Kapuso actor Ken Chan and the 40 Binibining Pilipinas 2019 candidates marked the celebration of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) at the main entrance of Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday.
Chan, lead star of the GMA-7 hit soap My Special Tatay, a tale of a young man with autism who learned he has a child, rendered songs dedicated to some autistic students from the Open Hand School, in the event commemorating the 12th WAAD, in cooperation with the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI), and hosted by Bb. Pilipinas-Globe 2018 Michele Gumabao.
The Big Dome was lit in blue to symbolize the campaign to raise awareness and promote acceptance and appreciation of people living with autism. The aspirants for Bb. Pilipinas, who have their own advocacies, got the opportunity to spend time and show concern for persons with autism.
“I’m lucky and it’s rewarding to have been a part of My Special Tatay, which taught me to understand the plight of people with autism. The reception of the people to the teleserye showed that they are sympathetic to special people like the autistics,” said Chan.
The rising dramatic actor urged the crowd to help spread awareness about autism.
Others who graced the special event were Vico Cham, a 27-year-old graphic artist and co-owner of Vico’s Artism (art + autism) gallery which offers art classes for autistic children and adults; and Lloyd Niguidula, a special education expert.
Cham, with her mother Cathy, spoke about the struggles and successes of people with autism, while Niguidula talked on tapping and realizing the potential of persons with autism.
The WAAD celebration was followed by the presentation of the Autism Advocate Awards 2019, at the Gateway Gallery, spearheaded by the J. Amado Araneta Foundation and the Philippine Association for Citizens with Developmental and Learning Disablitities, Inc., in recognition of select individuals for their contribution to advancing the cause of people living with autism.