Ciara Sotto to sing Philippine national anthem at Pacquiao - Marquez II fight at Las Vegas

Ciara Sotto has been chosen to sing the Philippine National Anthem “Lupang Hinirang” at the boxing rematch between Philippine’s pride Manny Pacquiao and Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez, on March 15, 2008 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

The young actress-singer is currently based in Las Vegas, Nevada and has been preparing for more than a year now for her postponed stage show which will tentatively open in the Spring.

(compiled by Jay Fermin ppp-usa)

JOURNEY WITH ARNEL PINEDA SET TO RELEASE ‘REVELATION’ CD-DVD JUNE 3

Journey with lead singer Arnel Pineda at Planet Hollywood Las Vegas entertained a packed crowd of 9,000 fans March 8, 2008

March 11, 2008 -- A new chapter in the legendary career of multi-Platinum rockers JOURNEY--Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums) and Arnel Pineda (vocals)—will begin on June 3 with the highly anticipated release of REVELATION, a three-disc CD and DVD package to be sold exclusively at Wal-Mart stores in North America.
The first disc will consist of 11 re-recorded classics, the second is filled with 11 new songs, and the third is a live, in-concert DVD. All of the music on REVELATION was produced by Kevin Shirley (who previously worked with JOURNEY on their Platinum-certified TRIAL BY FIRE album).
JOURNEY will take REVELATION on the U.S. concert trail later this July, with details to be announced in the coming weeks.

www.journeymusic.com

Courtesy of A. Cagan of ABC PR
www/abc-pr.com

HappySlip Christine Gambito: Darling of the media at the 1st Filipino American Visionary Awards at Kodak Theatre

Awesome Photo Coverage by celebrity photographer Albert Vargas: Pinoywired.com

Irresistible Smile and Happiness provided by Youtube Superstar and new Philippine ambassador of tourism Happyslip.com herself: Christine Gambito.

(Compiled by Jay Fermin)

Journey with new lead singer Arnel Pineda rocks Planet Hollywood Las Vegas

The Journey concert with new lead singer Arnel Pineda at the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas last March 8, 2008 was packed and all the reviews speak of all attendees having a wonderful evening. Arnel was on fire and his stage presence was described as magnificent.

The band debuted three new songs from their upcoming new album which will be titled "Revelations", which they announced will come out in June exclusively through Wal*Mart. It will consist of a disc of new songs, a disc of the greatest hits, and a DVD of the Las Vegas concert. "Wildest Dreams" is a rocker, "Through All These Years" is the ballad penned by the incredible Jonathan Cain, "Never Walk Away" is an uptempo song vaguely reminiscent of "Be Good To Yourself". The latter was penned by Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, and Jeremey Hunsicker during Jeremey's audition for the lead singer slot last June. Jeremey is the lead singer of Journey tribute band, Frontiers, and was considered a favourite for the lead singer position at one point last year.

The concert's repertoire was as follows:

Any Way You Want It
Only The Young
Stone In Love
Ask The Lonely
Wheel In The Sky
Who's Crying Now
Faith In The Heartland
Lights
After All These Years
After The Fall
Never Walk Away
Jonathan Cain Solo
Open Arms
Mother Father
Wildest Dreams
Separate Ways
Escape
Faithfully
Don't Stop Believin'
Be Good To Yoursef (encore)

Deen Castronovo sang lead on "After The Fall" and "Mother, Father".
After the show, the band asked the audience if they could reshoot "Wildest Dreams" for the DVD and the audience was only too thrilled to hear another song. Shortly thereafter, Jonathan Cain asked if they could also redo "Faithfully". After that performance, Arnel asked if the crowd would like to hear one more and said "Let's get sexy now". He then broke into an exceptional version of "Lovin' Touchin' Squeezing" which started off with Jonathan Cain on the harmonica and Arnel asking the crowd to sing along with him ad libbing, all the way. Needles to say, the crowd were wild with excitement!

Journey will embark on a 2008 world tour:

June 08 TBA Sweden Rock Festival Norjebokevägen
TBA: Either 6/4, 6/5, 6/6 or 6/7 Sölvesborg Sweden

06/11/08
Wed 8:00P Schwarzwaldhalle
Festplatz 3 + 9 Karlsruhe Germany

06/14/08
Sat 8:00P Jako-Arena / Halbe Halle Nordtribühne Bamberg Germany bvd - Kartenservice

06/15/08
Sun 10:00A Arrow Rock Festival
Goffertpark
With Def Leppard, Kiss, Whitesnake, Twisted Sister, Kansas, REO Speedwagon

(compiled by Jay Fermin ppp-usa)

Live review of the 1st Annual Filipino American Visionary Awards last March 7 at the Kodak Theatre

Click on the PLAY button to watch the red carpet review and Janelle So's interview with Celebrity Columnist Janet Nepales.











Video courtesy of KSCI TV 18 Los Angeles: The 1st Annual Filipino American Visionary Awards will air on KSCI TV 18 Los Angeles in its entirety on March 16, 2008 from 4:00 p.m to 6:30 p.m.

Watch Pacquiao vs Marquez 2 Fight at the O' Bar and Restaurant

American Idol Ramielle Malubay's racy facebook picture creates a stir

Ramielle Malubay's profile photo on Myspace.Com

Hollywood: Ramielle Malubay's racy playful photo on facebook created quite a stir among Hollywood star watchers recently. The slightly scandalous photo of herself and two of her girlfriends on the internet posted on Face Book and now other websites are drawing thousands of views and media attention to it!

The American Idol contestant, and one of Simon's few top picks remains a very strong contender for the Idol title. Actually the controversial picture looks just like typical teenage stuff girls do on friendster, myspace and facebook; nothing out of the ordinary. This whole thing is sad that people make small things seem like big scandals, but seriously, Ramielle is a talented singer and deserves to be respected as such and have a good chance of being American Idol!

Judge for yourself. Here is the controversial photo:

GMA Network honored at Visionary Awards in US

Hollywood Kodak Theatre: 1st Annual Filipino American Visionary Awards, March 7, 2008





Video coverage courtesy of Creative Concepts & GMA TV

HappySlip Christine Gambito greets her fan Lauren live from the VIP lounge of Kodak Theatre

Hollywood: We caught up with HappySlip Christine Gambito and all the other presenters and awardee celebrities at the VIP lounge of Kodak Theatre after the 1st Filipino American Visionary Awards.

