Community Pictures

FALEO wishes to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the San Francisco 49ers.    Mr. Mason Moore of the 49ers was presented a certificate of appreciation by FALEO – President Glenn Sylvester, San Francisco Police (retired)

Disadvantaged children from Westbay School were selected as guests to attend the recent game of the SF 49ers vs. Tampa Bay on Sunday, October 9, 2011.  For most of them, this was their first time attending a major sporting event.

Gary de Guzman celebrated his birthday with a party at Isla Restaurant in San Bruno, California with chef owner Melvin Pare and his wife Joangel Pare. Isla restaurant serves authentic Kapampangan-Filipino food. Try their New Kamayan Platter. " Sulit, the best!"  For more info. please visit www.myislarestaurant.com  

Over 170 guests attended the Inaugural Ball and Induction of Officers. Some of the guests traveled from other states and countries to grace the occasion. The Ibajaynon U.S.A was organized in 1972 by the late Mr. Mike Castro. In 1986, eighteen families from Ibajay, Aklan attended the potluck and this served as the backbone and strength to the formation of the Ibajaynon U.S.A. One of the founders are Ricardo and Aurora Tan, parents of Mr. Relfe S. Tan who is now the President of Ibajaynon U.S.A. 

President of Forever Young Club of California, Ms.Tess Gregorio will celebrate her 70th birthday on Nov 13 , 2011 at Crown Plaza in Union City. In photo is her loving husband Feodor Gregorio and Asia's Nightingale Ms. Lani Misalucha.

ISSUE 43: October 26, 2011

GMA Life TV presents 1st ever Pinoy English-dubbed series

(Iza Calzado, Sunshine Dizon star in “The Impostor”; Angelika dela Cruz
and Maxene Magalona in “When You Were Mine”)

Iza Calzado, Sunshine Dizon, Angelika dela Cruz and Maxene Magalona

TO-BE-SEEN IN THE CITY
Four women, two different stories, one compelling theme about the pains and realities of life – GMA Life TV offers these and more with the launch of the first-ever English-dubbed Pinoy drama series recently.
 Providing Filipinos abroad the chance to once again enjoy two of the most sought-after Philippine television drama, the English-dubbed versions of “Impostora” (“The Impostor”) and “Una Kang Naging Akin” (“When You Were Mine”) also promise to make the programs available to non-Filipino speakers and younger Pinoy viewers who find comprehending the native language a bit of a challenge.

 Topbilled by some of the most versatile Kapuso actresses today – Iza Calzado and Sunshine Dizon in “The Impostor,” and Angelika dela Cruz and Maxene Magalona in “When You Were Mine” – these new offerings from GMA Life TV surely bring to the spotlight the acting prowess of the four actresses.
“This initiative is in line with our thrust to make GMA Life TV’s programming even more relevant to the needs of its growing viewership around the world”, shares Joseph T. Francia, Vice President and Head of Operations for GMA International.

The San Francisco Lions Club  held a Health Fair last Sunday Oct 16 at the Methodist Church in South Gate,  Daly City. Volunteers headed by President Pat Ancheta arranged for free flu vaccines.  Their next Health Fair will be at Matter Dolorosa Church in South San Francisco on Oct 30 (with free flu vaccines again!).

Belated Happy Birthday to the Perkins Twins (Oct 14) who will be seen next singing/dancing at the Charice-Pacquiao concert on Tuesday, November 15 @ 8:00PM at The Cow Palace.

15-year old Half-German Filipina Alexandra Drechsler, center, (Filipina mom Elizabeth was so proud watching)  was featured in a well-attended Bridal Fair last weekend at the Holiday Inn Express in Morgan Hill organized by Julie Barraza; make-up by Christine Paul Pacifico of San Jose (with Justin Smaby, right, & Leo Reyes).

Intramuros' New Executive Chef Cocoy Ventura with Former President Fidel Ramos (he ate there last month).

Bon Voyage, Henry Sy (who left for business trips to Europe & Asia), shown here at the recent "Teleserye Royals" with actress Maja Salvador, at the James Logan High in Union City.

