2013 Volume 1

Designer Anthony Legarda (center) presented his latest collection using eco-friendly materials during the recent BANGON PILIPINAS Typhoon Relief Campaign held at The Fort McKinley (shown here with models Inigo Cacho, Miss Asian Las Vegas 2nd Princess & Binibining TFC Alexandra Drechsler, Hillary Hancock & Kaila Williams).

The Oak Grove Springs Care Home in Oakland, CA held their Annual Employees' Christmas Party led by facility Owner Letty Panes Perez (2nd right) & sister Julie Panes Solis (extreme right).

Kaiser Walnut Creek's Joy Manalang (4th right) sang & danced with family, friends & co-workers during her 40th 80s-themed birthday party held at The Hilton in Pleasanton, CA. Belated Happy Birthday, Joy!

Friday, the 13th at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, spearheaded by the current President Virgil Reyes (seated far left). The California Association of Residential Care Homes - Greater East Bay Area (CARCH-GEBA) held their Christmas Party Celebration last

Samantha Rose Costales of San Jose, CA was adjudged 2014 Miss Philippines Earth USA Grand Winner (shown here with parents Eric and Mary Costales and siblings) during last Saturday night's (November 2, 2013) Coronation Night held at the San Ramon Performing Arts Center in San Ramon, CA. A Top 30 TFCKat Singing Quest semi-finalist this year, Samantha was also declared the pageant's Miss Talent. Photo By Pixel Creations Studio

Belated Happy 15th Birthday, Sharlene De Los Santos of American Canyon High School in American Canyon, CA, the tall and beautiful daughter of Roy & Theresa De Los Santos (both originally from Bulacan & Tarlac, respectively). Charlene has joined pageants before and has taken modeling classes at John Robert Powers. She playsthe drums, ukulele and violin. She's also an active Catechist in her church.

Star Records Contract Artsts - The Perkins Twins (Jesse & Christian) will perform at a USTA event this Thursday in San Francisco.

These young dancers are from the Samahang Filipino Performing Artswho delivered a show-stopping production number during last Saturday night's Miss Philippines Earth (USA) Beauty Pageant in San Ramon, CA. Director of Choreography is Sherwin Magallanes of San Jose, CA.

Congratulations to the Mingao Family for their newest addition - Baby Devin Mingao (L-R), Mike Mingao with Baby Devin, 3-year old son Jalen Mingao and Andrea Mingao

Happy birthday City and County of San Francisco's MELBA OCO(November 5) who is planning a grand weekend celebration with family and intimate friends on Saturday at a NorCal resort.

Congratulations to all the winners during the coronation night for Miss Philippines Earth USA 2014 held on November 2, 2013 at San Ramon Performing Arts Center

1. Samantha Rose Costales of San Jose, California - Miss Philippines EARTH USA 2014,

2. Hanna Nicole Tolentino of Denver, Colorado - Miss TEEN Philippines EARTH USA 2014,

3. Carmen Baena of Clayton, California - Miss Philippines AIR USA 2014,

4. Angelica Galindez of Salt Lake City, Utah - Miss Philippines WATER USA 2014,

5. Krisha Marie Gonzalez of Sacramento, California - Miss Philippines FIRE USA 2014,

6. Rizza-Belen Diaz of San Jose, California - Miss Philippines ECO-TOURISM USA 2014,

7. Roselle Devera of San Pablo, California - 1st Runner-Up,

8. Stephennie Laxamana of South San Francisco, California - 2nd Runner-Up.

ANNOUNCING the participation of 2008 MISS PHILIPPINES EARTH-WATER, MICHELLE OBLEA (the pageant's very first year) in the Grand Finals and Coronation Night of MISS PHILIPPINES EARTH (USA) 2014 to be held Saturday, November 2, 2013 5:00PM @ San Ramon Performing Arts Center.