Watch Christine greet her fan Lauren on live video. It's a little dark in the lounge, but, well, thats why they call it the lounge. Here goes:



Compiled by Jay Fermin ppp-usa
Video by "SleezySlip"

Red Carpet reception at 1st Filipino American Visionary Awards at Kodak Theatre

photo coverage copyright:
Ver Penaranda www.pinoywired.com

Hollywood, March 7, 2008: Spotted on the red carpet of the 1st Filipino American Visionary Awards were the following celebrities (list not in any particular order)

AWARDEES
apl.de.ap (member of Grammy Award winning group The Black Eyed Peas) Mike Enriquez (GMA Network)
Dolphy (legendary Philippine comedian)
Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (“Hannah Montana”; “Camp Rock”)
Dante Basco (actor – “Take the Lead”; “Hook”)
Francis Magalona (the Philippine’s “King of Rap”)
Tito, Vic & Joey (hosts of long-running variety show “Eat Bulaga”,
Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. (action star / Philippine Senator)
Miss Charo Santos (Philippine television host & producer)
Sunny Garcia (world champion surfer)
Richard Gutierrez (Philippine actor)
Nia Peeples (actress/singer “Fame”, “Walker: Texas Ranger”)
Mark Dacascos (actor – “The Crow”; “Iron Chef America”)
Martin Nievera (Philippines’ “Concert King”)
Rudy Fernandez (Philippine Action Star)
Robert Jaworski (former Philippine Senator, star cager, PBA Hall of Famer)
Dingdong Dantes (film/TV actor/director/host)

PERFORMANCE LINE-UP:
Nonosina Polynesia, Inc.;
Anna Maria Perez de Tagle;
Martin Nievera; Kuh Ledesma;
Billy Crawford; Jasmine Trias;
cast of Fever the Musical,
Jessa Zaragosa & Dingdong Avanzado

PRESENTERS:
Brian McKnight (Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and radio host)
David Batista (WWE World Champion wrestler)
Nora Aunor (legendary Philippine actress/singer)
Jean Marteriz & Bob De Castro (Fox 11 News)
Esperanza Catubig (actress, “Dogeaters”, “Without a Trace”)
Peter Tuaisosopo (actor, “The Scorpion King”)
The Basco Brothers (actors/singers/musicians)
Reggie Lee (actor, “The Fast & the Furious”; “Pirates…3”)
Fritz Friedman (Sr. Vice-President, Sony Pictures Entertainment)
Jennifer Paz (actress, “Miss Saigon”, “Les Miserables”, “Evita”)
Charmaine Clamor (jazz & world music singer)
Ron Sato (Sr. Vice-President, Sony Television International)
Liz Masakayan (Professional Volleyball Player, 1988 Olympian, UCLA Hall of Fame)
Michael Copon (actor, “One Tree Hill”; “Bring it On!”)
Angela Perez Baraquio (Miss America, 2001)
Lani Mercado (actress)
Raymond Bagatsing (actor/singer)
Lilia Dizon (legendary Philippine actress)
Pinky de Leon (actress)
Tanoia Reed (actor, “American Gladiators”)
Rob Machado (actor/stuntman)
DJ IcyIce (Movin’ 93.9)
Co-T (Grammy nominated hip-hop producer/performer)
Eric Quizon (acclaimed Philippine movie actor)

INVITED GUESTS:
Camile Velasco (“American Idol”),
Eleanor Academia, Gina Alexander (designer),
Kara Crane,
Mon David (Jazz Singer & Winner, 2006 London International Jazz Festival),
Fe de los Reyes (comedian/singer/actress),
Christine Gambito (“HappySlip.com”),
Gladys Guevarra (television host),
Mia Guzman,
Tateng Katindig (Jazz Musician),
Jane Monreal (KABC-TV), Indigo Nichols (“Weeds”),
Christian Oliver (“The Good German”),
Maggie Q (“Mission Impossible”),
Louie Reyes (singer),
Jenilee Reyes (hip-hop, R&B singer),
Melissa R. (“The Pussycat Dolls Search”),
Antoinette Taus (Philippine actress/singer); B
everly Todd (actress, “The Bucket List”);
Patricia Javier (actress/singer);
Herbert Waltl (Grammy award winning producer);
Lee Williams (Houston Rockets);
John Claude Gummoe (“The Cascades”);
Jam Morales (singer);
Manny Guevarra (KIIS-FM 102.7 “Manny of the Streets”)

Compiled by Jay Fermin ppp-usa

photo coverage copyright:
Ver Penaranda www.pinoywired.com

PARADIGM CHAIRMAN SAM GORES HONORED AT THE 4th ANNUAL PEAPOD FOUNDATION BENEFIT CONCERT

LOS ANGELES, CA --- Paradigm Chairman Sam Gores was honored at the 4th Annual Peapod Foundation Benefit Concert with the Peapod Leadership Award last February 7, 2008 at Avalon Hollywood. Gores was honored for his fundamental role in inspiring the Black Eyed Peas realize their dream of a music and arts academy for foster children and for his extensive charitable work.

One of the most anticipated events of GRAMMY® week, the star studded Peapod Foundation Benefit Concert, led by Black Eyed Peas — will.i.am, Fergie, apl.de.ap, and Taboo, brought together music icons and celebrity friends to pay tribute to Gores while raising essential funds and awareness for the Peapod Foundation. The Peas view Sam Gores as an important mentor and inspiration in their career and a worthy recipient of the award for all he has done and continues to do to improve the quality of life for those in need.

Gores was joined by will.i.am at Peace4Kids at the Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club for the official ribbon cutting ceremony to launch the state-of-the-art Peapod Music and Arts Academy, which was funded by the Black Eyed Peas Peapod Foundation and the Entertainment Industry Foundation

"As a group, we've been lucky to be mentored by some really special people like Sam Gores, who have inspired us to be socially conscious through our music and actions," says will.i.am. "At the Peapod Academy, we want to give these teens the artistic tools, opportunities and the mentoring support they need to help realize their fullest potential and help them grow up to be productive, enterprising adults."

"What will.i.am and the Black Eyed Peas have created with the Peapod Music and Arts Academy, as a pilot program that could roll out nationally, is genuinely inspiring and another reason why I have so much respect for them as artists and as people," said Sam Gores. "This program will enhance the lives of young people in a profound way and alter their destinies in life for the better which is why I couldn't be more proud to be a small part of this special day" said Sam Gores.

The Benefit Concert was to benefit the Black Eyed Peas Peapod Music and Arts Academy Peace4Kids at the Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club.

A devoted philanthropist, Gores is recognized for his long history of giving back by supporting organizations such as The Peapod Foundation, the Motion Picture and Television Fund, the LA Free Clinic, the Leary Firefighter Foundation, Hand In Hand and Keep A Child Alive among many others.

About Black Eyed Peas Peapod Foundation
The Black Eyed Peas Peapod Foundation was established as a Charitable Service Fund administered by the Entertainment Industry Foundation. The Peapod Foundation encourages social change by uniting people through the universal language of music. The organization supports innovative programs for children and focuses its attention on universal need for music education.

About Entertainment Industry Foundation
The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), as a leading charitable organization of the entertainment industry, has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars to support charitable initiatives addressing critical health, education and social issues.

compiled by Jay Fermin ppp-usa

Lets hear from Bb. Pilipinas-Janina San Miguel

Here are the winners on the recently concluded Binibining Pilipinas 2008 beauty pageant held at the Araneta Coliseum on March 8, 2008.

