By Bradford Adkins,
Manila Mail Community EditorSarah Geronimo, the Pop star Princess and now considered to be the undisputed Box Office Queen in the Philippine movies, is back in the Bay Area. After the successful showings of the movies “A Very Special Love” (it single-handedly revived the already dying Philippine movie industry) and “You Changed My Life” (it created bigger box office records) which proved to be blockbusters, it really changed the course of Sarah’s star in the celluloid world. Both movies exceeded expectations of many, thus making Sarah truly the Box Office Queen of Philippine Movies today (five years ago, who could have thought?).
Sarah is no doubt the most successful and most popular singer in her generation, bar none. Her presence is not only felt in the music scene but looms large in the movie world as well. With numerous platinum albums and awards like the Favorite Female Artist and Favorite MYX Celebrity VJ in the recent MYX Music Awards of 2009 and numerous sold out concerts, Sarah undoubtedly is “The Next One”.
The Next One: SARAH GERONIMO, the US Concert Tour 2009, is slated to be seen locally on March 28 at the Fox Theater in Redwood City and on March 29 at the Bob Hope Theater in Stockton, CA. promptly at 7:30 PM. Featured performers are pop icon Mark Bautista, international performer Billy Joe Crawford and Britain’s Got Talent, young cool voice Charlie Green.
Proud sponsors of this local concert are: The Bay Area College of Nursing, Comcast, Jollibee, Bench, Startec, Island Pacific, Thundervalley Casino, LBC, Bayanihan Cargo, Dr. Marysol Realon, Pera Mo Pera Ko, Western Union, Philippines Today, Philippine Fiesta, Manila Mail, Philippine Headlines, Tastebuds Restaurant and Viva Entertainment Inc.
For tickets in Redwood Concert, call Joey or Maite at (650)290-0542 / (650)290-4457.
For tickets in Stockton , contact Molly Corpuz at (916) 479-3263 or (626) 388-7718. Log on to www.pinoyparinkami.com for The Next One promo stop schedule.
Other West Coast venues of Sarah’s shows include the following contact infos:
For Reno , NV show on SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2009 at the Grand Sierra Hotel ( Reno ’s best hotel these days, based on recent collective feedback from avid casino goers; the resort even has a huge bowling alley at the basement!) please call Eric Calayan at (408) 712-3743 or George Fuentes at (415) 260-1394.
For Anaheim , CA tickets, please call Marissa Luces at 818-219-2009 or Jackie Regala at 562-787-9030.
For San Diego, CA show on FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2009 at San Diego Convention Center, located at 111 West Harbor Drive (Ticket Prices VIP $108, $78, $58, $38 and limited VIP Seats with Meet & Greet), please FILIPINAS PRODUCTIONS toll-free 877-277-4629 or cell# 510-552-6915 | www.filipinasproductions.com.
For Las Vegas , NV tickets on SUNDAY, MARCH 22, please call Tess Jones at (209) 918-1776.
SEEN IN THE CITY
Filipino Fraternity in San FranciscoThis writer had the distinguished privilege of, not so long ago, meeting in person at the recently-concluded MacWorld in Moscone Center, Mr. Noe Sacoco Jr., one of the young leaders of the Chi Rho Omicron (XPO) Fraternity, a Filipino-based fraternity based in San Francisco, Fresno, UC Davis, Sacramento, CSU East Bay, UCSF, CSU Pomona and SDSU. The Purpose of Chi Rho Omicron is to promote the understanding, enrichment, and appreciation of the Filipino Culture, History, and Heritage through a Brotherhood/Family Environment and to instill the desire for Self-Improvement, Scholastic Excellence, and the Cultivation for Civic Responsibility.
Founded on February 20, 1995, this brotherhood first became a reality on the hallways of the Fresno State University campus. The Founding Fathers felt a need in unifying Filipinos into a brotherhood. They believed that this unity could be accomplished by extinguishing the lines between regions, class levels, and language variables.
Now, the San Francisco State University campus carries the elite brotherhood of Chi Rho Omicron Inc. established on February 16, 1996. This organization reaches out to the community as a way of spreading Filipino awareness and to provide a role model for those to follow. By holding out their hands to the public, they are not just supporting those in the community; they are helping themselves.
Chi Rho Omicron, Inc prefers to label itself more as a close-knit brotherhood rather than a typical fraternity. Indeed, the organization is only limited to the state of California and their number is less than 500, but this ensures that all the brothers remain close and actually know its fellow members. XPO does not believe in just giving away letters to those simply willing to pay some membership dues. Considering its status as a cultural fraternity, some stereotypes do run true when it comes to enhancing the college experience through socials, parties, and brotherhood events. XPO is, above all, a family.
While Chi Rho Omicron, Inc is a Filipino-based fraternity, the brotherhood welcomes gentlemen from all types of cultures. Current brothers originate from a mix of ethnic backgrounds ranging from: Latin-American, African-American, Indian, as well as other mainland Asian countries. XPO takes pride in its ability and flexibility to show interest in learning about other cultures as well as promoting the Philippine heritage.
Their group had organized culturally-rich events that showcase our defining traits as Filipinos, among them are:
A Blast from the Past: A Journey through Philippine and Filipino American History (December 4, 2008). A short play/skit in which the brothers re-enacted historical events like the first Filipino to arrive in the United States, the creation of the KKK, and the destruction of the International Hotel on stage.
History of Filipino Freemasons (September 10, 2008) -A workshop surveying the ideals, philosophies, and history of Masonic organizations in the Philippines and in America . Organizations like Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (KKK), Caballeros de Dimas-Alang, Legionarios del Trabajo, Gran Oriente, Knights of Rizal, were discussed.
