Proud to be Pinoy by Robbie Pangilinan Philippine Star, May 11, 2010 MANILA, Philippines - He is the first Filipino in the US to own a record label, having co-founded the independent Head Bop Music in 1998. Mike Swift was born in the Philippines but grew up in New York City. He has made a name in the US music industry but his heart’s home is the Philippines. “I love the Philippines, it is where my soul is happiest,” the Filipino-Brooklyn Mc says. This love for his homeland is reflected in his craft. His first mixtape was titled Pinoy’s Finest Mixtape Vol. 1 and echoed his Filipino roots loudly and proudly. Mike also boasts of the Filipino talent not just in music but in every field possible. “I believe that when given the chance to exercise our skills, with good teachers who can lead us to the higher levels, the Philippines will give birth to more world-class performers in whatever field that may be,” Mike beams. Mike’s strength lies in his relentless pursuit for greatness with his unorthodox approach to the game known as the entertainment industry. Through sheer passion and determination, he has emerged to be a respectable international artist. Mike says it is not just his love for making music and performing that fuel his passion, but the excitement to learn about the business and the possibility to make good living with what he loves doing. “I love the challenges it poses and the surprises it gives me. And I believe I have the chance to make history in this world. With these in mind, it’s pretty hard not to be passionate,” Mike adds. During his short stay in the country, he made a loud noise that caught the attention of Death Row’s popular founder Suge Knight who asked him to come to Los Angeles to compose and record several songs in Paramount Studios. Some of these songs are included in his upcoming album titled Legendary. Mike has been busy these days. He has released a DVD titled Get Jay Z For Me Before Christmas that explains his mission for recording the Legendary album. The album and DVD are part of a big package that includes a movie titled Billboard, a book called Billboard the Book, a concert titled Bestseller, and even a reality TV show titled To The Billboard. Obviously, Mike dreams of making it to the Billboard and this motivation can also be seen in his YouTube videos where To The Billboard has become a movement that inspires its viewers. This gave way to the konektado movement (www.konektado.com) whose purpose is to bridge all gaps in this world. “With Hip-hop as its main foundation, we travel across the planet to show there is a connection that can be linked to each and every one of us through God and music, and we plan to bring everyone closer than ever before with konektado.com and konektado DVD magazines,” Mike shares. This artist who finds inspiration in life itself reveals the secret to his success: “I have a tight grip on the thought of getting the last laugh. This is what motivates me to do more, to always be better.” Mike Swift always thinks of the day he made his first million dollars and makes this his benchmark for always aiming for the best. He may have made it big. He may have gone to many places. He may have reached the heights of life. But, Mike’s feet remain on the ground. He has only one message to all Filipinos. And that is, “Ipagmalaki natin ang sariling atin!” Chat Almarvez: Modeling is really hard work Philippine Star, April 4, 2010 MANILA, Philippines - When 16-year-old Filipina Charlene “Chat” Almarvez was crowned first runner-up in the recent Ford Supermodel of the World search held in São Paulo, Brazil, she knew that life as she knew it was about to change. Indeed, this Filipina found herself entering the glamorous and ultra-elite world of professional modeling. “During finals night, I was trying to relax and not be too nervous by singing songs in my head. When my name was called, I thought I was dreaming! Up to now, I still feel overwhelmed and amazed and, of course, happy that I was able to show the world that Filipinos have a lot to offer to the international modeling industry,” says Chat, who won a $150,000 contract with Ford Models. After winning the Ford Supermodel of the World-Philippines search (and along with it a one-year contract with CalCarrie’s International Models Philippines), Chat knew it was just the start of something big. And so, she trained with Runway Productions director and executive producer Joey Espino in New York, where she sharpened her runway skills and underwent test shots to learn her best angles. “Joey taught me that the most important thing is to enjoy and learn from the competition. Getting overly attached to the title might get in the way of the learning itself. Keeping this in mind really helped me do my best without taking the fun out of the experience,” Chat says. The excitement escalated when Chat arrived in São Paulo. “From the first day, it was clear that the competition was going to be tough! All the girls were gorgeous — even without makeup on — and friendly. But one of the highlights of the experience was getting to know them. It was so amazing to witness and be part of the meeting of different cultures and nationalities all in one place!” The rest of the week, Chat adds, was just as intense. Activities included measurements, test shots, interviews with Ford representatives, more photo shoots, rehearsals and walking lessons where she stood out with her impressive catwalk. Of course, the finalists were given the chance to relax and unwind as they attended parties and dinners and went shopping in São Paulo. Since she placed in the Ford Supermodel World Finals, Chat’s modeling career has kicked into full gear. Having already participated in New York Fashion Week, the statuesque Filipina has since learned a lot about the industry. “The fancy stuff you get — like the money, the travels, and the clothes — are just bonuses. The reality of it is that modeling is really hard work and it takes a lot of determination and courage to stand out in a roomful of beautiful people,” Chat muses. She stresses that the challenges of modeling come long before one makes it to the catwalk. “Before you even get to the runway, you have the long lines, the waiting and, for many people, the rejections to contend with. My Ford Supermodel journey has taught me that it takes an incredible amount of patience and motivation to find success in modeling. You have to really, really want it.” But for the Ford Supermodel runner up, however daunting the challenges may be, they are the true test of a potential model’s mettle. “Models, just like everyone else, are human. They make mistakes, and they go through tough times. But this is where both learning and growing happen.” “The modeling industry is really not for the fainthearted. But when you finally get there — when you are exactly where you want to be — nothing beats the fulfillment and happiness you’ll feel. So if modeling is really something you want to do, nurture that passion and make the most out of every opportunity that comes your way! When the time is right, these opportunities can be the keys to the fulfillment of your dream,” Chat adds. CHAT ALMARVEZ: The Philippines' Ford Supermodel of the World People's Journal, Jan. 12, 2010 Like Charo Ronquillo, Laguna-born Charlene "Chat" Louise Alagon Almarvez sets her eyes on becoming the next Filipina supermodel to star in the world’ major fashion runways. The wait is finally over. The Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines search recently closed to a rousing success during the October run of Philippine Fashion Week at the SMX Convention Center. The occasion signaled the emergence of the dazzling new face who would represent the country in the international finals where she will make her bid for Supermodel stardom. After the long process of scouring the country for just the right faces and