Showbiz 101

Source: Reyma Buan-Deveza, abs-cbnnews.com
International singing sensation Charice has been named the newest smile ambassador of Operation Smile.

The formal announcement was made in October when Operation Smile had its 8th Annual Smile Gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, California, said Charice.

During the event, Charice performed "I Will Survive" that earned her another standing ovation from the crowd.



"Ininvite nila ako sa charity event nila this year. Kumanta po ako at nagulat sila na from the Philippines ako. At last night na [nang pagiging] ambassador ni Jessica Simpson. So, parang sabi nila na blessing sa kanila kasi pag-alis ni Jessica may pumalit agad, which is bagay sa pagiging youth ambassador," Charice told abs-cbnNEWS.com in an exclusive interview.

"Sobrang natuwa sila sa akin kasi parang bagay daw po sa akin ‘yong pagiging youth ambassador. Kasi ang Operation Smile ay isang international organization na nag-start sa Philippines," she added.

As its newest ambassador, Charice will support the organization's global efforts of providing free surgeries to children born with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities, according to Operation Smile Web site.

It added that Charice will use her growing fan base to raise awareness and funds for children in need and share how Operation Smile helps transform lives with a surgery that can take as little as 45 minutes.

“As an organization that had its start in the Philippines and is so deeply connected to their people, we are thrilled to have such a talented young performer from this country embrace our cause,” said Dr. Bill Magee, co-founder and chief executive officer of Operation Smile.

“Charice will undoubtedly provide valuable support as a smile ambassador in new and exciting ways and help us even further transform children’s lives,” Magee added.

Charice is now one of the more than 10 celebrity smile ambassadors of Operation Smile.

She joined the ranks of Carmit Bachar, Mark Burnett, Dhani Jones, John Salley, Maggie Rizer, Melanie Dunea, Nigel Parry, Benj Gershman, David Pomeranz, Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump, among others.

As part of her efforts to raise funds for the group, Charice is urging all her fans to join Paypal's "Regift The Fruitcake” and support Operation Smile in the contest.

Operation Smile is one of the 25 charities that will have the opportunity to win $20,000 grand prize via Paypal’s holiday charity campaign.

To join the contest, the participants will have to create a virtual fruitcake on behalf of a featured charity group. They can make a donation using their PayPal accounts.

They have to regift the fruitcake to their friends on the Internet using Facebook and Twitter.

The more virtual cake that will be made and sent, the more points a charity will receive. Paypal will donate an additional $20,000 to a charity that raises the most money.

Meanwhile, Charice, who is now in the Philippines to spend Christmas here, is scheduled to make an appearance on "Singapore Idol" on December 27.

She will fly back to Los Angeles for the launching of her first international album.