As Filipino as adobo and lumpia

At the recently-concluded Mr. World 2007 held in Sanya, China, Travis Kraft, a Fil-Am who represented USA in the contest, listed Filipino as one of the languages he can speak.

Travis has a Filipina mother. But in spite of his Caucasian looks, Travis is as Filipino as adobo and lumpia. In fact, he loves to eat both dishes, aside from pancit, pusit and kare kare. Travis arrived late in China for the contest and missed out some activities. However, Mr. World contestants, organizers and guests just loved him and were amused by his sense of humor and his Superman-like looks. "They thought he was Superman incarnate," says Imabelle (tel. no. 0915-5758120) who represents him in the country.

Travis remembers that even Superman Returns director Bryan Singer has complimented him saying, "You look more like Superman than the guy I hired," when they met at a Hollywood party. At the Mr. World banquet, Travis wore the Superman costume and was mobbed. Even Mr. World 2007 winner Tom Nuyens had his picture taken with Travis.

Several years ago, Travis came to visit his mother’s country of birth. After being given a tour of the country, Travis has come to love the Philippines.

"Filipinos have the most beautiful smile. Whenever I am away, I always dream of coming back because I just miss the people. They are very friendly and hospitable," he says. Not too long ago, Travis guested on some ABS-CBN and GMA 7 shows like Nagmamahal Kapamilya, Maalaala Mo Kaya, Pilipinas Game Ka Na Ba?, Y Speak, Breakfast, Daddy Di Do Du, S Files and Master Showman.

He also modeled for a series of fashion shows and has graced the pages of fashion magazines like Cosmopolitan where he was featured Hunk of the Month. He has also been an endorser of various brand campaigns. Travis is the endorser of Canadian Club jeans whose billboard is on display at SM North Edsa.

Travis loves the world of entertainment. Acting and modeling have always been top priority for this 6’11"-hunk with piercing blue eyes, black hair and a "killer smile." Travis, who is also into photography has established friendships with local entertainers like Lance Raymundo.

"Filipinos make good friends. I just love them," Travis adds. He is in the country right now and looks forward to his new acting and modeling assignments.

For more information on Travis, log on to www.traviskraft.com

Music as therapy

There’s got to be a morning after If we can hold on through the night We have a chance to find the sunshine Let’s keep on lookin’ for the light Oh, can’t you see the morning after? It’s waiting right outside the storm Why don’t we cross the bridge together And find a place that’s safe and warm? These are the lyrics from the song The Morning After, popularized by Maureen Mcgovern. The song earned an Oscar for Best Original Song and reached No. 1 in the pop charts. Mcgovern is one of the greatest singers and performers of recent history. She has been called "The Stadivarius Voice," because her voice defies categorization. Maureen can switch from jazz, pop to pure coloratura.

She started her career with the recording of the Academy Award winning The Morning After (from The Poseidon Adventure). This was followed by another Oscar winning Gold Record, We May Never Love Like This Again, (from The Towering Inferno).

Maureen made music history in 1975 as the first singer to have recorded and introduced two Oscar nominated songs in the same year, We May Never Love Like This Again and Wherever Love Takes Me.

Her other hits are the love theme Can You Read My Mind? from the motion picture Superman and Different Worlds from the ABC television series Angie.

Maureen is actively involved in community work. She is a volunteer and VP for The Muscular Dystrophy Association. She has recently founded the Works of Heart Foundation for music and healing, and has become an AMTA (American Music Therapy Association) Artist Spokesperson for Music Therapy.

Music therapy is the use of music by a trained professional to achieve therapeutic goals. Goal areas may include motor skills, social/interpersonal development, cognitive development, self-awareness and spiritual enhancement.

Mcgovern is the recipient of the 2001 Songs From The Heart Presidential Award presented by AMTA and The Recording Academy. In the local scene, Celeste Sanchez has been doing music therapy for the past 30 years. She is director of the Divine Mercy Mobile Center of Music and Arts Therapy For Special Children, Adults and Seniors. She has represented the Philippines in the International Music Therapy Conference in Tokyo. She has been practicing music therapy for people with different disabilities, the senior citizens, stroke and cancer survivors, and people with Alzheimer’s disease, among others. Divine Mercy Mobile Center is located at 179 De Leon St., Brgy. Holy Spirit, Quezon City.