LIMITED GALA TICKETS ON SALE NOW! http://sa1.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/TicketRequest?eventId=787766&presenter=SANRAMON&venue&event&version

ANNOUNCING the participation of 2001 MISS PHILIPPINES EARTH-WATER, ANJELLY GAMBOA (the pageant's very first year) in the Grand Finals and Coronation Night of MISS PHILIPPINES EARTH (USA) 2014 to be held Saturday, November 2, 2013 5:00PM @ San Ramon Performing Arts Center.

"Everyone deserves a second chance." - by Joanlia Lising of Hayward, CA. Yes, the 'viral pageant girl' is joining the search for the next Miss Philippines Earth (USA)!

2012 Binibining Pilipinas-TOURISM Winner Katrina Dimaranan of Fremont, CA will be one of the judges in the 2014 Miss Philippines Earth (USA) Beauty Pageant to be held on Saturday, November 2, 2013 5:00PM at the San Ramon Performing Arts Center.

The Samahang Filipino Performers presented 'HALAD,' a dance concert featuring Philippine Folk Dances last weekend at The Point in San Jose, CA (Artistic Director is Sherwin Magallanes).

Bay Area's Henry Sy, center, receives the distinguished Million Miler Award from Philippine Airlines Area Manager Sol Solleza, left, assisted by Pacific Air Leisure's Lyn Abad.

Belated Happy Birthday to Rody Bernardo, right, father of Model Marilen Bernardo, center, with Actor Christopher De Leon at The Fort McKinley 1st Anniversary celebration.

Alexandra Drechsler of San Jose, CA was named as The First Ever Winner of BINIBINING TFC and a 2nd special award, THE BINIBINING SOCIAL MEDIA, during the pageant's finals held last Saturday, July 27 at the Centinela Valley Performing Arts Center in Lawndale, CA.

Happy 86th birthday, Dona Josefina " Nena" McLure! She celebrated in San Jose, CA and in full attendance were members of the Pinay Golden Girls (Veronica Kalinawan, Cora Soriano, Nene Munoz with Belle and Dante Aclan) and members of The Samahang Filipino of The Most Holy Trinity Church of San Jose California.

Belated Happy 35th birthday, Hazel Bustamante Calip, right, who celebrated last Friday at the Fort Mckinley Restaurant in San Bruno (with Krystal Toong, left and Ivan Tungue).

Newark's Melissa Jane Rodriguez is one of the strong six (6) Bay Area beauties now competing at the first ever BINIBINING PILIPINAS USA 2013 Beauty Pageant in Los Angeles. Photo by Phillip Ner/Binibining Pilipinas USA/Insider Productions

Please follow the Bb Pilipnas USA 2013 candidate #10, Alexandra Drechsler, to win the Bb Social Media award by:

1. LIKING her facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alexandra-Drechsler/423915984374254

2. FOLLOWing her Tweeter @bpusaadrechsler : https://twitter.com/bpusaadrechsler

Binibining Pilipinas USA 2013 Candidate # 10 is San Jose'sAlexandra Chua Drechsler who wears an Alan Del Rosario cocktail dress (reportedly worn by 2012 Miss Universe Olivia Culpo) attends the LIFESTYLE NETWORK (a TFC Premium Channel) launch last Friday, June 21 held at The Legendary Park Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.

BENCH Owner Bench Chan sighting in Los Angeles County's Max's Restaurant-Glendale last April 29, 2013. Over a month after, news broke out that he signs Hollywood A-Lister Taylor Lautner of the "Twilight" saga movies as his latest endorser.

ABS-CBN Foundation International Associate Direct Joannie Feliciano, ABS-CBN North America Managing Director Chinky De Jesus & SoCalor-based TV reporter, Hollywood correspondent & ABS-CBN International's Segment Host/Producer Yong Chavez at the Red Carpet of LIFESTYLE NETWORK launch last Friday in Los Angeles.

