Gary V, Bamboo Join forces in "Days of Peace" campaign in Mindanao

Gary Valenciano and rock band Bamboo have joined forces with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to deliver essential services to conflict-ravaged areas and communities in Mindanao.

Dubbed as the "Days of Peace" campaign, this is an effort to bring basic health services, particularly, to children affected by the conflict with government forces.

The program, which started last Monday, brought the MILF and the United Nations Children''s Fund (UNICEF) to allow government health workers to deliver health care services to some 707 barangays in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The MILF and UNICEF have designated three rounds of "Days of Peace" to immunize 30,000 infants, de-worming "of some 100,000 children, "Vitamin-A supplementation for some 240,000 children, and birth registration services in areas previously inaccessible to health workers due to armed conflict.

Some 16,500 expectant mothers will also get tetanus toxoid vaccination and breastfeeding counseling.

Some of the government agencies participating in the events in April, July and October include the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the Department of Health (DOH), and the MILF''s Bangsamoro Development Agency.

The MILF, for its part, assured the safety of the health teams during the campaign.

Gary Valenciano and Bamboo Mañalac, lead vocalist of Bamboo, said they will personally accompany the teams and visit the conflict areas to observe the delivery of services under the program.

"I have been a UNICEF Ambassador for quite sometime, and this is one of the most exciting projects I''ve ever been involved in," said Gary.

Bamboo, on the other hand, stressed the nobility of the program. "This is all about every child being included. No child should be left behind," he said. The other members of Bamboo include guitarist Ira Cruz, bass player Nathan Azarcon and Vic Mercado on drums.

The entire band is set to visit armed conflict-affected communities later this month to observe the delivery of services. Judy Ann still has a contract with ABS-CBN

Judy Ann Santos has been rumored to be transferring to GMA 7 although she still has a contract with ABS-CBN. She has always been asked if she''s really moving over to the Kapuso network. But her ready answer is that she still has an ABS-CBN contract and is, in fact, doing the soap opera "Ysabella," with real-life boyfriend Ryan Agoncillo.

When we saw Tito Alfie at the presscon given by Mother Lily Monteverde for senatorial candidate Manny Villar last Tuesday, we asked him if Juday is indeed making the big switch, Tito Alfie said, "If the price is right."

This rumor surfaced when the actress agreed to do her first movie under GMA Films titled "Ouija," co-starring her with good friend Jolina Magdangal, Rhian Ramos and Iza Calzado (under the direction of Topel Lee). As part of the movie''s promo, Juday will have a birthday celebration on May 6. (She''s turning 29 on May 11).

Tito Alfie added that ABS-CBN had not been fair in its treatment of Juday. "Matagal na nilang kinakawawa si Juday in terms of projects and promotions. But I don''t mind as long as the loyal fans are there to support her," said the talent manager. He said that the reason why he accepted "Ouija," where Juday works with Jolina, is because they''ve been waiting for the long-promised project that Juday is supposed to do with Claudine Barretto under Star Cinema, but it never materialized.

That would have been a movie event, in the same way that the teaming of Juday and Jolens in "Ouija" is also something to look forward too.

Kuya Germs edited out in GMA 7 station ID?

German Moreno was allegedly hurt when he was not included in the new station ID of GMA-7. According to reports, Kuya Germs showed up for the shoot, but was surprised when he did not see his face when it was aired. Considering that the star builder/TV host/comedian/radio announcer is one of the pioneers of GMA-7, he was naturally hurt when he was not allegedly given priority in the said station ID.

But according to the Kapuso Network, the new station ID has three parts and Kuya Germs will definitely appear on one of those. Still, it makes a big difference seeing your face (in this case Germs), in the very first version of the station ID.

"Nagkausap na kami tungkol diyan at nagkaayos na kami. Wala naman talaga akong sama ng loob. Konting tampo lang. Pero okay naman na ang lahat," said Kuya Germs.

Another issue that also surfaced recently was Kuya Germ''s "tampo" with actress and Batangas gubernatorial candidate Vilma Santos. According to reports, the Star for All Season snubbed Kuya Germs''s invitations to grace his Walk of Fame in Eastwood, Libis-where Ate Vi has a star-and the opening of Paradise of Stars in Mowelfund compound.

But in Kuya Germs''s explanation, it was the fans of Ate Vi who were complaining why their idol did not appear on the said events.

"The fans of Vilma were the ones complaining that I didn''t invite Vilma. I told them I relayed Vilma''s invitation twice but I didn''t get any reply. I am not feeling sore at Vilma. I know she''s a very busy person. I understand that," says the Master Showman.

Kuya Germs reiterates he''s not at sore with Ate Vi and is still waiting for her to visit his two projects.