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1. Actually, basically, honestly, as a matter of fact. Favorite opening lines, no matter what follows.
Millions working abroad help their nation get by, but not prosper. It’s a life of lonely, risky sacrifice.
Filipinos are certainly getting into mainstream America and into the world. We ‘made it’ to the David Letterman Show!
This is for every Filipino who embrace who they are and strive to maintain their Filipino identity…
This is our photography section. Submissions are welcome! Have a Philippine picture you want featured? A Gensan photo you want to share? A picture at Tatay Pepe’s?! Send them to us by email and we’ll do our best to show it here!
Everything Philippine related. Various news. Showbiz talks. Entertainment. Politics. Philippines. Around the world. Filipinos. Filipinas.
Events, happenings, promotions going on at Tatay Pepe’s Restobar in particular and General Santos City in general. Check out the buzz!
Diana Zubiri (MNS Photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) -– Sexy actress Diana Zubiri will be walking down the aisle again, the latest addition to the growing list of celebrity weddings in the past months.
In her Instagram account on Saturday, Zubiri posted a picture of what seemed to be an engagement ring.
The photo was accompanied by the lyrics of the ‘N Sync song “This I Promise You,” which the actress posted in the caption.
For his part, Zubiri’s boyfriend, Andrew Smith, posted a video of his proposal to the actress on his Instagram account earlier.
Zubiri first got married in 2008 but she unfortunately lost her husband two years later.
The actress returned to the Kapamilya network in 2012 and was last seen on the soap “Bukas Na Lang Kita Mamahalin.” Smith, on the other hand, was the 2007 Mossimo Bikini Summit winner. (MNS)
A lovely girlfriend treated some of us to watch the recent one-day showing of Engelbert Humperdinck’s concert at the historic Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. We’ve all heard his popular songs when we were in high school and we were all surprised to see a nostalgic performance and experience the 79-year old Humperdiinck’s charm and enigmatic voice belting out the cherished songs of our youth.
Arnold George Dorsey (Humperdinck’s real name), was born in “Madras, British India (now Chennai, India), on May 2, 1936. He was one of the 10 children to British Army NCO Mervyn Dorsey, who was of Irish descent and his wife Olivia, who was of German descent. Their family moved to Leicester, England when he was ten years old He soon showed interest in music and began learning to play the saxophone. Soon after, he began playing saxophone in nightclubs, but he is believed not to have tried singing until he was seventeen, when friends coaxed him into entering a pub contest; His impression of Jerry Lewis prompted friends to call him “Gerry Dorsey,” a name he used for almost a decade.”
Engelbert Humperdinck
Dorsey’s music career was interrupted when he had to serve in the British Army Royal Corps of Signals but when he was discharged, he had the opportunity to record with Decca Records in 1958 with his first single, “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again.” Though that single wasn’t a hit, he continued working the nighclub circuit until 1961 when he was stricken with tuberculosis for a short while, until he “regained his health and went back to nightclub work with little success.”
“In 1965, Dorsey teamed up with Gordon Mills, his former roommate in the Bayswater area of London, who had become the music impresario and manager of Tom Jones. Aware that Dorsey had been struggling for several years to become successful in the music industry, Mills suggested a name – change” to the more powerful sounding “Engelbert Humperdinck,” borrowed from the 19th century composer of operas such as “Hansel and Gretel” Thus, Dorsey adopted the name “professionally but not legally” giving way for Mills arranging a “new deal with Decca Records and he performed under his new name except in Germany where he can only use “Engelbert” as a stage name because the former composer’s family has disallowed his use of the full name.”
Consequently, Engelbert Humperdinck’s career plummeted, including filming a music video in Belgium with his song “Dommage, Dommage,” and in the mid-60’s he collaborated with another famous German songwriter named Bert Kaemfert in his house in Spain where they recorded the three-song arrangements of “ Spanish Eyes,” “Strangers in the Night,” and “Wonderland By Night.”
“Realizing the single record potential of “Strangers in the Night” Humperdinck asked his manager Gordon Mills if he can release the song as a single, but his request was refused, because the song had already been requested by Frank Sinatra.” However, the “changes paid off in the end when Humperdinck’s version of “Release Me” was recorded in a smooth ballad-style with full chorus joining him on the third refrain, and this made the top ten on both sides of the Atlantic and number one in Britain. “
Humperdinck’s “Release Me” single ran “56 weeks in the Top Ten charts and was believed to have sold 85,000 copies a day at the height of its popularity, and for years it was the best known of his songs. His easygoing style and good looks earned him a large following, particularly among women.” He went on to record other hit singles such as: “There Goes My Everything,” “The Last Waltz,” “A Man Without Love,” “Am I That Easy To Forget,” :The Way It Used To Be,” “I’m a Better Man” (with Burt Bacharach anf Hal David), and “Winter World of Love.”
Appearing in a dramatic red silk open buttoned-shirt and a black tux, a lot of us in the audience sang with him as he sang his popular songs: “Am I That Easy to Forget,” “A Man Without Love,” “Quando, Quando,” “I Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,”
The Shadow of Your Smile,” “Secret Love,” “After The Lovin’,” “Stranger in Paradise” and of course, “Release Me.”
