CEBU, Philippines - Actor Diether Ocampo has landed on the cover of Reader’s Digest Asia December 2009 issue. He is the third Filipino to do so, following in the footsteps of boxing hero Manny Pacquiao, and comedian extraordinaire Michael V.
The actor was featured in the magazine in recognition for his philanthropic work through the Kabataang Dapat Inyong Suportahan (K.I.D.S.) Foundation, which he established to help marginalized children.
The actor said that his humble beginnings are what compel him to give back.
“I haven’t forgotten that I come from a poor family,” he told Reader’s Digest Asia. “This keeps me grounded and grateful for what I have today.”
Ocampo also encouraged readers to pay it forward this 2010 by getting into the spirit of volunteerism.
Earlier this year, his efforts as president and founder of K.I.D.S. Foundation also got noticed in the US. It earned him a special invitation to attend Harvard University’s On-Campus Conference Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR).
Aside from Ocampo, the December 2009 issue features such other inspirational Asians such as Malaysia’s Datin Paduka Sharifah Mazlina, the first Asian woman to trek to the Arctic and Antartic; and Marina Mahathir, columnist, women’s rights activist and blogger; and Singapore’s Dr. William Tan, paraplegic and world record holder for fastest person to complete seven marathons in seven countries. These people share their wishes for the coming New Year.