MON CARGO… ANG BEST FRIEND KO

Twenty-four years ago, Mon dela Vega Singh started a modest cargo company with one customer and one pick-up truck. And he’s never looked back since. Today, Mon Cargo is arguably one of the most successful balikbayan box service companies in the Bay Area. While its competitors might have an inclination to challenge this claim, Mon Cargo’s thousands of customers would be quick to attest to the reasons why such a statement could easily be defined as accurate.

With over two decades of service provided to its customers - their children and, in some cases, grandchildren - Mon Cargo has been described with the use of some choice words: competent, reliable, outstanding and, in all instances, honest. No small feat. But not unexpected with the likes of Mon, founder and chairman of Mon Cargo.
What sets his company apart, though, seems to be the fact that Mon always had a passion for the business. He knows firsthand the ins and outs of his trade and has literally checked every nook and cranny of his chosen profession.

One case in point that bears mentioning is this little anecdote. Before his first attempt at providing this service to others, he actually studied how it would affect him. Filling up two balikbayan boxes, the former machinist/travel agent/mailman hired a cargo company at the time and observed how they dealt with their customers and their precious cargo. From there, he fine-tuned the operation and applied his own touch.

Today, Mon Cargo continues to improve all aspects of their operations. And as the times change along with the needs of their customers, Mon Cargo adjusts to such needs. Which is why, with the growing number of Fil-Ams returning to the Philippines, a great deal of effort in providing great service to returning residents stays at the top of their list.

But while Mon Cargo has grown to full corporate status, in a lot of ways, they are still reminiscent of the old friendly neighborhood corner store. As the recession hit, more and more people were greatly affected financially. As Fe de los Reyes, in-house artist and VP for Marketing and Promotions, explains “The recession affected everyone. And yet, ang Pinoy, kahit hirap na, nagpapadala pa rin sa mga mahal sa buhay sa Pilipinas. And we adjust to their needs. We extend promos and we try to help hanggang kaya. Whatever their concerns are, MON CARGO always tries to help.”

“Tulad ngayon,“ Fe continues, “sa hirap o ginhawa--tuloy pa rin ang Pasko. And we will continue to accommodate our customers. Meron kaming 5+1 and 1+1 promo. You send 5 regular boxes to the Philippines, your 6th box is free. And you don‘t have to send them nang sabay-sabay. Or send 1 box naman meron kang 1 minibox free."
But the beauty of the whole thing is that through good or bad times, promo or not, the quality of Mon Cargo’s service is always of the same high standards. As Agnes Doniego Singh, President and CEO, so famously says, “In all our dealings, we make it a point to be friendly, courteous, fair and compassionate.” And that’s exactly what their customers take from their experience with Mon Cargo.

Which is why their tagline just feels so right. As Ms. de los Reyes utters in their newest ad, “Mon Cargo, Ang Best Friend Ko.. Sigurado!”. Because that’s what best friends do.

Mon Cargo Services Inc. offers the following services: Container Shipments for Returning Residents, Crating - Home Appliance / Furniture, Vehicle Shipments, Airline Tickets, Free Pick-Up, Free Replacement Box, Free Strapping, Insurance up to $ 500.00. To avail of Mon Cargo’s promotions, please call us toll free: 1-800-432-4300. For more information, visit our website at www.moncargoservice.com

WE WELCOME AGENTS!!

Community Pictures

Ray Satorre, CA State Commissioner and President of Medical Link Providers II, Inc. and Health Professionals, Inc. was given a Surprise Birthday Party by his employees held at Health Professional’s Office in Mission, Daly City recently. Shown at photo above are some of his well wishers on his natal day: (L-R) Joana Santos, Beauty Impressario Ferdie Villar, Daly City Councilwoman candidate for this year election, Dory Paniza and Elvie Angeles.

TATAY PABLO MESINA TURNS 95 ON AUGUST 15TH.The greatest gift that our dad has given us has been unconditional love. He loves us when times are good and he loves us when times are bad. His dedication to his family and his determination to create the best lifestyle for us has allowed us the opportunity to choose an alternative path. We learned the values of caring for others and the importance of being able to express our views and feelings openly. Thank you Dad for listening and caring, for giving and sharing, but most of all, we love the fact that you are our dad. Happy Birthday to you!

ALBERT GERARDO SR., businessman of Vallejo, California celebrated his birthday last August 7, 20010. With him in photo is Heidi Casco Salgado, daughter of Fely Gomez Casco of Daly City.