Direk Kim Tumibay, rightmost, with (L-R) Casting Director Lalaine Tumibay (his wife) Production Coordinator Marybelle Sayson & Screenplay Writer Rose Paquette

Direk Kim Tumibay, right, with wife Lalaine. Photo by Richard Lao

Belated Happy Birthday, 2012 Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism Katrina Jayne Dimaranan, left, and brother Nikko, who jointly celebrated with mom Leonita, right, and other family members at Fresh Pizza Restaurant in San Lorenzo, CA. Photo by Richard Lao

The 1st batch of Binibining Pilipinas USA 2013 Candidates (which includes San Jose's Alexandra Drechsler, 4th left) were presented to the public during the 115th Philippine Independence Day Celebration and Parade along the streets of Los Angeles, CA last Saturday, June 8th. Photo by Richard Lao

Spotted in Los Angeles, CA during the 115th Philippine Independence Day Celebration was Director Christopher Ad. Castillo(eldest son of the legendary Celso Ad. Castillo) whose latest film is the suspense thriller 'THE DIPLOMAT HOTEL' (starring the lovely Gretchen Barretto), which will be shown as one of The New Breed Entries in Cinemalaya 2013 happening in July. Photo by Richard Lao

Christian Dewald,left, the US-based Vocal Coach of Sarah Geronimo with Line Producer Arlene Gavieres-Ramos at 24/SG US Concert Tour @ The Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles last Sunday night. Photo by Richard Lao

The Cast & Crew of Waldo held another production meeting at Edna's Ichiban in South San Francisco, headed by Producer John Valdez (4th right) & Director Kim Tumibay (3rd right) together with(L-R)JB, Justin Smaby, Samantha Rose, Alexandra Drechsler, Marybelle Sayson, Lalaine Tumibay, Princess Ryan, Beth Roldan & Poyay.

Milpitas Mayor Joe Esteves, 3rd left, gives Pop Superstar Sarah Geronimo, 4th left, a symbolic key to the City of Milpitas, during her 24/SG concert promo stop at the Gabucan Family Dentistry Clinic on May 24th; shown here with guest performers actor/singer Matteo Guidicelli, leftmost and stand up comedian Jon Santos rightmost, the Mayor's wife Susan Esteves, 2nd left and Office Manager Tony Gabucan and son.

The wife of "Sir Chief" Melody Yap, left, poses with Photo Journalist Richard Lao during "Be Careful With My Heart" US Tour press con held last May 10 at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown LA.

The Cast and Crew of the indie movie "Waldo, Lutang sa Kawalan," (L-R) Beth Roldan (Production Assistant), Lee Robin Salazar (actor), Laline Tumibay (Casting Director), Princess Ryan (actress), Miriam Pantig (actress) & Marybelle Sayson (Production Coordinator)had a story conference at San Bruno's Patio Filipino Restaurant last week. Photo by Richard Lao

San Jose beauties Samantha Rose, 16, left and Alexandra Drechsler, 17, were the recent addition to the growing cast of the indie movie "Waldo, Lutang sa Kawalan," according to Director Kim Tumibay and Producer Jett Valdez.

The cast (led by Richard 'Sir Chief' Yap, Jodi Sta Maria & Mutya Orquia) of ABS-CBN's top rating teleserye, "BE CAREFUL WITH MY HEART" set box office records at the The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA when they performed last Friday, May, 10, 2013 to a full capacity wildly screaming crowd. The team then flew next to Kissimmee, Florida for another very successful Mother's Day show.

Congrats TV5 Actor/Host Aga Muhlach (Congressman) & @Miguel Villafuerte (Governor) for their respective electoral leads in Camarines Sur! Fresh blood, fresh starts! Photo from Facebook

TFC's Adobo Nation Host Lee Robin Salazar, center, heads the cast of a new independent movie to be filmed in the Bay Area, tentatively titled "Waldo, Lutang sa Kawalan" shown here with other cast members, Mirriam Pantig and TV5 actress, Princess Ryan, right. The production team is still looking for an actress (no experience required) to portray the fourth pivotal role of "Lolita."

