FROM HUNK ACTOR to social activist. From poster boy to cover boy. Iyan si Diether Ocampo.
Diet’s handsome face lands on the cover of Readers’ Digest Asia December issue. Siya ang pangatlong Pinoy (after comedian Michael V. and boxing champ Manny Pacquiao) who graced its cover. He was featured in the magazine in recognition of his advocacies as the founding president of K.I.D.S. (Kabataang Inyong Dapat Suportahan) Foundation and as a staunch supporter of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).
Sa cover story ng magazine na “My Wish for New Year,” nakasulat kung paano siya walang-sawang tumutulong sa mga batang mahihirap. Bakit ginagawa ito ni Diet? Hindi naging madali ang buhay para kay Diet. His humble beginnings served as inspiration for him to give back especially to the less fortunate kids. “I haven’t forgotten that I come from a poor family. This keeps me grounded and grateful for what I have today,” he told Reader’s Digest.
Ito ang kahanga-hanga kay Diet. Sa kabila ng kanyang tinatamong tagumpay ay marunong siyang lumingon sa kanyang pinanggalingan. Hindi rin naging set-back ang kahirapan kay Diet. Instead, he made this an inspiration for what he is today – an actor, singer, product endorser, photographer, publisher and philanthropist.
Despite his busy schedule, Diet is actively involved with his charity works. He has a soft spot for kids and that is why he stands as “father” to hundreds of children of his foundation. Naaalala ko pa noon nang magpunta siya sa Banaue, Ifugao kasama ang ilang kaibigan para mamahagi ng mga school supplies.
Hindi ito ang unang pagkakataon na kinilala si Diet sa kanyang pagtulong sa mga kabataan sa pamamagitan ng kanyang K.I.D.S. Foundation. A few months ago, his efforts as president and founder of K.I.D.S. Foundation also got noticed in the US. He was invited together with broadcaster Karen Davila as the country’s delegates to the Harvard University’s On-Campus Conference Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations (HPAIR).
Maliban kay Diet, the Reader’s Digest Asia December issue also features other Asians like Malaysia’s Datin Paduka Sharifah Mazlina (the first Asian woman to trek to the Arctic and Antartic), Marina Mahathir (columnist, women’s rights activist and blogger) and Singapore’s Dr. William Tan (paraplegic and world record holder for fastest person to complete seven marathons in seven countries). Lahat silang apat ay nagbahagi sa magazine kung ano ang kanilang wishes sa darating na taon.
Masarap tumulong sa kapwa. Like Diet, we can also make a big difference in our society by touching the lives of others.
Kaibigan, usap tayo muli!
Points of Boy
by Boy Abunda
