McCafé launched the new frozen strawberry lemonade.

Today, customers can visit McDonald’s restaurants across the country to experience the newest blended ice beverage on the McCafé menu - Frozen Strawberry Lemonade. McCafé Frozen Strawberry Lemonade is a unique twist on an old favorite, combining tart frozen lemonade with sweet strawberry syrup swirl.

This new menu innovation is available in small (12 oz.), medium (16 oz.) and large (22 oz.) sizes, and features a taste profile unlike other products currently on the McDonald’s menu, coupling together two of America’s favorite flavors – strawberry and lemon.
For more information about McCafé Frozen Strawberry Lemonade visit www.mcdonalds.com/lemonade.

About McDonald’s
McDonald’s USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome food made from quality ingredients to more than 26 million customers every day. Nearly 90 percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local business men and women. Customers can now log online for free at any of the 11,500 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald’s U.S. restaurants. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter (@McDonalds) and @McCafeyourday) and Facebook (Facebook.com/McDonalds) for updates on our business, promotions and products.

Edna's Ichiban Library turns 9

For the past 8 years, Edna’s Ichiban Library has been the home of multi –talented performers entertaining our “ kababayans” through music, comedy and various special events. It has also satisfied the palettes of its patrons with good food and excellent customer service.

On May 27 and 29, Edna’s Ichiban celebrates its 9th Anniversary with a show entitled “In Retrospect”. This show features Ichiban’s pool of talents which includes Divo Bayer, Miriam Pantig, Angelica, Jesse, Rey Kilay, Vivorah and Poca. This will also showcase the directorial concept of one of Ichiban’s performers, Thage Montecarlo. An alumni of the Philippine Education Theater Association also known as PETA, Thage aims to elevate Ichiban’s entertainment to a “higher level” through this show. His directorial debut of Ichiban Idol-The Finale, a singing contest held at Cache Creek Club 88 in Brooks California hailed positive revues from critics all over the Bay Area.

Special guests include Miss Jackie Castillejo-Guingona, Miss Fe de los Reyes and Ichiban Idol Champion Ellona Santiago.

With the creative contribution of respected actress and director Suzette Ranillo, In Retrospect promises to showcase Ichiban’s performers’ diversified versatility and inventiveness. For inquiries and reservations please contact Edna’s Ichiban at 2236 Westborough Boulevard, South San Francisco CA, 94080.

VISIT OF AMBASSADOR CUISIA TO SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee with Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. at the City Hall. Also in the photo are Consul General Marciano A. Paynor, Jr., Board of Supervisors President David Chiu, Board Member Hydra Mendoza of the San Francisco Unified School District, Commissioner Dennis Normandy of the San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee, and Ms. Lisa Ang of the Office of the Mayor of San Francisco.

Netsuite representative James Dantow receiving a certificate of appreciation from Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. during the welcome reception at Mark Hopkins Intercontinental Hotel.

San Francisco, California – Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. made an official visit to San Francisco on 12-13 May 2011 to meet with city government officials, business executives, Filipino American community leaders and youth representatives, as well as attend the turnover ceremony of the USCGC Hamilton to the Philippine Navy in Alameda. The visit of Ambassador Cuisia is his first to the Bay Area and outside of Washington DC.

Upon his arrival on 12 May, Ambassador Cuisia together with Consul General Marciano A. Paynor, Jr. and Trade Commissioner Josephine Romero motored to Silicon Valley, where they were given a site tour and briefing on the Plug and Play Tech Center. Later, they met with members of the Science and Technology Advisory Council-Silicon Valley (STAC-SV) to discuss the group’s priority projects with the Philippine Government.

At the Mark Hopkins Intercontinental Hotel in the evening, Ambassador Cuisia was formally welcomed by the Filipino American Community. The reception which was organized by the Philippine Consulate General was attended by more than 200 guests, including San Francisco Board of Supervisors President David Chiu, California State Senator Leland Yee, and a number of elected and appointed Filipino American officials. A presentation on the SAVE Our Industries Act prepared by Trade Commissioner Josephine Romero preceded the main program, where Ambassador Cuisia talked to the community and discussed, among others, the role they can play in advancing the country’s interests. One of the highlights of the program was the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the groups and individuals who helped in the promotion of the SAVE Act, like Netsuite which sponsored the software for the proposed bill’s viral campaign and the Filipino American youth members who served as volunteers in this effort.

