It seems only yesterday when a very young Empress Schuck made her presence felt in TV commercials, and then in showbiz as she showcased her talent via dramatic roles.

After proving her mettle in drama, Empress was launched in the lead role of Rosa in “Rosalka.” Her determination to make a difference with the role paid off as she gained notice and approval from fans and the audience. And now that she is turning 18, the “Empress of Drama” looks forward to a more colorful life on and off-screen.

Empress stresses that there will be no major changes in her life.

“Konting panahon pa po siguro,” the debutant shares. But with regards with decision-making, “they ask for my opinion. Hindi naman sila gagawa ng bagay, lalo na kung para sa akin na hindi ako tinatanong,” Empress says.

The actress hopes to be more independent in the near future, investing in her own car and a house. She plans to take up Culinary Arts in preparation for her dream to own a restaurant someday. She looks forward to more projects both as an actress and product endorser. At the moment, she remains to be the face of Pantene, Olay, Natasha and Bum Equipment.

For her debut, Empress chose a Rocker Chick theme. This is something she had thought of since she was 16. All her guests are requested to wear chic outfits in black, pink and white.

Empress’ big celebration happens at the Grand Terrace on Feb. 20 where she will be wearing a Pepsi Herrera gown. Her close friends Robi Domingo, Kitkat and Melissa Ricks are hosting. Perfomers are Richard Poon, 3 AM, The VoizBoys and Parokya ni Edgar. Her showbiz friends Enchong Dee, Felix Roco, Matt Evans, Ejay Falcon, Arron Villaflor, Isabelle Abiera, Beauty Gonzales and Erich Gonzales are part of the 18 roses and 18 gifts. Guests who are also expected to attend are Empress’ co-actors in “Shout Out!,” “Abt Ur Luv,” “Ang TV 2” and “Rosalka.”

Empress would like to thank the following: Joy for All Seasons, Fernandos Bakeshop, Ishot Studio, VS and F Classic Food International, Flower’s Unlimited, Smartshot Studio, Procter and Gamble, Viena Cakes, Sounds After 12, Body Works and Bum Equipment.

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Bamboo Organ Fest on 36th year

The International Bamboo Organ Festival of Las Piñas, now on its 36th year, starts today, Feb. 17 and will culminate on Feb. 23. This is not an ordinary music festival, as it showcases a unique music instrument that has been officially declared a national treasure.

The bamboo organ of Las Piñas, crafted by Spanish priest Diego Cera (former parish priest of Las Piñas and said to be from a family organ builders in his native Spanish), was in the beginning used only for liturgical purposes but it evolved into a full-fledged festival sacred music. Through the years, it has earned acclaimed both national and international, and become a source of great pride for all Filipinos.

Excerpts from Johann Sebastian Bach’s more celebrated cantatas will be featured in the opening concert entitled “Back to Bach” while a chamber music concert featuring baroque compositions will end the festival.

Among the performers are the Las Piñas Boys Choir, champion of the 2008 World Choir Games in Graz, Austria; the Hail Mary the Queen Children’s Choir, the University of the East Chorale and the Imusicapella Chamber of Choir. Conductors are Joel Navarro and Eudenice Palaruan.

This year’s festival is presented by the Bamboo Organ Foundation, Inc. in cooperation with NCCA, Dept. of Tourism, Pagcor, Embassy of Austria, Sen. Manuel B. Villar, Jr., Rep. Mark A. Villar, Mayor Vergel Aguilar, and the City Government of Las Piñas.

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PVB gears up for brighter 2011

2010 was a busy year for the Philippine Veterans Bank as it successfully launched its “10 in 2010” branch expansion program. No less than the Star for All Seasons now Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto graced the opening of PVB’s Lipa City branch. The other branches’ opening were attended by other celebrities whose commitment to their constituents is shared by PVB. They are Laguna Gov. ER Ejercito, Bulacan Vice Governor Daniel Fernando, and James Gordon.

This 2011, PVB plans to apply for licenses for five new branches. It will also launch a variant of the five-year time deposit called “Advantage Plus” which has the same benefits as their earlier products but the interest earnings each month will be credited to the client’s regular savings account.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 17, go to Senator Jinggoy Estrada, actress-TV host Anne Curtis, Butch Raquel, Corporate Communication head of GMA-7; former singer-turned-evangelist Eddie Mesa, Rolan Derek Gabayno, Avon Garcia, PR man Oscar San Pedro, Dr. R. Slotta of Jamaica General Hospital in New York, comedian-singer Baleleng, Eleanor Calma Visaya, MB’s Ramon Francisco, Amor Antonio, Rhythm Jude Villagomez Losorata, and AJ Perez of ABS-CBN Star Magic…