LP Congressional Candidate Anthony Del Rosario and Dingdong Dantes make the Laban sign. (Photo by JUDE BAUTISTA)

It’s very touching to know some young celebrities who involve themselves in civic or cause-oriented projects! They know how to give back to the people the plaudits they have been receiving!

If majority of our young celebrities would only take part in civic projects, they would be helping a lot in their communities attain dynamic changes and progress. But somehow, many of them are allegedly “users” of illegal drugs instead – thus making them selves part of the problem rather than solution.

It is a known fact that many celebrities “victimized” their own selves by becoming drug users, and as a consequence, they fell into the gutters and lost their respective careers in showbiz. Many of these “users” even became paupers and beyond rehabilitation. We do not need to list down here their names because we are quite sure that you know them.

Some young celebrities organized their own non-profit foundations, and it is very inspiring to see them serve the less fortunate.

Well-known actor Dingdong Dantes has also organized his own foundation called “Pinoy Foundation” and he has since then attending to the needs of elementary students particularly victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng by providing them with textbooks and other study materials. Recognizing the nobility of what he was doing, the National Book Store gave him about 2,000 study kits.

Dingdong later became the NBS’ endorser for its “Project Aklat” for the less fortunate students.

Dingdong has matured to be a man of principle. Asked why he has so much passion for what he is doing, he said that when he was younger and still in high school or college, “I never excelled in our class activities. I was just an ordinary student, and seldom was I noticed. When I left school, I decided that I must do something, something that I was never expected to do!”

Dingdong decided that he must do something to help uplift the youth, particularly in guiding them to what is urgent and necessary for the country.

“I am very passionate about this,” he announced at the Tagum City College. “Because we need the power of the youth as instrument for change in the country.” He stressed that the youth must be listened to and given the opportunity to participate in nation-building.

And Dingdong is also frank enough to express his feelings, principles and opinions. In the current political derby, Dingdong revealed that he was offered a big amount of money just to endorse a political figure. But Dingdong refused the offer. “It’s not always money that counts,” he said. “It must be principle always!”

From his own analysis, he chose his own presidential candidate, some he calls without any taint of corruption but a dedicated determination to serve the country and initiate the much-needed change in the country. Dingdong, therefore, organized Ayos Na and he has been launching this in several parts of the country. Dingdong is the national convenor.

The latest was in Davao City and Tagum City. Of course, it was no all politics but coupled with entertainment rendered by among the country’s top showbiz personalities.

In Tagum City, the launching of Ayos Na was hosted by Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario. The event was punctuated with the signing of membership in the Ayos Na movement by students. Ayos Na is the acronym for Advocates of Youth and Students for Noynoy Aquino.

Ayos Na is also a movement for education, jobs, environment, governance, and leadership.

In Davao City, the launching of Ayos Na featured an evening of entertainment provided by Aljur Abrenica, Kris Bernal, Chynna Ortaleza, Carlo Guevarra, and Gabby Eigenmann. The audience practically roared with joy, and they had an evening full entertainment!

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Christine Love releases ‘Happy’ album

Awit Award winner for “Best New Female Artist for 2009” Christine Love hits it big with her version of the Michael Jackson standard “Happy.” The title cut of her new album, “Happy,” has become a big radio favorite. This plus her cherished Awit trophy are reasons Christine is in a joyful mood nowadays.

Because Jackson had been a big influence in her singing style, Christine decided to include “Happy” in the CD after MJ’s sudden demise last summer, along with another soulful ballad, “Ben.” Including this tribute to her idol turned out to be the right decision because “Happy” is now helping propel the album to hit status.

“Happy” also includes “Isang Halik Mo Lang.” This is Christine’s first hit song, and it remains a big favorite among listeners. This song is original, which was composed and arranged to showcase Christine’s sweet tones and expressive style.

Other songs featured in the “Happy” album are: “Sinner Or Saint,” “Until The End Of Time,” “Up The Clouds,” “Let’s Make A Memory,” “Someone Please Tell Me,” “Baby I Love You,” “Precious Love,” and “Puso Sa Puso.”

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H’wood actor praises ‘Fidel’

Based on true incidents in the Middle East, the movie “Fidel” delves into what man considers his ultimate honor before society, to his kin and even to his God.

In some aspects, the movie is a revelation, though rumors have long been circulating that such a barbaric act has been going on a long time ago, and that the victims were mostly Filipinos!

The producer of the movie must have taken a lot of courage to tackle such a delicate and dangerous subject: The male boss raping his male employee if the victim does not give in to the carnal desire of his male employer!

Lance Raymundo plays Fidel, the employee raped by his male boss. Lance exudes a sterling performance for such a delicate and difficult role!

The movie also features Andrea Del Rosario, Maria Isabel Lopez, Snooky Serna, Jon Hall, Jao Mapa, among others. Charlotte Diamco wrote the screenplay.

“Fidel” was shown during the 1st Filipino Film Festival in Los Angeles. Hollywood actor Rob Schneider heaped praises on the movie.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Jan. 27 go to “Wowowee’s” well-loved host Willie Revillame, US-based realtor Edith Naldo Ricketts, Dina Bonnevie, Tony Mabesa, Marites Revilla-Araneta, Ramon Orlina, Don Escudero, Linda Manalo, Valerie Antonette Tapall, Vic and Gerard Belen of Canada, Odette Guillermo, Engr. Melito Ligon Darvin, Alex Lim, Beth Flake Jose of San Jose, CA; Zaldy Dela Cruz, Danilo dela Cruz Gargue, Ninia Gabriel, Jercelyn Kyee G. Juan of Marilao Bulacan, and Alfredo E. Gerilla of Tagum City. Happy wedding anniversary to Drs. Manny and Pie Calayan. Belated b-day greetings to Mary Grace Maluya-Frones of Tagum City (Jan. 26).