Mmm sarap: Filipino Food Cultural Event (March 20, 2008) - A workshop exploring the various influences that Spain , Malay, Chinese, American, and other cultures had on Filipino food. Various foods like kare-kare, pancit, empanadas, and halo-halo were served at the event.
All these and their other achievement, past and present are highlighted on their site (http://www.xposf.com/welcome.html) for the public to check out.
TO-BE-SEEN IN THE CITY
Vegas Explosions in MayThere’s lots of reasons to go to Vegas this coming May.
Aside from Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao squaring it off with Hatton at the MGM Grand Arena on May 2nd, Willie Revillame and his Wowowee team (barring unforeseen circumstances, that is!) reportedly is also holding a show at the nearby Thomas and Mack Arena on May 3rd.
Also opening big, on Friday, May 15th, 2009 at 7pm is the Tony-award winning Broadway sensational presentation, The Lion King at Manny Pacquiao’s favorite Vegas hotel, the Mandalay Bay (he reportedly prefers staying with his family at the very private and hidden The Four Seasons Hotel situated just behind it). The Lion King will have preview presentations starting May 5th. Although, regular showings to the public start on May 16th.
Meanwhile, Pinoy Dream Academy ’s Ronnie Liang’s manager, George Roca is negotiating a show for his prized ward at The Bally’s along the strip in Vegas.
And of course, there is Bette Middler still alternating with The Elton John and Cher in entertaining crowds at The Coliseum at nearby The Mirage.
Vegas, baby!
Fashion for a Cause
Fashion Arts & Youth Enterprises Inc (FAYE) will present the 2009 Summer/Fall collections of Award Winning Fashion Designer, Crisanta Malig and Emerging Fashion Designer, Brittany Hampton of DollsCouture.com on Friday March 27, 2009 at a restaurant in South San Francisco . Reception starts at 6:00pm. For credit card reservation please call (650) 267-1112; to pay by check send your check to FAYE Inc. 257 Brookdale Avenue, San Francisco CA 94134 (make check payable to FAYE Inc) no later than March 20, 2009.
Your donation is tax deductible – 501c3 – Tax ID #20-8038816.
This fashion show is intended to inspire young emerging fashion artist and promote FAYE free after school program. Donations will benefit our students who can not afford to buy materials and supplies for the workshop.
For more information: Crisanta 415 341 6371 or www.crisantamalig.com/Fashion Arts
The highlight of the event is FAYE Inc semi-final Fashion Designing Contest. Sketches from our students will be displayed at the venue for the audience to vote. Board of Judges from Fashion International Group (www.FGI.org) will make the final decisions to pick the winners. All participants will have the opportunity to attend a free work shops to make their sketches. Location for the workshop - TBD.
PERSONAL NOTES
“You Changed My Life”goes on a 10-city theatrical run in the U.S.Blockbuster sequel starring John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo
After sold out premieres recently in Los Angeles and in the San Francisco Bay Area, the blockbuster romantic comedy You Changed My Life is now on a 10-city theatrical run in the U.S.
With star John Lloyd Cruz gracing the event, fans packed the theaters on February 28 and March 1, paralleling the reception in the Philippines where the Star Cinema film grossed P100 million in just over a week. Insiders are predicting that the box-office take of the film will surpass the first John Lloyd Cruz-Sarah Geronimo starrer, A Very Special Love. This grossed P180 million, making it the number one movie for 2008 in the Philippines . Cruz and Geronimo were consequently both named SM Cinema Box Office King and Queen last year.
As part of the 15th anniversary celebration of TFC, ABS-CBN International’s Starry Starry Store and Star Cinema are now taking the film to 10 cities in the U.S. that included recent runs in Honolulu , Seattle , Las Vegas , San Diego and Los Angeles-Cerritos. Other city schedules are:
SAN FRANCISCOUA Stonestown Twin
501 Buckingham Way
San Francisco, CA 94132
March 13-19
Call: 1.800-227-9676
SACRAMENTOCrest Theatre
1013 K Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
March 14
www.thecrest.com
Call: 650.858.6810
650.755.6887 to 88
NEW JERSEYAMC Loews Jersey Garden 20
651 Kapowski Road
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
March 21-22
www.scatproductionsnyc.com/hom
Call: 732.687.2413
917.882.3426
CHICAGOThe Pickwick Theatre 1
17 South Prospect Avenue
Park Ridge, IL 60068
(847) 357-0728
March 20-26
Call: 773.369.9393
847.357.0728
SAN JOSECalifornia Theatre
345 South 1st St
San Jose, CA 95113
March 21
www.bayareacollege.net
Call: 650.858.6810
650.755.6887 to 88
“The overwhelming reception of Filipinos in the U.S. to You Changed My Life showed how they have embraced watching quality films from the homeland in theaters here,” said Kerwin Du, head of ABS-CBN International’s Starry Starry Store. “This encourages us no end to bring in more promising film offerings especially during this year when we are celebrating the 15th anniversary of both TFC and Star Cinema.”
Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, You Changed My Life also stars Rayver Cruz, Dante Rivero, Rowell Santiago, Matet De Leon, Bernard Palanca, Joross Gamboa, Johnny Revilla, Bing Pimentel, Al Tantay, among others.
For more info, visit www.abs-cbnglobalmovies.com or call 1-800-227-9676.
This column appears online also at www.FilipinoVillage.com
Do you have any personal or community events you want announced? Just email them to
bradford_adkins@yahoo.com
Sarah Geronimo Is
