2009 11/04-11/10

Northern California's largest Filipino American newspaper in circulation since 1990, the Manila Mail is the Bay Area's most read Fil-Am weekly publication distributed free in major cities of Northern California. Community is a B Section page that contains the weekly column of Bradford Adkins 'SCENES in the city'. The column features include: the issues and events, the individuals and organizations moving the community.

Save The Best For Last. If plans do not miscarry and if the script doesn't deviate from their recent show held last October 21st in Chicago, our very own Charice will be the last and final performer (how very VIP is that?) at this Friday's (yes, November 6th!) 'David Foster& Friends' Musical Concert at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, with her singing her very first international highly-charged single, 'Note To God'.

Charice To Perform At HP Pavilion San Jose This Friday!

For roughly three enjoyable non-stop hours, ‘David Foster & Friends’ the concert, entertained musical fans, as one by one, the genius’s finds sang his compositions, with the Phiippine National Pride, Charice, singing the show’s finale numbers, to endless defeaning claps at the Rosemont Theater last October 21, 2009 in Chicago. The same show will be staged again in San Jose’s HP Pavilion this Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 8:00pm.

The highly-awarded songwriter and producer, David Foster, includes to his credit, Toni Braxton’s “Unbreak My Heart,” Earth Wind and Fire’s “After the Love has Gone” and Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” just to name a few.

I distinctly personally remember David Foster as the one responsible for bringing to our musical world Celine Dion and Josh Groban, two great unknowns who he turned into two of the world’s greatest singers.

And now he found our Charice.

To quote a published online feedback from a Chicago concertgoer from Texas, below:

The last remaining guest of the night was clearly the one most of the audience was excited to see. Prior to the show, I overheard a gentleman mentioning to the people behind me that he came all the way from Texas to see this last guest, her name is Charice. I had never heard of her prior to the announcement of this show, but words cannot describe the sheer talent that this seventeen year old girl has. Not only does she “bring it” with powerhouse vocals that can knock you right over, but she also has the sweetest, soft tones that can move you to tears. Combine this with the song “A Note to God” that she performed and you have an emotional whirlwind leaving you speechless. The icing on the cake was when Charice brought her friend, Lisa Smith, out on stage to perform with her. Lisa had performed the song in sign language and it was very moving to see, giving it much deeper meaning and emotional power.

Buy your tickets now (www.ticketmaster.com) as Charice sings ‘Note to God’ at the HP Pavilion in San Jose this Friday, November 6th at 8:00pm. as surely this show will give you an unforgettable night, that will linger long after the show concludes. Simply because it’s Charice’s big night. Simply because it is of national pride importance.

Our national pride, Arnel Pineda, Lead Singer of Journey will make a special appearance at the Oakland’sOracle Arena also this Friday, Novembr 6th at the Warriors vs. Clippers game.

Arnel Pineda To Appear At Warriors Game This Friday Also

This Friday also, November 6, 2009, for the second year in a row, the Golden State Warriors will be hosting their Filipino Heritage Night at Oakland’s Oracle Arena as they face conference rivals Los Angeles Clippers. In partnership with the Filipino American Arts Exposition, and other organizations such as the Filipina Women’s Network, Manilatown Heritage Foundation, ClubWorks and the Arnel Pineda Foundation, the franchise will celebrate Philippine culture by showcasing outstanding Filipino performing artists such as the Pinay Divas, Kawayan Folk Arts and Likha Pilipino Folk Ensemble. Fans can also connect with Filipino culture by viewing historical artifacts and photographs from a special Filipino heritage display and even learn how to write their name in Baybayin, the ancient Filipino script.

“Our mission is to broaden awareness and deepen understanding of Filipino culture. Through events like the Warriors Filipino Heritage Game, we aim to share our rich cultural heritage and inspire our community to learn more,” said Al Perez, president of the Filipino American Arts Exposition. “This event also provides an opportunity for the Filipino community to come out and enjoy a professional basketball game with their family and friends, and be more engaged and active participants in American culture.”

Also in attendance for the night’s festivities is Filipino singer and performing artist Arnel Pineda. As an international singing sensation, Arnel has toured with the band “Journey” bringing inspiration and exposure to the Filipino community around the world. Through a special post-game Q&A, Pineda will discuss his “rags to riches” story from obscurity to a world-wide youtube rock star Icon.

With a history of honoring the Filipino Bay Area Community, the Warriors will also be distributing commemorative Warriors Filipino Heritage Night T-shirts to fans who purchased the Filipino Heritage Night ticket package. “This much anticipated event is expected to sell out so we are encouraging everyone to buy their tickets ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss out on this exclusive event,” said Perez.

While the event will be a great time for everyone to celebrate the unique culture and spirit of the Filipino community, the night will also be focused on raising funds for an extremely important cause. Last month the Philippines was hit hard by a typhoon that caused major city flooding, devastation, population displacement and fatalities. The Golden State Warriors will donate a portion of the proceeds from the Warriors Filipino Heritage Night ticket sales to help with the Philippine Typhoon relief efforts.

Tickets cost $28, $34, and $75. Pre-game performances begin at 6:30 pm, and the game starts at 7:30 pm. Special tickets can be purchased by visitingwww.warriors.com/specialevents or by contacting Warriors’ Group Sales Account Executive Kristin Cantlin at 510-986-5403 or via email at kscantlin@gs-warriors.com.

