AFTER producing three winners in three categories this year (an improvement from the past editions)—ballad and pop; folk, country and novelty; dance and upbeat—the Cebu Arts Foundation Inc. will pay more attention to marketing and will exert more efforts to establish a bond with local radio stations for the products of the music fest to enjoy more airtime.
These were aspects of the competition which many thought were overlooked in the past.
With the active involvement of Didi Gullas, the son of the musicfest’s founder, former Cong. Eddie, local music enthusiasts are optimistic this will serve as a shot in the arm to the ailing Cebuano music industry.
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Musicology, the karaoke bar owned by Jun Esma located across the Ramos Public Market, said goodbye despite enjoying a growing clientele last December because Jun found it already hard to divide his time between his Banilad salon and the bar (which incidentally also functions as a salon at daytime). It’s sad to note because I found Musicology a relaxing venue with its intimate atmosphere, appealing interiors and excellent sound system. Jun, however, installed the sound system in a small portion of his residence in Banilad and he said he’s open to negotiations for private parties to be held there.
He’s planning to hold the first one, a by-invitation-only affair, on an important date for the owner next month.
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Movie and TV personalities came to Cebu in fast succession as the three giant networks actively participated in the Pista Senyor festivities. GMA 7 held three separate press cons to promote its new series.
Camille Prats, Pauleen Luna, Rafael Rossell and TJ Trinidad of The Borrowed Wife and Kim Rodriguez and Kristoffer Martin of Paraiso Ko’y Ikaw dined and chatted with the E-Group members Friday noon.
Jennylyn Mercado, Yasmien Kurdi, Mark Herras and Mark Anthony Fernandez of Rhodora X had their chance Saturday noon. Rhodora X marks the reunion of Jen, Yasmien and Mark as Starstruck’s first batch of stars.
They later participated in the scheduled shows in two malls in the metropolis later that day.
Marian Rivera and Alden Richards promoted Carmela Ang Pinakamagandang Babae sa Mundong Ibabaw, Saturday night. They boarded the network’s Sinulog float last Sunday. Carmela will hit television screens starting Jan. 27. Marian likewise inked a memorandum with Bantayan Island Association of Hotels, Resorts, Bars & Restaurant prexy Allan Monreal for the Adopt-A-Bangka project. Marian is credited for having conceptualized the project. The project aims at giving fishing boats to the fishermen of Bantayan who lost their means of livelihood as a result of super typhoon Yolanda’s fury. A check worth P700 thousand was turned over that night. Some P300,000 in pledges will be turned over in no time at all. GMA 7’s Oliver Amoroso, Jojo Aquio and Rica Torres were around during the press cons.
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Kapamilya Karavan brought Jodi Sta. Maria, Maja Salvador, Richard Yap, Piolo Pascual and John Lloyd Cruz for a show at the Ayala Terraces. Some of them boarded the ABS-CBN Sinulog float the next day.
TV5 stars Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Eula Caballero, Valeen Montenegro, Derek Ramsay, Wendell Ramos, Daniel Matsunaga and Pempoy had dinner with the media at Lighthouse Restaurant, Mango Ave. branch, before mounting the Fuente Osmeña stage later that night. Some of them participated in the grand parade the next day. More stories on the stars next time.
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After a few years, I once again had the chance to go around the Sinulog grand parade route. It was hassle-free as I was in the company of the MHLhuillier EVP Michael Lhuillier, his wife Joanna Maitland-Smith Lhuillier and their sons Michael James, Matthew and Myles onboard the Lhuillier Sinulog float.
Of course, aside from the Lhuilliers, the float’s main attractions were the company’s endorser Ogie Alcasid and its guest, Kapamilya star Empress Schuck. Some family friends, company executives and employees were around to escort the float and attend to other matters. It was an all-day Sinulog dancing for us while going around the Sinulog carousel-type route. Pit Senyor!
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Robin Padilla and almost the entire Padilla clan lead the cast of the movie Sa Ngalan ng Ama. As far as I can remember, the other Padillas include Robin’s wife Mariel, Bela, Daniel and Rommel. It might be exciting for Daniel’s fans to see their idol doing some action stunts here. Sa Ngalan ng Ama will open in movie houses nationwide on Jan. 29, if my memory serves me right.