By Anna Valmero
INQUIRER.net

Mr. “Pure Energy” Gary Valenciano and ten of Korea’s special artists performed in a one-night benefit concert Friday at the Cultural Center of the Philippines to help raise funds for Filipino street children.

About 246,000 children under 18-years old are roaming the streets, of which 50,000 are highly visible street children, based on 2000 statistics of the United Nations’ Children’s Fund.

“Children living on the streets of the Philippines are the most resilient, resourceful and determined children there are. But they also live in circumstances that leave them open to abuse of their rights and risks to their lives,” said Vanessa Tobin, UNICEF Representative.

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By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net

WHATEVER happened to first-ever “Philippine Idol” winner Mau Marcelo?

After ABC 5 aired the pilot series of “Philippine Idol” last year, everyone thought that it would be just like “American Idol,” with winners becoming instant celebrities: instant access to elusive fame, so to speak.

So during the show’s finale, everyone held their breath and crossed their fingers as the 27-year-old Marcelo belted her way through three songs she was required to sing. It was her third song choice — Whitney Houston’s “Try It on My Own” — that won her the coveted crown, besting two male contenders, Gian Magdangal and Jan Nieto.

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