Catriona Gray raises funds for young people of Tondo through 'Legacy Ball'

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Catriona Gray

There's no stopping model, actress, singer, and beauty queen Catriona Gray from helping the poor young people of Tondo, Manila.

This is as the former Miss Universe announced the holding of Catriona Gray's Legacy Ball at the City of Dreams Manila ballroom in Parañaque City to benefit Young Focus Philippines on Nov. 22.

Guests and donors will attend the fundraising event, which will be filled with music, fashion, and purpose. 

The event will be hosted in partnership with City of Dreams Manila, Nobu, and DreamPlay. It will also be co-presented by Sailun Tires, Belo Medical Group, Uma Nota, Cetaphil, Urban Smiles, Jhaena Jewels, and Strokes Beauty. Tancinco, Mangco and Associates Law Office will be a major sponsor.  

Young Focus is a non-governmental organization that supports children and their families in the Smokey Mountain area of Tondo.

The organization believes in the power of education to overcome poverty, which is why it enrolls children and young adults in school. Young Focus began in Smokey Mountain with 225 beneficiaries in 2008.

Young Focus now has a total of 936 beneficiaries. Catriona has promoted the organization and its advocacy since winning the Miss Universe title in 2018. 

Catriona will also auction off select fashion pieces she has worn over the years during the event to raise more funds. She has been planning the auction since 2020, but the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic has put this initiative on hold.  

During a press conference at City of Dreams, Catriona talked about her big vision for Young Focus.

"The big vision is to reach more kids. There will always be a need for education. It's not about what we want to have, but it's following through on how we're helping in the long term," Catriona said in continuing her support for the private group.

Catriona added: "The problem with education is not a quick fix. It's not handing out meals to feed the empty stomach. It's something that takes years to complete. To see the big picture form takes a long time and a lot of resources. So it's a long-term vision. I'm someone here for the long term, and I hope my dedication to this cause over the years can encourage other people to see the long-term benefits."

The Filipino-Australian beauty queen answered on the possible target funds for the event: "As much as possible." She also hopes the legacy ball will become an annual event to support Young Focus.

Jeffrey Vadillo, Vice President of Cornerstone Entertainment, expressed support for the cause of Carione for Young Focus.

"This event has been Catriona’s dream for years, and we’re happy to see it come together. We’re glad to see more brands wanting to join us in this effort. Let’s make a positive impact together!" said Jeff. 

Catriona Gray's Legacy Ball is organized by Cornerstone Entertainment, the beauty queen's talent management agency. 

Founded by Erickson Raymundo in 2005, Cornerstone Entertainment is a premier Filipino multimedia entertainment agency continuously pushing the envelope in talent management, music, concerts, events, film, and television to provide the best content for Filipinos and beyond.

First time

In May 2016, Catriona and her mother visited Young Focus for the first time. This experience inspired Catriona’s advocacy work as she entered the world of beauty pageantry. 

She was determined to use this platform to raise awareness about important issues, particularly the significance of education for the urban poor.

Since then, Catriona has raised funds and raised awareness for Young Focus by organizing concerts both in the Philippines and abroad. After winning Miss World Philippines in 2016 and placing in the Top 5 internationally, Catriona chose to compete in Miss Universe 2018.

During the Miss Universe competition, she became more vocal about supporting Young Focus and the children from the Smokey Mountain area. This brought positive publicity to Tondo and helped enhance public respect for the families living there.

On Dec. 17, 2018, Catriona won the Miss Universe title. The media attention surrounding her advocacy work for Young Focus increased significantly. This led to numerous interviews and television appearances for both staff and students.

Everyone was curious about Young Focus, what it did, and its thoughts on Catriona's victory. Catriona placed both Young Focus and the people of Tondo in a highly positive spotlight.

Young Focus transformed from a little-known non-governmental organization to the most talked-about organization in the Philippines! The year 2018 concluded with a spectacular finale.

Young Focus Philippines

Young Focus has been supporting children and their families in the Smokey Mountain area of Tondo, Manila, since 2008. They began their work with 225 beneficiaries that year. As of the current school year, 2023/2024, Young Focus serves 936 beneficiaries.

