If you, or someone you know, urgently need a place here in Jersey City, then read on. A couple of apartment units are available for rent in West Bergen area of Jersey City. Details and more photos are inside this post …

No Fee Apartments for [...]]]>

Front of the building

If you, or someone you know, urgently need a place here in Jersey City, then read on. A couple of apartment units are available for rent in West Bergen area of Jersey City. Details and more photos are inside this post …

No Fee Apartments for rent in West Bergen, Jersey City

One 2 bedroom apartment on ground level available immediately. One 3 bedroom apartment on 2nd floor available November 1st. Both apartments are in the same apartment building that has only 4 units. The apartments are sunny and bright, brand new hardwood floors, recently renovated, freshly painted. The 2 bedroom apartment has electric heat and stove. The 3 bedroom apartment has gas heat and stove. Building is close to transportation as well as to shops on Route 440 and schools.

Rent: 2 bedroom $1050, 3 bedroom $1300. Tenant pays own utilities. Off-street parking available for $100 additional.

Please contact Christian Stewart of Liberty Realty at (201)699-3049 for viewing.

Front of the building

Kitchen

Living Room

Bathroom

Bedroom

Bedrom

* Note: This is a paid post.

A very good friend of mine [...]]]> A “strong” earthquake hit Jersey City this afternoon, at around 2PM today (Aug. 23, 2011). Reports say the tremor measured 5.8 – 5.9, which was also felt in New York, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Who knew it would happen in the East Coast, where earthquake is not common?

A very good friend of mine – Elmer, a local DJ – said via facebook that the earthquake shook his apartment building: “For a moment I thought it was just me being light headed…I was really surprised it was actually an earthquake. Doesn’t happen around here often. I live in Los Angeles for 5 years…I experience it there all the time. You be extra careful there for possible aftershocks…”

This could be a first time experience for me if I were in Jersey City when it occurred. I immediately made a long distance call to my mother and she said she didn’t feel anything, but mentioned that my father who works in South Jersey, and his officemates, were instructed to evacuate their building.

NJ.com reports that the epicenter of the quake was in central Virginia. Snippet of the news below:

“…The U.S. Geological Survey is reporting that a magnitude 5.9 earthquake was centered in central Virginia, and the Associated Press is reporting the quake was felt in Washington, New York City and North Carolina…”

Did you feel the earthquake in Jersey City? Where were you when it happened?

Join the forum discussion on this post

The presence of an Afghan/Iraqi war veteran from Connecticut lent historical significance [...]]]>
“Pinoys Got Talent” at the 2011 Philippine Fiesta show attract a wide variety of contestants. They ranged in age from 6 years old to 70 years old. There  were singers, a hip-hop artist, a breakdancer, a magician, and a drum soloist.

The presence of an Afghan/Iraqi war veteran from Connecticut lent historical significance to the talent show. He has nobly served his country, and now he is composing songs to ease his pain and express his feelings.

There were three siblings from California, 17, 18, and 19 years old, who sang a trio.

There are 15 semi-finalists for the “Pinoys Got Talent” show at the Philippine Fiesta in America on August 20. They are: Melody Bustos, Montana Byrne, Michael Pascua, Bondoc Sisters, Jennifer Balacuit, Jeramy Orienza, Criselda Bernardo, Marrol Cajoles, Allen Yambao, Reigna Acedera, Abe Cruz, Bryan de Leon, Gilbert Mendoza, Apollo Riego and Cesar Viray.

According to Hector Magno, director of Pinoys Got Talent, the criteria for judging the contestants was high: entertainment value, 40%, creativity and ability, 30%, and stage presence, 30%. For more information on Philippine Fiesta at the Meadowlands Expo Center, Secaucus, NJ this coming Aug 20-21, please call (212) 682-6610 or visit www.philippinefiesta.com.

Join the forum discussion on this post

13th Philippine Fiesta in America Description: Cultural Events, Entertainment, Beauty Pageant, Food, Trades Where: Meadowlands [...]]]>
The two-day event will begin on August 20, 2011, featuring celebrities from the Philippines such as Zsa-Zsa Padilla, Ariel Rivera, Melai Cantiveros, and Jason Francisco. This year’s fiesta will also hold a talent show called Pinoys Got Talent.

