Victorina out to End Hunger

Hunger is a horrible thing. But even with over 800 million suffering from this terrible affliction around the globe, with many of our own countrymen having to struggle every day to scrape together a decent meal, world hunger still somehow escapes the attention of far too many. Here is a chance for the more fortunate of us to nourish the minds, bodies and souls of children in need.

In a recent press conference held at R.O.X. at Fort Bonifacio High Street, media and celebrity supporters convened to launch a humanitarian effort to help feed destitute children in Mindanaoas well as those around the globe. Leading the campaign is KC Concepcion, who has been designated as the program’s local ambassador. The open forum was facilitated by Trixie Angeles,the Managing Editor of the Victorina Blog and advocate for humanitarian causes.

The conference formally announced how the whole world will be marching together to help out in the fight to eradicate world hunger on June 7, 2009. Aptly called the “End Hunger: Walk the World”, this global effort is expected to be the biggest ever platform for the anti-hunger movement, with millions of people from all over the world set to take a stand against this very real shared threat. “It is our hope that we can count on your support on June 7, 2009 at 6:00 am at Roxas Blvd, in the City of Manila to End Hunger, Walk the World 2009,” implored Stephen Anderson, Country Manager for the UN World Food Programme. “The world will join together in a global walk to raise awareness and funds to feed children in schools.”

According to Doy Roque, managing director of M2.0 Communications whose agency is leading the event, “End Hunger: Walk the World” is a noble initiative directed by the United Nations’ World Food Programme which is the world's frontline organization in the fight against global hunger. This initiative which began in 2003 is an annual global awareness and fundraising event occurring simultaneously in 24 time zones within 24 hours in 77 countries in a bid to end child hunger. In this part of the world, this endeavor is extra special as it is aimed at feeding Filipino school children in conflict affected areas in Mindanao.

We have a unique chance for all of us to do our part in a very worthwhile cause.”

The walk is expected to attract a slew of celebrities, government officials, United Nations agencies, and WFP corporate partners, all with the purpose of raising awareness and funds to feed starving children in the Philippines. Proceeds from the “End Hunger: Walk the World” global match are donated to the WFP's Global School Feeding Programme, which provides tasty and nutritious foods as incentives to get children go to school and keep them there.

Before leading those present in a pledge to do their part to help end world hunger, KC sang her song “Isang Hakbang” which captured the main message and theme of the campaign. The anthem was conceptualized by ActivAsia events management and WFP, composed by Harold Clavite, arranged by Ian Umali of Digitrax and produced by Datu Gallaga of Just Add Water.

Committing their support to “End Hunger: Walk the World” include: Unilever, TNT, DSWD, National Youth Commission, FOCAP, The Local Government of the City of Manila, Primer Group of Companies, R.O.X, Philips, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, Harisson Communications, Active Asia, Digitrax, M2.0 Communications, and many more.

With an expected turnout of over 10,000, this year’s march promises to be as well-attended as it has ever been. In addition to the actual walk, the event will also include a live video stream from all four different assembly zones, from each of the participating partners. There will also be a Pledge to End Hunger Ceremony, wherein a number of important persons will imprint their footprints on cement tablets as a symbol of their commitment to support the impoverished children of Mindanao.

“End Hunger: Walk the World” will help make more of us aware of the shared problem of world hunger and of the role each of us has in the fight to end it. To learn more about how you can register and join in this global effort, logon to www.isanghakbang.com.

Superbods Sizzles

Superhot bodies with super intelligence to boot were enough to make the rainy night sizzle during the successfully concluded Century Tuna Superbods 2009: Bods and Brains Challenge Finals Night held in Boracay.

The rains didn’t stop 24-year-old entrepreneur Van Victor Leano and 21-year-old music student Theresa Fenger from oozing with sexiness and mental savvy that made them the male and female winners of the bods and brains competition. Van Victor and Theresa bested 18 candidates to emerge as Superbods with Superbrains, who possess not only healthy bodies but healthy minds as well, each winning half a million pesos plus high-end digital cameras courtesy of YKL Fujifilm.

