He tried but lost in the last elections but this has not dampened Cesar’s enthusiasm to run for public office again in the future. But even if he won’t be lucky to be elected to a government post, Cesar will continue to serve the needy, especially his constituents in Bohol.

The actor is once again showing his conern for the working man when he affiliates with Holcim’s Galing Mason training program. As an engineer and a builder he works with masons and carpenters and other working men who work with their hands. Cesar realized that these men who are so good with their hands should be given their due to be given more chances in life.

When Cesar learned about the Holcim Galing Mason training program, he signed up to be counted so that the workers will have due recognition. Holcim has a training program that will give participants to be graded and awarded with diplomas for their work and expertise.

There is a training program in Bohol with Cesar Montano using the training participants to build a multi-purpose hall and several toilets for the use of the community near Baclayon. Holcim will be providing the cement and the tools for the participant but Cesar has to source out the hollow blocks and steel for structures.

As of now Montano is excited with the prospect of building the much needed structures.

"You cannot imagine how this simple structure can mean to a community."

For the participants themselves, the Holcim program is a chance in a lifetime for them. The 7-day skills program with training and certification is offered to out-of-school youths and uncertified masons.

Holcim, in cooperation with Tesda, started the program five years ago. Now the graduates are moving on to new jobs with better appreciation of their skills.

Holicm Philippines, Inc., one of the leading cement companies in the Philippines, announced recently it has tapped the multi-awarded actor and entrepreneur Cesar Montano to be its partner for Holcim ‘galing Mason Program.

The Holcim ‘galing Mason Program is a seven-day intensive training course which teaches masons the proper way to handle and make the most of the cement they use.

Holcim welcomed Cesar Montano in the ‘galing Mason Program becasue of their shared advocacy of helping uplift the quality of life in poor communities. One of Montano’s major projects with Holcim is to build community facilities in his hometown in Bohol. Through the Holcim ‘galing Mason Program, residents of his community will be trained to become skilled and certified masons to give them better work opportunities.

"I am honored to help out in the Holcim ‘galing Mason Program," Montano said. "With our combined efforts, we will be able to uplift so many lives across our country. Mason should feel proud of their work and their role in the community. They should not stop upgrading their skills through trainings which will give them the edge for better employment. That is why I encourage my kababayan to take advantage of this opportunity give by Holcim," stated Montano.

The Holcim ‘galing Mason competition will run from April 2008 to January 2009. The national awarding will be held in January 2009 in Manila.

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Luis Alandy feels lucky to have a third teleserye

One of the actors who’s being blessed with TV work is Luis Alandy. At the recent grand launch of Mars Ravelo’s "Dyesebel" at the poolside of Sofitel Philippine Plaza, he expressed to us his feelings of gratitude for getting to work in three teleseryes in quick succession.

"Siyempre, I feel so lucky that after doing two teleseryes this year, I was again included in ‘Dyesebel.’ I know of course that the pressure is there for me to show them what I am capable of para tuloy-tuloy sana ang magandang takbo ng career ko," Luis said.

In "Dyesebel," Luis plays another kontrabida role like in his two previous teleseryes. "I play a businessman named Gildo na competitor ni Fredo (Dingdong Dantes). This is the first time that Dingdong and I are working together in a teleserye and I look forward to taping my scenes." At the launch, Luis said he hasn’t started taping yet.

Bianca King is Luis’ love interest in "Dyesebel." Bianca and Luis are both managed by Arnold Vegafria.

He said that among the international actors, his idol is Johnny Depp. He likes working with veteran actors, he said.

Also in "Dyesebel" is veteran and awardwinning actor Ricky Davao, as the father of Dingdong Dantes’ character. Like Luis, Ricky has done two previous teleseryes with GMA 7, "and all with Richard Gutierrez, the last being ‘Lupin,’" Ricky said.

The much-awaited "Dyesebel" is directed by Bb. Joyce Bernal and Don Michael Perez. The fantaserye premieres on April 28 on GMA Telebabad.

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Scrap Simply Handmade at Robinson’s Galleria

Another scrapbooking competition is set for enthusiasts today, April 26, 1:30 p.m. at the Atrium of Robinson’s Galleria. A minimum purchase of P200 worth of All About Scrapbooking, Hallmark and Bic products within the promo period (April 1-26, 2008) at National Book Stores in Robinsons Galleria, Metro East, Ermita, Fairview , Novaliches, and Festival Mall entitles you to join the scrapbooking competition. There are 2 themes for the competition: Simply Handmade Friends, open to first-time participants and non-winners of past competitions, and Simply Hand made Baby, open exclusively to winners of past competitions. There will be a Kids category (for ages 12 and below) and an Adults category (ages 13 and above). Three winners will be chosen for each category.

The requirements are as follows- scrapbooking tools and personal trinkets, photos and memorabilia. Eighty percent of materials must be All About Scrapbooking, hallmark and Bic products. Present proof of purchase upon registration that starts at 10:30 a.m. The event is brought by All About Scrapbooking, National Bookstore, Robinson’s Malls, Canon, Bialetti and Jam 88.3.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 26, go to Senator Jamby Madrigal, Rep. Mickey M. Arroyo, former Sen. Orly Mercado, Lani Oteyza, Romnick Sarmenta, Daisy S. Viray, Ronald Lorenzo, Edgardo Grau, Atty. Rodelo Poltan, Oscar F. Bautista, Thelma B. Tapia, Josie Raso of PCSO and George Batalia of New York... Angelo "Eloy" Padua is the newly elected treasurer of the San Sebastian College Alumni Association Inc., and not San Beda Alumni Association as earlier printed in this column.