The feeding program dubbed as "Kalinga sa Kabataan," spearheaded by Alfred Vargas and the Entertainment Press Society, held last Sunday, October 11, at the Kalayaan B Covered Court, Batasan Hills, Quezon City was a big success.
A thousand kids (whose ages ranged from 7 to 12 years old, although we feel some of them are even younger than 7), plus some senior citizens and parents, benefited from the feeding program which Alfred organized as an early celebration of his 28th birthday (his natal day is on October 24). Alfred sought the help of the ENPRESS (Entertainment Press Society) who came to the place to help the actor in handing out food to the young kids as well as the adults.
"I am tired of doing parties on my birthday that's why I opted to spend my time with these young kids," said Alfred in an interview during the event. "I am very happy to share my time with them. I was so pleased to see their faces light up upon receiving the food and some goodies."
He had wanted to do the feeding program about a month ago, but the spate of the typhoons that visited the country delayed the project. But there was no stopping Alfred and ENPRESS in carrying out the feeding program for the kids who even sang the birthday song much to the delight of Alfred who was touched by the gesture of the kids. We were witness to the event as we also helped in handing out the food and slices of cake that the kids had partaken in with gusto.
"I was really touched when they sang happy birthday to me. I've been wanting to do some outreach program to young kids although I have also extended help to the disabled as well as to the victims of the two recent typhoons. There's nothing political in what I am doing. I just want to make people happy on my birthday," said the actor.
“This is just a simple celebration for my birthday. This is more inspiring than throwing a lavish party. I am very happy because a lot of people came and I was able to make them happy. Saka gusto ko rin ipakita na ang showbiz naman ay hindi lang basta pagpapapogi, hindi lang basta tsismis kundi gusto rin natin makatulong sa mga mahihirap. Kasi ‘yung ibang tao ang iniisip pag showbiz puro glamour lang. Dapat natin ipakita na kahit ang taga showbiz willing din na tumulong at sa birthday celebration ko sama-sama tayo,” added Alfred.
If ever he will celebrate his birthday celebration on October 24, he wants it to be intimate, with only his family, close friends and his girlfriend in attendance.
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Senator Jinggoy Estrada is planning to do a sequel to "Katas ng Saudi," the award-winning comedy film which was his production outfit's entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival two years ago. It paired him with Ms. Lorna Tolentino and both of them won acting awards for their performance.
But is it true that Star Cinema is not willing to allow Lorna to accept the sequel? Since the actress signed a contract with Star Cinema, the production outfit has a say if she accepts when a project is offered to her.
So if the situation is not remedied, then Sen. Jinggoy might have a problem regarding the planned part two of "Katas ng Saudi." It would not look credible if LT won't play Jinggoy's wife, if and when the sequel of "Katas ng Saudi" gets the green light for production.
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Ms. Claire dela Fuente, the voice behind the hit song "Sayang," admits that she's being wooed by some quarters to enter politics. While she's not totally opposed to the idea, the singer says she's giving it much contemplation.
But if ever she decides to throw her hat in the political arena, Claire says she'd take the plunge 10 years from now. By that time, she believes, she's really ready to enter politics and is more mature to handle a career as a public servant. If ever she does take the plunge, she might run as senator.
For now, Claire is happy that her musical career had been revived. Now out in the market is her Christmas album, which features her singing a duet with international singing idol Michael Bolton. The song is titled "The Christmas Song" and this is a bonus in “The Claire dela Fuente Christmas Album" that was reissued by Viva Records. Said duet will also be included by Michael Bolton in his own Christmas album to be released worldwide.
Incidentally, Claire is doing a show with Jose Mari Chan titled “Simply Unforgettable” to be held at SM North EDSA Skydome on November 13 and 27.