Hunger Games stars sympathize with Haiyan victims

It was Saturday morning, Nov. 9, in Beverly Hills where the stars of Hunger Games: Catching Fire led by Jennifer  Lawrence (who reprises her landmark role as Katniss) were scheduled to have one-on-ones with members of the international media invited to cover the junket. As usual, the venue was a room of the Four Seasons Hotel, converted into a mini-studio for the occasion.

The day before, Typhoon Haiyan (local name: Yolanda) devastated vast areas in Eastern Visayas, with Tacloban City as the hardest hit, and the story was all over US television with CNN leading the coverage with updates every hour on the hour.

Aside from Jennifer, participants in the junket were director Francis Lawrence (no relation to Jennifer), Josh Hutcherson, Sam Claflin, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz and Donald Sutherland. They were supposed to be 10 but Liam Hemsworth and Woody Harrelson came a bit late after some of the journalists (this one included) had left, while Jena Malone called in sick.

Before the TV cameras started rolling, the interviewer must identify himself and the country he was representing. That’s when I was touched by the reaction of the stars, starting with Jennifer. They sounded genuinely concerned, having presumably watched the wrenching newscast, asking me before the interview, “So sorry for what happened in your country. Is your family okay?” They all expressed sympathy for the victims.

Having been here a few months ago to drum up his endorsement for Bench, Liam would certainly have done the same.

Throughout the series of interviews, at least with me, the same mood prevailed even as we discussed their work for the movie (showing in the Philippines on Nov. 21, released by Pioneer Films).

Ariella continues Phl’s lucky streak

And now, for the lighter side of life…

It was not only the Hunger Games cast (and other Hollywood stars like George Clooney) who expressed sympathy for the Haiyan victims but also Thomas Roberts, host of the 2013 Miss Universe Pageant held Saturday night in Moscow, who said that the event was dedicated to the Philippines (and Vietnam which was also on the path of the typhoon) and it moved Ariella Arida, fourth-placer (third runner-up) in the pageant won by Miss Venezuela.

Funfare’s “other beauty expert” Celso de Guzman Caparas quoted Ariella as saying during her homecoming presscon Tuesday afternoon at the Gloria Maris banquet hall at Gateway Mall, “I am very happy and fulfilled for (finishing a finalist) in the Miss Universe pageant and for making the country proud. But it would be even more fulfilling if our fellow Filipinos will help the typhoon victims in relief efforts and rehabilitation in the months to come. My seven-month journey to the Miss Universe pageant has always been dedicated to the Filipino people and gearing the news about the typhoon fired me up to put up an even stronger fight for the crown. I am very sad about the hardships that our countrymen are experiencing because of the typhoon, but I hope that my victory will be a source of hope for Filipinos in these trying times.”

Celso noted that at the presscon, the Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. (BPCI) announced that it was donating P1M to the relief operations.

Funfare’s “beauty-watcher” Gerry Diaz (member of Aces & Queens that train beauty queens before they compete abroad) said that Ariella, who’s turning 25 on Nov. 20, has continued the country’s winning streak, after Venus Raj (fourth runner-up in 2010), Shamcey Supsup (third runner-up in 2011) and Janine Tugonon (first runner-up in 2012), and Johanna Datul (who won 2013 Miss Supranational) and Megan Young (who bagged for the country its first Miss World crown).

“In Moscow,” said Gerry, “our kababayan there were all-out in their support for Ariella, just as Filipinos, both in Indonesia (where the Miss World pageant was held) and at home, did for Megan. During a courtesy call on the Philippine Embassy in Moscow, she was accompanied by Janine who acted as anchor for the online coverage of the Miss U pageant.”

My friends in L.A, told me that Janine has moved from New York to L.A. where she’s taking up a course in filmmaking.

Belo holds garage sale for typhoon victims

The Belo Medical Group is holding a “fabulous garage sale” to benefit the Tacloban Haiyan victims. A lot of cool designer stuff will be on sale. The fund-raiser will be held at the Belo Medical Clinic at The Residences Greenbelt  (facing Greenbelt 2), Esperanza St., Greenbelt Complex, on Saturday, Nov. 16, 3 to 7 p.m. The entire proceeds will be donated to the typhoon victims. “Please spread the word,” Joji Dingcong is requesting Funfare readers. 

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