Movie Producer John Valdez, 2nd left, is looking for his 'Lolita' in "Waldo, Lutang sa Kawalan" during the indie movie's pre-production meeting held last Sunday afternoon at the Patio Filipino Restaurant in San Bruno, CA with cast members Lee Robin Salazar, left, Princess Ryan and the film's director Kim Tumibay, rightmost.

Congratulations, Miss Philippines Earth Fil-USA West Coast Alma Cabasal of Los Angeles, CA (leftmost), for winning Silver Medal in 2013 Miss Philippines Earth Summer Wear Styling Challenge Special Event! Grand Finals and Coronation Night is set on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at the Mall of Asia (MOA).

Happy 17th birthday (May 4th) & congratulations to San Jose'sAlexandra Drechsler for making it to Top 30 (out of 104 candidates) in the recently concluded 2013 Miss Teenage California State Finals (her first pageant) held at the Los Angeles Airport Hilton Hotel. Parents Ralph & Elizabeth Drechsler were the proudest.

Advanced happy birthday both to April celebrants - Daly City's Rose S. Arcega and Richard Lao, CPA. They were photographed here after the Lea Salonga Concert in Cache Creek Casino in Broox, CA last Saturday.

San Rafael's Malou Hipolito, rightmost, is one of the featured models at Crisanta Malig's Charity for a Cause Fashion Show to be held at The Fort McKinley on Saturday, April 27th. With her in this photo are Edna Ramos, Owner of Edna's Ichiban (center) and Tateetz Palomo (Malou's mom.

Taking time out from his campaign is Father Ed 'Among' Panlilio, 2nd right. He dropped by the Panlilio ancestral house in San Fernando, Pampanga, to watch the Friday procession of the family Mater Dolorosa. In photo are visiting SanFo-based Journalists Joey Panlilio (leftmost) and Dave Rodriguez (rightmost) with Lou Panlilio.

Mayor Joe Esteves, center, with his Milpitas constituents, recently was awarded 'The Outstanding Pangasinense' honor by His Excellency, Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr of the Province of Pangasinan.

Belated Happy 88th Birthday, Dona Maria Sarmiento Yabut, who celebrated last March 16, 2013 @ The Mt. Hamilton Grange Hall in San Jose, CA, organized by her beautiful daughter Elena Yabut. Excellent food was catered by Ang Sarap Filipino Cuisine and Domi and Andy Custodio's Catering service.

Fremont's iRaceCenter Owners (L-R) Rolando Tolibas, COO, Wilson Talaugon, CFO, and Filmore Figueroa, CEO.

Advanced Happy Birthday Andy Custodio (March 14; left), shown here with wife Domi; they both own and manage their San Jose-based Custodio Catering Services. A lavish celebration party is scheduled this weekend.

Congratulations to the very successful 2013 Body Shots International Competition last Sunday, March 3 held at The Hilton Pasadena - Kudos go to the Show Producers Badette & Nilo Tagoc and Designer Lou Razon.

Seen at last Sunday's Oscars 2013 After-Party in West Hollywood are San Jose Doctor Ron Quibilan and wife Mila, The Sansu Show host Sansu Ramsey, Fashionista Rhuddee Vitug and Philippines Today's Photo Journalist, Richard Lao.

Lilwyn Lucas and Paul Dyer exchanged marriage vows in an intimate Christian Ceremony held at the Canyon Lakes Country Club in San Ramon, CA last Sunday afternoon. Congratulations and Best Wishes, Mr and Mrs Paul Dyer!

Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA) finalists Hansen Nichols of San Mateo, CA (left) and Irish Fullerton of Tracy, CA (center) had an impromptu reunion dinner in the Bay Area with San Jose Businesswoman Agnes Burwell.

