2013 04/19-04/25
Northern California's fast-growing Filipino American newspaper in circulation since 2007, the Philippines Today is well-known to provide fair news and fearless views. The leading mid-week Fil-Am local newspaper is being distributed free in the major cities of Northern California.
PHILIPPINE NEWS/PHILIPPINES TODAY COMMUNITY
The Premier Filipino-American Newspaper in the U.S. since 1961. It was founded in 1961 in the San Francisco home of expatriate Alex Esclamado. It has become one of the oldest and biggest Asian American newspapers with a weekly circulation of 120,000.
Bradford Adkins, 'SCENES In The City' is a widely read Filipino-American community column in San Francisco since 2008. Online, it is being globally read by more than 1.7 M viewers in 160 countries. The column features include: the issues and events, the individuals and organizations moving the community.
Congratulations to Ariella Arida who was just crowned 2013 Binibining Pilipinas-UNIVERSE last Sunday. Just like Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup and Janine Tugonon before her, Ariella is Mercator Talent's Jonas Gaffud-trained. A 5' 9" BS Chemistry graduate from the University of the Philippines, she was last year’s Miss Alaminos at the Miss Philippines-Earth Beauty Pageant.
Congratulations to Bay Area's Nicole Rous Donesa for winning Miss Philippine Airlines (out of selected 50 beauties) during the 50th Binibining Pilipinas Coronation Night held last Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines. Photo from Nicole's Facebook
Belated Happy Birthday both to April celebrants - Daly City's Rose S. Arcega and Richard Lao, CPA. They were photographed together after the Lea Salonga Concert in Cache Creek Casino in Broox, CA last Saturday, April 6th.
The Fil-Am Choir (Letty Manalo, Loy Oppus-Moe, Lorrie Escueta, Luvic Pineda, Celia Gaynor, Nette Candelatio, Sonia Olivar, Marie Maraschin, Lead Singer Bob Leano) with Pastor Father Joe Galang presented "Harmony of Music & Hope" an evening of music for the benefit of the victims of natural calamities in the Philippines and the US last Saturday, April 13 at the Church of Ascension in Saratoga, CA. Photo by Richard Lao
The Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in San Jose CA held a novena , mass and procession for the BlackNazareno , presided by Father Michael Gazzingan and attended by devotees, parishioners and sponsors. Florence Vitug Pena was the Hermana Mayor while Rhuddee Gaudinez Vitug was the Hermano Mayor.
UP GRAD IS
2013 BB PILIPINAS
-UNIVERSE
SEEN IN THE CITY
(QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES) Ariella Arida, a 24-year old 5’ 9” stunner and a UP Los Banos BS Chemistry graduate from Alaminos, Laguna and last year’s Miss Alaminos at the Miss Philippines Earth Beauty Pageant was crowned 2013 Binibining Pilipinas Universe in a golden coronation night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Sunday, april 14th attended by past beauty queen winners. There were 50 candidates who competed in celebration of the pageant’s 50th year of producing excellent candidates that best represent the Filipina beauty in international pageants.
Other proclaimed winners were Bea Rose Santiago as Binibini Pilipinas International, Mutya Johanna Datul as Binibini Pilipinas Supranational, and Joanna Cindy Miranda as Binibini Pilipinas Tourism. Pia Wurtzbach was declared 1st runner up.
Bay Area’s Nicole Donesa (Binibini 4) of Fremont, CA won Binibini Philippine Airlines and will receive a First Class ticket for two (2) to her destination of choice. Other Special Award Winners are Miss Friendship, Binibini 21. Lourenz Grace Remetillo; Miss Talent, Binibini 10. Anna Carmela Aquino; Best in National Costume, Binibini 37 Alaine Baccay; Manila Bulletin Readers' Choice Award. Binibini 22. Ellore Noelle Punzalan; Binibini Petron, Binibini 16 Joanna Cindy Miranda; Miss Photogenic, Binibini 39 Mutya Johanna Datul; Best in Evening Gown: Binibini 39 Mutya Johanna Datul; Best in Swimsuit: Binibini 41 Ariella Arida; Binibini Pilipinas-PAGCOR: Binibini 45 Imelda Schweighart; Binibini Avon, Binibini 20 Bea Rose Santiago and Binibini San Miguel Zero Fit and Sexy Body, Binibini 15 Pia Wurtzbach.
