Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Community Pictures

Why 'Villar' Should Win. The strongest Presidential candidate, Manny Villar's controversial 3 sisters (from a brood of 9) Cecille, Vicky and Baby (from 2nd left to right; shown here with friends and supporters) sat down for an interview with this columnist 3 weeks ago at the Eastwood Excelsior in Quezon City and explained why their brother Manny Villar should win as the next President of the Philippines.

Oakland Hills Socialite Sylvia Tongco Ford, celebrated her birthday with a Lauriat Party held at Koi Palace in Geller Blvd., last April 21. Shown at photo are: seated infront: Eppie Grant, Liberty Ilagan Lardizabal, Atty. Carlos Lardizabal, and Beauty Impressario Ferdie Villar. Standing at the back: Pacita Arana, Josie Alegre, Miss Ford, Bernadette Munoz Roco and Dr. Carmelo Roco.

Philippines Today newspaper publisher Marilyn King with South San Francisco's Finest Police Officer Alday during Marilyn's grand daughter's 1st birthday party.

Rita Rose Capili celebrated her 18th birthday on April 10, 2010. A big party with a cotillon of 18 roses and 18 candles was held at Elk Lodge in South San Francisco. She was joined by her family and friends led by her proud parents Darcy and Ricardo Capili.

Another year has come and gone. To Justine and Robin Acedillo, congrats on your 21st birthday. It brings a chance to look towards the future, new dreams, new successes and bright new tomorrow waiting for both of you.

Saint Jude Academy Batch 86 celebrated their second get-together (reunion) on April 25, 2010 (Sunday) at Burbank, California. Attendees are: Imelda de Leon-Thomas, May Alvares, Debbie Jane Abad, Arl David-Basco, Beth Liwanag-Aguado, Cindy Montiano, Liza Guillermo, Raul Guillermo, Bimbo Abad, Dennis Mangoba and David Stuckey.

Issue 19: May 5, 2010


“I Am The Best!” – Mayweather, Jr.
(“I am the past, present and future of sports entertainment.”)

SEEN IN THE CITY
(Las Vegas, NV) Straight from Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr’s mouth, he said infront of all media during the post-fight press conference that "If Manny Pacquaio wants to fight, it is not hard to find me. We were going to make the fight a couple of months back but it didn't happen. I take my hat off to Mosley. He had problems in the past but he's a warrior. He took the blood and urine tests. I just want everyone to be on an even playing field. If every athlete is clean in the sport of boxing, take the test. If Manny Pacquaio takes the blood and urine tests, we can fight. If he doesn't, we won't make the fight.”

Next Mayweather Opponent? 35-year old Argentine boxer now Oxnard-based, Sergio Gabriel Martinez, right, the current WBC Super Welterweight champion as well as WBC, WBO and The Ring World Middleweight Champion, widely considered one of the best and most talented fighters in the world, watched the Mayweather-Mosley fight last Saturday night at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, shown here with this columnist. Martinez's name was one of several mentioned as the next to possibly fight Mayweather, if the Pacquiao superfight won't see fruition.

Mosley! Mosley! Mosley! That was what the boxing crowd was chanting during Round 2 when Shane Mosley was dominating Floyd Mayweather, Jr. , punishing him with several powerful blows that landed solidly straight to the face of the arrogant one. Although Mayweather won the fight by unanimous decision, Mosley won that round 2 on all of the judges scoresheets. Photo by Reuters

"Here was another tremendous fight, another tremendous turn out.”
"There was a point to prove; to see who was the best welterweight out there.”
"Do I have to fight? No I don't have to fight, absolutely not. I truly believe the numbers we did are unbelievable.”

"I always say, put them in front of me, I'll beat them.”
"I've got the will to win under the lights, but we all don't form under the lights the same.”
"After a while I think Mosley went into survival mode. All he was trying to do was survive.”
"Every fight is different, every fighter is different. Everyone was talking about how Mosley is stronger, how Mosley is faster. I rocked him more than he rocked me.”
"At one point I thought he was going to cough it up, but he held on valiantly.
"I've been dominating fighters since the 90s, but I always say I'm closer to 40 than I am to 21. I'm not chasing fighters.”

"Even with the second round, I knew I was the strongest guy form the beginning. Every fighter is totally different.”

Pacquiao's Original Trainer. From 1995 up to 2001, Manny Pacquiao has been training with Ben Delgado (aka Mang Ben) in a small gym along Paquita St in Sampaloc, Manila. Mang Ben now lives in San Jose, CA. He is opening his own boxing gym in Los Angeles on June 13th. Photo by Richard Lao

"Mentally in the fight I was talking to him. Telling him 'Your jab isn't faster than mine; if it is let me see.”

"Over the years, when I'm at home, I never study an opponent. They are going to be totally different in the ring.”

