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Photos: 21st Phil-Am Friendship Day Festival

jose — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:00:53 +0000

The 21st Philippine-American Friendship Day Festival was a huge success, as thousands of Filipinos from the east coast gathered at Lincoln Park on West Side, Jersey City to celebrate and socialize.

The revelers enjoyed various performances from local artists. Tiffany Viray, 14, of Bayonne entertained the crowd with her song numbers. Last year’s winners and finalists of Filipino Idol 2010 such as April Vera, Seven Odon, and Alyssa Shoemaker were also in attendance.

The location and the weather were also perfect. The “green” scenery and the shades of the trees provided more comfort to the people who enjoyed lots of food as well!

PAFCOM also held the annual Filipino Idol contest. Gail Banawis of New York emerged as the winner, beating three other finalists with her own version of the musical “Aida”.

Follow the link for Filipino Idol 2011

Event Pictures:

Below are some of the images of the event, which include performances from local artists, and from popular celebrities from the Philippines: Iza Calzado, Aljur Abrenica, Jennelyn Mercado, and Mark Bautista. (Sorry fans of Mark Bautista, as there are no performance photos of him …. I had to leave before he got on stage).

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I missed the parade, so visit nj.com to check out the pictures.

Gail Banawis: Filipino Idol 2011

jose — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:31:48 +0000

Gail Banawis, a New York resident, is the new Filipino Idol. Banawis wowed the crowd of thousands at Lincoln Park on West Side Avenue with her own rendition of “Aida”.

Asked why she picked the song, Gail said that she wanted to deliver a song that has full of emotions. “The song matches your voice and style.” Compser Dodgie Simon – one of the three judges – told her. “You were able to show the emotions perfectly.”

Filipino Idol, now on its 11th year, is an annual amateur singing contest patterned after the famous American Idol. It is one of the highlights of the annual Philippine-American Friendship Day Grand Parade and Festival.

The winners:

Gail Banawis – 1st Place (“Aida”)
Jennifer Balaquit – 2nd Place (“Ikaw”)
Mahal Reyna Wilson – 3rd Place (“Someone Like You”)
Apollo Riego – 4th Place (“Human Nature”)

Photo Gallery:

Please click on the thumbnail below to read the description for more details.

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Congratulations Gail Banawis, and to the rest of the finalists!

21st Philippine American Friendship Day Parade 2011

jose — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 20:06:54 +0000

[UPDATE] Follow the link for photos of Philippine-American Friendship Day 2011 Festival

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Tomorrow (June 26, 2011) is the 21st Philippine-American Friendship Day 2011 in Jersey City. The parade will kick off at West Side Avenue and Claremont Avenues, ending at Lincoln Park. Like always, there will be colorful floats and marching bands, street fair, and top celebrities from the Philippines.

21st Philippine American Friendship Day and Parade
Description: event, parade, festival
When: June 26, 2011 Sunday at noon
Where: West Side and Claremont Avenues, then parade ends at Lincoln Park

Unlike previous celebrations though, there will be no Filipino Idol in this year’s festivities. However, thousands of Filipinos from the tri-state area will still enjoy the performances of local artists like Kirby Asunto, Nina Waga Mojares, Craig and Samantha Abaya Campos, Alyssa Shoemaker, Maureen Varco and Tiffany Viray.

Several celebrities will be in attendance, including CBS 2 news anchor Kristine Johnson. The festival will not be complete without the presence of Philippines’ popular celebrities such as Iza Calzado, Mark Bautista, Jennylyn Mercado and Aljur Abrenica.

Weather Forecast / Survival Tips

It looks like it is going to be a beautiful day tomorrow! The temperature will be in the high-70′s, with a few clouds, which is very good during the parade.

Parking: there is a small parking space at Lincoln Park, next to the basketball court. But it is not enough for thousands of people gathering for the event. West Side street parking is preferable, or the boulevard (JFK) if you want to go further east, which means long walk.

Outfit and others: Bring extra-shirt, wear shorts, and put the sneakers on if you don’t like wearing slip-ons. You could also use a hat and a pair of sunglasses especially under the scorching sun. A bottle of water is nice to beat the heat. (Last year, bottles of ice cold water were free!) Of course, bring some extra cash, as you might be tempted to buy something there, like the FOOD! Bring a decent camera for posterity!

See you all there!

Soon-to-Open: Jollibee Jersey City (Restaurant and Fast Food)

jose — Tue, 31 May 2011 20:30:54 +0000

[UPDATE: July 5, 2011] The opening date of Jollibee Jersey City will be on the first week of September this year, according to their facebook page. Thanks to those who emailed me.

