Community Pictures

Commisioner Ray Satore with Susan Pacifico, one of the Hermana Mayor of the 32nd Fiesta of the Nuestra Senora Padre de Jesus de Quiapo.

New Years Day Celebration of Friends and Neighbors in Daly City hosted by Ms. Judith Christensen. Photo shows: (L-R) Ms. Annette Hipona, Daly City Clerk, Mr. Tony Zidich, Daly City City Treasurer, Ms. Dorie Paniza, Businesswoman, Ms Judith Christensen, Former Daly City Councilwoman. Ms. Sonia Reyes, Jefferson Elementary School District Commissioner and Ms. Carole Zidich, wife of Tony Zidich.

Aria de Claro Fonacier celebrated her 3rd birthday at Chuck E Cheese's in Redwood City, CA. Those in attendance were her parents, King and Maia Fonacier along with friends and relatives. The proud grandparents are Boy and Corito de Claro, Lakan and Teng Fonacier.

Happy Birthday to Ms. Fely Gomez Casco, January 2nd, 2011

(L-R) - Susan Pacifico, Bay Area's Fashionable Lady, Cristina Ribeiro, Producer/Director of Be That Kid's Choice Awards, Veronique Rouhana, Miss Bay Area 2011 and JD Charisma "JDC" Hip-Hop Sensation & Bay Area's Best Male Singer/Performer of the Year 2010 of Be That Kid's Choice Awards.

Ms. Irish Fullerton, Actress & Singer and JD Charisma "JDC"during the "Paskuhang Pinoy" Talent Showcase.

Issue 1: Jan 5, 2011

Pacquiao is ‘Fighter of the Year’ again

(recently picked by both prestigious Ring Magazine and USA Today)



SEEN IN THE CITY
When it rains, it pours. Late last month, USA Today picked Pacquiao as "Fighter of the Year". In his article, Bob Velin of USA Today said "Pacquiao was elected to congress in his native Philippines in May, and amid endless distractions, the world's top pound-for-pound fighter fought twice at Cowboys Stadium before close to 100,000 fans. He nearly shutout two of the toughest fighters around in Joshua Clottey and Margarito, giving up five inches and 17 pounds to Margarito.”

Manny Pacquiao, chosen 'Fighter of the Year' by both The Ring Magazine and USA Today, will appear for the nth time on the cover of The Ring Magazine in February, 2011.

"For excelling while serving his people on two continents, Pacquiao is USA Today's fighter of the year,” Velin further wrote.

Boxing's Bible, the Ring Magazine followed next and also gave the "Fighter of the Year Award" to Manny Pacquiao for his previously mentioned double victories during the year, among his other accomplishments.

Rudy Asercion, the 1st FilAm Republican elected in San Francisco, was sworn in to the San Francisco Republican County Central Committee for the 2011-2013 term last Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 6:00 pm at Hiram W. Johnson State Office Building Milton Marks Auditorium 455 Golden Gate Avenue, Basement Level in San Francisco, CA 94102

Strong candidates all - Junny Borgonia of San Ramon, Irish Obot (of South SF) & Emerald Miller (a former Miss Philippines Earth-USA title holder) are only 3 of the hundreds who showed up for TFC 'Adobo Nation' auditions last week.

"We’re in the era of Manny Pacquiao, though. The world’s greatest fighter is so popular—particularly among his passionate countrymen—that we knew with certainty that he would be the runaway winner of the award. Facts be damned," according to the Ring Magazine.

As I recall personally hearing a sportswriter during one of his fights in Dallas, “this guy - Pacquiao is worth every penny”.

Jason Ricks of Fontana, CA (he is an older brother of ABS-CBN's talent, Melissa Ricks), is one of the strong contenders for Adobo Nation hosts.

Daly City State Commisioner Ray Satorre will be the Hermano Mayor in the last day of the 32nd Fiesta Nuestra Senora Padre de Jesus de Quiapo. Photo shows (L-R) Ray Satorre, Beauty Impressario Ferdie Villar, Businesswoman Dorie Paniza and Mark Garvida.

Pacquiao’s next fight will be on May 7th (he moved the date a month later than original schedule to give priority to his legislative duties in the Philippines) in Las Vegas against an aging (by sportswriters standards) "Sugar" Shane Mosley.