The group believes education is the most effective tool for overcoming poverty among children and young adults. The organization enrolls students, ranging from elementary school age to college, in government education programs. In addition to these programs, Young Focus provides extra tutoring, life skills training, personal coaching, and social support.

Children who have dropped out of school can join our catch-up education programs and then re-enroll in school. Young Focus also offers a preschool for children aged 3 and 4. Young Focus supports the parents throughout the child's education by providing teaching and coaching programs.

Young Focus aims to enhance young people's mental, physical, and social well-being in disadvantaged communities through education, healthcare, and personal support.

It allows poor children and young people to grow intellectually, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually through education and personal coaching.

Young Focus aims to help young people discover and develop their hidden talents and gifts, enabling them to break free from the cycle of poverty.

The organization provides a brighter future for children from low-income families in the Philippines. Young Focus works directly with children in their environments to maximize their impact.

Programs

The programs of Young Focus are customized for specific needs, enabling children to develop intellectually, creatively, spiritually, and socially.

It enrolls children from preschool to college in government education, providing extra tutorials, life skills training, personal coaching, and social support.

Children who have dropped out of school can join our ‘catch-up’ education programs and then enroll (again) in school.

Throughout the child’s education, Young Focus supports the parents, too, by providing teaching and coaching programs.

Ogie Alcasid praises OFWs

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Oct 18, 2024 01:14 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Janice Chang, Global Brand Lead for Sendwave Philippines, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration.

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Ogie Alcasid

Filipino music icon Ogie Alcasid shared that he has long admired the commitment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to provide for their families.

During a press conference held in Morato, Quezon City recently, Ogie praised the hardworking Filipinos abroad as he was announced as the celebrity endorser for Sendwave, an international money transfer service.

Sendwave said the new partnership highlights Ogie’s support for the company's mission of providing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with secure remittances and fast and charge no transfer fees.

“Noon pa man, saludo na ako sa ating mga OFW. Hindi biro ang kanilang pagkawalay at pakikibagay sa ibang bansa para magtrabaho. Naniniwala ako na sa tulong ng Sendwave, makakampante ang ating mga OFW na magpadala ng pera sa kanilang mga pamilya sa Pilipinas nang sigurado, mabilis, at affordable," said Ogie.

(“I look up to our OFWs. Being away from home and adapting to another country for work is hard. I believe that, with Sendwave, our OFWs can feel confident that their families back home in the Philippines will receive their remittances in a safe, fast, and affordable way.”)

Ogie Alcasid and Janice Chang, Global Brand Lead for Sendwave Philippines

Janice Chang, Global Brand Lead for Sendwave Philippines, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration.

“We're so excited to welcome Ogie Alcasid to the Sendwave community. Ogie is beloved among Filipino families worldwide for his talent, humor, and deep connection to family values, making him the perfect ambassador for Sendwave. With Ogie on board, we’re confident we can further our mission of helping OFWs support their loved ones, no matter the distance, by sending money with no transfer fees," said Janice.

Sendwave was founded in 2014, and since it kicked off operations in the Philippines in 2021, it has simplified the remittance process for OFWs affordably. Users can send money directly from their phones through the Sendwave app as quickly as text messages.

The app ensures that hard-earned money reaches loved ones fast, eliminating the need for form-filling, queuing, visiting banks or remittance centers. Sendwave supports transfers to bank accounts, cash pickups and mobile wallets, offering a hassle-free experience without additional transfer fees.

Chang emphasized the importance of OFW remittances: “In 2023, OFW remittances constituted nearly 7.7 percent of the country's GDP. These remittances are essential to Filipino families, so it is our mission at Sendwave to ensure that OFWs can send their hard-earned money home easily, safely, and affordably."

As part of Zepz, Sendwave continues to expand its global reach, and with Ogie as its new ambassador, the company is ready to launch exciting new campaigns to help OFWs stay connected with their families back home.

4th Impact pursues Grammy goal amid online hate

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Oct 9, 2024 07:13 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• 4th Impact will perform at the upcoming 2024 TOFA (The Outstanding Filipino Awards) set in Hawaii on Oct. 26.The foursome just headlined the “I Love OPM” concert in San Diego, California, with Pop Chanteuse Kuh Ledesma.