figures and trimming down thousands to the last cluster of finalists, the search wound down to one girl. Chat Almarvez is the 2009 Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines winner, topping nine others to take home the plum title and all the grand things that go with it. Hosted by Christine Bayer, the anticipated modeling competition was staged by Runway Productions led by Joey and Audie Espino and saw the presence of former Ford Models CEO Katie Ford, now a United Nations (UN) roving ambassador for the anti-human trafficking campaign, as one of the evening’s judges. This year’s 10 finalists Chat Almarvez, CJ Malabayabas, Chen Montero, Janina San Miguel, Melanie Angeles, Paw Cordero, Paula Bartolome, Reyn de Mesa, Tiffany Jones, and Tina Marasigan battled it out on the ramp — with Chat, Melissa and Janina making the Top Three. Finally, it was 16-year-old, 5’9 stunner Chat (born January 25, 1993 in Sta. Cruz, Laguna; a Business Administration at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde)) who won the one-year modeling contract with CalCarrie’s International Models Philippines and a roundtrip ticket (with pocket money) to New York, to represent the country in the Ford Supermodel of the World finals for a shot at $250,000 worth of modeling contracts from Ford Models. A week after, Women’s Journal got up close and personal with Charlene Louise – Chat’s real full name - who readily provided more interesting bits about her. FAQ What do you think makes your family unique? We always find time for bonding, consult each other, and do activities that are enjoyable. Our love for each other is strong and bold. We support and care for each other. Maybe we’re not perfect because it’s natural that in a family we face challenges. But we never give up because of the circle of love that is in our family. Do you like being the eldest child, the youngest, or the middle child? Why? I’m the middle child. I like it so because I can easily adjust with my brother (Graham Gayel A. Empederado) and sister (Izzathea A. Almarvez). Because of my age, I can easily adapt to their characteristics and behavior. Sometimes I act like a teen when I am talking to my brother and act like a grade schooler when I’m with my sister. How do your friends describe you? My friends say I am different in many ways because it depends on my mood. Sometimes, I’m shy, childish, talkative, boyish, funny, kind. They keep telling me that I am a stress-free kid since I always smile. What do you wish whenever you see a shooting star, or blow out your birthday candles? Whenever I blow out my birthday candles, I wish that my family always stay together and that we are always safe, have good health, more blessings and opportunities come to us. And if trials come to our ways we can survive. What are the things you want to change (or improve on) in your: 1. Body: I want to have light abs, firm body 2. Life: I’m happy with my life. 3. The community (or the world you live in)? I want to make people know how to take care of our environment. We tend to take Mother Earth for granted. We need to be responsible because it’s beautiful if you see green trees and breathe fresh air. The questions you have been asking yourself but have not found the answers? For now, Why I won the Ford Supermodel of the World Philippines? The song you know the lyrics by heart and changed your life? “I gotta feeling” by Black Eyed Peas. It was the song I was singing in my head during the Supermodel of the World National Finals night. What material possessions do you own (or given you) that you are proud of? All my clothes and shoes are dear to me. What’s the nicest thing anyone did for you? When I feel down and think of giving up, they put me high and strengthen my faith. Who is your role models (or the persons who inspire you)? How so? The people that inspire me most are my parents (Taddeius Almarvez and Lea A. Alagon). My parents are the most influential people in my life. They think positively in life. They inspire me to have self confidence, strong faith in God and to never give up. They always say that if I fail, I should never give up because there’s always a time for everything and that God has set time for you. And also to be myself and be humble. They inspire me with their unique characteristics. And also the past Supermodels - my sister/co-models in CalCarrie’s - when they shared their experiences in reaching their dreams. They said there were times that they failed but they kept going and never gave up. Who are the 5 persons (dead or alive) you would invite for a once-in-a-lifetime dinner? I want to invite my whole family, Direk Cata Figueroa, Joey and Audie Espino for a thankful dinner. Describe your typical day. I wake up at around 6 in the morning, do my morning chores then go to school afterwards. Then I go to the gym in the afternoon. I go home in the evening and watch whatever is on TV. The activities you’d do if you weren’t so afraid. I like lying in my bed and imagine things or scenes that I want to happen. What domestic chores are you good at - and feel happy doing them? Sometimes when I do chores that has water. Like washing dishes and wash my clothes. But I do not do this often - only in emergency. What’s your favorite dish? Sinaing na tulingan na may kamyas. Do you believe in having a ‘lucky charm’? If so, what are your lucky charm(s)? Yes, I do have a lucky charm. I always wear it everyday - my two ballers. The first one (Tour de France baller) has been in my wrist for 5 years; the other one is my baller with the words “live strong.” Suddenly you can talk to animals. What animals would you talk to, and about what? I do not have pet. But I like fat dogs. We can just talk about everything the whole time. What is your beauty secret? My facial wash, lotion and sleep. What beauty tricks you perform to make you look “better”? Blush on. Because I’m pale without one on. I also put on some light lipstick to make me look young. List the things in your beauty handbag now. Lipstick. Foundation. Cheek tint. What’s your fashion style? What’s the dominant color of your wardrobe? I want to wear comfortable clothes like t-shirt, shorts, pants, leggings. Usually white, black, violet, pink, gray that will suit my age. What are your favorite fashion brands? I don’t have any specific brands in mind, but I usually wear clothes that are comfortable and they should be perfect fit. What is your health/physical fitness regimen? I exercise to have a firm and healthy body. I eat little rice every morning, and some bread. I love eating apple for the vitamins and vegetables. If you have unlimited cash, what extravagant material things will you buy? I will buy a wide land in mountain that has trees and rivers. What is the most embarrassing (or scariest) moment in your life so far? The scariest was when my parents and I got into a car accident. Thank God, we’re still alive. Nobody got hurt. What cultural spots have you visited, or plan to visit in the near future? I want to visit Vigan. And all the best beaches in the Philippines! Where else in the world would you like to live and probably work? I hope I can have my time of favor in New York. I want to be a successful Supermodel in that place. How do you see yourself five years from now? Five years from now I hope to have many editorials, shows and endorsements. What is your ultimate ambition? To become a famous Filipina Supermodel. What are your career options? A career option is to run my own business company. What do you consider the greatest job in the world? Why? The greatest job for me now is modeling. Because it’s really not that easy. Because you need to control your diet and understand time management - but it helps you to become a better person. Because it disciplines me to come early and watch my diet. It improves my personality. Pinoy named CNN 'Hero of the Year' (The Philippine