Celebrity L.A. Scene by Oliver Carnay

You may be asking, "Jordan Segundo, who?" A lot of people doesn't know that long before Jasmine Trias and Camile Velasco reigned their fame through the phenomenal FOX reality singing contest, "American Idol," there was this young brown guy named Jordan Segundo, the first Hawaiian Fil-Am who made it to the top 32-spot (among over 75,000 hopefuls) during its second season.

Although Jordan did not make it to the top twelve finalists, he continued to be visible in his hometown and other parts nationwide, including performing for President Bush at a prestigious banquet in Hawaii, with Kenny Loggins at his CD release party, the Lakers' Games in Hawaii, in numerous Trade Shows and Expositions, reaching out to several Filipino-American communities across the nation.

After seeing Jordan on the controversial issue at Primetime Live Special, a few weeks ago, I decided to re-connect with Jordan whom I met in Las Vegas late last year at the 1st Asian-American Trade & Expo, promoting his first released single "Be The One". His newly released debut album, simply titled JORDAN, is fast becoming a nationwide hit after holding to No. 1 spot in Hawaii.

Over a phone chat, Jordan relates how he felt on the recurrence of his name. Here, he talks about life after American Idol, his appearance on Primetime Live, his debut album, his busy schedules, and future goals. Here is an excerpt from our conversation:

OC: "So Many Reasons" is a very addictive tune. It's on top of my list among the rest. How were you able to connect with its composer, Glenn Medeiros?

JS: Glen Medeiros is from Hawaii and he's a friend of mine. We went to his place and among the tons of original songs he wrote, I picked this one. It is an original song, which no one has ever recorded.

OC: Your debut album is a compilation of several styles, including revivals. Can you explain why?

JS: Not only because I love revivals. "Let's Stay Together" and "I Just Want to Stop" are songs that I've always included in my repertoire whenever I have performances and I've been incorporating my own style. Well, I wanted my first album to be appealing to all generations. It has love songs, R&B, pop and alternative stuff. There are a lot of classic songs that people can relate to, and the songs that I put out in my album are songs that will never die. It has a variety of styles. It's the kind of album that everyone can connect with. If you're in the mood of being in love, or something of an upbeat tempo, you can relate and find each on this one.

OC: How about "Calling You"?

JS: Calling You - That was the last song I added to the album. I want something that has edge with. When I first read that song I immediately said I've got to have it included. I get a lot of responses from that song. It shows another side of me and it's a great song.

OC: You co-wrote two songs from the album. Is it also a talent you want to explore?

JS: I helped co-wrote "Be The One" and "Secret Fantasy". I want to be involved in songwriting as well. It was a little hard and tough at first, but I know I'll get better. I plan to write more songs and explore my songwriting skills in the future.

OC: How many percent Filipino are you? Tell me about how it is, growing up in Hawaii.

JS: I was born and raised in Hawaii. I am Filipino-Hawaiian- Japanese-German. I have a little more than 50% of Filipino blood. My dad is pure Filipino and my mom is Hawaiian-Filipino-Japanese-German. My grandmother speaks tagalong fluently, and so my Dad understands a little bit. My dad was born here in Hawaii. My parents are divorced and I live with my mom. I grew up basically in a very Filipino atmosphere. In high school, there's more than 50 percent of Filipinos where I went. It was a good area to grow up in with and I'm lucky to be here.

OC: How would you like to extend a singing career in the Philippines?

JS: I've never been to the Philippines, but I would love to perform there because I hear a lot of great stories. I wanted to reach out to the other side of my culture as well. My manager is working on it.

OC: Was singing your passion since childhood? When did you start vocalizing?

JS: I've always wanted to be a singer. I started singing when I was 5. It was the thing I always wanted to do. It just so happen that American Idol came along. I knew that whatever career I take it would always has something to do with music. It kind of just jump-started my whole music career. My goals became international. Before AI, I was looking for a school college for music I was going to attend. Hawaii is a small state and the opportunities are small.

OC: What lessons have you learned so far or any advice you can give to American Idol hopefuls, or anybody who wants to pursue an international singing career?

