pointers my coach/mentor/partner EJ de leon taught me kept on repeating in my mind and several factors helped keep my confidence up not to mention the support that the SDEAS family is giving us plus of course, the love and support of my own family(though they were not physically present during that time). I was very confident that “THE DEAF CAN” moreso when my mother text me”If others can do it, why can’t you?” and these were the exact words that carried me through.

When the time came(competition proper) and I saw myself infront of so many people(watching every move I make). I checked everything on the table in front of me (as my coach EJ said), I saw to it that everything that I would need for my coffee concoction is there and I started my piece: CHOCO-VANILLA HAZELNUT with the smile on my face that lasted throughout, showing faith and confidence in myself. I moved with the beat of the music to show that I enjoyed every bit, every second of what I was doing on that stage infront of all the SHRIM students, some of my Deaf friends, classmates, SDEAS representatives and the judges.

My concoction took a little more than 7 minutes to finish and so I beat the clock. I was so glad the audience loved how I did my coffee concoction by clapping their hands (most of them doing the sign language for clap). EJ told me that what I did was cool, that my hard work really paid off and that I really did very good.

The following day, November 19, was the awarding ceremony. Again, attended by the SHRIM students and some of my Deaf friends/classmates, SDEAS representatives(including Mr. John Baliza, who was interpreted for us) and the judges, all three(3) of us Deaf contestants were present. First awarded was the Third Placer who came from the SHRIM.

I was proud and happy when they called out my name as the First Placer in the Classic Competition! I was really very happy. I made it, proving to everyone else there that really THE DEAF CAN. It’s a big honor for me to have contributed to the SDEAS family and the Deaf community.

I also made my mentor EJ de leon very proud and of course, my family. And I am really very thankful to all (including SDEAS family, the Deaf community) for their support, trust and confidence in me and to Mr. Gerry Elle for the chance. But most of all, I know I made my Creator, the very good Lord, happy because it is, first and foremost, for His glory! Thank you so much Lord for giving me the opportunity to prove to everyone that the DEAF CAN!!!!

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Three Deaf students joined the Coffee Competition last November 18, 2010. The Competition was part of the 12th Young Hoteliers Exposition, a project of the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management (SHRIM). The students prepared 3 coffee concoctions all under 8 minutes. Patrick won first and Ria dela Cruz won second place in the classic Coffee Competition. Team Beach Summer composed of Almira Tuazon, Encar Garcia, Dan Lester Perez, Rucel Almerio and MAricel Murillo won second place in the Table Set-up with Menu Card competition.

SHRIM is working closely with CEAD and SDEAS to plan out and implement the institutional direction towards the integration of Deaf students in their school. Through the guidance and support of PEN-International, a global network of colleges and universities serving the higher education needs of deaf students (www.pen.ntid.rit.edu). A select number of CSB administrators from SHRIM and the CSB Hotel learned from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) the different programs and services provided to Deaf students who are studying in RIT's self-contained courses in National Technical Institute for the Deaf (one of the 7 -- please verify Colleges of RIT) and those who are mainstreamed in the other colleges.

Beginning SY 2009-2010 a great number of SHRIM administrators, faculty, staff and students have begun learning FSL from SDEAS' FSLLP program and have ventured on providing various learning opportunities, such as the one participated in by Patrick Silver, to help expose faculty members on the rigors and rewards of teaching the Deaf students; provide selected Deaf students in SDEAS's Entrepreneurship program opportunities to develop basic competencies in HRM that they may use for personal or career improvements; and help the SHRIM population to recognize and be appreciative of the presence of Deaf people as part of the SHRIM campus community.

World Federation of the Deaf

The Philippines proudly hosted the 22^nd World Federation of the Deaf – Regional Secretariat in Asia/Pacific (WFD-RSAP) Representative Meeting last November 25-28, 2010 at the Development Academy of the Philippines, Tagaytay City.

This gathering of representatives of Deaf organizations across Asia & Pacific Regions “is a momentous celebration of 22 years of commitment to solidarity and common causes for the welfare and advancement of the right of Deaf people…to address the pressing and pervasive challenges that are facing Deaf” as stated by Ms. Marites Raquel E. Corpus, Philippine Federation of the Deaf President, in her welcome message.

Ichiro Miyamato, WFD-RSAP Director, considered this meeting to be of utmost importance as delegates of the WFD-RSAP Youth Section and members of the World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI) Asia and Oceania who only attended as observers in previous meetings were welcomed as Representatives in their own Right.

Representatives from Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand discussed updates on the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Person with Disabilities and participated in group meetings and plenary reports. All with the intention of promoting social awareness about Deaf persons, dissemination of sign language, training of sign language interpreters and establishment of sign language interpreter system and studying their respective government efforts on these issues

November 27, Saturday, marked the Closing Ceremonies and Dinner which was hosted by the Office of the President and Chancellor Br. Victor Franco FSC of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) with performances by Silent Steps, the Deaf dance ambassador of the School of Education and Applied Studies of DLS-CSB.