The finalists to this year’s Circle of 10 Image Model search were presented recently to the media by founder and executive director Tom Adrales. The presentation was held at the Club Serve Coliseum Circle at the Araneta Center, Cubao, QC.

The 23 male finalists are: Aldrain Fresco, Jarrel Soliman, Joshua Palisoc, Antonio “Chuckie” Albert III, Michael Dizon, Myko Ong, Robin Ocampo, J.L. Achaval, Raphael Galvez, Robert Gloria, Avery Paraiso, Drew Daquial, Jervy Arahan, Paolo Cantada, Sam Mison, Luis Hontiveros, Eljohn Yee, Raff Montesines, Redmond Zapanta, Maverick Velarde, Vince Estenso, Steven Gates and Rommel Toledo.

The 22 female finalists are: Allendale Meris, Ria Octavio, Arny Roque, Cristine Andal, Avonlea Paraiso, Rouba Diego, Hiba Diego, Daniela Fernandez, Carrie See, Audrey Gonzales, Aivana Elma, Katrina Pocdolacion, Hannah Garcia, Nina de Mesa, Patricia Reyes, Shane Tarun, Lady Ruiz, Sarah Alcantara, Goldie Gamir, Yvette Corral, Charmaine Estrada and Bambi Alegre.

The winners, five males and five females, will be known on June 29 during the grand finals to be held at the Music Museum in Greenhills. Ms. Bam Ramirez is in charge of concept and direction.

Presented by Victory Central Mall, Jumpstart, Tekinfovision, San Miguel Corp., Pagcor and Multi-Competencies Int’l Training Center, the search is sponsored by Hapee Toothpaste, Calcium-C, Cosmo Skin, Cybershades, Islands Cruise, Terrence View Hill and Erase UK Derm. Event organizers are TA Talent Management and Manila Talent Arts and Entertainment Productions.

Products of the Circle of 10 Image Search have been discovered for the advertising and entertainment industries. The search is now on its ninth year.

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It’s a girl for Dawn

Actress Dawn Zulueta gave birth via caesarian section to Ayisha Madlen Lagdameo at 12:05 p.m. last June 22.

Close friends of Dawn and husband Davao del Norte Congressman Anton Lagdameo said that the couple is happy because the baby is very healthy although she weighed only 3.5 lbs. when she was born. The Lagdameos now have two children, the first being a boy named Jacobo, now four years old.
Dawn was last seen in the movie “Magkaibigan,” Maverick Films’ entry to last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival. In the movie topbilled by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Dawn played wife to Christopher de Leon’s character which was inspired by the late Rudy Fernandez.

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Miguel Escueta named  ‘Best Alternative Solo Artist’

Miguel Escueta bagged the “Best Alternative Solo Artist” award at the recently-concluded 1st Philippine Radio Music Awards, held last June 9 at the Sky Dome, SM North EDSA.

The upcoming guitarist/songwriter won the award for “Blue Monday,” one of the cuts from his debut album “I Am M.E...: Amplified,” released by MCA Universal Records.

It was a surprise win for Miguel, who edged out more established contenders in the same category, including Kitchie Nadal, Rico Blanco and Jimmy Bondoc.

“I was shocked!,” he exclaims. “We were there because the band was invited to do two songs, ‘Balik Simula’ and ‘Blue Monday.’ Right after our songs, the video screens started flashing the names of the nominees, and even before I could catch my breath, I heard the hosts announcing my name. It was all a blur really. Everything happened too fast.”

After paying their dues doing countless gigs in the underground circuit, Miguel and his band consider the Radio Music award as a timely seal of recognition and approval from the music industry. “For all our hard work and amplified ambitions, it feels good to know that people are finally listening,” Miguel graciously intones.

Miguel is managed by ALV Talent Circuit.

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Eurika Czarina Amoroto, a gifted singer, launches CD

She has been winning in singing competitions for children since she was three years old, and today, the eight-year-old Eurika Czarina Amoroto has launched her first album. Entitled, “Eurika – Truly a Star in the Making” – the album has 12 songs, many composed and written exclusively for her.

Her album promotional tours will start at Ever-Gotesco Mall on Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, on June 28, and at SM Fairview on July 19. These will be followed at Starmall-Alabang, and at Island City Mall in Tagbilaran, Bohol. Eurika’s CDs are now available at music stores nationwide, produced and distributed by Aika Records.

Eurika is the daughter of Jimmy and Ana (nee Villagracia) Amoroto who are from Ubay, Bohol, and Bula, Camarines Sur, respectively.

The songs in the album are “Kahit Ako’y Bata Pa” and “Karugtong ng Buhay Ko,” by Dhel Horest; “Sige Na, Sige Na” and “Sino,” by Domingo Zafe; “Ang Pasasalamat” and “Lipad,” by Emil Losenada; “Wag Pasaway” and “Mga Bagong Awitin,” by Tex Cimafranca; “Tunay na Pag-ibig,” by Manny Ruta; “Topak With Love,” by Snafu Rigor; and “Interlude,” and “Words and Music,” revivals.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetingsfor June 25, go to Philip Cuazon, Jr., Nestor Cuartero of Tempo, Nini Chipeco, California-based Ryan Joshua Belen, Jennifer Nicolas, Mrs. Marilu Slotta of Jamaica General Hospital, and Chokoleit of Star Magic… Happy wedding anniversary to Dick and Flora Orense and MB’s Rene and Gigi Javellana…