Ms. Emma Calayan of Calayan Media Entertainment celebrated her birthday in advance last Saturday (her actual birthday is Tuesday, November 3rd) during the YEBA2 Halloween Concert at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino in Reno. Again, Happy Birthday & Congratulations, Emma!

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, left, proclamed October 29, 2009 Ana Julaton Day, in honor of the Filipina World Boxing Champion. Photo by Vince Monasterio

Prepare to be serenaded to 'Kumot At Unan' type of musical stylings of 'Sessionistas' crooner, Richard Poon.l.the ASAP SESSIONISTAS (together with Diamond record awardee, Nina, MYMP,Aiza Seguerra, Duncan Ramos, formerly of South Border, & Sitti) LIVE at the San Jose Civic Auditorium this Saturday, November 7th 8:00 p.m.

L-R, Mrs. Dorie Paniza, Ms. Maggie Parreno, RN, International Beauty Impressario Ferdie Villar, TFC's Ms. Nerissa Fernandez and this columnist attended the recent Philippine Heritage Night held at the San Francisco City Hall.

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

SEEN IN THE CITY

October 29th Proclaimed ‘Ana Julaton Day’ By SF Mayor

At San Francisco City Hall, our Filipina World Boxing Champion, Ana "The Hurricane" Julaton was honored by the San Francisco Mayor, Gavin Newsom, for her accomplishments both in and out of the ring. Lisa Ang, the Fil-Am liason of Mayor Newsom gave a heartwarming speech about Ana Julaton and her accomplishments in the boxing ring and her role as an inspiration to the San Francisco Community. She also touched upon Ana's continued work in joining community leaders in helping the Typhoon Relief efforts and how inspiring it's been to see Ana Julaton use her World Championship to bring more awareness in inspiring our Filipino American community and raise funds for the reliefs efforts to our kababayan in tragedy. Loud applauds filled City Hall when the Proclamation announced October 29th 2009 Ana Julaton Day! Ana's next fight is for the WBO World Title scheduled December 4th as the Main Event at the HP Pavillion in San Jose, making her the 1st female to become the ‘Main Event’ twice in the boxing history of the Bay Area. Partial proceeds of ticket sales bought in Ana Julaton's name will be given to help Typhoon Relief efforts.

Please visit the site for more info http://www.fightnightatthetank.com/anajulaton.asp .

TO-BE-SEEN IN THE CITY

ASAP Sessionistas this Saturday in San Jose

Eric Calayan of Calayan Media Entertainment presents the ASAP Sessionistas, composed of Richard Poon, Nina, MYMP, Aiza Seguerra, Sitti and Duncan Ramos (former lead singer of South Border) — performing together in one lovely evening this Saturday, November 7th, 2009 at 8:00 pm at the San Jose Civic Auditorium.

In the heels of their highly successful one after the other, Sarah Geronimo and YEBA2 concerts in Reno, Calaya Media Entertanment presents another major feat in fulfilling the intricate musical cravings of Fil-Americans based here in Northern California, as they gather these major artists to collaborate and output another entertaining musical concept, sans special effects and dramatics.

For Tickets, call Eric (408) 712 -3743, Edwina (650) 278-0692 or Flor (650) 580-7653.

STARSTRUCK Auditions at Santa Clara Hilton

Yes, GMA 7’s Ramond Gutierrez (of Showbiz Central) and Rosalinda’s Carla Abellana will be a part of a huge management team that will conduct STARSTRUCK V talent auditions, scheduled in Santa Clara’s Hilton Hotel on November 7 and 8, 2009, from 9am to 5pm. The Hilton is located at 4949 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054.

All aspirants with Filipino lineage, aged 16-23 years-old, male or female, and with talent in singing, dancing and acting are encouraged to join.

Applicants need to bring the original and photocopy of their birth certificate, and full-body and close-up photos. Those below 18 years need a written consent from their parents, and original and photocopy of their parent's valid ID in order to qualify for the auditions. The best bunch of StarStruck hopefuls representing each country who pass the auditions will be flown in to Manila with free accommodations and travel expenses paid for by the show.

The ultimate artista search is now in full swing as hopefuls around the world embark on their StarStruck dreams. Who will stand out among the rest and survive the most intense season in the history of the talent search? Catch the supreme slate of artista hopefuls in StarStruck V on GMA-7 this month.

If you are or if you know someone interested, please email their contact information to Bradford_adkins@yahoo.com.

PERSONAL NOTES

Belated Happy Birthday to Mrs. Emma Calayan, who celebrated in advance, with husband, Eric (of Calayan Media Entertainment), other family members and friends at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino last Saturday, during the YEBA2 Halloween Concert of VST & Co, The Hotdogs, The Boyfriends, Hagibis and Joey Albert.

The Halloween concert has the audiences dancing on stage to the tunes of Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko, Bongga Ka Day, Katawan, Dahil Mahal Kita and a lot more.

Happy birthday, again, Emma. Congratulations to another successful event, Eric Calayan!

Quote of the Week "Anything for free comes at a higher price in the end." – Half-British half-Filipino Macy’s Passport Supermodel Justin John Hills, now making a name in the Philippine modeling scene.