Words by Deina Ida Blancaflor
Photos by Franchesca Collantes
Glaiza De Castro is best known for her role as Pirena in the remake of the fan-favorite television series, Encantadia. Her career dates back to 2001 and the actress has been steadily building a name for herself in the showbiz industry through various projects left and right.
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In addition to her actress-model title, Glaiza is also a singer-songwriter at heart. Music has always been her passion, and with hard work coupled with a huge amount of determination and perseverance, her passion slowly blossomed into reality when she debuted in her first major concert, Dreams Never End, two years ago at the Music Museum. Since then, people have acknowledged her as someone who we should look out for in the music industry as well.
But one aspect often overlooked about Glaiza’s career is her fire to fight for the things she believes in. This all-around artist has been making noise in speaking for the voiceless and standing up for various causes such as the fight for street harassment and sexual violence against women, special care for children with disabilities, women empowerment, and other charitable causes.
Glaiza De Castro together with the PCCAI Board of Directors
In fact, just recently, she was appointed the first Ambassador of Goodwill by the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association, Inc. (PCCAI). The official signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between Glaiza and PCCAI was held last July 19, 2017 at the Universal Towers. Dozens of people from the press, as well as the PCCAI Board of Directors, attended the said event, and everyone left the room more inspired than ever as Glaiza herself gracefully answered all the questions thrown at her.
Glaiza De Castro is officially appointed as the first Ambassador of Goodwill by the PCCAI
When asked what being an ambassador means to her, Glaiza explains, “Siguro po, magsimula tayo sa kung ano yung purpose ko bilang celebrity, bilang aktor, or bilang singer—it’s to entertain people, right? Habang tumatagal ako sa indsutriya, narealize ko na mas may deeper meaning pa yung existence ko, hindi lang pag–arte, hindi lang pagkanta, o hindi lang pagbibigay ng saya sa tao through music, films, or tv shows.” “Naisip ko na walang mas hihigit pa dun sa purpose ko kundi tumulong pa at makareach pa ng mga tao,” she adds.
Truly, being a celebrity doesn’t always have to be about the fame, money, and spotlight; this status may be translated even to humanitarian and charitable actions, and it’s inspiring to see our favorite artists fulfill that cause.
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Celebrating its 140th anniversary, PCCAI is also the owner and operator of the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center. The organization has always been engaging in humanitarian and charitable missions since the Spanish regime. De Castro jokingly shares, “Kung tatanungin niyo ako kung may lahi ba akong Chinese o kung Chinese ba ako, hindi po,.” She further adds, “Ang pagtulong naman ay walang boundaries. Para sa akin, ang puno’t dulo nito ay makatulong.”
To be given a title of “ambassador” is such a responsibility, yet that doesn’t deter Glaiza’s excitement for her future projects. “First time pong kumuha ng PCCAI ng Ambassador. Hindi ko masabing pressured ako kasi mas naeexcite ako dahil ang gagawin ko naman dito ay pagtulong.”
She also shares about how all these started—with her Glaiza De Castro Foundation.
“Nung birthday ko, gusto ko naman na ishare kung ano yung binibigay sakin. Meron na ako eh, sapat na yung kung ano meron ako. Hindi na ako naghahangad ng mas higit pa. Siguro panahon na rin para ibahagi ito sa iba,” she humbly explains. She continues sharing how these all rooted from a very personal experience–seeing her sister struggle with their child who had special needs. All these causes are very much close to her heart and she wants nothing more than to extend the help to those who especially need it.
Glaiza sings Bato sa Hangin at the press conference
She concludes with an anecdote about her grandfather and how this inspired her latest album, Magandang Simulain. In family gatherings, her lolo would always say, “Wag niyong kakalimutan ang magandang simulain kasi kung may maganda kang sinimulan, maganda mo rin siyang tatapusin.” “Relate na relate siya (the album) dito kasi ang ganda ng sinisimulan natin dito,” she gushes.
Catch her on July 25 and 29 at the Fisher Mall, for the ribbon-cutting and launching of the PCCAI photo exhibit where fans would also be treated with an exclusive performance.
Truly, this proactive celebrity has a lot more to offer not just in acting and music, but also in her multiple advocacies. Know someone who’s just as inspiring? Tag them below!
