Saab Magalona opens up on ‘not-so-pleasant’ remarks about son with cerebral palsy

Saab Magalona and her kids. Image: Instagram/@saabmagalona

Saab Magalona talked about the shock over receiving “not-so-pleasant” comments about her son with cerebral palsy, as she and her family are now able to do more activities outdoors and interact with others.

The musician and podcaster opened up on how she feels about these remarks as she showed her son Pancho smiling widely on her Instagram page yesterday, Oct 7, a day after World Cerebral Palsy Day.

“The world is opening up again. As much as we’re enjoying finally giving our children more opportunities to experience the world, unfortunately, we have also been subjected to some not-so-pleasant comments,” she said.

Magalona recounted that over the past weeks, she and her husband, musician Jim Bacarro, have been told remarks such as “sayang naman” (what a shame), “gwapo pa naman” (he is otherwise handsome) and “awang awa kami sa anak niyo” (we so pity your son).

“We thought we were prepared for this. That we would take it as a chance to educate people to choose a better way of saying things. But in reality, it’s way too shocking to actually respond in the moment so we just clam up,” Magalona admitted.

Despite these comments, Magalona stressed that Pancho is her and Bacarro’s “pride and joy” as well as their source of happiness.

“He may be dependent on us but we are also dependent on him. He makes life easier. Pure joy is no longer sought, instead it’s something we experience on a daily basis,” she stated. “Being parents of a special needs child can be challenging, but it’s also a privilege and honor with rewards beyond our wildest dreams.”

Magalona then reminded the public that families with special needs members do not need pity, and should instead be given kind words and support.

“Love to all Cerebral Palsy warriors and their armies. Fight lang tayo (Let us just fight),” she said.

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A post shared by Saab Magalona-Bacarro (@saabmagalona)

Magalona and Bacarro celebrated Pancho’s 4th birthday last February, while also remembering his twin sister, Luna, who has passed away. The couple also has a 2-year-old son, Vito.

Magalona admitted she blamed herself after learning that Pancho would suffer disabilities, but also spoke about how Pancho brought out a better version of herself and contributed to her growth as a mother and as a person.  /ra

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