Star) Updated November 23, 2009 12:00 AM MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino has received international recognition for his innovative effort in educating poor children. Efren Peñaflorida, who started the “Kariton Klassroom” to bring education to poor children, has been named CNN Hero of the Year, the cable news network announced yesterday. According to the CNN website, Peñaflorida was selected after getting the highest number of online votes, which reached 2.75 million in seven weeks. The 28-year-old teacher from Cavite City bested nine other contenders from different countries. Peñaflorida received the award from actress Eva Mendes at the conclusion of “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute” held at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood on Saturday night in the US. He received $100,000 cash to continue his work with his group, Dynamic Teen Company, according to CNN. The cash prize is on top of the $25,000 bonus that Peñaflorida received after he was included in the top 10 CNN Heroes. “Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry,” Peñaflorida said in his acceptance speech before an audience of about 3,000. Peñaflorida urged the crowd to “be the hero to the next one in need.” He also called on them to “serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve.” “As I always tell to my co-volunteers... you are the change that you dream as I am the change that I dream and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be,” Peñaflorida said. As a child, Penaflorida chose education over gang life in Cavite City and vowed to create a way for other children to make the same choice. Peñaflorida said he was occasionally bullied and beaten by street gangs, which prompted him to decide to come to the aid of street children and rescue them from poverty and neglect through education. Peñaflorida created a program that brought books to children in slums and on the streets, and the 10,000 members of his Dynamic Teen Company have brought reading, writing and hygiene to 1,500 youngsters. “My message to children of all races, please, to embrace learning and love it for it will embrace and love you back and enable you to change your world,” Peñaflorida said. Peñaflorida’s group was first recognized after it won the Bayaning Pilipino award for its heroic work in bringing education to poor children in Cavite. Since 1997, more than 10,000 volunteers are now helping in educating more than 1,500 kids in depressed areas in Cavite. The group later launched the “Kariton Klassroom,” an innovative way of bringing the classroom to the children in the depressed areas. The pushcart classroom is now complete with teaching aids, blackboards and even folding tables and chairs to allow children to sit and read materials provided in a mini-library – a far cry from the humble effort of loading the books and school supplies in large plastic bags. Peñaflorida now earns a living as a public school teacher in Cavite but still continues his pushcart classrooms on weekends where volunteers have started teaching the street urchins of Manila. Peñaflorida recalled that he and other volunteers had to endure discrimination and even being branded as “trash collectors” with their pushcarts whenever they carry out their noble mission. The public, however, took notice of Peñaflorida’s ingenious way of bring education to poor children by nominating him to the CNN’s list of heroes for this year. Peñaflorida was a member of Club 8586, a youth group in Cavite that financed his elementary and high school education. When CNN early this year announced its annual search for Heroes, Club 8586 nominated Peñaflorida. CNN’s Blue Ribbon Panel sifted through 9,000 nominees from over 100 countries, and soon narrowed down its choices to 28. On Oct. 1 (Oct. 2 in Manila), CNN announced its top 10 finalists for its Hero of the Year. Peñaflorida made it. A brief moment of triumph Peñaflorida said his inclusion in CNN’s Top 10 “gave Filipinos a breath of fresh air, a brief moment to cheer and celebrate,” since the Philippines was still reeling from the weeklong floods and devastation wrought by storms “Ondoy” and “Pepeng.” During gala night, the top 10 CNN Heroes, chosen by a blue-ribbon panel from an initial pool of more than 9,000 viewer nominations, were each honored with a documentary tribute and introduced by a celebrity presenter, according to the Web site. Each of the top 10 Heroes received $25,000. The finalists were selected by a panel that included former US secretary of state Colin Powell, Whoopi Goldberg and Ted Turner. The winner was chosen online by the public, with nearly 3 million votes cast. The presenters during gala night included Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson, Neil Patrick Harris, Pierce Brosnan, Dwayne Johnson, Mendes, Randy Jackson, Greg Kinnear, George Lopez and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Grammy Award-winning artist Carrie Underwood, R&B crooner Maxwell and British pop sensation Leona Lewis performed during the gala event. CNN anchor Anderson Cooper hosted the event that would be shown on Nov. 26, at 9 p.m. EST on CNN. Before the announcement of winners, Peñaflorida told ABS-CBN that if Filipinos wanted to see change, they should start within themselves. After receiving the honor, Peñaflorida said more poor and uneducated children will benefit from the award. He said 90 percent of the cash grant would go to Dynamic Teen Company and the remainder would go to the Church. “Nothing for me. I was here to represent the poor children (of the Philippines),” Peñaflorida said. He added the several politicians who have started courting him after making it to the CNN’s top list would not make a difference. Peñaflorida vowed to continue his work and offer himself as an example of an underprivileged kid who fell victim to violence driven by poverty and yet found a way to lift himself up. For him, seeing the smiles of the children who rush to meet him when they spot his humble pushcart is enough reward for his efforts. The Caviteño teacher could be hailed as another icon like boxing legend and seven-world titleholder Manny Pacquiao to many Filipinos. But for Peñaflorida, as this year’s CNN Hero of the Year, the real heroes are the volunteers of Kariton Klassroom. “And of course, for the Lord that allowed me to receive this award. He is the reason why I am here,” Peñaflorida said. CNN Video & article Filipino makes it to 'CNN Top 10 Heroes' by TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News Efren Penaflorida first came to the public's consciousness when his group, the Dynamic Teen Company won the Bayaning Pilipino award for their heroic work in helping kids keep off the streets through education in Cavite. Since 1997, more than 10,000 volunteers have helped educate more than 1,500 kids in depressed areas of Cavite. It was the work of the young helping the young, the poor helping the poor. The group upped the ante and bore the Kariton Klassroom, which is a mobile classroom that brings around all their teaching materials to the different areas they service. This year, Penaflorida was recognized as a CNN hero. He was even interviewed by Larry King. On Friday morning, veteran CNN anchor Anderson Cooper announced that out of 9,000 nominations, and 28 heroes, Penaflorida made it to the elite list of 10 finalists for CNN's hero of the year. Disbelief and joy were all over Penaflorida's face, as he could not believe the kind of praise his work continues to get. He even shared that the honors he has received in the past were more than enough to honor him and his country. “Hindi ko talaga ine-expect to. Kasi yung una, maging hero pa lang, ok na ok na talaga yun. Pero kahit papano’t s’yempre aasa ka na sana, matuloy-tuloy na. Pero ngayon na nandito na, ang hirap paniwalaan. At itong karangalan