Three stories of God's miracles

D' Center Optimal Group Inc. is where our son Matt studies.  It is an elementary school for exceptional children.  The school believes that children have their own cups that need to be filled individually and holistically in a nurturing environment. They aim to make a difference in the life of every child. All children are duly afforded the same opportunity for education, regardless of any disability they may have. Each student grows and learns in an atmosphere of dignity, trust and love. 

Last Saturday, March 24, the school held it's 1st Commencement Exercise and Matt was one of the graduating students along with his classmates Kyle Benauro and Thea Bataller.

The graduating students - Thea, Kyle and Matt

I would like to share my husband's testimony during the graduation ceremony.  He was the first of the three parents of the graduating students who gave the Commencement Address.  I was so emotional (as always) especially when we talk about Matt's journey. That time I was shedding tears of joy and gratefulness because of God's goodness and love for our family especially to Matt all these years.  We were also blessed with kind words from other parents and teachers who were inspired by our story. 

After my husband, Thea's mom, Marie Bataller shared her daughter's story.  She was not expecting to get pregnant anymore because she's already 41 and her youngest child was already 12.  She thought she's on menopausal stage and only realized she's pregnant on her 5th month.  In between sobs, she said that Thea was dead when she delivered her but was miraculously revived after a few minutes.  She was severely malnourished and weighed less than 2 lbs. It was not mentioned but I guess that she has Global Developmental Delay. They had their own journey of pain and sacrifice but love and faith prevailed. Their family is so thankful for Thea's achievements.  Mommy Marie brings Thea to school and waits for her for more than 5 hours everyday. Thea is so blessed to have a caring and loving mother like you. I share your happiness!

It was then Mr. Nonoy Benauro's turn. Kyle's dad works in Singapore and comes home for a few days every 6 weeks to be with his family.  It was the first time I met the dad of Matt's best friend. Kyle has been diagnosed with ASD or Autism Spectrum Disorder but it's unnoticeable if you didn't know about it.  Kyle is such an amazing boy.  He excels in ALL subjects and he's a great pianist too. I see him every single day in school (except when I have to attend to some errands,) he has perfect attendance for this school year! The younger kids look up to him as their leader and big brother. We will definitely miss him if he'll be transferring to another school this June. Congratulations Kyle, Daddy Nonoy and Mommy Mack!  Thank you for the friendship.

Aside from Matt, Kyle and Thea, there are 9 more undergrad students who have special needs.  They are all achievers in their own special ways.  To our fellow parents, we made the right choice of entrusting our kids at Optimal Center.  As my husband said, "While we try to teach our children about life, our children teach us what life is all about. Our special children taught us to be happy, let's make them happy."

The Optimal Kids during their Hats off party (Mar 20)

Congratulations to everyone! God bless you all :) See you in June at the Optimal Academy.

Special thanks to the teachers of Optimal Group -- Teachers Lanie Basilla (Principal), Cynch Manlulu, Jorge Flores (Matt's Shadow Teacher), Kit Lallana, Liz Oro and Sir Jan Basilla (President) and to the other shadow teachers T. Ems, T. Den and T. Sol. The children are so blessed to have dedicated and loving teachers like you!