A Spooktacular Celebration of Inclusion and Friendship
Taguig City, Philippines | 25 October 2025 — Get ready to bust a move for inclusion as Best Buddies Philippines proudly presents Haunted Hangout, a fundraising dance night filled with music, costumes, and the spirit of togetherness. Inspired by the fun and nostalgia of Ghostbusters, Haunted Hangout transforms Xylo at The Palace into an inclusive dance floor where everyone—of all abilities—is welcome to celebrate friendship and empowerment.
Dance has always been a universal language of joy, and this event harnesses that power to unite communities and champion inclusion. Haunted Hangout invites everyone aged 15 and above to dress in their most creative (and spooky!) Halloween costumes, enjoy live entertainment, and raise funds that support Best Buddies Philippines’ Friendship, Leadership, and Jobs programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Celebrating the Spirit of Inclusion
“Haunted Hangout is more than a party—it’s a movement that celebrates friendship, acceptance, and the idea that inclusion can be fun, festive, and transformative,” said Michelle Ressa Aventajado, Executive Director of Best Buddies Philippines. “Every ticket sold, and every donation made helps us continue our mission to create a world where everyone belongs.”
This year’s event also introduces the Champions of the Year Candidates—Kuya Kim Atienza, a long-time supporter of the BBP mission of inclusion; DJ John Robinson, a dedicated volunteer and advocate; and Congressman Jorge Bacobo, a passionate stakeholder and public servant. Each Champion is competing to raise vital funds that keep Best Buddies Philippines’ programs running. The Fundraising Champion of the Year will be crowned during Haunted Hangout and will celebrate alongside the buddies and guests all night long.
A Safe and Inclusive Space for All
Safety and accessibility are at the heart of Haunted Hangout. The nightclub will feature wheelchair-accessible ramps, and all Xylo staff and event volunteers have completed disability awareness and inclusion training to ensure a safe and welcoming experience for every guest. Best Buddies and Xylo staff will be on-site throughout the night, alongside stationed medics, to make sure everyone can celebrate comfortably and confidently.
Event Details
Date: 25 October 2025 (Saturday)
Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM PHT
Venue: XYLO at The Palace, Bonifacio Global City
Tickets: ₱550 via https://www.ticket2me.net/event/22536
Age Requirement: 15 years and older (minors must be accompanied by a paying adult)
Dress Code: Halloween costumes encouraged — prizes await the buddy teams that are the best dressed! For more information visit https://bestbuddiesph.org/dance-night-2025/
A Night of Fun and Fundraising
Guests can look forward to hitting the dance floor with legendary beats from DJ’s John Robinson, Skratchmark and Ports. It’s going to be an unforgettable night of music, movement and pure energy. Aside from dancing, there will also be costume contests and the opportunity to purchase limited-edition Best Buddies merchandise. Proceeds from the event will directly support the organization’s Friendship, Leadership, and Jobs programs, which create opportunities for individuals with IDD to build friendships, develop leadership skills, and gain meaningful employment.
Haunted Hangout is made possible through the collaboration of Best Buddies Philippines, Xylo at The Palace, and generous sponsors and partners who believe in the mission of inclusion.
WATCH “One More Time Fundraising Dance Night 2024” here
Get Involved – Choose to Include
The celebration doesn’t stop when the music fades. Best Buddies Philippines invites everyone to stay connected, support upcoming programs, and continue spreading inclusion in their own communities. Follow Best Buddies Philippines on social media and join the growing movement that’s changing lives—one friendship at a time.
About Best Buddies Philippines
Best Buddies Philippines is a non-profit organization committed to establishing a Filipino volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, inclusive living, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies International spans 46 countries. The community that Best Buddies serves includes, but is not limited to, individuals with Down syndrome, autism, Fragile X, Williams syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, and other undiagnosed disabilities. As of 2025, Best Buddies Philippines continues to expand through friendship chapters and employment initiatives that have already touched over 40,000 lives nationwide.
For more information or to get involved, visit:
🌐 www.bestbuddiesph.org
📧 bestbuddiesmanila@gmail.com
📱 Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / LinkedIn: @bestbuddies_ph