"I believe that it's not bragging or boasting if you can back it up.”
"The ultimate goal it to try to find a fighter than can beat me. There's a lot of young tough fighters out there that I take my hat off to, that I want to see do well.”
"As of right now we just want to go home, reevaluate a few things, and see what we come up with. As of right now I just want to spend some time with my family.”
"I'm here to just fight the best that's out there and be the best you can be.”
“I am the past, present and future of sports entertainment.”
“I AM THE BEST!”

Watching the fight in person though, he did not entertain me (I have seen his music and pyro-laden opening number from Pacquio’s Dallas fight) last Saturday night nor do I think he is the best in boxing (he has yet to beat one living legend that is Pacquiao), even after beating Sugar Shane Mosley via unanimous decision during their main event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. He failed to fill-up the arena (I saw a lot of vacant seats) – 15,117 fans watched the Mayweather fight (as opposed to Pacquiao’s 50,994 Dallas crowd).
Gauging from the trend of questions thrown at him, I am not alone in that sentiment at the standing-room-only credentialed media teeming the post-fight conference at the MGM Grand.
Yet, there was a constant stream of exaggerated praises and hyperbole (to feed one bloated ego) before Mayweather showed up in the media room and here are some of them:
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

"We have to really respect what we have just witnessed. The best boxer on the planet is Mayweather, in my mind, in Mosley's mind, in everybody's mind. He is the best. Tonight convinced me that he is the best.

"He has the talent, he has the work ethic and people all over the world are become fans.
"He fought Shane Mosely, which was supposed to be the most dangerous fight of his career, and he showed us why he is the best.

"Mayweather can decide who he wants to fight now. He can decide who, when and where.
"Mayweather is on he is on a different level because he a student of the game he will dissect you outside the ring and finish you inside the ring
"Special boxers like Mayweather, we talk about them forever.
"He showed me true greatness because I felt that he was going to go down. That he was not going to be able handle Mosley's punch. It just shows you Mayweather is the real deal. I am a firm believer Mayweather is the best we have."

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions
"Great crowd, it really is Las Vegas and many stars showed up. That is what Las Vegas brings, the glitz and the glamour.
"When the fight started people were yelling Mosley because there were a lot of haters, in the end, they were yelling 'Money' Mayweather.
"It was certainly a big night for Money Mayweather. It’s going to be big, big pay-per-view numbers that I can assure you."

"Here was another tremendous fight, another tremendous turn out.”
"There was a point to prove; to see who was the best welterweight out there.”
"Do I have to fight? No I don't have to fight, absolutely not. I truly believe the numbers we did are unbelievable.”

The future of boxing is here. Golden Boy Promotions' Oscar dela Hoya, left, introduces his latest protege, 19-year old Saul Alvarez of Mexico (he spoke to the international media in 100% spanish) who defeated in glaring fashion, the older Cotto, Jose Miguel, last Saturday night's undercard fight.

Believe and See Passion Play. The awesome cast of the passion play entitled "Believe and See" was shown in Crossroads Christian Center in Daly City last Easter Sunday. The role of Jesus was beautifully portrayed by Christian Troi Vengco. The extraordinary play was directed by Kristoffer Earl Dizon, director of the Edify Ministry of CCC, who hopes that this will be the start of an annual tradition of love at CCC with Jesus as the center of its message.

"I always say, put them in front of me, I'll beat them.”
"My dad, Roger and I have chemistry. The game plan was unbelievable. I looked back at my dad and he's telling me something. I looked back at Roger and he's telling me the same thing.
"I've got the will to win under the lights, but we all don't form under the lights the same.
"After a while I think Mosley went into survival mode. All he was trying to do was survive.
"Every fight is different, every fighter is different. Everyone was talking about how Mosley is stronger, how Mosley is faster. I rocked him more than he rocked me.
"At one point I thought he was going to cough it up, but he held on valiantly.
"I've been dominating fighters since the 90s, but I always say I'm closer to 40 than I am to 21. I'm not chasing fighters.

"Even with the second round, I knew I was the strongest guy form the beginning. Every fighter is totally different.
"Mentally in the fight I was talking to him. Telling him 'Your jab isn't faster than mine; if it is let me see.'
"Over the years, when I'm at home, I never study an opponent. They are going to be totally different in the ring.
"I believe that it's not bragging or boasting if you can back it up.
"The ultimate goal it to try to find a fighter than can beat me. There's a lot of young tough fighters out there that I take my hat off to, that I want to see do well.
"As of right now we just want to go home, reevaluate a few things, and see what we come up with. As of right now I just want to spend some time with my family.
"I'm here to just fight the best that's out there and be the best you can be.
"Zab Judah hit me with a better shot and DeMarcus 'Chop Chop' Corley hit me with a better shot.