na ito ay di lang para sa akin kundi para sa buong sambayangan Pilipino,” he said. It was a virtual eye of a needle that Penaflorida had to go through from the 28 heroes to make the top 10, specially considering the kind of heroic work that the other 27 heroes from all over the world have done, too. To give the awards justice, CNN enlisted the help of a blue ribbon judging committee to pick the final 10. These men and women are all accomplished in their fields and recognized too for their humanitarian work. Names like Whoopi Goldberg, retired US General Colin Powell, Sir Elton John, NBA coach Phil Jackson, Ted Turner, and even TV show Hero's star Masi Oka. Overwhelmed; prize is P1.2M All the more, Penaflorida was overwhelmed with making the elite list. “Nung nalaman ko nga yung mga kasama sa blue ribbon committee na yun, tulad nina Colin Powell, sina Elton John, grabe, bilib ka na sa mga nagawa nila bilang mga humanitarians din, kaya't nakaka-humble talaga na mapili ka pa nila,” he added. All the 10 finalists now will receive US$25,000 or about P1.2 million, and they will be flown to Los Angeles in November for the final All-Star Tribute night. There, the ultimate hero will be announced and will receive an additional US$100,000. He said the money will not go to his use personally but straight to Dynamic Teen Company's efforts to expand their work, particularly in Metro Manila. “Sa mga panahon, nakita natin ang importansya ng volunteerism at pagmamahal sa bayan, talagang importante na ipakita natin sa mundo ang tunay na bayanihan spirit natin,” said Penaflorida. The online voting has now begun on the CNN Heroes website. Voting ends Nov. 19 at 6 AM Eastern time. You can vote as many times as you like. From the 10 finalists, the public will purely decide via the internet votes who will become the ultimate CNN hero of 2009. Penaflorida added that he is not making it important to campaign for his own votes, but it’s also more important for the public to learn about all the heroes on the CNN Heroes website and let their stories serve as an inspiration to us all. Pushcart classes help break gang chain CAVITE CITY, Philippines (CNN) -- At 16, Rhandolf Fajardo reflects on his former life as a gang member. "My gang mates were the most influential thing in my life," says Fajardo, who joined a gang when he was in sixth grade. "We were pressured to join." He's not alone. In the Philippines, teenage membership in urban gangs has surged to an estimated 130,000 in the past 10 years, according to the Preda Foundation, a local human rights charity. "I thought I'd get stuck in that situation and that my life would never improve," recalls Fajardo. "I would probably be in jail right now, most likely a drug addict -- if I hadn't met Efren." Efren Peñaflorida, 28, also was bullied by gangs in high school. Today, he offers Filipino youth an alternative to gang membership through education. "Gang members are groomed in the slums as early as 9 years old," says Peñaflorida. "They are all victims of poverty." For the past 12 years, Peñaflorida and his team of teen volunteers have taught basic reading and writing to children living on the streets. Their main tool: A pushcart classroom. Stocked with books, pens, tables and chairs, his Dynamic Teen Company recreates a school setting in unconventional locations such as the cemetery and municipal trash dump. Peñaflorida knows firsthand the adversity faced by these children. Born into a poor family, he lived in a shanty near the city dump site. But he says he refused to allow his circumstances to define his future. "Instead of being discouraged, I promised myself that I would pursue education," he recalls. "I will strive hard; I will do my best." In high school, Peñaflorida faced a new set of challenges. Gang activity was rampant; they terrorized the student body, vandalized the school and inducted members by forcing them to rape young girls, he says. "I felt the social discrimination. I was afraid to walk down the street." Peñaflorida remembers standing up to a gang leader, refusing to join his gang. That confrontation proved fateful. At 16, he and his friends "got the idea to divert teenagers like us to be productive," he says. He created the Dynamic Teen Company to offer his classmates an outlet to lift up themselves and their community. For Peñaflorida, that meant returning to the slums of his childhood to give kids the education he felt they deserved. "They need education to be successful in life. It's just giving them what others gave to me," he says. Today, children ranging from ages 2 to 14 flock to the pushcart every Saturday to learn reading, writing, arithmetic and English from Peñaflorida and his trained teen volunteers. Watch video: Peñaflorida and his group in action with their pushcart classroom "Our volunteers serve as an inspiration to other children," he says. The group also runs a hygiene clinic, where children can get a bath and learn how to brush their teeth. Since 1997, an estimated 10,000 members have helped teach more than 1,500 children living in the slums. The organization supports its efforts by making and selling crafts and collecting items to recycle. Watch video: A look at the slums where Peñaflorida and his group spend their Saturdays Through his group, Peñaflorida has successfully mentored former gang members, addicts and dropouts, seeing potential where others see problems. "Before, I really didn't care for my life," says Michael Advincula, who started doing drugs when he was 7. "But then Efren patiently dug me from where I was buried. It was Efren who pushed me to get my life together." Watch video: Advincula describse how he met Peñaflorida in the slums Today, Advincula is a senior in high school and one of the group's volunteers. Peñaflorida hopes to expand the pushcart to other areas, giving more children the chance to learn and stay out of gangs. "I always tell my volunteers that you are the change that you dream and I am the change that I dream. And collectively we are the change that this world needs to be." Want to get involved? Check out the Dynamic Teen Company and see how to help. Supermodel Charo Ronquillo in Ford International’s Top 10 list SCUTTLEBUTT by SHIRLEY MATIAS-PIZARRO Manila Bulletin, September 8, 2009 Looks like there’s no stopping Filipina Supermodel Charo Ronquillo from conquering the world. Over the weekend, prestigious international fashion magazine Vogue released its Top 10 list of Ford’s Supermodel of the World competition finalists who “are making it big” around the world and our very own Filipina Supermodel from Laguna ranked No. 4. The website, vogue.com carried it in their daily news section. You can check out this link and see for yourself. The website also contained the following information on Charo Ronquillo: “Charo joined and won the Supermodel of World Philippines Search in 2005 when she was just 17 years old. She went on to the Supermodel of the World Finals the following year in New York City and placed third, securing a $100,000 contract with Ford Models. Since her win, Charo has graced the catwalks of New York Fashion Week for designers including LaCoste, Nanette Lapre, Maria Cornejo, Tory Burch, Antonio Berardi, Kenneth Cole, Mac Cosmetics, Barbie Collection, Sisley and Benetton and has secured many high profile editorials.” The other nine Supermodels of the World in the Top 10 list are: UK-born model Alexina Graham, Brazilian model Camila Finn, Chanel Iman, Kang Seung-Hyun, Canadian model Kate Somers, Brazilians Liliane Ferrarezi and Luciana Curtis, Ukrainian Nataliya Gotsii, and Puerto Rican Vanessa De Assis. Charo continues to make waves in the international fashion scene. She currently appears in a huge billboard advertisement for Target in downtown Los Angeles, as well as in Express Boutiques. She will soon be gracing the covers of Vogue India. Charo was home