The following day, 13 May, Ambassador Cuisia met with San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee and Board of Supervisors President David Chiu at City Hall. The Ambassador was accompanied to the meeting by Consul General Paynor. Ambassador Cuisia and the city executives discussed the contributions made by Filipino Americans to the political, economic, and social growth of the City and County of San Francisco. They also agreed to undertake more exchanges in the fields of trade, business, education and culture. Later, a reception was hosted for Ambassador Cuisia by Board of Supervisors President David Chiu inside his office in City Hall. The reception was attended by Filipino American city government officials as well as members of the San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee.

Following his meetings at City Hall, Ambassador Cuisia proceeded to Alameda, where he attended the turnover ceremony of the USCGC Hamilton to the Philippine Navy. The vessel was acquired by the Philippine Government under the Foreign Sales military program of the U.S. Government and will be used for search and rescue operations and protection of the country’s maritime areas and exclusive economic zone. The transfer documents were signed by Ambassador Cuisia and Vice Admiral Manson K. Brown, Commander of the Pacific Area and Coast Guard Defense West of the United States Coast Guard.

Ambassador Cuisia concluded his successful visit to San Francisco by meeting with Filipino American youth representatives, who are working as executives in firms such as Genentech, Electronic Arts, CISCO, Facebook, PG&E, Google, Nvidia and representing organizations like PICPA-USA, Young Filipino Professionals Association, KAYA Filipino Americans for Progress, Filipino Entrepreneurs Network (FEN), and the SF Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce. As the youth leaders are third and fourth generation Filipino Americans, Ambassador Cuisia encouraged them to give something back to the Philippines by utilizing their entrepreneurial and technical skills in support of the country’s development. To continually engage the younger generation of Filipino American business professionals, Ambassador Cuisia agreed to their suggestion to hold regular monthly meetings at the Philippine Center in San Francisco, where a lounge will be reserved for them for this purpose.

Community Pictures

Going Away Party Richard Hudson, VA Hospital, Livermore. Fr.Left to Right Richard Hudson, Monching Mendoza, Maria Carena (Site Manager), Georgia Giouzelis, Barbara Forbes (Supervisor), Larry Lontoc, Zaldy Almacen, Nicole Haggins

Belle Santos (4th from the left) was recently honored as the 7th District Assembly Woman of the Year for 2011 at the California State Capitol. She is the daughter of Raphael G. and Ester Santos of Vallejo CA, Owners of Raphael Catering.

Consuelo Fontillas celebrated her 88th birthday in San Francisco with family and friends. L-R standing; Lito Crizaldo, Riz Castro, Shoji Amano(from Japan) and Joan Fontillas. L-R sitting: Rosabelle Ferrer, Merly Amano (from Japan), Shirley Castro, Tess Gregorio, the celebrant Consuelo Fontillas and her son Victor Fontillas.

40th Wedding Anniversary - Elly & Norma Valle Celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary at the Embassy Suites last April 30th. Several friends and families graced the affair. In this photo are the following seated from left to right: Dr. Filoteo Alano & wife Flory & Lani San Gabriel. Standing from left to right: Erlinda Kloulubak, Marites Famacion, Elly & Norma Valle (the celebrants) Ramon San Gabriel and daughter Iliana.

Members of the De La Salle Alumni Association welcomed the Philippine Ambassador to the United States for his first official visit in San Francisco last May 12th, 2011 at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins SF. (From L-R) Manolo Relova, Tom Umali, Philippine Ambassador Jose Cuisia, Irvin Sevilla, Manny Noguera and Vic Santos behind.

Issue 21: May 25, 2011

THE MANHATTAN CONNECTION,
THE SONGS OF JOSE MARI CHAN
(Multi-awarded Grammy artist, Janis Siegel of The Manhattan Transfer produces Filipino Songwriter’s latest Album, recorded in New York by America’s Jazz & Pop Artists)

SEEN IN THE CITY

Jose Mari Chan is one of the best selling singers/songwriters in the Philippines, having achieved 3 Diamond Record Awards in record sales. To-date, that is a record unprecedented in our country. Personally, I grew up listening to his songs, whose music is as soft and mellow as his speaking voice. Looking back, the melody of “Constant Change” never left my mind from early in the morning commute to school up to the time in bed listening to my FM radio station. His music appeal even reached foreign ears like in Indonesia where his songs are played all day long in the malls.

