When the country celebrated the Olympic Gold a couple years back, we were all so happy about it and rejoiced. Every Juan and Maria were glued to their TV, mobile phone, tablet, seeing the flawless performances of athletes on the world stage seeing their dreams come true for them, and for the country. Thing is, this didn't come overnight because aside from the blood, sweat and tears that they've produced, they needed funding to get and train in other countries to be at par with the world's best and be taught by coaches that could produce the best athlete and potential like every Filipino could.
Funding it is another issue, and this is where D!giP|us |nteract!ve Corporation and its subsidiary ArenaP|us come in. According to Madame Cynthia Carrion who heads the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, corporate sponsorships sustains these efforts and just like our golden boy Carlos Yulo, she says "People only see the end result of medals but didn't know it needed funds so they could train, travel and compete first to get where they are. The support they get are the ones that get them in podiums, raise that flag on the world stage". This goes the same with boxer Eumir Marcial, basketball's Scottie Thompson who secured funding from these corps, then thanked them legibly when they came home from the Olympics. It gets them the needed funds where the budgets fall short to continue their goals from start to end.
In recent events, Ms. Carrion pronounced for regulation where it is needed, and acknowledges those who do it legally and contribute to society.
It was a very festive mood to see folks from the Rotary Club of different regions all in one place to celebrate the induction of officers and Beautéderm CEO Rhea Tan as the President of the Rotary Club of Balibago (a district in Angeles City). She's no stranger to community work since she built her empire and businesses benefiting scholars, mothers, SME's in different parts of the country, but this opportunity to help in the Rotary Club of Balibago in Pampanga was just too precious to pass.
Ms. Rei says "We appreciate everyone who's here for District 3790 Rotary Club of Balibago headed by Governor Dr. Philip Torres, AG Bing Gonzales, DS Jong Galang, past District Governors and officers. To my family, my kids Adam Kenneth and Audrey, friends, Beautederm Ambassadors, local and national media, I'd like to thank you for coming together for a very significant night, a gathering of hearts and minds, united in service. It's not by words, but the Rotary Club of Balibago is committed to exert all efforts to uplift the community it serves. I'd like to share 3 of my projects "Rise and Glow Up" to bring self confidence for an initial 20 youth via BeauteHause Clinic. "Yes To Love" where a portion of earnings will go to End Polio campaign of Rotary Club International and "Contribeut: A Scholarship Grant for Tertiary Level deserving students so they could finish their degrees and help their families."
She was so touched when she was introduced by her Mother, Ms. Pacita Ramos Anicoche who told us about her story before the achieved success in the industry. She wants to help those with mental health needs, earn funds for the end Polio campaign through several company owned branches, and continue the successful scholarship programs not just for her employees, students from her previous school, and now students from the Balibago district. To date, she has already had several students finish with Latin honors which she is so proud of. She wants to use her voice to benefit others, sit at the table and let others too. She thanks the Rotary Club of Balibago for the trust. She hopes to also influence others to do the same.
Together with Ms. Rei, Ms. Mylene Timbol, Ms. Chona Lee and Ms. Doreen Canyong from the Beautederm group will be part of the officers to make sure they would be able to accomplish a LOT during her term.
As a surprise, Ms. Rhea got the one and only Piolo Pascual to escort her to the stage, which had almost everyone's jaw drop. He also sang a few songs but folks were just too excited and took photos with him on stage, not surprised. Aside from that, her super supportive Beautederm Ambassadors Alma Concepcion (who's been with her for 15 years), actor and former Vice Governor Ejay Falcon, beauty queens and actresses Maricel Morales, Rochelle Barrameda, Thia Thomalia, actors Jimwell Stevens, Kimson Tan, Jojo Abellana, PBB Celebrity Collab Edition's Josh Ford, singer comediennes Kaikai Bautista, KitKat, Darla Sauler, Pepita Curtis, and award winning actress Gillian Vicencio were there to show their support for Ms. Rei Tan. Also a few weeks ago, she also had Belle Dolls brand ambassadors Miguel Tanfelix and Ysabel Ortega to help her with a local school, giving bags, hygiene kits and more (which she plans to continue during her term).