The other Top 15 semi-finalists were Binibini 45 Imelda Schweighart, Binibini 34 Grace Yann Apuad Binibini 13 Charmaine Elima, Binibini 43 Rhea Nakpil, Binibini 46 Amanda Noelle Navasero, Binibini 22 Ellore Noelle Punzalan, Binibini 12 Camille Carla Nazar, Binibini 31 Maria Angelica de Leon, Binibini 25 Merry Joice Respicio, Binibini 31 Maria Angelica de Leon, Binibini 25 Merry Joice Respicio and Binibini 33 Parul Shah.
The Board of Judges this year include: James Younghusband, Talent Manager and TV Host Boy Abunda, General Alan Purisima ,Macau's Louis Ng ,ABS-CBN's Gabby Lopez, Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, Liliana Marquez Zawadsky, Hirofumi Hashimoto, Chilean Ambassador Roberto Mayorga, Italian Ambassador Massimo Roscigno and Chairman of the Board of Judges, Department of Energy Secretary Rene Almendras.
This year’s Pageant Hosts were Concert King Martin Nievera and ‘Walang Hanggan’ leading lady Dawn Zulueta.
This article also appears online at www.BradfordAdkins.com,www.ScenesInTheCity.com, www.PinoyEntertainment.us and http://sites.google.com/site/adkinsmmcevents/Home/ with readership in 160 countries now (& still counting!) 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
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“KAILANGAN KO’Y IKAW” AIRS MUST-SEE FINALE THIS FRIDAY. After Roxanne’s (Kris Aquino) much awaited return to her husband and children, tension arises between the characters of ABS-CBN’s action-drama series “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw” as Bogs (Robin Padilla) discovers the involvement of his wife’s family in different crimes. Will justice be finally served for the death of Bogs’ father? Can Ruth (Anne Curtis) find it in her heart to surrender Red (Ian Veneracion) to the authorities now that she knows that he is her real dad? Does someone need to sacrifice his/her own life for the peace in Bogs, Ruth and Roxanne’s family? Don’t miss the must-watch finale of “Kailangan Ko’y Ikaw,” this Friday (April 19) after “Apoy Sa Dagat” on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida. For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or follow abscbndotcom on Twitter.
KIM AND MAJA’S ‘GABI NG PAGTUTUOS’ WINS NATIONAL TV RATINGS. The much anticipated 'Gabi ng Pagtutuos' where the explosive confrontation between Celyn's (Kim Chiu) and Margaux’s (Maja Salvador) families about the separation of the twins at birth fired up primetime TV and made "Ina Kapatid Anak" the most watched program last Friday (April 12). “Ina Kapatid Anak” garnered 36.7% in nationwide TV ratings as compared to its two rival programs in GMA “Indio” which got 19.3% and “Mundo Mo’y Akin” (16.4%). What will Margaux do to get back at her twin sister Celyn? Will the rivalry between sisters Teresa (Cherry Pie Picache) and Beatrice (Janice de Belen), and Celyn and Margaux finally be resolved? Continue to follow the country’s no.1 family drama series, “Ina Kapatid Anak,” 8:15pm, after “Juan dela Cruz” on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida. For more updates, log on to www.facebook.com/InaKapatidAnak.TV or follow @_InaKapatidAnak on Twitter.
COCO MARTIN TAKES OVER EDDIE GARCIA’S LEGACY. After his painful defeat to Omar (Jason Abalos), Juan (Coco Martin) is now ready to fulfill his mission in ABS-CBN’s no.1 superhero drama series “Juan dela Cruz” as he discovers that Julian (Eddie Garcia) is his real grandfather. Now that Lolo Julian has passed on the responsibilities of being the 'Tagabantay' to his grandson, how ready is Juan to do his obligations now that he is scarred? With King Samuel’s (Albert Martinez) plan to make him one of them, will Juan finally discover his dark past? Don’t miss the exciting adventures of Philippine television’s favorite superhero “Juan dela Cruz” weeknights after “TV Patrol” on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida. For more updates about “Juan dela Cruz,” follow @JUANDELACRUZ_TV on Twitter or ‘like’ its official Facebook fanpage athttp://www.facebook.com/JuanDelaCruz.TV.
