2012 Volume 1
No matter what the outcome was, our very own 2012 Miss Universe Janine Tugonon, right, rejoiced with Goody Sabao of Calgary, Alberta taken moments after Miss USA was crowned the winner in Las Vegas' Planet Hollywood Hotel last Wednesday, December 19 .
Gabucan Family Dentistry held its Annual Christmas Party at the Fahrenheit Club in downtown San Jose last Friday, December 21, 2012 attended by employees, family and special guests (L-R) Nonito Donaire, Sr, Glenn Donaire, Sean Gabucan & Tony Gabucan.
Philippine News held its Annual Christmas Party at the Fort McKinley Restaurant in South San Francisco last Friday, December 21 attended by Publisher Francis Espiritu (2nd left), employees, contributing writers, community leaders and special guests.
Myrna Garcia Celebrated her birthday last December 6 @ Tomi's Seafood Buffet Restaurant @ The Eastridge Mall in San Jose, CA with guests (seated L-R) Mark Joseph Eroles, Elena Eroles, Nenita Yllera, & Lorna Garcia de Guzman (standing L-R)Fashionista Rhuddee G. Vitug, Jessie Trasmonte, Florence Vitug Pena, Myrna Garcia (Bday Celebrant), Loreto Garcia, Evelyn Baclig & Ernie de Guia.
Andrew Wolff, right, of The Philippines, wins 1st Runner Up Mr World 2012 last Saturday in Kent, England. Mr. Columbia won the title.
Filipino ramp model June Macasaet bested 52 other candidates from around the world to win the title Mr. Manhunt International 2012 in Bangkok, Thailand last November 9th.
One of the standout models that made heads turn at the recent Patis Tesoro Fashion Show at the Hyatt Embarcadero is 2013 Miss Teen San Jose, Alexandra Drechsler.
Milpitas Mayor Joe Estevez was one of the local community leaders that welcomed the public when the 2nd Global Winter Wonderlandformally opened last Friday, November 23, 2012 at CA Great America Theme Park. The yuletide attraction featuring giant Chinese lanterns and spectacular laser light shows can be seen nightly from 4:00pm - 10:00pm up to Tuesday, January 1, 2013.
Gauging from the full house audience at The Hyatt Embarcadero last Sunday, the Philippine Internationall Aid's 'Holiday Fashion Couture XI' featuring the latest creations of Designer Patis Tesoro (shown here with lead models Marivic Agoncillo, DDS and Jesse Bacorro during the finale) was considered a rousing success. Congratulations!
"Walang Hanggan" lead actor Richard Gomez (3rd right) was given the key to the City of Milpitas by Mayor Joe Estevez, center, during his visit on Thanksgiving Day. The actor also helped the Mayor in the traditional distribution of food to the needy. In photo with them are friends Joey Panlilio (2nd right), Matt Torres (actress Lucy Torres' brother), Jun Da Jose, Malou Hipolito (2nd left) and Lolit Hajian (rightmost).
American Cancer Society's 'Couture For Finding A Cure' Fashion Show was held at the Valley Fair Mall in San Jose, CA last Saturday night with jolly attendees and supporters (L-R) Filipino German Kickboxer Personal Trainer Jeff Berger, Mila Quibilan, Singer Debbie Allison, Agnes Aguirre Burruel, Debra Furuichi, Sheryl Fry and Dr. Ron Quibilan, DDS.
The Global Artists' Creative Collaboration For Empowerment (GACCE) formally opened PHILIPPINE NOSTALGIA, an exhibit of paintings and photographs by renowned artists (Bernadette Escalona Cooper, center, Efren Chavez, Dean Castillejos, Randy Ordonez, Roberto Carlos and Oscar Redrico), at the Social Hall of the Philippine Consulate through the cooperation of the Philippine Consulate General of San Francisco last Friday, November 16, 2012 which included guests Dr. Luis Calingo, President of Woodbury University, Burbank, CA, Prof. Rebecca Delgado Rottman, Vice President of Academy of Arts University San Francisco, Senator Leland Yee and Deputy Consul General Jaime Ascalon, among others.