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Girl group 4th Impact is so busy touring America these days that they practically don't have time to deal with bashers who have been undermining their efforts via hate posts hurled at them. 

Besides, they've always been the group that wouldn't back down from discouragement or outside pressure. The fact they're taking the necessary steps to earn the nod of the Grammys makes them extra focused - in an intense way that any negativity can't get through their bubble. 

In response to the recent incident of online bullying, the four Cercado sisters, Almira, Irene, Mylene, and Celina, came together to address the issue and put an end to it. Despite their efforts, none of them were able to determine the origin of the bullying

"We’ve been experiencing bullying for the past years. We cannot understand where the hate is coming from, and we can’t do anything about it. All we want is to share our music and our talent. And we hope that this hate will stop," they expressed.

To their surprise, the group vies to land a Grammy nomination in the Best Pop Duo or Group Performance category. Their single "Round and Round," off their self-titled EP released last January, is an entry in the first round of voting. It is ongoing and will be decided by Grammy voters, including world-renowned recording artists, record producers, and mixing engineers. 

The said track was written by established musicians Nico Farmakalidis and Rachel West. It is a dance-able track with an infectious pop arrangement, composed based on the group's artistic inputs. 

The nominees will be announced on Nov. 8, while the 67th Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 2 next year at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.

"We are praying and very positive that there will be a chance. To be considered by the Grammys for nomination and to be actually nominated is a big dream of every artist," the quartet from Isabela province noted. 

Earlier this year, 4th Impact was heavily criticized for publicly requesting help raising dog shelter funds. At the same time, their presence at a Taylor Swift concert didn't sit well, with Filipino fans aching to see the billion-dollar star on home soil. 

Now they're being linked to singer Beyonce in a negative way, which they describe as "really below the belt because it is baseless and pure fabrication." 

They pointed out, "In the first place we never went to a Beyonce event which is an allegation in the posting."

The group's management, convinced that 4th Impact has what it takes to make it on the international scene, seeks legal counsel to protect them. 

The girl group has recently moved to the US, certainly not because they're being bullied. They said they wanted "to have a career in America and continue to share our talent." Despite the bullying from some compatriots, they noted they sincerely "want to make the Filipinos proud."

4th Impact will perform at the upcoming 2024 TOFA (The Outstanding Filipino Awards) set in Hawaii on Oct. 26. The foursome just headlined the “I Love OPM” concert in San Diego, California, with Pop Chanteuse Kuh Ledesma. 

Being sisters has significantly helped them cope with online bullying. If there’s any consolation, their support system has tightened further as a unit. They related, “We are more than ever united to face this challenge as a family. We are a closely-knit family and we help each other when a problem arises. We pray together.” 

The curious case of 4th Impact can correlate to that of Brazilian pop singer Anitta, who received backlash from her countrymen for various reasons. She is now labeled as “Queen of Brazilian Pop.”  

One foreign 4th Impact supporter commented online: "When I look at any post about them I see how low the natives play the group and run to recommend other acts to any non-Filipino who likes them and praises them.”

All four 4th Impact members have always acknowledged their supporters, whom they fondly called Dreamers. “We are very happy that we are supported by the Dreamers all over the world. In a world beset by hate and prejudice, we always promote love and peace through our music.”

Nevertheless, amid the unhealthy subculture of hate, the Cercado sisters just bagged a game-changing break - the chance to showcase themselves in front of American and Filipino-American audiences. And it’s as if this group has not proven themselves in front of some guy named Simon Cowell, who commented that their British X-Factor audition was “probably one of the best I’ve ever seen.” 

Insiders say that their main current handler, one who has discovered a major act in the past and is a respected figure in international show business, is cooking up big things for the girls, and it should be great news to their fans. If it takes to prove their worth one too many times until there’s no one left to argue about it, 4th Impact is an act indeed up for it. 

Patricia Javier is proud and excited mom as her son Robert walks the runway at Paris Fashion Week

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Sep 19, 2024 10:17 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• During an ambush interview at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City recently, Patricia said the family will fly to Paris to support her son's latest milestone.