Engr. Rogelio V. Cabug and Dr. Elenita Pargas-Cabug celebrated their 1st Wedding Anniversary last July 30, 2010. Engr. Cabug is the owner of Roger & Sons General Contractor, in Daly City California.

Issue 33: August 11, 2010

Coco in Reno this Saturday
(Lighthouse Entertainment presents “Teleserye Royals”)

COCO SINGS. Coco Martin got one of the loudest cheers from the predominantly female crowd that attended the "Teleserye Royals" shows in Houston, Las Vegas and Los Angeles last week, according to audience postings online. Yes, he sang several numbers there and is expected to enthrall the female species anew in Reno this Saturday, August 14. Call Lighthouse Entertainment's Archie Mendiorro (510) 552-1546 or Nanette Labrador (510) 828-4792.

SEEN IN THE CITY

Ladies, come early and prepare for Teleserye King, Coco Martin’s unforgettable performance numbers (his first time in this side of the US, as far as I can recall) this coming Saturday, August 14th at the Reno Events Center as online postings from their recent “Teleserye Royals” Houston, Las Vegas and Los Angeles shows left the female audiences gasping, wanting and screaming (hint: there are biting and fruits involved) for more.

TELESERYE KINGS. Today's hottest Teleserye Royal Kings, (L-R) Coco Martin, Gerald Anderson and Gabby Concepcion, shown here backstage during their recent Houston show last weekend. They will perform again (together with Teleserye Queens Kim Chiu, Maricar Reyes, Maja Salvador, PDA Champion Yeng Constantino and topnotch comedian, Chokoleit) this Saturday, August 14 at the Reno Events Center starting at 7pm.

IT'S SHOWTIME IN CA. Sexy and versatile actress Angelica Panganiban joins the “Showtime” cast and America’s Best Dance Group "Jabbawockeez”at TFC's "One Kapamilya Go" event at the Great America Theme Park on September 12.

By the way, he sings, too! According to Mildred Monsada of Las Vegas , Coco is cuter when he sings (stop screaming now and close your mouth, Gina!).

His avid followers, who aptly call themselves the “Cocoholics” are high in spirits as Coco will be seen again soon in the Sarah Geronimo-Sam Milby starrer (a new tele/kantaserye ala Charice’s “Glee”) ‘Idol’ coming soon on our TFC TV screens.

IN THE FLESH. You have seen her recently on TV's "May Bukas Pa" and 'Lovers In Paris'. Now see her perform LIVE - the scandalously talented Maricar Reyes performs with other Teleserye Royals(Coco Martin, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Gabby Concepcion, Maja Salvador, et al) at the Reno Events Center on Saturday, August 14 starting at 7pm.

In addition, he will topbill a new Star Cinema-produced, Laurice Guillen-directed full-length movie titled “Sa ‘Yo Lamang” together with Bea Alonzo, Enchong Dee, Zanjoe Marudo, Shaina Magdayao, Diether Ocampo, Lorna Tolentino, Christopher De Leon, Dominic Ochoa, Empress, Lauren Young and Miles Ocampo.

GODDESS OF BEAUTY. Will 2010 Miss Philippines, Venus Raj (right) bring home the 3rd Miss Universe crown (after Gloria Diaz and Margie Moran) for our country? The signs are mostly encouraging - she was chosen by The Donald (yes, as in Trump) as one of only 6 (out of 83) candidates to fly in ahead of schedule to promote the pageant on various studio/media tours in Hollywood La La land in Los Angeles last week. She was and still is leading the online poll since Day 1 (you can still vote for her at www.MissUniverse.Org). And pictures don't lie - as various published photos of her circulating online from various pageant activities consistently show her standing out from among the pack. Watch the finals live at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on Monday, August 23rd or on NBC TV.

Aside from Coco , “Teleserye Royals” also features today’s hottest loveteam, Gerald Anderson (is it true you gave your friend and singer-actor Jay-R Siaboc a 2nd hand BMW car? Yes, a car??) and Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador, Maricar Reyes, former Bay Area resident Gabby Concepcion, PDA Grand Champion Yeng Constantino and topnotch comedian, Chokoleit.

Ladies, please note that Coco will not be seen in next month’s “One Kapamilya Go” as erroneously reported in other media, so this is your only chance left to watch/catch/scratch him this year, Ok?

Matthew Parry-Jones, a 9-year old Half-British Filipino Bay Area resident (mom, the former Evelyn Resurreccion, is from Surigao who lived in Cebu before moving to UK) will perform at The Herbst Theater in San Francisco on August 22. Purchase tickets online at: http://www.sfcmt.com/now-playing/.

