For as long as there is ASP, there will always be Tita Carmel. A former ambassador’s wife, Tita Carmel personifies diplomacy as she faces the media with poise, grace and intelligence. In spite of the disconcerting circumstance, she worked tirelessly to advocate for her son Michael, now 39. Serving as Trustee for more than 6 terms, she reminds young mothers of children with autism: Grab every opportunity and don’t take no for an answer. This is evident in her son Mike, who is a Special Olympian Medalist of the Philippine Weightlifting Team, a 2005 Apolinario Mabini Awardee, and an independent member of the community working as an administrative staff of the Philippine Information Agency.