Jon Santos as Sherrap Estrada

MANILA, Philippines — Jon Santos describes his forthcoming year-end show “Jon to the World,” which also features The Company, as a “celebrity fiesta.”

“It’s a big, giant Christmas get-together,” he said of this two-night show on Dec. 5 and 6 at the Newport Theater of Performing Arts at Resorts World Manila.

Known for his hilarious impersonations of famous people, Jon adds new characters like “Shancee” and “Charice Penpendesarapen-pengco.” “They are like my children.”

Previous favorites include Tita Gloring, Krissy, Sherrap Estrada and the unparalleled Ate Vi.

“I like to use the term point of reference,” Jon said, “My characters are chosen because they are really, really liked or there is strong public opinion about them.”

Jon points to the Global Pinoys who “shine where ever they go.” He calls them “Glocal” because of the ability to stay Pinoys “even when they are away from the Philippines.”

“Live entertainment involves going to new cities,” he said citing Los Angeles and Toronto as some of his regular gigs. “Soft spot na rin ang Canada for me, I have the most family there. And doon din kami nag-civil union,” Jon added.

Jon’s comedy career started in 1986 when he was a student at UP taking up Economics. Professor Monsod was his first character. “During those days, Tessie Tomas and Willie Nepomuceno were filling up lounges and bigger venues because of the new freedom that came with the EDSA Revolution. Political comedy became popular.” During his thesis week, he recalls that he was touring with Willy and Tessie’s shows. In l988, Jon mounted his first one-man show “Jon of Art.”

A self-confessed Vilmanian, he waxes poetic about Vilma Santos. “She crosses over from politics to showbiz and back. [But] I’m [also] very happy about Ate Guy’s return to the Philippines.”

Jon’s shows are always a collaborative effort with old and trusted friends like Joel Mercado, Enrico Santos and Cecille Matutina who write materials with him.

Golden Screen Awards for TV set

The Entertainment Press Society, Inc. (ENPRESS, Inc.) revealed the nominees to the 2011 Golden Screen TV Awards.

The finalists were selected from more than 300 entries sent by the TV network themselves and were carefully selected, deliberated and voted upon the GSA TV jurors after more than three months of review sessions.

The Golden Screen TV Awards will be held on Nov. 29 at the Teatrino at the Promenade, Greenhills, San Juan City. The list includes the following categories:

Outstanding News Program: “Bandila: Libya Boarder” (ABS-CBN 2), “24 Oras: Bitay” (GMA 7), “Saksi: Tragedy in Japan/Middle East Tension” (GMA 7), “Ito Ang Balita” (UNTV), “News to Go” (GMA News TV), “State of the Nation” (GMA News TV), “Aksyon Journalismo” (TV5), “TV Patrol World” (ABS-CBN 2).

Outstanding Gag Program: “Banana Split: Orasan ng Pag-Ibig” (ABS-CBN 2), “Banana Split: Star City” (ABS-CBN 2), “Locomoko U” (TV 5), “Bubble Gang” (GMA 7), “Wow Mali!” (TV5).

Outstanding Musical Program: “ASAP Rocks” (ABS-CBN 2), “Hey, It’s Saberday” (TV5), “Party Pilipinas” (GMA 7).

Outstanding Original Drama Series: “Magkaribal” (ABS-CBN 2), “100 Days to Heaven” (ABS-CBN 2), “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin” (ABS-CBN 2), “Babaeng Hampaslupa” (TV5) “Beauty Queen” (GMA 7), “Amaya” (GMA 7), “Munting Heredera” (GMA 7).

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 29, go to beauty queen and artist Evangeline Pascual, Gen. Jose Calimlim, Raymond Lauchengco, Gilberto Duavit, Ricardo Silverio, Tanini Serrano-de Leon, Charmina Banal, Lani Leabres, Rafael Teotico, Purita Galano, Ms. Mel A. Celeste, Atty. Ester Sison Cruz, and Bishop Filomeno Bactol of Biliran Province...