Also in the running to be one of the 2 new 'Adobo Nation' hosts is actor Lee Robin Salazar, leftmost, shown with other auditionees last Wed, Dec 29 at the TFC Studios in Redwood City.

TO-BE-SEEN IN THE CITY

Bruno Mars to perform in Manila
After the Mark Salling (aka Puck of ‘Glee’) invasion of Boracay last Christmas, barring unforeseen circumstances, Film-Am singer Bruno Mars will be performing in a major concert in the Philippines on April, 2011 at Mall of Asia (MOA) Concert Grounds. Mars popularized the songs "Nothin' On You," "Billionaire," and "Just the Way You Are" – songs that were covered in ‘GLEE’ – yes, that number 1 musical TV series today on FOX Tuesday nights.

(L-R) Francine Maigue of San Diego & Charisse Chare of Los Angeles also provided stiff competition during last week's TFC Adobo Nation auditions.

PERSONAL NOTES
Good luck, Karmina!
Karmina Constantino is moving back to the Philippines to join her loving husband who found a new job there. She will vacate her ‘Adobo Nation’ hosting chore as one of its 3 main hosts. Another host, JC Gonzales, previously has moved on (he found another corporate job).

According to her online portfolio, “Karmina joined ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC) – North America in 2007 as reliever anchor of “Balitang America” --- the company’s flagship daily newscast, and now currently hosts ADOBO NATION with JC Gonzalez.

(Left) BACK FOR ANG TANGING INA, MO (Last Na 'To):The winning triumvirate of Ai-Ai delas Alas, director Wenn Deramas & Eugene Domingo; (Right) At the movie's premiere was star Ai-Ai and date, Piolo Pascual (Star Cinema). Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last Na ‘To) will be shown at the UA Stonestown Twin in San Francisco and Century Theaters in Milpitas Great Mall starting this Friday, Jan 7th.

Prior to relocating to the Bay Area, Karmina served as East Coast correspondent for the News & Current Affairs Division of ABS-CBN parent company in Manila, Philippines She packaged live reports for news programs in Manila, including the top-rating “TV Patrol.” Some of her important stories featured human rights victims of former Philippine President Marcos, and their pursuit of indemnification; the fight for comprehensive immigration reforms of ethnic communities; and Microsoft’s School of the Future World Summit in West Philadelphia.

Back in the Philippines, Karmina lived and breathed broadcast news, with more than a decade of hands-on experience across the various platforms of ABS-CBN.

She was anchor for several shows on the 24-hour ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) (2001-2006) – including “The World Tonight Saturday Edition;” “ANC Mornings;” and “ANC Live with Karmina Constantino.” From 1997-2000, She was also news anchor and co-host for the Sarimanok News Network (now ANC). On Studio 23, Karmina was news anchor and co-host for “Breakfast” – a daily morning show (2001-2002). She was columnist and contributor for ABS-CBN Publishing’s “Chalk Magazine” (2001) ; and was a reliever host for ”Pasada Sais Trenta” – a daily news program on ABS-CBN’s AM radio station DZMM (2001-2006).

Karmina has interviewed key personalities in politics and economy. She began her career in broadcasting in 1996 as producer/correspondent for Sky Cable News.

She received her Bachelor in Arts in Film & Audio Visual Communications from the University of the Philippines in 1996.”
Good luck, Karmina!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Someday, I shall be President.” by Abraham Lincoln. I haven’t read it yet, but apparently Manny Pacquiao hinted on the same highest political position on the last chapter(s) of his new 240-page book - “Pacman: My Story of Hope, Resilience, and Never-Say-Never Determination,” published by David Dunham and released last November 19 on Amazon.com.

The highly inspirational book is available in 10 languages (including Tagalog) and chronicles “Pacman’s life struggles, from his days as a teenager until he reached the top of boxing world. It shows a different side of Manny Pacquiao that had never been seen, never been heard, and never been told.”

Karmina Constantino has moved back to the Philippines, creating a void that will be hard to fill in TFC's 'Adobo Nation'. Auditions were held last week for her and JC Gonzales' replacement.