Jose Mari Chan's "Constant Change" and other songs were recorded in New York City by American Artists, produced by The Manhattan Transfer's Janis Siegel. Now available on iTunes & Starbucks!

Cover of New York-recorded CD album, The Manhattan Connection, The Songs of Jose Mari Chan, featuring Chan's biggest hits in the Philippines -Constant Change, Thank You Love, Love Lost, I've Found My World In You, A Heart's Journey, Like Night and Day, So I'll Go, Spellbound, among others.

Janis Siegel, the 9-time Grammy winning solo artist and founding member of The Manhatan Transfer has just produced famous Filipino composer/songwriter Jose Mari Chan's CD Album in New York

Now, for the first time, a fitting tribute to the greatness of Jose Mari Chan by a group of American Jazz & Pop artists who recorded his songs in New York City, are compiled in a 12-track Album produced by no less than Janis Siegel (the 9-time Grammy winning solo artist and founding member of The Manhatan Transfer). The music was arranged by widely-recognized musician, Yaron Gershovsky.

The songs in the album include “Constant Change” and “Stay, My Love” performed by Nic Bearde; “Like Night & Day” performed by Roger Treece and Lauren Kinhan; “Thank You, Love” performed by Julie Hardy; “I Have Found My World In You” and “Easier Said Than Done” performed by Kellylee Evans; “A Heart’s Journey” performed by Leo Sidran; “Love Lost” performed by Lisa Fischer; “Walking In The Moonlight” performed by Theo Bleckmann with a cappella intro by Janis Siegel and Laurel Massé; “So I’ll Go” performed by Laurel Massé, Janis Siegel, and Lauren Kinhan; and “Spellbound” performed by Miles Griffith.

Seen at the recent Agooenians of America, Inc. Induction of Officers Ball in San Jose's Crowne Plaza Hotel (STANDING L-R) Bradford Adkins, Olivia T. Ronquillo, Romeo E. Ronquillo (President, Agooenians of America, Inc.), Jocelyn Tabora, Mayor Joe Esteves, Prudy Valdez. (SEATED L-R): Atty. Rudy Rivera, Consul Alfonso Ver, Dr. Gene Balbuena, Dr. Trining Balbuena.

This album released May 1, 2011 is such a huge landmark in Philippine music industry. I just purchased it through iTunes on my iPhone; it’s that easy. It can also be purchased at Starbucks and online at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/josemarichan1

Now making waves in the acting department, Louise Abuel, 7, pits talent against Xyriel Manabat in ABS-CBN's latest teleserye, "100 Days to Heaven". During shooting, he imagines his grandma leaving him for the US to motivate him to cry. Owww...:(

Philippine Consul General Marciano Paynor, Jr.s (being interviewed by ABS-CBN's Balitang America's Henni Espinosa) will grace the 1st Year Anniversary celebration of Seasons MarketPlace at Landess this Saturday.

Incidentally, people in the Philippines can catch up and listen to the great musician Jose Mari Chan at the SMX Convention Center Function Hall 5 at his latest show called “It's Complicated: A Valentine Concert in July” to be held on? 07.23.2011. He will perform with Armed and Ready - The sensational five, The CompanY. Get your tickets now at SM Tickets (632) 470-22-22 or call (632) 753-1609 for limited VIP seats!

TO-BE-SEEN IN THE CITY
Seasons MarketPlace Anniversary

The Seasons MarketPlace at Landess Avenue in Milpitas, CA is celebrating its First Year Anniversary on Saturday, May 28, 2011 at 1:00pm. A Santa Cruzan and Flores De Mayo Parade will take place with Special Guests Mayor and Mrs. Jose Esteves and Philippine Consul General Marciano Paynor, Jr.

The ABS CBN Foundation International’s flagship program, Bantay Bata (Child Watch), caravanned through California with stops at Redwood City, Vallejo, Los Angeles and two Southern California hospitals. Photo shows the e mployees of Pacific Health Corporation at Bellflower Medical who joined Tina Monzon-Palma, Bantay Bata Executive Director, Journalist and Philanthropist.

