A Boy with a big heart
Posted By www.BoyAbunda.net on September 20, 2009
I’ve been meaning to write about a remarkable multi-media presence in Philippine entertainment, a charismatic force by the name of Boy Abunda.
The first time I met Boy many years ago was through Alfie Lorenzo. It was a simple “hi!” and “bye” encounter on the set of a telemovie starring Kris Aquino and Boy’s then-ward Ariel Rivera. I ran into him again two years ago through a common friend of ours, celebrity chef/host Ron Bilaro. It was around that time that Boy was nominated by the Reflections committee for the Multi-Media Excellence Award but his busy schedule just would not permit him to accept the award here in Los Angeles.
Another time while I was in Manila visiting our common friend Ruffa Gutierrez on set at ABS-CBN, I bumped into Boy again. He never forgets an acquaintance. We got to talking instantly although very briefly. Still, it was a meaningful connection. You can tell when you have a good rapport with someone when even a brief encounter leaves a lingering and pleasant impression on you. It seems that this is how Boy impacts those he meets.
Last year, I got to spend time with Boy another time in a more up-close way when he hosted an intimate dinner for his The Buzz co-host Ruffa at Shangri-La.
I felt honored to be included in the private dinner of only 14-15 guests. Upon arriving at the hotel, I immediately saw fellow guests Ogie Alcasid and Martin Nievera. Later on, other guests followed such as acclaimed actress Dawn Zulueta, socialite Tim Yap, Gift Gate President Virgie Ramos, Ms Queen Melo, perfume magnate Joel Cruz, and others.
It wasn’t much later when our for the evening joined us, kick-starting a stimulating evening full of fine wine and great food.
By far, the highlight of the evening was listening to Boy share his experiences as an industry insider and the humble beginnings that pushed him to become one of the most influential personalities in Philippine entertainment and current affairs.
With all his material wealth, he remains down-to-earth. I could sense the admiration of the people surrounding him on the dinner table. His generosity of spirit is only exceeded by his funny charm. No doubt, he is well loved and respected by his peers and talents. As I listened to him talk from years of experience, I began to develop a deep sense of admiration for this self-made man.
His success story is a well-documented fact: he was a poor boy from Borongan, Leyte who never finished college but went on to become one of the most successful multi-media moguls in the country.
At that dinner party, he made kwento about how he used to rent a small room while he tried to balance school and work. He ended up dropping out of school but he studied twice as hard on his own, voraciously reading books he could get his hands on so he wouldn’t miss out on the knowledge school would have offered him.
I can relate to Boy in many ways, mostly because of my humble beginnings as well. He continues to share his story so that others can feel inspired that in life, no matter where you begin, your goals are attainable if you have faith, you believe and you persevere.
Boy’s candor is one more trait about him that I admire. He also knows how to look back and is grateful to the people who put their trust in him even before he had a name.
Industry people respect him because they know Boy has paid his dues. He worked hard to get to where he is. He’s kind of like the Barbara Walters of the Philippines. Whatever Boy says, everybody listens.
Kaya naman he is one of the most sought-after talent managers in the industry. His talents are among the busiest and in-demand entertainers.
To you Boy, thank you for the endless “Hi” and “Hello” greetings you send my way through your TFC programs. Thank you because it supports my business. But most of all, thank you for the privilege of knowing you. More power to you Mr Abunda, the boy with a big heart.
***
The author is a Marikina-born, award-winning celebrity beauty stylist with his own chain of salons across Southern California and Las Vegas, Nevada. Ultimately, Monet is known as an all-around artiste who produces sold-out fashion and awards shows, as well as unforgettable marketing campaigns. Monet is also the founder of the revolutionary all-natural beauty products available at www.skinbymonet.com. He supports many humanitarian efforts to include projects in his native Marikina, The Bantay Bata Foundation, and many more. To contact Monet, please visit www.monetsalon.com for more information.
Source: www.asianjournal.com
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