These 3 brothers (L-R) - Paolo Angelo, Leo & Aaron G. San Luis (he didn't audition; he just chaperoned the 2 older ones) of San Mateo, CA showed up and emerged as top bets at the TFC auditions for 'Adobo Nation' hosts last week.

This article also appears online at www.FilipinoVillage.com and http://sites.google.com/site/adkinsmmcevents/Home/ with readership in 104 countries now (& still counting!) 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

The Mendoza and Sagmit clan.

Zachary Anthony Mendoza, son of Mark and Mimi Mendoza, was welcomed to the Christian World in a solemn christening ceremony held at the popupar Poplar Creek Golf Course located in San Mateo California. Shown in photo from left to right: Grandparents Noel and Lisa Sagmit, sister Kayla Sagmit, Mimi Sagmit, Mark Mendoza, Grandparents Lily and Tony Mendoza.

Celebrity Star Awardee of the Humanitarian Lady of the Year 2010; Tess Labitoria will celebrate her 65th birthday on Sunday, January 16th at her residence in San Francisco with close friends and relatives.

Senator Leland Yee will head the distinguish guests who were invited the 32nd annual Grand Fiesta of Nuestro Senior Padre Jesus Nazareno de Quaipo for the grand fiesta 2011 on Saturday, January 11 at the residence of Beauty Impresario Ferdie Villar located in Escanyo Street, South San Francisco at 1:00 pm. Shown at photo above are: (L-R) Daly City Councilman,David Canepa, CA State Commissioner, Ray Satorre, Hermana Mayor, Senator Yee and Beauty Impresario, Ferdie Villar, the owner of the miraculous image. Among those also attenting will be Club Royale President and Grand Dame Gil and Jett Viray Navarro (Right Photo)

Roco Medical Center Clinic located at Post Street in downtown San Francisco, hosted a luncheon for their employees last Friday, December 24th. Shown are (L-R) Riky Umali, Medical Operations Director, Mrs Roco, Susan Gonzales, Assistant Operations Director, Zeny de Asis and Mrs. Dadett Munoz Roco, the wife of hostess of the celebration.

Dr. Carmelo Lim Roco celebrated his birthday, last December 11th at the Roco Residence in Alameda. Shown with the celebrant are his children, Nathan, Nel and Nickie Roco

Issue 53: December 29, 2010

Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last Na ‘To!)
to screen in the US starting Jan 7th

(ABS-CBN’s movie wins MMFF Best Picture, Best Actress & 6 other major awards)

Ai Ai De Las Alas' official entry to the ongoing Metro Manila Film Festival recently won the lion's share of the awards, including Best Picture. It will be shown in key US cities starting January 7th, 2011.

SEEN IN THE CITY

The last installment of the “Ang Tanging Ina Mo” movies won the lion’s share of awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress (for its lead, Ai-Ai de las Alas), in the 36th Metro Manila Film Festival that is still ongoing (and will end January 7th) in the Philippines.

The Star of Bethlehem, also called the Christmas Star, is a star in Christian tradition that revealed the birth of Jesus to the magi, or "wise men", and later led them to Bethlehem. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the magi were men "from the east" who were inspired by the appearance of the star to travel to Jerusalem. Happy Three Kings from Manila Mail, Madlang People!!! This art "And Wise Men Came Bearing Gifts" by Tom duBois is published courtesy of Christ-Centered Art" ---New Window.

Ai-Ai delas Alas bested Marian Rivera of “Super Inday and the Golden Bibe” and Carla Abellana of “Shake, Rattle and Roll XII” for the plum Best Actress award. Interestingly, the highly-touted Jennylyn Mercado of the movie, “Rosario” failed to even get a nomination, prompting Ai-ai to share her the award with her, in sympathy.

'Glee' actor Mark Salling spent Christmas in Boracay (he tweeted how beautiful the island is), shown here trying out the 'Waterfall' at the Juice Bar along the beach. Photo by Christine San Diego, from her Facebook account.

"Asa ka pa! (You wish!)”, MMFF Best Actress awardee, Ai-Ai de las Alas told the crowd inside Meralco Theater during her acceptance speech, addressing BFF Kris Aquino. “Well. here’s my award now.”

“Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last Na ‘To!), which chronicles the comedic adventures of its lead character, Ina Montecillo and her 12 kids, also won for Wenn Deramas the Best Director award. Director Albert Martinez of the highly talked about and mixed-reviewed movie, ‘Rosario’ was not even nominated, which surprised a lot of movie industry insiders.

Dolphy who paraded December 24th riding inside an air-conditioned float (due to failing health) did not attend the awarding ceremony when he won the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor awards for “Father Jejemon” and “Rosario” respectively.

Annie Limcolioc (left) and Sonette Padama, a De La Salle Alumni, were both thrilled with the performance of Joey Albert(center) during the Green and White De La Salle Ball.

(L-R) Jon Avila, Marvin Agustin, Ai-ai de las Alas, Carlo Aquino & Director Wenn Deramas tweet their pictures real-time during the MMFF parade Dec 24th.

“Tanging Ina” also won the Best Supporting Actress and Best Child Performer trophies for Eugene Domingo (of ‘Kimi Dora – Kambal sa Kiyeme’ fame) and Xyriel Manabat (remember her in ‘Agua Bendita’ – the young one?), respectively. It also captured the Best Screenplay and Best Story awards for Mell del Rosario and the Best Musical Score honor for Jessie Lasaten.

The highly successful movie (it’s currently Number 2 in the box office tally to-date), “Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last Na ‘To!)” will be shown in the following US theaters and cities:

From January 7-13, 2011:

SAN FRANCISCO
UA Stonestown Twin
501 Buckingham Way
San Francisco, CA 94132

MILPITAS
Century Great Mall Theaters
1010 Great Mall Drive
Milpitas, CA 95045

LOS ANGELES - CERRITOS
Cerritos Stadium Cinema
12761 Towne Center Drive
Cerritos, CA 90701

LAS VEGAS
Regal Village Square Stadium
9400 W. Sahara Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89058

HONOLULU
Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18
735 Iwilei Road #B
Honolulu, HI 96817

SEATTLE
Parkway Plaza Stadium 12
5910 South 180th Street
Tukwila, WA 98188

SAN DIEGO
UA Horton Plaza
475 Horton Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101
From January 7-26, 2011:

NEW JERSEY - BERGENFIELD
Clearview Bergenfield Cinemas
58 South Washington Avenue
Bergenfield, NJ 07621
www.MovieTickets.com

For more information, please visit www.abs-cbnglobalmovies.com. Check out also the trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJavOWccmkM

TO-BE-SEEN IN THE CITY

AT&T U-verse offers customers Filipino on Demand FREE with subscription
(TFC Subscribers can enjoy the best in Filipino entertainment with Filipino On Demand)
Filipino On Demand, a video on demand television service from ABS-CBN International, the largest Filipino entertainment and broadcast company in the U.S., has launched on AT&T U-verse® TV. Filipino On Demand is available for no extra charge to AT&T U-verse TV customers that subscribe to The Filipino Package or The Filipino Channel.

“We’re committed to providing AT&T U-verse® customers with a variety of top quality Filipino programming,” said Jun Del Rosario, ABS-CBN International’s Director for Cable & Satellite. “With fresh and frequently updated programming, our customers can connect back home in the Philippines by catching their favorite stars and shows with the convenience of an on demand service.”

The Filipino-American community held its 8th Annual San Francisco Parol Lantern Festival last December 11, 2010 at the Yerba Buena Lane where several parols were twenty (20) contingents joined the parade. The Tenderloin Filipino American Community Association won the Tala Award for the best parol lantern. The event was organized through the Bayanihan Community Center (BCC).

With so many award-winning Filipino classics, blockbuster hits, touching miniseries and live concerts each month, Filipino On Demand is sure to provide something for everyone.
To access Filipino On Demand, AT&T U-verse® customers should go to the On Demand menu, then select Subscription > International > Filipino.

For schedules, trailers and more information about Filipino On Demand, visit www.filipinoondemand.com .

For more information about subscriptions, customers should visit www.att.com/uverse or call 1-800-ATT-2020.
GMA Pinoy TV & GMA Life TV Now Available in NY

(Package also includes broadcast of DZBB and DWLS radio stations)
GMA Network, the leading Philippine broadcaster, today announced that GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, DZBB Radio and DWLS Radio are now available to Time Warner Cable’s East Region/NYC customers. The move aims to reach more Filipinos residing in the United States and more adequately link them with their home country.

