Gloria Romero

MANILA, Philippines — The lifetime achievements of eight celebrities from northern Philippines, including moviedom’s Gloria Romero of Mabini, Pangasinan and Alma Moreno of Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, will be recognized when they receive Treasures of the North awards at a grand cultural fete slated at the Manila Hotel’s Fiesta Pavilion on March 17.

The event, “Treasures of the North: A Global Presentation,” will showcase the rich cultural heritage of northern Philippines and will feature global and local performers from the three regions of northern Luzon.

Other awardees are Freddie Aguilar (Sto. Tomas, Isabela), Noel Cabangon (Rosario, La Union), Joel Macanaya (Aparri, Cagayan), Vhen Bautista (Ballesteros, Cagayan), Danny Ildefonso (Urdaneta, Pangasinan), and Brian Viloria (Narvacan, Ilocos Sur).

The event is the first project of Kultura ti Amianan. Organizing committee is composed of Juan S.P. Hidalgo, Jr., chairman; Leonardo Q. Belen, project director, and Angel R. Calso, executive producer while regional coordinators are Leilani G. Adriano (Ilocos Norte), Rudy Contillo (Ilocos Sur), Estela Guerrero (Baguio City), Harietta V. Hernando (Pangasinan), Francisco Casil (La Union), Marilyn Rosimo (Nueva Vizcaya), Felix Medrano, Jr. (Isabela), and Glenys Santiago (Cagayan).

“This cultural show was conceived as an initial attempt to promote the idea of cultural tourism in the contiguous areas of Region 1, Region 2 and Region 14 (CAR),” said Belen.

“Everybody is invited to experience with us this initial attempt to package a cultural event as a potential product for tourists,” said Hidalgo.

The cultural show is open to the public. Text ticket reservations and e-mail kulturatiamianan@gmail.com for dinner-show seats.

The event’s highlights are the keynote address by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and the presentation of the Ina ti Kultura special award to Rep. Imelda R. Marcos.

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Pyromusical Finale Set Tonight

Close Up Pyromusical concludes its six-week pyromusical competition today, March 17, 6:30 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Grounds.

The event also gathers the following for a concert: Rico Blanco, Barbie Almalbis and Gino Padilla who are expected to sing Close UP hits “Come Closer,” “Just A Smile Away” and the classic “Closer You And I.”

For show access, exchange P100 worth of Close Up product for a ticket worth P100, or get 50 percent discount on P300 or P500 tickets at the SM Mall of Asia Booths.

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Celebs Take On Off-Road Challenge

Paolo Abrera, Tricia Chiongbian-Concepcion, Rovilson Fernandez, MYX VJ Mike Advincula, “AHA” host Drew Arellano and Vaseline Men endorser Jericho Rosales go for off-road challenges in the triathlon series “Vaseline Men XTERRA Weekend” in Liloan, Cebu.

“Vaseline Men XTERRA Weekend” begins today, March 17, featuring a 21K, 10K and 5K trail run. Top age group finishers in the 21K trail run will qualify for the “XTERRA Trail Run World Championships” in Oahu, Hawaii this year.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 17, go to Mayor Jerry Pelayo, Ronnie Salonga, Brenda Reyes, Maria Lanot, Pat Camacho, Teri Maniquis, Cielo Rivera, Nelda Ferrero, Jessie Villarama, Dr. Elmo Belaro of Manila Health Dept. and TV5’s Paolo Bediones... Tony S. Espejo, artistic director of Gantimpala Theater, announced the opening of the 35th Summer Workshop-Musical Theater for Teen and Young Adults beginning April 9. For registration, visit www.gantimpalatheater.multiply.com or www.facebook.com/gantimpala...