Daniel Razon

MANILA, Philippines — Daniel Razon had no A-list concert artist as guest but he managed to fill up a recent gig at Smart Araneta, thanks to his deep involvement with “Ang Dating Daan” and passion as an artist, actor, singer, photographer, scriptwriter and director.

During his Big Dome concert called “Story of My Life,” Daniel invited a couple – both blind, married and beggars. The couple had the surprise of their lives when they were already on stage. They, in turn, sang like professionals.

The concert was a fund-raising event for the free charitable services which Daniel, with the support of Brother Eli Soriano, has been undertaking for the benefit of the less fortunate in the community.

“If you noticed,” he said, “I had no top caliber entertainers as my guests. I have to save as much as possible so that I can provide the financial requirements for our charitable projects,” he said.

Daniel however approached balladeer Anthony Castelo, who was in the audience, to sing a couple of the singer’s hits.

Among the charitable projects which Daniel is administering are free transportation for senior citizens, free transient home, free college courses including books, notebooks and transportation expenses for the poor but qualified students, free medical services.

Garie launches album

Gabby Concepcion’s other daughter, Garie Concepcion, is out to prove she too is talented like her half-sister KC.

Garie launched her self-titled debut album under Star Records. With “Relaks Lang Tayo” as carrier, the album contains 13 tracks which include “Baby You Are,” “Totoo,” “Tayo Pala,” etc.

The album is now available at Odyssey and Astro Vision branches.

“This isn’t just an album for me. I worked hard for it. To be honest, I never imagined that it would even be possible. This album allowed me to show the world my first love, singing,” Garie said.

Garie’s favorite track is the youth anthem “Relaks Lang Tayo.”

She dedicates her album to her family and close friends, especially her mother, Grace Ibuna, who has been her rock, hero, best friend and mentor.

What advice did her dad and sister KC give her? “I think that Papa was vocal of his wish that none of his children would enter showbiz but he also said that if it were something that we really want, then he’d be supportive of it. Ate KC, on the other hand, is very supportive but is protective, too.”

Garie Concepcion is a Backroom artist. For inquiries, e-mail at backroominc@hotmail.com.

Celebs run for cancer prevention

Some of the country’s celebrities joined the fight against cervical cancer by taking part in the Millennium Run for Women’s Health hosted by the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynelogical Society (POGS). Said POGS Pres. Dr. Rey delos Reyes, “The event is one of the many ways by which POGS helps increase awareness of women’s health issues through advocacy programs and education.”

Held in partnership with Glaxo-SmithKline (GSK), the event was participated by model and beauty queen Abby de Leon with husband-photog Jun de Leon and son Ijah; actress Sharmaine Suarez and Mymy Davao actively taking part. Incidentally, Abby, Sharmaine and Mymy are also involved in the Bravehearts Foundation. Chaired by Abby, the foundation advocates the promotion of women’s health through education and vaccination.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 19, go to Mrs. Erlinda “Liding” Oledan, Abraham S. Divina Jr., Junie Siytangco, Geronimo Tabios, Efren Cruz and Lyanne Gonzalez… Happy wedding anniversary to Juan and Annaliza Papera… Belated b-day greetings to Elmie Foronda Roldan (Dec. 18)...