When I was young, one of my fantasies is to someday see my self acting on TV or in a film. I just thought that an actor's life is perfect and he will live happily ever after just like in the movies.

Well, here's two stories that will show that actors also go through ups and downs just like the ordinary us. I am posting this piece about local artists Angelika de la Cruz and Dick Israel just in case some of their fans would like to help them.

Here's an excerpt from Ms. Giselle Sanchez' column Gossip Girl posted at mb.com.ph:

Barely a month ago, drama actress Angelika de la Cruz lost her brother, Navotas councilor-elect Councilor Edward dela Cruz from a freak accident where his brother was run over by a truck. After a few weeks, she loses her uncle to pancreatitis. And now she is faced with another tribulation in her life as her brother Erick’s lungs collapsed and is in need of a lung transplant.

Her best friend in showbiz Jodi Sta. Maria empathized with Angelika being the breadwinner of the family who now has to pay funeral and medical bills way beyond what she is earning. Empathy turned into action as Jodi organized a fund-raising activity last July 10 in Barrakz Bar on Morato with Alamid, Francine Prieto, Diana Zubiri and many other stars who contributed their talents. Angelika’s brother Erick dela Cruz is still confined at the Lung Center. Parties who are interested to donate may drop their donations at BPI Family Savings Bank number 7526117543 under the account name of Ma. Lourdes Casareo.

Dick Israel was taping for a television program in ABS-CBN when he encountered a stroke which almost led to aneurism. His showbiz friends Marissa Sanchez and Richard Merk decided to raise funds for his hospital bills and therapy. “Iba na ang Masamang Damo, Mabuhay ka Dick Israel” will be the title of the show that will feature several stars and singers in Merk’s Bar and Restaurant in Greenbelt Makati on July 26.

Please call Merk’s at 7574720 for tickets. Those interested to donate directly to Dick Israel may drop it at the bank account of Dick’s doting wife Melinda Michaca, PS Bank 166111011305.