Iza is Lara and Sara Carreon in “The Impostor” – a tale of conjoined twins whose physical separation becomes for them more of a curse than a blessing. Because of hatred and greed in their own bloodline, Lara and Sara are forced to live life without the other after having gone through an operation, which they thought would make their life easier.
 

Soon enough, they find their lives entangled with their cousin’s, Vanessa, as played by Sunshine – a greedy, cunning woman who is willing to do everything that needs to be done to gain for her self the attention and material wealth she longs for. Vanessa shares with Lara and Sara a world where secrets, craftiness, and vengeance seem to be the means to one thing – love.
 

Meanwhile, Maxene is Jessa in “When You Were Mine.” She is a painter in a remote island where she meets Darwin (Wendell Ramos) whom she falls in love and bears a child with. After being involved in an accident – his second – Darwin introduces himself as Nick, a businessman who’s soon to be married to his girlfriend, Vanessa (Angelika), without any memory of Jessa or their son.
 

And so the dilemma becomes deeply complicated for Darwin. He is now to choose between two different lives with two different women. Whether Darwin decides to pursue the simple, slow-paced family life with Jessa and their son or to go back to the high end way of living he has known with Vanessa is for GMA Life TV viewers to find out.  

SEEN IN THE CITY
Intramuros Restaurant, relaunched!
It was a magical dinner gathering, made even more  memorable as Cellist Charles Wang provided music as I munch on the mood-setting hors d'oeuvres. This Columnist was there when it happened about a couple of weeks ago when Intramuros Restaurant introduced Mr. Cocoy Ventura, CEC, as its new Executive Chef at a press conference attended by members of the Philippine American Press Club and special guests. Chef Ventura showcased exciting menu specials for the upcoming holiday season created especially for the Filipino-American community.

Prior to Cocoy Ventura's association with Intramuros, he joined the culinary team of Napa Valley's Rubicon Estate, a premiere winery owned by Francis Ford Coppola. Ventura's six collective years of culinary and hospitality experience in the California Wine Country gained him respect among his industry peers, as he was ultimately invited to join the renowned Thomas Keller Restaurant Group (Yountville's French Laundry, Bouchon Bistro and Ad Hoc Restaurant) in 2010. He then integrated and managed the now, "Central Reservations" sector of Bouchon and Ad Hoc restaurants. Last year, Ventura also served as a Guest Chef in the Philippine International Aid (PIA) benefit auction and helped raise significant funds for PIA’s educational program for disadvantaged youths, by preparing a 12-course degustation dinner for three private parties held at the residence of the Philippine Consul General Marciano Paynor, Jr., in San Francisco.

Cocoy Ventura graduated with honors from Guam Community College with Associates of Science degree in Hotel Operations. He pursued an undergraduate degree in International Business at Cornell University and graduated with honors. He was also granted a private scholarship to pursue Specialized Training in patisserie in New York's French Culinary Institute. In 2007, he was awarded a Certified Executive Chef title, designated by the American Culinary Federation.

General Manager Jamil Rey said, "We are very proud to welcome Cocoy Ventura to Intramuros. His culinary expertise and management experience will ensure that Intramuros will have a bright future ahead.”
Guests included South San Francisco Vice Mayor Richard Garbarino, Philippine Consul Reginald Bernabe, Department of Tourism Director Rene de los Santos, and philanthropist Mona Lisa Yuchengo.

The evening was highlighted by guest speaker, Mr. Dado Banatao, a renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and venture capitalist. He and his wife Maria commended Intramuros Restaurant owners for their efforts in providing an entertainment, cultural, and heritage venue for the Fil-Am community. 

In his keynote speech, Mr. Banatao remarked, “I have always looked at Intramuros in a special way,” in reference to Intramuros’ unique mission of promoting the Filipino community and culture in a dining and entertainment environment. He also stated, “There is a lot of creativity here, going beyond what is usual” and “Maria and I are here to help and promote Intramuros.”