recently to grace the Philippine Fashion Week at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia. ------------------- Body Talk with Charo Ronquillo FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo Philippine Star, May 25, 2009 She’s known as The Asian Kate Moss for a very obvious reason — Charo Ronquillo, 21, is a deadringer for the supermodel once linked to such Hollywood actors as Johnny Depp (now living with another model, a French girl). Winner of the 2005 Supermodel Philippines search, the Cabuyao, Laguna, native flew in from New York where she has been based these past three years purposely for the Philippine Fashion Week at the Mall of Asia (MOA) on May 26 to June 2. Her years as an international model haven’t affected Charo who has remained a probinsyana at heart, undaunted by the demanding Big Apple lifestyle and the “ramp” competitiveness which pits her with other taller models from around the world. At 17, after beating nine other finalists in the Philippine edition of the search, Charo finished third (from a batch of 39 girls) to the bets from Belarus (winner) and Canada (second) in the 2006 Supermodel of the World finals, pocketing $100,000 and a three-year contract from Ford Models which launched her as the first-ever supermodel figure from the Far East in the agency’s 25-year supermodel-search’s history. “It’s a childhood dream come true,” said Charo, shy and soft-spoken as ever. Charo was 12 when Faze Model Management owner Elmer Torralba spotted her shooting hoops at a Robinsons Mall arcade in Cabuyao. She joined modeling contests, showed up for castings and VTRs until she was tapped to compete in the 2005 Supermodel Philippines search. Following in the footsteps of such international Filipina models as Anna Bayle (retired, based in New York as a single mom, separated from her Swedish husband) and Bessie Badilla (now a widow, based in Connecticut), whom she has yet to meet, Charo had her debut in New York fashion shows in Feb. 2006. The next year, she decided to work in the Big Apple full-time, learning to live alone. “It was my first trip abroad,” said Charo. “It has been a learning experience since then.” Thus far, she has graced not only the ramps in New York and Canada but also such glossies as Spanish Vogue, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire (Paris and US), Glamour, Glitter (a Japanese magazine), Neon (German), Savvy Magazine, Seventeen and Cosmo Girl (Asian/American magazine). Two of her most memorable assignments were with photographers Bruce Weber and Chin Walter, who are among the best in their rank. A Taurian (April 22, 1988), Charo stands 5’9”, weighs 115 lbs., measures 32-24-34, and wears small/medium shirt and size-9 shoes. Is it hard to maintain a model’s body? “Not really. Diet lang at workout.” What kind of diet do you follow? “Simple lang. I eat three square meals a day but in small portions. For breakfast, I take oatmeal with banana and coffee. For lunch, salads with chicken (minus the skin) and for dinner, more salads and soup. I do eat meat but not much. My diet consists mostly of vegetables and fiber.” For snacks? “Konting sandwiches which I myself make. In New York, I don’t buy food sa labas, kasi nakakataba. I eat chocolates and ice cream but not too much.” What vitamins do you take? “Vitamin E and calcium. I still drink milk up to now.” How much water do you take per day? “Eight to 10 glasses.” Soda? “Seldom; once a week at most.” What workout do you do? “I go to the gym three or four times a week and do cardio exercises. Walking in New York is a good enough exercise.” What part of your body still needs improvement? “As it is, I’m happy with my body.” What part is most vulnerable? “My skin. When I get rashes, they take time to heal.” How do you take care of your skin? “Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. I also apply insect repellant.” What part of your body is your favorite? “My smile. It’s part of the body naman, di ba? And my complexion. They like it in New York. They say that my skin glows.” What part of a guy’s body do you look at first? “The face, specifically the cheekbones.” What else do you like in a guy? “His personality, dapat pleasing.” And what turns you off in a guy? “‘Yung mayabang.” How much sleep do you get per night? “Six to eight hours. I take naps during trips.” What’s your favorite sleep wear? “Wala! Hahahaha!” You mean, you sleep in the nude? “Joke only! I wear a tank top and underwear.” Are you a pillow person? “I sleep with four pillows. One under my head, one under my back, one on my side and the fourth one I hug.” Do you snore? “No, I don’t.” Do you talk in your sleep? “I do...daw. Hahahaha.” Do you sleepwalk? “Thank God, I don’t.” What’s the last thing that you do before you go to sleep? “I pray.” And the first thing that you do when you wake up? “I pray again.” How do you cope with stress? New York life is very stressful. “I do yoga. I meditate. I go to the St. Patrick’s Cathedral every day. I get a massage once a week. I listen to music and hang out with friends.” How’s your nightlife? “Nightlife in New York is exciting. Magsasawa ka. But I don’t go out that much.” And your love life? “Ngayon? Wala, eh! Ang focus ko talaga ay sa career ko.” Name three women you think have nice bodies. “Gisele Bundchen, Gemma Ward and Raquel Zimmerman. All models.” And three men. “Brad Pitt. Brad Kroenige (a Ford model). Just the two of them.” Using only body language, how would you make a guy know that you admire him? “I simply look at him. If he looks at me, I pretend to look away.” (E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph or at entphilstar@yahoo.com) ------------------- More pictures of Charo Ronquillo may be found on this page. Anna Maria Perez de Tagle: On her way to FAME! by Cynthia de Castro Asian Journal Press, Sept. 8, 2009 After winning the Oscar in 1980, the movie, Fame, was further immortalized as a TV show that aired between 1982 and 1987 and a musical that ran on Broadway and West End. The story follows a talented group of dancers, singers, actors and artists over four years at the New York City High School of Performing Arts, a creative powerhouse where students from all walks of life are given a chance to live out their dreams and achieve real and lasting fame. On Sept 25, the remake of Fame will be shown in theatres across America and then worldwide. Filipinos will be proud to know that one of the casts who dance, sing and cry their way from "audition" to "graduation" is Fil-Am Hollywood actress Anna Maria Perez de Tagle. The 18 year old admitted that she is very excited about her role in Fame. "Being part of something that is epic in scope is so cool and awesome. The cast is amazing. I’m very honored to be working with the legendary Debbie Allen (actress-director-choreographer Allen is the only original cast member now playing school principal in the updated version)," said Anna Maria in an earlier interview, adding that she hopes the movie will be a springboard for more challenging roles. Popularly known for her roles in Hannah Montana as Ashley Dewitt and as Ella Pador on Camp Rock, Anna Maria plays the role of Joy Moy in Fame. Joy’s less-than-stellar GPA could get her kicked out of school and she’s constantly running her mouth which totally gets her into trouble. But when a friend posts one of her outbursts on YouTube, she finds her mouth could also be her ticket to stardom. In the incredibly competitive atmosphere she finds herself in at the High School of Performing Arts, Joy, like the other students, is plagued by self- doubt, with her talent and passion put to the test. Like her character in the movie, Anna Maria’s artistic talents will also be put to the test in Fame, which is her big screen debut. But the 18-year old star has already proven herself well in Hollywood; which is not really surprising considering Anna