Happy birthday, Businessman and Ramp Model Jeff Manalang - seen here walking the runway for Patis Tesoro at The Hyatt SF last November.

Dani Fandino, right (shown here with husband Ronnie Magtibay), had a grand opening of her 'Flowers and Events' specialty store at The Tanforan Shops in San Bruno, CA last year. They have everything you need (flowers, photographers, tables, chairs, etc) for that wedding, birthday, anniversary, debut, among others. Call (650) 898-5014 for more infos.

The NEW Edna's Ichiban located at 120 Hazelwood Drive, South San Francisco, CA (Owners Ben & Edna Ramos as well as Manager Thage Montecarlo were in attendance) had a soft-opening party last Wednesday night, February 13 with guests - San Rafael’s Philanthropist Tateetz Paloma, Bay Area-based Fashion Designer Crisanta Malig, Model Malou Hipolito, 2013 Alexandra Drechsler, Elizabeth Drechsler, Visual Display Specialist Krystal Toong,Philippine News and Philippines Today Photo Correspondent Richard Lao, Manila Mail Creative Layout Manager Flor Mangoba, Monette Novicio, Thes Novicio, Susan Lim, Dolly Gobaleza, Rachelle Alferez-Delfin, Ester Miranda, Myra Novicio, Emcee Dave Rodriguez, Rogelyn Ynarra, this Columnist, among others.

Atty Lou Tancinco and Comedienne Fe De Los Reyes cut the ceremonial ribbon formally launching the Grand Opening Celebrations of The Eastwood Lounge in Oakland, CA was formally last Friday, February 1, 2013. Two (2) well-known bands played all night through (Synthesis Band and Vintage Plus Dance Band) with hundreds of well-wishers (Letty Velasco, Jocelyn Anonuevo, Josephine de Jesus, Jun Aguilar, among others).

GETTING MARRIED. Jay Jocson of New Jersey and Vianca Salazar of Pleasanton, CA are exchangingmarriage vows on Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. at the All Saints Catholic Church located at 22824 2nd Street, Hayward, CA 94541. Reception follows same day at 5:00 P.M. at Crowne Plaza Ballroom1221 Chess Drive, Foster City, CA. 94404. Congratulations and Best Wishes!

Belated Happy Birthday, Julius Calvin Santos of San Jose, CA who celebrated with girlfriend Len Ramos and close friends at NOLA Palo Alto and The Fort McKinley Restaurants last Saturday night.

Belated Happy 9th Birthday Sean Enriquez (shown here with mom Mitos Canon Cunanan) who celebrated with family and friends last week in Pleasanton, CA.

Congratulations are in order for a very successful series of shows last weekend to Cache Creek Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Randy Takemoto and wife Dina Takemoto (center couple), Ben Ramos, left, of Ichiban Library, Singer/Composer Ogie Alcasid, Champion Singer Angeline Quinto, 2nd right, (who also stars in ABS-CBN's "Kahit Konting Pagtingin" teleserye) and Singer Raymond Richie, rightmost.

Kudos to Couture Fashion Designer Joseph S. Domingo, left, who held last Saturday a very successful (tickets were all sold-out!)SNOW 4: A White Fashion Event 2013 in downtown San Francisco shown here with his finale model, Alexandra Drechsler of San Jose, CA (dolled up as the "Ice Princess").

Happy 8th Wedding Anniversary to Bobby (standing, right) and Encar Delos Reyes (seated, center) of San Jose, CA who celebrated at the Karilagan Filipino Cuisine with family and friends Edwin Perez (standing), Elena Yabut (seated, left) and Dona Maria Sarmiento Yabut. Congratulations and more years to come!

ENGAGED: Paul Stephen Dyer of Seattle, WA will exchange marriage vows with Lilwyn Lucas of San Jose, CA this coming February in San Ramon, CA. Best Wishes and congratulations, both!

