This, as Senator Franklin Drilon, campaign manager of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s senatorial slate, confirmed the commitment of the Marcoses to work for Team PNoy’s victory in Ilocos region.

“Our surveys show that in Regions I and II, we are consistently dominating polls there. We attribute this, of course, to the effort of out coalition partners in particular the Nationalista Party,” Drilon said.

“Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos has expressed her support for Team PNoy. We are confident that this coalition will hold until May 13,” the veteran senator told reporters.

Drilon issued the statement as he denied the need for all of President Aquino’s bets to personally campaign in Northern Luzon as a team.

In a press conference, Drilon said he is confident about the success of the individual campaigns that Team PNoy bets took in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.

“Individually, TP members have been making sorties to the Ilocos region. The success of the sorties of our individual candidates is reflected in the surveys in Regions 1 and 2,” Drilon explained.

“It follows the national results of having 9 candidates in the top 12 and sometimes 8 in the top 12,” he noted.

Drilon, a ranking official of President Aquino’s Liberal Party, also assured support from another political leader in Ilocos Sur.

The acting chairman of Senate Committee on Finance is counting on Ilocos Sur Governor Luis Chavit Singson, who promised that a substantial majority of Team Pnoy will win in his province.

“In fact, he told me: “huwag na kayong pumunta sa Ilocos Sur, ako ng bahala doon.’ We are confident that with our coalition there with various political parties, we will prevail in regions 1 and 2,” Drilon said.

“He assured me that he will carry a big, substantial majority of the Team PNoy,” he noted.

But over the weekend, Singson vowed to support the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) in what appeared to be an effort to make up with former President Joseph Estrada.

Singson said the mayors of the province would campaign for UNA, which is being led by the former president.

By Johnny M. Pecayo

LEVITOWN, PARANAQUE CITY – Two major contenders, both from known scions of families in this city are fighting it out for the mayorship of Paranaque City come May 13, 2013.

The official candidates for Mayor are Congressman Edwin Olivarez of the President’s Liberal Party, and Councilor Florencio “Benjo” Bernabe of the Vice President’s UNA.  Both are young and energetic.

Olivarez is the son of former Paranaque City Mayor, Dr. Pablo R. Olivarez and the late Dr. Rosario L. Olivarez, while Bernabe is the son of Paranaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe, Jr. and Maria Fe C. Bernabe.  The Olivarezes and the Bernabes are known political figures in the Paranaque City community.

Rotary-sponsored ‘Know Your Candidate’ Forum

On Thursday, April 4, seven Rotary Clubs launched the “Know Your Candidate” Forum, comprising of the Rotary Clubs of  Paranaque St. Andrew, headed by President John Allan Vinta; RC Palanyag- Paranaque, headed by President Hermie Brion; RC Paranaque East, headed by Pres. Allan Dilay; RC Paranaque Midtown, led by President Jeff Nisnisan; RC Paranaque Southwest President Saturnino Rios, Jr.; and RC Las Pinas Camino Real President Robert del Monte.

Upon the prodding of Rotary International District 3830 Governor Sue Sta. Maria, President Johnny Pecayo of the Rotary Club of Makati Legazpi, also attended the forum, with Congressman Edwin Olivarez of the 1st District of Paranaque, as the main speaker of the evening.

The forum, held at Max’s Restaurant on Sucat Road, was a great opportunity to get to know the candidate for Mayor, Edwin L. Olivarez, who was able to elucidate his many accomplishments in Laguna and in the City of Paranaque, including his plans and programs for Paranaque once he is elected as its mayor.

The hectic schedule of Mayoral candidate Edwin Olivarez, and his runningmate, Councilor Edwin ‘Bong’ Benzon, did not give the almost 200 Rotarians and guests the opportunity to ask questions, as these  two candidates had to leave for their next campaign meeting, after the photo op.

Edwin Olivarez

Before becoming a Congressman, Olivarez  has earned a wealth of experience as an elected Senior Board Member of the Province of Laguna, and later on as Vice Governor of the Province of Laguna, during the time of Gov. Joey Lina.

Educational Attainment

Olivarez went to Don Bosco Technical School in Makati City for his primary grades.  After graduation, he proceeded to enroll at De La Salle University in Greenhills, San Juan, where he finished his high school.  He took up a college course, also at the De La Salle University, where he obtained a degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce, Major in Management.