13th Philippine Fiesta in America
Description: Cultural Events, Entertainment, Beauty Pageant, Food, Trades
Where: Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, New Jersey
Address / Contact: 355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094 | (201).330.7773
When: August 20 and 21, 2011

What is Philippine Fiesta?

PHILIPPINE FIESTA is a blend of trade and cultural exposition that also assist Filipino businesses in penetrating the mainstream consumer market, while showcasing the best of Philippine culture.

Now on its 13th year, the PHILIPPINE FIESTA continues to be an avenue that opens the doors for the mainstream businesses to reach the Filipino American consumers-a fast-growing and strong market with an estimated buying power of over $52 billion annually.

This event is not free, but you may print a coupon from their website and get a $3 discount when you buy ticket at the door.

Also available is the Filipino/Tagalog (Original) version at [...]]]>
One year after Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III‘s inauguration, he enumerated his achievements in his 4-page anniversary speech at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, and at the same time, bashed the previous administration of former Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Read the transcript inside this post.

Also available is the Filipino/Tagalog (Original) version at the end ….

Speech
of
His Excellency Benigno S. Aquino III
President of the Philippines
On his first year in office

[Translation of the speech delivered at the PhilSports Arena, Pasig City on June 30, 2011]

Already, a year has passed. Do all of us still remember everything that we went through? Before, when sirens blared on our roads, we were forced to move aside. The average Filipino’s greatest dream was to get a VISA so that he could work in another country. People would sleep soundly, only to wake up to flood skimming their beds, because PAGASA failed to raise a storm warning. And how many had already given up hope that justice for the 57 victims of the Maguindanao Massacre will be served?

Do you still remember those times when, upon hearing bad news, you could not even shake your head in disgust because you were certain the worse was yet to come? Before, the Filipinos were one as they sighed frustratedly: Bear it, this will soon come to pass. Weren’t we all surprised when the economy surged before last year’s elections—only to realize that this was because the world shared our nation’s anticipation of the end of the Arroyo administration, and the impending Easter redemption to our people’s Calvary? Does it not feel as though it were just yesterday when you handed me the last embers of your hope, when you called on me to fight for the straight and righteous path?

I had not printed even a single poster or pamphlet when the people called on me, because as you know, I had absolutely no plans to run for the presidency. I never dreamt to engage the colossal problems Mrs. Arroyo would be leaving behind—problems that I, nonetheless fought against as a member of Congress and the Senate. I had already witnessed, through my late mother’s experiences, the grave responsibilities that come with being the President, most especially if you were to inherit a system much profaned. I asked myself: Will I be able to fix all of this.?

I contemplated very carefully before I responded to your call. But when a jar heavy with coins was handed to me so as to help in the campaign; when the masses, who could ill afford umbrellas that could shield them from the midday sun, crowded the streets to welcome me; when you told me that I was not alone—I could not stomach saying no. I could not say, “I am sorry, but I am a coward, and I’d rather live to a ripe old age.” I said: I am with you, Filipino. Together, we will straighten the crooked, we will weed out the corrupt, we will right what is wrong.

And we are here today, a year since we put an end to a government deaf and blind to the plight of its citizens. They gave us a house whose ceilings sagged, whose walls had chipped and cracked. The furniture had been dismantled for scrapwood, and replaced with fixings bought on credit. The worse part about it was that, I knew we would inherit even that debt, along with all the mess they left for us to clean up.

We soon discovered that the system was more extreme, more horrible than anything we could have expected. For example: from 1972 to 2000, the NFA amassed 12.9 billion pesos in debt. When Mrs. Arroyo came into power, she managed, in just a single year of her term, to raise this debt to 18 billion pesos. Let me repeat: from 12 billion, NFA debt went up to 18 billion in a year. Yet, she was far from content: when she stepped down, the NFA’s debt had risen to 177 billion pesos—a thousand percent increase, evidencing the previous administration’s record-breaking abilities to amass debt.

