Glaiza de Castro
As a celebrity, Glaiza de Castro understands that she’s in a unique position to use her influence to help and inspire people. She has observed that, sometimes, a simple smile or wave to the fans is enough to spark positive energy.
But she doesn’t want to stop there.
Aside from having her own charitable foundation, Glaiza has also become a goodwill ambassador for the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association Inc. (PCCAI), the operator of Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center.
“When I was starting in the industry, I thought that my only job as an actress was to entertain. I eventually realized that what celebrities do could have a huge impact on our audience,” said the Kapuso talent, who will represent the organization in its humanitarian missions.
Glaiza looks forward to working for people in need of medical assistance, especially children whom she has a strong affinity with. “There’s more to my profession than acting or singing,” she told the Inquirer at a recent press conference.
Before being named PCCAI ambassador, she has already been a staunch supporter of children with special needs. The Glaiza de Castro Foundation, which was formed last year, helps raise funds for students of Valenzuela Special Education Center.
“My sister’s child has special needs, so this cause is something close to me. I want to help other families in a similar situation,” she said, adding that she had mounted fundraising events, such as fun runs, for the said cause.
“It’s a lot of hard work, and there’s pressure to deliver. But once you see the results, it feels very rewarding, because you know you’re helping others,” said Glaiza, who also took part in last year’s United Nations Women Safe Cities campaign—a program that aims to increase awareness about the harassment women face in public places.
One of the events that ignited her passion for philanthropy, Glaiza recounted, was her “Dreams Never End” concert at the Music Museum in 2015. It was well-attended, with concertgoers flying in from different provinces and bringing her presents.
“It was overwhelming, but it made me think, ‘Do I really need all these?’ I felt that I already had enough—too much, even. I’m content with what I have,” Glaiza said. “So it’s only right to give back.”