In addressing unfounded rumors that Intramuros might not continue, Mr. Banatao said, “That’s just not true and if you believed that, we are back.” He welcomed Cocoy Ventura by saying, “When I heard that Cocoy had joined Intramuros, I thought, let’s go ahead and show the community and the rest of the Bay Area what Filipinos can do with cuisine.”  In closing, he thanked everyone and said, “I’m glad that you guys came out (tonight) to support Intramuros…”

Intramuros owners reiterated their commitment to serving the Fil-Am community and partnering with various non-profit and community-based organizations. Director Rene de los Santos called on professional chefs in the SF Bay Area to participate in the Semi-Finals of the 2nd Annual KULINARYA competition to be held on October 22, 2011. Details are available at www.experiencephilippines.org.

Ms. Letty Quizon of ABS-CBN Foundation announced a whole day fundraising event at Intramuros on November 26, 2011 to benefit the victim of ‘Typhoon Pedring’ with a Christmas Tiangge (shopping), silent auction, and a concert featuring international artist, Becca Godinez, and singing sensation Mitch Franco.

The evening’s entertainment was capped with a Flair exhibition by Ryan Burgos, the award-winning mixologist of Intramuros, and a performance of the Argentine Tango by Genevieve Mondejar Dwyer and Don Cain.

Guests were treated to a food tasting of special holiday dishes from two distinct menus inspired by Thanksgiving and Christmas, which will be offered on November 18–24 and December 1–24, respectively. These special menus and schedule of upcoming events, including a concert at the Music Hall featuring famed “HotDog Band” on November 18–20, are available at www.theintramuros.com.

Intramuros Restaurant accepts reservations from 1 to 12 months in advance. Banquet and catering specialists are Ms. Guia Panelo and Ms. Pearl Serame-Bayot. Visit www.theintramuros.com now for more information.

Briefs & Shorts
This Columnist is proud to announce that the Bay Area Fashion Week (of which I was proudly part of, together with about 65 other volunteers) held last September 24, 2011 at the San Jose State University, will be honored in a gala event tendered by the Mayor of the City of San Francisco, Edwin M. Lee, Hon. Hydra Mendoza, President of the San Francisco Board of Education and The Filipino Channel (represented by Miss Keesa Ocampo) as one of the 7 milestones in Filipino-American History in 2011. Good job, Producer Roger Francisco, Associate Producer/Coordinator Theresa Zaragoza, models, designers, sponsors and volunteers! 

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“I may not have everything but I have enough.” – by ‘The Buzz’ Host Boy Abunda when asked on his recent birthday wish.
 This article also appears online at www.FilAmnation.com and  http://sites.google.com/site/adkinsmmcevents/Home/ with readership in 147 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)         

Consul General Paynor signs agreement with the office of the District Attorney

Consul General Marciano A. Paynor, Jr. and San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón.

 Consul General Marciano A. Paynor, Jr. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today with San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón to institutionalize the working relationship of the Consulate General of the Philippines and the Office of the District Attorney to assist Filipino nationals.
The signing ceremony, witnessed by the media and community advocates against domestic violence, was held at the Library of the Office of the District Attorney.
Through the MOU, both offices agreed to work together towards the larger goal of creating an accessible and coordinated system of comprehensive services for Filipino victims of violent crimes in general, and domestic violence, trafficking and hate crimes, in particular.
Consul General Paynor congratulated the work done by both offices to have this agreement come into fruition.
“This document is significant for us and our Kababayans as we fulfill the mandate of the Department of Foreign Affairs under the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act (RA 8042) to protect the rights and welfare of Filipinos abroad,” Consul General Paynor remarked.

Community Pictures

Macaella Mary Antonette Mendoza received the sacrament of baptism last Saturday October 8, 2011 at  the San Agustin Church in South San Francisco, CA. With the proud parents were Tommy Mendoza and Jovy Moratto with son Tre. The reception was held at the Broadmoor Community Center.

World Muay Thai Team USA Group  during the exibition fights at Unlimited MMA at Milpitas CA. headed by
Kru Sam Phimsoutham.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Manila Mail's President and Publisher Ruben P. Bunag (left) who celebrated his 61st birthday last October 9th,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Manila Mail’s Photographer Gary De Guzman who will celebrate his birthday on Oct 23rd, 2011.

