After a year of being blessed with love and support from fans, Star Magic dedicates the first of every December to the different institutions that are doing their part in making the world a better place. This year Star Magic artists and staff visited the Paradise Farms Community in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan and the GRACE Home for the Elderly in Quezon City. They also bonded with the kids at the Bantay Bata Children’s Village in Norzagaray, Bulacan. It was a day spent with games, storytelling, pictures and gifts.
“Una ko pa lang nakita sila gusto ko talaga silang kausapin lahat,” Jane De Leon stated. Spending time with the kids was heartwarming for the Darna actress. Aside from being glad that she was able to help, the experience made her feel nostalgic. “Nakakatuwa na nami-miss ko ‘yung mga panahon na bata pa ko. Sana mas marami silang maranasan paglaki nila, maging successful sila,” she stated.
Gerald Anderson also unexpectedly enjoyed the experience. Getting to know the children and finding out what they go through made him see life different, “It put things into perspective.”
Meanwhile, this is already KierVi and MayWard’s second time visiting. Maymay Entrata was worried because this year’s group is smaller than last year’s, but they managed to have just as much fun. “Ganoon pa rin ‘yung welcome nila sa amin. Sobrang warm,” Vivoree Esclito shared. “Ang daming yumakap sa akin na mga bata,” Edward Barber added.
Gerald wants to bring awareness to other celebrities and encourage them to join these programs. Vivoree thinks that people need to see how well the kids are doing thanks to Bantay Bata 163. Hopefully, these visits can happen more often, not just during the holiday season. “Hindi lang siya taun-taon, araw-araw mahalaga siya,” Jane added. Maymay believes their purpose in life is to help out others, “Binibigay kami ng biyaya para maging biyaya sa ibang tao … Dapat tumulong tayo na hindi mabigat sa kalooban natin. Tumulong tayo dahil masaya tayo tumulong.”