MANILA, Philippines — Actor Ken Chan and the Binibining Pilipinas 2019 candidates led the celebration of the 12th World Autism Awareness Day at the Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday.
Binibining Pilipinas 2019 candidates and actor Ken Chan pose for the press after the Big Dome was illuminated with blue lights for the celebration of World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, 2019. PHOTO by Krissy Aguilar/ INQUIRER.net
The Big Dome was illuminated with blue lights to raise awareness and promote acceptance of people living with autism.
The Binibining Pilipinas 2019 candidates were present at the event to spend time and get to know students with autism from the Open Hand School.
Meanwhile, Chan serenaded the crowd and even shared the stage with some students with autism.
Ken Chan serenades the crowd at the celebration of World Autism Awareness Day held in Araneta Coliseum on April 2, 2019. PHOTO by Krissy Aguilar/ INQUIRER.net
Actor Ken Chan sings with people with autism on stage at the celebration of World Autism Awareness Day held at the Araneta Coliseum on April 2, 2019. PHOTO by Krissy Aguilar/INQUIRER.net
Chan recently wrapped up filming GMA’s drama family series “My Special Tatay” where he portrayed the character of Boyet, a young father who has mild autism.
“Ako, aminado ako na bago po ang My Special Tatay, di pa ganoon kalawak ang idea ko, knowledge ko pagdating sa autism (I admit that before “My Special Tatay” I don’t know a lot about autism),” Chan said.
“Pero dahil sa ‘My Special Tatay’ at sa mga taong nakasalamuha ko, especially sa mga batang mga nakilala ko na may autism, ngayon alam ko na kung ano ang pinagdadaanan nila,” he shared.
(But because of “My Special Tatay” and the people I’ve met, especially children with autism, now I am aware of what they are going through.)
Chan said he hopes he can give voice to people with autism. He encouraged the audience to start spreading awareness about autism.
“Wag natin gamitin ang social media natin para makasakit tayo ng ibang tao. Para makaspread tayo ng awareness sa autism, simulan natin sa sarili natin, simulan natin sa bahay natin (Let us not use social media to hurt other people. To spread awareness on autism, let’s start with ourselves),” Chan said.
The United Nations (UN) General Assembly declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day in 2008. /ee