This same administration has been calling on us to recognize their so-called achievements, and has invited us to stand on their shoulders. This same administration claims that there has been no change; that the straight and righteous path will only plunge us headlong over a cliff. Will we allow ourselves to be deceived by these efforts to sow seeds of doubt so that, in our confusion, the old system will find an opportunity to wrest back its power?

I will no longer waste time bickering with them. I only wish to express my relief and overwhelming gratitude that Mrs. Arroyo herself has stated that I am her exact opposite. Finally, we have agreed on something.

If they want a response, it will come from the 21,800 families of our soldiers and police force—they who will have decent homes before the year ends.

It will come from our poor countrymen who have registered in our Conditional Cash Transfer program. Four days from now, I myself will witness the two millionth beneficiary of the CCT being signed on.

It will come from the nearly 240,000 farmers who now benefit from over 2,000 kilometers of farm-to-market roads that we constructed in just one year.

Ask them. Is the change not clear enough? Just last year, we imported tons of rice that came in frightening shiploads, needing frightening amounts of money to pay for warehouses. We only needed to import 1.3 million metric tons a year to meet our needs, but they imported two million metric tons. Now, we import nearly half of what we needed to import last year: 660,000 metric tons.

No sleight of hand was needed to increase our rice yield: We just found the most affordable and effective measures where we could allocate our irrigation budget; we promoted the use of the best seedlings available; and we encouraged upland rice farming. These are some of the reasons for the 15 percent increase in our rice production—the highest yield in the history of dry season cropping.

I hope you will excuse me, because I do not usually boast: We used to have an annual rice deficit of 1.3 million tons. In this first year alone, we will be importing 800,000 tons—to leave room for a buffer—but all we need now is some 600,000 tons. I will be all praises for Secretary Alcala if he delivers on his promise of rice self-sufficiency by 2013.

Just last year, how many of us dared to dream that the rice we cook on our stoves would have been planted, sown, and sold on Philippine spoil. And we are optimistic that, as I mentioned, Secretary Proci Alcala’s promise will be fulfilled: before 2013 ends, we will no longer need to import rice from other countries.

Think about it: Because of the conscientious spending of the people’s coffers, and by mending the leakages in our system, we have saved up enough money this year to fund projects that go above and beyond those already programmed in our General Appropriations Act. Despite not raising taxes, an additional 12 billion pesos have been programmed to finance our various needs: from the Pantawid Pasada for drivers of public utility vehicles who are often the first to feel the rising fuel prices, to the salaries of 10,000 nurses sent to serve in our poor provinces; from modern ships that can patrol our shores, to other such programs and projects that will benefit the majority of our people.

Imagine what would have happened had we continued to allow the plunder of our country’s coffers. Perhaps, then, our drivers would have no choice but to walk. Perhaps the sick in far-flung areas would be left to chew leaves to ease their aches. And perhaps, then, our Navy might not even be capable of frightening the fish in the seas they patrol.

Housing, rice, security, wages, roads, gas subsidies, lifebuoys for our countrymen drowning in poverty: These are the reforms we now sow. We need not have unearthed Yamashita’s treasure to accomplish all of this; we merely pursued the corrupt in government, rectified government spending, and straightened the long-crooked system.

Just look at what they did to the Philippine National Construction Corporation: In spite of an inability to submit decent remittances, its officials still had the gall to give themselves bonuses. It took a five-page memo to detail the corruption that our new PNCC officials have uncovered and fixed: from creating unnecessary positions paid half a million in salary every month; to subscribing to cell phone plans unnecessary to their duties; from materials sold at a loss to fatten their own pockets, to fictitious fixed allowances amounting to at least a hundred thousand pesos every month—all of these we stopped. As a result, we have lowered their former monthly expense of P22 million to just P11 million.

Again, take for example the wickedness we have discovered in the PCSO. They found money to go over their budget for commercials airing the face of this or that politician on television, but can not find the money to pay for the three billion pesos they owe our government hospitals. Because these debts have not been paid—because of corruption—the very hospitals funded by the government refuse to accept guarantees from their fellow government agencies. Would this not make your blood rise to your nape? Uncovering deliberate mismanagement and corruption, instead of joining its fray: This is the change we have been proclaiming.

