MANILA, Philippines — Just how do you celebrate your birthday? Breakfast in bed, a hotel staycation, lunch with your beloved in your favorite restaurant, an out-of-town trip with the family, or a candlelit dinner with live music, roses and chocolates? Actress Bianca Umali might have experienced all these in the past, but her idea of the perfect birthday celebration this year is totally different.
The celebration was far from over as her World Vision family sneaked in a surprise birthday cake for her and a happy birthday song from the kids. Bianca’s unwavering commitment to the causes of the organization did not go unnoticed as its Interim National Director Jun Godornes expressed his gratitude to the actress: “Nakita namin kung paano siya lumago, paano siya naging powerful voice para sa mga kabataan. We’re so proud of her and we’re so happy to have her as our ambassador.”
Currently, malnutrition is a prevalent issue in the Philippines, especially among children and adolescents aged 0 to 59 month-old. This poses a risk on their physical health and development as well as their cognitive ability. “The reason why I am such a proud ambassador of World Vision ay dahil binigyan nila ako ng pagkakataon not just to be an ‘ate’ to my little cousins at home; they also gave me an opportunity to become an ‘ate’ to as many children that I can be an ‘ate’ to. And that just makes me so happy,” said the actress.