For VIP tickets, call Lighthouse Entertainment's Archie Mendiorro (510) 552-1546 or Nanette Labrador (510) 828-4792. The Reno Events Center is located at 400 N. Center Street in downtown Reno . Show starts at 7pm.

TO-BE-SEEN IN THE CITY

“One Kapamilya Go” September 12 at California ’s Great America
(Entire “Showtime” cast, Angelica Panganiban, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Pooh, Bugoy Drilon, Jovit Baldivino and Jabbawockeez lead star line-up)

The 2010 event series of ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel, TFC Summer Saya sa America (TFC Summer Joy in America), heads for the homestretch with the most anticipated, star-studded, activity-filled and happiest Filipino event of the year for the whole family.

After drawing 10,000 attendees in 2009, TFC’s One Kapamilya Go returns to California ’s Great America in Santa Clara , California promising a slam-bang event packed with world-class performances, high-energy numbers, merchandise, activity and Filipino food booths, free film screenings together with the park’s thrill and family rides, KidZville, the new Planet Snoopy and other family attractions. The main show will be at the park’s Redwood Amphitheatre but activities will be up to the Picnic Pavilion area. One Kapamilya Go is a specially ticketed event which gives guests access to the festival area, shows and California 's Great America theme park.
The major difference this year for One Kapamilya Go is that TFC is putting the Filipinos in the U.S. on center stage by way of bringing the entire cast of the top-rated TFC talent show, “Showtime”, which is making its debut stint outside Philippine shores in this event. The fun-loving, wacky cast includes Vhong Navarro, Anne Curtis, Vice Ganda, Kim Atienza, Teddy Corpuz and Jugs Jugueta.

“Showtime” is getting its contestants for One Kapamilya Go by conducting group auditions (12 to 20 members). For more information, visit www.onekapamilyago.com.

The “Showtime” cast will be joined by America’s sexy and versatile actress Angelica Panganiban, RP’s hottest young loveteam Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson otherwise known as “Kimerald”, comedian Pooh, singing sensations Bugoy Drilon from “Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2” and Jovit Baldivino of “Pilipinas Got Talent” and America’s Best Dance Group Jabbawockeez.

Starry Starry Store will hold several screenings of a special movie in two theatres this year: Great America Theatre and Showtime Theatre. Seating will be on a first come, first served basis. Last year, all screenings of the movie, “And I Love You So” starring Sam Milby, Bea Alonzo and Derey Ramsay drew capacity crowds at the Great America Theatre.

Ms. Leonie Domingo, crowned as Mrs. Rang-Ay 2010-2011 (Mrs. Wealth), US Ilocano Association, Inc. Her escort is her husband, Mr. Edison Domingo.

PISTAHAN PARADE (L-R) Hermano and Hermana Mayors this year - Philippine Consul General Marciano Paynor and Mrs. Tessie Paynor, shown here with San Francisco's Commissioner for Entertainment, Al Perez. Enjoy the festivities, FREE, this weekend (Aug 14-15) at the Yerba Buena Gardens in downtown San Francisco.

MYX®, America ’s only music entertainment and lifestyle channel dedicated to the Asian American community, will have its own talent showcase and youth attractions in the Picnic Pavilion.

“This is the culminating event for TFC Summer Saya sa America so expectations are flying high,” said Jun Del Rosario, TFC Business Unit Head and ABS-CBN International Senior Director for Cable & Satellite. “But we’re very excited with our line-up and concept for this year, especially because we’re creating a very interactive main show and we’re letting the people be the real stars of the show. Attendees – who mostly come as families or in groups - are in for a truly grand time.”

“We always try to set the bar higher for One Kapamilya Go as far as quality entertainment and event experience are concerned," said ABS-CBN International Managing Director Olivia De Jesus. “Since 2008, we’ve had a record of huge attendance and an overall satisfaction among our supporters, sponsors, vendors and partners. We intend to keep it that way: a win-win for all year in and year out for the event."

HIGH SCHOOL CLASS REUNION. The Holy Angel College high school class of 1968 once again proved that the "Good Old Times" linger forever. Another fun-filled three-day reunion event was recently held in Las Vegas to reminisce the good old times and add more. As can be seen in the photo above, everyone was a picture of happiness while singing the immortal song "Auld Lang Syne" during the Prom Night event. Truly, Batch '68 (also known as the "Victors") have kept and maintained their strong ties as they reunite ... which started from their 20th Reunion held in their hometown, Angeles City. The recent Las Vegas Reunion marked their 42nd, and they are now looking forward to the next one (the 45th) to be held in Angeles City, Philippines in 2013!

