Friday, July 04, 2008 Serna: Good luck, Jennifer Barrientos By Roger Serna Sounds and images
ONCE again, Manny Pacquiao gave his fellow Filipinos something to be happy about despite the constant rise in the price of oil products, the scarcity and, thus, high price of rice and, recently, the destruction brought about by typhoon Frank.
His recent victory over Mexican-American boxer David Diaz did not give anybody something to doubt as it was very clear from start to finish that our pambansang kamao was the superior boxer.
Allow me then to give my own share of felicitations to the latest addition to the list of boxing legends. Congrats, Manny, and more power!
***
Come July 14 (or is it 13?), Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2008 Jennifer Barrientos will be standing tall and proud as the country’s bet for this year’s Ms. Universe title in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
Because it has been 35 years since the country rep brought home the coveted crown, understandably, beauty contest enthusiasts are eager to see another Filipina wearing that priced crown.
On the other hand, the long dearth seemed to also make many lose hope of seeing that beautiful crown on the head of a Filipina. Still there are optimists in our midst who never give up so easily and are constantly hoping that that dream will finally materialize.
And so, the text message from Pinoys in Vietnam saying Jennifer is among the two favorite Asians (the other is Ms. Japan) is good news. This year’s frontrunners are the Spanish-speaking ladies from Mexico, Colombia and (fanfare) Venezuela (will she ever be out of the limelight for a change?).
Anyway, let’s not lose hope until the name of the winner has been announced. Who knows? Manny’s victory might have a follow-up. Keep your fingers crossed.
***
“Power of the spoken word” was how Asia’s diva,Dulce and her road manager, Silvia, put it. That was when I won a Fujitsu 19” Wide Screen LCD flat display monitor in the raffle during Eastern Communications’ 130th anniversary celebration held in Marco Polo Plaza Hotel recently.
Dulce was the company’s celebrity performer. After her second set, Dulce, who invited me (as well as Banat News’ Kriss Relatado and Dulce’s “spiritual son,” Bryan Cabase) to the party told us to wait for her at the lobby lounge while she slips to a casual wear in her room upstairs.
My answer was: “I have to stay behind for a short while as I still have to claim a major prize.”
A few minutes after, the joke materialized into something real. Unbelievable at first but it slowly sank in as our group exchanged views on anything else at the coffee shop. I thank Eastern Communications and to the One who made everything happen.
***
On the third week of June, I was invited to another team building activity.
This time it was among the employees of Body and Sole Massage and Spa, Au Revoir Spa Salon and Alibyo Boutique Spa.
The occasion happened to be the birthday of the establishments’ proprietor, Johnie Lim. The activity was held at Hadsan Cove Resort.
To give more excitement to the gathering, all the branches were required to give a group presentation with handsome prizes dangled for the top three performers.
I sat as one of the judges along with the celebrant’s better half, Flor. Honestly, some of the therapists and staff showed they have a fall back career as future entertainers should their fingers grow tired of making other people’s tired and tense muscles relax and reinvigorated.
In the end, the group from Alibyo proved to be the best performer followed by the group from Talamban and Mabolo. Congratulations!
***
Tomorrow, Cebuanos, particularly shoppers of Gaisano Country Mall, will have a closer glimpse of the other side of Bea Alonzo as a show biz personality, that of being a singer and recording artist.
This is because the new box-office queen is going to show she has all the rights to be called a recording and concert artist (she has recently released an album) at the raffle draw of the Gaisano stores’ Shop for a Scholarship Promo upon Rosemarie Gaisano’s invitation.
Unlike previous draws where the celebrity guest(s) had another show (either at Gaisano Main, Balamban or Bogo), this time Bea will only have one show, and that is, at the mall at 7 p.m.
That’s something that you don’t want to miss. Right?