JS: A lot of people who are starting or contemplating of going into the entertainment business (whether it's acting or music business) think it's a glamorous job. They might think it's kind of easy. Behind all of these parameters, there's the blood-sweat and tears, and the extra patience that you have to live up to. It's also a lot of hard work - the waiting, the auditions, the rehearsals, and the hectic schedules. But despite all of it, do not let anyone step in the way of your dreams and hopes, and that's important to anybody who is entering an Olympia or a contest or anything that has to do with competition. You have to have the faith, to believe in yourself and to the people around you to be able to make it. You'll never know what the options are going to be and you have to know to work towards it. I always have a positive attitude.

OC: You have a very busy schedule, with your studies, doing broadcast on Wednesdays (Jordan was offered a job at KHON, the No. 1 radio station in Hawaii, doing commentaries), and at the same time working on your singing career. How do you manage to do all this?

JS: I'm a full-time Liberal Arts student, and I'm working on getting my degree done in between my singing career. Education is always important to me. Despite my busy schedule I manage to finish my classes, so I think that's another important thing. When you're in the industry like this you should learn about time management and being focus in everything you're doing.

OC: You're taking Communications and Broadcasting. Do you plan to be a broadcaster someday?

JS: I wanted to take something that gives me energy and help me come alive. Broadcasting is one step of an experience. Anything that has to do with communication or anything which deals with a lot of people or which always deal with something that feeds my energy, something that would educate me more about the business.

OC: Tell me about the first time you heard yourself on the radio.

JS: The first time I heard myself on the radio, I believe, I was in tenth grade. It was a remake of an Usher song. It was actually one o'clock in the morning. I woke up everybody in the house. I just sat down and enjoyed it.

OC: I'm sure people would love to know if you have a girlfriend.

JS: I'm dating but I don't have a girlfriend right now. I love being in a relationship, but you know, I've been busy traveling in the past few months promoting my new album. With my schedules, it's really hard to commit. Right now I'm more focused on school and with my singing career. I'm not into rush to have a relationship. I believe the right person will come along later.

OC: You were called by Prime Time Live a couple of months ago. Tell me how did it go. What did they say they want from you?

JS: I was in Chicago at that time. When we were called, I had the impression that we will be a part of an American Idol Special. When I got there I had no clue what the interview is going to be about. They asked us about how we enjoyed being in the American Idol show and the choices we have to make. Then, all of a sudden, they asked us about if we knew about Paula (Abdul) and Corey (Clark) having an affair. It was a pretty big a "shocker" to me because I had no idea. I told them that Corey was a good guy and I have nothing against him. I told them I really had no idea about the affair. I said that if it did happen, it happened three years ago, and at this point of my life I've moved on after American Idol, and it hadn't really affected me. And if it was a mistake on both their parts they should have known better. I did comment on the show but I think the reason they edited my part because it really has nothing to do with the situation. On my part I think it was good that they did not show it because it's a scandal and they just want to hear the gossip. And what would I get from it? I took my time flying from Chicago to L.A. to do the interview, and back to Chicago to perform with Jocelyn Enriquez. I wished they had told me ahead of time and not called me right in the middle of something because I had so much going on at that time. I wouldn't have done the interview even if they flew us for free.

OC: When Jasmine Trias and Camile Velasco entered the top 12, they got so much attention as "two Hawaiians" who made it to American Idol. In your part, nobody knew you were the first American Idol who hails from Hawaii. Why is this so?

JS: Being in the second season, I think because I had to fly to Los Angeles, while Camille and Jasmine, they were recruited and auditioned in Hawaii. At first nobody knew I was from Hawaii but when was trimmed down to the last 32, the words spread it all like, "There is this guy from Hawaii." With Camile and Jasmine, the media made it a big deal having two contestants both from Hawaii. I haven't met Camile but I actually knew and spoke with Jasmine when we were in a local competition. I haven't talked to her after the (American Idol) show. Hawaii is a very small community and you really have to keep in good connections with people because you always communicate and deal with the same people all the time.

OC: How is Jordan Segundo outside of show-business?

