Ms. Imelda Papin, being endorsed by her father, Rosendo Papin, as a senatorial candidate.

Ms. Imelda Papin, dubbed Asia’s Sentimental Songstress and who for decades ruled as the country’s Jukebox Queen, filed her certificate of candidacy (COC) at the Comelec office in Intramuros last Tuesday, the last day of filing. This time, the former vice governor of Camarines Sur wants to seek a senatorial seat.

Ms. Papin arrived last Sunday from Las Vegas where she did concerts with Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester at the Orleans Hotel and Casino. Upon her arrival, she immediately met with her leaders and supporters at her residence in North Fairview, Quezon City.

Ms. Papin, known not only for her passion for music but also for her dedication to public service, has adopted for a slogan “Magka-ISA Tayo,” based from her hit single “One!” which was launched a few years ago. The song calls for unity among all Filipinos regardless of age, gender, religion, party affiliation or status. The song is most especially relevant today in the midst of economic and political turmoil because according to her, “we belong to only one country, the Philippines, and so we must unite for the sake of our country. Kapag hindi tayo magka-isa, walang patutunguhan itong bansa natin.”

If she is still well-loved by the masses, it is because Imelda is pro-poor even at the beginning of her musical career. People still remember her songs, and among her diehard fans is Manny Pacquiao’s beloved mom Mrs. Dionisia Pacquiao, now fondly called “Mommy D” by her own fans. When they met in Las Vegas during the Pacquiao-Cotto fight, Imelda and Mommy D found time to record a duet, “Bakit” which will be released very soon. If Mommy D was a revelation in her debut movie “Tanging Pamilya,” you’ll find her to be a revelation as a singer in the forthcoming single recorded by 618 International Records, a division of 618 International Entertainment, Inc. which recorded Imelda’s latest album “Voice of the Heart.”

By the way, her local concert with Melissa Manchester will push through on Dec. 19 at the PICC. It will be an early Christmas show to be produced by Viva Concerts.

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Alessandra, the new face of Soda

Award-winning actress and now Kapamilya star Alessandra de Rossi was launched recently as the new celebrity endorser of Soda (formerly Pink Soda) underwear, coming after Dennis Trillo and Rhian Ramos, who endorsed Soda’s men’s line and fragrances, respectively.

At her launching press conference held at the new Jozu Japanese Rest. along Morato, Alex, sporting long tresses, came with her pet cat named Creampuff.

Know how Alex came to be Soda’s new endorser through the following press release:

One day, Alessandra got a call from her manager saying that Soda was considering her to be their underwear image model. To hear her tell it, the news couldn’t have come at a better time. “Sabi ko, ‘talaga?’ Nice! One year na akong homeless sa clothing company noon. Tamang-tama ang timing! Thank you, Soda!”

According to Soda’s AdProm manager Erwin Dona, they chose Alessandra because she is the epitome of the Soda woman. “Her character fits the image of the product,” he says. Alessandra’s classic beauty and strong personality – she doesn’t hesitate to speak her mind when the situation calls for it – signify that she is truly a woman of today, which in turn makes her perfect for the job.

Soda underwear is comfortable yet fashionable. It allows those who wear it to move freely. It’s made of cotton and comes in different styles, including lace-trimmed hip-huggers, boy shorts, seamless bikinis and more. “That’s why I like it. It’s breathable. Parang wala kang suot!” laughs Alessandra. She especially likes the low-rise undies. “Wala na rin kasing jeans na mataas, at cute ang mga designs! Parang teenager pa rin ako!”

Alessandra feels sexy enough on a normal day, but says that feeling is increased when she puts on a pair of Soda underwear. “On a scale of one to 10, kapag may suot akong Soda tingin ko lampas 10 ang rating ko. Mga 15 na siguro!” she laughs.

Aside from Soda, Alessandra is also set to return to television soon. But she prefers to keep mum about the two shows she will reportedly star in – for now, at least. “I’ll be doing two shows in the future pero nothing is sure pa, kaya ayoko muna ipagmalaki. Secret muna para cute!”

Soda underwear by Pink Soda is available at all Soda boutiques and all leading department stores nationwide.

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Mia Dance Café marks 1st anniversary Thursday

Mia Dance Café, the premier hub of ballroom dancing in the country, celebrates its first year anniversary on Thursday, Dec. 3. The red carpet affair, to be hosted by Poncy Quirino and Emma Nieto, will showcase seven pairs of dance champions who will each have their sizzling numbers. They include Mario Silos and Joy Macopia, Francis Jimenes and Karen Francisco, Mark Jamir and Lea Napuran, Ronnie Vergara and Chandra Lagaras, Noel Reyes and Maira Rosete, Miguel Dela Cerna and Edna Ledesma, and Mike Galvez and Karla Becaro.

Mia Dance Café was established to provide a venue for the high-end ballroom dancing market. It is the only venue with a world-standard dancing floor in the entire country. The dance hall employs New York Soho interior design with state-of-the-art light and sound system. The walls are lined with acoustic boards so the blare of the sound is absorbed. With glass, sound bounces than diffused.

Mia Dance Café employs a London-trained chef who developed a French/Italian menu that complements its international cuisine selections. Its bar proffers smoothies, cocktails and wines. Bestsellers include the shrimps bisque, salmon or steak platters and the ice-cream type blueberry cheesecake.

Mia Dance Café also offers free early evening dance classes from 7-8 p.m. every Mondays (Argentine tango, the milonga), Wednesdays (salsa) and Saturdays (cha cha). The sessions are handled by 50 roving dance instructors, seven of whom are ladies.

Mia Dance Café is open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. It is conveniently located at the second level of the Valdecon Bldg., 20 Jupiter St., Bel-Air, Makati City. For inquiries log on to www.mia.com.ph, or e-mail pscaphilippines@yahoo.com.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Dec. 3 go to Optical Media Board Chairman Ronnie Ricketts, Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr., Amb. Felimon Cuevas, Rep. Albertito Lopez, F. Sionil Jose, former Minister Jolly Benitez, Perla Ocampo, Jodie Lacsa, architect Mita Colet Montinola, Carmen Gabriel, Antonio Seva, Sofonias de Guzman, Jolina Ann Sarmiento, Rich Victor Gabriel Antonio, Cesar Salonga, Pinky S. Cordero of  Design Craft, Henry Ocier Highlands, and Jessy Mendiola. Happy wedding anniversary to Al and Cindy Lopez. Condolence to Gomer and Chem Lim for the death of their seven-year-old son Charles Gabriel R. Lim whose remains lie at the Sanctuarium, Quezon City till Friday, Dec. 4.