2009 10/07-10/13

MANILA MAIL COMMUNITY

Hector Manuel, center, of San Jose, CA presented his latest creations in Helium Atomic Fashion Show held last Saturday, shown here with Joseph Domingo, leftmost (LA-based Filipino Designer) and Ms. Rose Hill, Hollywood-based Half-Filipina Make Up Artist to-the-stars.

Myrna L. De Vera Is Honored As A ‘Filipina Of Distinction’.

Hollywood-trained Make Up Artists (L-R), Andrea Bongbonga, Sophia Barriga and San Jose's Cristine Pacifico Paul, celebrate at the Silver Creek Country Club, after a successful gig and before the HeliumAtomic Fashion Show last Saturday.

San Jose's Ms. Josie Ruiz, right, continue to donate relief goods and services, together with fellow volunteer, Ms. Susan Navarro-Pacifico.

ABS-CBN International’s MYX Announces Agreement With Comcast

Only Asian American Music and Lifestyle Channel in the U.S. to Launch in Parts of the San Francisco Bay Area on Comcast’s Digital Preferred Tier

MYX®, the nation’s only music entertainment and lifestyle channel that caters to Asian Americans, recently signed an agreement with Comcast, one of the nation’s leading providers of entertainment, information and communications products and services, according to a report from Ms. Nerissa Fernandez of ABS-CBN International. Under the agreement, MYX® has been added to Comcast’s Digital Preferred tier on Channel 368 in more than 80 cities in the San Francisco Bay Area this month, including: Novato, Pleasanton, Santa Clara, San Rafael, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Los Altos, Palo Alto, Saratoga, Milpitas, Mountain View and Vacaville.

“We’re committed to paving the way for Asian American-inspired entertainment,” said Raffy Lopez, chief operating officer of ABS-CBN Global, which owns and operates MYX®. “Our solid partnership with Comcast enables MYX® to serve the distinct entertainment needs of Asian American youth within the San Francisco Bay area.”

“Including MYX® in our channel line-up reaffirms our commitment to offering programming choices that reflect the diverse interests of our customers,” said Elaine Barden, Regional Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Comcast , California . “With MYX®, we can offer relevant programming to the fast-growing Asian American youth population.”

MYX® aspires to bring Asian pop culture to Asian-American youth, addressing the cultural reality that many of them want to reconnect to their roots. MYX® also champions the independent American and Asian-American music scene by giving these artists a venue to showcase their work.

MYX® was recently awarded its second consecutive nomination for its monthly two-minute vignette on buzz-generating artists, Dig: Lyrics Born (Digital Media Short Form category) at the 2009 NAMIC Vision Awards (National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications). This prestigious entertainment industry award honors achievements in television programming diversity.

On MYX®, viewers can view fresh and innovative shows including Myxology featuring live performances of independent artists; Music Bang showcasing non-stop music videos from Asia; Slanted Comedy featuring stand up routines from the hottest Asian comics on the scene; The Nutshack, the first Filipino American animated series for adults; and That's My Jam: The MYX Music Countdown, the only countdown in the U.S. that broadens the choices of popular videos to include Asian hits.

ABOUT MYX®

With its U.S. headquarters in Redwood City , California , MYX® was developed by ABS-CBN International, a US-based subsidiary ABS-CBN Broadcasting which is the largest media company in the Philippines and among the largest in Asia . MYX® is the only music entertainment and lifestyle channel dedicated to the Asian American community, utilizing music, culture and entertainment. MYX® can be seen on Comcast ON DEMAND, Cox Digital Basic Cable, DIRECTV 2067 and RCN. For more information, visit http://myx.tv.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is one of the nation's leading providers of entertainment, information and communication products and services. With 23.9 million cable customers, 15.3 million high-speed Internet customers, and 7.0 million Comcast Digital Voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.

Comcast's content networks and investments include E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, Golf Channel, VERSUS, G4, PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One, ten sports networks operated by Comcast Sports Group and Comcast Interactive Media, which develops and operates Comcast's Internet businesses, including Comcast.net (www.comcast.net). Comcast also has a majority ownership in Comcast-Spectacor, whose major holdings include the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and two large multipurpose arenas in Philadelphia .

SEEN IN THE CITY

Bay Area’s Myrna Lardizabal De Vera Honored As A ‘Filipina Of Distinction’

The Filipina Women’s Network (FWN) has selected Myrna Lardizabal De Vera, Vice-Chair, City of Hercules Planning Commission , as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. , “Policymakers & Visionaries” category.

The 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. Award™ honors Filipina women who are changing the face of power in America and who have reached status for outstanding work in their respective fields and who are recognized for their leadership and achievements in the U.S. workplace and communities.

