OPM brings cheer to SAF 44 kin

DINGDONG Avanzado (second from right) and Jim Paredes (right) join SAF troopers for dinner, “boodle fight” style.

I was moved by Dingdong Avanzado’s pictures with relatives of the Brave 44.

It’s good to know that OPM (Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-Aawit) members took a time out from their busy schedules to bring cheer to the slain cops’ families and comrades.

OPM president Ogie Alcasid told me it was the least they could do.

Bravo, Ogie, Dingdong and OPM!

Even when they are not singing, their names will henceforth be music to the ears of the SAF circle.

Dingdong’s story: “Last April 23, OPM officers and members visited Camp Bagong Diwa to perform for the relatives of the Brave 44 and the men and women of SAF. We were led by Ogie, who earlier visited some of them a few months ago.

“We enjoyed bonding with them over dinner served ‘boodle fight’ style. Regine Velasquez, Mitch Valdes, Jim Paredes, Q-York and Tippy Dos Santos joined us.

“I felt how appreciative they were of us giving them importance. Most of them are from the Visayas region, where I come from as well. We connected immediately.

“They have a SAF band that plays OPM hits! Being with them reminded us to be always grateful for what they have done and continue to do for the country.”

Baby for Bianca 

PBA cager JC Intal is raring to become a daddy. His wife, Bianca Gonzalez, is infanticipating.

This Most Valuable Player is determined to be a Most Valuable Papa.

Here’s my one-on-one with JC:

What are Bianca’s cravings?

She often asks me to buy food.

Will you be a disciplinarian or will you spoil your kid?

Bianca thinks she’ll be the disciplinarian and I’ll be the spoiler.

What did you discover about Bianca after the wedding?

She’s even more malambing now, and a hands-on homemaker. She loves to cook, and surprises me with special dishes.

Who is the greatest PBA player of all time?

Alvin Patrimonio. He epitomizes discipline and humility.

If you have a son, will you allow him to join PBA? Of course! If he wants to be an athlete, I will support him [even if] he goes for another sport.

Kapamilya award 

ABS-CBN Corporation won the Grand Anvil Award, highest honor for a public relations program in the country, for its “Tulong Na, Tabang Na, Tayo Na” drive at the 50th Anvil Awards hosted by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines.

The network bagged various other Anvils: for SKY Cable’s “Tugon ng SKY sa Yolanda: Saya at Pag-asa para sa Kapamilyang Nasalanta”; for the commuter safety mobile app “PasaHero”; the “Spotlight Series: The Music of Ryan Cayabyab” (with ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra); its internal online employees contest “Heartthrobs at 30”; The Filipino Channel’s “Boto Mo Kinabukasan ng Bawat Pilipino,”; and the “Pamilya OnGuard” campaign.