Wanted: My Pharmaton MVP

MANILA, Philippines - The volunteers are getting younger every year,” Karylle observes. The popular young singer-actress was herself only in high school when she was given the Service Medal by her school for her active involvement in volunteer work. She has since been a staunch supporter of a number of charitable organizations and animal welfare groups. With a big showbiz star, Zsa Zsa Padilla, for a mom, and her own shining star in the industry, Karylle could have chosen to just sit back, content with all the good things coming her way. But she has kept her eyes wide open and continues to embrace every opportunity to channel her celebrity to do good for others.

“I’m still a work in progress,” she says. “We have to be open to learning. There are times when we will fall but we have to get up, get back there, learn from our mistakes, and stay positive. Sometimes, we can even learn from other’s experiences. That’s why for me it’s important to meet other people and seek good people.”

Karylle, together with other young achievers Gang Badoy, David Bonifacio, and Efren Penaflorida were tapped to be among the outstanding individuals who personify the ideals of the “My Pharmaton MVP” campaign.

“The ‘My Pharmaton MVP’ campaign aims to highlight personal achievements to inspire others,” Gutzee Segura, Pharmaton brand manager, explains. “It gives a new and more relevant meaning to the coveted title reserved for hardcourt heroes. Pharmaton goes beyond the basketball court sidelines to unleash an individual’s full potential through stirring success stories of the chosen Most Valuable Person.”

Young businessman and social developer, David Bonifacio, was only six years old when his father brought him to a squatter’s area so he would realize that something needed to be done. He remained true to the calling, and later, even while he enjoyed a successful business and flourishing career in the arts, he started the Real Life Foundation together with Dr. Joey Castro, which is aimed at providing a better future for underprivileged Filipinos by giving them access to good education and transforming their communities through community service.

Efren Penaflorida, Jr. did not need a visit to a depressed area to open his eyes. He was born in one. Yet, despite his humble beginnings, he defied the odds to better his life and eventually gained recognition as the first CNN Hero of the Year in 2009 for his outstanding advocacy to educate Filipino out-of-school youth through “pushcart classes.”

“My mentor would always remind me that even a poor person can make a difference in the lives of others,” Efren says. “Even with limited resources, you can think of ways to help other people.”

He adds that even age should not be a hindrance to give back to society. More importantly, he learned the value of education in one’s life.

Rock Ed Philippines is a volunteer group that’s working to provide venues and events for alternative education via the arts. Founded in 2006 by young educator, Gang Badoy, it aims “to encourage the youth to become active participants in society.” Gang devised a unique way to reach her target audience, mostly teenagers, by speaking their language by fusing music, visual arts, poetry, and other forms of art.

“The arts and artists became my arsenal in this battle to promote nation building,” she says. “There is space for generosity in the Philippines,” Gang says.

“People want to help. They just need somebody to make kulit,” Karylle adds. “We have so much, it just needs to be harvested.”

“The campaign is our way of recognizing outstanding individuals who excel in their respective fields and are nominated by their friends, workmates, or family,” says Pharmaton group brand manager, Maureen Javier. “By highlighting the stories on how they became achievers, we hope to inspire more people to unleash their potentials and bring out the best in them.”

To nominate, select a person whose admirable qualities you think should be recognized as an MVP. Log on to www.pharmatonmvp.com. Register and enter the name of your nominated MVP accompanied by his/her photo. Include a brief description as to why your nominated person is an MVP. Campaign and vote for your MVP by purchasing two

Pharmaton capsules. Log on to the website and click your choice of the nominated MVP. Scratch the promo code at the back foil of the Pharmaton capsules and enter it in the field provided. Every promo code is equivalent to two votes. The nominated MVP must garner the most number of votes to win P100,000 and an all-expense-paid trip for 10 to the newly-opened Universal Studios Singapore. P50,000 and P30,000 await the second and third highest number of votes.

Pharmaton is a leading multivitamin currently available in more than 80 countries.

“Its unique formula of Ginseng G115, deanol, vitamins and minerals works in harmony with your body to bring out the MVP in you so you can always give your best to those that matter most. Pharmaton is the only multivitamin clinically proven to improve your physical as well as mental performance,” says Katherine S. Te, Boehringer Ingelheim director for consumer health care. “It gives you the power to make a difference.”