2011 11/23-11/29

MANILA MAIL COMMUNITY

Our perennial Pacquaio Lady Luck from CA, Amy Abena graced the last MGM Grand title bout again, with her signature fight shorts, tiny boxing gloves and a meteor tattoo this time.

Sacramento's pride & joy, male model Justin Smaby (currently being eyed by Elite Manila), left, meets the Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo at the Pasig City set of her latest print ad photo shoot for Natasha Beauty Products. Sarah's latest movie with heartthrob Gerald Anderson, "Wont Last A Day Without You" will be shown very soon.

J Centre Mall in Mandaue City, Cebu was formally inaugurated last Friday, November 11, 2011 at 11:00AM with no less than the Governor of Cebu, Gwen Garcia cutting the ceremonial ribbon, together with 2011 Miss World Canada Riza Santos (2nd left), Justin Smaby (left) and Mall Owner, Justin Uy (right), among others.

Tatum Locquiao weds Christopher Alcantara last Nov.12,2011 @ The Basilica of St Joseph in San Jose, CA. Reception was held @ the Crown Plaza Hotel in Milpitas, CA. Photo (L-R) Robert McClusky, Terri McClusky, Andy Custodio, Domi Custodio, Nanette Yglesias, Rhuddee Vitug, Tatum Locquiao Alcantara (Bride), Christopher Alcantara (Groom ), Marivic Cagatao, Orlando Cagatao, Florence Pena, Mayor Jose Esteves, Celedonia Vitug & Joey Vitug. Photography: Dasan Studio

Fashion Designer Ben Farrales, kneeling right, with his cast, crew and models (Marilen Bernardo, Leilani Vinegas, Marivic Agoncillo, Apple Atienza, Diane Bautista, Cythia Galang, Jeff Manalang, Raffie Colet, Albert Keil, just to name a few) at the 25th Anniversary Show of Philippine International Aid (PIA) held at The Westin St Francis Union Square in downtownSan Francisco last Sunday.

Kimpo Family Graduation Picture. (L-R) Joisy Kimpo (mother), Joshua Kimpo (who graduated from Nursing), James Gerard Kimpo (who graduated from Bellarmine Peparatory High School, and is going to USF), Joey Kimpo, (father). James also won First Place in Sculpture in a Bay Area-wide High School competition involving 28 schools and sponsored by Blue Coat (shown here with his winning piece which he named " Kangaroo").

Selected members of the Hallelujah Chorale with Music Director, Angie Pasamba, center. Photo taken during the 50th anniversary celebration of Mater Dolorosa Parish last September. The group will be performing on December 9 & 10, 2011 in South San Francisco.

The Dean of Philippine Fashion, Ben Farrales, center, was the featured Designer at the 25th Anniversary Show of Philippine International Aid (PIA) held at The Westin St Francis Union Square in downtown San Francisco last Sunday, Nov 20th, flanked by Director of Choreography Ogee Atos, left and Jeff Manalang, model.

TWO SIDES OF TRUTH

(Charice’s Daly City Concert officially postponed as Viva Artists Agency pulls out Anne Curtis, Cristine Reyes & Mark Bautista)

SEEN IN THE CITY

Last week’s shocker was Charice’s Cow Palace Concert in Daly City getting postponed as officially announced by the show’s Executive Producers, Pia Gutierrez and Kenneth Graham of Artist Magic Entertainment USA Inc.

In a prepared statement sent to this Columnist, the producers addressed their Filipino friends, Ticket holders, Artists, to wit:

“With much regret, the two concerts on Nov. 18th in Los Angelesand Nov. 19th in Daly City, are being postponed. Artist Magic Entertainment had contracted with a third party broker for several of the best Filipino artists to perform at both concerts, including: Anne Curtis, Cristine Reyes, Mark Bautista, and Bayani Agbayani. While we at Artist Magic paid the performance fees to this third party as contracted, something fell apart and these incredible artists will not be making the trip to the United States to perform as expected. While it is unclear exactly what happened, it is clear they are not coming.

