Persons with autism to guest in Ken Chan’s May 8 concert

Ken Chan

For Ken Chan, the most fulfilling part of playing Boyet in “My Special Tatay” is earning the love and approval of the very people the recently concluded afternoon drama series aimed to shine the light on—those with intellectual disabilities, or autism, and their loved ones who persevere to support them.

Because of his work, the 26-year-old star was invited to take part in the 12th World Autism Awareness Day celebration at Araneta Coliseum last month.

“It feels good, heartening. It made me realize how much of an impact the program made. I’m incredibly honored to be invited to the event, which was also observed around the world. Some of the kids joined me onstage in one of my song numbers and they knew the words!” he told the Inquirer for his coming concert, “My Special Love: #BoBreyinConcert.”

“They told me that Boyet is their favorite; that they love him … I was happy,” added the GMA 7 talent, whose character has “mild intellectual disability and mild autism spectrum disorder.” “That’s success for us.”

The show’s subject was a sensitive one. But in the end, Ken was able to breathe a sigh of relief after being congratulated by experts and families of individuals with intellectual disabilities, or autism.

“They thanked me for doing a show that tells their story and showed what life is like, or what it’s like to raise an autistic child,” he said. “I would love to continue this advocacy. I won’t think twice if I get asked to do another event that empowers such people.”

Spending time and interacting with people with such conditions, Ken said, have been an eye-opening experience.

“I think the most surprising thing for me was learning that some of these people are actually aware that they have disabilities. I recall interviewing a child who told me, ‘Kuya Ken, alam ko na hindi ako normal … Ang gusto ko lang po mahalin ako at i-respeto ng ibang tao.’ And that really struck me,” he related.

Thus, it’s only right, he said, to have people with learning disabilities, or autism, join his concert at the Music Museum on May 8 (call 891-9999).

“They will be performing onstage, too. Many of them love performing and singing; just holding a mic make them excited,” said Ken, who will coheadline the show with Rita Daniel, with whom he had an unexpectedly successful onscreen tandem. “We’re so excited for them. It’s a way of celebrating their talents.”

“I will be mostly singing ballads and love songs—songs that are very personal to me and have been part of my journey in the biz,” he said. “The set is going to be like a diary, told through songs.”

Ken also has recently released a digital single titled “1Like,” which talks about love in the social media era. “It has a fun and light vibe. It’s about people getting into romantic relationships because of social media—people following their crushes online, that sort of thing. It’s about getting hundreds of ‘likes,’ the only ‘like’ that matters is that person you love.”

Does he see himself being a serious recording actor? “Not really,” he said, laughing. “Maybe if God gives me a better voice. But I do take voice lessons to prepare for the show.”