Van Victor, who also loves sports and music, wowed the elite panel of judges – composed of distinguished names in the world of showbusiness, fashion, print media and advertising – with his exceptional smarts during the question and answer portion. When asked by host Joey Mead to tell something about himself that the judges didn’t know, Van Victor shared: “I am a workaholic. I like productivity. I make sure to always do something to make my day complete. Whether it’s working out or reading, I make it a point to do something positive and fulfilling.”

Theresa, who enjoys singing, acting and playing sports, also displayed her impressive wit when asked by host Marc Nelson what qualities should she look for if she has the job of choosing the next Superbod: “A Superbod should have confidence, aura, and impressive personality. He or she should know how to take care of their bodies and can eloquently express themselves in the question and answer portion.”

Having the difficult responsibility of choosing the male and female Superbods this year were former Miss Universe and award-winning actress Gloria Diaz, fashion designer Rajo Laurel, director Sid Maderazo,Cosmopolitan editor-in-chief Zo Aguila, fashion photographer Jun de Leon, PC&V Communications vice president Ariel Comia, and Century Tuna senior brand manager Angela Gamboa. Celebrities spotted at the event included; Bernard and Mico Palanca, Century Tuna Superbods 2006 male winner Jon Avila, Coverboys Joem Bascon and Victor Basa, Phoemela Baranda, MTV VJ Kat Alano, Century Tuna image model Isabelle Diaz-Daza, Carlos Morales, TV personality JM Rodriguez, and Century Tuna Superbods 2007 winners Ram Sagad and Patty Ortega.

Besides winning the coveted title, Van Victor also won the Superbods Challenge, along with partner Khai Lim, where they competed in five mind-boggling obstacle course of puzzles and challenges that started off at the Plazoleta and sent them off on a race to the finish line at the Pearl of the Pacific, the official resort of the competition.

The Superbods Challenge showed off Van Victor and Khai’s superb brain performance courtesy of Century Tuna with Omega 3 DHA, which not only helps promote heart health, but has also been found to sharpen memory, enable healthy growth and development of the brain, and promote positive mood.

First Ever Boracay Dodgeball Competition

Even the weekend rains took a break for a day of sun inBoracay for the Summer Dodgeball Games last Saturday. The daylong competition, which marked the first time that an official dodgeball game was played on the beach here in the country, saw exciting matches that pitted 12 teams for the coveted maiden championship title. Competing teams comprised a motley crew of boys, girls, Filipino vacationers, Boracay locals and foreign tourists of all shapes and sizes under creatively coined teams such as Chikitita (an all girls team) Team Cone and Team Ang.

To the delight of beach gawkers, celebrity exhibition games were held that included among others, Tisha Silang, Krista Ranillo, Cheska Litton, Mark Nelson and Magic 89.9 DJs Mojo Jojo, Mo Twister, Grace Lee andAndi 9. Spectators were also treated to fun intermission games that featured cool summer prizes from Nestlé .The day started with a dodgeball clinic by no less than the Philippine Dodgeball Association to help the uninitiated learn the ropes of the game and others to be reacquainted with the sport. Celebrity DJs, notably Mojo Jojo, Tina Ryan, Junior Jock Dale, and the boys from Boys’ Night Out, helped amp the fun through their often wacky annotations of the games. The competition culminated in a fierce best-of-five final match that had spectators crowding the dodgeball court to see team Boracay Dragons emerge as champions. The champion team brought home P10,000 and fun filled goody bags. Jeffrey Rodriguez of the winning team was chosen Most Valuable Player and won a coolPhilips GoGear mp3 player.

Nestlé executive Gel Angeles expects the beach dodgeball event to now be held every year. “The fun filled excitement of today’s events truly highlights the fun one can get from Nestlé Pops. We hope to expand this competition into a formal annual summer sports event.”

Don't Lie to Me ... Jun Lozada!

RESPECT THE LAWS OF THE LAND... That's what my dad always says!

Why in God's name would Sen.Chiz Escudero and Sen. Allan Peter Cayetano, who are both lawyers mind you, say otherwise? They both have made it publicly known that they wish Mike Defensor should not press the issue of purgery against ZTE whistle-blower, Jun Lozada.

"Tol" Mike said he would pursue the case unless Lozada would issue a retraction statement addressing allegations against him.

