Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Issue 33: August 12, 2009


Star Cinema’s And I Love You So
Opens in SFO This Friday

Bea Falls In Love with Sam & Derek; Pinoy Big Brother director
Laurenti Dyogi’s film comeback to screen in U.S. theaters this August


By Bradford Adkins


You’ve seen it on the hour by the hour on your TFC screens. Finally, on the occasion of TFC’s 15th and Star Cinema’s 16th anniversaries, ABS-CBN International’s Starry Starry Store brings to the U.S. the much awaited And I Love You So, a contemporary drama on love, loss and letting go.
Sam Milby and Bea Alonzo teams up on Star Cinema's "And I Love You So", opening this Friday in San Francisco.

Bea Alonzo and Derek Ramsay will ignite the screen when "And I Love You So" opens this Friday, August 14th, at the UA Stonestown Twin Theaters located at 501 Buckingham Way, San Francisco, CA 94132.

So many exciting things are going for this film. It is the comeback movie for popular director Laurenti Dyogi, the man behind the huge success of ABS-CBN’s reality shows Pinoy Big Brother and Pinoy Dream Academy. His last film was Now That I Have You in 2004, starring Bea Alonzo and then on-screen partner, John Lloyd Cruz. And I Love You So stars today’s hottest and most beautiful celebrities in the Philippine movie industry in their first team-up: Sam Milby, Bea Alonzo and Derek Ramsay.

It is wholesome young actress Alonzo who underwent intense transformation for And I Love You So. Her role is no longer that of a sweet teenager, but of a fully grown woman – sensual and comfortable with her body and sexuality. As this role calls for seductive attires and intimate scenes with her hunky male co-stars, Alonzo underwent a physical regimen that included bikram yoga sessions and a strict no-carb diet, losing 15 pounds and toning her body in the process.

Approximately 50,000 trooped to the Yerba Buena Gardens this weekend, for the 2-day 16th Pistahan Parade and Festival Celebrations.

Among the hundreds of Pistahan Parade participants are TFC's Balitang Amerika's Miss Henni Espinosa and Mr. Steve Angeles.

But the tougher challenge was how to channel the emotions of her character, Lara, a woman who after losing her husband of five months on her 24th birthday thought she could not go on living, much less fall in love again. Every time Lara loses a loved one, someone had been there to cushion the blow. When her mother died when she was 14, her father consoled her. When her father passed away six years later, her family was there. But when her husband died, no one could offer any consolation – not her siblings, in-laws or friends. She had lost the love of her life and she felt very much alone as she watches her business, her life, and her world collapse before her.

Miss Philippines' Bianca Manalo's height, beauty and changing looks everyday is attracting alot of attention in The Islands of the Bahamas, where the 2009 Miss Universe Pageant is being held. Finals will be telecast live August 23rd on NBC.

With her predicament, how would Oliver (Derek Ramsay) and Chris (Sam Milby) figure in her life? Will she finally move on?

“Summer movies are usually packed with action, thrills, suspense and animation, but the reality is it is a season that has given us the best love stories on cinema, too,” said Kerwin Du, ABS-CBN North America’s head of theatricals. “Call it counter-programming but And I Love You So fills that need for many moviegoers to think and feel. After all, many of us have had summer romances as part of our life experiences so it’s something people can relate to.”
The theatrical schedule of And I Love You So is as follows:

SAN FRANCISCO (August 14-20)
UA Stonestown Twin
501 Buckingham Way
San Francisco, CA 94132

SAN DIEGO (August 14-20)
UA Horton Plaza
475 Horton Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101

LAS VEGAS (August 14-20)
Regal Village Square Stadium
9400 W Sahara Ave.,
Las Vegas, NV 89058

LOS ANGELES-CERRITOS (August 21-27)
Cerritos Stadium Cinema
12761 Towne Center Drive
Cerritos, CA 90701

HONOLULU (August 28-September 3)
Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18
735 Iwilei Road #B
Honolulu, HI 96817

SEATTLE (August 28-September 3)
Parkway Plaza Stadium
5910 South 180th Street
Tukwila, WA 98188

CHICAGO (September 11-17)
The Pickwick Theater 1
17 South Prospect Ave.,
Parkridge, IL 60068

For more information, please visit www.abs-cbnglobalmovies.com or call 1.800.227.9676.

