LOOK: Madonna visits Manila orphanage

MANILA -- International pop star Madonna visited an orphanage in Manila on Tuesday ahead of her two-night "Rebel Heart" concert at the Mall of Asia Arena on February 24 and 25.

Madonna, who arrived in the country on Monday, posted a selfie with three children of the Bahay Tuluyan Foundation on her Instagram account.

"Chillin with my Homies at the Bahay Tuluyan Foundation. Inc. giving shelter to Orphans street children trafficking/abuse victims in Manilla‼" she wrote on her post.


According to Australian volunteer Catherine Scerri, the 57-year-old pop icon was warmly welcomed at the orphanage.

"She spent time with the kids, dancing and interacting with the kids," she told ABS-CBN News in a phone interview.

Scerri said the older children were able to recognize Madonna and her songs. "I think the older ones know her. They were dancing and playing, everybody enjoyed it," she said.

"She's very down to earth and loves interacting with them," she added.

Madonna is known for being fond of kids. She has adopted two children, David Ritchie and Mercy James, from Africa.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Megan Young in accident in Haiti

MANILA – 2013 Miss World Megan Young figured in an accident while visiting an orphanage in Port Au Prince Haiti last Thursday.

According to an article published on the official site of Miss World, Young went to the orphanage along with Miss World chairman Julia Morley to visit 78 children who were having their class on the second floor of a building.

The children reportedly ran towards Young when they saw the beauty queen, just in time when the floor collapsed.

Morley was seriously injured as well as another student, while Young suffered minor bruises.

The article said Morley and Young fell through the floor which was eight to 10 feet high.

Morley and the student had to be taken to a hospital so they could be given immediate medical attention.

The Miss World article said Morley suffered a significant fracture high in her hip area and was immediately brought to Miami for a surgery.

Young is now back in the United States with her family, saying she is still shocked at what happened.

Speaking to the staff of Miss World, Young said she heard a loud crack prior to the floor collapse.

"Nothing like that has really happened to me before. It was such a shock. I felt like a deer in the headlights. I didn't really know what had happened or what to do. We had all fallen down, but I was still on my feet. I had the crown in one hand and the other hand instinctively holding up one of the decks in place with two people. There were lots of kids under the decks still and we just instinctively held on,” she said.

Young said she is hoping for the quick recovery of Morley and the student.

"My thoughts are with them at this time. It was a real eye opener and just shows how much work needs to be done in Haiti. I want to go back and continue with the work that we have started, and make sure nothing like this can happen again," she said.

Meanwhile, Miss World Philippines director Cory Quirino told ABS-CBN News on Tuesday that she is now in touch with the Filipina beauty after the accident.

She said Young felt overwhelmed when some of the children even ran towards her to protect her when the floor was already sliding.

Calling it the “Megan Magic,” Quirino said this just goes to show how the children in Haiti appreciate Young.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com