One Kapamilya Go sa California ’s Great America is presented by ABS-CBN International in cooperation with the Bay Area College of Nursing, Globe Telecom, the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel, Inc., Ramar Foods International and Western Union .

For more information, please visit www.onekapamilyago.com. Check out also the TVC at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ea8RQY4cs8. One Kapamilya Go is a specially ticketed event. You can purchase tickets online at www.cagreatamerica.com/abscbn or visit or visit Northern California branches of Seafood City , Goldilocks and Mango Tours.

PERSONAL NOTES

Fil-Am, 9, performs at Herbst Theater Aug 22
Matthew Parry-Jones, who turns 10 in September was born in Makati Medical Center , the Philippines . His Filipina mom, the former Evelyn Resurreccion (born in Surigao, raised in Cebu) was in the music industry herself, performing at an early age and winning competitions in the Philippines . Before moving to England when Matthew was not quite a year, Evelyn used to take him to his sister Maresha’s voice lessons at the Centre for Pop Music in Makati .

Evelyn Resurreccion Parry-Jones started emphasizing music when Matthew was 4. She began coaching him, finding the best music style that works for him. For now, that style focuses toward Jazz and Swing. Part of his training included waking up at 5:00am in the morning to go to Myland Park in Essex , England and start vocalizing and shouting while running.

According to Evelyn, Matthew likes it when the audience begins to “groove”. He has graduated from an International School for Performing arts for acting and modeling and just finished filming a pilot TV series titled “REAL KIDS ADVENTURES”. Matthew has also attended the Bay Area Shakespeare Acting Workshop.

Matthew keeps a pretty busy schedule these days. Not only he is an honor student of Longfellow Elementary School in San Francisco , he also spends quite a bit of time practicing his talents and has been active singing at various venues for the past months. He helps out fundraising events and does volunteering jobs to feed the homeless aside from entertaining them with his songs. Matthew has sung in church offerings and also performed in front of our senior friends in the old people’s homes.

In April Matthew was proclaimed top one finalist for the “Show Me Your Talent” a reality talent competition which will be aired on American and Philippine television. He was also one of the top finalists at the Seafood City Fiesta Filipina Singing competition and proclaimed first prize winner at the San Francisco Boys and Girls Club.

Performing is nothing new to Matthew. Even before he was out of diapers, Matthew was delighting audiences promoting Huggies diapers on Filipino television and in print ads. He was featured one of the 10 most beautiful babies in the Philippines by Good Housekeeping Magazine.
Today, Matthew is enjoying and steadily building a strong singing and acting career starring at festivals, events and social functions. He has performed in front of our famous figures which he is very proud of like Senator Leland Yee, Census Director Ditas Katague, Lt. Governor Mona Pasquil and many more.

He has also performed with some famous artists in the Philippines and spends weekend gigs in many different locations. In just the short time he has lived in the United States , Matthew has been busy working on making a name for himself.

Just recently, Matthew received a scholarship grant to perform at the famous Herbst Theatre in San Francisco on August 22nd. To purchase tickets, please visit on line at: http://www.sfcmt.com/now-playing/.The show will be directed by the well known John Bisceglie who has won numerous awards in the field. John Bisceglie has produced and directed several original productions to name a couple: “Forever Broadway” and “SF Follies” which were hits in the San Francisco Union Square theatres.

Matthew is just a regular down to earth, happy child. He attends Longfellow Elementary School in San Francisco and looks forward to a hot chocolate during the winter. If in future you would like Matthew to participate in any of your social functions and fundraising events please contact his mom at e_parryjones@hotmail.com

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"You may very well work extremely hard and seldom score. But occasionally—very occasionally—you get one or two great chances and you make decisive strikes that really matter." by Mr. Li Lu (originally from China’s Tiananmen Square, now a Hedge-fund Manager in the US and being highly-touted as the possible heir-apparent to Warren Buffett) tell investors he took a lesson from watching the World Cup, comparing his investment style to soccer. Soccer and Investing, you learn new things about life and money from unexpected places.

This column also appears online at www.FilipinoVillage.com and http://sites.google.com/site/adkinsmmcevents/Home/ with readership in 89 countries now, according to the latest Google Analytics report.

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

Community Pictures

Susan Pacifico, San Jose’s Fashionable Lady and Prima Ballerina, will be turning 72 years old on Sunday, July 11. Some of her relatives are coming from the Philippines and others part of the United States. The grand birthday celebration will be on August 14 with a Dinner and Dance to be held at the Grange Hall 2840 Aborn Road in San Jose at 5:30 p.m.