Kenkoy's Grille has been renamed ADOBO RESTAURANT under the same 'Mother and Son' management team of Antoinette Torres, left, and Anton Torres (shown here with Ricky Ison, right, brother of Antoinette). They are still located at 24973 Santa Clara Street, Hayward, CA 94544. Try their $5.99 complete lunch specials (Adobo Burger, Burritos, Tacos, 'Silog' Combos, among others). Call (510) 782-8884 for operating hours and more information.
Angelica Mendiola (2nd right; daughter of Travel Agent Girlie Mendiola) and Noriel P. Adricula (center) celebrated their birthdays, jointly with family and friends in San Jose, CA last Friday night (Angelica) and Saturday early morning (Noriel). Belated Happy Birthday, both!
Future Pacquiao's (Cyrus Dizon, 5, and Tristan Guzman, 6) are starting early for competitive boxing training at the Milpitas Boxingand Fitness Gym (Tony Gabuca, Owner). Photo by Richard Lao
On Sunday, October 28, 2012, local comedian, Poyay, will be performing at the West High School in Anchorage, Alaska, with the Teleserye Royals cast (Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Enrique Gil, Khalil Ramos, and Julia Montes) live with special guests Marcelito Pomoy, Chokoleit, Divo Bayer & Gene Flores. Before that, on Friday, October 26, 2012, the group will be performing at the Chabot College in Hayward, CA.
The Anderson Twins, 6 (Johann & Josiah; yes, they're Fil-Ams) of San Jose, CA shot their first game commercial last Saturday making Mom ElisaRica Anderson and Granny Perlita-Luga very proud.
Belated Happy Birthday to Mrs. Teresita Ventura, left, who turned 80 recently and was feted with a lavish party by her son, San Pablo's George Ventura at The Podesto Center in Stockton, CA.
Conrado & Teresita Ventura, husband and wife, during her 80th birthday celebration in Stockton, CA recently. Belated Happy Birthday!
Club Royale Internationals Magic of Ruby Grand Party held last month at the Marriott Hotel in Burlingame, CA attracted guests like Dave and Busters Game Show Host ElizaRica Anderson, Daly City Councilman Dave Canepa, Kaisahan Dance Company of San Jose California Board of Director Florence Vitug Pena, Fashionista Rhuddee Gaudinez Vitug and GMA Pinoy TV's "The Sansu Show" Host Ms. Sansu Ramsey.
Club Royale International's royal family crowned their newest King and Queen (Noel Nuguit and Elizabeth Pasco) last Saturday at the Marriott Burlingame. Congratulations!
Bon Voyage to San Jose's Elizabeth Chua-Drechsler and her daughter, 2013 Miss Teen San Jose Alexandra Drechsler who are both traveling to the Philippines next week for business/pleasure purposes.
The Naguilian La Union Circle of San Francisco, whose members are from Solano-Napa, San Francisco, Alameda- Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties held their Annual Picnic on August 19, 2012 at the Blue Rock Spring Road Park in Vallejo, CA, attended by almost a hundred members and guests. For your info, Naguilian, La Union, is a town 40 kms. west of Baguio City.
The following officers are in the picture: President- Dr. Carmencita Rimando Jose, Vice President- Lilian Sabado Austria, Secretary-Lorie Perez Joven, Assistant Sec-Inday Sacote Garcia, Treasurer-Emma Jacildo Santos, Assistant Treas-Lydia Subido Gapasin, Board Members-Manny Ojascastro, Oswald Joven, Pepe Jacildo, Pacita Subido Castillo and Adviser- Irwin Jose.
