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.

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

Follow me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/bradford_adkins)

“100 DAYS TO HEAVEN” GRACES TFC THIS MAY

If you were given a second chance to correct the faults you made to save your soul from eternal damnation, would you take it? And if so, will you be willing to start from the beginning?

From the makers of ‘May Bukas Pa’, The Filipino Channel (TFC) proudly presents another tale of hope and faith entitled “100 Days to Heaven”.

Louise Abuel

Coney Reyes

A story of second chances, friendship, and faith, “100 Days to Heaven” centers on the life of Anna Manalastas, played by both Xyriel Manabat (as the young Anna) and Coney Reyes (as the adult Anna). Anna is a mean and shrewd business woman who happens to be the owner of the biggest toy company in the Philippines. The joy that she gives to children is far from the wrath she exudes in running her business. With her sudden death, Anna realizes that she is about to go to Hell. She then strikes a deal with the Gate Keeper of Heaven to give her a second chance in order to gain a place in Heaven. She was given the opportunity to undo her wrongdoing, but with a catch-- she must do it within 100 days and not as an adult, but as her seven year-old self.
After playing supporting roles in the teleseryes ‘Ysabella’ and ‘Rubi’, veteran actress Coney Reyes now stars in ‘100 Days To Heaven’, along with child superstar, Xyriel Manabat who also makes a comeback after the teleserye “Noah.”

Xyriel Manabat

Skillfully directed by Malu L. Sevilla, “100 Days to Heaven” is not an ordinary television series. It does not only present the struggles of everyday living. The series also aims to remind both the young and the old of the important values that the children of today may have neglected.
Adding color to the unique story of “100 Days To Heaven" are the characters of Jodi Sta. Maria as Sophia, Louise Abuel as Kevin, Joel Torre as Andres, Dominic Ochoa as Bobby, Valerie Concepcion as Miranda, Rafael Rosell as Bart, Smokey Manaloto as Bruce, and Neil Coleta as Jopet.

Prepare for eye-opening and heart-warming episodes of “100 Days to Heaven” as it graces TFC this May.

Western Union Back-to-School Promotion Helps Give Back to Lucky Senders

$1,000 Weekly Sweepstakes Promotion for Money Transfers Sent to Philippines

From May 2 through July 10, 2011, The Western Union Company, a global payments leader, is offering a back-to-school promotion that gives money transfer senders to the Philippines not only an opportunity to send a special gift for the future of their children, but also chances to win up to $1,000 in a weekly sweepstakes as well.

Consumers who send qualifying money transfers through Western Union - to the Philippines and mention promo code, “School” will be eligible to earn a match up to $1,000 for the amount of the money transfer sent in one of the weekly drawings. No Purchase is Necessary to Enter or Win. Subject to Official rules, available online at westernunion.com/Philippines .

Filipino immigrants in the United States will understand that the timing is great as it comes just in time when they send more money to the Philippines to help children—either related to them or not—pay for their tuition, to purchase new school uniforms, notebooks and to pay for other school-related expenses.

“It’s like getting back the money you sent, which might encourage you to send even more money to your children and other relatives going back to school,” said Victoria López-Negrete, Senior Vice President and General Manager, North America, Western Union.

This year, Western Union has also engaged Vic Sotto, a well known Filipino celebrity to inform Filipinos about Western Union services. Sotto is one of the most prominent TV and movie personalities in the Philippines.

“I know education is very important for us Filipinos. That is why I am happy that Western Union is launching this back to school promotion. For Pinoys in the U.S. who are sending money for the tuition of their kids or siblings back home, this promotion is for you,” said Vic Sotto.
The total cash prize payout of up to $10,000 is a substantial amount that continues Western Union’s long-standing tradition of commitment to the Filipino community.
Additionally, the Western Union Foundation provides a Family Scholarship Program, a new initiative for migrants, immigrants and their families designed to help them rise up the economic development ladder through education.

Winners of the back to school sweepstakes promotion will be contacted by mail and/or telephone using the information provided in the money transfer or mail-in entry. Winners’ names will be posted in westernunion.com/Philippines and on Western Union’s Facebook page.

Customers will be entered into the sweepstakes each time they send a qualifying money transfer using the promo word: “School” by visiting a participating Agent location, by sending money online at westernunion.com, or by calling 1-877-PERA-ITO to send a telephone money transfer. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com/Philippines.