DOUGLAS NIERRAS SHARES THE ART OF DANCING IN“BOTTOMLINE.” Award-winning and controversial Powerdance choreographer Douglas Nierras takes the spotlight this Saturday (April 20) as he shares his inspiring life story and utmost dedication for his craft in “The Bottomline With Boy Abunda.” Where does Douglas get his inspiration for creating and directing beautiful dance routines? Why did he turn his back from teaching in the showbiz industry? In his opinion as one of the best choreographers in the country, what should the government do to improve its support for the culture and arts in the Philippines? Don’t miss the 2012 Golden Screen TV Awards Outstanding Celebrity Talk Program “The Bottomline With Boy Abunda” this Saturday, 11:30 pm, after “Banana Split.” For more updates, just log on at www.abs-cbn.com or follow @abscbndotcom on Twitter.
Lifestyle Network now available to TFC subscribers In Los Angeles and San Diego on Time Warner Cable
Warm welcome awaits new Filipino destination channel in the U.S. for programs on self, home, food and travel
REDWOOD CITY, CA, April 15, 2012 – ABS-CBN International, the largest Filipino entertainment, news and broadcast company in the U.S., announced today the launch of Lifestyle Network on Time Warner Cable in Los Angeles and San Diego.
With the unprecedented success of its flagship product, The Filipino Channel (TFC) and Filipino On Demand, its video on demand service on cable, ABS-CBN International expands its content coverage by offering a new channel which ABS-CBN North America Managing Director and Global Content Head Olivia De Jesus described as “appealing to a market seeking diverse, fresh, rich experiences, information and entertainment that help balance their lives, improve their well-being, fire up their dreams and fuel their passion."
Lifestyle Network boasts of carefully selected content that focuses on the lifestyle pillars of Self, Home, Food and Travel. It presents unique and exciting kitchen counsel delivered in non-traditional manner, likeCuriosity Got the Chef, You’ve Been Served, and The Kitchen Musical. Viewers can depart on armchair globe-trotting adventures via Filipinas Undiscovered, World Without Walls, and Ten which is hosted by Filipino Canadian Jason Godfrey, lending a unique second generation perspective on his parents’ homeland, the Philippines. Expert advice on colors, lines, shapes, textures, placement, and themes that comprise the elements of home design can be enjoyed through shows like Interior Motives, Urban Zoneand Life Without Borders. Healthy behaviors, beauty secrets, latest runway fashion action, and trends tips for every style and budget are on tap on programs like F.A.S.H., Runway TV and Belo Beauty 101.
“We recognize that TFC needed a companion specialty channel that caters more to Filipinos who are looking for programming that addresses personal improvement, individual empowerment and expansion of one’s world,” said ABS-CBN North America Regional Marketing Head and Senior Director Jun Del Rosario. “We are very pleased to have Time Warner Cable as our partner in bringing Lifestyle Network to the Filipino community in Southern California. We appreciate that TWC believes in TFC’s leadership and expertise in reaching the Filipino demographic while we acknowledge their solid commitment to having a robust and rich international programming.”
Lifestyle Network is available on Channel 683 in Los Angeles and Channel 691 in San Diego for no additional charge to Time Warner Cable digital customers with a subscription to The Filipino Channel on the Los Angeles system. For more information, please visit www.twc.com.
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About Lifestyle Network
Lifestyle Network is the newest channel launched by ABS-CBN International which was created almost 20 years ago to be of service to all Filipinos. With the launch of its flagship product, The Filipino Channel (TFC), the company became the first and most successful Filipino content distribution company in the U.S. The company offers telecommunication, retail, theatricals, money remittance and cargo services, online audio and video streaming, IPTV, On Demand, along with philanthropic support for Filipinos and the communities they now call home. Based in Redwood City, CA, ABS-CBN International is a subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corporation, the Philippines’ largest entertainment and broadcasting company, through ABS-CBN Corporation's wholly-owned subsidiary, ABS-CBN Global Hungary Kft. For more information, visit www.abs-cbnglobal.com.
Journey back home with GMA Pinoy TV’s The Balikbayan Project
Ever wondered what it’s like to take a journey back to the place your parents and grandparents call home? Do you have this longing to discover your Filipino roots, or to quench your thirst for culture?
GMA Pinoy TV provides the answer to all these questions and more in “The Balikbayan Project,” its first ever original series revealing the real-life experiences of the Basco Family, a group of four brothers and sisters, who explored the islands of their ancestors to find out what it truly means to be a Filipino.
“Aside from the program being our first original series, we are offering the Balikbayan Project to the second generation Filipino Americans, who want to trace their roots in a way they can truly relate with,” said GMA International Vice President and Head of Operations Joseph T. Francia. “This show truly embodies our mission that is to bring Filipinos abroad closer to home.”
