Surge in stellar involvement in worthy causes noted

Show biz stars should use their popularity to support worthy causes, so we cheer celebrities’ participation in Gabay-Guro’s “Teacherfest” event at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sept. 27.

At least 20,000 teachers are expected to gather at MOA Arena to enjoy the festivities and tribute, which we hope will help motivate them to keep serving the country by educating the youth.

Performing at or gracing the “inspirational” tribute to teachers are star-advocates like Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Kuh Ledesma, Pops Fernandez, Basil Valdez, Christian Bautista, James Reid, Nadine Lustre, Piolo Pascual, Derek Ramsay, Mark Herras, Rochelle Pangilinan, Ima Castro, Jonalyn Viray, Franco Laurel, Jenine Desiderio, MJ Lastimosa, Pia Wurtzback and El Gamma Penumbra.

Aside from the “Teacherfest” celebration, stars are lending their truly stellar support to other worthy causes—the more, the merrier!

For instance, Dingdong Dantes helps YES Foundation encourage people to support its projects for the impoverished; Angel Locsin spreads the good word for the Philippine National Red Cross; Agot Isidro raises awareness for the CRIBS Foundation’s projects for children; Dawn Zulueta boosts the Kahit Hindi Pasko Foundation’s charitable endeavors; Angel Jacob speaks up for I Can Serve; Anne Curtis promotes the Shop and Serve celebrity auctions to raise funds for disaster victims—etc.!

Internationally, the use of “Celebrity Power” for good causes is even more dynamic. For instance, Leonardo DiCaprio’s foundation has donated $3 million to the World Wildlife Fund, aside from producing the cautionary documentary, “The 11th Hour,” warning viewers about global warming.

Other stars who support “green” causes include James Cameron, Daryl Hannah and Cate Blanchett. For their part, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are advocates for a truly wide range of causes, including building homes for disaster victims and helping the poorest of the poor in Cambodia.

Despite this local and international surge in stellar involvement in good causes, much more needs to be done—so, stars and starlets who still use their popularity and clout only to benefit themselves and fill their own pockets should learn from their more enlightened peers—and think and care about others, for a change!