The crowd was just overwhelmed toward the end of his two-hour show. It was really an evening filled with the memorable songs of yesteryears.
Engelbert Humperdinck goes on a world tour. Catch his show when you can. I promise you an evening full of memories.
President Benigno Simeon Aquino III leads the wreath-laying ceremony at the EDSA People Power Monument during the commemorative activities of the 29th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution in White Plains Avenue corner Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) on Wednesday (February 25, 2015). This year’s theme is “Ituloy ang Pagbabago.” The 1986 peaceful and bloodless uprising ousted the dictatorship and catapulted the late Corazon C. Aquino to the Presidency. also in photo are Executive Secretary and EDSA People Power Commission chairperson Paquito Ochoa, Jr., EPPC commissioner Cesar Sarino and EPPC commissioner Herminio “Ogie” Alcasid, Jr.. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – The government will try its best to prevent massive traffic jams similar to what happened during the celebration of the 29th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Uprising, Malacañang said Thursday.
“Humihingi kami ng paumanhin sa ating mga kababayan na naipit sa traffic dulot ng pagsasara ng mga daan kahapon,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a Palace briefing.
(We apologize to our citizens who were caught up in traffic caused by the closure of roads yesterday.)
Many Filipinos were either stuck in traffic or were forced to walk several blocks on Wednesday after parts of Edsa and other roads were closed for the said celebration.
“Sa susunod na pagkakataon maglalabas ng mas maaga at mas kumpletong abiso hinggil sa mga alternate routes na maaring daanan upang wag dumanas ulit ng malaking abala at sakripisyo sa matinding trapik,” Coloma added.
(Next time we’ll release an earlier and more comprehensive advisory about alternate routes that motorists can take to avoid delays caused by heavy traffic.)
Asked if the heavy traffic, which many netizens complained about, was the fault of the government, Coloma said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority released their advisories two weeks before the Edsa celebration.
“Ganunpaman, kinikilala niya (MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino) na pwede namang ma-improve pa ‘yon, at ayon nga sa kanya sa susunod na pagkakataon ay gagawin nila ang nararapat,” the Secretary added.
(Nevertheless, MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino recognizes the fact that it can still be improved and according to him they will do what must be done next time.) (MNS)
Filipino poet Bonifacio Ilagan, one of hundreds of activists imprisoned during the Martial Law period which was declared by the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, poses by the granite wall which is engraved with the names of Martial Law victims, including his sister Rizalina Ilagan, at the Heroes Shrine at suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines Monday Jan. 28, 2013. More than 9,000 victims will be awarded compensation using $246 million that the Philippine government recovered from Marcos’ ill-gotten wealth. But all claims will still have to evaluated by an independent commission and the amount each will receive will depend of the abuse suffered. (MNS photo)
Three months after the November 10, 2014 deadline expiration, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has approved Joint Resolution No. 3 extending for six months the deadline for Martial Law claims application to May 2015.
Joint Resolution No. 3 is the consolidation of Senate Joint Resolution No. 10 and House Joint Resolution No. 16.
“The enactment of the law is a crucial victory for the families and victims of human rights violations during the Martial Law period whose hope and opportunity to file their claims for reparation and redress for the sacrifices and sufferings they endured in the past were blighted by the November 2014 deadline,” Akbayan Rep. Barry Gutierrez.
“With the new deadline, we ensure that all legitimate claimants, particularly those who are now in their final years and those who are living in the far-flung areas, are given the vital time and full opportunity to file their claims with the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board,” the lawmaker added.
Gutierrez said that an estimated 25,000 to 50,000 legitimate claimants are yet to file their claims for reparation under Republic Act No. 10368, or the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013.
“Even as a new deadline is set, we, however, continue to urge the various grassroots-based civil society organizations located across the country to support the Board in reaching out to all the victims, many of whom have no access to public information on Martial Law claims and the Claims board,” the Akbayan solon said.
“Through our collective efforts, we could help usher in the much-needed redress to the victims and provide a proper recognition of their heroism and sacrifices in defense of individual rights and liberties and the nation’s democracy while laying down the necessary steps toward national healing and renewal,” he concluded.
President Benigno S. Aquino III to present the TAYO award during the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Year 12 (TAYO 12) Awarding Ceremonies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 24). Since 2002, TAYO Awards recognizes and supports the outstanding contributions of youth organizations to the country. Also in photo are TAYO Awards founding president and Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines vice chairman Juan Ramon Felix. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – A Bloomberg survey of economists shows the Philippines will be the second fastest-growing economy in the world this year, second only to China.
Bloomberg’s survey says the Philippines and China will be the only two economies out of 57 included in the report that will grow 6 percent or more this year.
The report is based on average economists’ estimates.
Various analysts have said the Philippines is one of the biggest beneficiaries in the world from lower oil prices.
