Kapamilya stars showed their support for ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya Foundation, Inc. (ALKFI) – Bantay Bata 163 on its 20th year of caring for and protecting children in a fundraising dinner featuring the works of fashion designer Rocky Gathercole.
Martin Nievera, Bea Alonzo, Ian Veneracion, Sharon Cuneta, and Darren Espanto, with the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Gerard Salonga, lent their talents in the event that paid tribute to Bantay Bata children and the social workers, volunteers, and donors who helped them in the past two decades.
In his speech, ABS-CBN Chairman Eugenio Lopez III emphasized ABS-CBN’s commitment to safeguard the welfare of children. “For 20 years, Bantay Bata 163 was able to successfully touch the hearts of a deeply sympathetic, compassionate, and caring race through the creativity, technology, and reach of media. It is an honor that ABS-CBN was able to rally its worldwide audience to support the cause and as a result, Bantay Bata has directly benefitted over a million Filipino children,” he said.
One of the people who partnered with Bantay Bata 163 is Rocky, himself a victim of abuse in his younger years. His life story was even featured in the drama anthology MMK with Arjo Atayde playing Gathercole.
Once again, Rocky was able to share his journey from living in the streets of Manila to designing for international celebrities like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Beyonce at the dinner’s fashion show, which showcased his avant-garde pieces inspired by his experiences in life.