I know that many of us are in a hurry to sow the fruits of the reforms we have just planted. I cannot blame our countrymen who have gone through a decade of ceaseless corruption and unscrupulousness, that they no longer believe that it is possible to have a government that chooses to tread the straight and righteous path. There are those who are slow to realize that we need to work together and face challenges together to achieve everything that we aspire for.

I understand where they are coming from: I, too, dream that all of us will wake up one day and find that we have been granted the solutions to all our problems overnight. But I also know that you are aware that, in the long run, a hastened, mediocre solution will be useless and pointless. We need to carefully establish our reforms, we need the guarantee that our programs are effective and will continue to be so, and we need long-term solutions that will ensure that we will no longer pass on problems to the coming generations.

Is it not that simple? We know how much we suffered in the past, and we know what we want for our future. Don’t we now wholeheartedly strive to bridge the gap between what we hope for and what we can achieve, and has not the nation risen up in the struggle to realize our collective dreams? Is it not so that now, whichever side of an argument we may be, we are driven by compassion for our country? Now, our slightest actions are open to scrutiny.

Isn’t it that, these days, whichever side of an argument we may be, we are still bound by concern for our country? Sometimes, I wonder: If I am asked to comment on an issue but I think it prudent to keep my mouth shut, I am criticized. But then, when I express my opinions, I am labeled as a nosy busybody. What do they expect me to do? Cut my body in half and hover around like the manananggal?

I have told you before: If we end corruption, we end poverty. Good governance redounds to palpable benefits for the people, especially for the less fortunate: Every medicine tablet our government funds for the poor, every inch of road, every opportunity to acquire a decent job—all of these were borne from integrity and a government that responds to and cooperates with its people.

Our destination is clear and we will reach it: The services that are meant to benefit you, now benefit you, instead of some politician who fancies himself king, but in reality is nothing more that stale, sparse bread.

We have come so far in just one year. Just imagine the breadth of our success in the five years to come. The Filipino people and the entire world stand witness: We are reaping the rewards of our journey on the straight and righteous path. Why turn back now?

The corrupt are still hard at work to break the faith of the very people who called on me and have brought about our triumph in the past election. We expected this, and I am confident the Filipino people are still behind me in our collective fight against those who have wronged us. I have said this before: You are my strength—strength that is the wellspring of the successes we reap today, and the imminent and continuous realization of our hopes.

This will never change. You are still my Boss.

We have done fairly well this first year, but in the coming years, I expect all members of government, with the help of the citizenry, to work together even more and hasten the realization of the change for which we aspire.

Good afternoon to you all. Thank you very much.

Downloadables:

• Speech in English (DOC | PDF)
• Speech in Filipino (DOC | PDF)

The audition is open to all with any kind of talent: Can you sing like Lady Gaga, or Bruno Mars? Can you [...]]]> Calling all talented Filipinos in Jersey City and beyond! You are invited to join in a new talent show here in New Jersey: Pinoys Got Talent — patterned after Pilipinas Got Talent.

The audition is open to all with any kind of talent: Can you sing like Lady Gaga, or Bruno Mars? Can you make people laugh like Chris Rock? Can you pull some magic tricks like the illusionist David Copperfield? Are you a member of a rock band like U2? a boy band like New Kids on the Block? Do you belong to a dance crew such as the JabbaWockeeZ? Or any salient or striking talent you may possess that will surely entertain an audience?

If you fall into any of the above categories you’re in luck. Experience the thrills and spills of a new talent show coming to Secaucus, New Jersey on August 20-21 at the Meadowlands Expo Center. The show is brought to you by the 2011 Philippine Fiesta in America, the largest and longest-running indoor event celebrating its 13th year of serving the Philippine-American community in the East Coast. Billed as “Pinoys Got Talent”, it is produced by Hector Magno of Magno PI Productions. Join the bandwagon.

