Photo shows Backroom family during Christmas Party.

 MANILA, Philippines – The year 2010 was a memorable one for the local showbiz industry. There were celebrity weddings, engagements, birth of celebrity babies, romantic relationships both gone sour and turned sweeter, the emergence of fresh faces, big concerts here and abroad while Filipino films, shows, actors and singers were recognized in the international scene.

For Backroom, Inc. Christmas is always a joyful and highly-anticipated season of the year. It is a time of merry-making and thanksgiving for all the blessings received. Last Dec. 20, Backroom celebrated its annual Christmas Party at Dolce Bar in Timog. The party began with a Thanksgiving Mass followed by a sumptuous dinner. Parlor games were played with Backroom staff, artists, and guests as contestants.

The night would not be complete without the traditional exchange gifts among the staff. Leo Rey Puri and Ryan Brusola hosted the much-awaited raffle draw where each staff brought home gifts and cash prizes. Likewise, raffle prizes were drawn for lucky guests.

Backroom’s main man Boy Abunda announced the “Employee of the Year” award which was received by Leo Rey Puri. Grand prize winners were Philip Rojas and Cynthia Rivera.

Throughout the years, friendships blossomed, new acquaintances made and doors opened for Backroom staff and artists. New additions came, some left and relationships rekindled but love always prevailed.

The Backroom artists present during the party were Erik Santos, Sitti, K Brosas, Drew Arellano, Verni Varga, Liz Uy, Pooh, Direk GB Sampedro, Arnold Reyes, Sean Anthony and newcomer Dominic Roque.

It was a night of fun and friendship for the artists and staff of Backroom. And now, Backroom gears up for a bigger, brighter and better 2011!

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Pagcor welcomes 2011 with triple B

Casino Filipino welcomes the New Year with “Big Bang 2011 – Banda, Beer at Barbecue.” From the heart of Casino Filipino in Parañaque to scenic Tagaytay and historic Cebu, all the way down to Davao in the south, the event will be a nationwide celebration of life, music, food and the Filipino Fiesta Lifestyle. According to Pagcor AVP for Entertainment Elmer Quintana, “Big Bang 2011” is “the opening salvo in the new entertainment direction for Casino Filipino wherein we highlight our culture – like the fiesta traditions that we celebrate throughout the archipelago. These are the things that set us apart and make the Casino Filipino experience truly unique and memorable.”

“Big Bang 2011” will be celebrated in all of the Casino Filipino branches all over the Philippines. It will feature live band music, free flowing beer, all the barbecue you can eat (while supplies last!) and the liveliest party people this side of the world. The synchronized party kicks off at 7 p.m. today, Jan. 1, with a grand beer and barbecue party at the Airport Casino Filipino. Bands that will be performing include The Dawn (Pagcor-Pavilion), Spirit of ‘67 & Tanya Markova (Pagcor-Parañaque), Interact & JCJ Band (Pagcor-Mactan), Grupo Marie Teves & 11th Hour Band (Pagcor-Bacolod), Music Authority & Suave Latino Band (Pagcor-Davao), Draybers & Ensemble Band (Pagcor-Hyatt), Straken Band (Pagcor-Olongapo), Sound Merge & Rave Band (Pagcor-Cebu), Randy Santiago with Serenity Band (Pagcor-Heritage), Movado and Soul Jam (Pagcor-Angeles), Fast Culture and Higher Ground (Pagcor-Mimosa), Crossover and Anikiz Movement Band (Pagcor-Tagaytay).

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KoPinoy Project

Even before Sandara Park became a popular name in local showbiz, there had been a “Korean invasion” of sort in the country. There have been many Korean businessmen and Korean students in the country and their number is growing every year. And of course, there’s the Koreanovela which Filipino televiewers have gotten fond of.

Just recently, the Korean students in the country formed the Korean Student Association of the Philippines (KSAP) with the intention of helping the country and the people in any way they can, and of course, to help acquaint the Filipinos of Korean arts, culture and tradition through, among others, the launching of K-Pop music.

The KSAP is led by Kim Ho Soo, president, and Kim Jong Chan, vice president. The other officers are Hwong Doe Heung and Gu Jan Gyun. The association was launched recently at the former Embassy at The Fort. Ms. Bella Dimayuga said the event was supported by the Korean Manpower Agency headed by Mr. Hyun.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 1, go to Mrs. Cristina Ponce Enrile, Mrs. Licerna A. Abunda, Rev. Sonia Yu-Lim, Lourdes Tapia-Tolosa, Soledad Siguenza, Buddy Medina, Mylene Gamboa, Patrick Apostol, Violeta Villanueva, Leila C. de Leon, Mila Africa Jose, Alfredo B. Canlas, Dr. Rosalinda Suaco-Ante, Marietta Ejercito, Elainee Yap, Aida dela Cruz, Sony Magundayao, and Gemma Fritzgerald of Star Magic… Happy New year!!!