JS: I'm a compassionate, very loving person. I like making people happy and make sure everybody is taken cared of. I have my moods a little bit and I also have a lot of acquaintances but very few friends. I keep those close friendships and I cherish them a lot. At home, I love to sleep. I get irritable if I don't have enough sleep. Usually, if I don't have meetings I always include going to the gym. I love to go surfing (with my brothers). I do voice lessons during the week. I love to cook. I'm a pretty good cook, not much of Filipino foods, because I can eat that at my grandma's. I love experimenting and opening a cookbook and trying out a recipe guide. I try to spend time with my family and go to church. I also love to read books. There was a time in my life that I would shop here and there, but now I learned how to budget my money. I make sure that I only buy things that I need. I'm the second to the eldest among four siblings with one older sister and two more brothers.

OC: What's really life after American Idol?

JS: If you have a dream and there is an opportunity --- just go for it! For me, American Idol is something that helped my career. If there was no American Idol I would still find a way to break into the business. It's going to be a lot of hard work and sacrifice but if you have the drive and determination, it would still be an opportunity. Lost or not, it's all going to be up to you, too. You can't sit at home and wait for things to happen to you. In any career, you have to go on and make it happen for you.

Jordan Segundo's dream did not stop after exiting American Idol. To him it was only the beginning of a brighter future and a lot of reasons to continue singing.

Log on to www.jsegundo.com for more information about this talented guy.

Wala Pa Ring Kupas ang Mga Jukebox Queens!

Kwelang-kwela ang pagpapatawa nina Leah Navarro, Imelda Papin, Eva Eugenio at Claire de la Fuente sa nakaraang "Jukebox Queens" Concerts. Kung nag-enjoy kayo sa "Greatest Hitmakers" nina Rico Puno, Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera, Marco Sison, at Nonoy Zuniga kamakailan ay siguradong mas magugustuhan ninyo ang "ladies" bersyon nito na ginanap nitong Sabado (Mayo 21) sa Grand Olympic Auditorium.

Sa apat, pinakamakulit si Eva Eugenio na napakadaldal pero kaaliw-aliw. Sumakit ang tiyan sa katatawa ng katabi ko. Pasiklaban sa entablado at walang itulak-kabigin sa apat. Pare-parehong hindi nagbago ang mga boses at nakaiigayang marinig muli mula sa apat ang mga klasikong kanta na pinasikat at nagbigay buhay sa era nuong dekada sitenta.

Sa opening fanfare music pa lamang habang ipinapakita sa telon ang mga mukha ng apat ay excited at pumapalakpak na ang mga tao. Sabay-sabay na lumabas ang mga ito habang kumakanta ng "Handog." Um-exit si Leah na kunwari ay may nakitang lalaki sa tabi habang nagkakagulo ang natirang tatlo sa pag-adlib. Kapagkuwa'y tinawag na si Leah, hudyat para mag-solo. Nakapamalit na ito ng terno nang lumabas. "Isang Mundo, Isang Awit" ang masayang banat nito. Pagkatapos ay isinunod ang medley mula sa play na "Tales of the Manuvu" na sinundan ng "Buhay Ng Buhay Ko." Um-exit si Leah pagkatapos ng "Ligaw-Tingin."

Si Claire naman ay nagbigay tribute kay Karen Carpenter sa pamamagitan ng Carpenters medley. Napakasarap pakinggan bawa't segundo ang bersyon ni Claire ng "Yesterday I Heard The Rain". Hiyawan ang mga tao nang kantahin nito ang "Paminsan-Minsan."

Maganda ang pasok ni Eva Eugenio. Masigla itong kumanta ng mga classic tagalog medley na inumpisahan nito ng "Sa Libis Ng Nayon." Pagkatapos ay sumegwey ito ng "Pag-Ibig Na Walang Dangal" at kasunod nito ay "Ano Ang Gagawin Kung Wala Ka Na." Binigyan din nito ng tribute at inim-personate ang mga paborito nitong international singers na sina Connie Francis at Brenda Lee sa pamamagitan ng "Portrait of My Love" at "Love is a Many Splendored Thing."

