Text: Jocelyn Jimenez/ Photos: Paolo Jimenez

After the continuous speed of his career, the Black Eyed Peas Fil-Am member, Apl de Ap or Allan Pineda in real life, gives back to his hometown.

Last Tuesday, August 16, Apl went back to Angeles Pampanga to donate desktop computers and updated musical equipments and applications. With the help of HP and Ayala Foundation, Apl was able to help his former schools- Sapang Bato National High School and Holy Angel University.

In Sapang Bato National High School, he donated 18 desktop computers. He said, the students should “take advantage of it, to compete with other students kids who have computers out there.”

The students started using these computers since July of this year, being taught of the basic computer knowledge like typing and making presentations.

On the other hand, aside from donating two touch screen computers to Holy Angel University, he also launched a music library and studio to the said school. These facilities were utilized, and encourage students in enhancing their musical talents- may it be in singing or playing instruments.

Though there are a lot of ways in giving back, Apl thought that donating computers is better, for it could be used as a bridge of information for the students.

“You know, I want them to be provided with information,” he said. “‘Coz in the computers, you can almost Google anything and learn, and I wanted them to have this information. And also, you know, in Black Eyed Peas we use music programs like computers, and there are a lot of talented Filipinos when it comes to music. So, I want them to be active in like music programs, media, and access to the internet.”

Yet, it doesn’t end there for Apl, as he also have fifteen college scholars who are currently enrolled in Holy Angel University.

Thus, Apl said he won’t stop helping out kids in having a better future. He even plans of expanding to other regions of the country.

“[I plan of] sustaining the project, and also expanding to other regions,” he said. You know, Sapang Bato was the first model, and I want to replicate that also to other regions of Philippines, and do the same thing. Especially, for under privileged [and] unfortunate kids that can’t really afford schooling. So, that’s why I’m focusing on building brighter future.”

Following the success of Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez’s Celebrity Ukay-Ukay is an online auction, which is still ongoing.

Yup, it’s not yet too late to place your bid.

Aside from owning an outfit previously owned by your idol,  you get to to help GMA Kapuso Foundation’s Kapuso School Development (KSD) project.

AVAILABLE ITEMS

Bong Revilla’s black suit, which was made in Italy

Boy Abunda’s jusi-like robe with tribal prints

Lani Mercado’s empire-cut long gown

Pia Guanio’s black and gold watch with crystal beads

Kyla’s sequined cocktail dress

BID NOW!!!

Text: Nerisa Almo

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) tries for the first time the online auction to raise funds for its projects for children.

TV personality Daphne Oseña-Paez helped UNICEF Philippines in implementing “Auction for Action” which was launched yesterday, May 25, at The Gallery, Greenbelt 5 in Makati City.

“This year we wanted to explore our ways of spreading the news about UNICEF. What we did is we brainstormed on how to raise funds. And we came up with the idea of bringing together the best in Filipino art and design,” said Daphne.

Since she’s hosting ABS-CBN’s weekend lifestyle program Urbanzone, Daphne did not have a hard time asking local artists to donate an art piece for the auction.

“It personally appeals to me because I host a TV show about design and architecture. And I have these artists on my speed dial. So, I thought, ‘Why don’t we just ask them to donate? That was actually the easiest part of putting this together, just asking.

“All these award-winning and top designers and artists were so willing to help. And a lot of the pieces were actually made just for the auction,” she related during the program.

Among the designers who contributed their creations were Manny Baldemor, Michael Cacnio, Celestina, Seb Chua, Kenneth Cobonpue, Araceli Limcaco Dans, Kristine Dee, Janina Dizon, Tom Epperson and Ito Kish.

Also included were art pieces from E. Billy Mondoñedo, Ramon Orlina, Debbie Palao, Ling Quisumbing Ramilo, Benji Reyes, Popo San Pascual, Vito Selma, Paul Syjuco, Ricky Toledo and Chito Vijandre of FIRMA/Felicity, Reg Yuson.

Daphne herself donated an armchair made of kiln-dried mahogany wood.

According to another UNICEF celebrity ambassador Bianca Gonzales, 100 percent of the proceeds of this auction will go to the UNICEF Philippines fund.

“This is an effort by UNICEF to raise funds for our different projects, to benefit the education, health and sanitation. Also violence against children and women,” she said.

The SNN host further encouraged everyone to buy from the online auction, which will go live for 10 days.