25 YEARS of Unparalleled Service in Northern California

Mon Cargo owner Agnes Singh (standing) with Marketing Director, Fe De Los Reyes (right seated)

Photos taken at the Adobo Festival in Milpitas last Sept. 3 & 4, 2011. MON CARGO’s  staff gave away free shipments, t-shirts etc.

MON CARGO SERVICES, INC., the pioneer in door-to-door delivery services to the Philippines in the Bay Area, celebrates its 25th Year Anniversary.
As they celebrate their 25th year, they always attribute their success from the patronage of their customers, old & new, for their extensive & loyal support and that they will always continue to improve the quality of service their customer’s deserve and to even surpass their expectations, committed to a dependable and dedicated Service.
Established in 1986 by Mr. Mon V. Singh, Mon Cargo has always been consistent with his prime objective to reach out to the needs of his fellow Filipino US immigrant with excellent service.  MON CARGO sticks to its belief to maintain an outstanding track record of being the most Honest, competent and steadfast enterprise of its kind.
In line with its goal, the management and staff of
MON CARGO is known to be responsive, empathetic, very accommodating and very polite in dealing to its valued customers. They always make themselves available to inform their customers on the status of their balikbayan boxes in the Philippines. 
Agnes Doniego Singh, President says, “In all our dealings, we make it a point to be friendly, courteous, fair and compassionate to everyone.” Since then, Mon Cargo has remained true to its slogan:  “ Hanggang doon mula dito, kahon niyo’y selyado ,Walang Bawas, Walang Kulang,Delivery Intact.”.     “Para Sa Serbis Na Walang Kaparis”
MON CARGO offers the following services:
Container Shipments for Returning Residents, Crating, Home Appliance/ Furniture, Vehicle Shipments,Airline Tickets, FREE Replacement Box, Free Strapping, Insurance up to $500. Visit their website http//moncargoservices.com for photos, testimonies from their very satisfied customers and more informations.
To avail of Mon Cargo’s promotions, please call  1-800-432-4300.

COMELEC Officials Meet with the Filipino Community to Discuss Overseas Absentee Voting

Rodel Rodis (left, standing) explains that the ‘06 Supreme Court decision allows dual citizens to vote while not requiring US residence should also extend to permanent residents under the principle of equal protection of the law.

 

Commissioners Lucenito Tagle and Christian Robert Lim of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) met with the Filipino American community on October 5, 2011 to discuss the Overseas Absentee Voting Registration and provide updates on preparations for the May 2013 National Elections.  The meeting was held at the Social Hall of the Philippine Center.

Consul General Marciano A. Paynor, Jr. remarked that at the Presidential elections held last year, 41,512 Filipinos registered for Overseas Absentee Voting in the US and 12,554 actually voted.  He cited the following numbers which clearly described the level of participation of Filipinos in the US during the 2010 elections:  the percentage of actual registrants versus potential registrants is 5.41%, the percentage of voters versus actual registrants is 30.24% and the percentage of voters versus potential registrants is 1.64%.
It was noted during the meeting that the target number of registrants for Overseas Absentee Voting worldwide is one million Filipinos.  Currently, the number of registrants is 351,273.

Both Commissioners recognized the factors negatively affecting voter registration:  requirement to execute Affidavit of Intent to Return; geographical location of voters; apathy; high mobility of overseas Filipinos; limited manpower of embassies and consulates; working conditions; insufficient information campaign; incorrect addresses provided by the voters; and lack of novelty.

Among the factors, the requirement to execute an Affidavit of Intent to Return is the most significant obstacle.

Rodel Rodis (US Pinoys for Good Governance/ USP4GG) explained that the 2006 Supreme Court decision to enfranchise dual citizens by removing the residence requirement should also extend to permanent residents under the principle of equal protection of the law.

The Commissioners responded that they encouraged concerned Filipinos to raise this issue with the Supreme Court so that a clear ruling could be obtained.

Victor Barrios (Global Filipino Nation) and Tony Villegas (USP4GG) recommended registering and voting via internet to save on costs and to address the challenges of high mobility of the Filipinos and the physical distance of the embassies and consulates.

