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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

[Show as slideshow]

Filipino Idol 2010 Audition Now Open

jose — Tue, 04 May 2010 16:59:45 +0000

[UPDATE] Follow the link for the results of Filipino Idol 2010 Audition.

————

[Original Post: May 4, 2010] Filipino Idol is back! Now in its 9th season, organizers of the singing competition adds new category to the contest: the BULILIT Category. Kids between 7 and 12 years old now have a chance to be discovered at a very young age!

Read the details after the jump…

Unlike the previous eight years, PAFCOM will start the audition at 11AM to accommodate the younger participants. Kids and adults who are planning to join should register on or before June 5, 2010 to be able to audition.

Finalists will advance to the Grand Finals, which will highlight the annual Philippine-American Friendship Day on June 27, 2010 (Sunday) at Exchange Place in Downtown, Jersey City. Cash prizes await the winners of the event.

Act fast and make the call now if you are planning to join. You may also email Mr. Hector Magno at magnopi@yahoo.com if you have questions about the competition. Tell PAFCOM officials that you learned about the event from this site. Also, if you have Pinoy/Pinay friends interested in this event, please do forward this post to them.

See you all at the audition!

Filipino Idol 2010 Audition
Description: Singing Contest for Kids (7-12 yrs old) and adults (16-35 yrs old)
When: Saturday, June 12, 2010 (11AM Sharp)
Where: Five Corners Library Auditorium | Map
Address: 678 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (off of Five Corners)
Contact: Hector Magno at (908)229-0155 (magnopi@yahoo.com) | Helen Castillo at (201)920-9441 | Rosemarie Flores at (201)709-8913

Follow the link for the coverage of last year’s Filipino Idol 2009 Audition.

Rising Tide Capital Orientation For Business-Minded Filipinos

jose — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 04:10:38 +0000

Rising Tide Capital, Inc. is inviting all Filipinos in Jersey City to attend their FREE orientation this coming Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Five Corners Library on Newark Avenue. So if you’re planning or thinking of starting your own business but you don’t know how, give this orientation a shot. RSVP now if you are interested, as space is limited.

Orientation: Learn how to Start and Grow a Successful Business!
Description: Event/Orientation
When: April 17, 2010 2PM – 3PM
Where: Five Corners Library (Mildred H. Hunke Auditorium)
Address: 678 Newark Avenue, Jersey City (just off of Five Corners)
Contact: RSVP 201-432-4316

More after the jump…

The Community Business Academy is:
• A 11-week course offering hands-on training in business planning & management.
• Classes held once a week in Jersey City—at night, during the day, or on the weekend.
• Learn business fundamentals like budgeting, marketing, bookkeeping, and financing.
• Graduates receive year-round one-on-one guidance from business experts.
• Currently, classes are taught in English

About Rising Tide Capital

Rising Tide Capital assists struggling entrepreneurs and communities to build successful businesses that transform lives, strengthen families and create thriving, sustainable neighborhoods. We are committed to expanding economic opportunity by providing the highest quality small business management, planning and coaching support. For more information, please visit us at www.RisingTideCapital.org.

Follow the link to download the flyer.

[Filipino Play in JC] “Sunrise, Sunset: Looking for William”

jose — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:20:52 +0000

This Saturday at Five Corners Library on Newark Avenue, Jersey City, the Pan American Concerned Citizen’s Action League, Inc. (PACCAL) is staging the play “Sunrise, Sunset: Looking for William” — written and directed by Filipino playwright Florentino Aquino Capili.

“Looking for William” is Mr. Capili’s 21st play, which was first staged here in Jersey City in March 2004 under the auspices of the Philippine-American Friendship Committee (PAFCOM); it was staged two more times, one in New York (2004), and the other in Bergen County, NJ (2005).

The play impressed the two-time Palanca* winner Dr. Jorshinelle Taleon-Sonza. She wrote in her review: “…Capili masterfully interweaves the broad social canvas with the everyday life and history with personal, intimate moments…”

During the Press Conference last October 16, 2009 at the PACCAL headquarter, Mr. Capili stated that one of his objectives is to increase the awareness of the Filipinos about their history and everyday experiences. He also mentioned that his focus is the involvement Filipino youths who grew up here in America.

