Inspired by son Jazz, Dennis and Jennylyn host family day for autism community

MANILA, Philippines, April 6 ------ Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado, together with their 17-year-old son Alex Jazz, hosted a family day for the autism community, making sure it was a “safe and welcoming space” for families like theirs.

The Kapuso power couple’s first “DenJen Family Day,” held on March 28 at Marquis Events Place in Taguig, brought together around 50 children on the autism spectrum and their parents or guardians for a morning of games, food, and bonding activities.

There were food carts, souvenir booths, an inflatable playground, plus magic and bubble shows. But the heart of the event was in having a space or gathering where families could feel accepted and understood. “Our goal is simple, and that is to give joy to our beneficiaries and at the same time help advocate the causes of different non-profit groups or organizations that will partner with us,” Dennis shared. “We wanted this event to be a safe space for them and their children where they can have fun and play without worrying about other people judging them,” said Jennylyn.

For this initiative, they partnered for the first time with the Autism Society Philippines (ASP). “Inuna syempre namin ang advocacy na napakalapit sa puso naming dalawa, yun ay ang welfare or wellbeing of Filipinos on the autism spectrum.”

It’s clear that Jennylyn and Dennis speak from firsthand experience. “To those who don’t know, my son Jazz is on the spectrum, so I know how it feels, I know how hard and challenging it can be raising a child with autism,” said Jennylyn. “So kami mismo, walang pinagkaiba sa mga magulang na kasama namin ngayon dito. Pinagdaanan namin kung ano ang pinagdaanan o pinagdadaanan nila. Kaya mahalaga na maiparamdam sa kanila na hindi sila nag-iisa. “Kanina, naririnig namin yung kwento nila and sobrang nakaka-relate kami and iba rin yung paghanga namin sa tatag nila bilang magulang at bilang isang pamilya.”

It’s this shared experience that drives them to reach out and connect with other parents facing similar journeys. More than organizing an event, the couple hopes to build a sense of community among families and strengthen support networks. The DenJen Family Day is simply an “extension” of the couple’s efforts to give back in ways they can, both publicly and behind the scenes. “Mahalaga na magamit namin ang boses namin at ang platform namin para mas mapalawig pa yung adbokasiya at mas maraming tao ang ma-educate sa kalagayan ng mga nasa autism spectrum at kung paano sila pakitunguhan at tratuhin sa ating lipunan,” DenJen said.

“Kami naman ni DenJen, we see to it that we share our blessings and help others in ways that we can. We did relief efforts through ‘STARTRUCK,’ which is a donation drive whenever the country is devastated by a typhoon. Tapos meron din kaming personal na tulong na ipinapaabot sa ibang groups na usually ‘di naman namin na pino-post or shine-share sa public. “So this time, now na may pamilya na kami, gusto din namin ma-instill sa mga bata yung value ng kindness, love, compassion,” they reiterated. “That’s why we started this DenJen Family Day.”

At the event, they also delivered a heartfelt message of hope to fellow parents raising children on the spectrum. “First of all, we want to honor your dedication and strength as parents, as a family. It’s not easy, but you were able to do it. Dun pa lang, grabe na ang pagsaludo namin sa inyo. Like you, we hope and pray na makabuo tayo ng environment or society na ligtas at bukas ang isipan at pang-unawa para sa mga taong nasa autism spectrum. Laban nating lahat ito. Pagtulungan natin at pagsikapan para sa kinabukasan at kapakanan ng mga mahal natin sa buhay,” said Jennylyn.

The celebrity couple believes that there’s a reason why God has “chosen” them to become “Ausome” parents. “Stay strong and laban lang,” said Dennis, addressing fellow parents. “May dahilan ang Panginoon at may dahilan kung bakit tayo ang pinili nila na maging magulang or kaanak ng mga espesyal na taong ito sa ating buhay.” Also present at the event were Mika Salamanca, who gave out copies of her children’s book Lipad, actress Empress Schuck, and host Eco Sala.

Source: philstar.com