(From left) Marian Rivera, Ronnie Liang, Donny Pangilinan, and Gerald Anderson all helped citizens beset by Typhoon Carina. Images: Instagram
As the Philippines recovers from the devastation brought by Typhoon Carina, it was also a time for celebrities and public figures to rise to the occasion and use their platforms and influence for good.
Their actions are in stark contrast to those of some among their ranks who showed insensitivity to those who suffered the wrath of this natural calamity. Thus, we are turning the spotlight on these individuals who braved adversities and extended help in the best way they can.
Gerald Anderson
Gerald Anderson was the epitome of a real-life superhero after participating in rescue operations in different parts of Quezon City, including an encounter with a stranded family in Sto. Domingo, Quezon City.
In a now-viral clip, one @TmaeOsanomae thanked Anderson for rescuing their family who was stranded in their home. Another video from one @fredtiongco showed the actor and Philippine Army reservist wading through neck-deep floods in a separate rescue operation.
Thank you gelard #CarinaPH pic.twitter.com/0BB5bPZ3SN
— Tmae (@TmaeOsanomae) July 24, 2024
@fredtiongco #bagyongcarina#geraldanderson#akobudoy#idolpogitotherescue ♬ Raining In Manila – Lola Amour
Marian Rivera
Accompanied by the GMA Kapuso Foundation warehouse, Marian Rivera took some time off their busy schedule to donate over 700 relief packages to the victims. She was accompanied by her husband Dingdong Dantes, according to a report from GMA’s 24 Oras.
Daan-daang relief goods ang inihanda ni Marian Rivera para sa mga kababayan nating nasalanta ng bagyong Carina.
Mismong si Marian ang nagpunta sa grocery store para bumili ng pagkain, sabon, alcohol at iba pa.
Natuwa ang mga fans sa naakagandang ginawa na ito ni Marian Rivera. pic.twitter.com/KXyMY7Si4m
— News Press (@NewsPressPH) July 26, 2024
Ronnie Liang
Ronnie Liang heeded the call of duty with his co-reservists from his reserve command to rescue affected families in Barangay Roxas, Quezon City.
On his Instagram page, Liang shared glimpses of the rescue efforts, where he and fellow reservists waded through the floods on a boat.
“During the height of Typhoon Carina, when we answered the call of duty together with my co-reservists from the 1302 Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion Reserve Command Philippine Army, rescuing the flood victims brought by #CarinaPh and volunteering for the repacking of goods for the victims of the typhoon,” he wrote.
Donny Pangilinan
Donny Pangilinan participated in the Typhoon Carina efforts organized by the non-government organization Angat Buhay at Urban Chick Maginhawa in Quezon City. The photos showed the actor cooking and serving lugaw or rice porridge to evacuees.
Angat Buhay is a non-government organization founded by former Vice President Leni Robredo, the running mate of Pangilinan’s uncle, former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, who ran but lost the vice presidency to Sara Duterte.
GMA artists lend hand
Several Kapuso celebrities likewise helped out in packing relief goods for evacuees or left homeless by Typhoon Carina.
Rocco Nacino
Rocco Nacino is another celebrity who made some time to serve his fellow Filipinos by repacking relief goods at the warehouse of the GMA Kapuso Foundation
“Sparkle actor Rocco Nacino is making a difference today by volunteering his time to help repack goods at the GMA Kapuso Foundation Warehouse,” the post read.
Ruru Madrid and Jon Lucas
In a separate post by Sparkle GMA, “Black Rider” stars Ruru Madrid and Jon Lucas assisted in donating relief packs to the Typhoon Carina victims.
“#BlackRider stars Ruru Madrid and Jon Lucas, alongside Kapuso Foundation and Unang Hirit, brought smiles and relief packs to our fellow Kababayans affected by Super Typhoon Carina,” its post read.
It was a joint effort for Kapuso stars Allen Ansay, Sofia Pablo, Shaira Diaz, Anjay Anson, EA Guzman, Martin del Rosario, Roxie Smith, Bruce Roeland, and Gazini Ganados who stayed long hours to assist in repacking, organizing, and donating sacks of rice, canned goods, and other relief packages for the victims, as seen in the Kapuso talent agency’s Instagram page.