Broadway songs ang pang-gulat ni Imelda sa una nitong segment (Cabaret, What I Did For Love, Big Spender, Don't Cry For Me Argentina, atbp.). Nagpasalamat si Imelda sa mga tiga-Los Angeles na tumulong sa kanya sa mga nakaraang mga proyekto nito sa Pilipinas, katulad ng milk-feeding program na kung saan ay mayroon 300,000 children na ang kanyang natulungan sa pamamagitan ng kanyang foundation, ang Imelda Papin Foundation. Hindi man nanalo si Imelda sa nakaraang eleksyon ay patuloy pa rin ang pagtulong nito sa mga mahihirap at mga batang nangagailangan. Isinunod ni Imelda ang "Sanlinggong Pag-Ibig" at "Huwag."

Bumalik ang apat at napatayo ang mga tao sa "I Will Survive" at "Those Were The Days." Kanya-kanya nang pasiklaban at patalbugan pagkatapos nito. May porsyon ang apat kung saan magtatanong ng "knock, knock, who's there?" at sasagutin ito sa pamamagitan ng pagkanta at paggamit ng salitang napili. Riot ang dating nito sa madla.

Bago mag-finale, inawit ng bawa't isa ang kani-kanilang signature songs: "Sayang" ang kay Claire, sumunod si Eva - "Tukso," "Bakit" ang kay Imelda, at panghuli ay ang "Kailangan Kita" ni Leah Navarro. Kung nauna si Leah Navarro sa Opening ay pinakahuli naman itong nag-perform ng solo.

Napakasaya ng finale - umindak ang mga tao sa saliw ng VST medley, sabay tawag sa stage ng main producerr nito na si Benny Bautista na hinandugan ng apat ng isang birthday cake. Umakyat ang ibang mga prodyusers para handugan ng mga bulaklak ang apat.

Suma total, perpekto ang pagnamnam ng kanta ng apat sa bawa't kinanta ng mga ito. Maganda ang sound system ng gabing 'yon sa Grand Olympic Auditorium hindi katulad ng ibang mga nagdaang concert na kung hindi ngongo ay sobra sa echo ang iyong maririnig.

Medyo bitin para sa iba (kahit na halos tatlong oras ang tinakbo nito dahil sa mga spiels) dahil sa dami ng hits ng bawa't isa na gusto mong marinig pero hindi ito mga nakanta. Ibinalita sa akin ng prodyuser nito na si Benny Bautista na dahil sa tagumpay at ganda ng concert ay malamang na magkaroon ng ikalawang tour ang apat.

Hindi problema sa prodyuser na si Benny Bautista ang paghahakot ng mga tao sa nakaraang "Jukebox Queens" Concert. Suportado ito ng mga kaibigan, kliyente, at ng mga fans na gustong maaliw at sariwain ang kapanahunan ng apat. Si Benny Bautista ang tinaguriang "King of Ballroom" ng Los Angeles dahil siya ang nagpasimuno ng mga gabi-gabing ballroom dancing sa Los Angeles simula pa nuong 1991. Pinipilahan gabi-gabi ang mga events nito nuong araw hanggang sa mag-concentrate ito sa pagpapalago ng kabuhayan. Kasalukuyang may auto body shop si Benny sa Silverlake Blvd., ang Pacific Trends Car Care Center. Pinatunayan ni Benny Bautista na tangay pa rin nito ang bertud sa pagpro-prodyus.

Sa apat (Imelda Papin, Claire de la Fuente, Eva Eugenio, at Leah Navarro) ay si Imelda ang pinakamadalas mag-concert sa Los Angeles. Nang huling magkaroon ng fund-raising concert si Imelda, sa pamamagitan ng kaibigan nitong si Benny Bautista ay nakalikom si Imelda ng mahigit sampung-libo para sa proyekto nito para sa mga malnourished children. Bukod sa land development business, bisi si Imelda sa sangay ng tourist industry. Kung naghahanap kayo ng murang package papunta ng Boracay, may inter-island flights (Manila-Boracay) at kompletong accommodation packages na maiaalok si Imelda. Bukod sa pagpapaunlad ng tourism ng Red Coconut Resort sa Boracay ay pumasok na rin ito sa cleaning detergents business (soap, detergents, foaming cleaners, dishwashing liquids, powders, atbp.).