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Noble Queen of the Universe Patricia Javier and son Robert Walcher

Actress Patricia Javier is a proud and excited mom as her eldest son, Robert Walcher, will walk the runway at the Paris Fashion Week in France in October.

During an ambush interview at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City recently, Patricia said the family will fly to Paris to support her son's latest milestone.

"I'm a very proud mom because si Robert ay isa sa napili ba makasama sa isang runway sa Paris Fashion Week in October. His designer is from Hollywood none other than Kenneth Barlis," said Patricia. "Meron akong tears of joy. Hindi ko ineexpect na magiging parte siya ng fashion week sa Paris. Alam naman natin na ang Paris ay isa sa mga fashion capital of the world."

Patricia added: "I told Robert na itong paglakad mo ay hindi lamang para sa sarili niya kundi for our country. Isang Pilipino ang na-invite rito. Kasama namin si Doc Rob at si Ryan James yung bunso naming anak."

Reacting, Robert said: "This is one of the most important moments in my life because it's a Paris fashion show. I am happy that my mom is so happy for me. It just makes me happy."

This would be Robert's second time visiting Paris, the first being during a family vacation. Aside from the fashion show, Robert said he would be looking forward to the food. "I also want to see the Eiffel Tower again."

Robert, 17, said he's going on a diet as he prepares for the event. "I eat healthy food, and I try to work out every day. My dad helps me to keep healthy and in good condition."

Patricia wanted to thank fashion designer Don Cristobal for the exposure to his fashion shows.

"Lagi niyang sinasama ang mga anak ko sa fashion events. So nakita ito ni Kenneth. Imbes na kumuha sila ng ibang lahi doon, they decided na bigyan na lang si Robert ng opportunity para makasama sa runway sa Paris," she said.

Kenneth is a Filipino-American fashion designer who is based in Los Angeles. In March, Keneth just opened his shop in the Los Angeles Fashion District. He has also opened a branch in Manila. 

"Being in LA just gives me motivation," said Kenneth during an interview for ABS-CBN News.

Robert mentioned that he is following in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Robert Walcher, an American chiropractor based in Manila. The teen hunk, who is also the reigning Mister Teen International, loves swimming and tennis. 

When asked why he wanted to become a chiropractor like his dad, Robert said: "Growing up, I felt like I wanted to help others. It's a passion, so I wanted to take it further. It's also the business of my parents so I wanted to take it further."

On his favorite model, Robert said: "Of course, my dad."

Now in Grade 12, Robert will go to college in 2025. At first, the six-foot male model stated that he planned to study biology.

"Nagre-ready rin siya para sa college entrance because yung school na papasukan niya rito ay medyo higher in standard. Gusto raw muna niyang makapasa sa entrance exam bago siya mag-focus sa showbiz career," said Patricia.

In November, Robert will also be participating in another fashion show by Don Cristobal.

Patricia stated that her showbiz career is on hold as she and her husband focus on their chiropractor business, which now has six branches in the country. "But I told Doc Rob, hopefully, next year, I might accept movie offers. We will see."

Tomboy Philippines 2024 pageant to empower lesbian community: 'Makakamit din natin ang 'equality rights' na hinahanap natin'

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Sep 15, 2024 04:07 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The purpose of Tomboy Philippines is not only to showcase talent but to affirm the rights and presence of lesbians in the public eye.

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The first national pageant for lesbians, dubbed Tomboy Philippines 2024, was launched with the presentation of 30 official candidates in Quezon City on Sept. 14.

Spearheaded by Chit Reyes and supported by Cowee Santos, CEO of Tree House Real Estate and Ventures, the pageant is a bold initiative to celebrate and empower the lesbian community in the Philippines.

"The pageant's mission is clear: to elevate the diverse talents, intelligence, and beauty of lesbians through a platform that fosters inclusivity, equality, and growth. By emphasizing authenticity and talents beyond mere physical appearance, Tomboy Philippines is committed to challenging stereotypes and promoting societal acceptance," Reyes said.

Reyes recalled the journey of the lesbian pageant.

"Nag-start ako noong 2011, Mr. Femme, with Wilbert Tolentino. Siya ang nag-conduct ng gay contest sa bar niya. Sabi ko sa kanya, 'Bakit hindi tayo mag-conduct ng lesbian pageant? Try natin," the confessed lesbian mom said. And the rest is history.