Manny Pacquiao will be performing at Universal Studios Hollywood on September 16, 2012 (recently photographed in LA with your Columnist)
2013 Miss Teen San Jose Alexandra Drechsler (shown here at the recent Pistahan Parade with escort, Manila Mail's Richard Lao) will be modeling for Designers Mama Rene Salud & Lou Razon and GAP's latest fashion this Saturday, August 25, 2012 at the Pasadena Hilton in Southern CA. Celebrity Doctor Vicki Belo & actress Zsa Zsa Padilla are confirmed attendees as well.
The Fort McKinley Restaurant (formerly Intramuros) held the 1st of its 4-day grand opening celebration last Thursday night, August 2, 2012. New owners include Barry Bond Picazo, Jennifer Lee, among others.
Manila Mail's Photo Journalist Richard Lao (rightmost) with (L-R) Hollie Cavanagh, Heejun Han, Phillip Phillips & Elise Testone at the backstage of HP Pavilion in San Jose, CA last Sunday, July 22, 2012.
Four-Division World Champion and the reigning Super Bantamweight Champion Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire, Jr (with 2nd cousin, Gerald Anderson, right) fights Mathebula this Saturday at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. HBO will air.
On Friday, September 21, 2012, American Idol Finalist Heejun Han, left, will be performing LIVE at the Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines, with the other Season 11 Top 10 Finalists (Jessica Sanchez & Phillip Phillips included) shown here in Las Vegas, NV with brother Aiden Heeseung Han, Korean-American Actress/Singer Arden Cho and Jin Cho.
American Idol Season 10 Finalist Thia Megia, 3rd left, graces the kick-off (at the Pure Lounge in Sunnyvale, cA) of GMA Pinoy TV'sTHE SANSU SHOW with (L-R) Andy Custodio, Florence Vitug-Pena, Domi Custodio, Joey Enrle & Rhuddee Vitug.
The Sansu Show featuring Sansu Ramsey premiered on GMA Pinoy TV last Sunday, June 24, 2012. A kick-off party was held at the Pure Lounge in Sunnyvale, CA last Friday.
Congratulations 2012 NBA Champions Miami Heat Head Coach, Fil-Am Erik Spoelstra! Photo by Wilfredo Lee.
June bride, Christia Mendoza (the other half of Jess & Au Mendoza twin daughters) gets married to Derick Vasquez last Saturday, June 23, 2012 in a Christian Ceremony held atop the hills off the Boulder Ridge Golf Club in San Jose, CA. Congratulations & best wishes!
Parents of the bride - Jesus 'Jess' Mendoza & Au Mendoza beam with pride & joy as they witness one of their twin daughters, Christia Mendoza tie the knot with Derick Vasquez in Boulder Ridge Golf Club in San Jose, CA last Saturday. The wedding reception was held at the Mission City Ballroom of Hyatt Regency in Santa Clara, CA.
Consul General Marciano Paynor, Jr, SF City Hall Director of Events Elsie McAteer, Philippine-American Press Club (PAPC) Auditor/Journalist, Josie Angeles & PAPC Board Member/Turstee for Worldwide Filipino Alliance (WFA), Mark Alegre & were seen having fun last Sunday night at the San Francisco City Hall for the Philippine Independence Day Gala.
Apple Aguino & Mike Borgonia of Dublin, CA tied the knot last Friday, June 1, 2012 at the San Francisco City Hall. Congratulations and Best Wishes, both!
One more happy couple from Kauia, Hawaii, Dennis Matsushima and Liza Manaytay got married at Charleston Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, NV 89102 on June 10, 2012. The reception was held at the Makino Seafood & Sushi Buffet in Las Vegas.
Noted Immigration Lawyer Michael J. Gurfinkel with Filipina wife, Millie showed support by gracing the WTBT / TV5 Launch show and hosting the event after-party at their posh law office along Mission Street.
The Most Holy Trinity Church of San Jose California held their annual Santacruzan last May 27,2012 with Dona Maria Sarmiento Yabut (87 years old) as The Emperatriz Elena with Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteves and Fashionista Rhuddee Gaudinez Vitug as her Royal Escorts.