Talents selected from auditions will compete against each other at the Semi Finals where 8 finalists will be chosen to perform in front of celebrity judges among whom are Melai and Jason, Philippines popular TV personalities. Cash prizes await winners.

Contest Rules:

• Open to everyone of Philippine descent, regardless of age, capable of demonstrating a talent such as performing on stage to entertain a live audience. Examples of performers we seek are singers, bands/musicians, comedians, ventriloquists, dancers, magicians, acrobats, jugglers, etc. To apply, please e-mail application (see below) to magnopi@yahoo.com or mail to: Hector Magno, 251 Foothill Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Deadline for submitting application is 7/31/11.

• Auditions are set for Aug. 13 and 14 (time and place to be announced at a later date). Out-of-state applicants may send in a video of their act. Semi-Finals and Finals will be held on Saturday (Aug. 20th) and Sunday (Aug. 21st), respectively.

• Contestants will have from 2 to 3 minutes to showcase their talent. Judges will select 8 finalists to represent a balanced program. Judging criteria will include but not limited to originality, presentation, artistry, and crowd’s response.

• Finalists will vie for cash prizes of $200 for 3rd place, $300 for 2nd place, and $500 for the winner. Losing finalists will each receive a consolation prize of $50.

For info, please call the producer of “Pinoys Got Talent”, Magno PI Productions at 908 229-0155.

Guidelines:

1. Singers: Sing a cappella or with a backing track.
2. Bands/Musicians: No instruments are provided by organizers. Bring your own with minimal set-up.
3. Dancers/Comedians/Ventriloquists/Magicians/Acrobats/Jugglers, etc: Bring a CD if needed.
4. Performers with Animal acts: No dangerous animals allowed. Animals to use must be caged.
5. Contestants younger than 18 years old must be accompanied by parents or adult.
6. No formal dressing room available: Please come dressed to impress.
7. Performance stage is indoor but with limited space. Avoid overcrowding during performance.
8. Follow strict Health and Safety guidelines. Please adhere to this policy.
9. No fire, sharp objects, weapons, or explosives allowed as part of the act. Materials to be used must pass inspection by the staff of the Philippine Fiesta. Contestants must sign a contract releasing organizers from any liabilities caused by the nature of the act.

Downloadable:

• Contest Rules and Guidelines with Application Form ( DOC | PDF )

The revelers enjoyed various performances from local artists. Tiffany Viray, 14, of Bayonne entertained the crowd with her song numbers. Last [...]]]>

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]

12►

I missed the parade, so visit nj.com to check out the pictures.

Asked why she picked the song, Gail said that she wanted to deliver a song that has full of emotions. “The song matches your [...]]]> 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!

[UPDATE] Follow the link for photos of Philippine-American Friendship Day 2011 Festival

—– 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, [...]]]>

[UPDATE] Follow the link for photos of Philippine-American Friendship Day 2011 Festival

—–
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!

[Original Post: May 31, 2011] The most popular fast-food chain in the Philippines is finally coming to Jersey City. Jollibee Fast-food/Restaurant will [...]]]> [UPDATE: July 5, 2011] The opening date of Jollibee Jersey City will be on the first week of September this year, according to their facebook page. Thanks to those who emailed me.

[Original Post: May 31, 2011] The most popular fast-food chain in the Philippines is finally coming to Jersey City. Jollibee Fast-food/Restaurant will be opening its door to Filipinos in Jersey City soon! It is set to open July 1st if the rumors are correct.

Jollibee Jersey City
Description: Fast food, restaurant, breakfast, lunch, dinner, sandwich, chicken, Filipino Food
Where: Danforth Plaza, Jersey City
Address: 393 Danforth Avenue, Jersey City 07305

This is like a dream-come-true to me. I know Pinoys here in JC have been wanting a Jollibee that is not as far as the one in New York, and we finally got one! Jollibee Jersey City is the second one in the East Coast.

Jollibee has been hiring crew starting last April, and they will have one more on June 4, 2011, Saturday, according to its Facebook Page.

What’s your favorite Jollibee food? I’ve been craving for a 2-piece Burger Steak with extra steak sauce. Yummy!