[Original Post: May 31, 2011] The most popular fast-food chain in the Philippines is finally coming to Jersey City. Jollibee Fast-food/Restaurant will be opening its door to Filipinos in Jersey City soon! ~~It is set to open July 1st if the rumors are correct~~.

Jollibee Jersey City
Description: Fast food, restaurant, breakfast, lunch, dinner, sandwich, chicken, Filipino Food
Where: Danforth Plaza, Jersey City
Address: 393 Danforth Avenue, Jersey City 07305

This is like a dream-come-true to me. I know Pinoys here in JC have been wanting a Jollibee that is not as far as the one in New York, and we finally got one! Jollibee Jersey City is the second one in the East Coast.

Jollibee has been hiring crew starting last April, and they will have one more on June 4, 2011, Saturday, according to its Facebook Page.

What’s your favorite Jollibee food? I’ve been craving for a 2-piece Burger Steak with extra steak sauce. Yummy!

Photos: 33rd Filipino Santacruzan 2011 in Downtown Jersey City

jose — Mon, 30 May 2011 23:35:58 +0000

On May 29, 2011, Filipinos in Jersey City gathered in Downtown, Jersey City for the 33rd Annual Santacruzan and Street Fair to honor The Blessed Virgin Mary. The event started at 10AM with street fair, but the highlight was the Santacruzan Procession – a religious parade celebrating the month of May — Virgin Mary’s month.

After the Holy Mass at St. Mary’s Church, the participants of the procession assembled outside to start the parade around the area. Unlike last year, the procession started a little bit late. Revelers enjoyed the rest of the afternoon watching on stage performances.

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33rd Annual Santacruzan and Street Fair in Jersey City

jose — Fri, 27 May 2011 18:03:21 +0000

This Sunday is the 33rd Santacruzan 2011 / Flores de Mayo and Street Fair. The annual celebration – organized by Catholic Action of Mary (CAM) in partnership with Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League (PACCAL) – is an “all-day” festivities with entertainment following the Holy Mass and procession.

33rd Santacruzan / Flores de Mayo & Street Fair 2011
When: May 29, 2011 Sunday
Where: Manila Ave & Second St. Jersey City NJ
Schedule of Activities: Street Fair – 10am – 9pm
Mass – 2:30 pm at St. Mary’s Church (Second & Erie Sts.) the Procession to follow immediately after Mass.
Performances – 12-2:30pm & 5-9pm youth dance at Marian Hall following performances until 11pm
From the Press release….

…The Filipino tradition of Santacruzan is a religious commemoration of the finding of the True Cross by the Emperatriz (thus, Reyna Elena) mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine who, in the Edict of Milan in 313, legalized Christianity. This paved the way for its spread throughout the world. But it is also the celebration of the Spanish springtime tradition of Flores de Mayo dedicated to the Blessed Mother with offerings of flowers and festive processions….

….CAM, in community partnership with the Pan American Concerned Citizens Action League, Inc. (PACCAL) will be celebrating Santacruzan Day with it’s street fair, now in it’s 5 th year. (www.paccal.org)The 33rd Santacruzan & Street Fair 2011 has grown to become one of the largest gatherings of Filipino’s here in the Northeast, USA attracting young and old by the thousands. It will be an all day event complete with over 50 vendors: flea market type, food concessions, booths for non-profit organizations, businesses, sponsors and all day games, prizes and activities for the children….

CAM Announces Sponsors & Ent. Line Up

See you all on Sunday!

Join the forum discussion on this post

Vera, Odon, Filipino Idols 2010

jose — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 23:50:46 +0000

April Vera, 25, a working student from northern New Jersey is the new Filipino Idol (Adult Category). Singing “Flat on the Floor” by Carrie Underwood, Vera captivated the crowd and the judges, by her dynamic style.

Out of six finalists, Vera was triumphant also because of the song she chose. The judges commended her especially her strong voice and stage presence. When yours truly asked why she picked the song, she said it matches her strong voice, and “I simply love it!” she said. (ed. Sounds like she really knew her strengths)

In the “Bulilit” (Kids) Category, Regene “Seven” Odon, bags the first ever Filipino Idol for Bulilit Category title.

Filipino Idol, now on its 10th year, is an annual amateur singing contest patterned after the famous American Idol. It is one of the highlights of the annual Philippine-American Friendship Day Grand Parade and Festival. This year’s edition featured the first ever “Bulilit” division.

The event was held at Hudson Bergen Light Rail Station Parking Lot.

