The heartbreaking events at the Lapu Lapu Festival have left our community reeling. There's a lot of pain, a lot of questions—and not always a clear path forward. But sometimes, the best way to start healing is simply being together, and letting music do what it does best.

Pagbangon (which means to rise after adversity) is a night to breathe, reflect, and reconnect. It’s about holding space for each other, and finding comfort through art, words, and sound.

Hosted by Jedro "JedRocks" Magtoto, here's what to expect for the night!

Community mingle with vendors and Ava Nicole
Grounding & poetry with Registered Counsellor Ben Castro
Jazz from Ube Note
R&B from Jon Müller
Indie Pop/Rock from LEAN

Admission is $15 or more with all proceeds going to support the United Way Kapwa Strong Fund.

MEET THE ARTISTS

AVA NICOLE

Ava Nicole is a Filipino-Canadian DJ based in Vancouver, known for curating high-energy, genre-blending sets that push musical boundaries and connect communities. With a sound that fuses hip hop, R&B, funk, afrobeats, amapiano, and creative edits, she’s performed for major brands like Brooks Running, Sephora, Arc'teryx, and Dineout Vancouver, as well as youth clubs and local festivals. Her dynamic presence has lit up venues across the city—from Fortune Sound Club to D/6 Lounge—and recent events like the BMO Marathon and Morning Disco. As a proud Filipina and rising force in the DJ scene, Ava continues to evolve her craft and amplify the voice of female creatives.

BEN CASTRO

Ben Castro (he/they) is a second generation Filipino, settler, poet, and Clinical Counsellor. In his work, he specializes in anger management, codependence, repairing harm, and trauma, while working mostly with men and couples. Through his poetry, he blends his personal and professional experiences of the need for dignity, respect, and hope, bringing to light the healing needed for the wounds buried beneath the surface.

UBE NOTE

Ube Note is comprised of young, aspiring jazz musicians and educators based on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish Nations. Featuring Clayton Poon on trumpet and Alfred Abrenica on Tenor Saxophone, the group strives to integrate originality into the African American jazz tradition while pursuing their degrees in Secondary Music Education. Lead vocalist Cassey Razon draws inspiration from several iconic women in jazz, including Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, and Carmen McRae. Together, the group is excited to share their love of music with the wider community. They will be joined by Jonny Tobin on piano, Chad Galpin on bass, and Trent Otter on Drums

JON MÜLLER

Burnaby’s Jon Müller is your parent’s record collection shuffled with a best of 2000’s Spotify playlist. An eclectic mix of genres grounded by Classic Soul & Modern Pop with just a dash of backstreet Hip-Hop to keep things fresh. Touted as a force in the GVA music scene, Jon Müller uses his sixteen years of songwriting and formal jazz training to create music that is complex, yet accessible. Unique, yet familiar. Kind of like a Kubrick action flick that you’d rent on a Tuesday night.

LEAN

LEAN, Vancouver’s vibrant four-piece, burst onto the scene in 2025 with their effervescent indie pop-rock. Electric guitar and synthy chords drift over oak & honey harmonies and foot-stomping rhythms. They’re the soundtrack to your adventures, a solid shoulder to lean on, and the shotgun to your ride.

AND YOUR HOST

JEDRO "JEDROCKS" MAGTOTO

Jedro “JedRocks” Magtoto A 10-year brain cancer survivor, stand-up comedian, and motivational speaker, Jedro brings energy, heart, and humour to every mic he touches. From centre stage to heartfelt causes, he’s all about creating community, confidence, and connection. Get ready for a night of inspiration, healing, and powerful vibes — hosted by someone who knows firsthand what it means to rise again.

Pagbangon: A Benefit Concert for Healing

Pagbangon: A Benefit Concert for Healing

Event Info

Hosted By:

Jon Muller

Jon Muller

Other Attendees

Other Attendees

Other Attendees

Other Attendees

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