2012 09/05-09/11

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.

After 3 shows in 2 days, wearing a $15,000 outfit by Dubai-based Amato Haute Couture's Furne One , the Pop Superstar Sarah Geronimo releases a series of painful cries before her last song number at Cache Creek Casino last Sunday night. Why? Read on. Photo by the AshRalds

Sarah Geronimo's constant travel companion, Jonathan Aligada has resigned from his Viva Concerts Vice President post and is joing ABS-CBN Global as its Vice President and Head for Special Events, effective October 1, 2012.

Vice Ganda entertains a capacity crowd at Peppermill Resort Spa Casino's Tuscany Ballroom last Saturday night.

Cristine Reyes performs with Vice Ganda at Peppermill Resort Spa Casino's Tuscani Ballroom last Saturday, September 1, 2012.

Jessica Sanchez, 17, has the most number of Twitter followers among American Idol Season 11 contenders. No one comes close at her haul of 826,876 followers and still counting, everyday

Nonito "The Filipino Flash," Donaire, Jr, four-division world champion, WBO and IBF Super Bantamweight Champion, shows his two faces - boxer and actor in the English sub-titled Visayan movie "Palad".

Ms. Jossie Alegre, center, one of the 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S. for of 2011, Philippine American Press Club Auditor and Accounting Operations Manager at the Public Utilities Commission of the City and County of San Francisco, with Pop Superstar Sarah Geronimo and Balladeer Mark Bautista at Cache Creek Casino Resort.

Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA ) held its Annual Joint Picnic at Kelly Park, San Jose, CA last August 25, 2012, headed by Joey I. Kimpo, PICPA Silicon Valley Chapter President and Lito Non, PICPA San Francisco Chapter, President..

SARAH GERONIMO’S SURPRISES

(Her current US shows keep on multiplying, she cries again after her last show, and more)

SEEN IN THE CITY

It was not a big surprise that Pop Superstar Sarah Geronimo’s Cache Creek Casino show was such a huge hit. It’s kind of expected considering her shows in all areas in the Philippines were previously all sold-out.

She surprised this Columnist most when Cache Creek Casino management added a 3rd show, due to insistent public demand, as the 2 others quickly got sold out. Also, her San Diego Show on September 7, 2012 added a 2ndshow at 10:30PM (the first show is at 8:00PM). This is unprecedented feat never achieved by any Filipino or Fil-Am artist that I know of. Not yet, in my lifetime.

She surprised me (and most of the Cache Creek Casino audiences) again when she unexpectedly cried before her last song number, during her last show and last night. When asked about it during the VIP after-party at the highly-secured 5th Floor of the hotel, Sarah told this Columnist that she just got overwhelmed by the success and response of the casino management, the audience and all. I believed her. But her eyes are saying more (could it be that she is missing someone already?). Incidentally, her last song was “Forever’s Not Enough”.

And then the last and biggest surprise of the night was the one that was not announced. Until now. Sarah Geronimo’s constant companion (aside from Mommy Divine), Jonathan Aligada, her Vice President for Special Events, the one responsible for the impressive creative change in her and her shows, has resigned Viva Concerts as he had accepted a promotional position as Vice President & Head for Special Events at ABS-CBN Global. Jonathan confirmed at the VIP after-party that he is transferring to ABS-CBN Global, effective October 1, 2012.

After Cache Creek Casino and San Diego (Friday, September 7), Sarah is flying to Honolulu, Hawaii (Sunday, September 9) for another series of shows.

When will you stop surprising us, Miss Sarah Geronimo?

TO-BE SEEN IN THE CITY

Nonito Donaire, Jr acts!

It has been ages that the Visayan movie industry didn't experience any development or "movement" due to a variety of reasons, including the lack of moneyed individuals willing to finance a Visayan film and the unfounded fear that local movies don't guarantee a return of investment even if shown in Visayan-speaking areas across the country. While Cebu and the rest of the Visayas (and even Mindanao) have a surplus of talents, the Visayan film industry still didn't move even an inch.

But thanks to MYR Productions, now we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with the production of a Visayan movie which is actually a remake of the 1969 black-and-white flick "Palad Ta Ang Nagbuot" (Our Fate Decides) which had Gloria Sevilla, the Queen of Visayan Movies, and world boxing champion Gabriel "Flash" Elorde (who was in his prime then) in the lead roles.

The remake has Crisel Valdez, a lovely Davaoeña, and boxing hero Nonito Donaire as the leading lady and leading man, respectively. This time, Sevilla plays grandmother to Valdez. This film has all the elements of a must-see movie: action, drama, comedy and romance, because director Dandin Ranillo just wants to give a wholesome screen treat for the whole family, one that they will be talking about after watching it. It is his first Visayan movie directorial assignnment.

The other stars that are also playing important roles in "Palad..." are Suzette Ranillo, Mon Confiado, Baldo Marro, Max Surban, Dionne Monsanto, Garry Lim and Sam Costanilla.

"Palad..." will have a special screening in Vallejo, CA. on Sept. 29, and in L.A. on October 14. Regular showing in the Philippines is targeted for October 24, 2012.

Shorts and Briefs

American Idol almost-winner Jessica Sanchez, 17, will perform this week at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. The bigger news though, is that she now has 826,876 Twitter followers (and still counting, everyday!) 314,570 more than the eventual AI winner, Phillip Phillips (512,306 followers). Twitter followers count is very effective Social Media popularity gauge used by marketers and advertisers.

It’s going so close to be Pacquiao-Marquez IV in Las Vegas on December 8, 2012 – according to boxingscene.com. The other contender opponent, Bradley, apparently demands more money than was expected.

Apple is holding an event in San Francisco on September 12, 2012 deemed by experts as a venue to launch the much-awaited iPhone 5.

Twenty-seven year old Tennis Superstar Andy Roddick retires.

Richard Gomez (of your favorite toprating teleserye, “Walang Hanggan”) & Rico Puno will perform with Patricia Javier LIVE at Cache Creek Casino Club 88 on Nov 17 & 18, 2012.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“You don’t have to disrespect the person you don’t agree with.” Ciara Sotto defends her plagiarizing father, Senator Tito Sotto. She furthers “Maybe his opinions and his stand is not the popular one, but he stands on what he believes in.” From www.pep.ph

This article also appears online at www.FilAmnation.com and http://sites.google.com/site/adkinsmmcevents/Home/ with readership in 160 countries now (& still counting!) according to the latest Google Analytics report.

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