Actor singer Jericho Rosales, singer-dancer Gab Valenciaco and former "Pinoy Dream Academy" winner Yeng Constantino with a Welcome Dinner Party by Ben and Edna Ramos, owners of Edna’s Ichiban Library held recently. Shown at photo from L-R: Ben and Edna Ramos, Yeng Constantino, Beauty Impresario Ferdie Villar, Jericho Rosales, Daly City Councilman Dave Canepa and Gab Valenciano.

Nick Guzman’s 40th Birthday celebration with friends and family hosted by Krystal Toong.

FILCA President Julie S. Pimentel, is shown receiving a Certificate of Recognition of Senator Leeland Yee during the anniversary dinner and dance of the organization held at Buri-Buri Social hall in Arroyo Drive last June 21st. Mrs. Pimentel is celebrating her birthday on Sunday, July 11 at San Francisco Recreation Center in San Francisco at 1:00 p.m.

Riel Tanedo, eldest son of Pittsburg Community leaders Fernand and Susan Tanedo, celebrated his 21st birthday recently with a dinner and dance held at the Tanedo residence. Photo from L-R: Andres Lin Fan, June Battung, the celebrant, Bobbie Amogan, and Neville Bendiola. Riel is a member of Fusion Dance Group.

Bernadette Munoz Roco, Finance Director of Roco Medical Clinic ni Posh Street in San Francisco, and Seton Medical Center in Sullivan Avenue in Daly City, is the 1st Filipina balikbayan who attended the inauguration of the 15th President of the Philippines His Excellency Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, held last Wednesday, June 30 at Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park, Manila. Mrs. Roco is shown at photo congratulating the new president of our country.

Joseph Goloski, program manager of the Office of International Affairs of Visa Security Program of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Washington, D.C. and his wife Charito Que Galoski gave a Graduation Party in honor of their son Sean, who graduated at Hayward University recently at Moonstar Restaurant in Geller Blvd in Daly City. Shown at photo with their son Sean.

Former Mrs. R.P.-USA Jane Tan Kellner, celebrated her 51st birthday with her family at the new Thunder Valley Hotel Resort in Sacramento, CA. She is one of the celebrity special guests for the grand opening at America the Beautiful Concert held at the night of her birthday. Shown at photo with Ms. Kellner is her favorite physician Dr. Tony Wong of Seton medical Center.

Community

From left to right: Agent Dennis Biscocho, APIASF Representative Patty LimJap, Agent Joy Cai, Scholar Michael Xie, Scholar Harriet Hu, Scholar Jenny Fang, Scholar Sophia Vu, Agent Tina Jang

San Francisco Area High School Students Awarded Scholarships from APIASF and Farmers Insurance®

SAN FRANCISCO — Farmers Insurance® and the Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF), the largest nonprofit organization in the U.S. that provides college scholarships to students of Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) descent, recently awarded $80,000 in scholarships to high school students from around the country. Today, several of these scholarship recipients from the San Francisco area were presented with certificates of recognition at a reception hosted by the insurance company.

Jenny Fang, Harriet Hu, Sophia Vu, Michael Xie, Julia Yu and Yipeng Yu were among the more than 32 scholars selected nationally to each receive the $2,500 Farmers/APIASF Scholarship. The students are graduates from Galileo Academy of Science and Technology, George Washington H.S., Lowell H.S., Archbishop Riordan and Philip and Sala Burton Academic H.S.
“These young, talented individuals have a bright future ahead of them,” said Farmers agent Dennis Biscocho. “We are proud to recognize these students for their academic achievements and service to our community in San Francisco and hope that this scholarship can help them accomplish their future goals and dreams.”

The APIASF/Farmers Scholarship is the result of an ongoing partnership between Farmers Insurance and APIASF. It is designed to provide direct scholarship support and student outreach initiatives aimed at increasing access to higher education in underserved communities across America.

“It’s an honor to be able to recognize deserving students for their hard work both in the classroom and in our community,” said Daniel Chang, Director of Multicultural Marketing for Farmers Insurance. “We know that investing in these future leaders like Jenny, Harriet, Sophia, Michael, Julia and Yipeng will help make our communities stronger and more vibrant. This partnership with APIASF embodies our company’s commitment to education and the Asian-American community.”

To date, the Farmers/APIASF partnership has provided 64 students with $160,000 in much-needed scholarship funds. This year’s Farmers Scholars included students from across the country, including states such as California, Minnesota, and Texas.

“Thanks to support from Farmers Insurance, APIASF is able to help students such as these from the San Francisco area to access higher education and reach their true potential,” said Neil Horikoshi, President and Executive Director of APIASF. “This group of students has already shown a desire to give back to their community and truly represent the future leaders of this country.”

