Friday, August 03, 2007 Serna: Maria Donna makes it to Disneyland! By Roger Serna Sounds and images
SHE already gave honor to the country last year when she won the gold award in the Shanghai Music Festival in China, interpreting two songs written by the award-winning composer Vehnee Saturno.
Now, Maria Donna is up to another challenge in her singing career that may even broaden her horizons as she takes on stage acting at the same time.
After news broke that she passed the rigid auditions for possible roles in the entertainment packages at the Hong Kong Disneyland, comes another heartwarming update: her contract is on the way for her signature to finalize everything.
Two other homegrown talents (both male) are said to have also passed the auditions but, unlike Maria Donna, their fate is still to be decided upon¾or they still need to pass other tests.
We just hope that they will be able to accomplish what the gold awardee has just hurdled. Best wishes to all of you, folks.
***
When I dropped by Soundtraxx Recording Studio last Monday, I was already expecting a very lively gathering, it being the birthday of the talented Gani Villarojo.
What I did not expect, however, was the fact that it was an intimate party with just the other members of the Sakdap quartet (Henry Jabonero and his wife Claire, Josil Mariño and Sharon, and Irving Guazon and Annabelle), plus close friends Wendell Nacua and Racquel and award-winning local composer Fil ‘Jun’ Cabillar.
The rest of the family was also there. Right after conveying my birthday wish to the celebrator, my next line was: “I’m touched.” And that was a sincere line, mind you.
Anyway, the gathering was sort of a reunion for the group with tapes (yes!) and, of course, CDs of their past concerts being played in the background. Is a reunion concert in the offing?
Why not? Not many youngsters are aware of the great contributions of the Sakdap quartet to the Cebuano music and entertainment scene. So, how about a comeback, guys?
***
From good friend Erick Pagar, Minglanilla’s information officer, comes this bit of information. Come Aug. 20, the town will select Miss High School Minglanilla 2007 from 20 candidates coming from 10 private and public secondary schools of the town.
LGU officials, led by Mayor Eduardo Selma, VM Elanito Peña, Councilors Cordz Mejias, Ramsi Sayson, Robert John Selma, Rajiv Enad and other councilors, have thrown their full support to the undertaking.
Gov. Gwen Garcia witnessed the pageant last year and had given her word to grace the pageant during the Suroy Suroy Sugbo last weekend. Dianna Bernado, Miss HS Minglanilla 2006 will relinquish her title to the rightful successor.