"If this was a mere Senate inquiry, it's okay... But we are talking about the courts," says Mike. I, in all honesty, doubt the credibility of this man Jun Lozada- a self-proclaimed "moderator of greed", a 'cry-baby' turned 'the boy who cried wolf' and a seemingly congenital liar with two families!!!

Guys, if Jun Lozada is innocent then he has nothing to fear... PERIOD!

Earlier today, Lozada was arrested by a police team following a warrant issued by the court yesterday.

Defensor cried foul over Lozada's allegation that Defensor urged him to deny that he was kidnapped and to lie regarding to what he knew about the alleged overprice of the government’s botched contract with China’s ZTE Corp. for the National Broadband Network (NBN) project.

Scheduled to leave for a series of trips abroad with his family, Tol Mike arranged a special press conference to clarify his side about this issue. He emphasized that he is fully aware that he will be portrayed negatively by the media and by Lozada supporters.

“Even my political allies have been trying to persuade me to drop the case, knowing that it will have a negative effect on me... but I am not doing this for politics, I am doing this for my family. All these scandals are temporary, but my record at the Court of Appeals is permanent. Years from now, they will open those court records and will judge me and my family based on those. I want to clear my family name. I am doing this for my children.”

At the same time, Tol Mike challenged Lozada to a lie detector test to “clarify issues and clear my name.”

Dorothy Thompson once said that "fear grows in darkness; if you think there's a boogeyman around, turn on the light."

But today , Tol Mike is already a winner to the eyes of the people who matter the most – his family.

While the results of a lie detector test may not be admissible in court, they are believed to be 99% accurate. At least it would give an opportunity for Lozada to finally spill all the beans and show to the public that he has nothing to hide.

I speculate, however, a person of “moderate greed” such as Lozada has just too many secrets to hide. For one who has been exposed to scam his fellow countrymen, let him face charges and be tried by the very laws he so tried to scandalously circumvent.

Jun Lozada, what are you really afraid of? Is it the quest of one family man trying to clear his good name or is it the unadulterated TRUTH of which you’ve obscured that strikes fear in your heart?

To put an age old adage to shame, in Lozada’s case, the truth may not “set you free” – it might just land you in jail for a very long time.

Enough of the crying, lying and running from the law!

My Boracay Nostalgia

Organized by Richard Gomez and Marilen Nuñez since 1994, the GOMA Cup has been regarded as the longest-running and most successful celebrity event in the country, gathering the country’s biggest stars, media personalities as well as golf enthusiasts! This reunion of sorts brought about camaraderie and cherished memories for me, my media buddies and celebrities who took time off from their busy schedules to participate in the much-anticipated GOMA Cup Reunion held at the Fairways& Bluewaters in Boracay.

What made this year’s Goma Cup inimitable was the celebrating Earth Day with an inspiring Boracay beach clean-up activity, taking part in preserving the environment and sending a poignant message. I hope that things do not stop here because the island is fast becoming a subject of my nostalgia. I have reached a point where when I look back miss the days when Boracay was once a picture perfect portrait of pristine beach. Environment Secretary Jose “Lito” Atienza has called for a six-month moratorium on development projects on Boracay Island to ensure sustainable development. “We need to restore order to the otherwise uncontrolled construction and introduction of new edifices and stop the over-stretching of the facilities especially the sewerage, water, drainage and power systems,” Atienza told the press.

With such nostalgia in mind, I chose to indulge myself with fun-filled times that only Len Plus could offer. For three consecutive nights, we were treated to special dinners which perfectly capped off each exhausting day of sporting activities. Golf enthusiasts got their fill of the game, which showed their sportsmanship and swing skills. We, on the other hand, had the time of their lives in the adrenalin-pumping watersports competitions such as aquavolley, paddlesurfing, water polo, and beach frisbee.

The last night of the reunion also recognized the outstanding performances of the participants in the different competitions. For the golf tournament, named winners were: John Estrada, overall champion; Class A Category champion Anthony Suntay; 1st runner-up Jong Cuenco; and 2nd runner-up Arnold Clavio; Class B Category champion Ronnie Henares; 1st runner-up Hajji Alejandro; and 2nd runner-up Glydel Mercado; and Class C Category champion Jake Roxas; 1st runner-up Martin Nievera; and 2nd runner-up Drew Arellano. Special Awards were given to Richard Gomez for Longest Drive, Jay Manalo for Most Exercised Player, and Jong Cuenco for Nearest to the Pin.