“It’s very easy to bid,” she said. “Hindi ninyo kailangan ng credit card or anything. Just register at www.ebay.ph/Unicef with your email address and follow the instructions. When you actually win the bid, you can pay either through cash, check, or bank transfers or also credit card.”

Aside from the paintings, sculptures, and jewelry, one can also bid for experiential packages that include dinner by Chef Tonyboy Escalante of Antonio’s.

There’s also a dugout experience with Philippine Football Team Azkals on July 3 at the World Cup qualifier in Manila.

“We really hope you support our cause. First time ever ito na ginawa ng UNICEF Philippines and your contribution will go a long, long way in helping the lives of the kids here in the Philippines,” Bianca reiterated.

Visit www.ebay.ph/Unicef to find out what items are available for this charity auction.

Text: Karen Pagsolingan/ Photos: Noel Orsal and Nerisa Almo

The project began with a seven-year-old kid’s desire to help the victims of earthquakes and tsunami in Japan.

His name is Gabby Belleza, who learned about the peace crane and its significance to the Japanese culture from his mom Edna.

Yesterday, April 12, news about Gabby’s 1,000 cranes project had reached PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), which decided to take a 30-minute break from showbiz to hold an origami activity.

The team was able to come up with 122 cranes—each fold was embelished with both laughter and prayers.

Today, our contribution was brought by the Peace Boat to Japan. It was very heartening to know that our showbiz website is part of an endeavor that is relevant and life-changing.

Text: Rose Garcia

Noong February 24 to 25, nagkaroon ng isang makabuluhang proyekto ang Entertainment Press Society (Enpress) kasama ang grupo ng C3 (Camera Celebrity Club) sa Province of Albay, partikular na sa lugar ng Legazpi.

Ito ang kanilang tugon sa sunud-sunod na calamities na tumama sa lugar nitong nakaraang taon. Sa tulong ni Governor Joey Salceda ng Province of Albay, nag-stay ang dalawang organizations for two days sa Governor’s Mansion.

Namahagi ang mga showbiz writers at photographers ng maraming damit, sapatos, toiletries, pagkain, at ilan pang basic needs sa ilang evacuees, na ngayo’y mga residente na sa resettlement site sa Barangay Anislag sa Legazpi.

Sa nasabing outreach activity ng Enpress at  C3, napansin ang kawalan pa rin ng tubig sa naturang lugar, pati na rin ang hirap ng ilang residente rito. Pero ang maganda, sila-sila ay nag-boluntaryong tumulong na makapaglagay ng water system sa kanilang lugar at makagawa ng kanilang ikabubuhay.

Hindi problema ang kuryente dahil sa programang solar energy ng Albay.

Ang maganda pa nito, kung anuman ang ikinabubuhay nila sa mga lugar na kanilang tinirhan, dinala ang mga ito sa Anislag para tuloy pa rin ang kanilang source of income.

Ayon kay Governor Salceda, na advocate ng climate change, hindi madaling panghinaan ng loob ang mga Bicolano. Sa kabila ng kalamidad na dumayo sa lugar nila, idaraos pa rin ang pinaka-aabangang Magayon Festival sa darating na Abril.

Akma ang paggamit sa salitang “Magayon,” na ang ibig sabihin ay maganda, dahil dito galing ang mga world-class beauty queens na sina Miriam Quiambao (1999 Miss Universe first runner-up), Precious Lara Quigaman (2005 Miss International) and Venus Raj (2010 Miss Universe fourth runner-up).

After the relief-giving of Enpress, ang pamamahagi naman ng award para sa 8th Golden Screen Awards for Movies ang susunod na activity ng organisasyon.

Text and Photos: Rommel Gonzales

Isang espesyal na araw ang February 18, 2011, para Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) dahil ang mga members nito ay nagtungo sa CHILD (Center for Health Improvement & Life Development) HAWS sa Q.I. compound sa E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue sa Quezon City.

Ang pagkakawanggawa—bukod sa annual award ceremonies para sa telebisyon, musika at pelikula— ay bahagi na ng annual activities ng grupo.

Sa taong ito, pinili nila ang isang institusyon na kumakalinga at nag-aaruga sa mga underprivileged kids na may sakit na kanser.

With Melba Llanera, PMPC president and overall chairman, spearheading the project—nqagdala ang mga entertainment writers and columnists ng pagkain, regalo, at damit para sa kanilang beneficiaries.