Mr. Florentino Aquino Capili during the Press Conference last month.

I haven’t seen this play yet, but found it very interesting: Who is William? Why is he missing?

Historical figures such as the late President Corazon Aquino and Jaime Cardinal Sin will come to life in this play (see poster above). You don’t want to miss this out, so come and watch this play, as this might be its last staging.

Sunrise, Sunset: Looking for William
Description: Stage Play
Where: Five Corners Branch Library Auditorium
Address: 678 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
When: November 07, 2009 2PM

For more information, please call Linda Mayo: 201 388-1260; Betty Buenviaje: 973 220-2765; Rose Javier: 201 993-8815; Rudy Nicolas – 201 988 1799; and the Jersey City Five Corners Library: 201-547-4543

Organizers and Cast of Sunrise, Sunset: Looking for William

The cast and organizers of the play in no particular order:

Rudy Nicolas, Annie Tan, Vess Medinaceli, Marilou Songco, Ruth Sa-Onoy, Betty Buenviaje, Linda Mayo, Joey Mayo, Rovei Fhel Balanzat, Jose Alberto Diaz, Nicole Caballero, Julian Alexander Nakar, Rom Julian Lipa, Mark Angelo Lladas, Khrystine Capili, Tino Aq. Capili and Virgie Alvarez, Susan Pensoy, Racielle Anne Lipa, Paul Vincent Castillo, Rosalinda Rupel, Cherry Ann Castillo, and Schenley Anne Lipa

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* Palanca Awards – The Palanca Awards or Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature is the Philippines’ most prestigious and most enduring literary awards and is dubbed as the “Pulitzer Prize” of the Philippines. It is one of the Philippines’ most prestigious and long-running award giving bodies. From wikipedia.

How to Help Typhoon Ondoy Victims in the Philippines

jose — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:26:18 +0000

Want to help the Typhoon Ondoy victims but don’t know where to send your donations here in Jersey City? There are actually various groups organizing relief efforts and fundraising events to help our fellow Filipinos back in the Philippines. One of them is “Bayan Mo“, sponsored by Nosaj Entertainment and Cassanova Entertainment.

“Bayan Mo!” is a fundraising event where you can spend an afternoon of live music and entertainment at Fiesta Grill (West Side Avenue and Montgomery Street, Jersey City). Everyone is invited and encouraged to bring monetary donations and goods. Monetary proceeds will be sent thru ABS-CBN foundation while goods will be shipped via LBC. Entertainers, singers/bands, performers are also invited to share their talent, so if you know one, send them the details below:

Bayan Mo!
Description: Fundraising event to benefit the victims of Typhoon Ondoy!
When: Sunday, Oct 4 from 12 noon to 4pm only.
Where: Fiesta Grill – 813 Westside Ave., Jersey City, NJ (Parking across the street)
Contact: (551)998-6020 (Jason) or (917)656 9443 (Joey) | (646)643-6611 or (973)970-9443

In line with this, three Pinoy groups in New Jersey — Anakbayan New Jersey/New York Chapter, NAFCON and SANDIWA — combined forces in organizing community relief drive to deliver badly needed relief goods to our most affected brothers and sister in the Philippines. They are also accepting cash, goods, clothing, and any kind of help for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

First batch of monetary donations are due tomorrow, October 3rd. First batch of “in-kind” donations are due October 15.

You may send your donations to the following drop-off points:
1) Sinugba Cafe – 561 Westside Ave. Jersey City, NJ 07304
2) Casa Victoria – 691 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
3) Fil-Am Food Mart – 685 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306

Visit their facebook group page called “BAYANIHAN for the Victims of Typhoon Ondoy” for more information.

Results: Filipino Idol 2009 AUDITION in Jersey City

jose — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:51:59 +0000

Filipino Idol 2009 Finalists

[UDPATE: June 28, 2009] Balahadia wins Filipino Idol 2009

[Original Post: June 16, 2009] The results of Filipino Idol 2009 Audition are in. Out of 13 participants who auditioned last Saturday (June 13, 2009) at Five Corners Branch Library in Journal Square area of Jersey City, six (6) were picked to advance to the Grand Finals which will be held at Exchange Place Plaza (by the waterfront) in Downtown, Jersey City. Along with last year’s finalists, they will all vie for the title of Filipino Idol 2009.

