news columnists express week entertainment archive
July 24 - 30, 2006 | Volume 20 No. 30

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2 Fil Ams top Maharlikang Pilipino Grand Finals in RP

TWO young Filipino Americans who participated in the 3th National Grand Finals of the Maharlikang Pilipino in Manila on July 1 romped off with the top two prizes.

Maharlikang Pilipino USA 2006 representatives Carlo Garcia of Bronx, New York was declared the Grand National Winner, while Jerald Luciano Mutia of San Francisco, California , was named the First Runner Up- Mr. Tourism.

The Board of Judges were composed of Bong Regala, a BodyShots winner and international ramp model; event specialist, Gem Padilla, Bb. Pilipinas Universe and ramp model; Patty Bettina, Bb. Pilipinas World and a ramp model; James Cooper-internationally acclaimed Hollywood make up artist and owner of a chain of hair salons; Barge Ramos, past president of Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines; Dr. Tony Mendoza, neprologist of Brooklyn, New York; Jun-Jun Cambe, avant garde fashion designer who design the swim suits; Ting delos Reyes, director of Department of Tourism.

Mutia, who was the early favorite, won several special awards such as Most Photogenic, Best in Barong, Maharlika ng Gabi, Face of the Night, Male Discovery Model, and Close Up Smile.

Garcia won two special awards namely; Mr. Personality and Photogenic.

Both Carlo Garcia and Jerald Luciano Mutia were offered modelling and acting contracts and did their VTR before leaving for the USA.

While in the Philippines, Maharlikang Pilipino USA founder and Executive Producer Danny Pagsambugan turned over the money Maharlikang Pilipino was able to raise to the beneficiaries of the project.

He promised to continue helping the groups, namely, Battered Women of the Third World; Children Affected with HIV; and School Rehabilitation Program.

Video of the Manila coronation night will be shown on September 9 at the Puccini’s during the launching of 2007 Maharlikang Pilipino USA Calendar Models, featuring the mother and daughter fashion show spearheaded by Joel Adriano and choreographed by Erno Hormillosa.

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Choir bags top prizes in internat’l choral fest

THE Saringhimig Singers returned home after a triumphant Choral Competition at the International Choral Kathaumixw in Powell River, B.C. Canada.

At Kathaumixw International Choral, Philippine Saringhimig Singers garnered:

1st Prize on Competition 202 – Contemporary Choral Music;

2nd Place on the Competition 103 – Mixed Voice Choir;

2nd Prize on Competition 301 Vocal Solo, maximum age – 16, won by Rolfe Dauz – Saringhimig Singers.

The Saringhimig Singers under Maestro George Hernandez has proven beyond any doubt that the star in their firmament is still burning brightly after all these years. They have proven once and for all, that they are the choir to reckon with in the field of choral competition as well as in concert performances.

The audience loved the Saringhimig repertoire, but the tear-jerker is the musical number “The Prayer”, beautifully sung by Christie Jacoban and Gilbert Diaz, with Maestro George Hernandez on the piano, and Cathrina Dagdagan conducting the choir.

The clincher however is Disney’s “Lion King -- Circle of Life” dramatically performed by John Eric Salvador, supported by Sonny Dagdagan and Tony Carcellar.

There were other stellar performances by the members: Jeff Burgos, who stood as the program announcer, the “Old Time Religion” soloist; Fatima Malabuyo, who joined Jeff as coloratura counterpoint; Apollo Medina as the Rooster in “Tiririnding”;

Rosa Maria Johnson for Maestro George Hernandez’ world renowned lullabye “Caturog Na Nonoy”; Azer Dauz in ethnic-rhythmic “Gabaq-an”; Rolfe Dauz and Dominic Dagdagan for their powerful bamboo percussions in “Tinig ng Lupa”; and of course, the support of the whole ensemble.

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Kasal Pilipinas unveils wedding fair, bridal show

SAN FRANCISCO – Kasal Pilipinas - Wonders of Weddings, a wedding fair and bridal show, will be held in San Francisco from August 11 to 13.

