Best Buddies Philippines: Dreaming of a Kinder, More Wonderful World

At Best Buddies Philippines’ Sounds of Change, music and friendship offer a glimpse of the wonderful world our kids can help create

Some moments stay with you long after the lights and the applause. Sounds of Change, the Best Buddies Philippines benefit concert held at Hard Rock Café, is one of those moments, an evening filled with joy, courage, and community—an event that turned into a catalyst. For many families, including mine, it was a reminder that inclusion isn’t an abstract concept. It’s a living, breathing force that transforms children, reshapes families, and slowly changes society.

For Best Buddies Philippines Executive Director and President Michelle Ressa Aventajado, this is precisely what true inclusion is meant to do.

Michelle shares, “True inclusion has so many different facets. When you plant seeds of inclusion in children early on, there is an opportunity for real change.”

She explains that when children are young, empathy and kindness come naturally. “In its purest form, all children are empathetic and aware, not necessarily of differences, but the importance to be kind to everyone, right?” 

As they grow older, she says, societal biases, family patterns, and cultural norms begin to shape how they see those who are different.

“The biggest barrier to inclusion is culture, but ultimately, inclusion is where everyone has a voice. Everyone has a seat at the table. Everyone can participate fully, even with minimal accommodations or reasonable accommodations.”

And this is exactly what Sounds of Change puts on stage.

A Concert, a Safe Space, a Powerful Lesson

As a first-time attendee, the experience was more than music. It was witnessing inclusion in action. It was hearing voices once relegated to the margins take center stage and shine.

Michelle remembers countless moments from that night.

“The love and the joy and the support in the air—you could feel it. It was palpable.“

She shares that this year’s concert gave even more ownership to the participants. They chose their set list. They introduced their songs. They spoke their truth.

“Inclusion in action was watching these buddies take up space and shine, speaking their truth through these songs.”

She recalls how powerful lyrics, melodies, and personal meanings intertwined with courage and confidence.

“A song can bring us back to our first kiss, pivotal moments in our life where that’s the soundtrack.”

There were also the quiet moments: parents moved to tears, friends cheering with pride, strangers witnessing a new way of seeing.

She adds, “I would hope that the people who joined would walk away and feel that they can take little steps towards including others every day in small ways as well.”

Mutual Growth: What Kids Learn When They Belong to Each Other

One of Michelle’s most compelling insights is that inclusion benefits everyone—not just individuals with disabilities.

“Everybody benefits from this. I think if parents saw the value in this, everybody comes out a winner.”

Children with disabilities find belonging, confidence, and self-expression. Volunteers, called peer buddies, often walk away transformed.

Michelle narrates, “They always come out inspired. ‘Now I know how to be more inclusive. Now I know how to make sure that everybody does feel like they belong.’”

In middle schools, high schools, and universities, Best Buddies is student-led. Young people design the activities. They create opportunities for friendships. They build the kind of culture we wish every school had.

Even at the elementary level, children learn the foundations of empathy and inclusion through friendship hour activities; simple, fun, and deeply meaningful.

“At its root, it’s being kind, it’s listening and making space for everyone.”

Parenting Toward Inclusion: The Little Things Matter

As parents, how do we cultivate empathy and sensitivity? Michelle offers guidance rooted in real life.

Sometimes, it begins with how we answer our children’s questions.

Instead of shushing them or apologizing when they notice a difference, Michelle encourages honesty and dignity:

“‘Her legs don’t work the same way your legs work. So that’s why she needs a wheelchair.’ Something that simple in demystifying, destigmatizing.” 

There are also larger opportunities such as joining inclusive communities that honor differences.

“Encourage your kids to take part in something bigger than themselves.” She believes in teaching our children that the world is much bigger than this little bubble that we’ve created for them.

How Far We’ve Come and How Much More We Can Do

Michelle reflects on the progress since her daughter Jelly was born 14 years ago. How far have we come? 

“Leaps and bounds.”

Back then, employment for people with disabilities felt nearly impossible unless a parent owned a business. Today, companies are actively embracing inclusive hiring and training models.

She proudly highlights one partnership: Adidas began by training employees on disability awareness, evolved into supported employment, and has now hired multiple individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, often the last to be hired in the disability landscape.

“Adidas has committed wholeheartedly… creating accommodations… where they are actual team members, included in the Christmas party, singing karaoke with the group.”

It is proof that change is not only possible—it is happening.

Yet there is more to do. “We’ve come so far, but we still have so much more to do.”

New Doors Opened by Sounds of Change

The concert didn’t just celebrate inclusion; it sparked new opportunities.

It strengthened partnerships like the one with The Bistro Group, whose entire team underwent disability awareness training. Michelle shares how eye-opening this became for staff members who had family members with disabilities.

It also opened a key collaboration with De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, whose students and professors from the Music Production Program guided performers, offered studio time, and created more pathways for artistic expression.

And then there were the ripple effects—those who attended and later reached out, ready to support, volunteer, or open their own doors.

“Someone might be in the audience and then contact me months down the line and say, ‘I was able to watch the show, and now I’m ready to help.’”

A Wonderful World: The Dream Ahead

When asked about the big dream, Michelle’s answer is simple and profound.

“For Jelly to be able to walk into a place and apply for a job, or walk into a place without the stares.”

A world where every individual with a disability is honored, given a voice, and invited to contribute.

“What a wonderful world it would be if everyone has a chance, or is given a voice, or given a platform, or has a cheering squad behind them telling them that they can do it.”

Because when we teach our children to open their hearts, we are not just raising kind kids, we are creating a kinder world. And what a wonderful world that would be.

More about Best Buddies PH or inclusivity?

Understanding The Uniqueness of Neurodivergence with Laura Petix
Everyone Needs A Best Buddy, Especially During A Pandemic
WATCH: Two Young People With Down Syndrome Show What Love Means in I’m Perfect