Bb. Pilipinas 2008 - Universe: #7 Jennifer Barrientos
Bb. Pilipinas 2008 - World: #15 Janina San Miguel
Bb. Pilipinas 2008 - International: #2 Patricia Fernandez

Bb. Pilipinas 2008 - 1st Runner Up: #8 Danielle Castano
Bb. Pilipinas 2008 - 2nd Runner Up: #18 Elizabeth Jacqueline Nacuspag

TOP 10 SEMI-FINALISTS:

#2 Patricia Fernandez
#3 Toni Alyessa Hipolito
#7 Jennifer Barrientos
#8 Danielle Castano
#9 Kathleen Phyllis Guerrero
#12 Jaysel Arrozal
#13 Tabetha Jo Frick
#14 Karen Golar
#15 Janina San Miguel
#18 Elizabeth Jacqueline Nacuspag

SPECIAL AWARDS WINNERS:

Miss Natasha: #2 Patricia Fernandez
Miss Natasha Poise & Grace: #8 Danielle Castano
Miss Bacchus Energy Drink: #8 Danielle Castano
Miss Ever Bilena: #8 Danielle Castano
Philippine Air Lines (PAL): #8 Danielle Castano
Manila Bulletin Readers’ Choice: #20 Roxanne Tadique
Miss Talent: #24 Rizza Liz Catigan
Miss Friendship: #6 Evangeline Mae Castillo
Miss Photogenic: #8 Danielle Castano
Best in Swimsuit: #15 Janina San Miguel
Best in Long Gown: #15 Janina San Miguel

compiled by Jay Fermin ppp-usa

Stuck in a dungeon at Fil-Am Visionary Awards at the Kodak Theatre

Martin Nievera with his Visionary Award after meeting the members of media at Kodak Theatre's press room. Photo by Jay Fermin ppp-usa

Hollywood: Covering celebrity events tend to lead into some interesting twist and turns. I can still remember covering the 2006 (Donald Trump's) Miss Universe held at The Shrine Auditorium here in Los Angeles with the world-wide media from print and broadcast. Distant recollection of being cornered and restrained by ACCESS HOLLYWOOD still lingers fresh on how 'Show Production' collides and limit other media access to the event and celebrities. ACCESS HOLLYWOOD literary herded the members of media from across the world like, hmmmm, cattle.

The 1st Annual Filipino-American Visionary Awards held Friday, March 7, 2008 at the prestigious (Oscar award venue) Kodak Theatre in Hollywood was like a bad dream from two years ago coming back to haunt the media: No sound feed at the Press Room, thirsty and well starved members of the press (inspite of an in-house exclusive catering by world famous Wolfgang Puck resto?), NO WATER until halftime at the press room, wide screen hi-definition monitor was fabulous except, it was soundless (or was it sound-proof) ....writers were second guessing, we cannot hear the award presenters as well as the awardee acceptance speeches.....

However, security was tight, we were safe and in good hands, thanks to the horde of secret service type Kodak theatre security (no pun intended because some of them are my friends) who kept us locked and secured in what most of the media personnel labeled the 'dungeon'. Read my mind, we cannot escape the press room, which turned into some interesting and playful kind of show of our own down at the lower backstage level press room in between infrequent celebrity interviews.(Not all awardees were able to make it to the press room.)

The only highlight for me was the after-event VIP party; thanks to NuVison CEO Ramil Gonzales and MYGRINGOS.COM Manny Legaspi, I was able to cover the numerous celebrities in depth, including media favorite HAPPYSLIP.COM's Christine Gambito,
Francis Magalona, Tito,Vic and Joey, cast of FEVER, Jasmine Trias, Anna Marie Perez de Tagle (Hannah Montana cast) to name a few.

Anyway, what I am trying to say is, all is not lost. NuVision Worldwide Media (producers of the Filipino-American Visionary Awards) can do better next year. No offense but media coverage and the resulting articles and TV and radio coverage are only as good as what we can compile thru reasonable access to the event and the celebrities.

Regarding event photos I took, it will be uploaded soon. Sorry for the delay but I drove south to the Annual Old Towne Temecula Vintage Car Show coverage today, March 8, and then proceeded to wine country at Temecula Valley to a nice reception at Faulkner Wineries reviewing their best vintage offerings of premium reds and white wine; truly a perfect and beautiful wine review is also in the works.

Below is an excerp from hollywood veteran reporter/photographer Peter Gonzaga's take on the Kodak Theatre event:

"Last night was supposed to be a grand gala event for Filipinos, kind of like the Oscars or the Latin Almas. However, it was a crazy precarious event that didn't bode well for typical red carpet photogs who cover events like movie premieres, Oscar Awards, Independent Spirit Awards and the Golden Globes. As one of my only other Filipino American event photographer persuaded me to clear myself for the Nuvision Worldwide Media's First Inaugural Filipino American Visionary Awards I was hoping for the best. I'm sure that the producers of the event were trying to make this a star studded event that would become a worldclass award show to be respected by the Filipino and Filipino American Community worldwide.

For the negative, the press weren't treated with dignity. From coming to the event at 4pm to being stuck in the press room waiting for awardees and presenters to come back for photo ops and interviews, we were ready to keel over from lack of refreshments and food to keep our minds working overtime to ensure great coverage. Unfortunately, the major awardees that did not come backstage included Filipino rap star Francis Magalona, Tito Vic & Joey, Nia Peeples, Bong Revilla, Rudy Fernandez, Robert Jaworski to name a few.

However we still were given great press opp from Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Apl.de.Ap of The Black Eyed Peas, Presenter and WWE star Batista, Nora Aunor, Local Los Angeles newscasters Jean Marteriz & Bob De Castro, former Miss America Angela Perez Baraquio, famous Filipino Comedian Nora Aunor, The Basco Brothers. Also gracing the backstage was the lovely Veronica Loren of the Independent film "August Evening."

Speaking to her manager Santiago Douglas, Veronica Loren will be gracing the Philippine Island with her beauty, acting skills and a debut single. Douglas believes that the Philippines should be one of the wonderful stepping stones for Loren's future world domination. I'm sure he sees the vision that Filipinos love their stars and hopefully Loren becomes one that will shine bright in the P.I.

Anyways, being so used to the way Hollywood movie premieres and award shows are handled, to my surprise I couldn't believe not a single PR person was controlling the press room. I felt like I was at some fan convention as the other photographers started posing with the celebrities after finishing their duties in the press room. Imagine wanting to take pictures with celebrities at the Oscars. We'd be thrown out immediately. I guess there is definitely a different mentality in with the Filipino photogs.

Enough of my rant. I'd have to say that with a little fine tuning and including Filipino community groups or a committee to decide who receives awards will definitely give this event the respect it should have. Kudos to NuVision for trying to do an event on a large scale like this. Hopefully, they take after community based organizations like National Council of La Raza and the NAACP's award shows to give awards to true talent and individuals in the community no matter if they are Filipino or not, who shows their strength in helping empower and broadening the cultural importance of Filipinos in the U.S. and the world.

Until next year, we hope that egos are put aside to find the common goal of showing the positives of Filipinos no matter if they are in entertainment."

By Jay Fermin ppp-usa
Excerp by Peter Gonzaga (Nielsen News)

KUH, MARTIN, JASMINE, BILLY, with BRIAN MCKNIGHT, DAVID BATISTA AND ERIC QUIZON HEADLINES INAUGURAL "VISIONARY AWARDS' on March 7th

KUH, MARTIN, JASMINE, BILLY HEADLINE INAUGURAL FIL-AM "VISIONARY AWARDS" AT KODAK THEATRE.

BRIAN MCKNIGHT, DAVID BATISTA AND ERIC QUIZON ADDED TO STAR-POWERED MIX OF PRESENTERS AND INVITED GUESTS AT THE KODAK THEATRE TO CELEBRATE INAUGURAL “VISIONARY AWARDS”


MEDIA CONTACTS:

Rowena O'Leary
Edith Montelibano
Ted Benito

Hollywood, California (March 6, 2008 – Updated from February 29, 2008) - From the red carpet to the stage, Filipino and Filipino-American entertainers and celebrities will come together for the Inaugural “Filipino-American Visionary Awards” at the world famous Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on March 7, 2008. And with just added presenters like David Batista (WWE 3-Time World Champion), Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter Brian McKnight and acclaimed Philippine movie actor Eric Quizon, the evening’s show just got grander.

