Even while he’s just starting to reap success from his debut album “Ready or Not,” hip-hop and R&B sensation Young JV has gone on to prove that for him, giving is more important than receiving. This he does via his Lahing Bayani Foundation which supports education through scholarship grants to orphans of Filipino soldiers.

Young JV met with the first 15 scholars of the foundation during the launch held at the AFP Educational Benefit System Office inside Camp Emilio Aguinaldo last July 26. He gave them allowance, food, gifts and a copy of his CD.

Young JV then performed one of his songs titled “Kapayapaan” which was inspired by the situation in Mindanao, as well as the artist’s “mission” to promote positive messages to the youth. The scholars vibed with the song; totally relating to Young JV’s world-class sound and style.

The youngest son of retired PAF Col. Eduardo “Red” Kapunan (an EDSA I People Power Revolution hero), Young JV said he can totally relate to what his scholars are going through. “It’s hard to always be longing for a father who is away, defending the country. Although you are proud of him, you can’t help but miss him, too,” he said who plans to see his scholars through high school.

Statistics show that some 200 to 300 Filipino soldiers perish in wars yearly, leaving behind about 10,000 of their family members including young children.Young JV has pledged a part of the sales of his albums to the foundation. A collection of 15 songs all penned by him, the album is currently getting favorable feedback from radio and music channels, thanks to its promotional single, “That Girl.”

“Ready or Not” was officially launched in Sunday variety show, “ASAP” last Aug. 2. The rapper also plans to hold concerts and sports events to augment the foundation’s initial funds which came from Young JV and his family’s pockets. “Helping other people does not always mean giving them money,” he said. “Uplifting their morale is sometimes even more important and powerful than that. The right songs can do that.”

Apart from seeing to the education of its scholars, Lahing Bayani Foundation aims to put up funds for the renovation of the Catholic chapel in Bgy. Dayhagan, Carles, Iloilo.

Young JV will soon be releasing a new single from “Ready or Not” along with shooting for a new video. He is currently on a mall tour along with other artists of PolyEast Records, distributor of his “Ready or Not.”

Other songs in Young JV’s album are “Doin’ It Big,” “I Bet They Can’t Do It Like That,” “Can’t Get Enough,” “Do The Snap,” “The Way I Feel,” “Can I Kick It,” “Don’t Know You,” “Lipad Noypi,” “Kaibigan Lang,” “Ola Chica,” and “Shake Shake.”

The album’s promotional single, “That Girl,” moved up to number 17 in the Pinoy MYX countdown this week.

* * *

Lawyer-to-be Melanie inks new contract with Psalmstre

Former beauty queen and actress Melanie Marquez is really serious in her academic goals. After taking up Business Administration at the International Academy of Management and Economics (IAME) where she graduated cum laude, Melanie now wants to become a lawyer like her husband, Adam Lawyer. She’s enrolled as a regular Law student at the Arellano University.

Incidentally, Melanie recently inked another contract with Psalmstre Enterprises as the only celebrity endorser of New Placenta. This time, she signed up for a three-year contract, debunking rumors that she was being replaced as face of the New Placenta line of anti-ageing products.

In a recent press conference, Psalmstre President and CEO Jim Acosta set the record straight by saying Melanie is still their image model. She has, after all, remained to be one of the most credible and effective product endorsers in the country.

On her part, Melanie said she was proud and happy to renew her contract with Psalmstre because Jim is a good friend. “No amount of money can ever replace the friendship I’ve developed with Jim Acosta. And so, for as long as they at Psalmstre need me, I won’t leave my New Placenta family.”

Now on its ninth year, Psalmstre started out from a simple vision of a self-motivated guy from Urdaneta, Pangasinan. Jim had this dream of having his own business so he could provide the needs of his poor family. Armed with a measly capital with loads of guts and determination, he put up Psalmstre Enterprises, Inc. which manufactures beauty products using botanical placenta and other plant extracts.

Jim’s company is now a multi-million empire with eight strategic offices all over the country. This unassuming guy has achieved a record-breaking feat for which he has been awarded as one of the Top 10 Most Outstanding Filipino Natural Practitioners of the Philippines by the prestigious International Association of Educators for World Peace.

Jim, at 39, is considered as the youngest and most successful entrepreneur in his league. His line of New Placenta beauty products is so popular that even men have come to like it. Apart from running his successful business, Jim is also a segment host of the weekly morning show “Buhay Pinoy” that tackles beauty, health and lifestyle.

Jim is also now a certified producer with his very own CreWorks Asia Records which is now in full swing. The outfit’s initial venture is Lyn Reyes’ single entitled “How Will I Know” which hit the No. 1 spot on iFM’s Top OPM love songs in a span of one month. Lyn Reyes is one of CreWorks Asia’s major artists.

* * *

Toys ‘R’ Us… Rise  and Transform!

From the pigeonhole:

Toys “R” Us held a Boys’ Fair with a celebration of the “Grand Transformers’ Day” and “G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra Movie Toy Event.” Inspired by the sequels of these movies, the events transformed Robinsons Galleria’s Activity Center into a bustling hub where Transformer and G.I. Joe fans gathered for two weekends of fun games and great deals on Transformers and G.I. Joe toys and merchandise.

Cybertron Philippines, the biggest Filipino online community of individuals who share a common interest in and passion for Transformers, G.I. Joe and other toys and hobbies, supported the event with toy collectors’ exhibits and mounted games and photo-ops with cos-players roaming the area.

The “Grand Transformer’s Day” opened with a ceremonial ribbon cutting led by Nilo Mapa, General Manager, Robinsons Malls and sons Pepe and twins Santino and Alejandro; John O’ Rourke, Business Head, South Asia, Hasbro Far East Limited; and a Cybertron Philippines representative.
Toys “R” Us carried the Transformers Return of the Fallen, Universe, Animated and toys from “The Transformers 2007” movie in the event. Detroit or Witwicky House or Desert Battle and Robot Heroes (G1+Beast Wars) were displayed as a diorama while the other toys were showcased in a table-type aquarium.

Another highlight was the availability of hard-to-find Transformers items exclusive to Toys “R” Us.

During the recent “G.I. Joe Rise of the Cobra Movie Toy Event” held July 11, on the other hand, a new range of toys from the forthcoming “G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra” movie was featured, including G.I. Joe exclusives on selected G.I. Joe figures, playsets and vehicles. There were also exclusive G.I. Joe toys that are exclusively available at Toys “R” Us. Formally opening the event were Tommy O, Vice President for Property Management, Robinsons Malls; and Stephen Si of Cybertron Philippines.

Check out Toys “R” Us in the following Robinsons malls – Galleria, Ermita, Metroeast, Lipa, Bacolod and Toys “R” Us Toyboxes located at all Robinsons Department Stores. Toys “R” Us is also located at Trinoma Mall and Alabang Town Center. Log on to www.toysrus.com.ph for greater toy news.

* * *

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Aug. 12, go to Aga Muhlach, Cindy Rosas-Lopez, Ramon Zaragoza, Atty. Tito Castaneda, Gloria Ignacio, Tessie Rosales, Nemia D. Bonoan, Roberto Lim Zamora, Annie Gaw, Nemia Ocampo, Edwardine Hartmann, Pinky David and former MB’s Yolanda Federegan…