Si Leah Navarro ay muling nagbalik sa Pilipinas at nag-concert sa Music Museum pagkatapos ng ilang series of concerts sa Los Angeles nuong 1996. Abala ito ngayon sa pangagasiwa ng mga corporate golf tournaments - ang The Media Summit. Bising-bisi si Leah sa mga events-marketing-PR business, bukod sa pagkakaroon ng talent agency sa Maynila.

Si Claire de la Fuente naman, bukod sa pagiging presidente ng Metro Bus Association of the Philippines ay nakatuklas ng hair-grower formula (gradweyt si Claire ng Business Administration at nagtapos ito sa University of Western Australia). Kasalukuyan itong umaani ng tagumpay. Katunayan marami na itong natulungang mga politician at mga kapwa artista na may problema sa bumbunan o mga nakakalbo.

Kung si Imelda ang pinaka-bagets-looking sa apat, si Eva Eugenio ang pinakakalog at mabiro. Ang half-Ilocana ay abala sa sa sariling recruitment agency nito sa Japan.

Natanong ko kay Ms. Imelda Papin sa presscon kung ano ang latest update tungkol sa kasamahan nila na si Ms. Didith Reyes. Nakapanghihinayang na hindi ito nakasama. Isa si Didith Reyes sa mga singers na hindi malimut-limutan ng madla. Bukod sa may maganda at kaakit-akit na mukha at malamyos nitong tinig ay ibang klase ang dating nito pagdating sa pagpe-perform. Pagkatapos kalingain ni Imelda Papin ang "sultry songstress" ay nahirapan na itong bumalik. Hindi nito natapos ang album na ipo-prodyus sana ni Imelda. Huli nitong nakita ang singer sa San Pedro, Laguna kasama ng nag-iisa nitong anak na lalaki.

Sundan ang iba pang mga larawan mula sa "Jukebox Queens" Concert sa www.picturetrail.com/olivercarnayphotos.

(The “Jukebox Queens” Concert tour is heading to Vallejo, California on June 5, Chicago on June 11, San Diego on June 19, and Hawaii on June 24. A part two of the tour is in the making. Contact 1-323-661-8994 for bookings.)

Michael Copon -- Another Fil-Am Making a Splash in Hollywood

More and more Fil-Am talents are getting visible in the Hollywood scene. Among the recent ones are Ramon de Ocampo ("xXx: State of the Union"), Cher Calvin (KTLA new anchorwoman), LaLaine (WB's new recording artist), Rachel Grant ("Die Another Day," "Swimfan," etc.), Vanessa Minnillio (ET's newest correspondent), and many more.

Adding to the roster of talents is Michael Copon, who is currently on the hit television series, WB's "One Tree Hill." I caught up with this 6 footer- ala-Dean Cain look, at The Vault party of REEBOK on Melrose Ave.

Born on November 13, 1982 (yes, he's a Scorpio!), Michael Sowell Copon, is a product of a German mother (Monica Zelasko) and (very) Filipino father, Berlin Copon (now remarried to a Filipina). "Yeah, I was born in Virginia, you know, my old Filipino grandfather was in the navy," Michael nodded if it's true if he's Half-filipino.

Growing up, his dad taught him the Filipino values and culture. "My favorite food is the classic pansit, chicken adobo (I'm not a pork fan), lumpia, and sinigang! I was overweight and fleshy when I was a kid, eating all this rice, you know I mean? But now, I try to stay away from it. The worst thing my dad made me try is the bagoong and dinuguan. Filipinos are nasty, my dad eats fish-heads, and showed me how to stuck a fish eyeballs and he made me suck it," Michael laughed and added a big 'yuck'! "My aunt owns a Filipino restaurant down in Orange County and I've been there many times. I always hang out with my Filipino friends and cousins in San Diego."