About APIASF

Based in Washington, D.C., the Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF) is the nation’s largest non-profit organization devoted solely to providing scholarships for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans (APIA). Since 2003, APIASF has provided a critical bridge to higher education for APIA students across the country by awarding more than $3 million in scholarships to deserving students. APIASF manages two scholarship programs: APIASF’s general scholarship and the Gates Millennium Scholars/Asian Pacific Islander Americans funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Corporate supporters include, but are not limited to: AT&T Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, Farmers Insurance Group of Companies, ING, Macy’s Inc., McDonald’s, Sodexo Foundation, United Health Foundation, USA Funds, Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation, Walmart, Walmart Foundation and Wells Fargo. For more information on APIASF, please visit www.apiasf.org.

About Farmers Group, Inc.

Farmers is a trade name and may refer to Farmers Group, Inc. or the Farmers Exchanges, as the case may be. Farmers Group, Inc., a management and holding company, along with its subsidiaries, is wholly owned by the Zurich Financial Services Group. The Farmers Exchanges are three reciprocal insurers (Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange and Truck Insurance Exchange), including their subsidiaries and affiliates, owned by their policyholders, and managed by Farmers Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information about Farmers, visit our Web site at www.farmers.com.

Issue 28: July 7, 2010

Arnel Rocks Reno!
(Palm Springs, New Jersey and Canada are next)

By Bradford Adkins, Manila Mail Community Editor

Journey's Arnel Pineda showed Reno audiences how much he loves to rock, by delivering a high-powered version of "Eye of the Tiger," his opening song number.

Arnel Pineda really showed 'em how he "loves to rock" in Reno last Saturday, with (L-R) Line Producer, Nanette Labrador, Las Vegas-based Road Manager, Yul Session and Executive Producer, Archie Mendiorro. The show was a huge success, in all aspects. Congratulations, Lighthouse Entertainment!

All the stars and other heavenly bodies seemed to be aligned perfectly last Saturday night when “Arnel Pineda Loves To Rock” concert took place in Reno .

The venue ( Reno ’s Best Kept Secret these days) is the newly-expanded (at a cost of $400 Million; they added 600 more all-suite rooms, among others!) Peppermill Casino Resort – The Tuscany Events Center located on the 2nd floor (just above the casino area) with 6 giant HD screens and an in-house sound system that is every world-class singer’s dream. The iPhone generation concert-goers (their LED phone displays replaced the lit cigarettes seen during the concert of yesteryears) poured in from all places and filled the 4,000-seater venue to capacity, shortly before the show started at around 8:00 P.M.

Lighthouse Entertainment's Chief of Security San Jose's Rolan Sagmit ensured The Ultimate Champion, Rachelle Ann Go's safety last Saturday's "Arnel Pineda Loves To Rock" concert in Reno.

Journey’s Arnel Pineda opened the show with Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” that set the tone of the evening – rocking wild! And then suddenly, the place transformed into a giant ‘4th of July’ party celebration. He followed with Ewan Ko Ba, Jailhouse Rock and Hocus Pocus.

Arnel took under his wings (a promise he finally fulfilled), his original band from the Philippines - The Ammo Band, before he goes on another world tour with his mainstream band, The Journey. He sang an OPM Medley of songs that night with The Ammo Band.

Rachelle Ann Go followed with Honestly, her impersonation of Philippine Divas (Jessa Zaragoza, Jaya, etc) and Cryin’.

And then, Arnel and Rachelle performed a couple of duet numbers - Almost Paradise and I Love Rock & Roll, a vocal display of both performers’ calisthenics.

Arnel was definitely in his elements when he did the Bon Jovi Medley – Bad Name, It’s My Life, Living In A Prayer. My Sharona, Sometimes A Fantasy, Sweet Child O’Mine.

The show is for the benefit of the street school project of the APF USA, APF Inc., and the Arnel Pineda Foundation so Arnel performed a fitting tribute song next - “Imagine” by John Lennon.
Arnel’s version of Queen Medleys – Love of Mine, Bohemian Rhapsody, Another One Bites The Dust, Radio Ga Ga, Crazy Little Thing, We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions, sent the auditorium on a bigger fire with audiences now surging towards the stage, dancing, clapping and screaming.

