Good money in the bag

MANILA, Philippines – What’s so sad about parting with an expensive bag if it will help a poor family? This was the question posed by newscaster-TV host Connie Sison, who organized the recent fund-raising event, “Hand Bags of Hope: Donate a Bag, Design a Future,” at the Grove in Quezon City. “We asked some celebrity friends to donate designer handbags,” Connie told Inquirer. Close to P1 million was raised during the event. The money went to Gawad Kalinga, to build homes for the poor. Over a hundred bags were donated. Of these, only Sharon Cuneta’s Hermes Kelly— which is reportedly worth P3.4 million— was sold through bidding, which started at P200,000. Winning bid was P300,000. “Through the sale of that bag alone we can build decent homes for three street families,” said Connie, who donated one of her Louis Vuitton bags. Among the donors of what they call “pre-loved” bags were: Vicky Morales, Lyn Ching, Suzi Abrera, Grace Lee, Marissa Sanchez, Lala Roque, hair dresser Pin Antonio, cosmetic surgeon Vicky Belo, boxing champ Manny Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee and Senator Jinggoy Estrada’s wife Precy. Marinel R. Cruz