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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!

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

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.

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[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.

PAFCOM: Annual Get-Together Picnic @ LSP

jose — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 00:06:54 +0000

Reminder: PAFCOM is inviting all Filipinos in Jersey City to its annual get-together-PICNIC tomorrow – Sunday, July 19, 2009, at Liberty State Park.

PAFCOM: Annual Get-Together Picnic
Description: Events, Activities, Picnic, Potluck
When: July 19, 2009 Sunday around noon
Where: Liberty State Park, Jersey City

Read their message inside this post for more details ….

Dear PAFCOM members and friends,

Our Grand Marshal, Dr. Lorie D. Lizardo, her family, and the officers of PAFCOM cordially invite you to PAFCOM’s annual get-together-PICNIC on July 19 at the Liberty Park in Jersey City. This is also a way of celebrating the success of our Grand Parade and Festival and most importantly, a way of thanking you for the support you have shown and demonstrated towards PAFCOM.

The picnic starts at around noon. If you wish, you may bring your favorite dish, or favorite drinks, or favorite dessert to satisfy your discriminating palate. You may also bring table games, such as scrabbles, cards, chess, etc. I guarantee, everyone will have a ball.

Just like what you did on June 28, please place a dozen eggs outside your house and pray for a nice weather. It worked last time.

See you Sunday of July 19th.

Hector

PS: We have a limited number of tickets to give away for the upcoming Hip-Hop Dance Craze Competition sponsored by GMA / Western Union in August. I will distribute them at the picnic.

I’ll try to come and check this event out.

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.