Continue reading the rest …

2009 Participants in Action:

Like previous year’s auditions, this year was participated by Filipinos from across New Jersey and other East-Coast states as far as New York and Virginia. The collection of talents were either students, professionals, or both. Five (5) of last year’s Finalists were also in attendance.

PAFCOM Chairperson Hector Magno said that this year’s Grand Finals will be very tough to judge. “Good thing I won’t be judging in the Finals.” Mr. Magno joked as the results of the audition were computed. Mr. Magno also added that professional in the field of music and arts will be invited to judge in the Finals, and he warned the Finalists that comments will be made after each Finalist’s performance, similar to American Idol.

Before the results were announced, Filipino Idol 2009 Chairwoman Rosemarie Flores thanked all the participants. “If you didn’t make it, please don’t be discouraged…” She added that participants should keep on honing their skills, and join in the next auditions as Filipino Idol will be here for many more years to come.

The Finalists: (alphabetically arranged)

Last year’s Filipino Idol Grand Finals was cancelled due to the hurricane that cut the festival short. As a result, finalists from last year will automatically advance to this year’s event. Below is the list of finalists from 2008 and 2009 auditions:

NOTE TO THE FINALISTS: Mr. Hector Magno will be contacting you via email for pointers and tips and other information; Please do arrive early (3PM the latest) on the day of the competition and bring entourage to help you with preparation. Dress Code: Sunday dress; no jeans, T-shirts, or sneakers. Finalists should label their CDs with their names. No duplication of songs. Finalists encouraged to submit title of song ASAP (1st come, 1st served basis) by e-mailing, or calling Hector Magno, (magnopi@yahoo.com), 908-229-0155; or Rosemarie Flores (rosemarie.flores@gmail.com).

CASH PRIZES:

1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $300
3rd Place: $200

Who is your favorite Finalist?

Vote below and show your support to them! (Poll is not scientific, and will not affect the outcome of the Finals)

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Good luck to all the Filipino Idol 2009 Finalists and see you at the Philippine-American Friendship Day Parade!

Filipino Idol 2009 Audition in Jersey City

jose — Wed, 13 May 2009 01:53:42 +0000

Audition will be held at Five Corners Library

[UPDATE: June 16, 2009]

See results of auditions HERE.

—–

[Original Post: May 12, 2009]

All Pinoys (between 16 and 30 years old) with talent in singing listen up: FILIPINO IDOL IS BACK! Here’s your chance to show your talent to the Filipino community not only in Jersey City, but also in the entire state!

Filipino Idol 2009 Audition
Description: Performance, Audition, Contest
When: June 13, 2009 1PM – 5PM
Where: Five Corners Library – 678 Newark Avenue, Jersey City 07306 | Map
Contact: Hector Magno (908)229-0155, Rosemarie Flores (201)709-8913, or Helen Castillo (201)920-9441

Read the rest for more information and press release …

A month from now, PAFCOM will hold the annual Filipino Idol Audition, which is still going strong in its 8th year, at Five Corners Library on Newark Avenue, Jersey City.

Selected participants will advance to the Grand Finals along with last year’s finalists and will have a chance to win cash prize – and of course a chance to be “discovered” and become famous in the music industry. The competition will serve as the finale of the day-long festival slated for June 28, 2009 to commemorate Friendship Day in Exchange Place Plaza in Jersey City.

So don’t waste time: act fast. Slots are limited so pick up the phone and dial the numbers below. Tell PAFCOM officials that you learned about the event from this site. If you have Pinoy/Pinay friends interested in this event, please do forward this post to them. See you at the audition!

Press Release:

PAFCOM HOLDS FILIPINO IDOL AUDITION

The Jersey City-based Philippine-American Friendship Committee, Inc. (PAFCOM) will once again hold their annual Filipino Idol Singing Competition, which is now in its 8^th year. The competition will serve as the finale of the day-long festival slated for June 28, 2009 to commemorate Friendship Day in Exchange Place Plaza in Jersey City. Application is now accepted for those amateur singers who wish to join the contest. Audition will be conducted on June 13 at 1 PM at the 5-Corners Jersey City Library located at the corner of Newark and Summit Avenues. Contestants must bring their minus one CD tapes. Prizes at stake are $500, $300, and $200 for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd placers. For information, call Hector Magno, 908 229-0155, Rosemarie Flores, 201 709-8913, or Helen Castillo, 201 920-9441. Please call early as there are only limited spots left.

