Stars play Santa to the needy at Christmas time

True to the spirit of the season, several Filipino celebrities give back to the community this time of the year even in small ways.

By REGINA MAE PARUNGAO

True to the spirit of the season, several Filipino celebrities give back to the community this time of the year even in small ways.

Liza Soberano distributing food packages to homeless people on the street made rounds online.

Several reports claimed Liza tried to be more “private” about it, but to no avail. Many believe she’s been doing this kind of charity work sans media fan fare for years.

Netizens praised the young actress for her gestures, saying the iconic Filipino superhero, Darna, had truly come to life in what she does.

Also into humanitarian projects are reel (and real?) life couple Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto.

The two have been receiving praises on Twitter, supposedly for giving Christmas gifts to the students of Sta. Lucia High

School.

Based on photos online, Joshua and Julia gave away hundreds of eco bags with goodies inside. Netizens thanked the two for staying humble despite their success in the industry.

Then there’s Marian Rivera and Barbie Forteza, who had an early Christmas celebration with their Smile Train family.

Smile Train is a nonprofit organization and charity providing corrective surgery for children with cleft lips and palates.

Of course, Christmas is not the only time to pay it forward. Many altruistic Pinoy celebrities do it yearround.

Anne Curtis volunteers for the Philippine Red Cross and UNICEF Philippines. She also founded Dream Machine that stands both as a voice against dream shaming and as an enabler to make dreams come true.

Singer-actress Karylle Yuzon has long-standing relationship with Child Haus Manila, a halfway house for patients that seek medical assistance to hospitals in Manila.

She has celebrated many birthday and Christmas parties in there, bringing her dog to play with the kids. She even recorded a song titled “Akay” together with the Child Haus kids.

Karylle also sought the help of her mom Zsa Zsa Padilla, husband Yael Yuzon, and her showbiz friends in paying it forward.

Known to be a supporter of women’s group Gabriela, Angel Locsin joins relief operations for the victims of calamities. She also donates blood regularly.

In 2016, Heart Evangelista —using her real name Love Marie—collaborated with fashion designer Mark Baumgarner to produce a collection of hand-painted dresses.

The proceeds for the 40-piece collection benefited The Corridor of Hope Foundation and the Thalassemia International Association.