"I think he tried, but it's just me being able to show my versatility to adapt and adjust. My game plan was going to work, break him down in every way.
"I think a lot of people are surprised. I just believe in myself, these types of things happen in big fights."

ROGER MAYWEATHER, Mayweather's Trainer
"Mosley has very fast hands, but he doesn't have a jab. He had tremendous hand speed, but it means nothing if you cant hit the target. You've got to be able to hit the target. Mosley is fast if he fights somebody slow, but it's different if it's somebody faster.
"He (Mayweather) boxed his ass off, and the fight wasn't even close."

FINAL PUNCH STATISTICS
Let the numbers speak from the final punch statistics provided by CompuBox (Every Punch Counts):
All 3 judges scored for Mayweather – Adelaide Byrd 119-109; Robert Hoyle 118-110 and Dave Moretti 119-109.
Mosley won only one round – the 2nd, on all 3 judges’ score cards.
Pacquiao’s name resonated repeatedly inside the arena and more at the post-fight Media Center International conference. Is the Pacquiao fight ever gonna happen? What would it take for you to fight Pacquiao? Would you consider a compromise for the Pacquaio fight to even happen? If you can’t fight Pacquiao, who would you consider fighting next in line?
Pacquiao wasn’t even in the event, yet his name was mentioned hundreds of times during the night. If you can’t call that an indication of what being the real best boxer these days, I don’t what it is.

TO-BE-SEEN IN THE CITY
More on the Perkins Twins, Half-Pinoy Grand Prix Winners
This column got a lot of further inquiries on the latest toss of tennis world – the Perkins Twins, both half-Pinoys from Menlo Park. In response, we have scheduled an exclusive interview and photo session with the twins this week, pending schedule confirmation from their camp.
Proud dad, Tarny Perkins, met Teresa Pazziuagan, a Filipina of Tuguegarao,Cagayan on a flight going from Hong Kong to the Philippines where she was working at Cathay Pacific as a flight stewardess for 10 years. More details to follow next week(s).

PERSONAL NOTES
Congratulations to ‘Believe and See’ Passion Play director, Kristoffer Earl Dizon, the whole cast and everyone who has helped in any way to make the play possible. The Edify Ministry of Crossroads Christian Center in Daly City, in a labor of love, produced the very touching play. The passion play blessed the hearts of those who watched it last April 4. In this play, the disciples of Jesus took the audience on a journey as they looked at the final days of Jesus. The role of Jesus was beautifully portrayed by Christian Troi Vengco.

There were moments of great awe especially during the passion scenes of Jesus' suffering and crucifixion as the audience could feel the lash of the whip and the sound of nails being hammered to Jesus' hands and feet. His cry of "It is finished" resounded throughout the entire assembly. Many were moved to tears as they realized how much suffering Jesus had to bear because of His great love for us.

The play culminated in the victorious resurrection of Jesus who appeared to Thomas who had a difficulty believing in a risen Lord and Savior until he had seen the wounds in His hands for himself. Doubting Thomas had to see to believe. On the contrary, Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." The play ended with the promise of the Lord Jesus' triumphant return.

Belated Happy Birthday to San Pablo’s George and Angel Ventura, father and daughter (April 23 and May 1st, respectively) who both celebrated with family and friends last Saturday.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"It wasn’t even close.” - by Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. on his unanimous decision victory against Mosley last Saturday night at MGM Grand Garden Arena.
"I tried, it was a good fight, it was that close.” By Sugar Shane Mosley describing his near-knockout on Round 2 of Mayweather had he (Mayweather) not held on to his right hand after releasing several power punches succeedingly on the face of Mayweather.
Obviously, one of the two is not telling the truth. Just check out the judges’ score cards.
This column also appears online at www.FilipinoVillage.com and http://sites.google.com/site/adkinsmmcevents/Home/ with readership in 72 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

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Issue 14: March 31, 2010


‘The Heartthrobs & Friends’ Rocks San Jose

(The Gang is Back, Bigger and Better with Kim Chiu & Gerald)

SEEN IN THE CITY
Almost 5,000 screaming fans filled the San Jose State University’s The Events Center last Saturday night, March 27th, coming from all over the United States to witness ‘The Heartthrobs’ (originally composed of Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby, Bea Alonzo with Pokwang, later joined the succeeding shows by John Lloyd Cruz) biggest concert crowd to-date (according to one of them, Sam Milby as per performs his opening number), this time with the rock-solid love team of the hit ABS-CBN ‘Tayong Dalawa’ – Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson.

Philippine Airlines Cares For The Environment as they sponsor round-trip tickets of the reigning Miss Philippines Earth USA (West Coast) 2010, Melissa Sokukawa, 19, a Half-Japanese Filipina 5’8" stunner from Union City, CA, shown here being wished well by PAL Country Manager, Joanne Sarmiento, left. The beauty queen left for Manila last Sunday, March 28th to compete in Manila for a chance to represent the country in the international pageant to be held in Vietnam in November.