Filipinos Be Aware: Immigration Under Obama, Same or Change?

jose — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:18:11 +0000

Philippine Forum together with May 1st Coalition and International Migrants’ Alliance (IMA), organized some sort of an awareness talk that will discuss immigration issues under President Barack Obama’s government. Will he change some rules for the better, or will it stay the same?

So if you want to learn more about immigration, or have some doubts about it, save the date (May 02, 2009) and attend the forum.

Immigration Under Obama: Change or More of the Same?
Description: Discussion, Forum, Immigration Issues
Where: Five Corners Branch Library
Address: 678 Newark Avenue, Jersey City NJ 07306
Date: May 2, 2009 1PM – 5PM
Contact: 917-476-7855
Web: PDF Flyer

Filipino Veteran Jose Genito and Others Receive Dues

jose — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:12:45 +0000

Great news to all surviving Filipino veterans who fought for the Americans against the Japanese during Word War II. Pinoy Vets were offered benefits for being US allies, but were disqualified for most of the benefits when the U.S Congress passed the Rescission Act of 1946, which stripped them of the said benefits.

However, a stimulus package was signed by President Barack Obama, which allows Genito and others to receive their dues.

Jose Genito lives on Cottage Street – in Journal Square area of Jersey City – with his wife Justa

OVERDUE PAY
Filipino vets will finally get WWII monies
Monday, March 02, 2009
By TOM SHORTELL
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

For nearly three years, Jersey City resident Jose Genito fought the Japanese as a guerrilla soldier in his native Philippines. In 1944, the Filipino government presented him with a bronze star for risking his life to carry his wounded commander out of the line of fire.

“That was my duty as a Filipino,” said Genito, 87. “We volunteered to fight the enemies of democracy.”

Now with the stimulus package signed into law by President Barack Obama, Genito and other surviving Filipino veterans are in line to receive more than medals for fighting the Japanese during World War II.

According to a provision of the law championed by U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, Filipino soldiers who are now American citizens are each to receive a one-time lump sum payment of $15,000, and non-citizens will receive $9,000. The payout will total roughly $198 million, officials said.

Genito, who lives on Cottage Street with his wife Justa, said his $15,000 will go toward the education of his grandchildren in the Philippines.

The money is intended to make good on a promise by President Franklin Roosevelt, who in 1941 offered benefits to Filipinos who fought with the Allies against the Japanese.

After the war however, Congress passed the Rescission Act of 1946, which declared Filipino veterans ineligible for most of the benefits.

“By stripping them of their benefits, it meant their recognition as a soldier was gone. They were stripped of their honor and dignity,” said Rosalinda Mayo, spokeswoman of the Philippine-American Veterans Organization, Inc. in Jersey City.

While Genito is grateful for the money, he realizes the act leaves some in the cold. The families of dead veterans get nothing. Of the 250,000 Filipinos who fought in World War II, only 15,000 are still alive, according to the American Coalition of Filipino Veterans. Genito and Mayo both estimated there are fewer than five Filipino veterans still living in Jersey City; four other veterans died just last year, Mayo said.”I pity those widows not included,” Genito said, urging them to fight on. “Ask your congressman why you are not included in this act. If you keep quiet, if you don’t voice your opinion, this act will not help you.” News Source: Jersey Journal

Filipinos Show Support For Mayor Healy

jose — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:03:39 +0000

Several Filipinos in Jersey City led by officials of PAFCOM and Order of the Knights of Rizal were in attendance at the Culinary Arts Institute in Journal Square when the incumbent mayor Jerramiah Healy announced his re-election bid for this coming May.

Carrying posters that say “Mabuhay Mayor Healy” and “Filipinos For Mayor Healy” and wearing stickers supporting the mayor, the Filipinos applauded the Jersey City’s mayor for every goal he envisions for the city. He said he will deliver change that we can see, and emphasized that he will get it done.