The impressive lineup of awardees includes film and TV actress/singer Nia Peeples (“Fame”, “Walker, Texas Ranger”, “North Shore”) actor/martial arts expert Mark Dacascos (“The Crow”, “Brotherhood of the Wolf”, TV’s “Iron Chef America”), legendary Philippine actor-comedian Dolphy, Dante Basco (“The Debut”), cinema action star and Philippine Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., Grammy® award winning Black Eyed Peas founding member Apl.de.ap, Philippine television variety show hosts Tito, Vic & Joey, Philippine film and TV actor Richard Gutierrez and action film star Rudy Fernandez, “King of Filipino rap music” Francis Magalona, award-winning news anchor Mike Enriquez, as well as world champion surfer Sunny Garcia and star cager and former Senator Robert Jaworski (Philippine Basketball Association Hall of Fame).

Two of the Philippines well established networks will also be recognized. The ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation will receive the “Global Media Pioneer Award” while the GMA Network will be given recognition with the “Award of Excellence in Television Programming.”

The show boasts of a powerhouse entertainment line-up including Philippine “Concert King” and “Visionary Entertainer of the Year” Martin Nievera, the enduring Philippine star Ms. Kuh Ledesma, “Visionary Rising Star” awardee Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (of the hit TV show “Hannah Montana” and soon to be released feature film “Camp Rock”), Jessa Zaragosa (the Philippines’ “Phenomenal Diva”), the cast of the hot, new Las Vegas production “Fever” featuring TV host/actress Ciara Sotto, as well as “American Idol” (Season 3) finalist Jasmine Trias and European singing/dancing sensation Billy Crawford.

Some of the evening’s presenters include the legendary Philippine actress and singer Ms. Nora Aunor, Miss America 2001 Angela Perez Baraquio, actor Michael Copon (“One Tree Hill” and upcoming feature film “The Scorpion King: Rise of the Azzadian”), Reggie Lee (“Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” and the upcoming “Tropic Thunder” with Ben Stiller and Robert Downey, Jr.), singer Jennifer Paz (“Miss Saigon”, “Evita”, “Songs for a New World”), “youtube.com” star Christine Gambito (happyslip.com), “Icy Ice” (Movin’ 93.9 radio DJ), jazz and world music singer Charmaine Clamor, actress/model/TV host Giselle Tongi, Liz Masakayan (UCLA Hall of Fame Inductee and 1988 Olympian – USA Volleyball Team), Esperanza Catubig (“Without a Trace” and “The Vagina Monologues”), veteran actresses Lilia Dizon and Pinky de Leon and two local news anchors, Jean Martirez and Bob de Castro, from Fox 11 News.

Philippine singer/songwriter, actor “Prince of Pop” Fernando “Ding Dong” Avanzado and Jannelle So, host and producer of Los Angeles television station KSCI’s daily Filipino talk show “Kababayan LA” will emcee the star-studded first-of-its-kind production. Adding to the evening’s performances are Nonosina Dance Ensemble, the renowned Polynesian dance company who will perform not only to traditional Tahitian drums but also to a special hip-hop re-mix.

The “Filipino-American Visionary Awards” is produced by newly-launched production company NuVision Worldwide Media, LLC, (www.nuvisionworldwidemedia.com). Headed by its President/CEO Ramil Q. Gonzales, NuVision aims to make a difference in the entertainment industry by giving recognition to those who excel in their respective fields and have put the Filipinos on the map with their remarkable achievements not only in television, film, and music, but also in sports and public service. The “Visionary Awards” also seeks to honor outstanding Filipinos and Filipino-Americans who have made a difference in Hollywood and the Philippines and whose contributions have uplifted the profile of Filipinos in the arts and entertainment.

NuVision is also committed to supporting the Philippine Medical Society of Northern California [www.pmsnc.com] with its current and future medical missions to the most indigent and below poverty communities in the Philippines. In December 2007, PMSNC sent over 200 medical practitioners -- doctors, nurses, medical technicians, etc., -- to Davao (Southern Philippines) in order to provide medical aid to the families most in need of care. It’s a project NuVision hopes to support yearly.

The production team is headed by Hollywood director/producer Douglas Velasco, five-time Emmy®-award winning writer Craig Heller, Art Director/Set Designer Scott Heinemann (Art Directors Guild Award winner), primetime Emmy® Award Lighting Designer, Jeff Ravitz. Nuvision’s Executive team is headed by Ramil Gonzales (President/CEO), Rowena O’Leary (VP-Operations), Jeff Coggins (Project Development Coordinator), Don Kaaukai (VP-Marketing), Jet Montelibano (Creative Consultant/Associate Producer), Edith Montelibano (Over-all Project Consultant/Associate Producer), Richard Alindogan (Production Associate) and Ted I. Benito (Publicist/Associate Producer) of TDRZ Productions, Inc.

The “Inaugural Filipino-American Visionary Awards” is a production of NuVision Worldwide Media, LLC in association with Creative Concepts International and TDRZ Productions, Inc. For tickets and show information, call NuVision Worldwide Media at 714-522-8423 or 866-508-3205. Tickets are also available at the Kodak Theater Box Office (www.kodaktheatre.com) and all Ticketmaster outlets at 213-480-3232 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices are $250, $150, $125, $90, $75 & $55. Red carpet arrivals start at 5:00 pm and the awards presentation begin at 7:00 pm.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL INFORMATION
NuVision Worldwide Media, LLC Presents

“The First Annual Filipino American Visionary Awards”

Friday, March 7, 2008
The Kodak Theater in Hollywood
6801 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028
Level One of the Hollywood & Highland Center
Phone 323-308-6300
info@kodaktheatre.com

Tickets Available to General Public at the
Kodak Theater Box Office (visit www.kodaktheatre.com)
and all Ticketmaster outlets (at 213-480-3232 or www.ticketmaster.com)

Ticket Prices: $250, $150, $125, $90, $75 & $55

Doors Open: 6:00pm
Red Carpet Arrivals: 6:00pm
Awards & Entertainment: 7:00pm

Directions and Parking:
Take 110 North (passing the Downtown area) to the 101 North. Exit Highland Avenue (Stay on right-hand side of the freeway as exit splits). The street winds down and becomes three lanes towards Hollywood Bowl. Turn left onto Highland Avenue, at the Hollywood & Highland Center. The parking entrance is on Highland Avenue next to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, north of Hollywood Blvd.

JOURNEY DEBUTS NEW LEAD SINGER ARNEL PINEDA IN VINA DEL MAR, CHILE

By Sergio Carmona for the Journey Zone

I live in Chile, where a nationally famous song Festival is taking place these days and Journey is performing at this very moment! Arnel Pineda sounds exactly like Steve Perry! Honestly, I'm not a huge Journey fan, just heard their most famous songs and know some Steve Perry songs, but I can tell you that Journey is back with a very good singer. Here are the YouTube feeds....







Journey with lead singer Arnel Pineda will be performing at a sold out concert at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino (formerly Aladdin) in Las Vegas on Saturday, March 8, 2008. The Planet Hollywood show will be recorded and released to the public on DVD. They will next tour Europe from May 24 (starting in Sweden) through June 25 (National Stadium Dublin, Ireland).