"My (Filipina) step-mom would always tell me, 'You should go to the Philippines, and you'll be a star in a second!' She said I could land a lucrative showbiz career in Manila. I've learned a lot about Manila so much through her and I'm just so excited to go next year --- nice beaches, pretty girls, and I heard houses there are also cheaper. I want to visit my relatives, too," the 6-foot tall hunk continued. (Latest news: Michael Copon is contemplating to visit earlier, probably next month in June 2005. If plans will push through, he'll be escorted by my Filipino mainstream publicist, Rembrandt Flores of Fusion PR.)

Michael moved out to L.A. from his hometown in Chesapeake, Virginia, when he was seventeen. A local photographer spotted him and alerted L.A. Models Agency about his husky looks. Copon has worked for top vendors and commercials such as Pacsun, Skechers, and Old Navy, to name a few. He did a little bit of stand-up comedy back home making friends and old people laugh, doing imitations, as well. He had always been a life of the party in his hometown.

His acting career started in 2001 when he joined as Lucas Kendall, the Blue Time Force Ranger in the highly rated children's television series, Power Rangers, on Fox Kids Network before graduating from Deep Creek High School in his hometown in Virginia.

As a defense football player during mid-school, Michael revealed he was kind of heavier, but playing basketball and other athletic routines keeps him fit and energetic. He feeds his mind by reading a lot of books.

After a modeling gig in Hong Kong, he passed an audition to join the cast of "One Tree Hill," playing a hunky new dude on the block.

Besides being so busy with his acting and modeling schedules, Michael plans to pursue his singing career. In his spare time, he puts his passion in playing instruments, as well as writing and recording songs. Among the cast of OTH, he usually hangs out with Daniella Alonso who plays his sister. At the moment, he's enjoying a break from shooting "One Tree Hill" until his character in the next season is decided.

Samut-Sari:

Paliwanag ng Starmedia

Katatapos lang ng matagumpay na tour ng "Queens on Fire" nina Regine Velasquez at Pops Fernandez. Sa presscon ni Sharon Cuneta, narito ang reaksyon ng presidente ng Starmedia Entertainment na si Ana Co-Puno. Aniya, "I admit that the dancers we got for the L.A. presentation of "Queens on Fire" were not that great, and the reason why we weren't able to add the special effects was, because Grand Olympic Auditorium did not allow us to use the fireworks we were supposed to show." Idinagdag ng seksing prodyuser na hindi pa man siya nakapag-papahinga ay bising-bisi na ito sa inihahandang malaking pagtitipon na itatanghal sa Los Angeles at San Francisco, ang paglulunsad ng GMA 7 Network dito sa California. "The big event will happen at The Forum (July 16, 2005) and Billy Graham Auditorium in San Francisco (July 23, 2005) to be attended by big name stars from GMA 7 network. It will be an exciting event dahil lahat ng malalaking artista ng Siyete ay darating," dagdag pa niya. At mula daw alas-dos ng hapon hanggang gabi ay walang patumanggang kantahan ang mangyayari sa launching ng GMA network sa The Forum. By the way, ang subskripsyon naman ay pamamahalaan ni Edith Montelibano. Magkakaroon ng L.A. press conference tungkol dito.

Sharon, Mahal ng L.A. Press!

Kasalukuyang umaani ng tagumpay ang Mega Concert ni Sharon dito sa Amerika, ayon sa ilang mga kakilala sa mga pagtatanghalan ng Mega Concert Tour 2005, marami na daw ang nag-aabang sa concert nito sa kani-kanilang lugar.

Sa totoo lang, hindi ang katabaan ni Sharon ang natatak sa isipan ng media sa nakaraang press conference ni Sharon Cuneta sa Radisson Hotel sa Culver City, kundi ang pagiging humble at ang pagka-masayahing kausap nito sa lahat. Bilib ang press people sa pagka-matandain sa pangalan ni Sharon. Ang kabaitan nito at pagiging down-to-earth ang lalong ikina-bilib ng press sa kanya. Napakasaya palang tao ni Shawie at laging nakabungisngis.

