David Chua (left) and Isko Moreno

Good Will lead star David Chua is always proud to say that he has a lot in common with his idol, Isko Moreno. The chinito actor reveals, “Not many people probably know that we’re both from Tondo, one of Manila’s most-populated and toughest neighborhoods.” “Of course, we all know of Yorme’s rags-to-riches story, and how he literally gave it a major makeover and paid it forward to the city folk when he became mayor.” “On a smaller scale, and on a humbler note, I think I went through the same rite of passage, the early struggles, the showbiz connection, and how he never stopped helping others, while at the same time reinventing himself.”

Isko Moreno (left) during 'Good Will' guesting

“There’s so much to be proud of about Tondo—its history, culture, and gradual urban decadence. I’m proud to say that I enjoyed exploring all the nooks, crannies, and small alleys of Tondo when I was a kid, and even if I knew it was a tough neighborhood, there was still so much to be positive about.” David continues, “For the longest time, he has always been my role model even when I was still a student at UST, and even way before I even thought about getting into showbiz.” “And thanks to my showbiz connections, I was eventually able to meet him and that was a turning point in my life!” “It was even a more pleasant surprise when I discovered how down-to-earth and how unpretentious he was, and I’m proud of the friendship that we’ve nurtured over the years.”

David and Isko in Binondo in 2022

Over the years, despite their busy schedules and career changes, David and Yorme are never too busy for catch-up meets. In fact, they even find time to grace and show support to each other’s charity advocacy projects, especially those targeted towards Manila’s destitute folk. David adds, “Another admirable trait ni Yorme is that he never stops dreaming, especially when it comes to finding ways and means to make people’s lives better. We actually share the same vision, and are making lots of plans to turn our dreams into reality.” Taking his cue from Yorme’s socio-civic advocacies, David kickstarted his own humble charity projects for some of Tondo’s destitute kids. Since the pandemic years, he had been mounting food relief projects, and on other occasions gave out toys, clothes and other everyday essentials. Out of his own pocket, and sometimes through the kindness of his Chinese benefactors, David never lets up on his charity works, just like the most recent one he did weeks ago in Tondo.

David at Tondo charity project

The good news is, David is currently brainstorming with some showbiz colleagues about the feasibility of a reality show targeted towards his district’s talented youth. He elaborates, “In the same way that Yorme and I got our foot in showbiz through the help of some mentors, we feel that it’s time to pay it forward, build the bridges and open the doors that will create better opportunities and better lives for these kids.” Lately, David had an even bigger reason to celebrate when Yorme made a short but delightful guesting in the Net25 feel-good sitcom Good Will, now on its 2nd season. The former Manila mayor and presidential aspirant took time out from his busy schedule to be part of the cast’s lock-in taping at Balai Isabel resort in Talisay, Batangas.

David in Tondo

With Yorme’s Good Will guesting ticked off David’s bucket list, he continues to chalk up even more relevant and meaningful collab projects with his mentor/life coach. “Yorme may claim that he’s retired from politics, but that doesn’t mean that he’ll stop being creative with his charity advocacies. As a humble servant of the people of Manila, I think it’s really his destiny to lead and serve, and he can always count on my support for that,” he avows.