San Jose's Alexandra Drechsler meets the 8-Title World Boxing Champion Manny Pacquiao again last Friday, May 25, 2012 when she accompanied American Idol Hee Jun Han for a visit. She first met the Champ on May 9th.
The One & Only Superstar, Nora Aunor, right, having quality time with TV5 Head for Creative & Entertainment Production, Perci Intalan at the backstage of Wil Time/BigTime / TV5 Launch last Saturday night.
TV5 President, Ito Ramirez, right, welcomes today's hottest actor, Derek Ramsay upon is arrival at LAX for the TV5 Launch at The Shrine last Saturday.
Actor Fernando Carillo, Viva Films' President Vic Del Rosario, et al shown having a grand time at the Wil Time BigTime / TV5 Launch at The Shrine Auditorium in LA last Saturday.
Scheduled to fly in from Manila to Los Angeles to watch the American Idol Grand Finals on Tuesday is the Beauty Doctor to the Stars, Vicky Belo (left) and her Marketing Executive Elize Estrada (right), shown here last week sharing a tete-a-tete with American Idol Producer Rick Silva of Fremantle Media (center).
The KAISAHAN of San Jose, CA organized the Philippine summer religious tradition "Santacruzan" last Saturday with Sagalas (Alexandra Drechsler, left & Hannah Muntoya, right) & Escorts (L-R; Justin Smaby, Christian Perkins, Jesse Perkins)
"The Road" leadstar Alden Richards walked the Hollywood red carpet premiere of the movie, with San Jose's 16-year old High School student/model/blogger, Alexandra Drechsler.
Team Pacquiao's Doctor Dario Sunga, left, (as a call of duty, he asked The Boxing Champ, Manny Pacquiao, 2nd left, to leave the Hollywood Arclight theater in the middle of "The Road" screening last Tuesday night, when he heard someone coughing from behind him) at the blessing & inauguration last Sunday of BECKFORD MANOR Home Care Facility (located at 7045 Beckford Avenue, Reseda, CA 91335 ) with partners - Manuel Manglicmot, President of Starlight Medical Management (2nd right) & COO Jensley Fernandez (right). The Honorable Congressman Manny Pacquiao attended the event. Good luck, Beckford Manor!
Show Producers Mr. Nilo Tagoc & Mrs. Badette Lopez-Tagoc (center) attended the Miss Philippines USA 2012 Beauty Pageant held at the Marriott Burbank in Los Angeles, CA together with pageant sponsor Ms. Ces Buenaventura, left (of Ces Catering).
Avid 'Jessica Sanchez For The Win' American Idol voters include PNB -San Jose's staff (L-R) Aurora Leong, Aileen Villamel (Branch Manager) & Victor Rafanan, Jr.
Rick Silva, 'American Idol' Producer, left, with Ms. Ami Almerol of Los Angeles, CA
The Producers (L-R Noli & Badette Tagoc, Jayson Arguelles & Susan Funtanilla YoungBlood) of "Three's Company" concert held last Sunday at the Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium SF, shown here with the Concert Queen, Pops Fernandez , 2nd left. Congratulations!
Joey Camins, right, celebrated his recent birthday with family & friends in Fremont, CA, shown here with the Concert King, Martin Nievera during the latter's "Three's Company" concert at the Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium SF. Belated Happy Birthday, Joey!
Henry M. Gunn High School's Maria Victoria Recinto attended her prom last Saturday at the San Francisco City Hall with Sacramento's Justin Smaby, a Coke & Bench model.
Arnold Vegafria, Talent Manager Par Excellence (right) is currently in New York as one of the judges in the ongoing SoHo International Film Festival (shown here with good friend Cedric Lee).
Jonas Y. Enrile, center, celebrated his recent birthday last Sunday at his Tracy, CA residence with friends (L-R) Richard Lao, Andy Custodio, Domi Custodio, Florence Pena, Rhuddee Vitug & Guillermo Auxilio.
