By Marilie Bomediano
At the recent R & B Dionela Concert, “The Grace World Tour” held at the Roundhouse, University of NSW, Kensington, Sydney, the event producer of Variant Productions (VRNT) simply stood out above the crowd.
The always inspiring, Joel Cabides.
It was inevitable not to be noticed as he wheeled himself around on a wheelchair. He was Joel Joseph B. Cabides II, a quadriplegic who despite his disability managed to produce the show and inspire fellow kababayans. And he took the show to other states too.
Joel is the son of retired AFP Brigadier General, Joseph Cabides of Iligan, and graduated BS Psychology with a major in Psychological Testing from Far Eastern University.
Following his father’s footsteps, he enlisted as a cadet at the Royal Military College in Duntroon, Canberra. He had a promising career ahead but regrettably life dealt him a different fate. A tragic accident during military training caused spinal injuries, and confined him permanently on a wheelchair.
“I served in the military, chasing structure, discipline, and meaning. Then one training exercise flipped everything. I came out of it a quadriplegic,” said Joel.
However, Joel turned his bad luck and used his love of music and OPM to propel him to another career – a concert producer.
Naturally resilient, Joel admits: “They said life would slow down but I decided to speed it up. Today, I lead concerts, run businesses, and turn bold ideas into reality.”
He founded Variant Event Company that brings big artists to even bigger crowds. From his firsthand experience, he also founded Enable Nursing. His intention was to give the kind of care he once wished he had.
“I don’t wait for perfect timing. I just move — with purpose, with humour and with heart. And hey, when you’re on a wheelchair, the easiest thing to do is move forward,”Joel added.
Left: Joel with writer, Marilie. Right: Joel and friends after the show.
Despite being delegated in a wheelchair for life, Joel remains positive and says: “I’ve learned that life won’t always hold the door open. So kick it if you have to. Scared? Do it anyway. Uncertain? Do it anyway. Not ready? Do it anyway. Banat lang. Move forward. Build whatever you wish existed. And when they doubt you? Smile —and show them what resilience really looks like.”
With such mantra, Joel Cabides undoubtedly continues to inspires and empower kababayans!
Nowadays, he tries to do at least three (3) OPM concerts per year in Australia and in the Philippines. It keeps his love of music and his spirits high.
photos by Renan Legaspi
