SB19's Justin celebrates Season of Giving with Better World Tondo kids
Christmas came extra early for the kids at Better World Tondo after a special guest from Sony Music Entertainment (SME) dropped by for a day filled with exciting games, spectacular performances, and nutritious meals. The children were certainly all smiles from the moment their idol—none other than the charismatic and talented Justin from the hit P-Pop group SB19—entered the mess hall and immediately made them swoon with his stunning rendition of Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning.” After giving two more awe-inspiring performances of his hit solo single “surreal” and SB19’s “Ikako,” Justin also gave them a great time with games like Bring Me and Balloon Relay, and even served their healthy menudo rice meals with papaya slices.
“Justin of SB19 is incredibly warm, caring and generous with the children. They connected with him instantly, enjoying his performances and having a blast playing games together,” said Leni Renton, Program Lead at Rise Against Hunger Philippines (RAHP). “This special experience, thanks to Sony Music, will remain a cherished memory for these kids for years to come. We are deeply grateful to Sony Music for their continued support and generosity.”
This event is the third iteration of RAHP and SME’s collaborative project through the latter’s annual Season of Giving initiative. The partnership kickstarted in 2022 with singer-songwriter Hazel Faith’s participation in a Jeepney Kitchen operation in Pasig City, where at least 500 individuals were not only served healthy hot meals, but also serenaded by the talented artist. Succeeding engagements were then held at Better World Tondo in Manila, with Benj Pangilinan joining in in 2023 and SB19’s Justin taking part the following year.
This year’s generous donation from SME will be going toward RAHP’s ongoing nutrition programs which aim to combat food and nutrition insecurity particularly in the most nutritionally at-risk communities. A substantial portion of the donation will be used to renew RAHP’s dietary supplementation program (DSP) in select daycare centers in Brgy. Ususan, Taguig City. Through the DSP, preschool kids will be supplemented with RAHP’s signature fortified rice-soy meals on a daily basis, while their parents and guardians will be provided with crucial nutrition education classes as well as livelihood programs to better help their families further. In part, the donation will also financially support Better World Tondo by sponsoring the daily provision of meals for children beneficiaries.
“Sony Music’s support to Rise Against Hunger Philippines’ advocacies is a powerful demonstration of their commitment to communities in need. Beyond providing healthy meals, their involvement brings something truly special—an unforgettable moment of music and fun with the children. Through this partnership, Sony Music not only nourishes their bodies but also inspires and uplifts their spirits by connecting them with aspiring artists who ignite their hopes and dreams,” Renton added, after overseeing this year’s activity.