Maria’s genes. Born December 23, 1990 in San Francisco, California, Anna Maria Francesca Enriquez Perez de Taglé (nicknamed "Wengky") is the granddaughter of 1950s Philippine actress and soprano singer, Sylvia La Torre, who is her first acting and singing coach. Calling her Lola Sylvia, "Mamacita", Anna Maria said that her Hollywood career has made her Mamacita very happy. "She’s always happy in anything that I’m a part of. Now that my face is gonna be on the wide screen, she’s even more proud. She really inspires me a lot and I’m proud, too, that she’s my grandmother," said de Tagle. ------------------- Movie critic Roger Ebert's glowing review of Anna Maria's role in 'Fame': “Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, as Joy, looks so fetching we wish she had been given more substantial scenes.” – Roger Ebert ------------------- Anna Maria Perez de Tagle Finds ‘Fame’ by Dino Ray Ramos, Asian Week When we first see Anna Maria Perez de Tagle in the new version of Fame, she, along with an onslaught of budding performing art kids are trying to elbow their way into the New York City High School for the Performing Arts. Perez de Tagle’s character, Joy is performing a monologue from some play or movie or television show in front of Mr. Dowd (Charles S. Dutton). She, along with a whole get along gang of other kiddos, get into the school and their four-year journey of dream following begins. It’s not like they were trying to reinvent the wheel with this remake and according to Perez de la Tagle, they were honoring the 1980 original. “We were starting with a clean slate,” she says. “We have a modern theme, but we still show the struggles of what it’s like to be an artist.” There are some big shoes to fill with this film. Besides the catchy (and oftentimes over-parodied) theme song, the grit and edge of the film that originally starred Irene Cara hit a genuine chord with struggling artists back in the ’80s. With the 2009 makeover, Perez de la Tagle, says it’s geared for the Facebook generation. “In the original, Coco was asked to take off her clothes for a Broadway audition. In (the new movie) there is a situation with the same intentions - and there’s also a song in the original called, ‘Hot Lunch’ and in this movie, it’s called ‘Cafeteria Jam,’” she explains. “My character, Joy has a ‘YouTube-overnight success’ story. I think it’s definitely modern, original and for our generation - but you wouldn’t have to see the original to understand this one. This one is about following your dreams, achieving success and staying true to yourself.” See - they really weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel. Having grown up in the Bay Area and coming from a Filipino heritage, the acting bug bit Perez de la Tagle when she first saw Sandy and Danny singing about “Summer Nights” in Grease. From there, she went on the theater path. She was the first Asian American Cinderella in a production of the play at the Montgomery Theater in San Jose and was in productions of The King and I as well as other plays. She is currently working on the next installment of the Jonas Brothers vehicle, Camp Rock and has other work coming through the pipeline. She’s just proud that she, as well as the Asian American actors have come a long way. “Ten years ago, I may not have been able to be where I am today,” she says. “We’re not just the geeky Asian character anymore. We have actors like Brenda Song and Justin Chon from Twilight giving Asian Americans a name in Hollywood - and I am proud of all that.” Another thing she should be proud of is that she was the only cast member of Fame that had a critical one-on-one scene with Debbie Allen, a player in the original franchise who plays the principal in the redux. “I was lucky, but also anxious to be in that scene,” she admits. “But she just set off amazing energy and it turned out to be great. I just hope that roles like this will open so many doors for me and for other Asian Americans.” Consider them opened. ‘Field of Dreams:’ Fil-Am Tim Lincecum wins ‘Cy Young Award’ by Joseph Pimentel Asian Journal, Nov. 14-20, 2008 “I was more shocked than anything as far as the [tough] competition. I was hoping to be in the mix [for the award],” said Lincecum, whose mother is Filipino, during a press conference announcing the award on Tuesday, November 11. Lincecum said he was shocked when he found out he won the prestigious award. “I really said ‘Really?’ I was more shocked than anything. ‘Whoo-hoo!’ I literally yelled a couple of times,” he said. The Giants’ right-handed pitcher Lincecum has a record of 18-5 with a 2.62 earned run average and led the National league in strikeouts with 265. The 24-year-old received 23 of 32 first place votes, seven second-place votes and one third place vote for 137 points. He won the award over former Cy Young award winner Arizona Diamondback pitcher Brandon Webb, another former Cy Young award winnder the New York Mets’ Johan Santana and the Philadelphia Phillies’ closer Brad Lidge, who did not blow a save the entire year. “It’s great,” said Lincecum. “It’s a definite honor for me. It’s a tremendous honor, to be honest with you.” According to MLB.com, Lincecumcompiled a league-best .783 winning percentage with his 18-5 record and amassed 265 strikeouts to become the first Giant in baseball’s modern era (since 1900) to earn that distinction. Against Lincecum, opponents hit .221 overall and .167 with runners in scoring position while averaging 7.22 hits per nine innings— all league lows. And his 2.62 ERA was the NL’s second best. At 24 years old, he is the youngest pitcher to win the Cy Young, joining teammate Barry Zito, when he won it for the Oakland Athletics’ in 2002. Standing 5’11” and weighing just 160 pounds, Lincecum is not the prototypical strikeout pitcher. Many had criticized hisawkward delivery, thought he was too small and did not believe he would be an effective Major League pitcher. “People have been doubting me my whole life,” said Lincecum. “I don’t let them bring me down.” The Giants did believe and drafted Lincecum No. 10 overall from the University of Washington in the 2006 MLB draft. In just his second year, Lincecum won the 2008 National League Cy Young Award. “On behalf of the entire Giants organization, and our wonderful fans, we congratulate Tim Lincecum on his outstanding achievement,” said Giants managing general partner Bill Neukom. “By winning the Cy Young award, Tim has been recognized as the National League’s premier pitcher in 2008. This is a great day for Tim, for the Giants and for our fans everywhere. Tim is an exceptionally talented baseball player who has earned this high honor through his hard work, dedication and competitive spirit. “It is a proud day for Tim and his family, the Giants organization and for our fans everywhere.” ------------------------------------- Lincecum nabs MLB 2K9 cover By Doug Miller MLB.com, Nov. 11, 2008 For Tim Lincecum, winning the National League Cy Young Award was just half of the good news he got Tuesday. The young San Francisco Giants right-hander did indeed get the prestigious honor as the NL's premier pitcher in the 2008 season, but he also was announced as the cover athlete for the upcoming Major League Baseball 2K9 video game from 2K Sports. As a video game fanatic, Lincecum said he couldn't be happier. "Winning the Cy Young Award is truly an amazing honor, and now having the opportunity to be on the cover of Major League Baseball 2K9 is another dream come true and an absolutely surreal experience," said Lincecum, a 2008 All-Star who went 18-5 with a 2.62 ERA, led the Major Leagues with 265 strikeouts (an NL-best 10.51 per nine innings) and limited opponents to an NL-low .221 batting average. "Whenever I'm hanging out at home or traveling on the road, you can find me playing video games, and I'm definitely the best gamer in the clubhouse