Actor/director David Chua mounted his own food relief campaign in Tondo, Manila last June 10.
Together with his Dark Carnival Productions team and Manila councilors Joel Chua and Letlet Zarcal, the chinito heartthrob converted a basketball court in Barangay Parola 20, Tondo into a makeshift distribution center, with all the requisite health protocol requirements.
Taking a break from his acting and directorial duties, David finds fulfillment in taking his own initiative in helping the needy during these trying times.
"My idea is really nothing special," the self-effacing celebrity explains.
"It's just taking the community pantry a step further by giving food to those who need it badly."
For this project, David hooked up with his good friend Gerry Chua of Eng Bee Tin, who generously provided food packs good for 300 people.
With the blessing of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, David and his team were provided all the proper permits, clearance and security personnel by the city government to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved, residents included.
Being a longtime resident of Manila's Chinatown district since his formative years, David has a soft spot for his townsfolk, and sympathizes with their plight, especially since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Laking Tondo ako," he proudly declares. "I'm proud of my roots."
"I know what it's like to play in the streets, walk in the rain and the floods, and find my way through the maze of small alleys and eskinitas here."
"We weren't exactly a rich family, but I can say that I'm proud of everything that I went through growing up," he adds.
For David, seeing the precious smiles of the kids was more than enough to make him realize that his efforts were well worth it.
After their food distribution, David and his group proceeded to Manila City Hall to pay a courtesy call to the mayor.
Talks are underway to make the charity effort a monthly affair, to reach more people, especially in the more congested areas.
David says, "For as long as our countrymen are still jobless and hungry, we want to sustain our efforts and make it a more longer-term solution.
Has David thought of tapping into his own network of showbiz friends to help him carry out his mission?
"A few close friends, yes. But I'm dyahe rin kasi, coz I know that everyone's coping really hard just to make ends meet nowadays. But yeah, it would be nice if we could come up with our own movement, just like what Angel Locsin did."
With his penchant for spearheading charitable advocacies, does David see himself as a public servant in due time?
"Hahaha! That's too early to tell. Besides, you don't have to be a public servant naman to help people, di ba? And besides, I still have a lot of plans and dreams for myself as an actor, and as an upcoming producer/director. I don't even have the luxury of time for my own personal stuff," he clarifies.