Since Arnel can’t contractually perform Journey music on his own tours, he sang “Faithfully” A Capella, to the huge delight of the audience where time seemed to have banished altogether (it was almost midnight, folks!) with their voices (it’s good there was no work the next day).
To summarize it all, this is The Concert we are all waiting for. If you can only afford one concert (due to recession) to go to this summer, make it this one. Do not miss (there is a double-dip recession coming up) the rest of the tour’s high-octane performances at the following cities:
* Rancho Mirage Casino Resort in Palm Springs , Southern CA on Saturday, July 10 at 8:00 PM (by RONGI Enterprises, Inc. & TEN The Entertainment Network)
* Edmonton, Alberta on Saturday, July 17 at Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
* Vancouver, BC • Sunday, July 18 at the Center for Performing Arts
* Calgary, Alberta • Friday, July 23 at Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
* Atlantic City, NJ Sunday, July 25, 2:00 PM at Boardwalk Hall's Adrian Phillips Ballroom (produced by MPG Global Productions, LLC in cooperation with Topnotch Electronics)
* Toronto • Friday, July 30, 7:30PM at Roy Thomson Hall
Again, congratulations to Lighthouse Entertainment (Archie Mendiorro and Nanette Labrador) and Bercee Enterprises (Lerma Cailles) for another successful partnership! Kachiiiing!!!

The De La Salle Alumni Association (DLSAA) reunion committee members: Seated (L - R): Irvin Sevilla (Co-Secretary), Portia Santos, Emma Magbitang, Peachie Herman, Yo Aquino (Treasurer). Standing (L - R): Willie Salgado, Caloy Narciso (Co-Secretary), Nani Ramirez, Art Dancel, Matt Hizon, Jojo Flores and Arnold Mercado.

DD Pena, owner of Coffee Adventure in Milpitas presents to the world his Pandesal Adobo ala Panini. His coffee shop's reviews posted on Yelp are all raving - "There's free Wi-Fi and very comfortable seating - like walking into the lobby of a 5-star hotel (great ambiance)...Not your ordinary coffee shop, this is one place to visit. The coffee latte is fantastic and menu selection is awesome. Great ambiance! " Coffee Adventure is located at 1535 Landess Ave Ste 141. Milpitas, CA 95035 Phone (408) 956-1706.

TO-BE-SEEN IN THE CITY
Free Workshop on Importing & Exporting Business
The Filipino Business Assistance program of the Bayanihan Community Center, together with the Southeast Asian Community Center, is offering an appropriate workshop for entrepreneurs and business-oriented individuals on Basics of Importing and Exporting, scheduled on Thursday, July 15, 2010, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Southeast Asian Community Center at 875 O’Farrell Street , between Polk and Larkin, in San Francisco .

Pinoy Dream Academy Grand Champion, Yeng Constantino, right, poses with noted Peninsula Photographer, Von Cruz during her recent stint at Edna's Ichiban Library in South San Francisco.

The line between politics and entertainment blur as celebrities from rival stations ABS-CBN and GMA 7 joined forces and attended Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino, III's presidential proclamation at the Quirino Grandstand last week. Photo by Ms. Juna Dalisay Sorrosa.

The workshop will cover basic information on importing and exporting products for small business entrepreneurs in California . It will also cover import/export financing and obtaining small business loans.

Invited speakers and resource persons include Don Farwell of US Customs and Border Protection and international trade specialist Daniel Giavina of US Commercial Service who will present rules and regulations for importing and exporting products. Henri Borius of Clover edition will share his experience on how to import goods from China . The letter of credit financing and other small business loans will be handled by Hector Gandhi and Mark Cyrus of Wells Fargo and Victor Hsi of SEACC’s SBA Microloan program.

The Peppermill Casino Resort's Entertainment Director, Mr. Paul (2nd left) was very happy with the Saturday "Arnel Pineda Loves To Rock" Concert's outcome and personally thanked (L-R) the Lighthouse Entertainment producers, Archie Mendiorro, Nanette Labrador and this columnist during the cast party at the hotel's The Cafe.

San Jose's Life Agent, Anthony Cabanero receives his recognition award from New York Life Managing Partner, Grace T. Dirige, for excellent production for the month of June under "New Class" category.

For those who are thinking about starting an export or import business and want to find out how to start, this is for them. The workshop is free but pre-registration is preferred. Light refreshment will be provided.

The workshop is sponsored by Southeast Asian Community Center , the Filipino American Development Foundation, the APIBIS, a city funded business assistance program which focuses on the specific language, cultural and technical needs of Asian Pacific Islander ethnic-owned small businesses, and supported by Wells Fargo and US Bank. For more information and for those who are interested to attend please contact MC Canlas at 415-574-8718 or email at mccanlast@aol.com.

