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

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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 God The Greatest Artist Acting Group

The [...]]]>

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

[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 [...]]]>

[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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Philippine-American Friendship Day 20th Grand Parade Where: From Lincoln Park to Hudson Bergen Light [...]]]>
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

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

I thought ChocNut is only available at Filipino stores?

So I grabbed my cellphone, and took a snap, as I don’t know [...]]]> I was checking out my purchase at Walgreens (Communipaw Avenue and JFK, Jersey City), when the shiny brown packs of ChocNut on the counter caught my attention. Whoa. Choc-Nut at Walgreens? When did this happen?

I thought ChocNut is only available at Filipino stores?

So I grabbed my cellphone, and took a snap, as I don’t know when I am coming back to Walgreens.

More after the jump ….

For those who are wondering, ChocNut is a local product popular among Filipinos who grew up in the Philippines. It is a peanut milk chocolate, packaged in small bite-size powdery bars, similar to polvoron. This Filipino sweet is delicious, and it brings back childhood memories, as far as I’m concerned.

Choc-Nut in the Walgreens rack

It’s been a looong time since I’ve been to Walgreens, so I’m not exactly sure when Choc-Nut became available at this store. But it doesn’t matter now. All I know is you don’t have to look for a Filipino store if you miss this delectable snack! Just go to your nearest Walgreens, and grab a pack or two.

Right now, Walgreens is selling Choc-Nut for 2 packs per $3. I think PhilAm Store on Newark Avenue sells this at similar price.

Filipinos in Jersey City gathered in Downtown, Jersey City for the 32nd Annual Santacruzan to recognize 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.

Non-Filipino Religious Groups were a welcome [...]]]>

Santacruzan Procession 2010

Filipinos in Jersey City gathered in Downtown, Jersey City for the 32nd Annual Santacruzan to recognize 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.

Non-Filipino Religious Groups were a welcome addition to the festivity

In the afternoon, the procession was preceded by the Holy Eucharist at St. Mary’s Church at 2nd Street and Erie Street. After the mass, the participants of the procession assembled outside to start the parade around the area. Revelers enjoyed the rest of the afternoon watching on stage performances.

Click on the thumbnail to view the pictures:

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The pictures have light watermark on them, but if you’d like a clean copy and a larger version of a specific photo, you can post a comment below indicating the picture(s) you choose, or email me at info@filipinosinjc.com …. Be sure to indicate the page number, column number and row number of the photo(s).

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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 [...]]]>
[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.

Find out the best deals after the jump ….

1. Kindle – If your mom is a bookworm, she might like the Kindle [...]]]>
Looking for gifts for your mom on Mother’s Day? Need ideas or probably the best deals for your money? If you’re getting tired of giving flowers, there are huge selections of items from Amazon.com….

Find out the best deals after the jump ….

1. Kindle – If your mom is a bookworm, she might like the Kindle Reader. Reviews are outstanding and I know a lot of people who love this product — and that includes my wife. If you order Kindle now, you’re eligible for 2-day free shipping.

2. Jewelries – Most women just love jewelries. Amazon offers up to 30% discount, so check them out now while supplies last!

3. Beauty Products – Just because your mom is older doesn’t mean she stopped caring for her looks. Give her more inspiration with these beauty items from Amazon.

4. Kitchen and Dining Gifts – For moms who love to cook! Who knows, she might cook your favorite kare-kare using these gifts! You could get up to 40% discount on these items.

5. Mother’s Day Gift Cards – Can’t decide which item to give your mother? Send her a gift card instead. There are 4 easy ways you can give Amazon.com Gift Cards in time for Mother’s Day, just follow this link for more info.

6. Mother’s Day Deals – Check out the link for more Mother’s Day Deals on Amazon.com!

7. Flowers – Want to play it safe? Send your mom some flowers! You get free vase when you order from Pro-Flowers.

Hope this post helps you make up your mind in choosing the best gift for your mother. They deserve something special, and you deserve to save some green!

This is a sad news. A 72-year old Filipina was killed in a hit-and-run at around 5:30AM last Saturday (April 24, 2010). She was struck and killed by a driver in a silver SUV who sped off, as she crossed Rt. 139 at a traffic light on Oakland [...]]]>

Inset: Photo from Concepcion family via NJ.com

This is a sad news. A 72-year old Filipina was killed in a hit-and-run at around 5:30AM last Saturday (April 24, 2010). She was struck and killed by a driver in a silver SUV who sped off, as she crossed Rt. 139 at a traffic light on Oakland Avenue, Police spokesman Lt. Edgar Martinez said. (News)

According to the news, Maria Concepcion was a Catholic who attended two Catholic churches. Family members said she was a loving mother, and a helpful relative. On the day of the incident occurred, Concepcion was on her way to her niece’s restaurant where she helped making pastries during the weekends.

So far, there’s no further details yet of the vehicle. Police did not disclose if they have video of the incident. Plate number is still unknown.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call police at (201) 547-JAIL.

A viewing will be held Wednesday, 5 to 9 p.m. at Greenville Memorial Home, 374 Danforth Ave., Jersey City. Concepcion’s body will be buried in the Philippines. (News Source: NJ.com)

[UPDATE May 30, 2010] Follow the link to view the photos of the 32nd Santacruzan in Jersey City

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[Original Post: april 24, 2010] The month of May is near, which means Santacruzan in Jersey City is just around the corner.  Santacruzan is one of the most celebrated religious events in the Philippines which Filipino-Americans have [...]]]>

[UPDATE May 30, 2010] Follow the link to view the photos of the 32nd Santacruzan in Jersey City

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[Original Post: april 24, 2010] The month of May is near, which means Santacruzan in Jersey City is just around the corner.  Santacruzan is one of the most celebrated religious events in the Philippines which Filipino-Americans have been celebrating in Jersey City for 32 years now. The president of Catholic Action of Mary, Deacon Cesar Sarmiento, would like to invite everyone to join this joyful event.

More details after the jump …

Photo courtesy of CAM

Santacruzan 2010 is divided into two events: A.) The Presentation Ball in Newark; and B.) the actual procession and street fair in Jersey City.

A. The Santacruzan Presentation Ball
When: Saturday May 8, 2010
Where: Sheraton Hotel, Newark NJ
Contact: Armand Porto – (201)792-2532 for tickets | Connie Kasilag – (201)792-5371 for Souvenir Journal

B. 32nd Year Santacruzan 2010 Procession and Street Fair
When: May 30, 2010
Where: St. Mary’s Church (2nd St. Corner Erie St., Jersey City)
Events: Street Fair (10AM – 8PM); Mass (230PM) followed by Procession; On stage performances (12PM – 230PM and 5PM – 8PM)

Contacts:
Sponsors and Vendors: Joey Mayo – 917 656 9443
Sagalas and Escorts: Amy Tiongson – 201 417 8671
Damas, Flower Girls and Angels: Misty Tolentino – 201 792 5371

32nd Santacruzan Lineup

The Reynas:

• Reyna Elena I – Chloe M. Zambrano
• Reyna Elena II – Lorelie Joy C. Alejo
• Reyna Elena III – Kenny Rae Thalla
• Reyna De Las Flores – Franchezca Candelaria
• Reyna Emperatriz – Rose Javier

The Hermanos Mayores:

• Mr. Rudy C. Quiambao, P.E., Mr. Jun Florentino and Ms. Demetria Cornelio. Mr. Ner and Mrs Myrna Lagman