The Adult Category winners: Jim Diego, April Vera, Armi Piamonte

The Kids Category Winners: Giselle Gonzales, Alyssa Shoemaker, Regene "Seven" Odon

The Winners:

Adult Category

1st Place – April Vera
2nd Place – Jim Diego
3rd Place – Armi Piamonte

Bulilit (Kids) Category

1st Place – Regene “Seven” Odon
2nd Place – Alyssa Shoemaker
3rd Place – Giselle Gonzales

Contest Chairman Mr. Hector Magno (left) with Filipino Idol 2010 Finalists

Congratulations to all the winners!

Filipino Idol 2010 Grand Finals Photos

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THE PANEL OF JUDGES (as submitted by PAFCOM)

Dennis Sy – Lead Male Singer/Songwriter for Chapter 2
Dennis was a member of the NY singing group ALIBATA before embarking on various solo performances. He had 2 solo concerts in NY, front-acted for Banig at her City Center concert, a guest performer at Kuh Ledesma’s Atlantic City show, and has performed with Dawn Dineros and Jennifer Cuneta at a Valentines show. He recorded and released a CD entitled COLOURS in 1998.

His original song “REAL ME” was nominated for SONG OF THE YEAR (Triple A Category) at the 2006 LA MUSIC AWARDS.

In line with the recent May 10, 2010 Philippine elections – he spearheaded a grand scale collaboration of Fil-Am artists in NY and NJ in performing an updated version of the classic song HANDOG NG PILIPINO SA MUNDO written by Mr. Jim Paredes of APO. This video, dubbed HANDOG NY PILIPINO SA MUNDO 2010 – The Halalan Version, immediately went viral on Youtube upon its release 2 weeks before the elections, and still continues to receive a healthy number of hits and garner rave reviews from those of have viewed it.

Brian Jose
Brian Jose has been an actor in NYC for the past 13 years.

Most notably, Brian has been seen in the last National Tour of Miss Saigon, and most recently Off Broadway in Prospect Theatre’s HONOR and as “Ninoy Aquino” in Pan Asian Rep’s IMELDA: A NEW MUSICAL.

Brian is also a co-founder of Broadway Barkada, a collective of professional performers, the aim of which is to promote and deepen our sense of Filipino pride and community through artistic means. He is a proud member of the Actors Equity Association and Screen Actors Guild.

Rosemarie Flores
Rosemarie Flores is a Jersey City based soprano Rosemarie Flores graduated from New Jersey City University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Business specializing in classical voice. Rosemarie is best known for her strong, full lyric soprano voice and engaging stage presence. She currently studies with Arturo Spinetti in New Jersey and is active as a soloist, recitalist and ensemble singer. Rosemarie has attended many workshops and master classes including the Westchester Summer Vocal Institute with Sherry Overholt and the Opera Acting Workshop with Isabel Milenski. She is a member of the Saint Dominic Academy Women’s Choir where she is a soloist, section leader and Marketing Officer. In 2007, as a soloist, she recorded with the Saint Dominic Academy Women’s Choir and helped produce Voices of Winter, their debut album. Rosemarie also cantors for the Our Lady of Victories Church where she performs for all major functions. In addition to her vocal endeavors, Rosemarie is an accomplished Philippine folk dancer, graphic artist and makeup artist. And not to let the Music Business degree go to waste, she is currently the Outbound Sales and Surveys Manager at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center located in Newark, New Jersey.

Photos: 20th Philippine-American Friendship Day Parade

jose — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 18:36:54 +0000

Actress Rhian Ramos blowing bubbles on their float. With her are co-actors Mark Herras and Kris Bernal (both not in the pic)

[UPDATE 11:45PM] All photos are in. Enjoy!

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Young Filipino actors/actresses from GMA-7 station starred the 20th Philippine-American Friendship Day Parade organized by Philippine-American Friendship Committee (PAFCOM).

Rejoice For God The Greatest Artist Acting Group

The event started at Lincoln Park where various Filipino groups and businesses from Jersey City, NJ, and NY assembled. The parade of groups, marching bands, floats ended at Hudson Bergen Light Rail Station Parking Lot at the corner of Claremont Avenue and West Side Avenue, Jersey City.

PAFCOM officials with Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy (middle)

The Filipino Festival is still on-going, and More activities and events are expected to happen, which include on-stage performances and the annual Grand Finals of Filipino Idol.

2010 Phil-Am Friendship Day FESTIVAL

24 Photos

20th Phil-American Friendship Day Parade

34 Photos

Filipino Idol 2010 Grand Finals

33 Photos

Results: Filipino Idol 2010 Audition in Jersey City

jose — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 04:45:35 +0000

[UPDATE: June 27, 2010] Vera, Odon, Filipino Idols 2010

[Original Post: June 13, 2010]

June 12, 2010, Jersey City – Eight adults and four children advance to the Grand Finals of Filipino Idol 2010 which will be held on June 27, 2010 during the 20th Annual Philippine-American Friendship Day Parade and Festival at Hudson Bergen Light Rail Station.