It's reported online that Manny Pacquiao will fight next, Mexican rival, Juan Manuel Marquez on November 12, 2011 probably in Vegas (shown here with San Jose's Agnes Aguirre during his post-fight Thanksgiving & Victory Mass at the Mandalay Bay Las Vegas).

Food merchants will have booths on the West Parking Lot and will offer food tasting.

The program, which will start at 1:00pm will include:
A historical primer on “What is Santa Cruzan & Flores de Mayo?”
Opening Prayer by Father Andy Ligot
Introduction of Hermano and Hermana
Start of Procession
Welcome Message by Milpitas Mayor Joe Estevez
Opening Remarks by Philippine Consul General Marciano Paynor, Jr.
Flower Dance by Kawayan Folk Arts
Fashion Parade of the Sagalas
Coronation of Reina Elena & Blessed Mary
For more information, please contact Gabrielle Ramos, Merchant Relations and Marketing Support of Seasons MarketPlace at Landess, 1535 Landess Avenue, Milpitas, CA 95035, Tel: (408) 586-9800 Fax: (408) 586-9899

Personals
Introducing..Louise Abuel in “100 Days To Heaven”

ABS-CBN starts them young as they introduce in their latest teleserye hitting the TV screens these days, “100 Days To Heaven” featuring opposite Xyriel Manabat, their 7-year old newest find, Louise Abuel. At a tender age, Louise is a veteran of high-profile TV commercials in the Philippines, appearing in Meralco, Lucky Me Noodles, Globe Telecom, and Purefoods Tender Juicy Hotdog with John Lloyd Cruz, among others. He has roots in the City of Daly City. Already, people are noticing his knack for natural acting and when his Daly City grandma asked where he gets all the emotion, especially in the dramatic scenes, he says “ini-imagine ko lang po ung iniwan niyo po ako nung pumunta kayo sa US”. Loosely translated, he imagines his grandma leaving him behind when she flew to the US, whenever he is asked to cry in a scene.

Philippine Consul General Marciano Paynor, Jr. (being interviewed here by ABS-CBN's Balitang America's Henni Espinosa) will grace the Seasons MarketPlace at Landess anniversary this Saturday.

Angel Sagmit celebrated her 3rd birthday with a grand celebration of Capampangan food, drinks, pinata, giant jumper playhouse with a slide, etc at their house in San Jose last Saturday, shown here with parents Rolan & Mina & brother, AJ .

Philippine Independence Day at The San Francisco City Hall

The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, the Bay Area Filipino American Community and the San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee all collaborate to commemorate the 113th Anniversary of Philippine Independence, the 150th Anniversary of the Birth of National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal and the 50th Anniversary of the Founding of the San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee at a GALA EVENING on Sunday, June 12, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at The Rotunda of the San Francisco City Hall located at 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Civic Center, San Francisco. Cocktail Reception at The North Light Court follows at 7:00 p.m, then the $100 per plate Dinner and a Program. Due to the venue’s capacity, limited number of guests were sent personal invites and are encouraged to wear formal gowns & tuxedos. This Columnist is honored to be invited and will attend this celebration.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Honestly, I have no files for it. I called the U.S. and asked to look for more files. It's not here. It's like a deed of sale," by Southern Philippines businessman Lynard Allan Bigcas who has admitted that he has no deed of sale for the motorcycle of Hollywood Scriptwriter Skip Woods’ $80,000 motorcycle, a Martin Brothers Harley Davidson original, which was stolen in Houston, TX last year, as reported by ABS-CBN News Cagayan De Oro. Furthermore, the report stated that Bigcas failed to attend last Monday’s House of Representatives hearing in Manila, saying his lawyer got ill. Reportedly, a total of 11 luxury vehicles taken from the house of Bigcas were stolen in the United States, which include a Chevrolet Tahoe, Dodge Charger, Ranger RZR-UTV, Honda bike, Big Dog bike, Yamaha bike, Kawasaki Ninja and Chopper bike.

This article also appears online at www.FilipinoVillage.com and http://sites.google.com/site/adkinsmmcevents/Home/ with readership in 124 countries now (& still counting!) according to the latest Google Analytics report.

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