“The 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. are dynamic leaders who are influential in their respective fields and local communities. These role models are powerful examples of women doing extraordinary work who will inspire our youth and future leaders,” said Lieutenant Colonel Shirley Saoit Raguindin of the Arizona National Guard and chair of the FWN 100 Nationwide Search and Selection Committee. “The awardees are asked to womentor a protégée so we can double the number of Filipina leaders by 2012. They were selected from nominations submitted from across the United States .”

“The selection process included personal interviews of the qualified nominees based on six categories and selection criteria conducted by a team of 2007 FWN 100 Awardees. In the spirit of collaboration, the scores were tabulated with the help of members of the Filipino American Association of Certified Public Accountants,” said Elena Mangahas, board chair of the Filipina Women’s Network.

The 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. Awards™ is a working recognition award, a key initiative of Pinay Power 2012. Pinay Power 2012 is a dream with a meaningful purpose: double the number of Filipina women leaders by 2012.

“The awardees will participate in the Womentoring Pinay Circles, which will be launched at the 6th Filipina Leadership Summit in Berkeley , California ,” said Marily Mondejar, president of the Filipina Women’s Network. “The Pinay Circles aim to provide professional and personal development of women leaders, exposing them to critical public and private sector issues affecting Filipina women and enhancing their competitive knowledge from state, national and global perspectives. It connects Filipina leaders from across the U.S. with each other and with decision-makers, thinkers and practitioners and promotes creativity and innovation through the sharing of ideas and best practices. The Pinay Circle members are empowered to contribute more fully to the communities and companies in which they live and work.”

Pinay Power 2012 began in 2006 with a dream to inspire, inform, and advance Filipina women leaders who would influence the Filipino American community’s future. It provides a critical pathway for successful women who care about advancement, achievement, and significance. These women are not only talking about change, but plan to be part of making it happen.

For additional details concerning Pinay Power 2012 and to attend the Filipina Leadership Summit, call (415) 278-9410 or go to www.FilipinaWomensNetwork.org. For additional details concerning Myrna Lardizabal De Vera, contact Lorna Dietz at RadiantView@gmail.com or (415) 508-5326.

About Filipina Women's Network (FWN)

FWN is the non-profit association for women of Philippine ancestry based in the United States . FWN's mission is to advance Filipina women in the U.S. workplace through programs and activities that enhance public perceptions of Filipina women's capacities to lead, change biases against Filipina women's leadership abilities, and build the Filipina community's pipeline of qualified leaders, to increase the odds that some will rise to the president position in all sectors. More info: Call 415.278.9410 or email filipina@ffwn.org. http://www.filipinawomensnetwork.org.

About the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. Awards™

The Filipina Women’s Network’s FWN 100 awards program is part of a larger game plan called "Pinay Power 2012" - a dream with a meaningful purpose - to double the number of Filipina women leaders by 2012. The prestigious recognition is a working award - the winners are asked to womentor a protégée. Both leaders are invited to return to the Filipina Leadership Summit in 2012.

About the Filipina Leadership Summit

Filipina Women’s Network's annual Filipina Leadership Summit is the leading national forum of its kind. Filipina professionals - decision makers in leading industries - gather to learn the latest developments for multicultural professionals in the U.S. workplace and make the connections that will advance their businesses and professional careers.

Now in its sixth year, FWN holds its annual Filipina Leadership Summit in October in observance of Filipino American History Month. The 2009 summit is held from October 30 to November 1, 2009 at the Claremont Hotel in Berkeley , California . More info: www.FilipinaWomensNetwork.org/summit09

The Filipina Summit is the definitive gathering of Filipina women to celebrate the advancement and contributions of Filipina Americans to U.S. society. It is a time of remembrance, reflection, and motivation to renew efforts towards research, examination, and promulgation of Filipina American history and culture. FWN provides the content, credibility and community to help women of Philippine ancestry succeed in their businesses and careers.

TO-BE-SEEN IN THE CITY

German Moreno ’s ‘That’s Entertainment ( USA ) Star Search’ Is Now ON

There is no doubt that Filipinos love to sing. And boy, they all can sing! In this connection, the search is now ON for German Moreno’s (Kuya “Germs”) THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT (USA) STAR SEARCH 2009. Kuya Germs has granted Bay Area’s Top Chi Entertainment exclusive US rights to conduct the nationwide search. Aside from cash amount, among the prizes that await the Grand Final Champion, who Kuya Germs will judge/choose, is numerous exposure in his “Walang Tulugan” TV Program in the Philippines. Imagine the possibilities that await the winner and be and while there, introduce the Champion to other opportunities aimed to enhance his/her career. It is important for the contestant to understand that the fulfillment of these incentives are directly connected to Kuya Germs’ state of health and disposition.

CONTESTANT ELIGIBILITY

1 This is a talent search limited in discipline - Solo Singing Contest.

2 Open to anyone, of Filipino lineage, between the age of 14 and 24 years. (Bring legal document for proof of age, e.g., birth certificate, passport, drivers license, etc).