Community Pictures

George Gange and Diana Overson busking to raise awareness and token funds for the Japan earthquake and tsunami victims relief.

PICNIC/GET TOGETHER. Former employees of the Philippine Veterans Bank Northern California Group had a picnic and get together at Lake Elizabeth in Fremont last Sunday, May 1st 2011 in preparation of the upcoming grand reunion to be held this coming September 3&4, 2011 here in Northern California. Photo shows are the following members: Seated from L to R Sandy Solatan, Angelica Virola, & Josie Fernandez Standing from L to R: Lita Panoringan, Peanuts Ferranco, Ernie Tongson, Lulu Sanchez, Fae Albano, Johnny Escareal, Evelyn Reyes, Joey Reyes, Alma Jose & Marites Famacion.

JD Charisma, a 15 year old young artist is the first & the only Filipino-American kid that composed a song for Manny Pacquiao, The 8 Time World Boxing Champion & performed his composition in front of the Champ at the Wild Card Boxing Gym in LA where Manny does his boxing & practices with Coach Freddie Roach. JD Charisma based his composition on Manny's life history & background. JD is also in the process of producing & finishing a music video & a movie based on this composition filmed by Leilani Amour of Heavenly Eyes Productions.

Leland Yee's Campaign

FIL-AM’S ENDORSE LELAND YEE- The Fil-Am community held a town hall meeting and fund raiser for Senator Leland Yee last week at the residence of Club Royale president Mr. and Mrs. Gil Navarro in Sta. Ana Street in San Francisco. The event was organized by State Commissioner Ray Satorre and other community leaders. Leland Yee discussed his plans, priorities and to why he entered the election.

“It's going to take hard work each and every day of the campaign trail just to get that opportunity. I am not afraid of hardwork but no one can do this job alone- no one should do this job alone. Let's do it together.” Yee, stated.

“I am highly endorsing Leland Yee, because he empowers the Fil-Ams in the political world and he is sincere and committed when he supports us. The Fil-Am Veterans were given the needed support in the equity act.” Satorre said.

Leland Yee has gained the support of the organization in his run for mayor of San Francisco,

Daly City officials and State Commisioner attended the campaign kick off party for Senator Leland Yee last Saturday at the Headquarters in 710 Van ness, San Francisco, Ca. Photo L-R: Daly City Councilmember Ray Buenaventura and his Son, State Comissioner Ray Satorre, Daly City Mayor Carol Klatt and Daly City Councilmember Mike Guingona.

San Francisco residents/supporters for Leland Yee as Mayor: Celso Mangoba-Vice President Fil-Am Seniors Association, Roland Llanes former president of Asean Fil-Am Seniors Association and Tony Mendoza, Commissioner on Aging.

Pinoy Yee campaign kick-off party.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yee and Mar team up with community to
host 7th annual Richmond Health Festival

State Senator Leland Yee, Supervisor Eric Mar and several service organizatons have again partnered to organize the 2011 Richmond District Community Health Festival. During their press conference Last Friday, May 6, Kaiser Permanente, Compassionate Community Care, Self Help for the Elderly and Richmond Area Multi Services, Inc. joined with the two San Francisco officials encouraged residents to attend the Festival on Saturday, May 14 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Health Festival will feature FREE clnical health services. including blood pressure test etc... The fair will also feature FREE giveaways, food ,health education offered by more than 40 community health organizations, children's activities and family run. This will take place at the Richmond Recreation Center, 251 18th Ave. Sana Francisco, CA. (between California & Clememt)

Issue 19: May 11, 2011

Pacquiao, Inc.
(The Filipino Global Boxing Icon has metamorphosed into an Enterprise)

SEEN IN THE CITY

When Manny Pacquiao defeated Shane Mosley last Saturday night, May 7th, 2011 at the MGM Grand Arena, winning a 14th straight time, he not only solidified his stature in the boxing world, he also cemented his topmost place in the ‘Rich and Famous’ world. Successful people normally gravitate around fellow high achievers and proof positive are the vast array of A-listers spotted in Pacquiao’s latest one-man show – David Foster, Paris & sister Nicky Hilton, US Olympian Gold Medalist Apolo Anton Ohno, Jamie Foxx, Charice, Miguel Cotto, Hell’s Kitchen’s Chef Gordon Ramsay, Floyd Mayweather Sr, Survivor’s Jimi Jamison, among others.

