FORMER actress-singer Gem Castillo, now better known as the wife of San Pablo City Mayor Vic Amante, and otherwise known as Mayora Gem, will be conferred a new award at the Okada Manila on Nov. 25.
Mayora Gem is named Honorary Philanthropist of the Year by Nation Builders and Mosliv Awards for her exemplary efforts in alleviating the lives of her needy constituents, and people from other places, as well.
The former actress-singer had been part of the popular ‘That’s Entertainment’ variety show on GMA7, and has done a number of movies, mostly action and comedy.
After she married San Pablo Mayor Amante, Mayora Gem began her philanthropic deeds on a wider scale. “Nung bata pa po ako, mahilig na talaga akong tumulong sa ibang tao,” she relates. “Kaya lang po noon, kakaunti pa ang aking resources, kaya limitado lang ang natutulungan ko.”
Her new status has given her the chance to extend more assistance like supporting orphanages, giving free hospitalization, scholarships and other basic human needs.
Mayora Gem is also a hands-on mom to her and Mayor Amante’s three children, two girls (the eldest of whom a grown-up and now works and lives in New York) and one boy, who are all proud achievers on their own.
Meanwhile, other recipients of the Nation Builders and Mosliv Awards include Ormoc Cong. Richard Gomez, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Manila Vice Mayor Yul Servo Nieto, and Laguna Vice Gov. Karen Agapay.