Compiled by Jay Fermin ppp-usa

Executive Order 464 Scrapped but not 'Executive Privilege'

Today the talk will be about the controversial Executive Order 464 being revoked and the real truth regarding 'Executive Privelege'. From what I gather, EO 464 is nothing but a reminder that Executive Privilege still exists. And certain sections were struck down by The Supreme Court because it was against The Constitution.

ELECTION lawyer Romulo Macalintal said scrapping Executive Order (EO) 464 would be futile as the executive privilege of a president is embedded in the 1987 Constitution.

EO 464 was issued by Malacañang on September 26, 2005 following the appearance of National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales in a Senate inquiry that ended in his being detained and held in contempt after refusing to answer some of the queries of the senators.

PCIJ has a great blog post (and podcast) today regarding the scrapping of EO 464 which I found enlightening, they “asked three lawyers — Theodore Te of the Free Legal Assistance Group; former UP College of Law Dean Raul Pangalangan, and Marlon Manuel, spokesperson of the Alternative Law Groups — to weigh in on the CBCP call to scrap EO 464.”

In that podcast, I believe it is Marlon Manuel that expresses his dismay that although he finds it right that The CBCP wants the truth to come out, he says that EO 464 was already scrapped by The Supreme court. It’s a spin that I find compelling. Actually, it was sections in that EO that was scrapped, but in essence, as DJB has said, it further solidified Executive Privilege.

It’s a twist of words to the same outcome, and that is that EO 464 whether it exists or not, is still not a substitute to The Executive Privilege which is inherent in the Constitution of The Philippines. And if EO 464 is lifted, The President may look like a willing executive who also wants to know the truth, when in fact, Executive Privilege has always been intact.

In that same podcast of PCIJ, it is conveyed that The President may not use Executive Privilege as a blanket tool in order to deny testimony for any reason she deems fit. In a sense, the invoking of Executive Privilege must be decided by the courts on a case to case basis whether or not it falls within the right of The President to withhold any of her officials from testifying. Key phrase here is of course, case to case basis.

So what this all comes down to is that The Bishops got it wrong. They should have focused on telling Gloria, very bluntly, to have all officials testify. And to mark one person in particular as being an important key to that truth, and that is Romulo Neri. And as I have said, they neither made it specific in their demands, and they never precisely or even remotely conveyed a what if clause. The accountability clause that we were all waiting for.

If you have to read more regarding EO 464, then I suggest reading Fr. Joaquin G. Bernas’ column in the Inquirer, titled An EO 464 Catechism. In that column we get a glimpse that indeed EO 464 was just a validated reminder of Executive Privilege, and that the sections that were scrapped were scrapped because it was against the constitution. Two key sections in the article is important for us to realize,

Q. Must every claim of executive privilege based on the above enumeration be honored?

A. No. The Court in Senate v. Ermita said that in determining the validity of a claim of privilege, the question that must be asked is not only whether the requested information falls within one of the traditional privileges, but also whether that privilege should be honored in a given procedural setting. Thus it is not for one claiming executive privilege “to unilaterally determine that a duly-issued Subpoena should be totally disregarded.”

Q. Who then determines whether the claimed privilege should be honored?

A. The Court. Thus, for instance, when the Nixon administration claimed privilege for certain tapes about the Watergate break-in, the Court, after looking at the claimed privilege behind closed doors, held that the tapes were not covered by privilege and should be released.

But as the podcast in the PCIJ blog informed us, Gloria has succeeded in derailing the Neri testimony, this gave them enough time to regroup, reorganize, straighten out the paperwork, and if Neri ever does testify it definitely will not be against President Arroyo. And that case, perjury charges could be leveled against Mr. Neri, but without the paperwork to prove it, and with probable forged papers, who then holds all the cards, but still Gloria Arroyo.

(by: blogger aka 'Nick')

Views and Comments on the scrapping of EO 464

Below is the printed page take on the scrapping of EO 464:

Arroyo revokes EO 464, keeps privilege

MANILA -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Wednesday revoked Executive Order (EO) 464 prohibiting government officials from attending congressional inquiries.

At the same time, however, her chief legal counsel Sergio Apostol pointed out that President Arroyo retains the right of executive privilege, since that is guaranteed by the Constitution. The decision was reached after Arroyo and several Cabinet officials led by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita met with representatives of an "influential religious group" including some Catholic bishops at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas, Pasig City.

"I am revoking EO 464. Executive officials may no longer invoke EO 464 to excuse non-attendance from legislative inquiries. Executive officials are instructed to abide by the Constitution, existing laws, and jurisprudence when invited to legislative inquiries," Arroyo said.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) earlier urged the President to abolish EO 464 as they called for the continued search for truth in light of latest allegations of corruption. The bishops, who played key roles in "people power" revolts that ousted two presidents, have refused to join widespread calls for Arroyo's resignation. Instead, they have asked her to take steps to combat the problem, including removing restrictions that are hampering the congressional corruption probes.

EO 464 or "Ensuring observance of the principle of separation of powers, adherence to the rule on executive privilege and respect for the rights of public officials appearing in legislative inquiries in aid of legislation under the Constitution, and for other purposes" was issued by Malacañang on September 26, 2005.

The issuance stemmed from the appearance of National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales in a Senate inquiry that ended in his being detained and held in contempt after refusing to answer some of the queries of the senators. Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the decision of the President was "welcomed warmly" by those who attended the meeting in Ortigas, Pasig City. Bunye, who is also the Presidential spokesman, said they are not free to disclose the identities of the "influential religious group" that attended the meeting, but hinted they included members of the CBCP.

He added that some sectors may still be unhappy with the revocation but they could not do anything about it. "The President, like anybody else, is after the truth. The President listens to the people," Bunye said. "She believes that it's in the best interest of everybody to heal our present conflict."

It was not clear if senior officials attending congressional inquiries would continue to invoke "executive privilege" to skirt questions that could malign Arroyo. The CBCP, meanwhile, is grateful that the President heeded their request. "We are happy and grateful that our appeal has been heard by the Chief Executive, that is already a first step in restoring integrity in the government," said CBCP president and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo.

Aside from the abolition of EO 464, the bishops also asked Arroyo to allow her subordinates to reveal any corrupt acts, particularly about the national broadband network (NBN)-ZTE deal, without being obstructed in their testimony no matter who is involved.

According to Senate President Manuel "Manny" Villar Jr., Malacañang should do more than revoke EO 464 to show its sincerity in promoting transparency and accountability in government.

Villar said the President should also scrap Memorandum Circular (MC) 108 and the illegal use of the executive privilege, the tools used to prevent its officials from testifying before congressional hearings on issues affecting the administration.

"In the face of the abusive invocation of executive privilege, the cancellation of this EO (464) is immaterial and irrelevant. In the first place, the Supreme Court (SC) already rendered this order inutile in the case Senate v. Ermita," he said.

The senator said the public should be aware that this move from the Arroyo administration is only a face-saving tactics. (JMR/FP/CPB/Sunnex/With AP)

**********************************************************************************

Ed's Note: Memorandum Circular 108 was issued after the Supreme Court declared portions of EO 464 unconstitutional. Below are some of the comments:

Administration critics say the circular, which says “all heads of departments of the Executive branch of government shall secure the consent of the President prior to appearing at a question hour before either House of Congress,” is a virtual clone of EO 464.

Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan downplayed the revocation of EO 464, saying the Supreme Court has long ruled on the unconstitutionality of the order.

“There is nothing to scrap. The question is the status of MC 108 because after the Supreme Court issued its ruling on EO 464, the administration issued MC 108,” he said.

