MANILA, Philippines - Only two days after her plane touched down from the USA, 2012 Miss Universe first runner-up Janine Mari Tugonon accompanied 3,329 underprivileged kids to the Disney on Ice premiere show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Christmas Eve.
As the kids’ faces beamed at the sight of Minnie & Mickey, Goofey and other popular Disney characters gracefully skating on the elegantly huge real estate of ice, Janine was in high spirits as well, and it easily showed in her eyes all throughout the show.
“It’s one of the best Christmas gifts I could think of giving these kids. Makita ko lang silang ngumiti. Masaya na rin ako,†shared Janine.
The kids are under the care of a group of various communities comprised of Saint Peter Parish, Saint Martin, Channel of Hope, SSDD Social Services, Holy Family, Barangay E. Rodriguez Imperial St. and Care for Children.
The Bb. Pilipinas Charities, Inc. which handles Janine’s day-to-day activities has long been active in organizing and participating in programs that aim to lift up several poor communities through long-term ventures such as Operation Smile, World Food Programme and efforts targeted at helping out victims of recent natural disasters like Typhoon Pablo.
(Disney on Ice Princesses and Heroes runs until Jan. 3. For tickets, log on to www.ticketnet.com.ph or call 911-5555.)