MANILA, Philippines — Popular actress and host Kim Chiu marked her 36th birthday on April 19, 2026, by giving back to the community. In a heartwarming gesture that quickly went viral, the “It’s Showtime” host partnered with a local gas station to provide free fuel and grocery packs to hundreds of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in Quezon City.
The initiative, which she called her “Birthday Pasasalamat,” was aimed at providing immediate relief to drivers currently struggling with the soaring costs of fuel and basic commodities.
The celebration was held at a Petron station along Katipunan Avenue, where long queues of jeepneys, tricycles, and delivery riders formed as early as 6:00 AM.
- Fuel Subsidy: Each driver received ₱500 worth of free gasoline or diesel, a significant boost given the current pump prices ranging between ₱80 and ₱95 per liter.
- Grocery Packs: In addition to the fuel, Kim and her team distributed over 500 grocery bags containing rice, canned goods, coffee, and other household essentials.
- Personal Interaction: Kim was seen personally handing out the packs and taking photos with the drivers, many of whom expressed tears of gratitude for the unexpected assistance.
In a vlog posted shortly after the event, Kim shared that she wanted to do something meaningful rather than throwing a lavish party.
“Every year, I am so blessed by the fans and the Lord. With the high prices of everything right now, I know how hard it is for our ‘Kuya’ drivers to bring home enough for their families. This is my small way of saying thank you to everyone who has supported me,” she said in a mix of English and Filipino.
The hashtag #ChiuDay2026 and #KimChiuBirthday trended on X (formerly Twitter) as fans and fellow celebrities lauded her generosity.
- Viral Videos: Clips of Kim dancing with tricycle drivers and cheering them on garnered millions of views on TikTok within hours.
- Celebrity Support: Friends from the industry, including Bela Padilla and Angelica Panganiban, posted tributes praising her “gold heart.”
- Community Impact: Local transport groups thanked the actress, noting that such private initiatives provide a much-needed morale boost to workers in the transport sector.
Kim Chiu’s birthday celebration comes at a peak in her career, following the massive success of her recent drama series and her continued popularity as a “Chinita Princess” of Philippine entertainment. Despite her busy schedule, her commitment to charitable work—ranging from disaster relief to educational scholarships—continues to be a defining part of her public persona.