Trip to Correctional Mandaluyong

The main reason why the family went to Manila last Saturday was to attend my cousin's despedida party and to fix some personal stuff. We arrived at exactly 9:15AM - tired and sleepy.

I received a text message from some of my friends asking me if I can make it to Correctional Mandaluyong for a cause. I was having doubts at first since I don't really know where the place is but then i decided to go because i consider it as a 'blessing' since only a few individuals are lucky enough to take a glimpse at the life of those who are staying behind the bars.

I took a cab and went by myself. It was Hot yet you can hear the cheers of the people and you can see big smiles in their faces.

Then I saw Mickey Perz, Bodie Cruz and Gee-Ann Abrahan of Pinoy Big Brother Season 2 making the female inmates happy. The different fangroups were also present to give an all-out support and they also served as photographers and camerawomen to be able to keep some records for this event.

Mickey proved that he's not just a good dancer, but he's also a man with a big heart. He gamely danced with the inmates and gladly signed autographs for them.

  Bodie Cruz, even if he's not really a professional dancer still made an effort to dance (and stand? LOL). The people inside were happy to see him because obviously, some of the inmates were big fans of Tirso Cruz III and Nora Aunor. Seeing the tall and handsome son of a very much loved actor during their time can throw all the sadness away. Soem even screamed the name "Tirso!!!" instead of Bodie :p He gladly signed for autographs and took pictures with them with matching "wacky" and "unwacky" poses.

The female of the day was Gee-Ann Abrahan. The people inside the Correctional supported her and even cried with her when she cries inside the Big Brother house. I later found out that she used to visit the Correctional as a school requirement (I'm not sure which subject though) and even if her duty inside is already over, she still makes time to visit the place that's why the people inside treated her as their friend, companion, adviser and daughter all rolled into one.

We spent two hours inside the Correctional and in that short span of time, I realized how lucky I am because I am staying in the "outside world" where I am free to do whatever I want to do. These celebrities, no matter how some "socialites" belittle them , can really give a priceless smile and happiness to these inmates.

To Mickey, Bodie and Gee-Ann: I am hoping that you'll continue making the Filipino audience happy not just by doing teleseryes, dancing on concert tv shows or answering rumours on The Buzz, but also through being a good example to the youth and making activities for a good cause. The triangle is on the right track. Kaya nyo yan! Itaas ang bandila ng Pinoy!