The purpose of Tomboy Philippines is not only to showcase talent but to affirm the rights and presence of lesbians in the public eye.

"Ang layunin namin ay maging worldwide at manggaling dito sa Pilipinas. Para maipakita na ang equal rights ay dapat makamtan ng bawa't isa," she said. "Sa matagal na panahon, gay pageants lang ang talamak. Panahon na para makilala ang talent ng mga lesbians."

Reyes shared a powerful message for participants and the community.

"Mga tomboy, matagal na nating ipinaglalaban and equality. Malayo pa pero malapit na. Makakamit din natin ang 'equality rights' na hinahanap natin," she added.

This year's official candidates: Anntoi Deloso, South Cotabato; Louie Ele, Nueva Ecija; Rinoa Nicolas, Binangonan, Rizal; Jhan Nanit, Antipolo, Rizal; Bana Daranciang, Sta. Rosa, Laguna; Rhed Sasaki, Zambales; JC Lapitan, Batangas; Keith Martin, General Santos City; Jhes Remedio, Muntilupa City; Gele Pablo, Navotas City;

Thea Lising, Angono, Rizal; Banwar Taclibon, Bacoor, Cavite; Armi De Leon, Morong, Rizal; Mosh dela Cruz, Camarines Sur; Miel Cinco, Angeles City; Ace Tenero, Taguig City; Mitzi Ancog, Iligan City; BF Delos Reyes, Bulakan, Bulacan; Elei Reyes, Quezon City; Alliah Briones, Oriental Mindoro;

Gel Grayda, Cainta, Rizal; Ac Cemetara, Pasay City; Bodi Francisco, Abra; Emzz Bernardino, Tondo, Manila; Aj Alecida, Valencia City; Kim Siao, Valenzuela City; Arvy Bodlong, Albay; Prince Obleada, Quezon City; Yanyan Purification, San Pedro, Laguna; and Phao Faraon, Malabon City.

The preliminary competition of Tomboy Philippines 2024 pageant will be held at One 690 Entertainment Bar while the grand coronation will be staged at the Music Museum on Oct. 19.

Regine Velasquez slams fake news on breakup with Ogie Alcasid: 'Gusto ko lang semplangin yung nagsasabi na hiwalay na kami'

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Aug 25, 2024 08:13 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Regine shared her feelings about the report during an appearanceon the popular noontime program "It's Showtime" on Saturday.

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 Regine Velasquez-Alcasid (Facebook)

Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid slammed a report saying that she and her husband, Ogie Alcasid, have separated.

Regine shared her feelings about the report during an appearance on the popular noontime program "It's Showtime" on Saturday. Her full reaction:

"Gusto ko lang semplangin yung nagsasabi na hiwalay na kami. Maghintay ka dyan ha! Maghintay ka! 

"Marriage is difficult. Marriage is difficult the way it is. Pero may mga tao na who's trying to make it more difficult for us, hindi po maganda. Parang ipinapanalangin ninyo na magkahiwalay kami.

"Hindi po kami maghihiwalay ever because we love each other. Our marriage is not perfect. Siyempre ganun talaga may mga issue, issue (sa marriage).

"Pero wala akong issue (sa kanya). Gusto ko lang sabihin na napakabait ng asawa ko. Alam n'yo kung paano ko alam na mabait siya? He is God-centered.

"Ang focus niya kay God. Marami siyang ginagawa pero ang focus niya na kay God pa rin. Hence, ako po yung nagbe-benefit doon. Dahil mahal na maha niya ang Panginoon, Mabait at mabuti siyang asawa at tatay sa aming mga anak. 

"So please! Kung may makita kayong mga write-up or anything (about hiwalayan sa amin), huwag ninyong paniwalaan. Nakikita naman ninyo kami sa social media.

"He's my best friend. I hope he's my best friend, too! Aside from Ryan Bang. Yan lang ang gusto kong sabihin. Kaya maghanda ka dyan ha! Tinitignan kita," Regine said.

After expressing her feelings, Regine kissed Ogie.