Candy Pangilinan is overwhelmed with emotion as Quentin, her son with autism, finished junior high school.
On Wednesday, June 29, the actress took to Instagram to celebrate her son’s most recent achievement as she posted pictures of him from his graduation ceremony.
“Quentin graduates grade 10!” Candy said as she began her long caption.
Candy thanked everyone who had been a part of Quentin’s journey starting from teachers, family members, and his doctors and therapists who all made a significant contribution to helping her son who was diagnosed with autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
“Thank you to all our teachers from Grade 1 to present. Dami po kayo. From teacher Amor to Teacher Frank. Thank you to all therapists from our first OT teacher Tisha, teacher Sean, Teacher Giselle, to Teacher Yani. Too many therapist to mention,” she added.
Aside from thanking her family, Candy also showed appreciation to all caregivers, household helper, and driver.
“To every person who have joined us in our journey, my family mom, tita MM, my siblings Ate Marissa, kuya Boboy, kuya Phey, pamangkins holli, ehrlich and their children. Of course, Camille. To all caregivers, household help, driver,” Candy said.
“Thank you @quendy corner for your love and care. Thank you. To the Living Word Community Ate Maye, Bro. Art,Dra. Ev, Noligene, etc. especially the youth who tirelessly and patiently included Quentin like Faith, Aba, Cecile, Ciara, Jenny, Joseph, Trazo kids and those I wasn’t able to mention you know who you are. To all my supportive ninangs and friends, kilala niyo na sino kayo. Salamat,” she added.
Candy also acknowledged the security guards who have been patient and understanding of their situation, “Ang daming dapat pasalamatan pati mga guards na pinagbigyan kami sa pagwawala ni Quentin,” the single mom said.
“To everyone we have encountered in one way or another. Salamat,” she continued. “And to my spiritual mentor, thank you for the guidance and understanding. To God, OUR Father all glory to You! Everything by Your grace and mercy. Next level na po tayo. The journey continues,” she added.
Nearing the end of her caption, Candy addressed her son and thanked him for what he has taught her so far, and proceeded to congratulate him.
“Quentin have taught me more than I have taught him. Thank you Quentin,” the actress wrote.
Candy ended her post by sharing that because Quentin was too “enthusiastic”, the barong that he wore had a “slit”.
Candy is a single mom to Quentin who has ADHD, and she shared that as she continues to challenge the stigma of being a parent to a child with special needs, she wrote the book “Mommy Dear: Our Special Love.” The book is about her journey in facing her fears and coping with her son’s condition.
For the actress, what makes her smile in the face of difficulties is her son.