by far. I'm incredibly stoked that 2K Sports picked me to represent Major League Baseball 2K9, and I look forward to lending my baseball knowledge to the development process." Lincecum wasn't the only one "stoked" to be involved in the ongoing creation of MLB 2K9. Chris Snyder, the director of marketing for 2K Sports, and MLB 2K9's senior product manager, Mike Rhinehart, work in Novato, Calif., about a 45-minute drive from AT&T Park, the home of the Giants. They've seen Lincecum pitch plenty of times and are ecstatic that he's the chosen player for 2009. "Our boy won," Snyder said. "After having Jose Reyes on the cover last year, it was time to show the West Coast some love." Rhinehart explained that the choice of the cover player is always a political one at 2K Sports, whose corporate offices are in New York City. "Basically, everybody in the company is a baseball fan and everybody wants to weigh in with their opinion on the cover athlete," Rhinehart said. "It goes all the way to the top, to the CEO and corporate. And the decision this year was that we really wanted to align with somebody that was unique, that was a (video) gamer, and personified our game this year." Lincecum fit for all those reasons and more, and perhaps the most significant reason he was chosen was because of the "Signature Style" feature that MLB 2K9 is known for and is improving year after year. "We're pushing hard with our ability to capture the unique motions players have, whether it's a walkup or a delivery on the mound," Rhinehart said. "We mimic them to a point of being spot-on, and a good example is (Detroit left-hander) Dontrelle Willis. He has that unique delivery, and when he came down to our studios and saw how we had captured it, he flipped out. "So Tim, to us, was perfect. He's so unique with his delivery and mechanics that he personifies that 100 percent. And during some of his interviews, he talked about gaming, which always perks our ears. In fact, in one of his last interviews of the season, he actually said he was going to put down the glove and pick up a controller. That was music to our ears." And hearing he would grace the cover of a game that will be available in early 2009 for the Xbox 360 entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation3 and PlayStation2 computer entertainment systems, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system and Wii home video game system from Nintendo was music to Lincecum's ears. "We're always looking for guys that are invested, and Tim very early on seemed invested in the product," Snyder said. "We're bringing him out here in a couple weeks to meet the development team, do a motion-capture session and really get this thing rolling. He's really excited and we are, too." And according to Rhinehart, Lincecum wouldn't have been chosen if he didn't have the personality to match his pitching ability. "From the first day he showed up to practice and they wouldn't let him into the park because they thought he was a kid, we've always felt as if he is exactly like our audience," Rhinehart said. "He's a normal kid that plays video games, but when he's on the mound he's a totally different beast throwing crazy heat. "You look at him and you think, 'How does this guy throw heat like that?' It's perfect for our audience." ------------------------------------- A pitch and a homerun Asian Journal, Nov. 13, 2008 ALTHOUGH baseball is highly a popular sport here in the United States, in the Philippines, baseball still has to find its place in the hearts of Filipinos. For one, only a few Filipinos have made it in Major League Baseball (MLB), starting with Bobby Balcena, who played briefly for the Cincinnati Reds in 1956. Other players of Filipino descent who made it included Jason Bartlett, Bobby Chouinard and Geno Espineli. But much honor is given today to Tim Lincecum, a starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, who recently won the Cy Young Award, for being the best pitcher in Major League Baseball. The Cy Young Award is given to the best pitcher in MLB, one each for the American National leagues. Lincecum, whose mother is a Filipino, brings much honor to the Filipinos not only in the US, but all over the world. He is also the youngest pitcher to win the award at 24 years old. For most of us Filipinos, baseball could probably take a little time to be part of our culture. Still, what Lincecum has achieved—as well as the other FilAm baseball players—is easy to understand. It is, in baseball terms, a homerun. ------------------------------------- {Note: Although not mentioned in the above article, probably the best-known Fil-Am major league baseball player until now has been Benny Agbayani, who played for the NY Mets and Boston Red Sox.] Charice sings with Celine Dion at Madison Square Garden Philippine Entertainment Portal, Sept. 17, 2008 Natuloy noong September 15 (Monday, U.S. time) ang duet nina Charice Pempengco at ng international singing superstar na si Celine Dion sa Madison Square Garden sa New York. Ang naturang concert ni Celine sa New York ay bahagi ng kanyang Taking Chances World Tour 2008. Maipagmamalaki ng mga Pilipino si Charice dahil kinakabahan man siya, mahusay ang kanyang performance sa duet nila ni Celine. Kinanta ng dalawa ang "Because You Loved Me," ang hit song ni Celine at ang unang kanta na natutunan ni Charice noong four years old pa lamang siya. Panay ang himas ni Celine sa buhok ng batang singer at pinabayaan din niya na magkaroon ng moment si Charice. Ipalalabas bukas, September 18, sa The Oprah Winfrey Show ang guest appearance ni Charice sa jampacked concert ni Celine. Ito ang mga sinabi ni Celine bago niya tinawag si Charice para umakyat sa stage: "They actually told me about an incredible young singer that she [Oprah Winfrey] discovered awhile back. You know, if you watch Oprah last week, you know all about her. This young lady's name is Charice. I'm so excited. She's 16 years old and she's from the Philippines. "Let me tell you, she has a voice that can literally blow the roof of Madison Square Garden and she just might. But the real story is how Charice and her mom escaped the terrifying experience and had to leave Charice's violent father. "You know, to start a life of their own. Charice vowed to save her mom from a life of desperation and despair. You know, through prayers and dreams and God-given talent, an incredible voice, Charice entered every singing contest in her native country and was eventually noticed by such influential people. "You know, a show in Oprah and Oprah wanted to take her and took her under her wings. Then, David Foster joined her. I had the chance to see Charice perform one of my songs on Oprah last week. I have a little bit of difficulty to talk right now because I met Charice, and I'm so emotional... So I'm searching and looking for my words...trying to control my emotion. "I invited her to come here tonight to sing with me. Where are you, sweetheart? There she is, come down, Sweetie." Sa puntong ito, bumaba si Charice mula sa kanyang kinauupuan para umakyat siya sa stage. Inalalayan siya ng mga bodyguard habang naglalakad papunta sa kinaroroonan ni Celine sa gitna ng stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is Charice. [To Charice] You look spectacular! Are you shaking? Are you okay? Don't be nervous and, I think, a lot of people, they understand that you are nervous. "I'm gonna tell you one thing, the talent we're not gonna talk about. Because you have the strength, we're not gonna talk about (it) because you have (it), and so the love. And I have to tell you, the family, we'll gonna talk because you have to. "One time, my manager, my husband [Rene Angelil], told me, ‘Celine...' Because when I started to sing, I was 12 years old, so 12 and 16, it's the same, okay? He told me, ‘Celine, I know you're nervous, don't be scared. You love to