The Hero For All Campaign, spearheaded by Casino Plus and the AR Foundation led by Alden Richards, has reached a significant milestone as it convenes its final jury deliberation today in Bonifacio Global City. The session brings together a distinguished, multi-sector panel tasked with selecting outstanding everyday Filipinos whose acts of courage, compassion, and service will be formally honored under the program.
At the heart of the initiative is a simple but powerful message: heroism is not defined by fame or position, but by everyday acts of kindness that create lasting impact.
“Through this initiative, we hope to honor their stories and remind Filipinos that even small acts of kindness can create a meaningful impact when hope is needed most,” said Alden Richards, AR Foundation founder and Casino Plus Lead Advocate.
“Heroism is not limited to fame, power, or big positions in society. In a world where many are quietly struggling, stories of ordinary individuals doing extraordinary acts of kindness, sacrifice, and service give people hope again.”
A Credible, Multi-Sector Jury Ensuring Integrity
To uphold fairness, transparency, and accountability, the program assembled respected leaders from media, academe, civil society, and government to form the jury panel:
- Joy Flavier-Alampay — Director, Ramon Magsaysay Transformative Leadership Institute, Ramon Magsaysay Foundation
- Tina Arceo-Dumlao — Business Features Editor, Philippine Daily Inquirer
- Ma. Teresa Habitan — Vice Chancellor, Philippine Tax Academy
- Ramon P. Tuazon — Secretary General, Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (participated in initial deliberations)
- Daniel Cecilio — Senior Vice President for Land-Based Operations, PAGCOR
- Alden Richards — Award-winning actor, AR Foundation Founder, Casino Plus Lead Advocate
Nearly a month after its launch on April 9, 2026, the program received hundreds of nominations submitted from April 10 to May 1, 2026. Entries came through social media channels, the Casino Plus website, as well as endorsements from NGOs and local government units.
Recognizing Real-Life Acts of Heroism
To qualify, nominees must be Filipino residents aged 21 and above with documented acts of heroism or meaningful community contributions within the last five years. Supporting materials such as photos, videos, and published articles were used to validate each entry.
From the initial pool, shortlisted nominees advanced to the final jury deliberation stage following a rigorous evaluation process.
Voices from the Jury
“All those nominated have shown extraordinary goodness—not because they were asked to, but because it came naturally from the goodness of their hearts,” said Joy Flavier-Alampay. “We all need heroes in our lives. Being part of this jury has inspired all of us, and we leave carrying a piece of every story we encountered.”
Ma. Teresa Habitan emphasized the lived nature of compassion:
“What really stands out is how they went out of themselves to help others—compassion that is not just spoken, but acted upon.”
Meanwhile, Daniel Cecilio underscored the program’s values:
“A hero for all embodies selflessness, courage, inclusivity, and lasting impact. These must be consistent. Yun ang kailangan.”
Integrity at the Core of Selection
The Hero For All selection process is anchored on transparency and rigor. Each juror independently scores nominees using a standardized framework before engaging in formal deliberations. All records are retained to safeguard the integrity of the program.
Unlike popularity-based recognition systems, Hero For All prioritizes authenticity, real-world impact, and the ripple effect of inspiring more community-driven acts of heroism.
A key principle of the program is “story transferability”—evaluating whether a nominee’s actions can inspire similar acts of courage and compassion in other communities.
Reflecting on the initiative, Tina Arceo-Dumlao said:
“These stories give hope that there is still so much good around us that deserves to be seen and celebrated. In today’s climate of negativity, this initiative feels especially meaningful.”
Culmination and Awards Ceremony
The campaign will culminate in a grand awarding ceremony on August 31, 2026, hosted by award-winning broadcast journalist Pinky Webb, in celebration of National Heroes Day. Honorees will be formally recognized for their exceptional contributions to society.
Responsible Gaming Advisory
In accordance with the PAGCOR Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus reminds the public:
Gaming is intended for entertainment only and should not be considered a source of income or financial relief. Players are encouraged to participate responsibly and within their means. Winning is never guaranteed, as all gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence future outcomes.