Happy birthday greetings to San Jose neighbors, Ron Quibilan, DDS & Jona Dizon Romualdez (seated from left), shown here celebrating at Jona's residence with common friends (standing L-R) Rey & Rita Reyes, Elvie Teodoro, Mila Quibilan (Ron's wife), Kwenby Dizon (Jona's daughter) & Marissa Otto (not pictured). Photo by Richard Lao
Congratulations to the very successful TFC Kapamilya Fun Day (featuring rides, Filipino food & shows starring Vina, Erik, eng & Jovit) held at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Southern CA last Sunday, April 1st. In celebratory mood are Yeng Constantino, Jun Del Rosario, Ricky Resurreccion, Jennyvi Olaes, Yeng Constantino, Jun Del Rosario, Ricky Resurreccion, Jennyvi Olaes, Chinky Gatchalian-De Jesus, Marcus Jackson, Vina Morales, Igi Bumagat, Jovit Baldivino, Carlos "Mouse" Munoz, Angelo Sy Barga, Ging Reyes, Gigi Picazo, Erik Santos, Tfc's BarangayUsa, Beverly Desuasido-Lapus and Eric Pugeda. Photo by Nerissa Fernandez
After winning his 2nd World Boxing Title in less than 5 months, San Leandro's pride, Glenn Donaire, center, with father Nonito Donaire, Sr. (5th left) celebrates his recent ring victory with sponsors Tony Gabucan, Owner of Milpitas Boxing and Training Gym, Arvin Jugarap, Owner of San Leandro's Kennel Boxing Gym, Glenn F. Mariano, this Columnist, Ryan Largo (not in photo), among others. Congrats again, Glenn! (Photo by Richard Lao)
Glenn Donaire of San Leando, CA wins a 2nd World Title in Mexico last March 16, under the guidance of his beaming-with-pride father, trainor and coach, Nonito Donaire, Sr, left.
Tony Cabrera (from ABC’s OnTheRedCarpet), also attended the FilAm TV launch held last Feb 17 in Hollywood, CA.
Seen having fun at The Summit at Holiday Inn last Saturday night are San Jose Real Housewives (L-R) - Jona Romualdez, Mila Quibilan & Elvie Teodoro.
TFC's Eric Pugeda beams with pride & joy as he points to the multiple awards & nominations, including one for “Streets of My Lolo,” written and produced by Pia Lopezbaños-Carrion (her team included videographer Jeremiah Ysip, editors Danny Manasala and Mitos Briones, with Mike Carrion providing art direction).
Stella Ruiz & Michael Cruz held a very successful post-Valentine show titled "Seasons of Love" (produced by Rockstar Media Productions) at The Summit at Holiday Inn located at 399 Silicon Valley Blvd, San Jose, CA last Saturday night. Congratulations!
Mrs. Veronica Kalinawan (in red) celebrated her 80th birthday at the Tropicana Buffet Restaurant in San Jose, CA last January 9, 2012 together with fellow Filipina Golden Girls, Aurora S. Trivino (95 years old), Elvie Souza ( 92) and Maria Sarmiento Yabut (86).
Media representatives, community friends & network employees pose after a special press conference held last week at The Filipino Channel in Redwood City where they presented their newest Station ID, the trailer of their latest movie offering "Unofficially Yours," Gawad Geny Lopez Global & presentation of awards/nominations at 2012 New York Festivals. (Photo by Nerissa Fernandez)
Maliah Bautista (shown here with parents Mark & Naidell Bautista & siblings Marcus & Mikaela) celebrated her 1st birthday last Saturday at her grandparents Zeny & Wendell Roth's South San Francisco residence. Belated Happy Birthday, Maliah!
CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes to Lilwyn Lucas of San Jose, CA who got engaged this weekend to Paul Dyer of Seattle, WA. They met and romance blossomed at New York Life Insurance Company where they both work for so many years now.