Shot in a docu-drama style, the camera follows the family’s every move as they jump from island to island to see all the scenic and amazing offerings of the Philippines. The Bascos take a critical peek at the colorful and intriguing entertainment industry of the Philippines, and relate this to their own Hollywood experiences.
The Philippines’ Department of Tourism has graciously partnered with the producers allowing the Bascos to find out if it certainly is “More Fun in the Philippines.” The Basco siblings traveled to Palawan, Davao, Boracay, Naga (Cam Sur), Donsol, Pangasinan, Zambales and Baguio in their journey to self-discovery.
Viewers can expect to see tourism destinations from the perspective of people, who are considered to be second generation Fil Ams. The Basco siblings will be spending a lot of time with each other as they journey around the archipelago, which will definitely spark conflicts as each of them search for meaning from their cultural experiences.
According to Giselle Tongi, her role as a producer is “to have the Bascos not only in fun and touristy destinations but uncompromising situations as well so that the viewers can get a chance to experience the Philippines in its full spectrum. The Bascos will also get a chance to have discussions with local artists that are creating Philippine culture as the hope for this documentary is to bridge the gap between native local artists and FilAms that are actively working in Hollywood.”
“The main message our documentary is trying to impart is that coming back to the Philippines as a 2nd generation Filipino American can be very daunting but is essential to the formation of their identity. It is imperative to experience what it means to be a Filipino in their ancestors land of origin to truly understand their Philippine culture,” she adds.
The Balikbayan Project airs every Sunday (7:10pm PDT) with replays every Saturday (5:10am PDT) only on GMA Pinoy TV, GMA’s flagship international channel.
Aside from ADMU, other participating teams in this landmark 10th Season are Adamson University, Arellano University, De La Salle-Dasmariñas, Letran College, National University, San Sebastian College, University of Perpetual Help, University of San Carlos Cebu and University of Santo Tomas.
GMA News TV International brings the 10th Season of the widely followed inter-collegiate women’s volleyball tournament in the Philippines Shakey’s V League to viewers all over the world beginning April 20.
This is the first time that the tournament will be aired on the third international channel of leading Filipino broadcast company GMA Network, while previous seasons of the tournament were telecast on the GMA’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV and its Filipino lifestyle channel abroad, GMA Life TV.
“We want to let our viewers know that more and more Filipinos are developing appreciation for this emerging sport,” said GMA Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia. “This is going to be an exciting season as Sports Vision Management announced that they are also organizing an All-star Weekend, where in past and present star players will engage in a friendly competition.”
The Network renewed its ties with Shakey’s V League in a contract signing on April 11 at GMA Network Center in Quezon City. Leading the contract signing were GMA Chairman & CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, President & COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Sports Vision Management Group President Richard “Ricky” N. Palou, and Sports Vision Management Group Chairman Moying Martelino.
Also present were GMA Vice President and Head of International Operations Joseph T. Francia, GMA Vice President for Regional TV/Expansion & Production Services Rikki O. Escudero, GMA Sports and Special Projects Manager Marivic D. Araneta, GMA International Programming Head Cheri Domingo, Sports Vision Management Group Director Chito Loyzaga and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) players, Alyssa Valdez, Fille Cainglet, and Rachel Anne Daquis.
Shakey’s V-League Season 10 airs on GMA News TV International
Concerts/Theatre
"It Takes A Man And A Woman" earns P300 million in just 2 weeks...
‘LAIDA-MIGGY MAGIC’ BREAKS BOX-OFFICE RECORDS
Box-office royalties Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz are still in awe with the undeniable ‘Laida-Miggy magic’ that made "It Takes A Man and A Woman," the third installment of Sarah and John Lloyd’s hit romantic-comedy movie series, earn P300 million in just two weeks in cinemas nationwide. The Cathy Garcia-Molina-directed film is the third Filipino movie that reached the P300 million mark after “Sisterakas” and “The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin,” which are both part of the list of highest-grossing Filipino films of all time
According to Sarah, she and John Lloyd feel nothing but grateful to everyone who loves the love story of Laida (Sarah) and Miggy (John Lloyd). "Overflowing 'yung suportang binigay ng tao sa amin,” said Sarah. “Actually, 'yung umabot kami ng P100 million in less than a week ay sobra-sobra na. Tapos ngayon, na-reach na ng movie 'yung P300 million mark. Wow! Maraming-maraming salamat po talaga."