sing. When you go up there, you'll be nervous. Don't be.' "I will give you an image that you can think about. Think that all the people you see in front of you are your brothers and sisters. You're singing in your living room and these are your family. They can't can't wait to hear you sing. I think I know you want to dedicate this song to your mother. So we're gonna sing ‘Because You Loved Me' for your mother." Pinabayaan ni Celine na mag-shine si Charice at nagsilbi lamang siyang back-up singer sa malaking bahagi ng kanta. Pagkatapos ng kanta ay binigyan si Charice ng standing ovation at masigabong palakpakan ng mga tao, samantalang ang kanyang ina naman ay hindi mapigilang maluha sa napanood. Mahigpit ding niyakap ni Celine si Charice pagkatapos ng kanilang awitin. Ani Celine, "Your mother is extremely proud of you, and so we are as well. You did amazing and the roof of Madison went up tonight. "But I'll ask you Charice, when you do Madison Garden, are you gonna invite me?" biro ni Celine kay Charice, na napatawa lang. "I love you and I cannot wait for you to perform here for a full concert," pahabol ni Celine. "Thank you," ang tanging nasambit ni Charice. Bago ang duet ni Charice kay Celine ay nakasama na rin niyang kumanta ang operatic pop singer na si Andrea Bocelli sa Tuscany, Italy earlier this year. CHARICE & CELINE DUET "BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME" PART 1 CHARICE & CELINE DUET "BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME" PART 2 Oprah to manage Charice’s US career INQUIRER.net, Sept. 16, 2008 MANILA, Philippines--Charice Pempengco has wowed audiences around the world with her awe-inspiring performances and jaw-dropping vocal strength. After impressing the best in the US entertainment industry, Pempengco is now getting a formidable career boost with a new US-based manager. Oprah Winfrey, considered the queen of US daytime TV talk shows, has agreed to manage Pempengco’s US career, according to Nixon Sy, audio marketing unit head of the young singer’s Philippine label Star Records in a DZMM report on Tuesday. According to the report, Winfrey is set to dedicate a full episode of her syndicated talk show, “Oprah” to Pempengco, apart from other Hollywood performances she will arrange for the singer. Oprah shares management duties for Charice with Star Cinema boss Malou Santos, who is handling her Philippine career. FilAm Baseball Player Geno Espineli by Joseph Pimentel Asian Journal, Aug. 1, 2008 FILAM Eugene “Geno” Macalalag Espineli is a Giant in more than one way. Standing 6’ 4” the 25-year-old pitching reliever for the San Francisco Giants baseball team is tall for a Filipino, whose average heights are almost a foot shorter. With that height, you’d think he would be better off as a shooting guard or small forward in a basketball league. “I was never good in basketball,” he said to the Asian Journal as the Giants were playing the Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles. The tan skin Giant is one of the few Major League Baseball players with Filipino heritage. Along with teammate starting pitcher Tim Lincecum, who is half Pinoy, Chris Aguila formerly of the New York Mets, and Jason Bartlett of the Tampa Bay Rays, there aren’t a lot of Filipinos playing in America’s pastime. It’s a reason why Espineli takes a certain pride of being a full Filipino in the Major Leagues. “Since I’ve been here, I realized how great it is to be a different culture and different race. It just shows that all cultures can play this sport and any sport,” said Espineli. Baseball’s done a great job of reaching out to all the different cultures, added Lincecum, who dedicated a game to his Filipino grandfather after his passing last year. “It’s great that baseball’s expanding their horizons and they are all over the world,” he said. Both Espineli’s parents are from the Philippines. His mother is originally from Lumban, Laguna. He said he’s been to the home country a few times, the last time being when he was 13 years old. “I remember the scenery and small villages in the mountains, and the trees and that it was pretty hot when I was there,” he said. Espineli was born and bred in Houston, Texas. Espineli said he was only one of two Filipinos in his High School. Growing up, baseball was the game the kids played in his neighborhood so naturally he gravitated towards the sport and dreamt about playing professionally in the Major Leagues. And about two weeks ago, his dream came true. “This is something that I’ve been working for my whole life,” he said about being called up to play for the Giants. After playing college baseball for the University of Texas and Texas Christian University, the San Francisco Giants drafted the left-handed pitcher in the 14th round of the 2004 draft. According to MLB.com, Espineli’s scouting report that year compared him to ex-major league pitcher John Candeleria, a former 20 game-winner and World Series champion. Espineli’s “tall, lanky” frame, side arm delivery and three-pitch combination – a sinking fastball clocked at 89 miles-per-hour, a backdoor curveball and sinking changeup – made him a good draft choice for the Giants. “My pitching style is about trying to fool the hitter,” said Espineli. “I like to confuse the hitters with what I throw. I don’t throw really fast; my pitches are usually in the high 80’s. I just try to get it [the ball] to sink or slide.” After a few years in the Minor Leagues as a reliever and starting pitcher, the Giants called up Espineli in mid-July after he posted a 2.06 earned run average with 43 strikeouts in 34 games for the team's Triple A affiliate in Fresno. During his time in Fresno, Espineli also was a Pacific Coast League All-Star and named to the Olympic USA baseball team. Espineli said he was surprised about being named to the Olympics but opted to stay in the majors to help the Giants playoff run in a wide-open National League West division. “That opportunity came out of nowhere,” he said about the Olympics. “I would have been definitely proud to represent this country but now I’m in the majors and I’m hoping to stay here as long as possible.” Now that he’s on the Giants, he’s hoping to contribute to the pitching staff in any way he can even if it means humiliatingly carrying a Barbie backpack to the bullpen in front of thousands of people to appease the veterans on the team. Hazing is what veterans do to rookies, and Espineli knows it’s not over. “I know it’s going to get a lot worse in September,” he said. So far Espineli has played in five games as a reliever for the Giants. He’s pitched 5.2 innings striking out four hitters and allowing two walks. He’s also given up four earned runs but to Espineli,it’s a learning experience. “Every time I’m out there it’s nerve racking,” he said. “You’re in front of thousands of fans. Everyone back home is going to watch it. It’s exciting but it’s also nervous at the same time.” He also knows there’s a little added pressure on him being a full Filipino playing in front of a team with a large Filipino fan base. “It’s great that we have a built in audience especially in the Bay area,” he said. “There’s a lot of Filipinos there. Especially for a country not known to produce a lot of baseball players, it just adds more fans to the sport.” Espineli said he hopes to stay in the majors for a long time. He also mentioned that one of his goals is to increase the popularity of baseball by hosting baseball camps in the Philippines. “I definitely plan on going back soon and that’s definitely something I would check out,” he said. “I know it’s not one of the bigger sports there so anything to get a sport like baseball going to a country will be a big deal and something I would definitely look into.” He advises young FilAms and Filipinos pursuing a career in major league baseball to “keep working on it and eventually you’ll get to the top.”