As Metro Manila and most of the Philippines remain on some form of community quarantine, physical interaction between friends and extended family members remains limited. While this is an essential measure to ensure that people stay healthy and virus-free, the distance can take a toll on anyone’s mental and emotional wellbeing.
This is a real issue that must not be overlooked. At present, there are seminars and forums for parents online on managing anxiety and learning to adapt to the new normal, but there is also a need to find ways for children and teens to remain social in these unusual times. It is for this reason that Best Buddies Philippines started the #BBPSaturdaySeries of Learning.
Sessions take place on Saturdays, 4:00 PM, on the BBP Facebook Page, featuring a different activity that everyone can join each week. The series aims to provide opportunities for the Buddies to get together, socialize in a safe way, and learn something new while having fun.
“The mission is to make sure that our kids do not experience social isolation,” shares Michelle Aventajado, Best Buddies Philippines’ Executive Director. “It’s always been our mission, but now it’s even more challenging without face to face contact. So we are harnessing the technology that has always been available, to serve a higher purpose as well. Social distancing does not have to mean social isolation.”
The series kicked off on July 4, 2020, with a Basic Yoga Session with Teacher Karrots of Evolve Yoga. On the following Saturday, participants got their daily dose of exercise at the Move Your Body with Your Buddy session with Coach Geoff and Coach Larry both of One World School. This coming weekend, the #BBPSaturdaySeries of Learning will feature an afternoon of creativity in partnership with Stabilo Philippines. Visual artist, Ginger de Guia, will be sharing tips and tricks for creating doodle patterns during the class.
Actress and mother, Pia Guanio-Mago, who sits on the Best Buddies Philippines Board of Directors, has this message to share to anyone who would like to join the Saturday sessions. “Had so much fun at the #BBPSaturdaySeries last Saturday! My daughter, and buddy, Scarlet and I got a good workout, and a lot of laughs doing buddy exercises with everyone! Looking forward to this Saturday’s session, which will be about doodling and journaling! Join us! It’s great fun and awesome bonding!”
Be sure to like and follow Best Buddies Philippines on Facebook for more information on upcoming activities, and to participate in any of the Saturday learning sessions.
This is a press release distributed by Best Buddies Philippines
Also read: This surprising trick can teach your child to calm down
