PAGCOR Asst. VP for Entertainment Bong Quintana

Casino Filipino (CF) branches nationwide welcomes the year 2013 with festivities and merry-making with the theme “Pampa-swerte sa Dos Mil Trese.”

Taking its cue from the lucky number 13, the CF branches will showcase Eastern and Western lucky colors, symbols, numbers and customs. This will supposedly enable “patrons and guests to experience good luck whenever they visit a CF branch in any part of the country,” says Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Assistant VP for Entertainment Bong Quintana.

The launch of “Pampa-swerte sa Dos Mil Trese” on Jan. 2, 2013 will be accompanied by celebrity shows. “The shows will be thematically-linked as celebrity performers share to the audience a thing or two about the concept of luck,” Quintana added.

Among the celebrities who will perform simultaneously at the Casino Filipino venues include Andrew E at Airport CF in Parañaque; Princess Velasco at CF Angeles; Roselle Nava at CF Bacolod; Erik Santos at CF Cebu; Rafael Rosell at CF Davao; Daiana Menezes at CF Heritage; Duncan Ramos at CF Olongapo; Kris Lawrence at CF Pavilion; Kitchie Nadal at CF Tagaytay; Valerie Concepcion at CF Mimosa; Sitti Navarro at CF Mactan; and Mark Bautista at CF Iloilo Arcade. All shows start at 9 p.m. Admission is free on a first come, first served basis.

According to Quintana, Casino Filipino’s staging of monthly-themed shows like this January’s “Pampa-swerte sa Dos Mil Trese” event has already gained popularity among casino players and guests. “From the time we started it on September 2010, the themed monthly celebrations, which feature some of the country’s most popular artists, have gained positive feedback and increased patronage. It is giving our Casino Filipino customers something to look forward to,” he added.

With the success of the monthly-themed entertainment and other Casino Filipino shows, patrons and guests can expect more spectacular and exciting shows in 2013. “We will have the 1st Casino Filipino Ballroom Dancing Competition for March and April, OPM@PAGCOR 3 for May and June, Celebrity Slots for Charity Challenge 2 in July, Miss Casino Filipino 2013 for August and September , Krismas Karol Kantahan Kontes 2013 for November and December and a lot more celebrity shows all year-round in all Casino Filipino branches, satellites and arcades,” he added.

Casino Filipino is starting the year on a high note by lining up exciting shows featuring some of the music industry’s unforgettable OPM icons. Eva Eugenio will perform at CF Heritage on Jan. 10, Carmen Soriano will be at Airport Casino Filipino on Jan. 11, Hajji Alejandro at CF Davao on Jan. 12, Elizabeth Ramsey at CF Hyatt on Jan. 17, Rey Valera at CF Olongapo and Carmen Pateña at CF Angeles on Jan. 18, Marco Sison at CF Bacolod, and Jun Polistico at CF Pavilion on Jan. 25. On Jan. 26, Claire dela Fuente will be at CF Cebu, Pilita Corrales at Iloilo Arcade and Nonoy Zuñiga at CF Tagaytay.

Meanwhile, singer-actor Mark Bautista will be featured in a nationwide concert tour at the different Casino Filipino branches for the whole month of January. His nationwide tour kicks off on Jan. 11 at CF Tagaytay, to be followed by shows at CF Heritage on Jan. 16, CF Angeles on Jan. 18, CF Mactan on Jan. 19, CF Davao on Jan. 20, Airport Casino Filipino on Jan. 23, CF Mimosa on Jan. 25, CF Hyatt on Jan. 26, CF Olongapo on Jan. 30, and the Ronquillo Arcade on Jan. 31.

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Backroom Inc. Gears Up For A Brand New Start In 2013

Christmas is always a happy and highly-anticipated event for Backroom, Inc. Like what the title of a popular song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Reunions and parties, exchange gifts, Simbang Gabi, Christmas carols, Noche Buena, Santa Claus – indeed, Christmas is a time for merry-making and thanksgiving.

Last Dec. 19, 2012, Backroom had its annual Christmas Party at Locale in Moomba Plaza 21 Mo. Ignacia corner Roces Ave., Quezon City. The party began with a Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Allan Samonte followed by a sumptuous dinner.

One of the highlights of the party was the videoke singing competition hosted by Jonathan Valdez. Philip Rojas emerged as champ with his rendition of the song “Heaven.” He received cash prize and a Platinum karaoke. Jamie Almario (who sang “You”) won 1st place while Cynthia Rivera (“Bailamos”) received 2nd place. Jett Valle (“Just A Smile”) and Jay Castillon (“Wind Of Change”) bagged 3rd and 4th place, respectively.

The cash prize for the “Employee of the Year” was donated to the victims of typhoon “Pablo.”

The night would not have been complete without the raffle draw where each staff brought home gifts and cash prizes. Likewise, raffle prizes were drawn for lucky guests.

Throughout the years, doors of opportunities continue to open up for Backroom staff and artists. While some left, new additions came. Friendship and love always prevail.

The Backroom artists present during the party were Bianca Gonzalez, Gelli de Belen, Pooh, Direk GB Sampedro, Jayke Reyes, the new Backroom artists and, of course, Boy Abunda who started it all.

It was a night of fun and friendship as everyone celebrated the Backroom Christmas Party. Backroom now gears up for a brand new start in 2013 with happiness, peace and prosperity for all.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 1, go to Mrs. Cristina Ponce Enrile, Buddy Medina, Mrs. Licerna R. Abunda, Lourdes Tapia-Tolosa, Alfredo B. Canlas Jr., Rev. Sonia Yu Lim, Sony Magundayao, Mylene Gamboa, Patrick Apostol, Aida dela Cruz, Violeta Villanueva, Leila C. de Leon, Patrick Apostol, Mila Africa Jose, Dr. Rosalinda Suaco-Ante, Soledad S. Siguenza, Marietta Ejercito, Arlino Mark V. Belen and Gemma Fritzgerald… WISHING YOU OUR DEAR READERS ALL THE BEST IN 2013!