Many things, favorable and unfavorable, happened to Cesar Montano in 2010. He lost his gubernatorial bid in his beloved Bohol, but other than this, he has been blessed in many other ways. 2010 has been a most eventful year for him, but 2011 promises to be even better.

For one, ever since he moved over to GMA-7, Cesar has become very busy with acting projects. His first with the Kapuso Network was the fantaserye “Ilumina.” The show also featured other great actors like Christopher de Leon, Ara Mina and Jean Garcia, and young stars Aljur Abrenica and Rhian Ramos.

Right now, he and Sunshine are seen in the GMA-7 News and Public Affairs special “Puso ng Pasko,” a celebrity Christmas reality challenge series featuring 12 pairs of Kapuso stars and anchored by Richard Gutierrez and Vicky Morales, with Drew Arellano and Rhian Ramos among the co-hosts. The show is aimed at helping underprivileged families experience the joy and spirit of Christmas.

Cesar’s next project on GMA-7 is a sitcom which will be aired during the first quarter of the year. He will also be starring in an indie movie tentatively titled “Sa Ngalan ng Pag-ibig” which he wrote and which he will also direct. His film outfit, CM Productions, will line-produce the movie for Viva Films. His leading lady is Anne Curtis.

Cesar is also currently recording an album under Sony Music. He is also writing some songs for the album. Cesar’s last album called “Subok Lang” did very well in the market.

By the way, when he was in the US, Cesar mounted a successful art exhibit at the Marriot Courtyard, Mission Valley in San Diego, California. Sunshine said every single painting of Cesar was sold out. Next time, Cesar plans to hold exhibits in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York.

Cesar also took advantage of the time to network with fellow Pinoys with the same heart for service. Through Fil-American engineer Pablito Yra, he was able to get a donation of 300 personal computers from Loral Space System, whose vice president is Jacob Foraker. The computers will be donated to schools in Bohol through Cesar’s own foundation, Panaghoy Children Foundation. The officers of Loral Space System promised to give a thousand more computers for distribution to students and barangays across the country.

When asked how he feels about all these, Cesar said “everything is a blessing from God. I am truly grateful.”

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DWIZ is KBP Best AM Station

DWIZ 882 kHz, the flagship station of Aliw Broadcasting Corp., is this year’s Golden Dove Awardee for Best AM Radio Station of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), the country’s largest association of broadcasting companies.

The KBP board of judges cited the station’s balanced programming which stresses information, education, public service and entertainment. DWIZ was also cited for its creative and innovative presentation of programs.

DWIZ is headed by J. Antonio Cabangon Jr., Aliw Broadcasting Corp. president; Wilfredo Tayag, executive vice president and general manager; Rey Langit, vice president and station manager; and Ely Aligora, program director.

This is the second time that DWIZ is awarded the Golden Dove as Best AM Radio Station.

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A star-studded Grand Wine event

The 10th Grand Wine Experience of the Philippine Wine Merchants held at the New World Hotel Makati was a night of excitement and anticipation. The crowd of around 1,000 from among the “Who’s Who” in the country – selected guests coming from the diplomatic circle, well-known businessmen, hoteliers, airline and resort execs and showbiz celebrities gathered to enjoy the evening tasting 500 selected wines and spirits from the wine producing countries.

There was also food galore (international cuisines) prepared by the hotel chefs. Among the celebrities who graced the occasion was Ricky Davao who came early and was entertained by actress Melissa de Leon-Joseph, Rina Reyes, China Cojuangco with husband, singer-actor Ariel Rivera, Phoemela Barranda having good time talking with Consul Annette Ablan, and Marvin Agustin among others. The Joseph brothers Bobby, Ralph, Ronnie and Raymond entertained guests.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Dec. 15, go to Mrs. Corazon M. Samaniego, chairman of the annual Box-office King & Queen Awards; former Sen. Nikki Coseteng, Rosie Mata Castro, Cora Cristobal, Caroline Ortega, Minda Azarcon, Edming Coloso, Josephine Manuel, Manny V. Martinez, Thelma Velasco, Rosa Rosario, Teddy de Leon, Rustum M. Tabor, Jay-O Bonachita, Evelyn J. Trinidad, Velma Valeriano, Letecia Bella, Nena Santiago, Jet Valle, Corazon C. Munsayac, Lota Reyes, Dianne P. Landingin, Valeriana A. Silvania, Arriane Urbano, Joseph Paul Pacis Javier (a.k.a. DJ Mojo Jojo), and John Stevens of London... Happy wedding anniversary to Bobby and Ida Joseph; and Froilan and Cita Antonio...