As the inclement weather took over for almost two days in the Philippines during Typhoon Carina, we've seen heroic deeds and applaudable gestures from people from all walks of life. And of course, setting aside the glamor of their jobs, there were celebrities who exerted effort to help as much as they could amid the massive floods that struck most of Metro Manila.
One of those celebrities is Gerald Anderson. ICYMI, Gerald went viral for rescuing a family during the onslaught of the aforementioned typhoon—which, by the way, intensified to the Super Typhoon category on July 24, 2024. In a video uploaded on X (formerly Twitter), the actor was spotted submerged in the floods as he tried to transfer a child to a safer place. Online citizens have also become witnesses to how Gerald opened his gym to be an evacuation area for affected residents in their area.
It may not be known to many, but Gerald is actually a part of the K9 Special Support Squadron. He joined in 2016 and was promoted to Auxiliary Commander of the Squadron in 2021. In other words, Gerald is a reservist or extended support to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which is focused on providing manpower during humanitarian missions and disaster response operations.
Aside from Gerald, the Internet has also witnessed two more celebrity reservists who heeded the call for additional help yesterday for citizens affected by the intense flooding in the metro.
The famous "Ngiti" singer, Ronnie Liang, also waded through the floods to offer a hand to distressed individuals in various villages in Quezon City. He posted it on his social media account. Updating straight from their rescue boat, Ronnie posted, "Answering the call of duty as a reservist of the Philippine Army, together with 1302 Ready Reserve Battalion."
Ronnie joined the Philippine Army as a reservist and became a 2nd lieutenant Army Reservist in 2019. He has been one of the most proactive and vocal celebrity reservists out there. In March 2023, he even defended critics saying that being a reservist as a celebrity is not just for added recognition or display.
In an Instagram post, he explained that he became a reservist while accepting the responsibility to assist the country unconditionally. He wrote, "Gusto ko po sanang malaman ng lahat na ang aming pagsisilbi sa ating bayan ay hindi lamang para sa display. Bilang isang reservist, mayroon po kaming responsibilidad na tumugon sa tawag ng tungkulin kung kinakailangan na walang anuman inaasahang kapalit, Para Sa Bayan."
PEP.ph also reported on actor-director David Chua's participation in the Typhoon Carina rescue operations. David joined the operations in Tondo, Manila. There, he also took part in the distribution of relief goods and rescuing affected families in the area.
One of David's recent posts read, "Kasama nyo po ako, si Ch Jojo Zapata at ang #DamayanSaDistritoDos kahit anu man po sakuna handa po kami mag bigay ng tulong at serbisyo po para sa inyo #BatangTondo."
In October 2023, GMA News reported that David is a Philippine Air Force reservist. Moreover, he completed his reservist training on top of his class and was even awarded the "Strongman's Award." According to the report, he scored the highest in their Physical Fitness Test.
Like what Ronnie had underscored, there are more celebrity reservists out there. They have offered their service one way or another and since we're at the topic—we've looked into some celebrity reservists as well and their stories!
What does it mean to be a 'reservist'?
But first, let's define "reservist." PEP.ph's Cabinet Files did an exclusive chat with a showbiz personality, explaining the idea and responsibilities of being a reservist. According to PEP.ph's report, reservists are mostly gathered to be deployed in areas that need disaster response measures—mostly during typhoons or earthquakes. And this is a voluntary job.
Moreover, reservists are said to be put on the frontlines when it comes to distributing relief goods. "Nasa amin na yon. Kung hindi kami ipatawag o hindi kami pumunta, gagawa na lang kami ng sariling paraan para makatulong kasi ayaw naman naming umasa sa resources ng AFP," the showbiz personality told PEP.ph.
LOOK: Get To Know More About Filipino Celebrity Reservists
1. Julia Barretto
Yup, Julia Barretto is also a member of the same squadron as her boyfriend, Gerald. Julia's membership as an auxiliary reservist was officially announced in September 2021. At the time, Julia was only 24 years old.