Fashionista Rhuddee Gaudinez Vitug's nephew, Christopher Alcantara threw a Baby Shower for his beloved expectant wife, Tatum Loquiao Alcantara (they're having a girl!) at the Parc Metro Club House in Milpitas, CA last Saturday, January 26,2013. Among the attendees are Mayor Jose Esteves with his wife Susan, Sansu Ramsey of "The Sansu Show", other family members and friends.

Comedienne Fe De Los Reyes (3rd left), entertained capacity crowd at The Fort McKinley in South San Francisco last Saturday, January 19, 2013 via a dinner show titled 'Amerikana: Made in the Philippines'.

"TAGALIZED," a reality-based program filmed at The Fort McKinley last Saturday afternoon with Host ElizaRica Anderson (3rd right) with the auditionees: Justin Smaby, Alex Ramos, Jamine Misa, Rachelle Perez, Allen Mendoza, Jaron Liclican, Hannah Huyoa, JD Charisma, Jason Roldan and Judges: Rhuddee Vitug (2nd right) & Dr. Fasi Khurram (rightmost).

Belated Happy Birthday, Malou Hipolito of San Rafael, CA who celebrated with family and friends last Sunday, January 12th at Union City and the following day at the movies and Karilagan Filipino Cuisine.

Belated Happy Birthday, Scharvette Mendones, left, who turned 18 last Saturday, January 12, 2013 and was feted with a lavish Black and White-themed Debutant Party in Union City, CA (shown here with good friendTateetz Palomo of San Rafael).

American Idol Top 2 Finalist Jessica Sanchez lines up 2013 solo concerts in Manila, Philippines, Los Angeles, CA and Reno, NV (shown here with this Columnist during her last year's group concert at HP Pavilion in San Jose, CA).

Marx Canoy, a Filipino Australian from Sydney is the author of a well packaged cookbook titled "FOOD FEAST," featuring fusion Filipino cuisine inspired by the colors and beauty of the Philippines. Marx is the Sous Chef at Vibe Rushcutters Bay (winner, Midscale Hotel, 2011 HM Awards). He was previously Senior Chef de Partie at Sofitel Hotel and IHG Holiday Inn. He was formerly Head Chef in a number of Sydney Restaurants. Curently, he is the Events Chef at ANZ Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park.

Milpitas Boxing and Fitness Gym owner Tony Gabucan, rightmost, entertains his gym's 1st Year Anniversary guests Jerry Foronda Agonoy, Jr, and D&B's National Trivia Quiz Host ElizaRica Anderson, center.

Spotted enjoying the1st Year Anniversary Celebration of Milpitas Boxing and Fitness Gym were Boxer Glenn Donaire and Stand Up Comic Joey Guila, right.

Milpitas Mayor Joe Esteves, center, attends the 1st Year Anniversary Celebration of Milpitas Boxing and Fitness Gym located at Seasons Marketplace at Landess with Officer Pangelinan, left, and Vic Garcia.

County of Santa Clara Accountant Rey Eugenio , 2013 Miss Teen San Jose Alexandra Drechsler, Original Pacquiao Trainor Ben Delgado and Washington Hospital's Susan Crisostomo grace the 1st Year Anniversary Celebration of Milpitas Boxing and Fitness Gym.

Belated Happy Birthday, San Jose's Elizabeth Chua-Drechsler (January 4th), right, shown here with American Idol Season 11 Winner Phillip Phillips taken at HP Pavilion, one of her happy moments last year.

Filipino American Jonathan Mangosing shines in the company of the San Francisco Smuin Ballet.

Welcome to the Bay Area, Bev Llorente of TFC Las Vegas, who is in town this week with children, to spend the holidays with family and friends!

Sansu Ramsey (3rd right) of GMA Pinoy TV's The Sansu Show celebrated her recent birthday at the 840 Wine Club in Redwood City, CA.

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.