Bukod sa mga officers and members ng naturang club, naglaan din ng oras ang ilan sa mga celebrities gaya nina Sam Milby at Hayden Kho Jr.

During the program proper, naghandog ng mga awitin ang balladeer na si Ronnie Liang, ang baguhang male stars na sina Benjamin de Guzman at Hiro Magalona, ang tween star na si Joyce Ching, at ang tinaguriang Prince of Pop na si Erik Santos.

Sumayaw naman at nakipagkuwentuhan sa mga batang pasyente ang child actress na si Mika dela Cruz, ang child actor na si Nicky Castro, at ang child wonder na si Jillian Ward.

Dumalo at sumuporta rin sa naturang event ang businesswoman na si Cristina Decena kasama ang mister niyang host/comedian na si Ariel Villasanta.

Samantala, hindi nakaabot sa naturang event ang Soul Siren na si Nina at ang male singer na si Jay-R Siaboc.

Sumuporta rin sa proyekto sina Luis Manzano, John “Sweet” Lapus, Kaye  and Absy Dacer, Jobert Sucaldito, Caldereta King, at si Joed Serrano.

Bilang pasasalamat ng mga bata, naghandog naman sila sa kanilang mga bisita ng espesyal na mga awitin at isang collage na naglalaman ng personal na liham ng mga batang pasyente.

Text and Photos: Paul Mata

Dick Israel was listening to some of his DVD collections of Eagles, Eric Clapton, and Beatles at home before he went to his fund-raising show last Monday night, July 26, at Merk’s Bar in Greenbelt 3, Makati City. He did not know what to expect that night except that friends were gathering to help him in his medical expenses.

Dick suffered a stroke while shooting for the TV series Magkano ang Iyong Dangal, which aired from January 25 to May 14, 2010. The stroke paralyzed his left side and he’s now recovering through physical therapy.

Friends and co-workers all went to the special fund-raiser for the character actor, who is best known as a movie villain to hero characters played by Bong Revilla and Rudy Fernandez.

The “bad guy” in movies and TV got more than he expected. He was showered with the love of his friends in the industry.

Merk’s Bar owner Richard Merk spearheaded the fundraiser funnily entitled Iba na ang Masamang Damo, Mabuhay Ka, Dick Israel and he himself served as the emcee  that evening. To view the gallery, CLICK THIS LINK.

Richard thanked everyone who came to support Dick’s recovery. “Ako masayang-masaya ako. Very happy ako at sinuportahan tayo lahat ng ating mga kaibigan ngayong gabing ito. Ang showbiz ganito lang. Lahat ay nagtu-tulungan kung sino yung kailangan tulungan.

“When you give, you don’t expect to receive. Happy na ako sa support ng marami. Kaya maraming-maraming salamat sa lahat ng sumuporta,” Richard said.

FRIENDS IN SHOWBIZ. Well-wishers were streaming in to see how well the actor was doing. Dick was happy to see everyone who dropped by and greeted him.

The early birds were Phillip Salvador, YES! copy editor Pete Lacaba, Ricky Davao. Also spotted were Top Suzara, Richard Reynoso, and comedian Alan K.

Those who lingered longer included Boots Anson Roa, Tessie Tomas, Leo Martinez, young actor Marco Mañalac, Al Tantay, Tirso Cruz III, Rez Cortez, Alvin Anson, Bentong and Edgar Mortiz.

“Kita mo naman na kapag nag-sama-sama medyo enjoy lang talaga. Sanay kami sa ganoon na kapag shooting or taping na kami-kami lang ang magkakasama. Masaya kami ngayon pero, on the other hand, nakakalungkot kasi tinamaan si Dick. But he’s recovering well. Sana tuloy-tuloy na,” Leo Martinez said.

Who thought of the unique title for this fundraising?

“Iba na ang masamang damo. Pero hindi iyan ganyan sa totoong buhay. Pero ganyan ang mga charaters niya pelikula,” the bar owner said.

Leo explained, “Tukso na naman sa isa’t isa iyon. Kami eh mga seniors citizen na tatamaan na kami… Sabi ko nga, I’m PHD na, on my PHD na, Preparing na for Happy Death. I’m even older than Tats by one or two years.”

MUSIC THAT UPLIFTS THE SOUL. Providing entertainment for early-comers was Metro Jive.

Dolphy Jr lent some words of inspiration for Dick. He also played the guitar and dedicated a song to Dick.

