Kim Chiu on celeb relief efforts: We want to inspire

MANILA, Philippines - Kim Chiu defended fellow celebrities from online bashers who said showbiz personalities only engage in relief efforts during national calamities for the sake of publicity.

The Kapamilya actress was among the number of celebrities who reached out and helped victims of typhoon Maring.

During the press conference for her month-long special on ABS-CBN’s fantasy show “Wansapanataym,” Kim said she believes her stars like share their relief efforts on social media in order to inspire people to help out as well.

“Siguro, para sa aming mga artista, it’s a way of telling the people na, ‘Hey, tumulong din kayo’,” Kim told the entertainment media on Tuesday, August 27.

Related article: Amid heavy rains, celebs ask fans to #PrayforthePhilippines

She added: “Sa social media, lalo na sa Instagram, maraming mga followers. And yung mga followers na  yun, syempre yung iba dun basher. Yung iba dun, na-inspire mo na tumulong din sila.”

“Kahit ako, ayoko naman na piktyuran yung sarili ko. Pero may mga nakikita akong mga tao na nagpo-post na, ‘Ay, ako rin, gusto ko rin tumulong.’

“So to inspire people, not to publicize yourself na, ‘Ay, tumulong ako.”

It was reported that Kim helped in the distribution of relief goods in Pateros, Taguig during the onslaught of the heavy rains last week. She also gave water and ready-to-eat food items for the typhoon victims.

“Ang sarap ng pakiramdam na makatulong ka sa mga kababayan mo kaysa humiga ka lang sa bahay mo or magpahinga ka lang, manood ka lang ng TV, kumain ka,” Kim said.

“Nakakakonsensiya rin sa feeling mo na may pera ka naman para tumulong pero hindi mo magawa.”

‘Darating din tayo d’yan’

Her month-long “Wansapanataym” special—titled “My Fairy Kasambahay,” which will also star Angel Aquino and John Lapus, among others—is her latest TV project following the successful soap opera “Ina, Kapatid, Anak.”

The show, she said, is a welcome break from her recent heavy drama project.

“Ngayon, medyo nag-light na siya, nagpapatawa. At least iba naman. Ibang acting experience yung tinatahak ko ngayon,” Kim said. “Gusto ko yung mga role na ganyan, yung magpapatawa ka ng tao saka nakakapagpainspire ka.”

Her latest movie with Xian Lim, “Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo?”, was also a blockbuster hit. With her career coming up roses, doesn’t Kim feel it’s about time for her to have a colorful love life as well?

Related article: Kim, Xian exclusively seeing each other but 'no labels'

The actress recently said in a “Kris TV” interview that she and Xian are exclusively dating.

“It takes time to know one para tumagal yung relationship,” Kim said. “Kasi kung mabilisan, ganun din, mabilisan. Para ka lang nagpalit ng damit.”

She also said, “Darating din tayo d’yan. Hindi naman kailangang sapilitan. Kusa po ninyo yun malalaman kung sino man po ang nagpapatibok ng puso ko.”

“Masaya po ako ngayon sa mga nangyayari sa buhay ko and iniembrace ko lang siya. Natutuwa ako na nakikita siya ng mga tao,” Kim added.

Kim’s “Wansapanataym” special premieres Saturday, September 7 on ABS-CBN.