For the watersport competitions, first place went to Jeremy Marquez’s team, composed of Wilma Doesnt, Jommy Teotico, Bubbles Paraiso, Michelle Madrigal, and Phoemela Baranda; winning second place was Bernard Palanca’s team, composed of Alynna Asistio, Joanne Santos, Rey Pumaloy, and Dyan Castillejo; third place went to Paolo Paraiso’s team, composed Marco Alcaraz, LJ Moreno, Cesca Litton, Carlene Aguilar, Priscilla Meirelles, Domini Primero, and Rachel Alejandro; fourth place was Ernie Lopez’s team, composed of Jeena Lopez, Reema Chanco, Carla Humphries, Ricky Gallardo, Maxine Eigenmann, Gov. LRay Villafuerte, and Geneva Cruz.

The GOMA Cup Reunion was successfully organized by no other than LEN PLUS Inc and I really hope and pray that the Goma Cup will cease to be nostalgia and again be a yearly event!

The fun in Boracay continues today with a plethora of shore-side events that are sure to tickle any beach-goer’s fancy. After a successful “Preserving Boracay” convention sponsored by Philips and comprised of eco-minded bloggers on the island and their counterparts around the would who participated via online channels and teleconference, many more were educated and updated on the efforts being done to save this paradise.

Additionally, congratulations to the University of the Philippines Dodgeball Association, Magic 89.9,Hawaiian Tropic, Garage & Stella Magazines and other participants of the first ever Dodge & Pop: Nestle Pops Ice Cream Beach Dodgeball Tournament which kicks off today at the Beach Bum shores along Boat Station 1.

The Junior Chamber International, Manila (Manila Jaycees) and the Alfonso Yuchengo (AY) Foundation on Thursday launched the 2009 Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award (BTCA). The honor, which is now in its 22^nd year, seeks to recognize individuals whose commitment to serve the Filipino poor carries on the legacy of the celebrated humanitarian, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta.

The Manila Jaycees and the AY Foundation said, “The award is intended to focus public attention and confer recognition to those who, like Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, have dedicated a significant portion of their lives in the service of the ‘poorest of the poor’ and have served, and shall continue to serve, as an inspirational, living example to the world.“

At the formal launch at the RCBC Plaza in Makati, 2009 BTCA Chairman Christopher C. Ty looked forward to a wider search for this year’s awardee. “It is our hope that the award search will attract more lay individuals who are equally deserving of the award,” said Ty.

The Manila Jaycees initiated the award, which was then called the Mother Teresa Award, in 1983. It later invited the AY Foundation as a project partner. From a humble grant of P50,000, the AY Foundation now gives P1 million to the awardees. Half of the grant goes to a charitable institution of the honoree’s choice.

Last year’s awardee, Dr. Fe del Mundo used the grant to put up the Mobile Blessed Mother Teresa Little Clinic, which goes on medical missions to depressed areas, such as Tatalon and Payatas in Quezon City.

Alfonso Yuchengco, in a speech to close the event, emphasized the significance of the award. “The importance of this award was underscored by the late Mother Teresa who flew in from Calcutta to personally attend the first awarding ceremony in Tayuman, Manila.”

The first BTCA was given to the late Fr. Anthony Hoffste, O.P. who devoted 35 years of his life to taking care of Hansenites.

Other past recipients include Sr. Carmen Locsin, who helps overseas Filipina workers in Japan; Fr. Graetian Murray, who took special care of orphaned and abandoned children for 40 years; Sr. Maggiorina Arenas, who dedicated several years of her life to help ethnic Mangyans in Mindoro; and Dr. Aleli Guzman Quirino, founder of the St. Martin de Porres Charity Hospital in San Juan, Metro Manila.

Any living individual who has dedicated a significant part of their lives to humanitarian work among the poor, the orphans, the dying, the handicapped, the unwanted, the oppressed, the aged, and the other less privileged Filipinos are eligible for the award. Any individual, institution, association or organization may submit a nominee. For more information please contact the BTCA Committee through phone numbers: 525-2631, 525-6792; fax number: 525-6814 or e-mail: clubhouse@jcimanila.org.

Christopher Ty