SPARKLE Band Shines with Concert King in Cabanatuan

By: Raymond Lee, Band's Mentor

SPARLE Band shared the stage with two of the greatest performers in the Philippine music industry, Concert King and Queen, Martin Nievera and Pops Fernandez, in “I’ll Be There For You,” a benefit concert for Gifted Ones Development Center. The concert was held at Cabanatuan Event Center, Nueva Ecija last October 15, 2010.

The Sparkle Band during the “I’ll Be There For You” concert

Audiences were all pumped up with SPARKLE Band’s rendition of “Club Can’t Handle Me”, popularized by Flo Rida. As rain continued to pour, spirits ran high as the band treated them to signature greats from The Beatles’ “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” and Louie Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World,” which was incidentally dedicated to the parents of band members.

The band members, Daryl Tan (vocals), Bryan Lu (vocals and drums), Desly Bianca Lim Alvarado (keyboard and vocals) and EJ Balila (drums) were star struck with Concert King Martin Nievera and sons Ram and Robin, who took time out for snapshots with them before show time. The kids felt like celebrities themselves, when they were asked to autograph the concert’s promotional poster for the beneficiaries.

The Sparkle Band with Concert King Martin Nievera
with sons, Ram (1st photo-left) and Robin (1st photo-right)

SPARKLE band was chosen to be the front act of this concert, which also proved to be one of the band’s career highlights. “Pops and Martin are not only great singers, they are gifted with kind hearts,” commented Teacher Raymond Lee, one of the band’s mentors.

“Lest we forget the advocacy, for which we have been upholding since day one….. that night, the people did see how capable the children really are,” Teacher Raymond was referring to the mission of the band – “One Day You’ll See,” one of their original song compositions from their first album. The song encourages people to close their discriminating eyes and open their hearts to embrace the talents of children with autism.

According to Raymond, the concert was not just a night of music, but also an eye-opener for everybody. “Two years ago, the kids joined a summer program to enhance their music abilities in singing and playing musical instruments. We never thought that the program would amount to something spectacular. It was a far fetched idea to form this band of four dynamic, talented and determined kids with autism.”

SPARKLE Band has gone through a lot; but has endured challenges that come their way. “We wish to be remembered not for the things that we have, but for the things that we have done. We hope to inspire others, to have courage and to believe in their children.” Click here to read more about SPARKLE Band.

Acknowledgments: Outbox Media, Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez, Ram and Robin Nievera, Donna Lim, Teachers Raymond, Mond, Ralph, Mem, Pol, Joel, Vic, Otep, JD, Kiks, Cha’ and Nicole; Gifted Ones Development Center therapists and staff; families of the people we’ve worked and played with; and Most of all, God Almighty!

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“It’s not by random coincidence, but by a special destiny that we are here in this world- a destiny that will forever be embedded in our lives and in the hearts of those who have witnessed our journey.” – Sparkle Band

Start your Christmas shopping early! Order your “Playing on Parallel Ground” a 2-disc pack with audio CD of their original songs and DVD featuring behind the scene footage of Sparkle Band’s recordings.

Part of the proceeds will fund ASP Programs and Services. Visit us at Room 307 ML Building No. 47 Kamias Road, Quezon City, Philippines or call us 7-903-5496. Email us at autismphils@gmail.com for bulk orders. Be an Angel for Autism. Shop Early For Christmas and Help Spread Autism Awareness! Click here for more items.