He may be controversial, with negative issues hurled to his direction every now and then, but Baron Geisler has proven to be a remarkable actor, as he showcases his acting mettle in ABS-CBN teleseryes like the defunct “Eva Fonda,” “Pieta,” and now in the toprating “Tayong Dalawa,” topbilled by Gerald Anderson, Kim Chiu and Jake Cuenca.

Baron is very good in character roles and he is indeed an asset to any show or movie. And to prove his acting versatility and professionalism, he has even accepted gay roles. It was as a gay individual in the indie movie “Jay” that has given him a Best Actor award.

When he was launched recently as the newest celebrity endorser for Purple Box (a local brand of clothing which has remained steadfast in its resolve to churn out cutting-edge designs for boys and which truly and perfectly captures the persona of Baron Geisler), the actor was likened to the brand in that he has come a long way “from a teenybopper some years ago to the mature and acclaimed actor that he is now.”

Exclaimed Baron: “I always go for the extraordinary,” referring to his movie “Jay” that has won critical acclaim here and abroad. He added: “I don’t want to conform. It’s prohibitive in terms of unleashing the creativity in me. My passion is exploring those that have real meanings. It’s unfair to give the contemporary generation who now have a more critical mind a sloppy material. I don’t want run-of-the-mill, I want something that is ground breaking. And I just want to do what I love to do.”

Baron has been described as independent, original, hindi nanggagaya, just like Purple Box for which he can also design his own clothes. Purple Box has also been described as a combination of the passion and the drive to make it in the complex world. It is also the perfect description of the persona characteristic of today’s generation. Purple Box designs are designed to suit the lifestyle of both boys in their teens and young adults who are are starting to venture into exciting careers.

Purple Box and Baron Geisler – they are the perfect match.

Mowelfund gets donation from QC government

The Mowelfund (Movie Workers Welfare Foundation) which serves as the insurance of film workers like the technicians, bit-players, members of the lowest grip and those who belong to the rank and file gets support from the Quezon City government through the efficient councilor and majority floor leader, Atty. Ariel Enrile Inton, Jr.

Recently, the Mowelfund during its combined anniversary and delayed Christmas Party received a donation of more than P600,000 derived from the fund-raising campaign that the councilor proposed to the city council.

An ordinance filed by Councilor Inton in the early 2008 requiring all Quezon City cinemas to increase one peso in ticket sales was implemented for the whole month of July 2008. And the revenue all went to Mowelfund to support their projects particularly the cementing of the façade of the Mowelfund Plaza which is now a tourist and educational destination.

Councilor Inton came to hand in the check in simple endorsement ceremonies that followed a holy mass celebrated by Fr. Paraon, and attended by Mowelfund Chairman Atty. Espiridion Laxa, Executive Director Ms. Boots Anson-Roa, and two members of the board of directors, filmmakers Eddie Romero and Edgardo Boy Vinarao, and a few more guests.

Early last year, Councilor Inton also helped the Nagkakaisang Manggagawa ng Pelikulang Pilipino (NMPP) headed by Director Joel Lamangan raise funds for the scholarship program of the organization by conducting summer acting workshop. Also recently, a portion of the Jamboree St. crossing Timog Ave. was renamed GMA Network Drive where the famous television station is located through the ordinance made by Councilor Inton.

Belo supports breast cancer patients

Dr. Vicki Belo recently extended a helping hand to the Pink for Life Foundation, a non-profit charity organization that provides free chemotherapy sessions to breast cancer patients.

The fundraising event was the launch of two fabulous and exciting scents – the Scents for Life – that pledged support to battle breast cancer. Faith and Inspire, the essences that make a difference and help save lives, are manufactured by Bench, one of the country’s leading brands.

Part of the proceeds from the sales of the colognes will benefit breast cancer patients under the Pink for Life Foundation. This is not only be a big help for women in their fight against breast cancer, it also contributes in raising awareness about the disease.

Dr. Belo is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Pink for Life Foundation. Her fellow trustees are Irene Martel-Francisco, Dr. Diana Cua-Balcells, Sigalit Djemal, Mario Katigbak, Mons Romulo-Tantoco and Joy Wassmer.

“We hope to let women know that breast cancer has a cure and that there will always be hope for the sickness,” Dr. Belo said. “We want to show everybody that there is life after breast cancer.”

Pink for Life has made a significant and lasting difference in the lives of breast cancer patients. To date, the foundation has helped over 200 survivors who received the much needed medications and treatment.

Guests wore the familiar pink ribbons during the event, attended by celebrities who also showed their support to the foundation. Karylle and Billy Crawford performed song numbers during the program, hosted by Korina Sanchez.

The guest list included Bench top honcho Ben Chan, fashion designer Inno Sotto, Lucy Torres-Gomez, Cristalle Belo Henares, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Pops Fernandez, Jomari Yllana, Karen Davila and hubby DJ Sta. Ana, John Pratts, Enchong Dee, Christian Bautista, Carlo Orosa, Maurice Arcache, Tim Yap, Keren Pascual, Miguel Pastor, Philip Cu-Unjieng, Anton San Diego and Audrey Tan.

Dr. Belo’s support to Pink for Life bolsters the charities done by the Ike and Nena Belo Foundation, which was launched last year to help shape lives. The core advocacy is geared towards the physical, mental and social welfare of the beneficiaries. Two years ago, Dr. Belo also donated proceeds of the clinic’s beauty fair, “Belo Beautiful Christmas,” to Pink for Life.

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 24, go to Yehlen Cabral, Jennifer Cortes, Encarnita Martinez, Pinky Marie Alforque Gloria Goloy, Magdalena Garcia, Andi Tubig, Ayo Gunting, Jenny Suico, Dunstan Gamponia, Mila Velasco and MB’s Jonathan Lorenzo… Happy wedding anniversary to Rod and Vina Reyes; and Boying and Alena Godino…