Senator Manuel Roxas II said the order should have been lifted long ago because it has been used to “cover up” anomalies in government. He said the order should extend not only to officials but also documents needed for a better conduct of Senate inquiries.

“For example, in the NEDA [National Economic and Development Authority] documents, we ourselves went to the Supreme Court seeking the release of documents that were previously in the public domain as they were posted on the NEDA website,” he said in Filipino.

Historical Archive of the controversial Executive Order 464

INSTANCES WHEN EO 464 WAS INVOKED

Hello Garci Hearings at the Senate

Malacanang invoked Executive Order No. 464 in refusing to cooperate with the investigation of the revived “Hello Garci" tapes controversy by the Senate committee of the whole.

The Senate invited AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Generoso Senga and six other officers, including Gudani and Balutan, to the September 28, 2005 hearing. Senga initially informed the Senate that he cannot attend due to a scheduled meeting but would send the other officers. Later, he reasoned that there were ongoing operations, so he could not attend. But on the morning of September 28, half an hour before the hearing, another letter citing EO 464 was sent to the Senate, instructing the officers not to attend any hearing in Congress without the President's written permission.

Gudani and Balutan testified that the Commission on Elections, aided by other top military officials, maneuvered to "slacken" security in Lanao del Sur, therefore allowing massive cheating in the province during the counting of votes in May 2004.

AFP Information Office chief Col. Tristan Kison also invoked EO 464 in barring ISAFP agents from appearing before the Senate hearings.

Hello Garci Hearings at the House

Brig. Gen. Marlu Q. Quevedo, Lt. Col. Allen Capuyan and Lt. Col. Pedro Sumayo of the ISAFP were not allowed to attend the January 25, 2006 hearing. In his letter to the House about the soldiers' absence, Defense Sec. Avelino J. Cruz, Jr. cited Executive Order No. 464.

Fertilizer Fund Scam Hearings at the Senate

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, former DA Assistant Secretary Ibarra Poliquit and Undersecretary Belinda Gonzales have invoked EO 464 as their reason for refusing to testify before the Senate inquiry.

In the case of Gonzales, she was subpoenaed four times and extended an invitation once to attend the hearings. She was absent in all the hearings citing EO 464. But in the Committee of the Whole on January 31,2006, she cannot abscond the interpellations and was forced to divulge some information.

North Rail Hearings at the Senate

Budget Secretary Romulo Neri, Transportation Sec. Leandro Mendoza and Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Merceditas Gutierrez were absent in the September 29, 2005 Senate probe into the controversial $503-million North Rail project because of Executive Order 464.

Budget Hearings

Invoking EO 464, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye and DILG Undersecretary Marius Corpus failed to attend their own budget hearings on February 8, 2006.

Proclamation 1017

PNP Chief Arturo Lomibao and National Telecommunications Commission Chair Ronald Solis invoked EO 464 when they did not attend the Senate hearing on Proclamation 1017 on March 9, 2006.

THEY DEFIED EO 464

Gudani and Balutan
On September 28, 2005, they testified in a Senate hearing on the Hello Garci controversy. A letter from Senga instructing them not to attend was read to them and a radio message was also sent, but they still testified. The AFP relieved them, and they are facing court martial for alleged violation of Article of War 65 (Willfully Disobeying Superior Officer). Balutan was appointed deputy superintendent of the Marine Corps Training Center effective April 17, 2006.

Assistant Gov't Counsel Efren Gonzales
While testifying before the Senate panel during the September 29, 2005 hearing on the North Rail project anomaly, he said that his office had been padlocked

EO 464 RELAXED, REIMPOSED

On October 7, 2005, Executive Secretary Ermita signed Memorandum Order 192, which granted, permission to those covered by EO 464 to attend confirmation and budget hearings.

However Ermita later said MO 192 was “suspended" by the President effective February 6, 2006 in view of forthcoming hearing and oral arguments on EO 464 at the Supreme Court. (It is not clear why MO had to be suspended when its validity was only until December 31, 2005.)

PETITIONS VS. EO 464 FILED AT THE SUPREME COURT

G.R. No. 169659 (Bayan Muna, et al. vs. Eduardo R. Ermita, et al.)
Bayan Muna, Courage, and Counsels for the Defense of Liberties
G.R. No. 169660 (Francisco I. Chavez vs. Eduardo Ermita, et al.)
G.R. No. 169667 (Alternative Law Groups, Inc. [ALG] vs. Eduardo R. Ermita, et al.)
G.R. No. 169777 (Senate of the Philippines, et al. vs. Eduardo Ermita, et al.)
Senate of the Philippines led by Senate Pres. Franklin M. Drilon
G.R. No. 169834 (PDP-Laban vs. Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita)
PDP-Laban represented by Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay
G.R. No. 171246 (Jose Anselmo I. Cadiz, et al. v. Hon. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita)
Integrated Bar of the Philippines (consolidated with other petitions)

SUPREME COURT RULING

On April 20, 2006, the Supreme Court ruled that Congress can compel the appearance of public officials in inquiries "in aid of legislation", but that EO 464 is constitutional insofar as it bans executive officials from appearing during the "question hour" (investigations directed merely to congressional oversight over the implementation of laws).

The Court also held that only the President can invoke executive privilege.
Malacañang (through Solicitor General Antonio Eduardo Nachura) filed a motion for reconsideration of the Supreme Court ruling. The motion was denied with finality for lack of merit on July 14, 2006.(AP)

Sources: OPS, Senate, PCIJ, TAG, news reports

PerryScope: Gloria's "Omerta"

by Perry Diaz

On September 26, 2005, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Executive Order 464 which prevented members of the cabinet, police and military generals, senior national security officials, and "such other officers as may be determined by the President" from attending congressional hearings unless approved by the President. Arroyo issued EO 464 when two military officers appeared before the Senate Committee on National Defense to testify during the investigation of the "Hello Garci" election cheating scandal.

With a single stroke of the pen, Arroyo imposed a "code of silence" in her administration. And like the Mafia's "Omerta," EO 464 made sure that what happens in Malacanang stays in Malacanang. So far, nobody dared to break Gloria's "Omerta," except Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada.

When Joey de Venecia III exposed the ZTE-NBN deal, he implicated Romulo Neri -- then the Director of NEDA -- for recommending approval of the overpriced $329 million deal. However, Neri said in his testimony before the Senate in September 2007 that former COMELEC Chairman Benjamin Abalos offered him P200 million for his endorsement of the deal. Neri then called Arroyo and told her about the bribery offer. Arroyo told Neri not to accept the bribe but to go ahead and endorse the deal. When asked for details, Neri invoked "executive privilege."

In January 2008, the Senate issued a warrant of arrest for Neri and Lozada to compel both of them to testify before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. Consequently, Neri petitioned the Supreme Court for prohibition against the arrest warrant claiming immunity under EO 464. On February 5, 2008, the Supreme Court issued a "status quo" order which temporarily restrained the Senate from arresting Neri. Three days later, Lozada surfaced and appeared before the Senate and blew the whistle on the ZTE-NBN "sweetheart deal." He testified that Abalos wanted a $130 million kickback from the deal, $70 million of which would go to First Gentleman Mike Arroyo.

