PASSERBY

Himself surprised was Sam Milby when, after a recent executive check-up, he was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. Sam is about the most health-conscious person we know, someone who hits his home gym daily and who follows a strictly healthy diet. How he became diabetic remains a mystery especially to the veteran actor. By the way, Sam’s revelation should serve as a reminder to all of us to be more conscious of our health.

Remember former Goin Bulilit child star Bugoy? He became a father in his early teens. His son is now of child star age and quickly following in his footsteps. The kid joins other promising child stars in comebacking ABS-CBN program, Goin’ Bulilit, still under the direction of Edgar ‘Bobot’ Mortiz.    

By the way, Direk Bobot has issued a new album of classic love songs called Goin’ Standards. Choice cuts include "You And Me (We Wanted It All)," All My Tomorrows, That’s Life.

Bobot is hosting a listening party July 11 at Crown Plaza in Ortigas Center in cooperation with producer Curve Entertainment.

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What a unique name, Qymira. It’s almost difficult to pronounce, much less, spell.

Yet, the lady who responds to this name comes on like a flash of light, easy as pie, with lots of substance yet.

Qymira, who also goes by the stage name, Leslie Loh, in Hong Kong where she was born and raised, came to Manila to launch her song, “Maraming Salamat.”

Helping her out is Vehnee Saturno and his partner, Ladine Roxas.

Qymira says the Philippines is close to her heart, reason why she has also brought to the country, along with her song, the foundation that she started, One Gaia Foundation.

“I may be Chinese from Hongkong, but I have Filipino heart,” she said during a recent press conference in Quezon City.

Qymira founded One Gaia Foundation in 2011 to unite children through music, dance, sports and arts. She wants to provide them a platform to explore their talents and find purpose.

“It’s about love, being there for people.”

The foundation has launched initiatives in Brazil, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Jamaica.

One Gaia Foundation has touched lives of children in Bohol, Cebu, Isabela and other parts of the county through feeding programs and workshops.

She said she wrote Maraming Salamat after hearing children say that to her after every goodwill visit.

Qymira has also broken into the UK market where her song, ‘Give it to Me’ in tandem with Filipino singer Kris Lawrence and Brazilian rapper, Duendy Primeiro, hit No. 5 on the U.K Dance Chart. The song also made waves in Brazil, at No. 1, together with her other songs Perdao, Sun and Sea, and Vem Comigo.

Earlier, her debut single, ‘Satisfied’, hit No. 1 on the UK Music Week Breakers Chart.

Qymira is also a classically trained musician. She has conducted members of philharmonic orchestras in Hong Kong, Guangzhou and the Philippines.

“I will keep coming back,” she said in parting.