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 hearts 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 Pinoys 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.
Mikes 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, its 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 Rows
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, Mikes 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 CalCarries 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, Chats 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 models 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 youll 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 evenings judges.
This years 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,
59 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 CalCarries 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, Womens
Journal got up close and personal with Charlene Louise Chats
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
were not perfect because its 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?
Im 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 Im 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, Im 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: Im 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 its 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.
Whats 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 theres 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 CalCarries - 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 youd
do if you werent 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.
Whats 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 Im 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.
Whats your fashion
style? Whats 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 dont 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,
were 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 its 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.
Peñafloridas
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 Peñafloridas ingenious way of bring education to poor
children by nominating him to the CNNs 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.
CNNs 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 CNNs 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 CNNs 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 years 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
papanot syempre 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 its 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
Internationals Top 10 list
SCUTTLEBUTT by SHIRLEY MATIAS-PIZARRO
Manila Bulletin, September 8, 2009
Looks like theres
no stopping Filipina Supermodel Charo Ronquillo from conquering the world.
Over the weekend, prestigious international
fashion magazine Vogue released its Top 10 list of Fords 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
Shes 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 havent 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 agencys 25-year supermodel-searchs
history.
Its 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
59, weighs 115 lbs., measures 32-24-34, and wears small/medium
shirt and size-9 shoes.
Is it hard to maintain a models
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
dont 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, Im 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. Its 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 guys 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.
Whats 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 dont.
Do you talk in your sleep?
I do...daw. Hahahaha.
Do you sleepwalk?
Thank God, I dont.
Whats 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. Patricks Cathedral every
day. I get a massage once a week. I listen to music and hang out with
friends.
Hows your nightlife?
Nightlife in New York is exciting. Magsasawa ka. But I dont
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. Im 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. Joys less-than-stellar GPA could get her kicked
out of school and shes 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
Marias 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 Marias
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.
"Shes always happy in anything that Im a part of. Now that my
face is gonna be on the wide screen, shes even more proud. She really
inspires me a lot and Im proud, too, that shes 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 Tagles 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.
Its 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 its 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 its 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 theres also a song in the original called,
Hot Lunch and in this movie, its called Cafeteria
Jam, she explains. My character, Joy has a
YouTube-overnight success story. I think its definitely
modern, original and for our generation - but you wouldnt 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 werent 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. Shes
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. Were 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.
Its great, said Lincecum.
Its a definite honor for me. Its 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 baseballs 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 NLs 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 511 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 dont 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 Leagues 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
achievedas well as the other FilAm baseball playersis 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 Charices 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 Pempengcos US career, according
to Nixon Sy, audio marketing unit head of the young singers 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, youd 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 arent a
lot of Filipinos playing in Americas pastime.
Its a reason why Espineli takes a certain
pride of being a full Filipino in the Major Leagues.
Since Ive 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.
Baseballs 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.
Its great that baseballs
expanding their horizons and they are all over the world, he said.
Both Espinelis parents are from the
Philippines. His mother is originally from Lumban, Laguna. He said hes
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 Ive 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, Espinelis scouting
report that year compared him to ex-major league pitcher John Candeleria,
a former 20 game-winner and World Series champion. Espinelis 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 dont throw really fast; my pitches are usually
in the high 80s. 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 Im in the majors and Im hoping to stay here
as long as possible.
Now that hes on the Giants, hes
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 its not over.
I know its going to get a lot
worse in September, he said.
So far Espineli has played in five games as
a reliever for the Giants. Hes pitched 5.2 innings striking out four
hitters and allowing two walks. Hes also given up four earned runs
but to Espineli,its a learning experience.
Every time Im out there its
nerve racking, he said. Youre in front of thousands of
fans. Everyone back home is going to watch it. Its exciting but its
also nervous at the same time.
He also knows theres a little added
pressure on him being a full Filipino playing in front of a team with a large
Filipino fan base.
Its great that we have a built
in audience especially in the Bay area, he said. Theres
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 thats definitely something I would check out, he said. I
know its 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
youll get to the top.