Araneta City, in partnership with the Philippine Association for Citizens with Developmental and Learning Disabilities, Inc. (PACDLD), marks the annual observance of World Autism Awareness Day with a meaningful lineup of programs that champion inclusion, understanding, and acceptance for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Anchored on this year’s theme, “A Kaleidoscope World,” the initiative highlights the diversity, uniqueness, and lived experiences of persons with autism. From April 7 to 17, Araneta City will host a series of activities designed to bring together families, advocates, and community members in shared conversations that promote awareness and meaningful inclusion.
“Inclusivity is an important part of how we shape our spaces and programs in Araneta City,” said Marjorie Go, Vice President for Marketing of Araneta City. “These activities are meant to recognize individuals on the autism spectrum and to encourage greater awareness and understanding within the wider community.”
Art as Expression: Kaleidoscope World Exhibit
The observance opens with the Kaleidoscope World: True Colors 2026 Art Exhibition, launching at 10:30 a.m. on April 7 at Gateway Cineplex 18. The exhibit features 30 heartfelt artworks created by children diagnosed with autism, each piece offering a personal lens into their thoughts, emotions, and creativity.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be led by Binibining Pilipinas International 2025 Katrina Johnson, together with representatives from the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF) and PACDLD. The exhibit will open to the public after the program and will run until April 19.
Recognizing Advocacy: 10th Autism Awards
Later in the day at 3:30 p.m., the 10th Autism Awards will be held at the Green Gate of the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The event honors individuals and organizations whose efforts have significantly advanced autism awareness and support initiatives.
Actor Elijah Canlas, last year’s awardee, will also be formally introduced as the Autism Advocates Ambassador, reinforcing continued advocacy and representation for the autism community.
A Symbol of Solidarity: The Big Dome in Blue
From 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum—known as “The Big Dome”—will be lit in blue in solidarity with global World Autism Awareness Day celebrations. The illumination serves as a powerful visual reminder of unity and inclusion, with Canlas expected to join the observance.
Music for Inclusion: Busking Performance
The day concludes with a special busking performance by singer Kate Torres at Gateway 1. As an advocate for autism awareness and support for individuals with special needs, Torres brings music into a shared public space—creating an intimate moment of connection and understanding among mall-goers.
Running for Awareness: Autism Awareness Run
On April 12, the aRUNeta Run Club will host the Autism Awareness Run, inviting participants to wear blue in support of the autism community. The activity blends fitness and advocacy, reinforcing messages of acceptance, inclusion, and solidarity through collective action.
“By opening our spaces to conversations and shared experiences like these, we hope to contribute to a more inclusive and informed community,” Go added.
Aligned with the United Nations’ 2026 theme, “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value,” Araneta City continues to advance programs that honor dignity, promote awareness, and build environments where individuals with special needs are respected, supported, and empowered.
