G Squad in G Diaries

Celebrities are among the biggest influencers. Their every move means a lot to those who are keeping a close watch on them on the news and, for the millennials, on socmed. And what better way to use that star-status than to promote worthwhile causes for the country and the environment just like what Iñigo Pascual, Elmo Magalona, Gretchen Ho and Antoinette Taus are into as part of the G Squad.

G Squad is not another sing-and-dance group in ASAP. It’s a group of young stars that will join G Diaries host Gina Lopez in her travels to beautiful yet hardly ever-visited places in the country for the show’s second season. 

Iñigo, Elmo, Gretchen and Antoinette are among the artists who are very much willing to create awareness on the protection of Mother Nature and help generate income for the community by promoting unexplored places as potential tourist spots.    

Basing from their interesting views on being members of the G Squad, the four displayed a sense of patriotism and that strong desire to work together for the environment. 

Iñigo sees the importance of patronizing everything Filipino in nation-building. He said, “Giving importance to our own. Para sa akin importante na mahalin ang sariling atin dahil it’s the only thing we have. You know, if we don’t love our own things then, how are we gonna grow as a nation? If we keep on comparing ourselves to other countries, what’s that gonna do? If you don’t actually put the work and the effort then, what’s gonna happen?”

Iñigo well appreciates the opportunity of showing people the wondrous beauty of the Philippines and inspiring them to work together for the good of the community. “I was able to somehow give knowledge to the people, especially now. And for me, I’m also learning a lot in this project.”

For Elmo, watching shows that are entertaining and informative encourages him to take part in activities that create positive results. Being part of the G Squad allows him to showcase what the country has to offer.

“I don’t think it’s right to say that to have fun, we have to go to different countries because in reality we have so many beautiful places here in the Philippines. We just have to push for this and here we are having the opportunity to tell and show these amazing spots. I think it will inspire others,” Elmo said.

Gretchen believes traveling is a status symbol considering how people, especially the millennials, are so eager to post each and every place they’ve visited.

“That’s why we’re here to make it a cool thing to travel in the Philippines and I think it’s our mission… I believe in the power of advertising like kung nag-post kami tungkol sa isang lugar at pag nilagay namin kung saan yung location, malaking bagay na ‘yun because many will say, ‘Uy maganda pala dyan.’ Or ‘Meron palang ganyan dito.’”

Apart from promoting the place, Gretchen also looks into the stories of people in the community. “I am interested to learn the unique things that they have, the kind of community they live in and their culture. Kung paano sila umangat mula sa ibaba at gusto ko din maipakita yun sa social media so in a way, it’s a personal mission for all of us.”

Antoinette, who came home from the US four years ago, shared that it was really a big dream for her to be able to do something for the world.

“At first, I kept thinking about global issues then I realized, what am I thinking? I’m in the Philippines and I am from here so we really have to start here,” shared Antoinette, who spearheads CORA (Communities Organized for Resource Allocation) Foundation.

“Our projects didn’t happen solely because of funds but also with help from friends — from the entertainment and business industries — so I feel this connection. People used to ask me why we often post our activities. My point is, we post every day about food, fashion and love life but when it comes to the good things, we do to other people, tinatago natin. I think it’s about time to change that. Doing good doesn’t have to be a secret. It is inspiring to make other people’s lives better. It’s really important to remember that you don’t have to be an expert to really make a difference.”