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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).

[Show as slideshow]

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.

[Show as slideshow]

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

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.

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

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.

Balahadia Wins Filipino Idol 2009

jose — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:41:59 +0000

Eat your heart out, Rihanna. Filipinos in Jersey City have their very own singing sensation: Riana Balahadia.

Balahadia, a 17-year old student from Jersey City, is crowned today as Filipino Idol 2009. She bested 11 other finalists in an entertaining singing contest at Exchange Place (waterfront) in Downtown Jersey City.

Filipino Idol – for the uninformed – is an amateur singing contest similar to the famous American Idol. It serves as the Finale of PAFCOM’s annual Philippine-American Friendship Day festival, a tradition that has been celebrated for 19 years now.

Read the rest of the updated post after the jump…

Photo Credit: Ernie Pena

A huge fan of Broadway and musical theater, Riana performed Barbara Streisand’s “Don’t Rain On My Parade” from the musical Funny Girl.

When asked why the music inspired her: “I wanted to pick a song where I could communicate more effectively with the audience and make them smile…” Riana added that she wanted a different song not normally sung at a competition. “Don’t Rain On My Parade seemed like the perfect song. It has a lot of energy, and I have so much fun doing it everytime.”

Riana – who also starred in a stage play entitled “It’s All In Your Mind” at Long Island University in Brooklyn, NY when she was 14 – drew cheers and applause from the crowd when she finished her performance. “You have a very bright future.” Dr. Ching Legarda – one of the 3 judges – told Riana referring to her singing talent.

All Filipino Idol finalists received Certificate of Appreciation. The winners received cash prizes.

1st Place – Riana Balahadia (Jersey City)
2nd Place – Jon Michael Eclar (Virginia)
3rd Place – Vanessa Angela Villena (South NJ)

Congratulations, Riana and good luck on your future endeavors!

Judges, Winners, and PAFCOM Chairman Hector Magno (click image to view larger size)

Filipino Idol 2009 Panel of Judges (as sent by PAFCOM):

DENNIS BERNARDO, MD
Dennis is a musical director, accompanist, choir director, and a medical doctor. He became a “certified musical freak” ever since he was “forced” into piano lessons at age 7. From his high school days at Manila Science High, to his college days at the UP and UERM, he got involved into music by joining several glee clubs. Currently, he is the musical director of the Kayumanggi Chorale and the Reflections, an award-winning Christian choir since 1995. He is employed as a staff physician at Bergen Family Practice in Ramsey, NJ.

CHING LEGARDA, MD
Dr. Legarda, who together with husband Dr. Ramon Legarda own Group Ole Production, Inc. since 1990. They bring to the tri-state area quality concerts featuring well-known artists from the Philippines. Ching has been the past president of the UST Medical Association in New York having graduated in UST School of Medicine. During her spare time, she is involved in many cultural and social functions in NY and NJ. She is a proud grand mother to a 4 year old girl named Fiona.

LUIS PEDRON
Luis is an award-winning filmmaker, actor, PR consultant, publisher of entertainment newspaper Planet Philippines NY NJ and Fanclubx.com . He has been a Casting Director for numerous Films, Singing Contests and Dance Contests both in Mainstream and Filipino American Community. He has been involved in several GMA Pinoy TV events in the NY and NJ areas. He is heavily involved in the Entertainment and Socio Civic Organizations in the tristate areas including being a Board Member of Kalusugan Coalition and FAHSI.

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!

Philippine-American Friendship Day 19th Grand Parade

jose — Sun, 17 May 2009 06:43:11 +0000

Grand Parade last year (2008)

Save the date for the Philippine-American Friendship Day 19th Grand Parade. Organized by PAFCOM, this big festival will be held on June 28, 2009 from 8AM – 7PM to celebrate the 61 years of friendship between the Philippines and the United States of America.

Philippine-American Friendship Day 19th Grand Parade
Where: From Plaza Rizal to Exchange Place
When: Sunday, June 28, 2009 from 8AM – 7PM
Organizers: PAFCOM

This year’s festivities will start in Downtown, Jersey City (previous events started in McGinley Square) at 8AM with a mass at St. Bridget’s Church. Pinoys will gather at Plaza Rizal before kicking off the parade at 1045AM to Exchange Place.

There will be lots of fun during this event. Expect fascinating floats, marching bands, health fair, music entertainment, foods galore, arts crafts, and of course, the Grand Finals of Filipino Idol 2009.

Let’s pray for a good weather this year. We don’t want to see this event cut short again because of the rain, right?

I will be there in the parade with some friends and will spend some time at Exchange Place, so see you there!

Schedule
8:00 am – Mass at St Bridget’s Church (located at the corner of Montgomery St. & Brunswick St.)
9:30 am – Assembly at Plaza Rizal
10:45 am- Parade kicks off (Columbus Drive To Exchange Place)

For more info, please call the following:

Parade Chair
Paul Verzosa 908-764-9011

Co-Chairs
Nelsie Parrado – (201)960-7965
Rev Gaudy Soriano – (201)282-934
Ronnie Atinaja – (973)519-4661.

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.