The channels are available as a package for $14.95 a month:
GMA Pinoy - Channel 540
GMA Life TV - Channel 542
DZBB radio - Channel 543
DWLS radio – Channel 544
Time Warner Cable’s East Region/NYC includes customers in four NYC boroughs (Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island and western Brooklyn), Mt. Vernon, Hudson Valley (Orange, Sullivan, Ulster Counties and parts of Dutchess, Greene and Delaware Counties) and Bergen and Hudson Counties, New Jersey.

“We are pleased that the Filipino-American community in New York City and New Jersey can now enjoy GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and radio channels DZBB and DWLS,” said Joseph Francia, Vice President and Head of International Operations of GMA Network. “We understand that the community has been anticipating this launch for some time now.”

"I am happy to learn that GMA Pinoy TV and GMA Life TV's quality programs will soon be available to Time Warner Cable’s East Region/NYC customers. The community has been waiting for this. This is really good news for all the Filipinos and Filipino-Americans living in the New York City metropolitan area,” said NY Philippine Consul General Cecilia Rebong.

GMA Pinoy TV, the first international channel of GMA Network, an industry leader in the Philippines, is now available in many areas in the United States. Initially made available in select areas in 2006, GMA Pinoy TV is also available to Time Warner Cable’s Los Angeles, San Diego and Palm Springs customers and Brighthouse’s Bakersfield and Tampa customers.

In addition to GMA Pinoy TV, Time Warner Cable’s East Region/NYC customers will have a second serving of Filipino programs from GMA Network’s lifestyle channel, GMA LIFE TV.
To order GMA Pinoy TV or GMA Life TV, call Time Warner Cable at 877-TWC-2805 or visit the website at www.timewarnercable.com. For programming information and updates, visit www.gmapinoytv.com and www.gmalifetv.com.

Puck (aka Mark Salling of 'Glee') meets Pacman at Boracay last Christmas. The Hollywood actor proudly tweeted 'Christmas dinner with my boy Manny Pacquiao' later which got one of the highest retweets of the season.

PERSONAL NOTES
Milestones

Our condolences to the bereaving family of Mr. Segundo Massido who passed away 5 days before Christmas, in blizzard-hit New Jersey. His son, Dentist Ricky Masiddo, DDS expresses on Facebook that “I would like to thank you all for the sympathy, condolences and prayers for our family. As we know, "something happens for a reason" and the only reason I know is, my Father left us during this season for him to be always remembered when his family traditionally celebrates Christmas altogether. He will be missed....We love you Tatay.” His remains were cremated December 24th. Our prayers are with him & may he rest in peace.

Belated Happy Birthday to Kendrick Ibasco and to Corazon Roberto aka Nanay Cora who stays in Anaheim, Denver, Florida & Manila, depending on each city’s weather & holidays.
From our Manila Mail Family to yours, Happy New Year, the year of the Rabbit!

Manila Mail is pinning its hopes to the coming 2011- the year of the Rabbit. The fourth to arrive in the mythical Chinese animal race – the rabbit is perceived as cautious yet calm and collected. It is not the size of the undertaking but the strategy that will matter in the end. We must not hurry. Happy New Year, Madlang People!!!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Merry Christmas from the beautiful island of Boracay.” Tweeted Hollywood actor, Mark Salling who charms the female young generation via his role as ‘Puck’ in the number 1 TV musical series in the US today, “GLEE”. Puck sightings and pictures are all over the internet these days from his PAL and SEA AIR flights to his Makati rendezvous and all the way to the bars in Boracay where he was seen with an AZKAL (the black street dog, not that heroic Philippine football team), Manny Pacquiao & a lot of girls.

This article also appears online at www.FilipinoVillage.com and http://sites.google.com/site/adkinsmmcevents/Home/ with readership in 104 countries now (& still counting!) 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

McDonald’s® announces legendary return of the McRib® nationwide

Most Extraordinary McRib Fan To Win a Trip to Germany

(Nov. 2, 2010) – Today, for the first time since 1994, McDonald’s McRib sandwich is available in all participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide until November 22. The McRib, a boneless pork patty dressed with fresh-slivered onions, dill pickle slices, tangy barbeque sauce and served on a toasted, golden-brown home-style bun, is known among customers for surfacing on select local menus for limited periods of time.