Here's her speech on video:
She's already the Girl Boss everyone wants to be and could have just enjoyed the life she has right now, but Ms. Rhea wants to get involved in what could BETTER her community and help those who need it. She wants to DO MORE and now help people on a bigger scale. The Rotary Club has been established almost 120 years ago, aimed to have professionals with diverse backgrounds could form meaningful friendships. With this goal and the popular 4 way test, they are doing more good with the organization. Ms. Rhea wants to continue the good things that they've started, add the best ones that she's accomplished with her company to take Rotary Club of Balibago and its members to new heights.
It's been a running joke for most folks to see Filipinos get into a resilient mode every time there's a calamity or challenge. It probably stems from our defense to try and smile instead of suffering, a survival mechanism to find simple joys in small things.
Losing power, we make shadow plays. We experience floods, we'd probably swim in it. When we get stressed, we try to entertain ourselves, and it's something that's innately Filipino to not dwell in problems and why not?
We even experience heartbreaks and poke fun at ourselves and the situation... instead of being in a condition to not perform tasks or activities because of certain limitations. We even make music out of it because yes, it is an escape.
When we can't do it, we find ways to survive, and tell ourselves we still have something to hold on to... and just carry on!
Having met the ABSCBN artists a couple days ago, I felt it was high time to see the GMA Sparkle Artist Center side of the collab. Yes, it's an opportunity I wouldn't want to pass because you know, PBB has changed the lives of Mika Salamanca, the gorgeous Ashley Ortega, good looking Will Ashley, Dustin Yu, Josh Ford, Michael Sager, Charlie Fleming, AZ Martinez, Vince Maristela and the playful Shuvee Etrata.
Just to give you a picture, there were a lot of trad media and entertainment bloggers covering for this event. Most of them were editors and columnists from your dailies. I guess I was a little hesitant to send questions because it took almost an hour and a half to talk to them because of the sheer number of housemates we had to interview.
Here's our coverage on video, please enjoy!
Ashley Ortega currently holds the most number of views on my YouTube channel, and I've had the opportunity to interview her a couple of times. She's very eloquent, gorgeous and very talented on ice. She also was able to show a side of her that's not seen on camera. It's why after her short stay in the house, people were all supporting her A LOT. She also got major endorsements because of it and life has been good.
Charlie Fleming has been able to enjoy the success of the show and was able to still have some parts of her life private. Will Ashley has signified his willingness to work with Dustin Yu, which is actually not the first time because they previously were together in a Regal Entertainment movie. He feels the show was also a venue to introduce themselves, and show things that have not been seen on TV. Dustin laments that he's been waiting for the right time as far as his career is concerned. He didn't really expect to join PBB Celebrity Collab Edition, but he was so glad he did! He may be an introvert, but now that people got to know him, he's going to have more opportunities after the show.
Josh Ford is so thankful that his trip back to the Philippines was not in vain. It's been years that he has been in the industry but feels this is his biggest break. He also said that even though some people know him, it was only after PBB that he felt seen. He's so thankful to GMA, Sparkle and PBB for the opportunity! I can't wait to see him grab major roles in shows because he's done his homework.
Vince Maristela on the other hand got recognized while he was in Korea for a little R&R, even if he's been in the industry for a while, it's only now that he gets stopped a LOT while out in public. He now is eager to grab opportunities that would come his way. Everyone was so happy for him!
Shuvee was so fun during this interview. I could see how she is also being fancied by GMA execs while telling her story. As you can see, several shows have already got a hold of her, and joking on social media about her availability. She loves the support and promises to love all the brands and people that supports her. She's not just Shuvee the host now, she's everything and more! Still humble!
Big winner Mika Salamanca knew how much flak she once had because some have already pre-judged her because of previous controversies. She knew that people just didn't know. For Mika it's a big thing to have a platform to let people get to know who she is, change their perspectives and she thanked Sparkle for believing in her. Winning it meant that she can further prove naysayers of how she deserves the spot. She's pretty game about it.
I'd like to send a huge THANK YOU to SPARKLE GMA Artist Center for letting us get to know these housemates after the show. I'm quite sure they're planning a whole lot for them because by any angle, there's nowhere to go but to stardom! Oh and yes, that COLLAB CONCERT is coming up, make sure you get tickets before they run out!
PS, sub on my YouTube channel called "kumagcow" because I've uploaded some shorts there about this event. You'll love that!