“The world is expected to grow 3.2 percent in 2015 and 3.7 percent next year after expanding 3.3 percent in each of the past two years, according to a Bloomberg survey of economists. China, the Philippines, Kenya, India and Indonesia, which together make up about 16 percent of global gross domestic product, are all forecast to grow more than 5 percent in 2015,” Bloomberg said.
Malaysia, an oil producer that is being hit by lower oil prices, will see growth slow from 6 percent to less than 5 percent.
Also in the top 5 are Kenya and Nigeria. Many economists are pointing to Africa as the next fast-growth region after Asia. (MNS)
Kyla (MNS photo)
Kyla believes that she has maximized her opportunities with her former home network of 15 years, GMA 7.
This was the reason, the R&B singer said, behind her decision to leave and explore her options.
Kyla explained that she recently signed up with Cornerstone Talent Management Center, which is planning to revamp her career.
Referring to her 15th anniversary in showbiz, Kyla said, “Ngayon pong year na ‘to, maraming blessings and surprises na nangyari.”
Kyla did not answer directly when asked if she is now officially a Kapamilya, more than a week after she bid farewell to GMA 7.
“In my 15 years as an artist and as a performer, feeling ko po na-maximize ko ‘yung pagiging an artist doon sa kabila,” she said. “Ngayon, I’m just really, really happy.”
“Now that I am open for anything, I am happy and excited na makakatrabaho ko ‘yung mga artists that I look up to and they’re all here on ABS-CBN. Hopefully, sana, in ‘ASAP,’” she added, referring to the Sunday concert variety show.
The “Hanggang Ngayon” hitmaker went on to clarify that she parted from GMA 7 on good terms, not only with her fellow artists, but with executives of the network as well.
“Naging nice po ‘yung exit,” she said. “Actually, very happy po ako kasi everyone there, colleagues ko, co-artists, big bossings, they’re all happy and supportive sa desisyon po na nagawa ko.” (MNS)
Mayor Mark Pulido and Frank Aurelio Yokoyama
CERRITOS – Being longtime friends and sharing fresh ideas for the city where they were both raised, it was inevitable that Mayor Mark Pulido and Frank Aurelio Yokoyama would team up in their campaign for two of three seats in the Cerritos City Council being contested in the March 3 elections.
Pulido is seeking a second four-year term while Yokoyama is hoping to get elected for his first four-year term in the City Council. Nine candidates, including an incumbent (Pulido) and two former council members (Jim Edwards and Grace Hu), are contesting the three council slots.
Incumbents Bruce Barrows and Joseph Cho are vacating their seats because council members are limited to two consecutive terms.
The “homegrown team” of Pulido and Yokoyama shares goals of improving public safety and reducing crime, improving streets and parks, and balanced budgets and fiscal accountability for the city of Cerritos.
Both 46, Pulido and Yokoyama were raised in Cerritos and are now raising their respective family in the city they call their hometown.
Pulido, who is district director in the office of Congressman Alan Lowenthal, takes pride in being the first Filipino-American to serve as mayor of Cerritos. During his one-year term as mayor, Pulido led efforts that resulted in a 35-percent drop in residential burglaries; fought to repair streets, sidewalks and trim more than 15,000 trees; and balanced the budget while preserving programs and services.
Pulido was elected to the Cerritos City Council in March 2011. Before that, he served for 10 years as member and later president of the ABC Unified School District Board, where he was elected in 2001 and again in 2005 and 2009.
Pulido earned his bachelor’s degree from UCLA, where he served as president of the Student Council, and his master’s degree from the University of Chicago.
Pulido’s candidacy is being endorsed by Lowenthal, former Mayor Laura Lee, and School Board member Celia Spitzer, among others.
Yokoyama, a successful attorney and real estate broker, earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from UC Berkeley and his law degree from the Harvard Law School.
In endorsing Yokoyama during a fund-raiser at The Corner Place restaurant in Cerritos last Friday, Tina Cho, a member of the Cerritos College Board of Trustees from 2007 to 2012, said: “City Hall has been run by the same people over and over again. We have to have people with new ideas, people who understand the importance of hard work. Frank is open, honest, and intelligent. I know that he is very much willing and able to make Cerritos a very vibrant city.”
Pulido, on the other hand, said: “I owe so much to Frank for all the hard work we’ve been doing together for the city of Cerritos. We now have the opportunity to serve together and work together to turn this city around.”
If elected, Yokoyama pledged to make community safety a top priority, protect the quality of life for all residents, collaborate with school leaders to better serve students and residents, strengthen the local economy, and fix streets, sidewalks, trees and parks.
Yokoyama said he represents the diversity of the city of Cerritos, being a son of a Japanese father, Tom Yokoyama, and a Filipino mother, Chit Aurelio Yokoyama, and being married to a Korean-American, Wendy Ha.
Yokoyama has served the Cerritos community for many years as a former planning commissioner, a youth sports coach and an active member of the PTA of his two children’s schools.
Yokoyama is endorsed by Congressman Alan Lowenthal, Council Member Joseph Cho, and School Board Vice President Olympia Chen, among others.
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