Each candidate impressed the judges during the audition which took place at Five Corners Branch Library on Newark Avenue. The judges and the audience witnessed a variety of song interpretations, including some acapella, an acoustic, and even a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. The kids are amazing, they sing “like a pro” as the emcee (Jonathan) put it.

In the end, though, there will only be two winners.

This year’s Filipino Idol competition is categorized into two: the adult category and the experimental “bulilit” (kids) category. They will showcase their talent on the big stage in front of a huge crowd and judges who are professionals in the world of entertainment. Winners of each category will receive cash prizes and prestigious recognition.

Using her cellular phone, a lady in the audience records a performance of one of the singers

Hector Magno, Chair of Filipino Idol Competition, was delighted to see non-Filipino candidates. “Maybe we should name the competition ‘Fil-Am Idol’ (ed: Filipino-American) next year.”

Not a bad idea, if you ask this blogger. After all, Filipino Idol competition is the highlight of the Philippine-American Friendship Day Grand Parade.

The Finalists:

Kids category (age 7-12)

Alyssa Shoemaker
Giselle Gonzales
Jade Rhodes
Regene “Seven” Odon

Adult Category (age 16-35) + their audition songs

April Vera (25) – “Hurt Me”
Armi Piamonte (21) – “On My Own” (Acapella version)
Bryan De Leon (28) – “Iris” (Acoustic version)
Chelsea Evangelista (18) – “I Believe”
Imani Hightower (15) – “Dance with the Rope” (Acapella version)
Jim Diego (26) – “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”
Joyce Hightower (35) – “Star-spangled Banner”
Marjorie Perlas (20) – “I Told You So”

Cash Prizes:

Kids – $300 (1st), $200 (2nd), $100 (3rd)
Adults - $500 (1st), $300 (2nd), $200 (3rd)

Finalists in Action

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20th Philippine-American Friendship Day and Grand Parade

jose — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 21:01:42 +0000

Filipino Families and friends here in Jersey City and East Coast US, join PAFCOM in the celebration of 62 years of friendship between the Philippines and the United States of America during the annual Philippine-American Friendship Day 20th Grand Parade.

Philippine-American Friendship Day 20th Grand Parade
Where: From Lincoln Park to Hudson Bergen Light Rail Station Parking Lot
When: Sunday, June 27, 2010 from 8:45AM – 6PM
Organizers: PAFCOM

View Larger Map

Unlike the previous years, this year’s festivities will take a different parade route and a new festival venue. The event will start with a Thanksgiving mass at St. Aloysius Church. Parade participants will assemble at Lincoln Park (West Side Avenue and Belmont Avenue) and will march to the festival venue via West Side Avenue. In the past, the parade kicked off on Montgomery Street (in McGinley Square area) or in Downtown Jersey City before arriving in Exchange Place.

Not anymore.

William “Bong” Pineda, the 2010 PAFCOM Overall Chairperson, said during an informal interview that this year’s event will take place in a bigger venue: The Hudson Bergen Light Rail Station Parking Lot (West Side Avenue and Claremont Avenue). “The place will be more accessible to Filipinos, and more parking space will be available.” he added.

As always, expect a lot of fun during this day-long event. There will be marching bands and fascinating floats in the parade; cultural shows, games and contests; flea market, booths and exhibits; the Grand Finals of 2010 Filipino Idol; and many more.

PAFCOM will also feature famous celebrities from the Philippines: Rhian Ramos, Mark Herras, Kris Bernal, and Rocco Nacino of GMA Pinoy TV will entertain Filipino crowd and will make them feel at “home” with their performances.

Schedule of Events
8:15 am – Mass at St. Aloysius Church (West Side Ave and Belmont Ave.)
9:00 am – Parade Assembly at Lincoln Park
10:30 am- Opening Ceremony/Parade kicks off (Lincoln Park to Hudson Bergen Light Rail Station via West Side Ave)
11:00 am – 6:00 pm – Cultural/Musical/Variety Show and Street Fair at HBLR Parking Lot.

Contact Information

Mass
Rosita Merciadez (201)913-7975

Parade
Vice Overall Chair for Parade Arnel Binlayo – (201)993-3959
Parade Chair Nelsie Parrado – (201)960-7965
Parade Co-Chair Jenny Vi Niguidula – (917)678-0309

Festival, Cultural/Musical/Variety Show, Street Fair
Overall Vice Chair for Festival Ludy Corrales – (908)693-4277
Festival Co-Chairs Helen Castillo – (908)693-4277 | Hector Magno – (908)229-0155
Booths and Exhibits Co-Chairs Tom Simba and Mila Simba – (201)434-2933