2. Geneva Cruz
Singer-actress Geneva Cruz signed up to be a reservist in 2022. In an interview with Philippine STAR, she disclosed that she was very much motivated and in high spirits when she joined the Philippine Air Force training in the mountains, which lasted for four months.
Moreover, Geneva expressed her desire to be able to contribute to the country without joining politics. "I joined the reservist because I want to help, without entering politics. We go on medical missions, join the manpower and assist in many places around the Philippines and encourage more Filipinos," Geneva told Philippine STAR.
3. Arci Muñoz
Since 2020, actress Arci Muñoz has been a part of the Philippine Air Force as a reservist. She completed the Basic Citizen Military Training and has been encouraging women to also sign up as a reservist for the country.
Just recently, in June 2024, Arci expressed her pride and honor to serve the country in an Instagram post. However, an online citizen questioned Arci's responsibility as a reservist. The comment read, "Question is, will you tread to mudd and bleed when the time comes to save our sovereignty. So easy to look tough on socmed."
No holds barred, Arci snarkily responded, "question is, did ya even try to make an effort in serving your country? Do you even know why reservist exist? And our duty? Being in the force doesn't mean you need to go to war for me it's more of promoting peace. It's so easy to talk shit and look tough on socmed no?"
4. Winwyn Marquez
Winwyn Marquez is a beauty queen, an actress, a mother, and also a military reservist under the Philippine Navy. She entered the service in February 2020. In a report by GMA News, Winwyn opened up about how the military training taught her so much about discipline and strength.
Additionally, Winwyn said in an interview that her motivation to finish the training was not just to serve the country, but also to be knowledgeable on how to protect her loved ones.
5. Beatrice Luigi Gomez
View this post on Instagram
Even before she was crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2021, Beatrice Luigi Gomez had been a military reservist for the Philippine Navy. In fact, after her coronation in October 2021, the beauty queen paid a courtesy call at the Navy headquarters.
Beatrice was lauded for her "invaluable contributions and accomplishments as a member of the PN Reserve Force." She was also awarded a Plaque of Recognition for it.
6. Dingdong Dantes
Dingdong Dantes has been a dedicated member of the Philippine Marine Reserve Force since 2009. Since then, he has been renewing his membership to the service. Through the years, he has been climbing up the ranks. In 2020, he was assigned as lieutenant commander. And just this 2023, he completed his Naval Combat Engineer Officer Basic Course Class. His wife, Marian Rivera, even accompanied him at the graduation ceremony.
7. Matteo Guidicelli
Matteo Guidielli has been a well-known celebrity reservist since August 2019. He is currently a second lieutenant. During his pinning ceremony, the Philippine Army recognized Matteo for his volunteerism and dedication to promoting peace and patriotism. It was also reported that he finished the Scout Ranger Orientation Course in June 2019. In 2022, he became the first-ever celebrity to be part of the Presidential Security Group VIP Protection Course.
8. Enzo Pineda
Enzo Pineda completed his training to be a Philippine Marine reservist last September 2021 and he excitedly shared his milestone on Instagram. Enzo expressed his happiness in his post which read, "By far this is one of the toughest challenges I've ever done in my life. I thank God for giving me and my batchmates the strength and resilience to finish the course. I also thank my family for their support and for always inspiring me to become better. I'm excited for the new adventures that this path awaits me. SSgt Pineda reporting for duty."
9. Rocco Nacino
Rocco Nacino has been an active reservist since 2019. In July 2023, he was given the rank of second lieutenant under the AFP Reserve Command, which he announced on his Instagram account.
The caption read, "Today I accepted the challenge of wearing a new hat, having new responsibilities , embarking on a new journey. This time with the AFP Reserve Command. Grateful for the many opportunities to serve our nation by using our influence for good, for hope, and to motivate."
Rocco emphasized his perspective on becoming a leader and making his life more interesting with the new role he accepted. "I have always been a follower, but now I take on the challenge of being a true leader. Time to make life more interesting," the actor said in his post.