The bridal show will first be held at the Philippine Center (447 Sutter Street) on Friday, August 11. Then on August 12 and 13, Saturday and Sunday, it will be held at Saint Patrick Church’s Social Hall, coinciding with the Pistahan celebration the Yerba Buena Gardens located across the church.

Kasal Pilipinas will feature exhibits, presentations on wedding planning and issues, business mixer, a launching of a resource directory launching, and the Kasal Pilipinas showcase at the annual parade celebrating the Pistahan Festival and the Centennial of Filipino Immigration.

More than 30 seasoned professionals and successful entrepreneurs in the Philippine wedding industry will present the many wonders of weddings in the Philippines.

Kasal Pilipinas 2006 is organized and produced by Filipino American Development Foundation (FADF), Esy Creations and Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT), in close partnership with the Consulate General of the Philippines in San Francisco, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Center, the San Francisco Filipino Cultural Center (SFFCC) and the St. Patrick’s Parish Council. It aims to promote weddings in the Philippines and to inform the public about Filipino entrepreneurship and the country’s booming wedding industry. It will showcase affordable wedding celebrations and the wonders of Filipino weddings.

“I am pleased to have this unique opportunity to be part of this important event,” adds Consul General Rowena Mendoza Sanchez in her message to Kasal Pilipinas participants “this industry I very vibrant in our country as evidenced by the increasing number of wedding coordinators, cake designers, caterers, florists, wedding photography and video outlets, travel representatives as well as wedding suppliers. I have no doubt that the rich exchange of ideas and expertise derived during this event will ultimately benefit our growing Philippine economy.”

For more information on Kasal Pilipinas visit http://kasalpilipinas.com/ and www.bayanihancc.org or call 415-348-8042.

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Number One Rockwell presents Z-shaped units

ROCKWELL Land Corporation, the Philippines’ premier property developer, is known in the real estate industry as a true innovator. Each high-rise development at the posh Rockwell Center is a testament of Rockwell’s penchant for introducing ingenious design concepts and iconic residential structures to the market.

Its latest development, Number One Rockwell, is the epitome of Rockwell’s commitment to provide residents the ultimate urban inner-city, resort-type lifestyle it is best known for.

Number One Rockwell defies convention as it introduces an awe-inspiring architectural concept known as Z-shaped units. A regular residential unit simply opens up to one view of the metropolis, and an alternative perspective if you happen to own a corner unit.

Number One Rockwell’s Z-shaped design raises the bar for premium residential spaces as it spans the entire width of the building, affording future residents different vistas from one end to the other. Have that fresh cup of coffee while watching the sun rise in the east. In the afternoon, experience the radiance of Manila Bay’s sunset in the west. All within the comfort and luxury of your home. With Number One Rockwell, you definitely can enjoy the best of both worlds.

Of course, Number One Rockwell’s novelty does not end with its unique Z-shaped units. The architectural designs for Number One Rockwell’s two towers make for a bold statement. The East Tower’s angular lightning rod exterior radically contrasts the West Tower’s curvilinear structure – points and curves brought together by a raised circular driveway form one totally spectacular address. Only a few reputable property developers worth their salt could muster courage to pull off such an enterprising effort.

These unique elements form only the tip of the iceberg. Number One Rockwell epitomizes the ultimate in luxury resort living. The first to house its amenities on the roof deck, it is only here you can experience being on top of the world, literally at the height of recreation! Go for that really refreshing dip on the pool amidst a clear blue sky. Have a glass of your favorite cooler while enjoying a 360-degree view of the city. Only at Number One Rockwell.

Rounding out the ultimate Rockwell experience, Number One Rockwell houses everything you need. A quaint café, a deli, a salon, a variety of boutique shops and more makes up the retail area at the plaza on the ground level of Number One Rockwell’s two towers. When not in the mood for a little retail therapy, one can detach one’s self from the frenzy of the crowd by taking the roundabout that will bring you straight to the main lobby.

Own a villa in the sky and get a taste of the ultimate Rockwell Lifestyle at Number One Rockwell.

For inquiries and reservations, visit www.e-rockwell.com or call Rockwell’s toll-free hotline number, 1 (800) ROCKSERV (76257378).

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