The worst of times brings out the best in the stars

The country was recently battered by southwest monsoon rains or habagat that inundated the entire Metro Manila and some parts of the country.

Ayala underpass; Lagusnilad underpass; National Museum; Rizal Park; SM Marikina; Bacoor, Cavite; Rodriguez, Rizal; E. Rodriguez, Quezon City; Las Piñas; Malabon City; NLEX; and UST. Even UERM, De Los Santos – STI and UST hospitals were not spared from the massive floods.

Many people were caught off guard. Some refused to evacuate their houses even as floodwaters rose to maximum level that reached the rooftop of their houses. Homes were damaged, and thousands of families were rescued and evacuated around the metropolis.

But in the midst of despair, the resilience of the Filipinos shines the brightest. The Pinoys’ innate quality of being matulungin always comes to the fore and through the spirit of bayanihan we survive. There were relief operations to help the calamity victims. Celebrities were up and about and were in unison to lend a helping hand.

I have always talked about the immense power and influence of celebrities. Stars and public figures can use their fame for a good cause. Aside from asking for their product endorsements for donations, artists donated cash and participated in relief operations. It is always time to give back and help our needy kababayan who have always supported our shows, movies, endorsements and concerts.

Angel Locsin is one of the stars I admire the most because she knows how to share her blessings. Angel is a beautiful young lady inside and out. Angel’s name befits her kind-hearted persona. She was spotted together with Phil Younghusband in a supermarket buying supplies which she used for the relief operations. The two personally packed the relief goods in Angel’s house. This is not the first time that Angel had done this. She was one of the celebrities who spearheaded the website www.shopandshare.ph which was dedicated to help the victims of Ondoy and Pepeng. The site posts photos of designer items belonging to celebrities that are up for bidding.

Kris Aquino was with Pres. Noynoy Aquino during the relief operations. On her own, she went to various places to distribute relief goods. “Nilusong talaga ni Kris ang baha para lang makatulong,” an observer said.

Iza Calzado, Anne Curtis and KC Concepcion tweeted heavily offering words of encouragement, support and calling out for donations for affected families.

Kim Chiu was spotted with Xian Lim inside a supermarket buying relief goods for the victims. They personally packed the goods in Kim’s house.

K Brosas and Pokwang packed and distributed relief goods in many affected areas while Pooh bought and donated blankets.

Gerald Anderson was also spotted helping the victims. He was one of the victims of Ondoy.

Robin Padilla and Mariel Rodriguez opened their houses to the flood victims. Mariel even cooked food for them.

My partner Bong Quintana and I packed relief goods and went to West Fairview together with the Backroom staff to give to the flood victims who live along the Tullahan River.

There are too many of them to be mentioned here. In fact, showbiz industry was for a moment at a standstill as stars and friends took their sights and efforts to helping the flood victims.

With the help of Twitter and Facebook, celebrities responded to each other’s call to help those affected by the heavy rains and flooding.

We can never doubt the power of celebrity. They bring in the goods. And they make people smile.