Since its introduction nearly 30 years ago, the combination of McRib sandwich’s signature barbeque sauce and obscure availability has led customers to perform extraordinary feats for a taste of the elusive sandwich.

“McDonald’s McRib sandwich is truly an iconic product – and for many of our customers it’s more than just a sandwich, it’s an experience,” said Neil Golden, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald’s USA. “The enthusiasm and passion of McRib fans has helped propel a distinctive sandwich to a legendary status.”

The Legends of McRib

McDonald’s is also inviting McRib fans to tap into their creative passion with the launch of “The Legends of McRib” website. “The Legends of McRib” is a collection of McRib stories and tall tales submitted by fans who want to share their love for the sandwich with the world. The legends don’t have to be true. They don’t have to even be possible. They just have to be bigger than life and worthy of “The Legends of McRib.”
Now through November 22, McRib fans can submit their own video based McRib legends, or vote for their favorite legends at www.McDonalds.com/McRib. The author of the winning submission will win a trip to Germany, the only place where McRib is served year-round. The winner will receive a paid seven-day and six-night trip, including a three-city tour through popular German towns and daily access to McRib. In addition, the winning legend will get their story animated into a motion comic that could be debuted on McDonald’s online properties.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. See Official Rules at www.McDonalds.com/McRib for complete details. Void where prohibited.

About McDonald's

McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods 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 Facebook (Facebook.com/McDonalds) for updates on our business, promotions and products.]

Mobile Money Transfers Now Available from Nearly 70,000 Western Union Agent Locations in 27 Countries

Send from participating Agent locations, westernunion.com in 6 countries directly to the Philippines

ENGLEWOOD, COLO.— The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU) today announced that consumers can now send money transfers from nearly 70,000 Western Union Agent® locations in 27 countries directly to Globe Telecom and Smart Communications mobile subscribers in the Philippines.

In addition, consumers in six countries can visit www.westernunion.com to send funds online using a credit or debit card directly to Smart Communications or Globe Telecom subscribers’ “mobile wallets,” or accounts tied to their mobile phones.
Globe Telecom currently has 24 million subscribers, of which 1 million are enrolled in its
GCASH mobile wallet service; Smart Communications has more than 45 million, of which more than 8 million are enrolled in Smart Money.

To send a Western Union Mobile Money Transfer to a Globe GCASH or Smart Money accountholder, consumers can simply visit a participating Western Union Agent location in 27 countries or a Western Union website in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Switzerland, the United Kingdom or the United States. The transaction is completed just like a traditional money transfer, except that the sender provides the receiver’s mobile phone number and the funds are received in the receiver’s “mobile wallet” instead of being paid out in cash.

“The Western Union Mobile Money Transfer service is a key part of our multi-channel strategy to offer our consumers numerous ways to send and receive money,” said Khalid Fellahi, Western Union’s Head of Mobile Transaction Services. “By continually expanding the number of locations where overseas Filipino workers can send funds to their loved ones’ mobile phones, we believe we are making it more convenient for our consumers in the Philippines to receive funds how, where and when they want.”
More than half of the 70,000 send locations are in the United States, and more than 12,000 are in the U.K.

Western Union also offers the Mobile Money Transfer service in Kenya with Safaricom; in Malaysia with Maxis; and in South Africa with Absa Bank. The company also recently announced an agreement with EnStream in Canada and has agreements with Zain (Airtel) in Africa and Orascom in the Middle East and with the State Bank of India, the Tunisian Post and with the Bank of Commerce & Development (BoCD) in Libya.

About Western Union

The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a leader in global payment services. Together with its Vigo, Orlandi Valuta, Pago Facil and Western Union Business Solutions branded payment services, Western Union provides consumers and businesses with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, as well as send payments and purchase money orders. The Western Union, Vigo and Orlandi Valuta branded services are offered through a combined network of approximately 435,000 agent locations in 200 countries and territories. In 2009, The Western Union Company completed 196 million consumer-to-consumer transactions worldwide, moving $71 billion of principal between consumers, and 415 million business payments. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com.

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!!