SEEN IN THE CITY

‘Summer Night Of Music With Divo Bayer’ Wows Bay Area
A multitude of concerts and shows graced the different venues in the Bay Area and most of them either banked on the star performer’s popularity or ephemeral hype but the tal;ent and the showmanship delivered during the actual show were either mediocre or just pure entertainment.
Last Saturday evening at the South San Francisco auditorium, “Summer Night of Music with Divo Bayer” may not have filled the rafters but the audience who have fortunately opted to take the opportunity to watch this show did themselves a big favor of enjoying and experiencing a tour d’ force perfomance we rarely experience on live performances. Divo Bayer proved himself to be deserving of the tag ‘Emperor of Soul’ or more so as ‘Celebrity Entertainer of the Year’ for his showmanship can command multiple standing ovation. Bayer can belt out any genre of music from pop,music to classical opera music. The audience were soothed by her rendition of his early hits like ‘NgayongNandito Ka, and his Star Quest medley. But what really brought the audience to hold-your breath syndrome was when he sang ‘Sometime, Somewhere,’ an original composition of maestro-composer Ryan Cayabyab and his heartstopping version was more than enough to save your money for the tickets to his show. His range is far from a lot of actors-singers or pretending to be singers who after a few songs you will urge yourself to leave the venue for they really don’t know anything about music.

Even the guest singers like Sage, Trina Diomaranan, AriannaTolentino, Arnel Rosanes were just real troopers themselves who had their share of musical greatness causing the audience to be proud of their Filipino lineage. But it was the all-male chorus of Overseas Foreign Workers(OFW) from Saudi Arabia known as the Prime Note Ensemble that roused the audience during the opening when they sang “Star Spangled Banner and our Philippine National Time and then followed by their hair-raising version of “Circle of Life” that preconditioned the audience to a night of absolute vocal showdown. When Divo Bayer joined the Prime Note Ensemble in singing Puccini’s “NessunDorma” the audience were just like being treated to a moment of musical greatness that nobody got tired or even thought of their call of nature excuse for they did not want to miss a single second to this great show.

Kudos to the stage director Noel Nuguit and the producer Teresa Labitoria for making this visceral and musical show a reality. It is seldom that the Bay Area audience get a chance to get this kind of sublime state of musical journey and it you will say after the show that you more that your money’s worth.

Celebrating his birthday this coming August 28th, Daly City Coulcilman David J. Canepa, right, is shown here personally congratulating WCOPA Winning Singer and Performer, Divo Bayer for his successful concert held last Saturday in South San Francisco.

Seen in the audience were Councilman of Daly City Dave Canepa, State Commissioner Ray Satorre, Businesswoman and Fashionable Lady of the Year Susan Pacifico, and a lot more of prominent men and women of the community.

TO-BE-SEEN IN THE CITY

Miss Philippines Shines In Miss Universe 2009

It has been 10 long years since a Philippine candidate to the Miss Universe Pageant figured prominently (thanks to 199’s 1st runner-up, Miriam Quiambao!). In the Bahamas right now is our bet, Bianca Manalo who is one of the early favorites (again!) to bring home the crown, if postings and unofficial rankings online are to be believed.

They paraded in National Costumes last Monday night. Preliminary judging takes place on Sunday.

There are talks online that the judges will not only pick Top 15 from the preliminary round - they will also allow an extra beauty into the semi-finals voted on by the Bahamas people through newspaper and SMS voting.

The semi-finalists will not be announced until Sunday, August 23, when Miss Universe 2009 will be crowned.

PERSONAL NOTES

Advanced Happy Birthday to Daly City’s youngest Councilman, David J. Canepa. My personal good friend first before he became a Councilman, David still doesn’t fail to attend every major Filipino event, to continuously express his deep appreciation to the community who supported him all the way to his victory during the last history-making local elections. Long live David!


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

“Trucks and Bucks” With $250,000 in Cash and Prizes

Trucks and Bucks
Thunder Valley Casino is giving away truckloads of cash and a top prize of your choice of a Toyota Tundra, a Chevy Silverado or a Dodge Ram at every drawing. There are 10 big winners every Friday and Saturday night at 8 beginning August 7th! Earn entries daily with your free Thunder Club Card! It’s the $250,000 Trucks and Bucks Giveaway, going on now exclusively at Thunder Valley Casino!

Koi Palace
Koi Palace has tailored a delicious new menu selection for all of our valued guests. The internationally renowned menu, is sure to serve up exotic flavors that will tempt any appetite. Award winning Chef Wai, is sure to amaze your palette with his sinful creations. Join us at Koi Palace and celebrate these fancy feasts!

About Thunder Valley Casino
Thunder Valley Casino is a Northern California’s premier entertainment destination. Thunder Valley Casino resort offers round the clock casino gaming with the full range of gaming excitement; you can try your luck at any of our 100 table games, or give one of our 2,700 slot & video poker machines a chance. In addition to exquisite gaming, Thunder Valley Casino offers four fabulous dining opportunities to choose from, such as Koi Palace, Feast Buffet, Austins Steakhouse, and Thunder CafĂ©, plus Food Court. The enticing dishes you’ll discover at Thunder Valley Casino are always five-star quality. The restaurants offer unique and imaginative cuisine in settings that are equally appealing. More information can be found at www.thundervalleycasino.com, or call us at 1-877-867-7111.

