Manila, Philippines — Best Buddies Philippines Foundation Inc. (BBPFI), together with The Bistro Group, proudly presents Sounds of Change 2, a benefit concert happening on September 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Hard Rock Cafe Manila, S Maison at Conrad Manila.
Carrying Hard Rock Café’s tagline, “Love All – Serve All”, this event goes beyond music by shining a spotlight on inclusivity and awareness for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). Ahead of the concert, Hard Rock Cafe’s frontline staff will undergo orientation and training sessions to better understand disability, learn effective communication practices, and share experiences in fostering a culture of inclusion.
“The first Sounds of Change concert was a great success; we are excited to help showcase the buddies the second time around,” said Lisa Ronquillo-Along, Chief Marketing Officer of The Bistro Group. “Our collaboration with Best Buddies Philippines aims to create wider awareness and acceptance of neurodivergent young adults in all spaces and sectors.”
Music as a Platform for Inclusion
Sounds of Change 2 emphasizes music as a universal language — a way for people of all abilities to connect, collaborate, and express themselves. The concert will feature young adult artists and musicians from Best Buddies Philippines, including Anouck Weber, Clarence Cruz, Ian Borleo, Kyle Ebora, Luis Gatchalian, Mark Daza, Sky Jacoba, Alex Soriano, and Nep Gonzales III.
These performers are not only talented musicians but also ambassadors of the foundation, actively amplifying their own stories and experiences. The event’s creative process has been a collaborative effort — from crafting the setlist to shaping the concert narrative — ensuring that the voices of the performers shine through.
With support from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (CSB) Music Production Program, faculty, students, and advocates have worked closely with the performers to provide mentorship and technical guidance. Professor Patrick Frias, Department Chairperson of the Music Production Program, highlights this collaboration:
“This initiative is a shining example of how educational institutions can leverage their resources and expertise to create meaningful, inclusive, and transformative experiences for individuals with diverse abilities. It demonstrates the power of music as a universal language and a powerful tool for social inclusion and personal growth.”
More Than a Concert
For Best Buddies Philippines, the concert is an extension of its mission to create opportunities and safe spaces for Filipinos with IDD. Through programs that focus on one-to-one friendships, leadership development, integrated employment, and family support, BBPFI continues to advocate for acceptance, opportunity, and inclusion.
“Music is something that the buddies identify with; it brings people together all the time. Sounds of Change will feature buddies with IDDs who have incredible talents. The best way to amplify these talents is to put the spotlight on them — even just for one night — and showcase their abilities,” said Michelle Aventajado, Executive Director of Best Buddies Philippines.
How to Join
Tickets for Sounds of Change 2 are available via ticket2me.net/BestBuddiesManila. Proceeds will directly support Best Buddies Philippines’ ongoing programs and advocacy initiatives.
Stay updated by following @bestbuddies_ph, @thebistrogroip, and @hardrockcafemanila on social media.
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