Since we are still in a post-Jose Rizal 150th birthday mode, I asked some celebs about their heroes as kids and, now, as adults (aside from their parents). Mine would be Michael Jackson because his music saw me through all the ups and downs of my life. To this day, listening to his songs never fails to put me in my element when I get that ‘je ne sais quoi’ feeling.
Whoever your heroes are, may they serve as mentors in the face of all your tormentors.
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SAM PINTO: My hero as a child and as an adult is Kim Possible. She’s super cool. She can balance school and kick ass at the same time. Plus she’s not a super hero and has no powers, yet she makes everything happen.
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RICHARD GOMEZ: My hero has always been Superman. He can do almost anything which, of course, I can’t. I wish I had his powers, x-ray vision and bullet-proof body so I can help protect mankind.
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MARK GIL: As a child, I believed Jose Rizal was every Pinoy’s hero for his intelligence and how he stood by his principles. Also Andres Bonifacio who was a man of valor. As an adult, I found Ninoy Aquino, who sacrificed his life for our freedom.
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BENJIE PARAS: My hero is Dr. Jose Rizal and Ninoy Aquino. They fought for freedom through words.
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RODERICK PAULATE: Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio are my heroes. Rizal, because he fought for freedom in a peaceful way. He fought for reforms using his pen, rather than through armed struggle. Bonifacio, because he was the hero of the Filipino revolution.
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SITTI: As a kid, my teachers were my heroes. Now my fans and OFWs are my heroes. The fans keep me going. OFWs inspire me a lot—how they sacrifice to keep their families afloat! That takes real courage and I salute them.
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MARCO ALCARAZ: In high school, I looked up to our coach, who taught me discipline, perseverance and hard work. Now I consider my manager, Noel Ferrer as my hero. He guides me not only in my career but also in my personal life.
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DUNCAN RAMOS: That would be Michael Jackson and Bruce Lee for me. They are more believable role models than the Ninja Turtles.
After party
Legaci, DJ Tay James, and Poreotics rocked Seventh High at the Fort during the official after-party of Justin Bieber’s “My World Tour” leg in Manila.
Legaci sang a medley of new hits at the Lounge to show pride in their Filipino roots.
The Club threw a party as DJ Rayzaruckus and Bieber’s famous opening DJ, Tay James, served up dance hits, with Justin’s bodyguard Kenny Hamilton as emcee.
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PERSONAL : Thanks to my good friends from way back, Allan and Bambi Young, for always making me feel so welcome in their Eskimo Bob, one of my fave snack joints.
(wateringholeshangrila@yahoo.com)