MANILA, Philippines--Got tons of texts and calls after my Friday article on how the more affluent personalities and families were helping out in giving relief goods as well as packing tons of what the unfortunate flood victims need in individual plastic bags.

Here is another list of volunteers of all ages who want to help in any way they can, palanggas.

Commendable is the endless energy of Carmen Manticon at Ecology Village, Dasmariñas, Makati, where relief goods, clothes, shoes, toothbrushes and toothpaste or whatever items people can donate are brought. Laura and Juan Pablo de Bertoto, also at Ecology Village, Dasmariñas, are also receiving donations from concerned citizens. Laura also helped in packing at White Space everyday.

Marilen and Santi Elizalde sent clothes and other goods; so did Javy and Rina Manticon also to Carmen Manticon in Ecology Village.

Carmen also gives arroz caldo and champorado every morning to kids at the back gate of Ecology.

Others who gave help were Nena Wuthrich and Calo Ventosa. The young teenagers who helped in any way they could at White Space, Pasong Tamo Extension, were Bea Manticon and Bianca Romero Salas. Another relief center at Blue Leaf in McKinley Hills at The Fort, Taguig, is superbly organized by owners Eugene and Michelle Sandejas no less, with the super help of Rep. Carissa Oledan Coscolluela; Marivic Pineda; Angela Poblador; and Hannah Chavez who sends relief goods to the Red Cross. Regular volunteers include Michelle Barrato, Angela Romero Salas, Rocio Matute and Nena Wuthrich.

Working together with Life Line are Pablom Lobregat, Angelo Olondrez and Michaele Deakin and his friends who all picked up individuals who needed medical attention. The high-end Enderun Colleges and Dennis and Carlos Celdran have a 24-hour mobile kitchen that goes to different typhoon-affected areas.

Jaguar?s main man Willie Sung and his wife Maureen sent tons of relief goods and necessities. Tycoon Lucio Tan sent truckloads of food and personal hygiene products to Caritas relief center.

Loads of my friends and other concerned individuals who donated and volunteered to help are very quiet about it.

The bottom line is in times of tragedy, we Filipinos become one family, regardless of status and religion. The outpouring of love is something we should all be proud of, palanggas.

Regine?s scents
Tons of Bench followers had a super fun Friday, palanggas, at the SM Mall of Asia as they witnessed the launch of adorable songbird Regine Velasquez?s two scents: Reigne and Songbird. Regine, no less, was the dazzling star of the night, along with the special men in her life: singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid and her darling father, Gerardo Velasquez. The genius of the retail world, Ben Chan, palanggas, beamed with pride over this fab launch while respected director, Bb. Joyce Bernal, enjoyed this happening with SM?s cyber-smart achiever Mark Kua.

International Care Ministries (ICM) foundation chair David Sutherland hosted the delightful show which presented the programs for the destitute, palanggas.

For two years now, ICM has helped more than a hundred thousand people from the slums in Visayas and Mindanao. Each week, 3,146 families learned values and health care and received nutritional help. From this year until 2010, ICM?s program will include the Leader Care program.

The Transform program aims to bring permanent change to those living in poverty by addressing their physical, spiritual and hygiene needs, palanggas. Then there is the Preschool+ program, which encourages kids to get an education. There are also the Uplift and Mercy programs.

Philanthropists, donors plus ICM executive director Julie Turner; Hong Kong board member Harry Turner; health program volunteer Helen Turner; volunteers Marrietta Santos and Daphne Kuok were among those who were touched by this awesome special event.

From that super happening, ICM received an overwhelming P2 million. Check out www.caremin.com and get involved by texting Pakito Yeneza, CEO of ICM, at 0920-9032787.

Ateneo alumni homecoming

Ateneo?s Law School Grand Alumni Homecoming, held at the world-class Dusit Thani Hotel, was hosted by Class 1985. This year?s successful namedroppables were the graduates of Classes 1959, 1969 and 1984, palanggas.

This incredible homecoming became more significant as Ateneo also celebrated its sesquicentennial anniversary this year.

Ateneo legal luminaries graced the affair. Multitalented singer and entertainer, adorable Nanette Inventor, and that real hot Brand 8 Track provided entertainment, which sent the young at heart and young once rock and rolling on the dance floor, dahlings.

The highlight of the dinner was the grand raffle of one awesome Audi A4 from PGA Cars Inc., no less. Proceeds from the raffle will go to the Ateneo Law Class of 1985, Financial and Legal Aid Fund for free legal aid to the indigent and deserving students of Ateneo Law School.

Clearly showing her happiness over this super electrifying happening was the chair of the 2009 Ateneo Law Alumni Homecoming Organizing Committee, lawyer Marivic Garcia-Guingona, palanggas.

Casa y Jardin bazaar

Casa y Jardin will hold a bazaar Oct. 18,
9 a.m.-6 p.m., at the ballroom of InterContinental Hotel. The limited-edition ?Mother & Child? porcelain plate will be on sale. It?s now on its 24th series by popular artist José Blanco, no less.

?This year?s thrust for CWC, in partnership with Gawad Kalinga, is to build at least 30 houses in Taguig with the assistance of Taguig Mayor Freddie Tinga. Construction will house marginalized families, plus more than 90 other charities,? said charity-oriented Nene Leonor, committee member.

Check it out. Buy and have a good time while helping our less fortunate brothers and sisters, palanggas.