We will work with the artists’ managers to arrange for the postponed concerts. We anticipate resolving any issues and offering these shows in February or March of next year. We intend to work directly with the artists’ managers to ensure we can provide quality programs for our Filipino community. As for myself and on behalf of my entire team at AME365.com, we would like to apologize for not being able to provide our Filipino friends and ticket holders with these promising shows, and also to apologize to the artists for not providing a platform for them to perform in front of their adoring fans. We also sincerely apologize to both Charice and Dan Hill who were both ready to perform.

It is extremely sad to have to delay two beautiful concerts, but we certainly are looking forward to the new shows in 2012. Meanwhile, tickets may be refunded from the outlets where they were purchased.”

On the other hand, Viva Artists Agency (VAA) released an official statement citing "producer’s failure to comply to many crucial contractual obligations” as reason they pulled out their talents Anne Curtis, Cristine Reyes and Mark Bautista from the said US concert series.

In the official statement, Jia Lo of VAA said that Anne Curtis, Cristine Reyes and Mark Bautista will no longer be part of "Handog Pasasalamat (A Thanksgiving Unity Concert)," which is to be held in Los Angeles and San Francisco last Nov. 18 and 19, respectively.

The statement furthered: "Said failure compromises the security and welfare of the artists and their entourage, which is of paramount importance to VAA. VAA has a long history of successful shows in the US that proceeded without encountering any unfortunate incidents, such as this one. It sincerely apologizes to the fans who have been looking forward to seeing Anne, Cristine and Mark live on the aforementioned shows. Anne’s fans can expect to see her next year when she holds her solo concert tour.”

Where does this lead the postponed show, then? Time will tell. Haay…

SEEN IN THE CITY

Cebu opens J Centre Mall in Mandaue City

If you haven’t been to Cebu lately, you haven’t been. Constructed by Everjust Realty Development Corp., the newly-inaugurated J Centre Mall is a mixed-use development consisting of J Mall, hotel, serviced apartments and call centers that provides world-class service, features and amenities to all its visitors.

Anchored by SM Hypermarket, over 200 boutique stores and restaurants will cater to your craving need and shopping delight.

Ideally located in the heart of Mandaue City, Cebu, it is convenient and accessible to neighboring business centers, residential communities as well as the airport and seaport via public transportation. Ample parking of over 800 slots are also available for private vehicles. It can be reached by jeepneys plying the Mandaue Route going to Mandaue Road Highway. From Mandaue Highway, you may either walk from Jollibee AS Fortuna or ride a jeepney going to Country Mall or Talamban. The mall can be easily located along the road beside Norkis. For more information, please email jcentremarketing@gmail.com or visit www.jcentrecebu.com.

Briefs & Shorts

As of last week, reportedly, Megastar Sharon Cuneta is moving to TV5, effective January 2012, after 23 years of being with ABS-CBN. Before Sharon, rumor has it that ABS-CBN also almost lost John Lloyd Cruz to TV5, had they not countered the offer very swiftly.

Speaking of losing, Manny Pacquiao lost to Floyd Mayweather, Jr. the pound-for-pound king title from ESPN & Sports Illustrated recent rankings. Although, Pacquiao is still Number 1 in The Ring Magazine’s ranking.

Nina finally quits Sessionistas, according to a report posted atwww.pep.ph. This has been looming, as it was observed by production staff during Sessionistas’ recent shows here in the United States, that Nina used to isolate herself from the group, for reason(s) only her and the rest of the group know. Observers further note that Nina sings last. Her far superior outfit does not match the rest of the group members’. In short, she has a world of her own, outside the group. This got her unfairly perceived as a Prima Donna of the Sessionistas.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“At this age, everything is already a bonus. I have made my mark, people remember my clothes. I feel good because I have been able to sustain my creativity, my relationship with people.” – By the Dean of Philippine Fashion, Ben Farrales, 79, the lone featured Designer at the 25^th Anniversary Celebration of Philippine International Aid held last Sunday at The Westin St Francis in downtown San Francisco.

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ABS-CBN’s content connects people in all media platforms

LOPEZ: PEOPLE’S EMOTIONAL NEEDS WILL SHAPE FUTURE OF MEDIA

ABS-CBN chairman and CEO Eugenio Lopez III yesterday said the future of media is unknown, but assured that ABS-CBN will remain true to its motto of being “in the service of the Filipino."