The Commissioners agreed with these suggestions and said that they would present these suggestions at the next en-banc meeting of the Commissioners.

Joyce Diloy (Filipino Mental Health Initiative) asked the Commissioners on how the community could help and be updated on developments on Overseas Absentee Voting.

The Commissioners would like the Filipino community leaders to help in encouraging their friends and family members to register and vote.  They also announced that they will launch a campaign called “Sulong OAV,” using Facebook and other media.

Esther Chavez (Inquirer.net) also offered the use of the Philippine Daily Inquirer website to provide a link to the official website of COMELEC. 

The Commissioners thanked Ms. Chavez for this offer.

The resumption of continuing registration for qualified Overseas Absentee Voters begins on October 31, 2011 and ends on October 31, 2012.  All citizens of the Philippines who intend to vote abroad and are at least eighteen (18) years of age may register. 

Visit your nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate and bring a copy of your Philippine passport OR dual citizenship Identification Certificate and Order of Approval to register.

ISSUE 41: October 12, 2011

“No Other Woman” breaks box office records
(No other movie has made audiences feel this way)

Anner Curtis is Derek Ramsey's other woman in "No Other Woman" - now showing UA Stonestown Theater and soon in Union City & Milpitas (Oct 14-27)

SEEN IN THE CITY
Arriving at around 5PM at UA Stonestown Theater in San Francisco, I meant to watch the 7PM show of “No Other Woman” – Star Cinema and Viva Films’ movie latest collaboration starring Cristine Reyes,  Derek Ramsey & Anne Curtis. The 7PM show was sold-out, so I ended up hanging around for 5 hours to watch the last full show at 10PM.  What unfolded on screen is a totally new experience in Filipino movies for me.  The dialogues are crisp, witty & intelligent.  The performers are not only very good looking (bikini bodies, parade of cleavage, butt crack tattoos, low-waist pajamas) but also very competent (even the restaurant receptionist stole some scenes during the crucial very first wife/mistress confrontation scene).

Washington Hospital celebrated their 25th anniversary at a lavishly-decorated The Tent (aka parking lot) in Fremont, CA last Sunday and seen attending are: May Lacson, Sola Zapien & Maribel Bartos of Fremont Health Care Center.

The Owner & President of  of Nursing Resources (Fremont-based Medicare-certified & CHAP-Accredited Home Health Agency), Emmie Malazgirt (2nd right), Cleofe Alejandro, Director of Nursing (right), Freida Policarpio, Case Manager (left) & Sandy Baker attended Washington Hospital's Silver Anniversary Party last Sunday.

Silver Creek's Christine Pacifico Paul (5th left), Lead Make Up and Instructor & Liza Santa Ana (4th left) from Marinello Shcool of Beauty - San Mateo led a team of make up and hairstylists that successfully provided services at the Bay Area Fashion Week models last Saturday, September 24, 2011 in San Jose.

 It is hard to describe the good entertainment effect of the movie without citing some of the dialogues that jolted the senses, namely: “Ang kaibahan ng fotahng mayaman versus fotahng mahirap – yung mayaman ay original yan…yung mahirap binili lang sa Greenhills!”…”Ang buhay ay parang Quiapo – maraming snatchers (mother giving advice to daughter whose husband she caught with a mistress)”….”I pack-up mo na yang Lucy Torres at ilabas mo yang Gretchen Baretto!” (mother encouraging her daughter to fight back for the man she loves and married)…and there’s a lot more. 

Lani Misalucha will be at Ichiban on Friday, Oct 14th.

Charito Benipayo of Alameda celebrates her birthday on October 13th, 2011.

The confrontation scene and the dialogues where Anne & Cristine wore the same violet outfits and trying to buy the same bag in a store is a gem. And then the following scene where Derek saw them together, for the 2nd time, at his home, wearing almost identical dresses is also amusing. That is a very stressful dinner that followed after.

All 3 lead actors delivered, but the most challenging role (a sophisticated, liberated heredera who’s allergic to seafood but eats them anyways, because as she says “masarap ang bawal”..oh my..oh my) went to Anne Curtis and she essayed it like second skin.