The Supreme Court was scheduled to hear the arguments of Neri on March 4 and would then decide whether EO 464 would prohibit Neri from disclosing the details of his conversation with Arroyo. It is interesting to note that in 2006, the Supreme Court ruled in the Senate vs. Ermita case that the doctrine of "executive privilege" was constitutional but failed to define the limits of such doctrine. However, it is the opinion of some legal experts that "executive privilege" can only be invoked when national security is involved. They are also of the opinion that "executive privilege" cannot be invoked when corruption is involved. Corruption is a crime and not even the President can shield anyone from prosecution of a crime.

Recently, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) issued a "pastoral letter" which condemned the "continuing culture of corruption from the top to the bottom of our social and political ladder." They recommended, among other things, the "abolition of EO 464 so that those who might have knowledge of any corruption in branches of government, may be free to testify before the appropriate investigating bodies." They also asked Arroyo to "allow her subordinates to reveal any corrupt acts, particularly about the ZTE-NBN deal, without being obstructed in their testimony no matter who is involved."

Arroyo immediately formed a legal team to study the possibility of scrapping EO 464. The members of the team were DoJ Secretary Raul Gonzalez, Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol, Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Manny Gaite, and Government Corporate Legal Counsel Alberto Agra. This would be like "Godfather" Vito Corleone appointing his Consigliere and capo regimes to come up with a recommendation on how to do away with the "Omerta" code of silence.

As expected, Malacanang said that it has deferred its decision to repeal or not repeal EO 464. Their excuse: "We have to clarify what the CBCP meant." Really? Was the pastoral letter not clear enough? Arroyo's legal team wanted to have a "dialogue" with the bishops. Once again, Arroyo pulled one of her tricks. But CBCP's reaction was: if Malacanang would not revoke EO 464, the 55 bishops will meet again to study their next move.

From what I understand, the CBCP was divided on how to deal with the corruption issues against Arroyo and her administration. After more than 10 hours of discussion, the pro-Arroyo majority favored a soft approach to dealing with the corruption issues. It was revealed that Butuan Bishop Juan de Dios Pueblos threatened to oust Jaro Bishop Angel Lagdameo, the President of CBCP, if he wouldn't listen to the pro-Arroyo majority. It is interesting to note that Bishop Pueblos was appointed by Arroyo to the Melo Commission to investigate the extrajudicial killings. Now, with Arroyo's hesitation to abolish EO 464, the CBCP might change its stand and join the chorus in demanding her resignation. Among those who are urging Arroyo to abolish EO 464 were Vice President Noli de Castro; Gov. Ed Panlilio of Pampanga; Arroyo's political ally and close friend Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri; and -- surprisingly -- Philippine National Police Chief Avelino Razon.

With Arroyo's control of the Executive Branch, the House of Representatives, the military and the police, the only government bodies that she could not control -- or influence -- are the Senate and the Supreme Court. If the high court ruled in favor of Neri's petition, the Senate would be rendered inutile and put an end to its role as fiscalizer of the Executive Branch.

But the real issue is: What is Arroyo hiding from the public that she has to prohibit government officials from testifying in cases of corruption? There is a public clamor for the truth in the ZTE-NBN and other corruption cases. The only person that is keeping the truth from being disclosed is Gloria Arroyo. The people deserve to know the truth and if she continued to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the massive corruption in her administration, then she has lost the moral authority to lead the nation.

(PerryDiaz@gmail.com)

Telltale Signs/ ZTE-NBN - From A to Z

Rodel E. Rodis, March 3, 2008

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) had been considered a loyal ally of the United States until July of 2004 when she “caved in” to the Iraqi hostage-takers’ demands to withdraw the Philippine government’s 51 soldiers and police officers from Iraq a month early, in exchange for the release of Filipino hostage Angelo De La Cruz.

In directing the Philippines to be the 5th country to withdraw from the US-led “Coalition of the Willing” (after Spain, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Honduras) in 2004, GMA incurred the wrath of the US government which retaliated by reducing US military and economic aid and limiting loan assistance from US financial institutions.

Prior to that date, the Philippines had shown its loyalty to the US by rallying the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to deal as one bloc to push China out of the Spratley Islands in the South China Sea, where four ASEAN allies and China hold competing claims. The Philippines was hailed by the US for standing up to China when it successfully prodded ASEAN and China to sign a “Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,” to stop China’s growing military presence in the area.

After the US punished the Philippines by imposing de facto sanctions on the Philippines and by refusing any face-to-face meetings of GMA with President George Bush, the Philippines changed course.

Barry Wain wrote in the Far Eastern Economic Review: “President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s hurried trip to China in late 2004 produced a major surprise. Among the raft of agreements ceremoniously signed by the two countries was one providing for their national oil companies to conduct a joint seismic study in the contentious South China Sea, a prospect that caused consternation in parts of Southeast Asia…The Philippines also made breathtaking concessions in agreeing to the area for study, including parts of its own continental shelf not even claimed by China.”

According to Philippine Star columnist Jarius Bondoc, “There might be a hint of the real reason there. For, soon after RP capitulated, China offered to lend $2 billion a year till 2010 for government projects. China wasn’t doing it out of the goodness of its heart, though. It was bursting at the seams with $2 trillion in reserves, and was to collect 4-percent interest, hardly concessional in a period of much lower rates. China was only too willing to look like it was accommodating a new ally.”

These generous Chinese loans may have helped the Philippines reach an unprecedented 7.3% growth in 2007, the highest in 30 years. But they laid the ground for the present crisis which may yet topple the Philippine government.

In 2007 alone, the Philippines signed 33 new projects for financing by the China Export-Import Bank. One of the projects was the NBN-ZTE deal which the Philippine government signed in April of 2007 where Zhong Xing Telecommunications Equipment (ZTE), the Chinese telecommunications giant, was awarded a contract worth US$ 329.5 million to set up the National Broadband Network (NBN) to improve government communications capabilities.

On August 29, 2007, Rep. Carlos Padilla, in a privileged speech in the Philippine House, charged that Philippine COMELEC Chair Benjamin Abalos was the broker of the ZTE deal. A week later, the Philippine Senate called for hearings on the ZTE-NBN deal. On September 10, 2007, Joey De Venecia, the son of then Philippine Speaker Joe De Venecia testified before the Senate and claimed that he was with Abalos in China when he heard Abalos “demand money” from ZTE officials.

Although Joey De Venecia, as the son of Speaker Joe De Venecia, was barred by Philippine law from participating in and obtaining Philippine government contracts, nonetheless, as president of Amsterdam Holdings, he submitted the losing bid for the NBN project. He told the Senate that the president’s husband, First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, had counseled him to “back off” from pursuing the NBN project and offered to compensate him for it.

On September 22, 2007, GMA announced that she was suspending the ZTE-NBN contract. On September 26, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Chair Romulo Neri and COMELEC Chair Abalos appeared at a Senate hearing where Neri claimed that in a golf game earlier in the year, Abalos reportedly offered him $4-M (P200-M) for signing off on the ZTE deal. Abalos denied the charge.

On October 1, 2007, Abalos resigned his post as COMELEC chair. On October 2, GMA traveled to China to tell Chinese President Hu Jintao of her “difficult decision” to cancel the ZTE contract for the NBN project.

On January 30, 2008, the Philippine Senate issued warrants of arrest for Neri and NEDA consultant Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada, Jr. Neri went into hiding to avoid being served with the warrant while Lozada flew to Hongkong. For allowing his son to testify against the GMA and the FG, Speaker De Venecia was removed as House Speaker on February 5, 2008.