"I believe it is an honor and privilege to work for a company that puts public service at its center. For me, working at ABS-CBN is not a job. It is a calling," said Lopez at the closing of his speech at the 22nd Philippine Ad Congress session on the "Future of TV, Future of Media."

In his speech, Lopez said technology can change the way people consume media but not the human nature to crave for recognition, affirmation, connection, and the inspiration to be the best that they can be.

"The future of media would be shaped by people's needs which at its core is emotional," he said.

As an example, Lopez said ABS-CBN’s teleseryes can now reach every Filipino in the world via cable, satellite, and Internet protocol TV and even catch up on missed episodes via iWanTV, but it is ABS-CBN's content that truly lifts the spirits that reflect the people's joys, pains, values, passions, and dreams.

“We all have relatives abroad. Maybe many of them have told you how Filipino dramas on TFC soothe away the pain of hard work and isolation in strange lands," he said.

Lopez said the huge investments that the company made in technologies would not have succeeded if Filipinos were not burning with patriotism and yearning for redemption.

He cited various examples such as the Pinoy Big Brother being a phenomenal TV hit and the first local TV program to have 26 cameras rolling 24/7 and live streaming on cable TV; Imortal as the country’s first webisodes of a TV series; Boto Mo i-Patrol Mo as the first citizen’s election vigilance campaign using technology; and TFC to be the first to hold a Global Townhall with President Benigno Aquino III in North America.

At present, Lopez said the company is currently in test broadcast for Digital Terrestial Television or DTT that will give clear digital signals and additional channels to people who can’t afford pay TV.

“We will invest in enabling technologies, but we will continue leveraging our ability to connect to the emotion,” he said. “In this age of gadgets, we believe that the right buttons to press are those in the hearts of the people.”

Lopez said that in the next ad congress, delegates will be talking about media revolutions caused by technologies that are not even viable today, but assured that ABS-CBN will remain “in the service of the Filipino.”

“Over many years, we were able to maintain a meaningful relationship with the Filipino audience, being the media company that connects our countrymen all over the globe through all kinds of media platforms," he said.

Lopez, who leads the country's largest multimedia conglomerate that is turning 60 next year, told the Ad Congress delegates that he has been in the media business over 25 years and that is all he ever wanted to do.

"That is all I am ever going to do. I feel like that NBA player who marvels at getting paid for something he would do for free," said Lopez, who was applauded by the attending delegates.

Lopez was one of the three media network chairmen who spoke about the future of the media. ABS-CBN anchor Korina Sanchez also appeared in the session, moderating the question and answer portion with the chairman of another network. (Kane Errol Choa, ABS-CBN Corporate Affairs & PR Director, Manila)

GMA Network fortifies global presence via GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and newly launched GMA News TV International

GMA Network continues to expand its reach to more Filipino communities worldwide with various launches of its international channels GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, plus its newest international channel, GMA News TV International, in around 18 different areas all over the globe via 10 channel carriers during the first three quarters of this year alone.

As the flagship international channel of the Kapuso Network, GMA Pinoy TV currently accounts for around two million global viewers, while GMA’s Filipino lifestyle international channel, GMA Life TV, now has one million viewers.

These two channels continue to add substantial viewership count this year from more Filipino households in the Asia Pacific via FetchTV Australia, Hawaiian Telecom, and Tolec Electronics (Papua New Guinea), and in the U.S. via Brighthouse (Central Florida), SureWest Broadband (Sacramento), Comcast (New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Michigan, Seattle, and Houston), and Time Warner (North and South Carolina, Upstate New York, and North East Region).

Meanwhile, newly launched GMA News TV International – from the leading news channel in the country today – is currently seen in Australia (via FetchTV and UBI World TV), New Zealand (via UBI World TV), Guam (via GTA TeleGuam), and Japan (via IPS Japan).

GMA Network also expanded the overseas reach of its AM radio station DZBB and FM radio station DWLS via its third quarter launches in FetchTV Australia , Hawaiian Telecom, and Time Warner Carolinas and North East Region, as initiated by GMA International.

“With the aggressive expansion of GMA’s international channels, we bring more of our fellow Filipinos abroad closer to home as we let them experience valuable and relevant news and entertainment programming that they have come to expect from GMA Network,” said Joseph T. Francia, VP and Head of Operations of GMA International.