Lion Pat Ancheta was installed as the 91st President of San Francisco Host Lions Club in an Installation Dinner Ball held at Elks Lodge of So. San Francisco last Oct 1st, 2011.

Ms. Tateetz Palomo of San Rafael celebrates her 63rd birthday this week.

My curiosity also got aroused by the scenic location of the resort that is being built in the story,so I stayed until the final credits to obtain the information so I can go there next month, hehehe.
The movie is not perfect, though.  The Anne Curtis scene in the beginning where she lost her bikini top trying to avoid hitting Derek Ramsey, needs a little editing to make it more effective, in my opinion (it’s a little long and confusing). I think Ron Morales as Derek’s best friend is also a miscast (something doesn’t match between the two).

The Perkins Twins - Jesse Perkins (left) & Christian Perkins (right) graced the Grand Opening of AGELESS ELIMINAGE as the medical spa's official endorsers, last Saturday at the Season's Market Place in Milpitas, CA.  Also in the picture are husband/wife owners Jim & Mary Anne Laurel (center) with their Marketing Annette Velasco (2nd right).

Melissa Oribio (the only child of Merlvin & Riza Oribio) celebrated her 2nd birthday at the Yummy Buffet in San Jose last Sunday.

Nevertheless, no other movie has made this so much impact and the movie going public has rendered their verdict - they loved the Rated-A movie as it is now breaking box office records in the Philippines and other places outside the country.

In the local front, it is bound to break even bigger box office records as it is scheduled to open this week in Union City & Milpitas.  Here’s the complete schedule of showing, as culled from their latest trailer on TV:
October 14-27
Union City
Century 25 Theaters
32100 Union Landing
Union City, CA 94587
Milpitas
Century Great Mall
1010 Great Mall Drive
Milpitas, CA 95035
October 7-13:
SAN FRANCISCO
UA Stonestown Twin
501 Buckingham Way
San Francisco, CA 94132
LOS ANGELES-CERRITOS
Cerritos Stadium Cinema
12761 Towne Center Drive
Cerritos, CA 90701

For more information, please visit www.abs-cbnglobalmovies.com.  Check also the trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5fydoOJIok

If you’re only going to watch one Filipino movie this year, make it “No Other Woman,” folks!
Incidentally, Anne Curtis & Cristine Reyes will be performing live with Aljur Abrenica & Mark Herras in “Night With The Stars (Kapamilya na, Kapuso pa!)” on Friday, November 18, 2011 at 8PM at the Koffman Auditorium of the Alameda High School located at 2200 Central Avenue, Alameda, CA. For tickets & sponsorships,  please call (925) 812-4249.

TO-BE SEEN IN THE CITY
Meet & Greet Lani Misalucha at Ichiban Oct 14th!
Lani Misalucha will be in the Bay Area this coming Friday, October 14, 2011 and will be available to ‘meet and greet’ his friends and supporters at around 8:00 PM at Edna’s Ichiban Library located at 2236 Westborough Blvd, South SF, CA 94080.

For tickets, please call (650) 737-9716.
Briefs & Shorts
“Happy Birthday” greetings to Ms. Tateetz Palomo (Oct 12) who will be celebrating this Saturday at the  Seafood Peddler in San Rafael,  Ms. Charito Benipayo (Oct 13) & Mr. Von Cruz (Oct 15). May your birthday wishes all come true.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Do not lose your heart. For when you sing, you will need to sing from the heart.” – by Talent Manager Par Excellence Boy Abunda to his former talent, singer Erik Santos, who moved out of Abunda’s Backroom, Inc. to be managed jointly by both Star Magic & Cornerstone’s Erick Raymundo.  Abunda & Santos had a falling out after reportedly, Santos badmouthed the talent manager for not doing anything to save his sagging career. Somebody tell Erik Santos that “Dah’ling, nobody can go against nature. What’s up must come down, eventually.”

This article also appears online at www.FilAmnation.com and  http://sites.google.com/site/adkinsmmcevents/Home/ with readership in 147 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)