Nagtawanan ang mga tao nang tanungin siya kung ano pa ang mahihiling niya, samantalang halos nasa kanya na ang lahat ng bagay na puwedeng mahiling sa buhay --- "to get my old figure back!" ang turing niya, sabay bungisngis. "I know the responsibility of being a celebrity because I owe it to the people. Although, I don't feel miserable at all, I am very happy right now for all the blessings God has given me. I am on a strict diet and I intend to finish my goal to lose more pounds."

Makakasama ni Sharon sina Ogie Alcasid, Robert Seña, at Fe delos Reyes sa tour. Tanong kung ano ang inaasahan sa concert na ito: "When I perform I don't sing only, because it's not about singing only, but I want it to be a great experience to me and for everybody. All my hits will be included as well as songs with Ogie and Robert. We've prepared something you'll enjoy and it will be an experience," Sharon promised.

Kasama ni Sharon sa presscon si Sen. Kiko Pangilinan na enjoy din sa pagpapakuha kasama ng mga imbitadong press at sponsors.

"The Great Raid" Pushed Up to August 12, 2005

According to Heather, my contact at Miramax Films, The Great Raid has been "unofficially" pushed up from December 2nd to August 12, 2005. The Great Raid stars Benjamin Bratt, James Franco, and many Filipino actors, including Cesar Montano in a very important role. Set in the Philippines in 1945, The Great Raid tells the true story of the 6th Ranger Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Henry Mucci (Benjamin Bratt) who undertake a daring rescue mission against all odds. Traveling thirty miles behind enemy lines, the 6th Ranger Battalion aims to liberate over 500 American prisoners-of-war from the notorious Cabanatuan Japanese POW camp in the most audacious rescue ever.

About OLIVER CARNAY

With more than a decade of experience in the entertainment industry OLIVER CARNAY is an accomplished international Fil-Am writer, Publicist, Talent Manager, Project Consultant, Booking Agent, Event Organzer, Photographer, Concert Line-Producer, movie associate producer, and Concert Booking Agent.

Oliver has written for major publications, domestic and international, including Asian Journal Publications (www.asianjournal.com), BALITA MEDIA, INC. ("Balita USA", "Weekend Balita" and "Go4Women Magazine," available online at www.balita.com/ and www.Go4Women.com), ASIAN-AMERICAN PEOPLE'S JOURNAL (circulated in northern and southern part of California), Philippine and other Asian Headline newspaper - circulated in Sacramento, San Francisco and its vicinities) also published in northern and southern parts of California.

In San Diego: FAME Magazine and PHILIPPINES TODAY. In New York / New Jersey he writes an entertainment column for CAROUSEL PINOY ENTERTAINMENT (www.carouselpinoy.com). He is a contributor for BUZZINE Magazine (www.buzzine.com), AUDREY Magazine (www.audreymagazine.com), www.siklab.com, PARA TODOS Magazine, and other L.A. based publications.

He is the Los Angeles correspondent of Global Pinoy Entertainment Corporation (GPEC) which publishes S Magazine (circulated in Manila, all over the United States and Europe) and PINOY GAZETTE (published in Hong Kong and Japan.

He is an active member of the National Press Photography Association (N.P.P.A.), Press Photography Association of Greater Los Angeles (P.P.A.G.L.A.-see www.ppagla.org for member listings), and is under the directory list of the Motion Picture Association of America (M.P.A.A.) covering movie Premieres, junkets, and other major Hollywood events.

Oliver is the Publisher of www.HollywoodFLIP.com, an online entertainment newswire magazine. Always a pioneer in bringing first rate news about Fil-Am talents in Hollywood as well as introducing them to the Filipinos and Fil-Am communities in the U.S. and in the Philippines.

Oliver Carnay is the proprietor of International Artists Production Company established in 1995 where he had produced, directed concerts and stage plays.

Oliver Carnay is in full blast as a Talent Manager and Publicist. He is the proprietor of International Artists PR & Talent Management (www.iatalent.com), a full-service publicity and talent marketing company, which represents a roster of multi-ethnic actors, musicians, directors, writers, and other celebrated artists in Hollywood. Oliver Carnay takes pride in being a member of the Talent Managers Association (www.talentmanagers.org). Email at Oliver@iatalent.com

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