PARENTING A CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS:

The Unplanned Journey

Of Clouds and Silver Linings
April 22, 3017

by: Armie Umale
Foreword: This is the transcript of the speech given on the occasion of Optimal Academy's 2017 Commencement and Completion Exercises where our son Kevin was conferred as a graduate.

Sunny Days
March 25, 2014

by: Armie Umale
After what seemed to be a long while, Kevin was blessed to have been a part of Special Education once more after we came back to Manila last year.  That we landed with Optimal Academy was not a mere happenstance, if I look back.  I was in a meeting with Kevin's speech therapist in another center when I saw the school's flyer propped at the desk.

Hip-Hop Day
April 25, 2012

by: Sharon Banocnoc
It's Day 3 of my kid's Summer Program which was DANCE and MOVEMENT DAY - HIP-HOP! 

Three Stories of God's Miracles
​March 25, 2012

by: Sharon Banocnoc
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.

Our Christmas Story
December 04, 2011

by: Sharon Banocnoc
It's December once again -- Christmas time! December is a very memorable month for me, Matt came into our lives 12 years ago. Five days before Christmas, I gave birth to my first child. On top of the excitement of seeing him for the first time, I was very anxious that I might not be able to cuddle him right away ...

Teacher-Mom's Day
​October 17, 2011

by: Sharon Banocnoc
Teacher's Day, October 5, 2011. My son came home from school and gave me a personalized card. A Teacher's day card for Mommy!   Instead of making cards for his teachers in school, he insisted that he wanted to make one for me because I'm his number one teacher. What a sweet boy!