The Lady Luck. Some girls have all the luck as Fremont's Lucky Line Producer, Nanette Labrador keeps getting it right, as her shows keep on making money, sandwiched here by Bea Alonzo, left and Kim Chiu before their 'The Heartthrobs & Friends' show started last Saturday night in San Jose, CA

Pokwang opened the show proper with a high-spirited ‘Bad Romance’ number, complete with a ‘Cleopatra meets Lady Gaga’ outfit and backup male dancers. She then followed up with a performance number never been seen on San Jose stage before – her ‘Luha’ song number where she used an anatomically-correct young male audience to be her ‘human microphone stand’, with strict instructions to follow her every move, her every hip bending and her every rolling on the floor. Imagine this scene – beamed across two giant screens on the opposite side of the stage – Pokwang grabs her ‘microphone’ positioned midway across the guy’s body and then they roll together on stage for several minutes. The audiences were satisfactorily entertained right at that point of the evening.

'My Papa Piolo' is what Tracy-based Concert Producer, Ms. Filipinas Achocoso seems to exclaim as she stopped The Ultimate Heartthrob, Piolo Pascual in the middle of her performance, in the middle of stage, in the middle of close to other 5,000 screaming fans, so she can get a souvenir shot with him.

The Heartthrob & his Friend. John Lloyd Cruz befriends Kim Santos Macaraig, 19, daughter of Power Broker, Thez Santos of South San Francisco at the SJSU backstage last Saturday night.

Then came Balladeer Richard Poon who sang ‘Portrait of My Love’ and ‘Wowowee medley of songs’. The venue burst in deafening cheers when ‘Tayong Dalawa’ loveteam, Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson came out on stage singing Taylor Swift’s ‘You Belong With Me’ followed by the theme song of their hit movie ‘Paano Na Kaya’.

Post 'Lupang Hinirang' Brouhaha. Journeys' Lead Singer, Arnel Pineda (shown here during his Dallas Pacquiao-Clottey fight appearance wherein he was criticized and threatened by some sectors for allegedly maligning the sanctity of the Philippine National Anthem by changing its tempo, among others), will perform with The Zoo Band on July 03, 2010 either in Reno or the Bay Area in a yet-to-be-named venue, announced by Lighthouse Entertainment's Archie Mendiorro.

The 'Heartthrob' Producer. All's well that ends well, as months before last Saturday night's show, Producer Archie Mendiorro (2nd left) was nervous of slower ticket sales only to be quickly relieved upon seeing the almost 5,000 people that showed up to watch 'The Heartthrobs & Friends' (L-R) John Lloyd Cruz, Piolo Pascual, Gerald Anderson, their new friend, Richard Lao of Manila Mail and Sam Milby).

Pokwang then introduced Sam Milby who sang ‘Crazy Thing Called Love’ with much gusto, dancing, bouncing perkily on stage, visibly amazed by the very enthusiastic large crowd. He then sang ‘And I Love You So’ which segwayed Bea Alonzo’s entrance who sang the duet ‘I’m Yours’ with him. She sang a solo number – ‘The Song’.number.

Bea signaled John Lloyd Cruz’s entrance with her singing ‘Miss You Like Crazy’ followed by John’s ‘You’ll Be Safe Here’ and ‘I’ll Never Go’ solo numbers.

Ultimate Hearththrob Piolo Pascual with Levi Baranda owner of San Francisco limo, the official limo service of the Hearththrob 2010 us tour in San Jose.

Iris Garcia celebrated her 23rd Birthday last March 17, 2010, with her in photo from L-R: Larry Lontoc, Lyod Reyes, Ardes Reyes, Jay-R Reyes and Iris Garcia.

The predominantly female crowd reserved their loudest screams when The Ultimate Heartthrob, Piolo Pascaul came out singing ‘Babe’ (the theme song of Sam Milby’s forthcoming movie, “Babe I Love You”. At this point of the night, I came to a realization, that in the years of watching his shows, that one of the main factors that he got the most fans is because of the fact that he doesn’t belong to anyone and he is theirs solely for their undivided adulation. He doesn’t have a permanent love partner, he is not married and never got permanently committed. He then shared the “Haven’t Met You Yet” song number with Sam Milby and Richard Poon.
All of them gathered and performed a medley of VST & Company’s ‘80’s disco hit songs.
To sum it all up, it was a highly entertaining show and everybody went home happy and inspired to go find their own heartthrob, their own friends.