Olivarez pursued his Post Graduate studies at Olivarez College in Paranaque City, where he earned a degree in Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

Business Involvement

Olivarez is the president of Olivarez Realty Corporation; Board of Trustees, Olivarez College; Board of Director, Olivarez Sports Center; and President, ELO Multifoods, Inc.

A very active member of the Paranaque City Community, Olivarez was a former president of a Lion’s Club; former director of a Rotary Club; Club Officer, Knights of Columbus; Honorary member, YMCA;  Honorary member, Jaycees; former Director, UBGHAI, Inc.; and former president, BF Northwest Homeowners Association.

Olivarez is a former National Tennis Player of the Philippines; former Junior and Senior NCAA Champion; and currently President, Philippine Tennis Association.

Awards and Achievements

A licensed Real Estate Broker, Olivarez was conferred the “Most Outstanding Business Executive/recipient of Gawad Sikap Award,” given by the Child Assistance and Rehabilitation,Inc. (CARE).

He is an Anvil Awardee  as “Best in Science, Technology & Agriculture.”

Family

Edwin Olivarez is married to Janet A. Olivarez with whom he has three children – Pablo II, Edwin Jr., and Christine Anne.

BAGONG PARANAQUE

Olivarez’ Platform of Government is focused on Bagong Paranaque, defining the acronym BAGONG as follows:  B – Business and Environment Friendly; A – Academic Excellence for Education; G – Good Governance and Public Order; O – Opportunities for Livelihood and Housing; N – Nutrition, Health and Welfare of Senior Citizen; and G – God-centered Leadership.

Know Your Candidate Forum II

President Hermie Brion of the Rotary Club of Palanyag-Paranaque, spearheaded the April 9 Forum for Councilor Florencio ‘Benjo’ Bernabe at Shakey’s within the Shopwise Plaza along Sucat Road, Paranaque.  Among the Rotary Club presidents who attended the Forum were John Allan Vinta of RC Paranaque St. Andrew; Jimmy Lazaro of the Rotary Club of Paranaque BF Homes; and Johnny Pecayo of the Rotary Club of Makati Legazpi.

Rotary Club of Paranaque East Past President  Rene Aquino was the program moderator for both fora, and he did very well in hosting those two important Rotary events.

Before the start of the program proper, the Rotary Club of Paranaque BF Homes, headed by President Jimmy Lazaro, contributed two lively musical numbers, done by flutist Manny de la Rosa, who truly entertained the audience with his expertise and showmanship.

FLORENCIO ‘Benjo’ BERNABE III

Benjo Bernabe was born on March 21, 1975 to Maria Fe Cristi Bernabe and Florencio Mayuga Bernabe, Jr.

Educational Attainment

Benjo Bernabe studied at Colegio de San Agustin, then pursued his college education at De La Salle University, Manila, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree, major in Business Management in only three years.

Business Involvement

Being an active member of the business community and equally involved in charitable works before entering public service, Benjo Bernabe was VP for Operations and Treasurer of  Berma Management Group, and VP for Operations of Spic ‘N’ Span Corporation.

Sports Involvement

Outside of his professional life, Benjo served as president of the Paranaque City Athletic Association and eventually served as Chairman of the Paranaque City Youth Games.

Benjo Bernabe also served as external vice president of the Tahanan Homeowners Association.  He served as Advisor to the Paranaque Youth Alliance, and the Paranaque City Youth and Sports Development Office.

Current Position

Bernabe is a Councilor of District II in the City of Paranaque.  Currently, he is the chairman of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines Paranaque Council, and a Director of the Philippine National Red Cross, Rizal Chapter, Paranaque Branch.

Benjo is also the Public Relations officer of the Philippine Councilors League, a member of the National Movement of Youth Legislators, and a member of the Pambato Jaycees.

He is a member of the Rotary Club of Palanyag-Paranaque.  He is likewise a member of the Knights of Columbus.

“I am glad that my father, Mayor Jun Bernabe, was not able to finish the many projects he started, otherwise, there is nothing left for me to do when I get elected as the next City Mayor of Paranaque,” Benjo told his audience.

