Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Pinky's Graduation


Pinky Magtibay (2nd left) graduated from San Leandro High School on June 10, 2009. The proud parents are Lisa Magtibay (2nd right) and Manila Mail’s Photographer Oscar Magtibay (rightmost). Also in the photo is her very happy and proud Grandma, left, Lupe Magtibay.

Issue 25: July 17, 2009


2nd Filipino Fiesta in Roseville
Is Coming To Town July 11th


By Bradford Adkins, Manila Mail Community Editor

After an overwhelming success last year, the stage is set again for the 2ND Annual Filipino Fiesta sponsored by the Filipino-American Association of Greater Roseville (FAAGR).
The organization’s President Efren Valerio & his Program Directors are working harder to up the ante of this year’s celebration. The occasion will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at the Placer Couty Fairgrounds in Roseville.

And here’s the good news - Admission & parking are FREE.
The event’s theme will depict on the different cultures of a country w/ more than 7,100 islands, a diverse assemblage of ethnic backgrounds and various religious denomination that include the largest Christian religion in Asia.

The day’s lineup will be full to the brim with exciting activities.
Cultural presentation
Fashion show
Dance exhibition
Dance party (evening)
Martial arts demonstration
Games for young ones & young once
Karaoke/Open mike
First Aid booth (Free Blood pressure/Sugar count screening)
Booth displays
Food (Lumpia, Pansit, Adobo, Halo Halo, etc)

This is a totally fun-filled family activity. So, gear up to the most comfortable summerwear you have on your closet and make sure you got July 11th blocked for this occasion.
For more information, please contact Cherry Borillo- cherryborillo@yahoo.com (916) 607-7060 or Eva Dela Cruz- edelacruz129@yahoo.com (916) 223-4382
So, we’ll see you there. MABUHAY!!

**** FAAGR is also seeking kid & adult volunteers to participate in showcasing Filipino costumes (fashion show). If interested, please call/email ASAP.

TO-BE-SEEN IN THE CITY
1ST FILIPINA MISS SAN MATEO EVER TO COMPETE IN MISS CALIFORNIA JUNE 27th
Bay Area’s Miss Analisa Matias did not expect to win the 2009 Miss San Mateo crown early this year. Yes, she used to be a Fiesta Filipina beauty queen but never in the history of the Miss San Mateo pageant has a Filipina ever won the crown.


Emcees Dave Rodriguez, left and Rey Kilay, right, interview power couple, Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres who flew in from Manila to personally celebrate with our kababayans at the Fiesta Filipina Philippine Independence Day last weekend.



This year’s reigning Miss San Mateo is a Filipina, and her name is Analisa Matias. She is the first ever Filipina to win the crown. She earned the right to compete in Miss California this year.


Until now. That is why she is overflowing with joy and excitement when this columnist met her at the backstage of the Civic Center stage last weekend as she shared the good news. As the reigning Miss San Mateo, she earned the right to compete to this year’s Miss California (incidentally, this year’s reigning queen was dethroned by the Miss California organizers and Mr. Donald Trump himself, after she expressed her unfavorable views on same-sex marriage (she believes marriage is only for a man and a woman, you know like the dark ages), not only during the pageant’s final Q&A portion, but repeatedly in various occasions outside the pageant) to be held in Fresno, CA on Saturday, June 27th (it will be televised locally in Fresno and surrounding areas, according to Ms. Matias).


Power Celebrity Couple, Richard Gomez & Lucy Torres shook hands with their fellow kababayans during the Fiesta Filipina Philippine Independence Day Celebrations held last Saturday and Sunday at the Civic Center in downtown San Francisco.



Donning the LAKERS colors, ‘Luna Mystika’s’ Heart Evangelista cheered the very anxious crowd The Lakers won their 15th NBA ChampionshipTitle Sunday night after the Fiesta Filipina events. (Photo by Oscar Magtibay)

Imagine the possibilities – if she wins Miss California, she will earn further right to compete in Miss USA and then to Miss Universe! I have seen her before and after she won the Miss San Mateo crown and I can say she has her own unique qualities enhanced and improved (she’s firmed up her body muscles, took personality improvement and voice lessons, and during Fiesta, she sang Lea Salonga’s ‘Reflection’ with enough passion eliciting ooomphs and aaahs from the audience), to go for the gold and win the ultimate prize.

PERSONAL NOTES
Congratulations to the organizers of this year’s Fiesta Filipina event, celebrating the Philippine Independence day, held last Saturday and Sunday at the Civic Center grounds in downtown San Francisco. Charlie Green sang several well-applauded numbers, including ‘Fly Me To The Moon’, ‘For Once In My Life’ and her signature version of the Tagalog classic, ‘Dahil Sa ‘Yo’. Richard Gomez and wife Lucy Torres and Heart Evangelista flew in from the Philippines to personally greet our kababayans while our local talents entertained the crowds. Dave Rodriguez and Rey Kilay emceed the events.

On a personal note, I would like to thank San Ramon’s only Filipino Restaurant, PAPAYA GRILL (yes, they’re in the East Bay) and its owner, ED SAN ANTONIO, for sponsoring Manila Mail’s lunch last Saturday. We love all the food but we liked the most the Lumpiang Shanghai, Pancit and the Pinakbet.

Special thanks also to Daly City’s FILIPINIANA DELIGHTS Restaurant and Sister Marivic Caparas (good luck on your sabbatical!) for the additional combo lunch entrees last Saturday also. We especially appreciated the Cassava Cake!

Do you have any personal or community events you want announced? Just email them to bradford_adkins@yahoo.com