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| The Scholars. Sam Milby with his Cebuano World Vision scholars Vivian Togonon and Gian Montealto. |
The celebrity hunk was recently here in Cebu to personally meet two Cebuano kids that he is sending to school.
Vivian Togonon and Gian Montealto, both six years old, were not just lucky to meet the matinee idol but also blessed with the opportunity to make their dreams become a reality after Milby announced that he would be supporting them throughout college.
“If they decide to go to college, I hope they would, I am most willing to help them,” said Milby during a press conference of World Vision’s 12-hour Famine Campaign held Wednesday at the BE Resorts in Mactan, Cebu.
Milby’s scholars in Cebu are just two of the eight students the actor is supporting through the Child Education Sponsorship program of World Vision. He has two scholars each in the cities of Cebu, Malabon, Cavite, and Aklan.
World Vision, an international organization helping impoverished children and communities, provides educational support only up to high school. But the actor said that since he’s financially supporting no one else but his World Vision scholars, sending them to college is not impossible.
While promoting the 12-hour Famine Campaign in Cebu, the busy actor took the chance to meet his two Cebuano scholars, who are both grade one pupils in Yati Elementary School in Liloan, Cebu. He also visited the school to check their condition.
“It was such a nice feeling seeing the smiles on their faces,” shared Milby.
The two kids, whose parents have no permanent jobs, were at first shy to meet their celebrity sponsor but later on become comfortable when the actor approached and talked to them in Tagalog.
“Nalipay dyud ko, wa ko magtuo makakita ko niya sa personal. Gwapo ug buotan kaayo s’ya (I was so happy and surprised to see him. He is so handsome and kind),” Togonon said about her meeting with Milby.
Milby, in chitchat with the two kids, asked about their favorite subjects in school and what they want to become when they grow up. When Togonon said she wants to become a doctor, the US-educated actor asked aloud how many years a medical course takes in the Philippines. Montealto, on the other hand, simply wants to become a teacher.
The Fil-American actor also assured support should any of his scholars decide to go into showbiz.
“Whatever their dreams are, I think we should always encourage them to go after it. Basta I’ll be here lang to help them achieve their dreams,” said Milby.
The blockbuster movie actor, moreover, plans to add more World Vision scholars on his list. He is also actively inviting celebrity and non-celebrity friends to join World Vision’s cause. Milby’s Impostor lead co-star Maja Salvador is said to sign up with World Vision soon after the actor’s persistent prodding.
“A P20 a day or P600 a month can already be life-changing for a child that’s why I’ve been encouraging everyone to share in this cause,” said Milby.
Milby is just one of the 35 showbiz celebrities who have been sending poor children to school through World Vision. On the top of the list is megastar Sharon Cuneta who is sponsoring 300 kids. Other celebrity sponsors include Kris Aquino, Lea Salonga, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velazquez, Miriam Quiambao, Angelica Panganiban, Nikki Gil, Sam Concepcion, Marc Nelson, and Chris Tiu, among others.
Active
Milby, however, is one of World Vision’s most active sponsors. Although busy shooting for an indie film and for ABS-CBN’s newest primetime series Idol opposite Sarah Geronimo and Coco Martin, Milby manages to actively participate in World Vision programs. The actor is now helping the organization promote its 12-hour Famine Campaign, which seeks to raise funds in curbing hunger and malnutrition in the country.
“It’s not enough that we send them to school. Can you imagine how many young students in the country who goes to school with an empty stomach?” explained Milby.
The 12-hour Famine Campaign calls on the youth all over the country not only to register and donate money but also to go on a 12-hour fasting period on November 6 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Flying V Arena in San Juan, Manila, where a big festive concert with World Vision celebrity supporters will be held.
“By going hungry for 12 hours, participants gain a deeper understanding of how it’s actually like to go without food. Their sacrifice allows them a glimpse of hunger, [which] is an everyday reality for millions of Filipinos today,” World Vision said in a statement.
Aside from the concert, educational sessions and talks on poverty issues, inspiring video presentations, prayer time, games, and talent showcases will also be thrown in the event.
Interested parties in Cebu who would like to sponsor a child or register in the 12-hour Famine Campaign may call the World Vision hotline: 505-44-44 or log on to www.worldvision.org.ph.
Happy Thought:
Sam is more than a pretty face. ♥
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