As a City Councilor, Benjo knows the ins and outs of the Mayor’s activities, including the many projects successfully undertaken, and the many more on-going projects that have to be continued by the next mayor for the benefits of the constituents.

Rotary Homes

Benjo made a special mention of the on-going construction of Rotary Homes in Barangay La Huerta to benefit the homeless poor families living in Paranaque’s river banks.  While the homes are provided free by the Rotary Clubs, the lot has to be paid on an equal monthly installments for 25 years, at P400 per month, by whoever would qualify to own a new unit.  There are 17 homes available.

Family

A long-time resident of Paranaque, Benjo and his family live in Tahanan Village , BF Homes.  He is married to Kristine Shoaf Bernabe with whom he has three lovely daughters – Nikkie, Andi and Ava.

Being a nature lover, Benjo Bernabe enjoys playing golf in his spare time.

Other Candidates

City Councilor Rico Golez, runningmate of mayoral candidate Benjo Bernabe, and son of an illustrious man, Congressman Roilo Golez, attended and delivered his campaign speech, then left for another meeting.  He is deep, and knows the many responsibilities of a vice mayor, having been in the City Council for years.

A newcomer in the political game, which is entirely different from basketball games, where he is very much familiar with, is Coach Binky Favis, who greeted everyone “Good Morning,” even when it was past 2PM already when he delivered his speech.  He believes and considers any time of the day as “morning” which, according to him, is lucky for elected officials, businessmen and even professional basketball players.  Coach Favis coached the San Miguel Beer Team, and other PBA Teams in the past many years.

Program Moderator Rene Aquino told the candidates and the audience that while some of the supposed Co-host Rotary Clubs were not able to make it, being a holiday, the people present were business and community leaders who have the influence.  He even came close to Pres. Johnny of RC Makati Legazpi, using him as an example being a journalist, who can influence undecided voters through his newspaper, the MANILA-U.S. TIMES.

Then he looked at his cellphone saying he just received a text from Juvan (Esplana) informing him that  he could not make it.  The text requested Rene to call Tin Esplana, the wife.  Looking at Kristine, he blurted, “Ang puti nito,” and the audience roared with laughter, especially those who knew Juvan.

Juvan Esplana, City Councilor for 9 years, who is coming back after concentrating on his businesses for three years, was not able to make it to the Forum, but he was well represented by his beauteous wife, Kristine Gonzales-Esplana, a former TV host and showbiz personality, whose introduction of him left an indelible mark on the minds of many Rotarians and guests.  She did it so professionally, as if she had been doing it all the time, but the truth was, that memorable April 9 Forum was the very first time in her life to introduce a candidate who was not even present in the meeting, due to other prior commitments he could no longer reschedule.  She did it exceptionally well.

Rotary Past President Roland Reyes reinforced what Benjo said in his speech, when Program moderator Rene Aquino called him to say something about candidate Bernabe.

Pres. Hermie Brion introduced the Rotary Club presidents who were present, before delivering his welcome remarks, aside from the introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians done by PP Ike Apolinario of RC Palanyag-Paranaque.

Pres. John Vinta of RC Paranaque St. Andrew, delivered the closing remarks, before Pres. Hermie officially adjourned the meeting at about 4:30PM.

#

Note:  Photos will be emailed, along with this story, to newspaper publications, including the U.S.-based MANILA-U.S. TIMES.

Aldrich recently made news after a video of him singing Luther Vandross’ hit “Dance With My Father” went viral.  He was accompanied on guitar played by his cousin James Walter Bucong.  The video has now over 900,000 hits on YouTube.

Ellen recently showed the video of Aldrich to her audiences in “The Ellen Degeneres Show.”

“Last week I saw this video of a young singer.  He’s from the Philippines. You gotta see this kid, amazing,” Ellen said.

This is not the first time that Filipino singers caught Ellen’s attention. She has invited Charice to her show, which also paved the way for the singer’s international career.

Ellen also invited Kapamilya singer Rhap Salazar and “random girl” Youtube sensation Zendee Rose Tenerefe.

Aldrich could be the next Filipino singer to be featured on Ellen’s show.

“How beautiful is that? It’s that soul in that little boy.  So, I’m looking for you.  Please come here and sing to me and all of my friends here. You are amazing,” Ellen said.

