Ask her to record an album for the first time with only a month’s notice and Bea Binene will do it. Ask her to go to the boondocks of Camarines Sur to give GMA Artist Center’s relief goods donations for Ondoy victims and she’ll obey, without complaining. Same thing goes with joining Kapuso Foundation’s feeding program for victims of Habagat.
Bea will never back out from a challenge, even if it seems too Herculean for a teen like her.
The latest of these challenges is being tapped to be part of the I Am a Girl advocacy together with fellow Kapuso Barbie Forteza.
“It’s about empowering girls—fighting human trafficking of girls, helping those out of school, etc. Girls must be protected and respected,” she declares.
So far, the foundation’s activities include a medical mission and a biking marathon for girls.
“I can’t join the biking kasi hindi ako marunong mag-bike. Puwedeng pumunta ako, pero wala akong gagawin,” says Bea.
Be that as it may, Bea’s heart belongs 100 percent to the advocacy. Helping, after all, is as natural to her as acting.
Bea Binene (NPPA Images)Her mom’s influence
“My first condition when she joined showbiz at six was for Bea to join a foundation,” her mom, Carina, recalls.
So little Bea got signed up for GMA 7’s Kapuso Foundation. Last December, she put up Bea Binene Cares, which is also into charity. As a Haribon Foundation junior child ambassador, Bea planted trees every chance she got.
This, and other charitable acts didn’t go unnoticed. In fact, Bea thinks this is the main reason why I Am a Girl recently signed her up as one of its official reps.
Giving back
“Sharing blessings is my way of giving back,” she explains.
For instance, Christmas may be three months away. But this early, Bea is thinking of joining a Kapuso Foundation outreach program for the holidays.
Her idol as a Good Samaritan is Mel Tiangco, GMA Kapuso Foundation’s Executive Vice President.
“I want to be like her,” Bea gushes like a fan.
Being a role model is one thing. Representing an international foundation like I Am a Girl is another. And Bea admits she feels extra pressured.
“Sa lahat ng artista, ako pa ang napili! So kailangang galingan ko pa. Dapat maging mas magaling akong role model.”
Bea never tires of reminding her Twitter followers to conserve nature.
“I can spread the word in my own little way,” she states.
Bea walks the talk, even at home.
Despite persistent break-up rumors, married couple Judy Ann Santos and Ryan Agoncillo celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary with a simple breakfast and mass in Tagaytay. The couple tied the knot in San Juan, Batangas on April 2009
