Boy Abunda

MANILA, Philipines -- Boy Abunda is the spokesperson for Glupa, a whitening soap. Boy was hesitant at first to pitch for a whitening product considering that he’s not fair-skinned, but he believes in freedom of choice.

“If you choose to have whiter skin, then there’s Glupa with health benefits. If you choose to love your own color, we respect that,” Boy said of his latest endorsement in a recent press briefing.

“Actually sabi ko ayaw ko mag-model or become an endorser. I want to be a spokesperson kasi hindi ako maputi. But I like to deliver the message dun sa mga gustong pumuti, this is the right product for you; dun naman sa mga moreno, it evens out the skin. It’s nice.”

Aiza Diuco-Soriano, owner of Glupa, said Boy Abunda is the best celebrity endorser for Glupa. “Whatever Boy touches turns into gold so we grabbed the opportunity to work with him. With Boy we can never go wrong.”

Recently, Abunda has been active in the gay community, advocating the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Transgender and Bisexual (LGBT). He announced that he would donate his monthly fees to Ang Ladlad where he is the political adviser.

Meantime, Diuco-Soriano said that Glupa Soap is formulated with the two best whitening agents: Glutathione and papaya. On top of the two best whitening agents, glupa soap has additional Alpha Arbutin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Tiny White Complex, Grape Seed Extract and Sunscreen to give you younger-looking and fairer and softer skin.

Abunda did not mention how much he was paid for his latest endorsement.

“Karamihan naman sa mga endorsements ko, I’m not paid for, especially yong sa katawan, pagkakaibigan,” Boy related.

Jamie R. continues to give ‘Inspirations’

Ms. Jamie Rivera, the country’s “Inspirational Diva,” offers a new album under Star Records aptly entitled “Inspirations,” which is sure to uplift the spirits of its listeners with the spiritual healing and peace that it offers. The album has for carrier single Gary Valenciano’s “Letting Go.” This is Jamie’s 8th inspirational album. She said that the songs in “Inspirations” were chosen by her, Ms. Annabelle Regalado, her personal manager, and Ms. Angeli P. Valenciano.

Jamie has gone a long way, from a teenage singer of pop songs to being an internationally recognized singer. But she has remained rooted in singing songs of high inspirational value. “My faith is an integral part of my life, ” Jamie said.

Endorsed by Bishop Socrates Villegas, chairman of the Episcopal Commission for Catechesis and Catholic Education, the album contains the tracks “Jubilee Song,” “Heal Our Land,” “Only Selfless Love,” “Tanging Yaman,” “Hesus Hilumin Mo,” “Sa’yo Lamang,” “Purpose Driven Life,” “Sino Ako,” Panalangin Ng Bukas Palad,” “Awit Sa Ina Ng Santo Rosario,” “I Offer My Life,” “Pananagutan,” “Tell The World Of His Love,” “My Life Is In Your Hands,” “Letting Go,” “The Mission,” “Salve Regina” and “Stella Maris.”

On the personal side, Jamie is a Commerce (major in Economics) graduate from UST and is married to a doctor with whom she has a daughter who is musically inclined too. She hails from Pulilan, Bulacan where she, at a young age, used to manage their family’s rice mill. “Bata pa ako, negosyante na ako, nakikipagnegosyate na ako sa National Food Authority (NFA),” she said.

Hollywood-style party in Pharex Interns night

It was a Hollywood-style party that celebrities participated in during the recent Pharex HealthCorp Grand Interns Night at the SMX Convention Center.

With the theme “Glitterazzi,” the event served as an opportunity to engage the interns in learning more about better and affordable healthcare for Filipinos, in collaboration with the country’s top medical organizations.

According to Tomas Marcelo Agana III, Pharex’s President/CEO, “This event has become an annual tradition for interns where they can learn about the latest developments in generic medicines and how it helps promote better healthcare for Filipinos. It’s also a great time for them to bond and enjoy with their colleagues.”

Beauty queen/actress Maggie Wilson and RX 93.1 DJ Gino Quillamor hosted the program that opened with an upbeat performance by La Diva. Young actress and TV star Iya Villania gave a Lady Gaga number while DJ and TV personality Mr. Fu led a game with medical interns. ASAP Sessionista Juris Fernandez and “Survivor Philippines” castaway Mico Aytona serenaded the guests.