Nicole and Carlo, the children of Mon David, performed a couple of jazz and standard songs.

Bringing the house down was Karylle, who did a medley of songs and later invited Dick to sing a duet along with her.

Karylle said after she did her set, “It was fun. Tito Dick, he really loves music. Talagang nakita ko iyon when we worked together for Magkano ang Iyong Dangal. Back in the tent, he’d be like jamming. We even talked about music. I really saw how much his spirit was uplifted. Nabuhayan siya ng loob.

“Yung last jam namin, parang hindi mo na siya matanggal sa stage because music is something that really heals. And of course with good friends being around, he’s really a well-loved person at talagang mabait siya,” Karylle added.

Karylle recalled one good thing she learned from Dick.

“Every time I would do something well, he would point it out para maalala ko at para malaman ko what exactly I did para ma-improve my skills kasi he’s been acting for a long time. I mean, Philippine’s best are all here. For him to share all those things to me, eh hindi niya kailangan gawin iyon. Nararamdaman ko talaga yung love niya for me. It was really nice to work with him as my dad in the show. Talagang nag-bonding kami.”

Dick obliged as well and sang along later, with Tirso and Al strumming the guitar and friends gathering onstage.

Dick’s wife, Melinda shared her sentiments after the event.

“Very uplifting para sa amin lahat. Binigyan kami ng hope and support galing sa pamilya ng showbiz. We’re glad na nakakapag-jam na siya. Medyo kaya niya na. As you can see na favorite niya si Clapton at yung Eagles. I’m just happy that he had a big night with his friends at dumating naman ang lahat,” she said.

“He’s doing better now. Medyo may difficulty pa rin sa walking. Pero as time goes on, we hope his condition improves. Huwag lang siyang tamarin lang talaga. Yun lang yung kalaban namin, yung magkaroon ng reason na umayaw dahil masakit na. Ang sinsabi na lang ng mga friends niya is huwag kang titigil sa therapy.

Melinda is positive that Dick can be able to recover and return to work.

“Kung titingnan mo siya kapag naka-upo, very normal. Pero kapag tumayo na, doon mo na mapapansin. Pero ang prognosis naman is very positive. Noong unang dinala siya sa hospital hindi talaga siya makalakad. You could see na nakakatayo na siya. Medyo nakakahakbang na with a cane and a minimal assistance ng nasa tabi niya. Nandito lang naman kami sa tabi niya.”

Dick and family went home happy, knowing that for a ‘bad guy’ in movies, he has some good friends to count on for a helping hand.

Text: Bong Godinez/ Photos: Citrusnap accommodated

Being a newbie golfer did nothing to hinder actor Diether Ocampo’s desire to generate funds to support less privileged Filipino children.

Held on June 24 at the Tagaytay Midlands course in scenic Tagaytay City, the 1st Diether Ocampo Cup: Putt for Education was for the benefit of the K.I.D.S Foundation—a non-government charity organization founded by the Kapamilya actor himself a couple of years back. (CLICK HERE to view the gallery.)

The idea to organize a golf tournament was suggested by sports anchor Anthony Suntay, who told Diether that the sport would appeal to big companies and well-to-do individuals for sponsorship.

“I told him [Anthony] and his team na ‘Sige, let’s do it na!’ Hindi na ko nagdalawang isip parang bahala na basta I have to learn how to play golf. Pero mas importante kasi sa akin na we’ll be able to support and sustain the programs of the foundation. I introduced him to K.I.D.S Foundation and sabi ko ‘It’s been five years already that we’ve doing this and so far we’ve going around the country especially ‘yong mga areas na hindi naaabutan ng tulong. Anthony then suggested for us to make an initial cup tapos gawin naming series,” Diether told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal).

Celebrities who graced the event were former action start turned politician Monsour del Rosario, actor Epy Quizon, and former Ateneo Blue Eagles point guard and television host Jai Reyes.

Talk N’ Text coach Chot Reyes together with his brother Billy and assistant coach Nash Racela were also on hand to witness the ceremonial 7:30 a.m. tee off.

Celebrities John Estrada, Richard Gomez, Maritoni Fernandez, Nadia Montenegro, Anjo Yllana, Vince Hizon and Tonton Gutierrez with wife Glydel Mercado all confirmed their participation  but unfortunately had to cancel at the last minute for personal reasons.

