Photo shows Mrs. Cynthia A. Villar and Sen. Manny Villar with special guests Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and wife Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano.

MANILA, Philippines -- The book “Saving A River, Securing Livelihoods” which documents the multi-awarded Las Piñas-Zapote Rivers rehabilitation program of the Villar Foundation, was launched recently by former Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia A. Villar at the Fully Booked in Bonifacio High St., Taguig City.

The launch was attended by prominent personalities from both the government and private sectors, led by Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano and husband Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano. Sen. Manny Villar, Rep. Mark Villar and Camille Villar were of course present to help Cynthia entertain her guests. Beautiful music was provided by saxophonist Ian Jacinto, Jr.

The 97-page book, written by Joyce Crisanto, is a detailed documentation of the efforts the Villar Foundation, spearheaded by Mrs. Villar herself.

Mrs. Villar, through the Villar Foundation, created livelihood opportunities from the river rehabilitation program to alleviate the living conditions of the poor residents along the riverbanks. These include: Water hyacinths (commonly known as water lilies) basket weaving, handloom blanket weaving, the coconut coir peat enterprise and composter and vermi culture which turn waste organic fertilizer.

Mrs. Villar has become a sought after resource speaker because of her success in converting water hyacinths or lilies into a key material for the thriving basket-weaving industry in Las Piñas.

After the river rehabilitation, according to Villar, they are gearing for a citronella program wherein citronella will be planted alongside bamboos on riverbanks. Besides preventing soil erosion, the citronella plants will beautify the riverbanks.

More importantly, citronella is a known deterrent to mosquitoes.

The book stated that the fruit of citronella plant is a primary ingredient for production of candles.

Martin Escudero is new star to watch

After holding jampacked advanced screenings at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Davao, Iloilo, Los Baños, and select Metro Manila theaters, the buzz is becoming louder and louder: “Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington” is becoming a sensation – and its lead actor Martin Escudero is the new actor to watch.

“Martin is a stunning discovery,” says a review in Pep.ph. “His comic talent is impeccable. He speaks, sashays, and acts like a real gay man! He is the crowning glory of ‘Zombadings.’”

Bobby Rodriguez, a professor at the University of the Philippines blogged: “Martin Escudero is a wonderful actor. A real delight to see on screen and I am not saying that in a ‘popstar delight’ kind of way. He is not glossed up, and he relies mostly on sheer acting.”

“Sobrang galing niya,” wrote Allan Diones in Abante Tonite. “Bigay na bigay kasi si Martin at hindi siya nag-inarte kaya lumabas na totoo at kapani-paniwala ang performance niya.”

The 21-year-old Escudero plays the happy-go-lucky young man Remington in “Zombadings 1,” content at being another tambay along with his lambanog-loving comrades. Until the lovely Hannah (Lauren Young), a childhood friend, returns to their quiet town.

“Zombadings 1” is not Escudero’s first film (he has appeared in small roles in “Kung Ako Na Lang Sana,” “Malikmata,” and “Shake Rattle and Roll 12”), but it is his first as a lead actor. He was last seen as the romantic lead in the TV5 teleserye “Babaeng Hampaslupa.”

Miss Casino Filipino 2011 crowned

Catrine Rosary Ocampo was crowned the first Miss Casino Filipino 2011 beauty pageant held at the PAGCOR Grand Theater Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011.

Miss Ocampo won over 28 other candidates representing the various PAGCOR branches nationwide. She won a grand prize of P300,000 in cash aside from the privilege to represent the Philippines at the “Queen of the World” beauty pageant to be held in Germany in December.

“Miss Casino Filipino” beauty pageant, according to PAGCOR president Jorge V. Sarmiento, is a beauty pageant with a difference. It highlights the gaming agency’s community development programs.

The runners-up, with their respective prizes are: Glennifer Perido, 1st runner-up, P200,000; Maureen Morales, 2nd runner-up, P100,000; Katherine Dominique Lagrimas, 3rd runner-up, P75,000; Reina Cuneta, 4th runner-up, P50,000.

All the winners will be given opportunities to be part of Casino Filipino shows and events.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Sunday, Sept. 11, go to US-based Jeanne Young, Emilio Tuason, Elenita P. Grande, Ana Maria Mendoza, Ma. Karina N. Tan, Baybee Astete, Ferdinand “Don” Manebo, Linda Mercado, Mark Philippe Solomon Fulgar, and Anna Marie Pili... Happy wedding anniversary to Egbert and Marie Rochelle, and Noel and Cindy Wil... “Christmas in September,” a charity bazaar by Zonta Club of Makati and Environs will go till today at Rockwell Tent. All you need for Christmas you’ll find it there. Ms. Alice Guerrero, committee chairman said…