Donny Pangilinan and family spread the word on their advocacy

CEBU, Philippines — It was a family affair for Kapamilya actor Donny Pangilinan whose father and sister tagged along during his recent mall show in Cebu for the first leg of their nationwide “ESKAPE with Called to Rescue” advocacy tour and the promotion of their film “GG (Good Game)”, now streaming on Netflix.

Called to Rescue Philippines is an organization dedicated to combating human trafficking and abuse, particularly focusing on rescuing children and youth. It runs campaigns to raise awareness and prevent abuse and trafficking. The organization’s mission is connected to the themes of “GG (Good Game)” as it shows the perils of the gaming world.

Donny, 26, has been an advocate for Called to Rescue for the past 15 years. He said he is dedicated to helping victims as he personally knows some whom he engages with at rehabilitation centers.

“There’s this place called Bahay Pag-asa Center, a rehabilitation center for minors, young boys, and juvenile delinquents. I’ve been going there since I was a child, so I’m very close to that home,” the “Can’t Buy Me Love” star said of the establishment that his family built and which his father Anthony heads.

“Every time I visit, I play basketball with them and talk about their lives. I’m proud that they’re in a place that can lead them to great opportunities, and they have the heart to achieve it.”

He said their journey is tough from the start, and rescuing them is just the beginning.

“It’s really a step-by-step process. So when you interview them, talk about what they’ve been through, no matter how much effort we put in, if we’re able to save just one person, then everything we’re doing is so worth it,” said Donny, whose advocacy is closely tied to “GG”, which encourages an open discussion of one’s struggles rather than keeping them bottled up.

He added, “I think that aligns with our advocacy for Called to Rescue against human trafficking because I think the biggest problem, especially here in the Philippines, one of the top places for human trafficking, is that people are afraid to speak up. They don’t know who to call, they don’t know how to talk about it. Obviously, it’s a difficult thing to talk about, but we’re encouraging people to have the courage to speak up.”

“It requires more bravery than shame. Speaking up not only benefits you in the long run but also those around you. Sometimes, discussing things can reveal solutions you didn’t know existed. It’s about showing the beauty of having others on that journey with you.”

Reflecting on his experience during the filming of “GG”, Donny said he found it rewarding because he rarely gets to work with his mother, Maricel Laxa. He felt inspired knowing his mom wasn’t just his co-actress, but also critiqued his performance.

Donny also highlighted the film’s timeliness in portraying gamers in the Philippines. “There are so many misconceptions about them, it’s about time we have a movie about them,” he said.

His co-star Baron Geisler, who was also in the mall show, said on stage: “It’s such a wonderful film. I’m proud to be part of it with Donny. He is such a great producer, and working with Sir Pangilinan and the entire family has been an honor.”

Donny’s sister Hannah, who contributed to the film’s script and the advocacy tour title, explained the character “ESKAPE.”

“I thought it was fitting because the goal of Called to Rescue is to help people escape from difficult circumstances, and ESKAPE’s goal was to escape difficult circumstances through his gaming,” she said.

During their campus tour at the University of Cebu, Anthony elaborated on the deep connection between the film and their advocacy work. He emphasized how the character ESKAPE, portrayed by Donny, reflects both the diversion gaming provides and Called to Rescue’s mission in helping children flee from abuse and trafficking. He also discussed significant issues related to gaming, including online abuse and the importance of family and community support.

“One of the problems we discovered in Cebu is the many opportunities to help trafficked and abused children. We have many recovery centers, but children and victims don’t report, families remain silent. DSWD social workers also told us they might be ashamed, sometimes because of family. How do you report your own family?” said Anthony.

“The best anti-trafficking advocates are former victims, which is why when we find a victim, our goal is to fully support them on their road to recovery. There is help, and we have seen you; there is hope.”

Called to Rescue collaborates with organizations like the PNP and NBI to provide support. They also have the best lawyers who volunteer their services, and are setting up satellite offices across the country.

Anthony is passionate about this advocacy because “When you enter showbiz, you are the primary target for abuse. We know that when you enter, young, beautiful, handsome, you are the first to be exploited.”

“I have seen that when we focused on them, taught them, prayed for them, they were not just protected, but now they are fighting back.” — Neicol Elirey Rosel, CNU Intern (FREEMAN)