And with these added opportunities to reach out to more Filipino communities outside of the country, GMA International is all set to back its channel launches with a more competitive television programming.

Besides airing the top-rating entertainment and news and public affairs programs from GMA-7, GMA Pinoy TV also offers a number of shows mainly by and about Filipinos abroad. Through its partnership with Pinoy-owned media companies, GMA Pinoy TV is able to air Filipino co-production programs such as “Power ng Pinoy,” “Pusong Pinoy sa Amerika,” and “Kaya Mong Gawin.”

GMA Pinoy TV also strengthened its sports programming this year with the exclusive telecast of the Philippine National Basketball Team at the 33rd Jones Cup and FIBA-Asia Champions Cup; the “Island Assault” boxing matches featuring Brian Viloria, DenverCuello, and Michael Farenas; the back-to-back bouts of Ana Julaton versus Gladney and Jessica Villafranca; and “Rugby 101” featuring the Philippine Volcanoes. Shakey’s V League’s Open Conference for women’s collegiate, meanwhile, airs over GMA Life TV.

GMA Life TV also just recently launched its newest program lineup. Positioned as the only international Filipino lifestyle channel, GMA Life TV further beefed up its programming with the first-ever English-dubbed Pinoy drama series “The Impostor” and “When You Were Mine.”

GMA Life TV’s other program genres include talk and reality shows for Talk About Life; beauty, fashion, plus the latest trends inStyles of Life; food shows and cooking programs in Food for Life; children and educational shows in Learn About Life; and other magazine and religious programs in Facts and Words of Life.

GMA News TV International, on the other hand, delivers timely and comprehensive local news from the Philippines straight to thousands of Filipino households abroad. It is powered by the most awarded and the most credible broadcast news team in the country, GMA News and Public Affairs, and is bannered by the most respected names in broadcast journalism today – JessicaSoho, Mike Enriquez, Mel Tiangco, Arnold Clavio, Vicky Morales, and Howie Severino.

GMA Network also continues to strengthen its presence worldwide through a number of events and festivals in partnership with the various Filipino communities in the U.S. , Hawaii , Canada , Dubai , Singapore , Hong Kong, and Australia .

For the first nine months of 2011, GMA International’s combined programming and marketing efforts resulted to a six percent (6%) year-on-year revenue growth in dollar terms. (30)

TV 5 international expands global reach; now available in Europe via IPTV

Filipinos in Europe can now enjoy their favorite TV5 programs with the recent launch of Orbit Showtime Network (OSN) and TV2MORO’s Filipino Plus, a pay TV entertainment package for the Filipino community in Europe, offering premium and exclusive content from the Philippines.

Delivered via IPTV, the service only requires a broadband connection and the supplied “plug and play” set top box, making it easy for Filipinos to enjoy their favorite shows anytime and anywhere across Europe. Through TV2MORO’s expertise in IPTV technology, Filipino Plus subscribers are assured of an uninterrupted and buffering-free viewing experience.

TV2MORO’s Filipino Plus is a TV entertainment package of eight channels which includes TV5’s international channels, Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV International. The channels feature content that is widely anticipated by Filipinos across the continent. Kapatid TV5 is headlined by Willie Revillame’s Wil Time Bigtime and Filipina superstar Nora Aunor’s Sa Ngalan Ng Ina. Aksyon TV International is the network’s news and sports channel and is the official worldwide broadcaster of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games.

“Our goal is to deliver quality Filipino TV services through IPTV to Filipino homes who wish to be in touch with their Filipino heritage. We aim to deliver the best content through the best format to Filipino households in the region” said Elie Kawkabani, CEO of TV2MORO.

“We understand the needs and the viewing habits of Filipinos living in Europe. We recognize that there is a demand for a more convenient and a hassle-free service to access quality Pinoy content. TV2MORO’s IPTV service is the perfect platform for our Kapatids in Europe yearning for a sense of home,” added Claro Carmelo Ramirez, President of PGN Limited.

Filipino Plus will be available via Filipino dealers in Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernesey, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom and the Vatican City.

TV5’s entry in Europe is part of the network’s commitment to reach more Filipinos worldwide. Just recently, the network celebrated the success of its official launch in the Middle East through a three-day event dubbed “Give Me 5, Kapatid”.