The Heartthrob Sponsor. Mr. Henry Sy, right, back, owner of Profood USA Philippine brand (with offices in Cebu and Union City) is one of the very satisfied sponsors of Piolo Pascual's (seated, right) 'The Heartthrobs & Friends' US Concert Tour San Jose leg.

A Soldier Story. San Jose's Michael Christian Kuizon Young, 6, left and his 9-year old brother Gabriel Christian Kuizon Young's soldier father (Robert F. Young of the US Air Force) died just 3 years ago. Whenever they watch Gerald Anderson (back) who plays a soldier in 'Tayong Dalawa', they both can't help but cry and remember their dad and their happy times with him. So whenever Gerald has a show in town, they always make it a point to watch him in person, just like the recently concluded San Jose leg of 'The Heartthrobs & Friends' US Concert Tour, where they also asked Kim Chiu to finish the autograph on their soldier monkey toys. This is according to their San Jose-based almost-a-family, Marife Ronquillo (good friend of their mom, Jenille K Young).

Congratulations to Mr. Archie Mendiorro and his Lighthouse Entertainment team, which includes Line Producer, Ms. Nanette Labrador and Berce Productions’ Ms. Lerma and Cesar Cailles for another successful show.

Father of the Heartthrobs. Renowned Producer, Director and Star Magic Talent Manager, Mr. M himself, Johnny Manahan, right, with Aunt Betty Garfield and Commnity Leader Baby Byram, shown celebrating after the very successful 'The Heartthrobs & Friends' concert in San Jose last Saturday night.

The gang retired to the hotel rooms early for their 6:00 a.m. flight to San Diego , their next show the following day. Other cities lined up for ‘The Heartthrobs & Friends’ are the following:
New York, NY
March 31, 2010, 7:00 PM at Manhattan Center , 311 W. 34th Street , New York , NY . Ticket prices $68, $88, $148 (SOLD OUT) and VIP $168. A new section has been opened with $108 tickets and they still have a few $168 (VIP); Please call 201.886.1705 / 201.290.9245/ 917-513-5266 / 917-428-9078 / 989-492-1965 / 914-255-2137.
Los Angeles, CA
Saturday, April 3, 2010 at the Heritage Forum located at 201 East Broadway, Anaheim , CA 92805-3904 Phone (714) 776-7776 www.heritageforum.net. For tickets call 562-787-9030 or 562-964-3434
Dallas, TX
Sunday, April 4 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center , Fort Worth , TX located at City of 3401 West Lancaster Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76107-3045(817) 392-7469 www.fortworthgov.org

TO-BE-SEEN IN THE CITY
Heart 2 Heart …A Journey of Love… Music to Remember
On May 29, 2010 (Saturday), 7:30PM at the Nob Hill Masonic Center, spend a romantic evening listening to different stories of love and life weaved together through the most beautiful songs of our time and interpreted by two of the Philippines’ most respected and talented artists – Ms. Regine Velasquez and Mr. Ogie Alcasid, Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera entitled “Heart 2 Heart”.

For ticket inquiries and sponsorships please call JS Camins Productions at 650-290-0542 ; 650- 290- 4457; Edwina 415-370-2802; Flor 415-205-0114.
Geneva Cruz & Rachel Alejandro Performs at Cache Creek
Catch the best of Geneva Cruz (reportedly separated from husband KC Montero recently) and Rachel Alejandro on April 17 at 8:00 p.m. at Cache Creek Casino Resort’s Club 88. Joe Alvarez guests.

Lighthouse Entertainment Signs Arnel Pineda and The Zoo Band
Reeling off from the success of their ‘The Heartthrobs & Friends’ show in San Jose, Archie Mendiorro of Lighthouse Entertainment shared us their latest undertaking – Journey’s lead singer, Filipino, Arnel Pineda will be having a concert with The Zoo Band on July 03, 2010. The venue is yet to be announced. Save the date – July 03 for it’s a long weekend.


PERSONAL NOTES
Belated Happy Birthday to the South City Business Woman Maria Ingco (March 20), President and CEO of Chanze, Inc. (a residential care home facility).
Belated Happy Birthday to the Ms. Aileen Fabros (March 24) of South San Francisco who is strong advocate for Health Care Patients’ rights.

Advanced Happy Birthday to Ichiban Library’s Ben Ramos (April 3rd) who will hold a semi-formal gathering at their lounge/restaurant located 2236 Westborough Dr., South San Francisco on April 3rd at 1:00 p.m.

Advanced Happy Birthday to Dr. William Christopher Soule (April 20) of Santa Clara , a practicing Radiologist for Valley Radiology, Inc.
Advanced Happy Birthday to Mr. Lyndon Canon (April 21) of San Mateo, President & CEO of Insight ARF, Inc.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"The pay-per-view performance of Pacquiao-Clottey significantly exceeded our expectations," by Mark Taffet, Senior Vice President for HBO PPV. “Manny Pacquiao's 12-round decision victory against Joshua Clottey on March 13 at Cowboys Stadium generated 700,000 HBO pay-per-view buys and $35.3 million in revenue, the network announced just last Tuesday. "It is a testament to the popularity of Pacquiao and the vitality of the sport.”

