GAWAD AMERIKA Awardee Joel S. Cruz, his mother Milagros Cruz, and sister Marilou Regis

Congratulations to fragrance entrepreneur Joel Cruz for being the recipient of the Gawad Amerika Award 2012 for Philanthropy. He received the award during the 10th Annual Gawad Amerika Awards held last Nov. 3, 2012 at the Celebrity Centre International in Hollywood, California. The awards were bestowed by the Gawad Amerika Foundation headed by Charles Simbulan.

This is the second time the President and CEO of brands Aficionado Germany Perfume, Joel Cruz Signatures and AFSS-Aficionado Apparel received an award Gawad Amerika, the first being the recognition he received last year as “Outstanding Entrepreneur in the Fragrance Industry.”

As a way of giving back for his success in business, Joel does community service through humanitarian works. This is his corporate social responsibility. It has been tradition for him and his employees to support various charity organizations, something they’ve been doing for the past eight years whenever the company, Central Affirmative Co. Inc., now on its 12th year, celebrates its anniversary.

It has been a memorable experience for The Lord of Scents in 2009 when he was invited to join the reality TV show “Celebrity Duets Season 3” wherein he emerged as champion via text votes. His P1-million cash prize was donated in full to his favorite charities: Hospicio de San Jose, Asilo de San Vicente de Paul, Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, K.I.D.S. Foundation; Sisters of Charity, Atimonan Quezon Church, GMA Foundation, Red Cross, and a sampaguita vendor in Quiapo church.

In 2011, the Cruz family was invited to the Dusit Thani Hotel Family Christmas Tree contest via Facebook votes. Joel’s Christmas tree used recycled perfume bottles as design elements to create an ice sculpture-like effect atop bases of glass cubes showcasing Filipino Christmas traditions. Their cash prize of P200,000 was donated to the charity of his choice, the Hospicio de San Jose.

Joel’s companies continue to grow and one of his advocacies is to empower people and become self-reliant by engaging in business. He believes in the biblical passage “Don’t give man fish, teach man how to fish.” His company encourages people with entrepreneurial spirit to become business partners through opportunities in Franchising, Dealership, Distributorship, Wholesale, International Sales and Toll Manufacturing or Personalized services.

Joel’s companies operate where he started his home-grown business, in Sampaloc, Manila but he has manufacturing operations in Meycauayan, Bulacan generating employment in said communities.

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What Stars Say About Stem Cell Therapy

More and more showbiz personalities are availing themselves of Human Stem Cell Therapy at Shimmian Manila Surgicenter. It’s because, as Dr. Levi John Linsangan, medical director of the surgicenter, said during their recent thanksgiving and Christmas party held at Discovery Suites, Human Stem Cell treatment has revolutionized ways of keeping one healthy, young, strong and physically attractive.

Among the stars who go to the the surgicenter include Carmina Villaroel and husband Zoren Legaspi, Joey Marquez, Alma Moreno, Snooky Serna, Janice de Belen and Ruby Rodriguez.

Said Alma: “I was diagnosed with a progressive disease of intractable pain. But when I underwent Stem Cell Treatment, the pain went away. I am no longer dependent on my family and can now enjoy my everyday life.” Alma was also cured of her multiple sclerosis. “People also say I’m becoming more youthful and vibrant-looking. Thanks to Drs. Levi and Anna Marie Lansangan.”

On the other hand, Snooky said “Aside from the anti-aging benefits of Stem Cell Therapy, it also helped me stabilize my moods and made me stronger to withstand all my strenuous activities and stress in my line of work.”

Shimmian Manila Surgicenter has branches in Medical Plaza Ortigas, Medical City Connecticut and Tomas Morato. They will also soon open in some SM branches.

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Mister Donut Gets Chunky With Michael V

For his numerous fans, surprises are part and parcel of Mister Donut celebrity endorser Michael V. In the way he performs his comedic spiels and in the many characters he portrays, it’s no surprise he always delivers the laughter and joy that has since become his trademark. For Mister Donut’s latest Chunky Bavarian variants, Bitoy teamed up with the hunky male group known as the Chunks, who each represent one delicious flavor.

“We are the chunkiest, and we are very flavorful,” enthused Michael V. when asked about his “boy band” mates: Jaco Benin (Classic Pearl), Aki Torio (Mango Nata), Avery Paraiso (Choco Peanut), and Simon Sandor (Coffee Jelly). ”These Chunky Bavarian donuts give surprise after surprise,” he added.

When asked which of the four he liked the most, Bitoy responded, “Lahat sila pwedeng maging paborito mo. Ang tanong dyan actually ay kung ikaw magiging paborito nila.”

Another question was posed if the Chunks can keep up with him as they go through their dance moves. Michael V. was apprehensive for their first salvo but he replied, “Fortunately, nakasabay naman sila at natuwa ako.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Dec. 10, go to Conchita Razon, Lydia Veneracion, Sabina Dacer, Lota Reyes, Betty Francisco, Elizabeth L. C. Chan, Aristides J. Baluyut, Ramon Valencia, Mary Lou Claudio, Eboy Tengco, Teddy Gordoncillo, Lui Villaruz and Johanna Villeta... Happy wedding anniversary to Mayor Lando and Evelyn Salvador of Baliuag, Bulacan…