Stars put their influence, platforms to good use during pandemic

(First of two parts)

Television networks and film outfits may have shuttered entertainment production, but work continues for many show biz personalities who have decided to maximize their influence and platforms to be of help to people worst affected by the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the front-liners working hard to contain it.

Realizing that not everyone has the privilege of staying at home without going hungry, Maine Mendoza facilitated a fund drive, dubbed “DoNation,” which aims to provide financial aid to workers who have no choice but to go out to earn a living, and those “who are greatly affected by this catastrophe.”

“Consider yourself blessed if, despite all, you can purchase food and sanitation supplies (even hoard) for your homes. But what about workers who live on a day-to-day basis? Now that they’re obliged not to go to work, how do they survive?” Maine said in a statement.

Public donations made through the virtual wallet app GCash are personally forwarded by Maine to workers whose livelihoods were disrupted by the said outbreak, like public utility vehicle drivers, construction workers, street/market vendors, etc. They’re required to provide proof—photos, IDs or documents—of employment.

“I know how hard it is for these people nowadays to sustain their living, so I decided to share as much as I can to them. I’m sending P1,000 per household for food, groceries and other essentials. This is to help as many employees as possible,” said the 25-year-old star, who makes all her project’s transactions viewable on thedonationdrive.wordpress.com. “We can all help in our own little way to at least make things easier for those who need it the most … Our share, no matter how big or small, will go a long way.”

The television host-actress also recognized the sacrifices being made by our front-liners, who put their own health on the line to perform their sworn duties.

“Our front-liners—be they from the government or the food and medical industries—have been trying their best to fulfill their duties. They’re our modern heroes in these difficult times,” she pointed out. “Let’s pray for a better tomorrow, free from all the worries our nation has today. Keep safe and may God bless us all.”

Putting her love for cooking to good use, comedienne Pokwang whipped up sandwiches, which she distributed to military and police personnel manning the checkpoints on Marcos Highway, a busy thoroughfare that connects Metro Manila to Antipolo, Rizal, where she lives. “In a world full of worries and fears, it’s people’s smiles we want to see. Please, don’t lose hope. This, too, will pass, my beloved fellowmen,” she wrote on her Instagram account.

Aside from donating meals, Pokwang repacked rice and other food essentials and gave them to needy families with the help of her barangay captain.

“Social media is of big help during these times, especially when used properly,” she said, adding that it’s not the time for bashing. “It (social media) allows us to inspire and help others,” she pointed out.

Alden Richards had packed food delivered to front-liners in his home city, Biñan, Laguna. So did Solenn Heussaff for health care workers. Couple Joyce Ching and Juancho Triviño sent coffee to weary medical staff in various hospitals. Heart Evangelista had face masks distributed among rural health units in Sorsogon province, where her husband, Chiz Escudero, is governor.

(Conclusion tomorrow)