Pacquiao's 12 pay-per-view fights have generated 6.25 million buys and $320 million in pay-per-view revenue, according to figures quoted by USA Today’s Bob Velin.

This column also appears online at www.FilipinoVillage.com and http://sites.google.com/site/adkinsmmcevents/Home/ with readership in 68 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

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Issue 5: Janurary 27, 2010


“Paano Na Kaya”starring Kim, Gerald to
screen in San Francisco starting February 5th

Long-awaited “Kimerald” starrer is ABS-CBN International’s pre-Valentine film offering

By Bradford Adkins


Following the box-office success of the U.S. theatrical for I Love You, Goodbye in January, ABS-CBN International’s Starry Starry Store brings in February the much awaited pre-Valentine offering from Star Cinema: Paano Na Kaya, starring the number one love team in Philippine showbiz, Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson.
Kim and Gerald have become such a hot item as an on-screen couple that thousands of fans and celebrity columnists have referred to them as one name: “Kimerald”. They are much sought after in commercials, magazine covers, films and television. The couple scored big in ratings and following with their hit ABS-CBN teleserye, Tayong Dalawa, aired here in the U.S. on The Filipino Channel (TFC).

Have you fallen secretly in love with a friend? That's the theme of the latest Kim-Gerald movie offering from ABS-CBN International - 'Paano Na Kaya', showing starting February 5th in San Francisco.

2009 Mrs. Agoo, Mrs. Jocelyn Tabora, paraded the Agoo town center atop a floral-adorned float with very proud husband, Matt of San Jose, CA.

The Town of Agoo, La Union crowned their latest Queen last month, in the person of San Jose's Mrs. Jocelyn Tabora, center, shown here with (L-R) Dr. Franny (former Agoo Mayor) and Mayor Sandra Eriguel, Sponsors Lina & Arthur Estoesta.

So much is going for Paano Na Kaya aside from Kimerald. Fans of the fast-rising young singer Bugoy Drilon, Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 runner-up, will be thrilled to know that the movie was inspired from his hit song of the same title. It has a stellar supporting cast that includes seasoned actors like Ricky Davao, Rio Locsin, Melissa Ricks, Rica Peralejo and Zsa Zsa Padilla, plus highly watched new faces, Filipino American Guji Lorenzana and Robi Domingo, first runner-up of the reality TV show, Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus. At the helm is no other than Tayong Dalawa director, Ruel Bayani.

The 2 Undisputed Concert Kings, Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera, will return to the US stage (after sold-out performances last year in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Diego, Houston, New Jersey and Canadian Key Cities) on March 12th, Friday, 8:30pm at the Tuscany Ballroom of the Peppermill Resort Casino in Reno, NV. For tickets, call Silverscreen Productions at (510) 938-4064, (415) 370-2802 and (415) 205-0114.

Haiti-bound, Mary Jane Powell, left, of the Bay Area (shown here with daughter, Fashion Model, Brittany) will be shipping relief goods to help the tragic earthquake victims with the help of her Church and Pastor who raised more than $20,000. Others are more than welcomed to contribute online via http://jubilee.org/content/events/haiti-relief/

Paano Na Kaya is a romantic drama about best friends secretly falling in love with each other. Mae (Kim Chiu) has always been in love with her best friend, Bogs (Gerald Anderson). Bogs, on the other hand, is madly in love with his girlfriend, Anna (Melissa Ricks). When Anna breaks Bogs’heart, Mae has high hopes that her best friend will notice her romantically.

Team Ice Band from the East Bay, is composed of (R-L) Dennis Cariaga (Lead/Rhythm Guitar), Alex Rayo (Lead Vocals), Alain De Leon (Lead/Rhythm Guitar), Angelo De Leon (Drums) and Voltaire Lerm (Bass Guitar). Watch and listen them perform this Friday night at Hayward's Kenkoy Grill.

Sean Enriquez of San Ramon, doing his best 'Santino' imitation here, celebrated his 6th birthday last Tuesday, Jan 19th. He got his wish - dinner at his favorite The Cheescake Factory, twice!

The best friends become a couple. But could it be just a rebound relationship? What happens when Anna returns to Bogs’ life? Can best friends really become lovers? Can rebound love finally become true love?

“For some time now, there has been a clamor for a Kimerald movie to be shown in the U.S. We had to wait for the perfect showcase vehicle starring this love team to present to Filipinos here and we believe we’ve found it in Paano Na Kaya. We have high hopes for this pre-Valentine film offering for our kapamilya in the U.S. , especially for the Kimerald fans” said Kerwin Du, ABS-CBN International’s Head of Theatricals.

