Out of six finalists, Vera was triumphant also because of the song she chose. The judges commended her [...]]]> 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

[Show as slideshow]

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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.

[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 [...]]]>

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

Couples for Christ with Mr. and Mrs. Tanchoco

In [...]]]>

Couples for Christ with Mr. and Mrs. Tanchoco

In the picture (left to right): Standing – Tony Pormento, Ramon Tanchoco, Bong Origenes… Sitting – Claire Pormento, Delfin Pensoy, Susan Pensoy, Cecilia Tanchoco, and Beth Origenes.