Johanna Celis, more popularly as Kiray, has come a long way.
The former “Munting Miss U” contestant in the defunct ABS-CBN noontime show “Magandang Tanghali Bayan”, is now one of the country’s Peace Ambassadors.
“Alam mo yun, andaming artistang pwedeng isama dito at isa na kami dun, di ba? Sobrang nanliliit nga ako kasi si apl (apl.de.ap), nakikita ko lang sya sa TV, kanina nagpa-picture sya sakin! Nanginginig talaga ako, parang ang sarap ipagmalaki, sobra,” Kiray told Yahoo! Philippines OMG! at the launch of the “I am for Peace” campaign at Malacañan Palace last September 14.
She shared that she and co-“Goin’ Bulilit” graduate Igi Boy Flores once hosted an event for the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and that started their journey towards being Peace Ambassadors.
Kiray was also Chris Martinez’s critically-acclaimed musical “I Do Bidoo Bidoo.” She shared that she is very proud about being part of the film’s stellar cast, and that they knew from the start they had good material.
“Kami kasi kampante, eh. Hindi sa pagyayabang pero alam namin kasing maganda talaga kasi hindi sya typical na movie na puro love story,” she said.
Kiray added, “Nung first week kasi namin, hindi kami successful, actually. Akala kasi ng mga tao, corny, alam mo yun? Pero nung second week namin, sobrang ang lakas kasi galling yun sa mga bibig ng mga tao.”
Kiray is a regular of the ABS-CBN teen-oriented series “Luv U” alongside Miles Ocampo and Angeli Gonzales.
Actors Anne Curtis, Epi Quizon, Gerald Anderson, Megan Young, Christian Bautista, Mikael Daez, musicians apl.de.ap, Noel Cabangon, Gloc-9, Datu Khomeini, Ebe Dancel, designers Arnold Galang and JC Buendia, personalities Ramon Bautista, Kimpoy Feliciano and Rovilson Fernandez, and members the Philippine Azkals were among the Peace Ambassadors who joined President Benigno Aquino III and the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles at the launch of the campaign the morning of September 14 at the Rizal Hall at Malacañan Palace.
“Samahan ninyo ako: ihatid natin sa mapayapang bukas ang bawat Pilipino,” PNoy, summoned the ambassadors in his speech.
The ambassadors are expected to work in different ways and levels to raise awareness on peace and the peace process.
“We are glad to say that what was once a few will now become many. May this be the start of another lifelong partnership that will bring upon change and empower our nation amidst difficulties and tribulations,” Deles added.
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