Another cause for Ian

There is no stopping Ian when it comes to causes. He was recently chosen by MTV (Music Television) Philippines to front and host a TV special tackling the very sensitive issue of human trafficking. This is in response to the clamour to sow awareness and increase prevention on this billion-dollar worldwide problem, which the United Nations define as “the recruitment, transportation and receipt of a person for sexual or economical exlpoitation by force, fraud, coercion, or deception in order to make a profit.” Victims of this escalating problem hail mostly from Asia and the Pacific, including the Philippines, as heartless traffickers target those who wallow in poverty.

Rather than feel daunted by this highly-sensitive issue, he feels honored to be part of this urgent need to tackle the problem. “Well right now, I’m very very proud, very very honored to be part of this great effort," Ian said at the launching of MTV’s Exit: End Exploitation and Trafficking Campaign at Hard Rock Cafe in Makati last September 25. He now joins other well-known celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Tata Young, and Rain as voices against human trafficking. His travels as an entertainer has brought him to countries like Kuwait, Qatar, among others, and would see Filipinos running away from their abusive handlers.

Ian recognizes the social responsibilities of being a celebrity. He knows that he can help and encourage young people to support worthwhile endeavors. And that is what he has been doing for years now. He has been tagged to support various causes to help increase awareness and participation from the people who support him.

“As an entertainer, I want to reach out to them. I want to reach to the Filipino people to be aware of what’s happening. To be smart and realize that not all opportunities are good opportunities. Study them before you head off and hopefully this effort would really bring out that message,” he explained. “I think as an entertainer, you have to be ready for anything. But the most important thing is to really share to the people using all your influence. Hopefully, people will get more informed because of this event.”

The group wrapped up at past five in the afternoon. I'm pretty sure everyone went home with a big grin pasted on their faces. It was truly an afternoon that was full of surprises...and a lot of happy moments.

But never will I forget the people who contributed to this event. To the Tropang B...what will I do without your endless help. Walang pinipiling oras ang planning session natin. To all the ShinIans who couldn't make it there physically but sent their contributions, endless thank you's to all of you. We are so touched by your generosity even if many of you do not even know us well yet. And to all those who were there to share in the fun, thank you so much for making that day such a memorable one.

Much appreciation also goes to the rest of the ShinIans who are always there to make our day much brighter. This get-together could not have been possible without all of you!

Of course our sincerest thanks to Shin and Ian who took time out from their busy schedules to be with us in this first ever get-together. You both have made so many people very happy with your mere presence.

What else can I say but thank you, Lord, for making that day perfect in every way possible.

Until the next one, ShinIans...

A Saturday togetherness

Whoever said dreams can't come true? For many ShinIans, theirs did at the very first ShinIan get-together last September 15 at the Regency Park Clubhouse in Santolan Road, Greenhills.

It was a mix of those who already know each other and newbies who were so excited to meet them for the first time. One of them even said she couldn't sleep the night before and was up very early the next day in anticipation for the get-together. Well, she didn't go through that experience alone. Many admitted to being so excited even days before the big day. It was a pity that there were quite a number who really wanted to be there but had to cancel because of make-up classes in school.

Everything went well. Despite the rains the past few days, the sky was a bit cloudy but not a drop of rain fell. The place was great...a pagoda stood between the basketball and the swimming pool. No heat to beat because the place was windy. It was like a big picnic for us.

Shin and Ian arrived together a little before 1pm. They were with Shin's mom,Tita Russ, and her two siblings, Jaz and Xelljohn. Berna (Shin's PA) and Jhune (Ian's RM) were also there to join the fun. Of course let us not forget Mang Dodong and Paolo who patiently drive Ian and Shin, respectively, to where they need to go.

It was fun to see most of the ShinIans become suddenly breathless at the sight of the two. I can understand. It was just so cute to watch their faces as the two made their way to them. They said hello to the people and then it was chow time. There was a table full of food -- kare-kare, adobo, lumpiang shanghai and lumpiang ubod for lunch. Thanks to the Go family also for the pancit. Then there was chocolate cake or banana for dessert. I think the ShinIans were too excited that they only ate a little. Hehehe.

Shin and Ian played a little basketball while the others finished their lunch. They were joined by Jhune and Mang Dodong. It was refreshing to see them having fun like ordinary people. And I'm pretty sure the ShinIans were multitasking that time...eating and peering at the two at the same time.

With lunch over, we all sat together to welcome Shin and Ian and thank them for sharing their time with us. We also gave a little background on the ShinIan Global Friends. The program was hosted by Fatie who was bursting with energy that afternoon. Fatie, puede ka nang stand-up comedienne.