Spotted in Vegas was GMA 7's prized possession, Richard Gutierrez, shown here during the weigh-in at the MGM Grand Arena with equally popular parents, Eddie & Annabel.

Highly-respected Grammy-winning songwriter & Charice's friend, David Foster (left) witnessed the Pacquiao-Mosley epic last Saturday night at MGM Grand Arena & was seen until the wee hours partying at Mandalay Bay Resort.

There is no stopping Manny Pacquiao from turning into a huge corporate enterprise. The once poor guy from the Southern Philippines is now a corporation. I personally met his Tax Accountant Joseph ‘Jojo’ Cabuhat, who proudly & pridely claims to be the only Filipino among the pool of his financial advisors. According to Atty Julie Soo (she’s close friends with Pacquiao’s Filipina lawyer - Marsha Dungog, Esq) who I met and spoke in length to at the Las Vegas airport, Pacquiao’s got also a pool of lawyers from all fields of specialization – Libel, Copyright, Entertainment, Contracts, Business, Taxation, International, among others.

(L-R) Brothers Steve & Matt Carter from New Zealand gifted their father, Graeme for his 65th birthday, the one he wanted most - a 3-day package trip to Vegas all the way from down under to personally witness Manny Pacquiao fight last Saturday at the MGM Grand.

Apolo Anton Ohno (right) the Speed Skater Gold Olympian also watched ringside the Pacquiao-Mosley fight last Saturday night.

Cash poured in like water at Vegas last weekend as hotel casinos, restaurants, stores are overflowing with people from all over the world. People that spend money. People that gamble. Pacquiao memorabilia (caps, T-shirts, boxing gloves, etc) are selling like hotcakes. The hotel closed-circuit TV tickets were all sold-out, too! According to published reports, it is estimated that around $200 Million to $300 Million is expected to pump in and resurrect local economy.
I foresee a barrage of world-famous celebrities storming the Philippines the next few years as a result of Pacquiao’s stratospheric celebrity status. Already excited to fly to Manila is Paris Hilton who tweeted that the Pacquiao couple invited her for a visit and she accepted. This is nothing but goodness to Pacquiao, to the Filipinos and to the Philippines.

Hayden Kho, Jr (yes, he arrived with Dra Vicki Belo) with San Jose's Agnes Aguirre (left) at the VIP Entrance of MGM Grand Arena.

We also met & chatted in length with Beverly Hills-based Michael Joseph 'Jojo' Cabuhat (right) who can pride himself as being the only Filipino in Manny Pacquiao's pool of Financial, Accounting & Tax advisors.

I was one of the only 260 approved for Media Credentials (about 500 media professionals applied) to cover the sold-out Pacquiao-Mosley fight. Looking back, I thank Pacquaio for making me this proud Filipino witnessing all these in my lifetime and I thank God for making me live this long to witness and feel this special nationalistic feeling. I witnessed firsthand and rubbed elbows with many of these most interesting people of the world.

Hollywood celebrity Paris Hilton watched the Saturday Pacquiao-Mosley fight, stayed on until the media post-fight conference & chatted with Manny's wife, Jinkee Pacquiao (right).

I have said it before and I will say it again. I have no idea how far Pacquiao will take his greatness but one thing is sure – he will take his countrymen and his country with him.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“People will pay to see Manny Pacquiao. Because he is not dull. He is the aggressor. He is an entertaining fighter. I believe most people who saw the fight bought it not with the expectation that Shane Mosley would win. They bought the Margarito fight, not because they thought Margarito would win, but because they wanted to be entertained by Manny Pacquiao,” by Mega Promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank.

Jinkee Pacquiao with Manila Mail's VP for Communiy Affairs; Joey Panlilio during post-fight thanks giving mass at the Mandalay Bay Casino Hotel, Las Vegas LV.

Oscar-winner & Hollywood A-lister Jamie Foxx photographed here at the VIP entrance of MGM Grand Arena arriving early for the Pacquiao-Mosley fight.

This article also appears online at www.FilipinoVillage.com and http://sites.google.com/site/adkinsmmcevents/Home/ with readership in 123 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

Follow me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/bradford_adkins)