A brighter future for challenged learners - DIRECTLINE by Boy Abunda

Robert seems to have more energy than most boys his age. People say he is a "walking timebomb." Mabel is a hardworking eight-year-old who can’t seem to focus on what she’s doing. Kids like Robert and Mabel are recognized as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a diagnosis applied to people who consistently display chronic symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsitivity.

While schools for various learning disabilities sprout all over the country, not many institutions offer a place where pre-adolescent and adolescent special kids with ADHD can go.

To give parents of challenged-learners a choice in the hope of bestowing to special children the opportunity to learn without prejudice and with the vision to make children with learning disabilities experience the normal flow of everyday life, my good friends Shirley Pizarro and Ivy Mendoza together with their colleagues established the Maryridge School Institute For Child Developmental Studies at 64 F. Cruz St., Phase III, BF Homes Parañaque.

Located on a 1,500 square-meter property, Maryridge offers a DECS-approved basic curriculum further enhanced for its students. It also features a regular elementary program for challenged learners, specifically for children who have been diagnosed to have ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder and other reading, writing and mathematical disabilities. Also, Maryridge offers speech/language/communication therapy, physical therapy, SPED tutorial, behavior modification management courses, counseling and workshops for parents, yayas and caregivers.

Maryridge opened its doors recently with Martin Nievera and me doing the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

For inquiries, assessment and reservation, visit Maryridge School or call telefax 829 1871.

John Lapus’ b-day show

MS Productions, the same company that produces the highly-rated TV show Kaya Ni Mister, Kaya Ni Misis has ventured into concert production via the high caliber comedy show 4th of July, JushKohDhay (Bertday Ko Day!) on July 4 at the Music Museum featuring the universally-sweet John Lapus.

The show is a birthday presentation of John Lapus a.k.a. Sweet (for his hilarious impersonation of Sheryl Cruz). 4th of July.... will feature comic sketches intertwined in delicious musical numbers. Special guests are Manilyn Reynes, Tina Paner, Nikki Valdez, Dianne dela Fuente and surprise male guests.

Tickets for 4th of July, JushKohDhay (Bertday Ko Day!) are available at the Music Museum or you can call 891 5610.

Frio Mixx come-ons

Frio Mixx doesn’t need a celebrity to endorse it. Not that it can’t afford to commission one but shakes-shaker Frio Mixx has marketed its stores through word of mouth. And it’s working because Frio Mixx carries excellent products.

Frio Mixx owner Sarah Rellera is doubly proud of what she has achieved. After only a year, Frio Mixx has already set up 20 stores located in the different parts of the metropolis.

"We are relying on the quality of our products. We are true to what we say. If we announce that we use only natural products for our juices and frozen mixes, that is exactly what the customer will get," says Sarah.

Another big attraction of the place is the eye-catching interiors plus the techno music which Frio Mixx stores play. But what keep customers coming back to Frio Mixx are its cool-frozen drinks in natural fresh fruits, milk tea in different flavors and iced-tea twisters. And now, Sarah decided to widen its menu that presently include mouthwatering spicy chixx, squid marinated in special herbs, deli sandwiches, pastas and crepes.

Frio Mixx stores can be found in Retiro, Pearl Drive, Sta. Mesa, E. Rodriguez, Moonwalk, P. Campa Morayta, Timog Avenue, Dapitan, Avenida, SM Megamall, SM Sucat, SM Fairview, BF Resort Parañaque, Fatima, Masangkay, Blue Ridge Katipunan and Visayas Avenue. Soon to open are branches in Leon Guinto and Don Antonio Heights. Frio Mixx is run by Seattle Food Corporation.