On February 5, 2008, when Lozada returned from Hongkong, a Senate team was waiting to arrest him to take him to the Senate to testify about the ZTE-NBN deal. Before he could be served with the papers, however, he was whisked away by unidentified military personnel only to be later dropped off at the La Salle Green Hills to join his family.

The day after his return, Lozada testified that Abalos and Mike Arroyo were behind the “kickbacks” in the deal charging that they stood to make about $200-M from the $329.5-M contract. He said he warned them that the overcharge was too high that it wouldn’t fly but they ignored his warnings.

On Friday, February 29, approximately 50,000 people gathered at the Ninoy Aquino monument in Makati for an Inter-Faith Rally to call for the resignation of GMA. Jose Maria Sison, leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), on Saturday called for 100,000 Filipinos to gather in a street protest in Manila to unseat President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. This should be enough, he said, “to ignite the withdrawal of support from the regime by the bureaucracy and the military."

That’s the A to Z of this saga, from Angelo De La Cruz to the ZTE telecom giant, all in less than four years.

Please send comments to Rodel50@aol.com or log on to rodel50.blogspot.com or write to Law Offices of Rodel Rodis at 2429 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94127, or call (415) 334-7800.

She lost 110 pounds and found a passion: running

March 1, 2008

Five years ago, climbing a flight of stairs was a challenge for Rosemarie Hernandez Jeanpierre. She was 5 feet 2 and weighed 220 pounds.

On Sunday, the 43-year-old nurse -- now half the woman she used to be -- will try to break four hours in the Los Angeles Marathon, and burnish an impressive racing pedigree.

It's a long shot that would mean cutting almost an hour off her fastest marathon time. But odds mean nothing to a woman once considered morbidly obese, who shed 110 pounds and worked her way into the city's amateur running elite.

Or, as she told me again and again -- in a voice reflecting her own amazement -- "Never in my wildest imagination did I believe I would be able to become an athlete."

I wanted to meet her because I was intrigued by her story. No Jenny Craig or LipoZap; no Lap-Band surgery or boot-camp training. Just daily vigilance and exercise -- healthful food, small portions and hours spent running and working out until 100 pounds fell off. All immeasurably hard work.

I met up with Jeanpierre at LA Fitness on La Cienega and Pico. I'm grateful she spotted me, because I'd seen only her pre-diet photo and would never have recognized the slender woman who called out to me.

She was wrapping up her daily 90-minute routine -- 30 minutes on the elliptical, then an hour of weight training on upper body machines.

Her shirt and pants were soaked; her face was dripping sweat; damp strands of hair dangled from beneath a red bandanna.

She works out in T-shirts with 3/4 -length sleeves and cargo shorts that come to her knees. That's to cover the folds of loose skin left when half of her body weight disappeared. "When I race," she told me later, "I have to wear compression shorts" so the extra skin doesn't flop around. It bothers her, but surgery to fix it is not a priority. This has never been about vanity.

Still, her body looks trim and tight. I can see her calves flex and biceps tighten when she throws a punch in kick-boxing class.

"She's an animal," said instructor Jeann Young. "The first time she took my class she came up to me afterward and said, 'Thank you for challenging me.' I wanted to say 'Heck, I'm just trying to keep up with you.' "

Young had no idea that Jeanpierre used to weigh more than 200 pounds. "That explains it," Young said. "She's one of the most driven students I've ever seen."

As a child growing up in the Philippines, Jeanpierre "was always the heaviest student in the class," she said. She first tried dieting at 18, when she weighed 180 pounds.

"I starved myself. And it worked," she said. Over the next year, she lost 55 pounds. But after she moved to Los Angeles and got married, the weight crept back. She weighed 130 pounds on her wedding day in 1987. Within three years, she was pushing 200.

By 38, she weighed 220, had high blood pressure, high cholesterol and was pre-diabetic. "I looked on the bottom of the paper with my medical test results and it said 'High risk for a heart attack.' "

Scared, she headed for the library, where she read everything she could find about nutrition and exercise. She began counting calories, taking walks with her husband, Kenneth, and using the treadmill in their apartment complex. In six months, she lost 60 pounds.

It's the medical stuff that scares most of us straight. You keep buying bigger pants, looser styles, trying to find better mirror profiles . . . until you realize you're jeopardizing your life.

For me it was the message from my doctor on my answering machine, relaying test results from my annual physical exam. "You have the heart attack risk of a 65-year-old woman," he said. I was about to celebrate my 50th birthday.

I had only 10 pounds to lose, and that took months of yogurt for breakfast and tuna for lunch, evening gym classes and morning walks. When my doctor pronounced me fit, I quit. Now I drag myself to the gym only out of guilt.

But the trimmer Jeanpierre discovered her inner athlete.

Her nephew, a marathoner, signed her up for her first 10K race in 2003. She was satisfied just to finish. But a week later, a notice came in the mail. Her time had been good enough for third place among women in the 40-44 age range.

She began racing almost every weekend, collecting medals and dropping more pounds. Now -- another 50 pounds lighter -- she has the year's fastest times among local women her age in 5K events, the fourth-fastest 10K time, and the seventh-fastest in the marathon.

Running sucked her in and became her passion.

"When she was going through all those problems with her weight, I tried to tell her to find something that would calm her down," recalled Azlee Ross, an 84-year-old patient at Western Convalescent Hospital, where Jeanpierre spent 12 years as a nurse.

"Well, she got completely carried away. Now I have to sit in front of the TV trying to pick her out of all those people in the marathon. And I can't say 'She's the chubby one.' "

by sandy.banks

Pinay stars in Hollywood movie musical

T.V. Carpio, a Filipina -American, stars in a major Hollywood film. TV. Carpio, plays a major role in the movie musical "Across the Universe."

Born Teresa Victoria Carpio in Oklahoma City in 1981, T.V. is a singer, songwriter and actress. She is the daughter of Asian performer Teresa Carpio.

In the movie, T.V. plays plays 'Prudence', a former high school cheerleader-turned bisexual bohemian.

Nominated for Best Motion Picture (Comedy or Musical) at the Golden Globe Awards, "Across the Universe" is a groundbreaking movie musical, springing from the imagination of renowned writer-director Julie Taymor (Frida, Broadway's The Lion King) that brings together an original story and 33 revolutionary Beatles songs — including "Hey Jude" and "All You Need is Love" — that defined a generation.









In "Across the Universe," Carpio impressed audiences with her solo rendition of "I Wanna Hold Your Hand. " The song number is supposed to express Prudence's feelings for a fellow cheerleader.

Quoting from the film's production notes, director Julie Taymor says casting T.V. was a "lucky discovery." "Along with having a beautiful singing voice, T.V. is a dancer and former ice skater. So I had Prudence become a skater in the circus scenes because T.V. could ice skate. Then, I thought, 'Well, she'll be the cheerleader because she's so good physically.' As you get to know the actors, you create more and more for them."

The feeling was mutual as Carpio recalls, "I wanted so much to make Julie's vision come alive. When she would tell us what she saw, it would never be just what's written on a piece of paper — it would be something just completely out of this world... we were so honored to be a part of that. We couldn't even believe that this is our job."

Carpio has acted in varous TV shows in the U.S., including "The Jury" and "Law & Order." She debuted in Broadway via "Rent" as Alexi Darling and was cast in other Broadway productions. Watch out Hollywood for T.V.Carpio, a fresh Fil-Am face to the big screen.

Jay Fermin ppp-usa