American Idol David Archuleta of "Nandito Ako" miniserye, center, sandwiched by TV5 bigwigs Perci Intalan (right), Jeff Remigio (left) and Manila Mail Newspaper's Richard Lao (2nd left) & Bradford Adkins (2nd right) in this souvenir photo taken at TV5 Novaliches.
American Idol Runner-Up David Archuleta is flanked by soon-to-shown "Nandito Ako" co-stars Jasmine Curtis-Smith & Eula Caballero during a promo tour at TV5's "Will Time Big Time" last Saturday, January 21st.
(L-R) Plastic Surgeon, Dr Tito Garcia, Filmmaker Director Elwood Perez, TV5's Jeffrey Remigio, this Columnist & businessman, Allyson Artes (he's building the huge Subic Neo Cove real estate community) met to collaborate at The Residences at Greenbelt in Makati City last Monday night.
Eddie Cotillon, center, Fashion Show Producer/Director of the recently-concluded and very successful Wedding Faire at the Santa Clara Convention Center Exhibition Hall D, would like to thank models Anela, Leo Reyes, Alexandra O, Rossiano, Tiffany, Allen(Dancing Machine), Maggie, My Little Man "Zander", Shelbi, Aubrey, My Little Sweet Heart "Lily", Aleaxandra Chua Drechsler, Missy, Justin Smaby, Jennifer(Amazing Dancer), Greg(Mr. Fred Astair), Taylor, Cesar, Bradford Adkins(for sending him some Great New Discoveries), Julie Nation Academy (her Kids are Super Stars - Santa Rosa ROCKS!!!), The Backstage Crew (Holita -Thanks Sis for your Love & Support, Valerie, David(Mafia-Boss Man) Rose Hill and Crew for the Make-Up and Hair, Christine P(For your EVER Support!-You Rock Friend!) Weddings and Dreams(Especially to Maria and Arnold - for your endless labor of Love for the fittings and Pulling of the Amazing Wardrobe you pulled for me - Salamat Po!, Mens Wearhouse (Ambus - Thank You for All of your Help!), Citi's Florist(Cris Thank You for the Amazing Bouquets)! Congratulations and good luck on the next Bridal Faire Fashion Show in Long Beach!
Attendees to the Grand Opening of the Milpitas Boxing Fitness Gym last Sunday were (L-R) Vic M. Garcia, Milpitas Mayor Joe Estevez, Glenn Donaire, Tony "Roga" Gabucan (Owner) & Richard Lao.
(L-R) Arvin Jugarap, Owner of The Kennel Boxing Gym in San Leandro, CA with Tony Gabucan, Champion Boxer Glenn Donaire & Ryan Largo taken during The Kennel Gym's recent anniversary gathering.
San Jose's Licensed Physical Therapist Leo Reyes, Elk Grove's Justin Smaby & Menlo Park's Grand Prix Tennis Doubles Champions, The Perkins Twins (Christian & Jesse Perkins) will model and dance this weekend at the Bridal Expo 2012 happening at the Santa Clara Convention Center.
San Jose's Alexandra Chua Drechsler, a Half-German Filipina, 15, will model several wedding gowns at the annual Bridal Expo 2012 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA this Saturday and Sunday, January 7 & 8, 2012.
KENNEL BOXING GYM ANNIVERSARY. San Leandro's Filipino-owned "The Kennel Boxing Gym" located at 3051 Teagarden St, San Leandro, CA 94577 celebrated their move and anniversary last week at their new location. Photo shows (Front L-R) Brian Jugarap (Owner), Ben Delgado (Manny Pacquiao's first & original trainer from the Philippines), Nonito Donaire, Sr (Father of 3-Division World Boxing Champion Nonito Donaire, Jr), Glenn Donaire (older brother of Nonito Donaire, Jr) &(standing back L-R) Glen Mariano & Ryan Largo .