Around the Community

FRANCISCO (Kit) Santana, owner of TRIBO, formally open and inaugurated the first branch of TRIBO Restaurant in Union City, last Friday, August 7, 2009 with Union City Mayor Mark Green and Daly City Councilman David Canepa, was the special guests during the affair. Shown at photo from L-R: Nelly Cojuangco, Councilman Canepa, Kit Santana, the host, Mayor Green, Trina Dimaranan, Miss RP-USA 2009 and Tess Gregorio, Singer for All Seasons.

HAPPY SANTANA, proprietress of TRIBO Restaurant in Union City was formally blessed and inaugurated last Friday, August 7, 2009. Shown at photo are: Gertrudes Guerrero, Beauty Impresario Ferdie Villar, Miss RP-USA Trina Dimaranan, Mrs. Santiago, Union City Mayor Mark Green, Kit Santana, proprietor of TRIBO and Elaine Smith.

BEAUTY IMPRESARIO Ferdie Villar, was special guests of Eric and Emma Calayan Executive Producers of the recent “Chokwang Live in Concert” held at Bob Hope Theatre in Stockton recently. Shown at photo with Beauty Impresario Ferdie Villar, 2nd from left , Yeng Constantino, Pokwang and Chokoleit.

The BKC's key officers and members posing with the celebrities during the recent “Chokwang Show” in Stockton, CA. Standing from left are Eva Sahulga, Francine Naas, Mel Morales, Malou Panugaling, Precy Fiscus, Helen Panugaling, Nilda Morales, Norma Ybanes and Nina Panugaling. Sitting from left are Pokwang, Yeng Constantino and Chokoleit. These officers and members will be the key players in the Club's upcoming 1st LUAU Fundraiser Event on the 22nd of August '09. For more details, please contact Dante @ ( 916 ) 531-3487 or thru email, dpanugaling123@yahoo.com.

HERMIE REVILLA LAVARIAS, deputy sales manager of the Philippine Airlines office in San Francisco, celebrated her 65th birthday with a Luncheon Party held at the Philippine Consulate General Social Hall at 477 Sutter Street in San Francisco recently. Shown at photo from L-R: Genaro (Bong) Velasquez, PAL County Manager, Del Mirano, Sales District Manager of PAL, Daly City Councilman Dave Canepa, presenting State of California Senate Recognition Certificate to Mrs. Lavarias for her support and help for the Fil-Am Community in the Bay Area and Rolly Lavarias, the celebrant’s husband.

ST. PATRICK CHURCH MARDI GRAS IN JULY

Photo show from L-R: 1st Princess Mardi Gras 2009 Ofelia Goodwine, Stanly Valenton, Mardi Gras Queen 2009 Veronica Velasco, Fr. Ed Dura and 2nd Princess Mardi Gras 2009 Heidi Runyan, Clovis Lealde.

Fr. Noel Laput, Msgr. Peter Correa, Fr. Alex Pablo, Fr. Ed Dura, Virginia Dilim, Celso Mangoba and Rose Mangoba.

Front from L-R: Ampy Arthtes, Dolly dela Cruz, Nits Baxter. Back L-R: Terry Pedrola, Rudy Concepcion and Rose Mangoba

Tiffany Attwood

TIFFANY ATTWOOD, a Democrat who originally hails from Hayward, is the only minority women with Filipino-Latina Heritage who will run for Congressional District of California, was a special guests of Buri-Buri Filipino-American Association during the every Thursday afternoon ballroom party held at Buri-Buri Social Hall in Arroyo Drive in South San Francisco. Shown at photo from L-R: Josie Haris, Campaign Manager, Edna Macalinao, 1st Lady, Mrs. Attwood, Moring Macalinao, President, Liza Ammon, Campaign Manager Liza Ammon, and Fe Hernandez, Vice President.

Birthday Corner

HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Mama Perlie Lontoc and Maddie's Birthday at Sunnyvale Residence, August 8, 2009. Photo from Top L- R: Myna, Magda, Luz, Lito, Robert, Russell, Mayet, Bubbles .Bottom L-R: Norma, Matthew, Marie, Mama Perlie, Maddie and Jessica.

BIRTHDAY AND RETIREMENT. Ful B. Mangoba celebrated his 74th birthday and retirement for 23 years working at Grand Sierra Resort in Reno Nevada on July 8, 2009. Photo from L-R: Leticia, Aciyah, Dana, Monette, Rodel, Ful and Odette Mangoba.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Donna (Kuya Dee) Smith is celebrating her 51st birthday on August 12, 2009. Greetings from friends in the entertainment industry.