The schedule of screenings for Paano Na Kaya in the U.S. is as follows:

February 5-11, 2010
SAN FRANCISCO
UA Stonestown Twin
501 Buckingham Way
San Francisco, CA 94132

SAN DIEGO
UA Horton Plaza
475 Horton Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101

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

JERSEY CITY
AMC Loews Newport Center
30 Mall Drive West
Jersey City, NY 07310

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

February 12-18, 2010

CHICAGO
The Pickwick Theatre 1
5 South Prospect Avenue
Park Ridge, IL 60068
For more information, please visit www.abs-cbnglobalmovies.com or call 1.800.227.9676.

SEEN IN THE CITY

Models And Dancers, Wanted!
Wynn Enterprise is looking for 4 to 6 backup dancers, ages 16 years and up and Fashion Show Models, Male and Female, ages 16 and older.
This search is Open to both new and experienced models.
Audition Date: Sunday, January 31, 2010
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: Pilipinas Cafe - 100 Dixon Rd Milpitas , CA 95035
Open to all Ethnicities
Models and Dancers will perform for GMA LifeTV Concert on Feb 27, 2010 at the Holiday Inn San Jose - Meditteranean Center .
Interested dancers and models please e-mail GMALifeTVConcert@yahoo.com for more information and any additional questions.
Or call Joy Guzman (408)219-7099 / Roxanne Guzman(510) 415-3075.

TO-BE-SEEN IN THE CITY

“Heartthrobs & Friends” Concert Now On March 27th
Lighthouse Entertainment’s Archie Mendiorro is very happy to announce, that due to insistent public and sponsors’ demands, the “Heartthrobs & Friends’ Concert featuring Piolo Pascual (close your mouth, Mitos Enriquez!), Sam Milby (leash your ‘Got Milby’ flocks now, Kuya Vil!), John Lloyd Cruz (control yourself, Tita Sunny Tila!), with Bea Alonzo, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Pokwang and Richard Poon, will be coming two weeks earlier – Saturday, March 27th at 7:30pm! There will be no ‘meet-and-greet’ as the artists will be flying in on a very tight schedule.

The new venue will be The Events Center Arena of the San Jose State University .
Sponsors to-date include, Filipinas Productions, Lechon, Manila, Tancinco Law Offices, Goldilocks, BPI Express Remittance, Dr. Roberto Espejo, Jr, DDS, Gerry's Grill, SJ Formal Wear, Atty Melba Espartero-Cawit, Philippine Fiesta, Manila Mail, Philippine Headlines among forthcoming others.

For group tickets and sponsorships, please call 510-552-1546 / 510-648-7278 / 415-553-0924 / 510-828-4792 /415-370-2802/ 415-205-0114.
Presenting… East Bay ’s Team Ice Band…In Concert – Friday, Jan 29th
East Bay-owned, Team Ice, an ‘80s & ‘90s Music Cover Band is performing at Kenkoy's Grill this Friday, January 29th at 9PM.

Da Who is Team Ice Band? TEAM ICE – “Unity of Cool People”, is a rock band, composed of five Filipino guys based in San Francisco Bay Area, who share the same love and passion for music. They are Dennis Cariaga, Alain De Leon, Angelo De Leon, Voltaire Lerma and Alex Rayo.

Dennis met Alex where they worked together. Dennis invited him to join his organization, SFC, for a CLP evening.

Dennis played guitar at CLP. They both met Voltaire and Alain, who was Alex’s fellow CLP participant. Voltaire is an excellent bass player. Alain plays a mean guitar; and during that time, frequently jams with his brother Angelo, who plays drums. Alex showed a lot of interest in singing.

During one of their friends’ birthday party, Dennis and Alain thought of performing acoustic night for the celebrant. The didn’t expect it, but it was a blast! They played so well together that they pondered on putting up a band: Alain and Dennis on guitars, Voltaire on bass, Angelo on drums, and Alex on vocals. That moment was dream-come-true for everyone. It was Hollywood in the making. It was whipped cream on top of a banana-split ice cream at Fenton’s.
It was hard to decide on a name for the band, until Alex saw someone’s car plate name, TEAM ICE. He was moved as he strongly suggested using TEAM ICE as the band name - “TEAM” for “Unity” and “ICE” for “Cool People”. The rest is history. TEAM ICE had been playing music and performing in various events and venues ever since.

TEAM ICE is going strong on its 5th year and is busy doing gigs and shows around East Bay area. They play 80’s and 90’s rock music covers and also Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
The future looks bright for TEAM ICE as they continue to captivate the audience with their music. But, they remained humble and kept their feet on the ground. Indeed, TEAM ICE is the Unity of Cool People (www.youtube.com/user/TeamIceBand).
Check it out for yourselves and visit this Friday night, Kenkoy’s Grill located at24973 Santa Clara St , Hayward , CA 94544 .

