Manila, Philippines – Best Buddies Philippines Foundation Inc. and The Bistro Group present Sounds of Change 2, a benefit Concert on 11 September, 2025 at Hard Rock Cafe Manila, S Maison at Conrad Manila. The event starts at 6:00 PM (PhT).
This initiative highlights Hard Rock Cafe’s Tagline “Love All-Serve All” as they open their doors and space for a night of music and advocacy of awareness for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Frontline staff members will engage and participate in an orientation and training to learn about disability, best practices in communication, and have an open and candid conversation about personal and professional experiences.
“The first Sounds of Change concert was a great success; we are excited to help showcase the buddies the second time around,” shares The Bistro Group’s Chief Marketing Officer Lisa Ronquillo-Along. Collaborative efforts between Best Buddies and The Bistro Group widen the awareness and acceptance of neurodivergent young adults to be included in all spaces and in all sectors.
Sounds of Change 2 promotes music as an avenue for individuals of all abilities through creative expression and collaboration where the musicians and performers work closely together on the songs, set-list, and overall direction and narrative of the concert. More than musical performances, it is a representation of the deep-seated connection that these musicians have with these songs.
This event will feature BBPFI artists and musicians Anouck Weber, Clarence Cruz, Ian Borleo, Kyle Ebora, Luis Gatchalian, Mark Daza, Sky Jacoba, Alex Soriano, and Nep Gonzales III. These young adults have also participated in the programs as ambassadors which play an essential role in amplifying their voices and experiences.
Shot from SOC 1 one of the Sounds of Change Performers, Mark Daza. Mark Daza is one of the BBP Ambassadors and a returning performer who will be performing with the band Rock Theory.
Shot from SOC 1 one of the Sounds of Change Performers, Anouck Weber-Tantoco. Anouck is the Lead vocalist of the band A to Z, she has been making music since childhood—from cello, piano, and voice to writing original songs and performing pop-rock-soul covers.
Shot from SOC 1 one of the Sounds of Change Performers, Clarence Cruz. Clarence Cruz is a self advocate with many talents ranging from photography to singing and he is one of the BBP Ambassadors. He will be performing with the band LIMITLES5.
Through the support of the De La Salle College of St. Benilde (CSB) Music Production Program (MPP) Department, these young adults with intellectual disabilities and autism have been supported by faculty members, undergraduate students, and other advocates. With the leadership of CSB Professor Mr. Patrick Frias has enabled a collaborative approach in creating the set-list, building rapport among members, and providing technical advice for the artists.
“ 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,” says Patrick Frias – Department Chairperson of the Music Production Program, De la Salle College of Saint Benilde.
“Music is something that the buddies identify with; it brings people together all the time. It is meant to create change in the community. Sounds of Change will feature buddies with IDDs who have incredible talents as we believe that the best way to amplify these talents is to put the spotlight on them, even just for one night, and showcase their abilities, ” says Michelle Aventajado, BBP Executive Director.
BBP has a central mission of supporting Filipinos with IDD by carving safe spaces in schools and universities, developing leadership capacities of Filipino disability advocates, and securing rewarding internships and jobs.
Tickets are available for purchase from https://ticket2me.net/BestBuddiesManila. Proceeds will support Best Buddies Philippines programs that foster One to One Friendship, Leadership Development, Integrated Employment, and Family Support.
Follow @bestbuddies_ph; @thebistrogroip; @hardrockcafemanila
About TBG/The Bistro Group
Founded in 1994, The Bistro Group is one of the Philippines’ most progressive restaurant chains that popularized the casual dining concept with the entry of TGI Fridays in the country 30 years ago. Its success led to the launch of other world-class brands such as Fogo de Chao, Morton’s The Steakhouse, LongHorn Steakhouse, Italianni’s, Denny’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Texas Roadhouse, Randy’s Donuts and Hard Rock Café among others as well as Asian concepts like Watami, Modern Shang, Bulgogi Brothers and Fish & Co. The company owns and operates Bistronomia, a collection of boutique Spanish/Mediterranean restaurants, Las Flores, Rambla, Tomatito, and Rumba. Also, part of its portfolio is TBG Elite by award-winning corporate executive chef, Josh Boutwood. Its premier restaurants, highlighted by quality ingredients, seasonality and unique cooking methods are Helm, The Test Kitchen, Savage, Ember and Juniper. The Bistro Group is driven by a people-focused philosophy that is the backbone of its success. Passion and commitment propel its operations…in every restaurant, behind every dish and with every service rendered with generous hospitality. For restaurant concepts and more information about The Bistro Group, visit https://www.bistro.com.ph
This story came out on https://thenewchannel.com/highlights/.
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