Graded 'A' by the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB), "It Takes A Man And A Woman" became a certified box-office hit since its opening day on March 30 when it raked ₱32.6 million. It further proved the strength of the ‘Laida-Miggy magic’ when the film earned P100 million on its fourth day and when it eventually hit the P200 million mark in just eight days.
Now that it earned P300 million, "It Takes A Man And A Woman" already broke the records of the first two installments of the most successful Filipino romantic-comedy movie series. The first Laida-Miggy film “A Very Special Love” grossed P179.3 million in 2008, while its sequel “You Changed My Life” scored P225.2 million in 2009.
Co-produced by Star Cinema and Viva Films and written by Carmi Raymundo, "It Takes A Man And A Woman" also features Joross Gamboa, Gio Alvarez, Matet De Leon, Al Tantay, Irma Adlawan, Guji Lorenzana, Rowel Santiago, and Dante Rivero. The film also introduces model-host Isabelle Daza.
Don't miss the return of the most successful romantic-comedy movie series "It Takes A Man And A Woman," still showing on cinemas nationwide.
For more information and latest updates about "It Takes A Man And A Woman" simply visitwww.StarCinema.com.ph, http://facebook.com/StarCinema and http://twitter.com/StarCinema.
CRAIG ZADAN AND NEIL MERON RETURN TO
PRODUCE THE OSCARS®
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – The acclaimed motion picture, television and theater producing team of Craig Zadan and Neil Meron will return to produce the Oscars for a second time next year, Academy President Hawk Koch announced. The Academy Awards® will air live on ABC on Oscar® Sunday, March 2, 2014.
“Craig and Neil have the overwhelming support of the Academy's Governors to produce the Oscars again in 2014," said Academy President Hawk Koch. "In order to establish continuity with this year's enormously successful show, we felt it was important to give these consummate professionals the green light now to begin creating another great evening."
"We are very honored to have been asked to return as Oscar producers for a second year," said Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. "We look forward to creating a distinctive and entertaining show."
“Craig and Neil have great relationships, a sense of showmanship, and a passion for our Academy,” said Academy CEO Dawn Hudson. “And they’re a pleasure to work with. All perfect qualities for our show."
The February 2013 Oscars hosted by Seth MacFarlane, drew an average audience of 40.3 million total viewers and delivered a 13.0 rating among adults 18-49. The show was TV’s most-watched entertainment telecast in the last 3 years, and grew its overall audience for the 2nd straight year (+3%), surging 11% in adults 18-49 (13.0 rating vs. 11.7 rating) to its best numbers since 2010. In addition, the show scored gains year-to-year with adults 18-34 (+20% - 11.3 rating vs. 9.4 rating), hitting its highest number in 6 years – since 2007. Overall, it was the Oscars second-most-watched telecast since 2005.
Among the innovations that Zadan and Meron plan to bring back to the 2014 show is the Oscar Experience College Search, which allows young filmmakers to assist with bringing the Oscar statuettes on-and-off stage during the show.
The Zadan/Meron Oscars displayed a signature style that incorporated a single concept for the entire evening which linked together the disparate elements of the Oscar show through music, especially classic movie themes and the frequent appearances by MacFarlane to announce the evening’s presenters. The 2013 show was also distinguished by the use of motion picture talent as performers in the show such as the dance numbers performed by Charlize Theron, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Zadan and Meron served as executive producers for the 2002 “Best Picture” winner “Chicago,” which won Oscars® in 6 of the 13 categories in which it was nominated. Their credits also include the features “Footloose” (2011), “Hairspray,” and “The Bucket List.” Zadan also produced the original “Footloose” (1984).
Zadan and Meron’s work in television includes the series “SMASH” and such movies as “A Raisin in the Sun” and “Steel Magnolias.”
For Broadway, they recently produced the Tony Award® winning revivals of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” and “Promises, Promises.”
Their work has amassed 73 Emmy® nominations; 12 Tony nominations; and seven Grammy® nominations.
The Oscars will be held at the Dolby Theatre™ at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
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ABOUT THE ACADEMY
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is the world's preeminent movie-related organization, with a membership of more than 6,000 of the most accomplished men and women working in cinema. In addition to the annual Academy Awards–in which the members vote to select the nominees and winners–Academy presents a diverse year-round slate of public programs, exhibitions and events; provides financial support to a wide range of other movie-related organizations and endeavors; acts as a neutral advocate in the advancement of motion picture technology; and, through its Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Film Archive, collects, preserves, restores and provides access to movies and items related to their history. Through these and other activities the Academy serves students, historians, the entertainment industry and people everywhere who love movies.
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