MANILA, Philippines -- In the recent press launch of the Philippine Red Cross’ “Million Volunteer Run” slated on Dec. 4, “Mother” Lily Monteverde and Marian Rivera committed to serve the Philippine Red Cross. It’s a lifetime commitment, both of them assured former Sen. Richard Gordon, PRC chair.

“Till the end of my life, I promise to serve the Red Cross,” “Mother” Lily said. The veteran producer and daughter Roselle M. Teo are members of the Board of Directors of Red Cross-Quezon City Chapter.

On the other hand, Marian said “I’m very proud to be of service to the Red Cross, Bago ito sa akin but I’d really like to serve, bilang ako, at hindi ang artistang Marian Rivera.”

Marian said she has asked her co-actors in “Amaya” to join her on Dec. 4.

Other stars (who are in the cast of this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Shake, Rattle & Roll 13,” “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”) have also signified their support to the project, which incidentally coincides with the celebration of the International Year of the Volunteers. The public and Red Cross 143 volunteers are also invited to join the fun run which shall see similar runs in key cities nationwide. Red Cross aims to gather a million participants in the run.

To participate, register at redcross.org.ph or visit the Philippine Red Cross head office in Port Area, Manila.

DJ Jessica goes mainstream

DJ Jessica Mendoza, 22, is already counted among the top 5 prettiest female DJs in the land, shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Andi9, who is actually her co-host in the “Magic Top 5@5” spot on Magic 89.9.

For someone so committed, it seems strange that being a radio host wasn’t even in her plan when she auditioned in Magic’s Junior Jock Program as a Communication Arts student who hoped to gain an edge in experience. “I just got lucky when one of the jocks there retired and they asked me if I wanted his spot,” she says.

She finished her degree with honors.

“Being a radio jock is much more than knowing your music and having a nice voice,” she says. “It’s being able to present information in ways that are funny and new, and being able to relate with your listeners.”

Even if she has built a fan base with just her voice, she says she keeps a decent diet and exercises regularly to always look and feel good. “I work out at 360 Fitness Club in Ortigas, near the station,” she says. “The head coach, Chappy Callanta, always reminds us to stay away from high-sodium and high sugar foods.”

Having worn glasses since she was nine, she also recently invested in eye surgery at one of the country’s topmost eye clinics, American Eye Center.

“I was a little worried at first. When I consulted Dr. Alnette Tan, she said I was good and ready, and suggested that I try the all-laser LASIK surgery, since it’s safer and more precise.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 27, go to Ms. Charo Santos Concio, ABS-CBN president, Gary Lising, Niño Muhlach, Ingrid Salas, Ms. Lulu Sapigao, Jojo Gatbonton, Michael Abundo, Nelly Campos, Twinkle Tengco, Lydia Ventura, Cristina Manaloto, Sharon Pajaro, Harlene Bautista, Michelle Aldana, Leah Espiritu, Nancy Yu, Viel Aquino-Dee, Bobby Aquino, Ronald Manila, and MB’s Anthony Sibug… Happy wedding anniversary to Willie and Tessie Villarama, and Mar and Korina Roxas…