MANILA, Philippines -- GMA Network brought its stars to the recent Tuna Festival in General Santos City where they provided a “blissful tuna-rrific experience” to thousands who trooped to the KCC Mall of GenSan Convention Center. The Kapuso stars who joined in the celebration were the cast of “Iglot:” Claudine Barretto, Luis Alandy, Patrick Garcia, John Feir and Milkcah Wynne Nacion and “Sisid” star Rich Asuncion. The event was hosted by John together with Resci Rizada of GMA Davao and Anna Maris Igpit of GMA Cebu.

The celebration kicked off with the “Serbisyong Totoo Docu-Fest.”

GMA News reporter Cesar Apolinario was present during the event.

As early as 2 p.m. of that day, hundreds of residents were already queuing at the Brgy. San Jose Covered Court for the “Kapuso Barangayan: Serbisyong Totoo Hatid ng GMA News and Public Affairs” wherein a feeding program, free clinic services, and bloodletting activity took place. A hot evening followed at the Anchor Driving Range as the “Karagatan Awards” unfolded with numbers from Stef Prescott and Sexbomb Mia Pangyarihan of “Amaya.”

Kapuso stars also participated in the “Mr. and Ms. GenSan 2011 Finals” with Claudine as pageant judge and Mike Tan as guest performer. They were joined by hosts Victor Aliwalas and Anna Maris Igpit.

The highlights of the festival were aired via the TV Special airing on all eight regional stations of the network in General Santos, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Dagupan, Naga, Cebu, Iloilo, and Bacolod.

Sponge Cola releases mainstream album

The Sponge Cola finally has released a mainstream album entitled “Araw Oras Tagpuan.” According to Universal Records, the album’s single “Tambay” has already attained a Diamond status. The song was written by the band’s front-man Yael Yuzon (guitar, vocals). The other members of the band, all Ateneans, are Armo Armovit on lead guitars, Gosh Dilay on bass, and Tedmark Cruz on drums.

“I feel inspired by the people around me,” Yael said referring to how he comes up with ideas for the songs he writes.

A “tambay,” says Yael, does a lot of reminiscing especially about beautiful experiences.

Perhaps, it’s worthwhile for us to experience being a “tambay” now and then! Aside from “Tambay,” “Araw Oras Tagpuan” also features the songs “Regal,” the CD’s current carrier single; “Walang Wakas,” theme song of ABS-CBN’s series “Wansapanatym,” Rod Santiago’s “Buhawi Jack,” “Kay Tagal Kitang Hinihintay,” “Araw Oras Tagpuan,” “Warning” which features drummer Tedmark Cruz on vocals, and “New Steel” featuring Salamin vocalist Paolo Valenciano.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Friday, Sept. 23, go to Mrs. Socorro Ramos of National Bookstore, Jenine Desiderio, Lynette Punzalan, Zenia Co, Grace de Asis Ilagan, Rose S. Vella, Avelino P. Basa, Danny Carvajal, Dr. Mariano Go, Danny Carvajal, Carlo Ignacio, Lina Gladys Castillo and Heidee Gay C. Ramirez of Cabagan, Isabela; Johnelle Marie M. Galigaro, Elmer Reyes, PSN entertainment editor Salve Asis, Mikee Tanae and comedian Kit-Kat... “Buhay Bata,” the first solo art exhibit of visual artist Jose Vistan of Hagonoy, Bulacan, is ongoing till Oct. 18 at the San Beda Museum in Alabang Hills with museum curator Miner Palad as sponsor. Vistan is known for his watercolor paintings of children of all ages thus the title of his art exhibit... The Something Special 78 Band (composed of former New Minstrels members) which plays dance music from the ’60s to the ’80s, performs every Friday night at 9 this month of September at the Bistro Miyake Japanese Rest. along Annapolis St., Greenhills. Singing with them is businessman Bobby del Rosario…