Paying it forward in show biz

Manay Ichu Maceda (left) and Boots Anson-Rodrigo

Schedule constraints usually compel us to beg off from most of the invitations that come our way, and we recently had to turn down a significant invitation to serve and lead for the same reason.

But, we made sure that we were “all present and accounted for” at the recent joint birthday celebration of “soul twins,” Manay Ichu Maceda and Boots Anson-Rodrigo at Mowelfund.

The choice of venue said it all: The big bash wasn’t really to make Manay and Boots realize that they were loved and appreciated (they knew that already), but to raise much-needed funds for the “congenitally” cash-strapped Mowelfund!

As show biz people know only too well, the Movie Workers Welfare Foundation is always in need of money to defray its many members’ medical and other expenses.

So, its officers, led by Boots and Manay, have had to think up novel ways to solicit, elicit or otherwise generate funds to be of help. Thus, their “birthday party for a cause” (please omit gifts, but donations to Mowelfund eagerly welcomed)!

The “twin” celebrants must have been gratified to see so many friends and colleagues in attendance, wallets, purses and checkbooks obligingly open.

But, for an essential advocacy like Mowelfund, even a lot is never enough, so let us do the necessary reminding and nagging:

Many stars have become millionaires from their well-compensated work in show biz. And yet, it’s frustrating to note that only a few of them have been making donations to Mowelfund, so that their less popular and poorer colleagues and coworkers can pay for their medical and other needs.

So, if you’re a star or starlet who’s making more than you need, do make it a point to donate what you can to Mowelfund—where even a little goes a very long way (call 7271915)!

The sad reality is that many movie workers are old, ill, jobless or otherwise financially strapped, so your help is always needed.

Manay, Boots and Mowelfund founder Joseph Estrada have more than occasionally had to dig into their own pockets and personal resources to meet the organization’s mounting bills and obligations. Other “can-afford” members of the TV-film industry should do the same!

At Manay and Boots’ birthday bash for Mowelfund, hosted by Nova Villa and Butch Francisco, the giving was made sweeter by the entertainment numbers rendered by the stellar likes of Dulce, Pilita Corrales, Aiza Seguerra and other generous artists— who, on occasion, were joined by similarly popular and even iconic members of the audience. There was a lot to sing about!

We hope that other stars realize the importance of “paying it forward” in the acting and show biz trade.

Lead players may enjoy the perks of fame and fortune for decades, but the less popular and recognized people around them have no security of tenure, no pensions to fall back on, and are out of work more often than they’re gainfully employed.

The easiest way to do something significant about this is to donate to Mowelfund—on an annual basis, or even more often! Call now.