Even controversial host Willie Revillame and Pinoy boxing champion turned Congressman Manny Pacquiao initially relayed their intentions to play but pending commitments prohibited them from joining.

Diether—who was accompanied by girlfriend Rima Ostwani—was nonetheless overwhelmed by  the turnout of the event, saying, “Everyone’s really participating not because they want just to play golf but also because they want to give back something in their own little way, especially to support the education of the children who couldn’t afford to go to school.”

Text: Mark Ching

Sharon Cuneta participated eagerly in McDonald’s recently-concluded Cheeseburger Campaign, which provided much-needed learning kits to children in need.

In a press conference last June 10 at the Greenbelt branch of the popular fastfood chain, Sharon said it was easy for her to endorse the project because she has been part of the McDonald’s family for a long time.

Besides, Sharon is an advocate of reading. She even talked about her love for books during the press conference.

“When people ask me when I find the time to read, I wonder why they have to ask that question,” she explained. “It’s a no-brainer—you can read on the way to work, in the banyo. Ako, no matter what I do, I have to be reading something, except when I’m eating with my family. Pag may nakikita akong words, sasabihin ko, ‘Sayang naman! Sinulat ‘yan, inisip. Basahin ko nga!’”

The Cheeseburger Campaign, launched last May, aimed to raise P1 million pesos for the benefit of the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and its banner program Bright Minds Read.

Throughout the campaign, McDonald’s customers were asked to post a sticker to a commitment wall every time they bought a cheeseburger. Each sticker signifies a donation of one peso to the project.

“This project will help a lot of kids learn how to read,” Sharon said.

According to Margot Torres, McDonald’s Vice President for Marketing, “McDonald’s wanted to create an avenue for customers to get involved in a fun and delicious way. Who would have ever thought your McDonald’s Cheeseburger could also make a real difference?”

One million commitment stickers later, McDonald’s was able to donate to RMHC a total of P1 million, which was used to buy 100 BMR toolkits. The kits will help 100 public elementary schools and thousands of Grade 1 students learn reading, better language skills, reading comprehension and critical thinking. BMR toolkits contain 33 storybooks, student worksheets, and a teacher’s manual.

McDonald’s has partnered with the Department of Education (DepEd) to aid in the effective distribution of the BMR all over the country. Since the partnership started in 2002, BMR has recorded a significant contribution in the decreased number of non-readers in the country.

Dr. Flordeliza R. Magday, Director III, Officer-in-Charge, Office of the Regional Director, DepEd, thanked McDonald’s and RMHC for their “continous support and commitment to helping more children learn how to read. The results speak for themselves commitment and we hope that we replicate the same success in more parts of the country.”

Text: Mark Angelo Ching/ Photo: Sany Chua

Manny Pacquiao is the image of a new contest that aims to find the toughest jobs in the country.

“Search for the Toughest Jobs in the Philippines” is a project of Alaxan FR, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment. It “seeks to honor Filipino men and women who face the challenges of their day-to-day jobs with pride, resiliency and most of all, toughness.”

In a press launch last May 26, the brand’s representative Sheila Roño explained why they picked the world-champion boxer to represent the contest.

“We are very honored that he’s endorsing Alaxan…“The Toughest Jobs,” because he epitomizes pride in pain, he epitomizes pride and resiliency and toughness. That’s why we’re very happy na our patnership with Manny has been standing for more than five years already,” Roño explained.

Roño added, “He will be the role model of the Filipino. When you say the toughest job, he is that. He personifies that. So hopefully bring inspiration to Filipinos that, yes, you might have a tough job, but if you work hard, if you put dedication and commitment, you will eventually become… may mararating, whatever hard work you put in.”

CONTEST DETAILS. Who has the tougher job—a manager or a messenger; a Makati girl or a palengke boy; a driver or an accounts driver?

Different people may give different answers; but for the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Manny Pacquiao and Alaxan FR, no job is too small or too easy. Becauseit is in how one performs the job—whether he rises above the pain and the challenge—that determines whether a job is tough or so-so.

With this in mind, the DOLE and the People’s Champ, together with Alaxan FR, is launching the “Search for the Toughest Jobs in the Philippines.”

The “Search for the Toughest Jobs in the Philippines” is open to all working Filipinos and will run from May 26 to August 21, 2010. Each participant must log on to www.toughjobsphilippines.com, register, and upload a picture explaining why he or she has the toughest job. The entry with the most number of votes online will win the competition and bring home a trophy and a cash prize.