Regine Velasquez, Sarah Geronimo, the Voice Kids entertain winners and guests of 5thJFV Awards
By :Leony R. Garcia
No offense meant to Sarah Geronimo and her horde of loyal fans –- but I found Regine Velasquez exuding more confidence and class compared to her–- during the awarding rites for Jollibee Family Values Award. Regine came in simple black Filipiniana-inspired gown that made her look much slimmer compared to her TV appearances. It was complimented with a clean updo of her hair making her look regal. She belted out two songs in a way she is known for including Shine, but still exuding class.
In Sarah’s case, she came in an unkempt-styled hair and loose long gown/dress and belted out song that doesn’t fit the formal event. I believe, it is time for the Pop Princess to consult stylist/s on the propriety for events she’s attending. In my opinion, she’s even more regal-looking in most of her judging stints at The Voice program compared to the last Jollibee’s ceremony on September 24.
Afterall, the awardees, judges, guests and VIPs during the event wore their formal best like Boots Anson- Rodrigo, Aubrey Zubiri, Zoren Legaspi, Senator Bam Aquino, 
Tony Meloto, Atty. Adel Tamano and husband-wife tandem Anthony and Maricel Pangilinan who serve as hosts. Senator Grace Poe came in a simple straight cut fuschia dress complimenting her fair complexion and signature pig-tail hair. They were joined by Jollibee Global Brand Chief Marketing Officer Francis Flores, Vice President for Marketing Harvey Ong, Vice President for Human Resources Ruth Angeles, Jollibee Group Foundation Vice President Belen Rillo, andJollibee Philippines president Joseph Tanbuntiong.
In fairness to Sarah, she remains level-headed and grounded. She has been supporting various events of Jollibee through the years, keeping up to her promise she made some 3 or 4 years ago. During one of my early interviews with her in another Jollibee event, Sarah told me that for as long as Jollibee wants her, she would remain to be one of its brand ambassadors as a way of gratefulness for the food brand which has further help boost her place in showbiz industry.
The Voice Kids Lyca, Darlene and JK complete the entertainment segment of the awarding ceremony.
Speaking of the 5th JFVA Gabi ng Parangal para sa Pamilyang Pilipino held at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), the momentous event honored 11 Filipino families from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the United States for their noteworthy advocacies that made a significant impact in the lives of their fellow Filipinos.
The winners include the Domulot family of Zambales, whose work focuses on uplifting the lives and solidifying the Aeta tribes; Tiosan family of Rizal, dedicated to the employment and self-sufficiency of the blind; Mambuay family of Misamis Oriental, seeking peaceful ways to inculcate unity between the Christian and Muslim faiths; Rojas family of Quezon City, for giving a new voice to cancer survivors; and Pena family of Cavite, empowering people with Autism. The Gange family of San Jose, California was awarded the Jollibee-Coca-Cola Global Pinoy Family of the Year for advocating music literacy among the Filipino youth.
The awards also bestowed special citations to families whose advocacies benefit specific stakeholders. Special Citation for Education (co-presented by National Bookstore) was awarded to the Capilos family of Quezon City for holding free trainings for public school teachers and students; Special Citation for Environment (co-presented by Landbank) was awarded to the Basa family of Capiz for their work on using recycled materials for disaster preparedness; Special Citation for Children (co-presented by Children’s Hour and San Miguel-Purefoods) was awarded to the Ramirez family of Quezon City for creating free toy libraries nationwide; Special Citation for PWDs (co-presented by the National Council on Disability Affairs) was awarded to the Mendoza family of Palawan for holding free clinics and Special Olympics for PWDs; and Special Citation for Minority Groups (co-presented by Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas – KATRIBU) was awarded to the Catanghal family of Pasig for their advocacy of providing wholistic development for the Mangyan tribes.
The abundant stories of goodwill and generosity of these families resonate JFVA’s core messages that everyone has what it takes to make a difference in the lives of others, and that the right values begin and are nurtured at home.
“These families that exemplify the values that we honor up to this day form a strong foundation for the country that help build a better nation. We owe it to them that the campaign has reached its milestone year, as we continue to receive inspiring stories of compassion and generosity here and around the globe that are definitely worth recognizing and can serve as a shining example for others,” said the Filipino food giant president Joseph Tanbuntiong.