Then came the Q&A. It's was long enough for me to forget most of what had been asked and answered. Not to worry because we will be posting the video soon. Everybody was all eyes and ears...hanging on to each word they said. There were tickle-pink questions that made everybody gush. There were also questions that revealed their weaknesses (at may kinilig pa rin po habang nega ang mga pinag-uusapan). These were the questions though that made them more real, more human to all of us. For a moment we saw them get down from the pedestal most of us have put them in. And it was so nice to see them in such casual surroundings. Oh, by the way, these questions were submitted by ShinIans from all over the world.

It was time then to pick five lucky ShinIans to bring home stuff owned by the two which they have generously given as prizes for the raffle. We thought of giving the raffle a twist as winners brought home prizes that will forever have sentimental value. The first lucky winner was Margarett who got a pair of pink Skechers rubber shoes from Shin. This pair was the first one she bought abroad. Ladyluck smiled next on Rizza who got a mug and some goodies from Ian. He explained that it was the mug he uses every morning but assured everyone he washed it first before giving it away. congrats to Rizza who almost didn't make it there. Everyone had a laugh when Issa was picked to get the very first pair of jeans that was given to Shin by a sponsor. She said though that the holes were the product of her experimenting. As expected, Ian gave a cap from his wide collection plus a picture frame he was using and some goodies to lucky Galai. Shin added another prize to be given to the winner at a later date. She gave away a pair of earrings from her collection and picked Miriam's name. Lucky girl.

The chance to get closer to the two followed as they signed autographs and posed for pictures. We gave pictures of Shin and Ian to all the attendees for the two to sign. Everyone was in high spirits that time as they came as close as they ever be to the two lovebirds. Everyone also saw how wacky the two were.

Group pictures followed and then activity shifted to the pool area. Unfortunately Ian had to leave for a recording session in Makati. Shin stayed behind and chatted with us. It was a fun-filled afternoon as we had a shouting competition between the people in the pool and the people in the pagoda with Shin. We were also held captive by Shin fearlessly devouring pomelo from a ShinIan who flew in from Davao and green mango. There was also spaghetti and cheese roll for merienda. It was fun to see Shin talking endlessly. It's a side not a lot of people have seen. She is such a joy to be with. Ian also called up Shin to ask how the get-together was going and apologized that he had to leave early.

Taking Responsibility

It's all over the news...Christian Bautista made a big booboo in singing the National Anthem. Ironic as it is, ABS-CBN repeatedly showed the video clip all day, even had it played on DZMM as if Ian wasn't a talent of the network. I'm not saying they shouldn't but at least they could have been a little kinder by not having it shown or played everywhere all day. Then again, what else can we expect from the station who only thinks of money or intrigues to rake in viewership and money, even at the expense of their own talents...but I digress.

Last night in TV Patrol, Ian apologized to the whole nation and the Filipino people for making that mistake. "All singers should know it by heart," he humbly said. His embarassment and disappointment in himself was so evident during that painful interview. He made no excuses for the lapse in memory. He took responsibility for it.

I am not making excuses for the man. What happened, happened. Whatever the reason was for that momentary lapse in memory, for me it was set aside by the humbling apology he gave to the whole country. I will not say no one is perfect because there will always be someone out there who will say that there are mistakes that are inexcusable. That this particular oversight could have been prevented had he prepared himself well before the event. But we can never know how much effort Ian had put into this. I have seen him before a show. He takes his job very seriously. He has been nothing but professional. He may be a stack of nerves before he hits the stage (just like other artists) but he always manages to get through the show with flying colors. That particular night had a reason for happening. If not for the industry, then for Ian.

For me, it was a wake up call too. I myself had to check if I knew the words he missed out. It has been ages since I last sang it. I never really get to go out much. I haven't been in a moviehouse for ages. I don't usually get to catch sign off where the national anthem is played. I was so embarassed to say that I had to think twice before remembering those lines that Ian missed.

This morning in Umagang Kay Ganda, Ian was once again the topic in the segment of Anthony Taberna. I thought it was yet another discussion about what Ian did wrong and nothing more. It was a relief that Anthony expressed his admiration for Ian who publicly apologized for that lapse in memory, humbling himself in a way that others may find difficult to do. And I echo that sentiment. It was also great to have Rachel Alejandro speaking so sensitively about the issue. She did not use the situation to glorify herself. Instead she took on a very humble stance and even said that she knows how professional Ian is. Kudos to her for being a great artist and colleague. Not once did she fault Ian for this crucial lapse.

The mistake had been committed. Excusable or not, to me what is important is that Ian owned it and apologized for it. He had practically castigated himself in public but that was because he had to take responsibility for that mistake and apologized to the country which he has failed that very moment. That does not mean his sense of nationalism should be questioned. Nor should this incident define his career from now on because it will be unfair to this man who has done so much for the Philippine music industry.

The apology does not erase the mistake but it does make the man admirable in facing the consequences.

He who has no fault cast the first stone...