Due to the sharp downtrend of the local movie industry, many of the workers particularly among those who belonged to the rank and file, have been out of jobs for quite sometime already and may have also failed to send their sons and daughters to school. However, the Technical & Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has launched a massive and nationwide scholarship program called “Pangulong Gloria Scholarships – Gaganda ang Buhay Mo!”

The scholarships program covers practically all kinds of short-term technical courses fully funded by the government.

TESDA Director General Tito Boboy Syjuco said that it is the aim of the scholarship program to accommodate as many as out-of-school youth and train them in technical and vocational courses “to prepare them for employment here and abroad. Welding, for instance, is very much in demand abroad,” he stressed.

Civic leader Ricky Reyes, is very much in the forefront of the project, visiting several areas in the country – with the TESDA boss – telling the out-of-school youth to take advantage of the scholarship program of Pres. Arroyo. As of now, there are several thousands out-of-school youth who have already enrolled in various schools in the country.

There are about 150 schools which have been accredited by TESDA nationwide. Tuition fees – from P10,000.00 to P40,000.00 for each course, is paid directly to the school where a scholar may enroll. The scholar also receives allowances for daily transportation and meals.

A prospective scholar must report to the nearest TESDA office about his or her intention to take up a course, and from there, the processing of his or her scholarship grant begins.

For the first time in the Philippines, this is the biggest scholarship program ever undertaken by a sitting president. The fund allocated for the program is P2 billion.

Ricky Reyes, who popularized the free “Isang Gunting, Isang Suklay,” hair-dressing vocational course to help augment the income of women and housewives, said that the scholarship program of Pres.

Arroyo is monumental, and that out-of-school youth – or even those who were forced to lose their jobs because of the economic crisis, must take advantage of the scholarship program of Pres. Arroyo.

“With the special courses to select from, a scholar can become an entrepreneur or self-employed and thus augment his or her own income,” TV host Ricky Reyes said. Ricky also runs a special training institute which is also accredited by TESDA.

TESDA Director General Syjuco said that there are so many courses to choose from, depending on the natural aptitude of the prospective scholar.

* * *
‘Daisy Siete Season 23’ starts airing today on 7

Another season of “Daisy Siete,” its 23rd, will air starting today, July 20, after “Eat Bulaga” on GMA-7. As the recent press conference of the successful afternoon drama series held at the Mugen Bar in Metrowalk, we asked Joy Cancio, the producer of the show and manager of the phenomenal SexBomb Dancers, what makes “Daisy Siete” click that it has reached its 23rd season? Joy humbly said, “Maybe because pamilya kami dito, pantay-pantay ang lahat, walang mas mataas, walang mas mababa. There is love and care among us.”

The 23rd season is entitled “Chachacha, Ang Mga Muchacha” and as always, it has a huge cast led by Rochelle Pangilinan and Jopay Paguia of the original Sexbomb. Many admire and appreciate Joy Cancio for her efforts in providing jobs for her talents as well as those who are just starting out and those who are hardly being tapped for acting projects. “This is why pinagpapala siya,” a colleague said.

Also in the cast with the Sexbomb Girls are Lou Veloso, Irene Celebre, Patrick dela Rosa, Dax Martin, Camille Roxas, Tariq, Jay-Ar de Guzman, Daniel Fernando, Daria Ramirez, ramp and commercial model Kurt Dreo and Focus E’s new discovery, a very talented boy named Julian Trono.

Based from a script by Suzette Doctolero, “Chachacha, Ang Mga Muchacha” has Rochelle playing the young Rosanna (to Daria Ramirez’s old Rosanna) who dies but who convinces St. Peter to let her go back to earth “to right the wrongs she has done while still alive.” She used to be poor but being ambitious, she became super rich. But because of her abuses, someone would kill her. “Pero babalik ako sa lupa para itama ang mga maling ginawa ko sa mundo,” Daria said.

But she will come back a young woman (Rochelle). So watch out for “Chachacha, Ang Mga Muchacha,” another exciting afternoon drama series from Focus E.

* * *
Missing You:  Acoustic Love Affair 2

“Missing You: Acoustic Love Affair 2,” one of the most exciting new CD releases from Universal Records, is currently zooming in major music charts.

The new collection of romantic, nostalgic and acoustic songs brings back fondest memories and provides endless listening pleasure.

The beautifully packaged anthology of musical pieces, interpreted in soothing and heartwarming style, is a must to all music lovers.

There are 16 carefully selected and specially arranged songs in the album. Among the songs are: “Foolish Heart” (Steve Perry), “Cherish” (Kool & The Gang), “Anyone Can See” (Irene Cara), “You Got It All” (The Jets), “After All” (Al Jarreau), “Lost In Love” (Air Supply), “Somebody” (Depeche Mode), “On The Wings Of Love” (Jeffrey Osbourne), “Open Arms” (Journey), “Can’t Fight This Feeling” (Reo Speedwagon), “Missing You” (John Waite), “Almost Over You” (Sheena Easton), “Always” (Atlantic Starr), “Too Young” (Jack Wagner), “Piano In The Dark” (Brenda Russell) and “Rhythm Of The Night” ( Debarge).

A complete lyric sheet of all the 16 songs are included in the package, so that you can easily sing along with them, anytime you feel acoustically performing.
* * *
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, July 20, go to socialite-philanthropist Baby J. Arenas, couple Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto, Agot Isidro-Sandejas, Ms. Zenaida Tantoco, Jorge Araneta, Ms. Gloria Roco, Vice Consul Ron Castro, Tess Pamintuan, LA-based Anjanette Abayari, Ms. Nenita Evans, Dr. Mely Europa, Butch Victoriano, Ser Alcantara, Biboy Ramirez, Bebong Muñoz, Rayver Cruz, Dennis Ladaw, and MB’s Executive Vice President-Advertising Dr. Emilio Yap III...