PERSONAL NOTES

Belated Happy Birthday to Sean Enriquez, who came back twice to the Cheesecake Factory at the Stoneridge Mall as his 6th birthday celebration with family and friends. Sean can sing and dance to Michael Jackson songs with ease to the delight of his equally-talented older brother, Christian, loving parents Mitos and Dino Enriquez and proud grandparents, Gary and Flora Enriquez of San Ramon, CA.
Happy Birthday on Thursday this week (January 28th) to the happy and very contented, Mrs. Gina Cunanan-Salazar of Pleasanton, CA who was surprised by her family and friends with a gathering at their house in Pleasanton, CA. Husband Henry Salazar, the former Pelotari Superstar, took the day off from golf tournaments, to be with her on her special birthday weekend.

Quote of the Week – “Learn to say 'no' to the good so you can say 'yes' to the best." - John Maxwell as quoted by once a Ginoong Filipinas Grand Winner, Christopher Sean Friel.

This column also appears online at http://sites.google.com/site/adkinsmmcevents/Home/ with readership in 52 countries, 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
Consul General Marciano A. Paynor, Jr. with the SFPD officers and delegate members during the send-off reception.

San Francisco Police Department Conducts Its 7th Philippine Exchange Program In Manila

Consul General Marciano A. Paynor, Jr. hosted a send off reception for the officers of the San Francisco Police Department who will conduct their 7th exchange training program with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Manila from 20 January to 5 February 2010.

The fourteen-member delegation, headed by Lieutenant Eric Quema, will join law enforcement officers from the Philippine National Police and other local training agencies like the National Police College and the Philippine National Police Academy for a two-week training and education exchange program to be conducted in different training venues around Metro Manila. This will include symposiums, seminars, and lectures on tactical skills, industrial security, transit security, crime scene investigation, terrorism awareness and other technical matters given by expert instructors from both countries.

During the reception, Consul General Marciano Paynor said, “the continued success of the police exchange program between the PNP and the SFPD is a visible proof of the strong bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and the United States in such key areas as counter-terrorism, defense security as well as law enforcement. It also works to further strengthen the professional ties, mutual learning opportunities, and promote friendship and camaraderie among peacekeepers from our two countries.”

Full-time San Francisco Police Department officers, most of whom are of Filipino ethnicity, conceptualized the program ten years ago to establish a continuing training program with counterparts from the Philippine National Police (PNP). Over the years the PNP has also sent delegations to San Francisco.

This year’s delegation is the biggest contingent ever to visit the Philippines, which include representatives of San Francisco’s multi-racial and multi-cultural communities. Adding a new dimension to the program, a number of BART transit police officers will be going to Manila and joining all aspects of the training program. Consul General Paynor noted that, “the continuing development in the Philippines requires improving the way we secure vital infrastructures, especially our transit systems and road ways. The participation of transit police officers and other field specialists will definitely create important learning experiences that will greatly benefit members of both law enforcement agencies,” he said.

Feast of Santo Nino

Baby Byram of Hard Hat Bar and Restaurant in Daly City celebrated her birthday last Saturday at her restaurant. With her in photo is California State Commisioner Ray Satorre and Daly City Councilman David Canepa.

Feast of Santo Nino was celebrated by the Parish of San Agustine Church in South San Francisco attended by the parishioners and officers of San Augustine Church.

45th Wedding Aniversary

Ramon and Ella Del Rosario celebrated their 45th Wedding aniversary last Jan 15, 2010. In a simple ceremony, Father Padraig Green, of the Catholic Community of Pleasanton, officiated their renewal of vows in the presence of many close friends from the Bay Area. Ramon and Ella will soon be permanently retiring in the Philippines, after having spent 44 years in America, where Ramon had a successful career with Bechetel retiring as VP Engineering and Construction. For many years Ramon was involved with the De La Salle Alumni Association Norcal, where he served as President for four terms.
Pictured with friends: seated first row: Cara Subijano, Beng Silva, Marilou Lacambra, Allan Silva, Art Dancel, Chona Dancel, Maite Duncan. Seated second row; Father Green, Ramon Del Rosario, Ella Del Rosario, Rose Salgado, Willy Salgado, Bing Lacambra. Standing behind: Thelma Magtoto, Concepcion Caballero, Tina Estrella, Tina Gutierrez, Jerry Gutierrez, Allan Estrella, Jojo De La Fuente, Joe Batto, Mike Cullen, Stanley Lacambra, Eva Cullen, Joel Lacambra, Julius Salud, Manolo Relova.