San Jose's Life Agent, Anthony Cabanero receives his recognition award from New York Life Managing Partner, Grace T. Dirige, for excellent production for the month of June under "New Class" category.

PERSONAL NOTES

Congratulations & Best Wishes to Mr. Melvin Hing Lim and Ms. Grace Cruz Dirige, both of Danville, CA who flew to Kona, Hawaii Tuesday afternoon to tie the knot on July 8th and start enjoying their journey together as a couple. The wedding reception is set upon their return, at the Dynasty Seafood Restaurant in Cupertino , CA on July 24th. Oh, by the way, the couple is registered at CrateAndBarrel.com.

De La Salle Alumni Association Northern California (DLSAANC) President, Art Dancel and the Board of Directors welcome Portia Santos, VP - Chapters and Clubs of DLSAA Manila to the DLSAANC Board meeting held recently in Hayward, CA. Portia discussed the UMAEL (Lasallian Former Students) V World Renunion to be held in conjunction with the DLS 8th World Congress on October 24-28, 2011 in Manila. The Board meeting focused on their upcoming projects, such as the DLSAANC Annual Picnic on July 25, 2010, the Fi-AM Golf Tournament on September 18, 2010, and the traditional Christmas celebration with a special concert of Ms. Joey Albert scheduled on December 11, 2010.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting."- Buddha

This column also appears online at www.FilipinoVillage.com and http://sites.google.com/site/adkinsmmcevents/Home/ with readership in 82 countries now, according to the latest Google Analytics report.

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Photo from left to right: Western Union managing director and senior vice president for Asia Pacific Drina Yue, Western Union senior vice president for Pacific & Indochina Patricia Riingen, PNB director Dr. Lucio Tan, and PNB president & CEO Eugene Acevedo officiated the signing ceremony in Manila, the Philippines, on May 25, 2010.

Philippine National Bank to Offer Western Union®
Money TransferSM across Three Continents in 13 Countries

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.,— The Philippine National Bank (PNB), the Philippines' largest offshore bank network, and Western Union (NYSE: WU), a leader in global payment services, announced today an agreement to offer Western Union® Money TransferSM services at 311 PNB branches in the Philippines by July 2010 and at 87 offices across 12 countries in a phased approach.
PNB will offer Western Union Money Transfer services across three continents in 13 countries.
With an extensive urban and rural network in the Philippines, PNB's global footprint mirrors countries popular with Filipinos working and living abroad permanently, including Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Guam, Hong Kong, Japan, Italy, Spain, Singapore, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Bringing together PNB, a Philippine icon, and Western Union, a global leader in money transfer services with a heritage of 150 years is significant, said Eugene Acevedo, President and CEO of PNB.

"It gives our consumers, especially Filipinos, the added comfort of familiarity of a home-grown bank to go with Western Union's values of convenience, reliability and speed when sending money to family and loved ones.

"Our agreement with Western Union strengthens PNB as the bank of choice for both our local and global customers as we continually enhance the portfolio of financial services offered to our variety of customers," he said. "This agreement reinforces our commitment to our customers and is an important initiative to deliver sustained and enhanced value to shareholders towards PNB's goal of becoming the leading bank in facilitating in-bound and out-bound money transfer services.

To add an iconic Filipino bank to Western Union's global network of 420,000 agent locations in over 200 countries and territories is of strategic significance, particularly with the Philippines being the fourth largest remittance-receiving country in the world, according to the latest World Bank figures, said Drina Yue, managing director and senior vice president, Western Union Asia Pacific.

"Offering Western Union Money Transfer services through PNB locations across three continents in 13 countries reinforces our consumer value propositions of convenient, reliable and fast money transfer services across an unbeatable global network," said Yue. "It also expands our network in the Philippines as well as strengthens our rural presence mirroring PNB's equally weighted urban and rural footprint."

PNB is the country's fifth biggest private commercial bank in terms of assets and deposits as of December 31, 2009. Its distribution network is one of the most extensive, with 324 domestic branches, 402 ATMs, and 108 overseas branches and offices. The bank doubled its net income last year to a record P2.2 billion (USD49 million) from P1.1 billion (USD24 million) in 2008. First quarter 2010 profits were favorable by 22% to P889 million. The bank's leadership position will be bolstered by its planned merger with Allied Banking Corporation, which will bring a new set of opportunities including revenue and cost synergies, market expansion, and wider domestic and international footprint.

Western Union currently has over 6,800 Agent locations in the Philippines which enable consumers to avail money transfer services from as far north as Basco, Batanes, to as far south as Bongao in Tawi-Tawi.