3. This contest is only open for amateurs. Amateur is strictly defined as someone who has NOT:

a. Appeared in a concert and was not monetarily compensated (PAID).

b. Has an agent

c. Signed a recording contract with any entity

3. Contestants below the age of eighteen will have to bring either of their parents to sign legal documents on their child’ behalf. Legal guardians may sign on behalf of the contestant but must bring proof of guardianship, e.g., notarized affidavit from the parent(s).

4. Contestants or their legal guardians must complete the application and other necessary Paperwork before auditions and in before the contest.

5. Although there will be no charge for the audition fee, each contestant for the weekly contest will be charged a $ 15.00 fee.

RULES

1. The contestants will accept the decision of the judge(s) as FINAL.

2. The criteria used for judging are the ff:

a. Mastery of Craft (proficiency in singing)

b. Personality

c. Potential in Show business

3. Auditions will be conducted to select eight (8) contestants to compete in the weekly contest.

4. The weekly winner and runner up will advance to the monthly finals. The weekly winner and runner up will receive a gift certificate for a dinner for two (2). They will be eligible to compete in the monthly finals. The winner of the monthly finals will receive a gift certificate for a dinner for four (4). The winner will advance to the Quarter finals.

5. The 12 quarter finalists will advance to the Semi Finals. Six winners of the Semi Finals will win a $ 100.00 prize money. They will advance to the FINALS a the German Moreno show in the Bay Area at a date to be announced. Master Showman German Moreno will be the Presiding Judge of the Contest.

6. The Grand Prize winner will receive two R/T tickets to the Philippines , 5 day accommodations and an allowance.

7. Contestants are required to bring “backing music” to the weekly (and if they qualify) to the Monthly quarter finals or they may play their own instrument which they will have to provide.

8. Contestants are required to check in at least 45 minutes before the start of the show. Tardiness may result in automatic disqualification.

9. Technical aspects/characteristics will be at Producer’s discretion. Sound settings will remain constant throughout the duration of the contests.

10. Video recording of the contest IS NOT ALLOWED. That includes cell phone cameras.

11. Top Chi Entertainment has the option to exercise management rights with the contestant. This involves, but not limited to coaching, training, recording before during and after contest and 365 days after the last stage appearance of the contestant in this particular (TEUSA) contest.

12. Contestant agrees to pay a $ 15.00 entry (audition) fee.

If you are, or anyone you know, is interested, please call Top Chi Entertainment’s Frank Sityar at(415) 215-5556. Or email him at carcol45@aol.com

PERSONAL NOTES

Congratulations to actress Angel Locsin (thanks to a good friend, Mario Colmenares for the breaking news), who is nominated for Best Actress (apparently, the very first Filipina to be accorded such honor!)for her excellent work in ABS-CBN’s ‘Lobo’, in the 37th International Emmy Awards (the Oscar equivalent of all the Teleseryes of the World).

Another ABS-CBN teleserye starring Jericho Rosales, ‘Kahit Isang Saglit’ was also nominated, together with GMA-7’s ‘Magdusa Ka’ for Best Telenovela.

The 37th International Emmy Awards will take place Monday, November 23, 2009 at the Hilton Hotel, New York, to be hosted by British comedian, Graham Norton.

The International Emmy Awards Gala is the world’s most prestigious international television event. Held each year in November at the Hilton Hotel, New York City, a cast of international celebrities present International Emmy® Awards to winners in 10 categories as over 1,000 television professionals, 200 journalists and photographers representing the world’s leading media outlets, gather to celebrate excellence in television produced outside of the U.S.

Tickets to this event are priced at $1,500 and for Platinum Table at $15,000 (whew!).

Kudos to all Filipinos around the world! I have never been more proud as Filipino, again, as with the recent outpouring of support the whole generation is showing our Ondoy-victimized countrymen back home. Almost all Filipinos I know, not just around the Bay area, have donated goods and services in their own littlest way, without being asked. Even businesses (grocery stores, restaurants, money remittance companies, etc ) have open boxes all ready to receive donations. I believe some Filipino-owned cargo delivery companies will ship donation boxes for free, provided they’re dropped off to their nearest offices. Facebook and Twitter networks are being mobilized by global Filipinos to the max to coordinate almost everything involving support and relief operations. Volunteering is suddenly, the ‘in’ thing to do, from almost everyone I know.

We have never shown this to the whole world in a long while (the People Power is the only one that comes to mind before this one) -together, we are one nation again!

Quote of the Week – “Express yourself, don’t repress yourself.", by San Jose-based Designer, Hector Manuel, whose elegant creations were the highlight of the very successful Helium Atomic Fashion Show held last Saturday at San Jose State University.

This column also appears online at http://sites.google.com/site/adkinsmmcevents/Home/

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