In a TV Patrol interview aired on Tuesday, April 30, Zendee revealed that she communicated with the producer of “The Ellen Degeneres Show” and recommended Aldrich.

Minessage ko po yung producer ng “Ellen.” Nagustuhan po nila. Abangan po natin soon, baka soon, another Philippine pride,” Zendee said.

Aldrich recently made news after a video of him singing Luther Vandross’ hit “Dance With My Father” went viral.  He was accompanied on guitar played by his cousin James Walter Bucong.  The video has now over 900,000 hits on YouTube.

Ellen recently showed the video of Aldrich to her audiences in “The Ellen Degeneres Show.”

“Last week I saw this video of a young singer.  He’s from the Philippines. You gotta see this kid, amazing,” Ellen said.

This is not the first time that Filipino singers caught Ellen’s attention. She has invited Charice to her show, which also paved the way for the singer’s international career.

Ellen also invited Kapamilya singer Rhap Salazar and “random girl” Youtube sensation Zendee Rose Tenerefe.

Aldrich could be the next Filipino singer to be featured on Ellen’s show.

“How beautiful is that? It’s that soul in that little boy.  So, I’m looking for you.  Please come here and sing to me and all of my friends here. You are amazing,” Ellen said.

In a TV Patrol interview aired on Tuesday, April 30, Zendee revealed that she communicated with the producer of “The Ellen Degeneres Show” and recommended Aldrich.

Minessage ko po yung producer ng “Ellen.” Nagustuhan po nila. Abangan po natin soon, baka soon, another Philippine pride,” Zendee said.

REDWOOD CITY, CA, April 15, 2012 – ABS-CBN International, the largest Filipino entertainment, news and broadcast company in the U.S., announced today the launch of Lifestyle Network on Time Warner Cable in Los Angeles and San Diego.

With the unprecedented success of its flagship product, The Filipino Channel (TFC) and Filipino On Demand, its video on demand service on cable, ABS-CBN International expands its content coverage by offering a new channel which ABS-CBN North America Managing Director and Global Content Head Olivia De Jesus described as “appealing to a market seeking diverse, fresh, rich experiences, information and entertainment that help balance their lives, improve their well-being, fire up their dreams and fuel their passion.”

Lifestyle Network boasts of carefully selected content that focuses on the lifestyle pillars of Self, Home, Food and Travel.  It presents unique and exciting kitchen counsel delivered in non-traditional manner, like Curiosity Got the Chef, You’ve Been Served, and The Kitchen Musical.  Viewers can depart on armchair globe-trotting adventures via Filipinas Undiscovered, World Without Walls, and Ten which is hosted by Filipino Canadian Jason Godfrey, lending a unique second generation perspective on his parents’ homeland, the Philippines. Expert advice on colors, lines, shapes, textures, placement, and themes that comprise the elements of home design can be enjoyed through shows like Interior Motives, Urban Zone and Life Without Borders. Healthy behaviors, beauty secrets, latest runway fashion action, and trends tips for every style and budget are on tap on programs like F.A.S.H., Runway TV and Belo Beauty 101.

“We recognize that TFC needed a companion specialty channel that caters more to Filipinos who are looking for programming that addresses personal improvement, individual empowerment and expansion of one’s world,” said ABS-CBN North America Regional Marketing Head and Senior Director Jun Del Rosario. “We are very pleased to have Time Warner Cable as our partner in bringing Lifestyle Network to the Filipino community in Southern California.  We appreciate that TWC believes in TFC’s leadership and expertise in reaching the Filipino demographic while we acknowledge their solid commitment to having a robust and rich international programming.”

Lifestyle Network is available on Channel 683 in Los Angeles and Channel 691 in San Diego for no additional charge to Time Warner Cable digital customers with a subscription to The Filipino Channel on the Los Angeles system. For more information, please visit www.twc.com

Filipina nurse Menchu Sanchez’s photo is seen on a New York-based news site. Sanchez was lauded by U.S. President Barack Obama for her heroism during the power outage on the onslaught of Hurricane Sandy.

Pinoys’ overwhelming concern for others even in times of difficulty is again highlighted after U.S. President Barack Obama honored a Filipina nurse Wednesday.