Ken, Bb. bets headline Big Dome Lights Blue for autism

MANILA, Philippines — Even for a show as well-meaning as My Special Tatay, which on the surface aims to shed light on the travails and triumphs of a person living with autism, there will always be something that finds its way online, becomes viral for the wrong reasons, and generates memes shared for peals of laughter.

Despite the social media challenges faced by the series, its lead star Ken Chan has become more steadfast than ever. After having played a character with autism and seeing how people reacted to it, Ken says he received messages of thanks from the community — he hopes to lend a voice to people with autism.

Ken joined the commemoration of the 12th World Autism Awareness Day through the Big Dome Lights Blue activity at the Araneta Center recently, the third year for the Smart Araneta Coliseum’s façade to be lit blue for the cause.

Supporting the event’s awareness, acceptance and appreciation mantra, Ken took the stage and shared his experience playing Boyet, a father with mild autism, on the recently-concluded My Special Tatay.

Ken was only supposed to perform one song at the event, but seeing the joy and the excitement on the faces of the people with autism from the Open Hand School, he asked them to join him on stage for a song — which they did with glee.

Ken and Michelle with the 2019 Bb. Pilipinas candidates

One of the special guests of the event was Vico Cham, a 27-year-old person with autism who works as a graphics artist and is also a painter. He is a co-owner of an art gallery that offers classes to children and adults with autism. Vico’s mom, Cathy, addressed the audience and called upon the parents to honor the journey of their children with autism with love and support, and encouraged everyone to do the same. Special education expert Lloyd Niguidula, meanwhile, discussed tapping and realizing the potential of people with autism.

Aside from Ken, the 2019 Bb. Pilipinas candidates also took part in the event. In line with the pageant’s #Beyondbeauty thrust, the ladies were given the opportunity to spend some time with the students of Open Hand School.

Returning candidate Samantha Bernardo posted on her FB page, “It’s my second time to attend and support this movement here at The Araneta Center… This day please let’s not just talk about them, but rather talk to them. Make a connection… Always show acceptance, be aware, try to appreciate and accommodate people with autism.”

Another candidate, Joanna Tolledo, also shared her thoughts on her FB page: “This is really close to my heart as this is part of my advocacy to raise awareness for children with disabilities… People with autism are among the most forthright, non-judgmental, passionate people you’ll ever meet.”