Christian Bautista, Jaya and Gabby Concepcion

Casino Filipino guests get extra lucky and romantic as the country’s hottest balladeers and OPM performers – a month-long series of entertainment shows via the Feb. 6 launch of “Lucky, Lucky, Lucky in Love” – their theme for the month.

The Casino Filipino shows will feature Kris Lawrence and Janelle Jamer at the Airport Casino Filipino, Ima Castro and Duncan Ramos in Angeles, Chad Borja in Bacolod, Lloyd Umali in Cebu, Rannie Raymundo in Davao, Gian Magdangal and Sheree in Heritage, Top Suzara and Faith Cuneta in Hyatt, Aubrey Miles and Troy Montero in Casino Filipino Olongapo, Ronnie Liang and Alynna Velasquez in Pavilion and K-La Rivera and Kim Idol in Tagaytay.


Another highlight would be the performance of Asia’s pop superstar Christian Bautista, who will serenade guests in different Casino Filipino venues with his heartwarming love songs. Bautista will perform at Casino Filipino Angeles (Feb. 20), Heritage (Feb, 23) and Pavilion (Feb. 28).

Apart from Bautista, ABS-CBN’s “Star in a Million” Season 1 Grand Champion Erik Santos will give Casino Filipino Mimosa guests a post-Valentine treat on Feb. 15. The multi-awarded crooner is also set to perform at the Ronquillo Arcade on Feb. 23.



Meanwhile, actor and singer Gabby Concepcion will spend Valentine with his fans at Casino Filipino Hyatt on Feb. 14. Other artists set to take center stage at various Casino Filipino branches are Juris in Pavilion (Feb. 8); OPM balladeer Marco Sison at the Airport Casino Filipino (Feb.12); singer-songwriter Aiza Seguerra in Bacolod (Feb. 16) and Cebu (Feb. 23); Asia’s Queen of Soul Jaya at the Ronquillo Arcade (Feb.16); Bossa Nova Queen Sitti and Hansen Nichols in Olongapo (Feb. 22) and Richard Poon in Davao (Feb. 23).



Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) Assistant VP for Entertainment Bong Quintana said the Celebrity Love Shows are guaranteed to delight casino guests. “With our monthly themed shows, we are certain that people will not just visit Casino Filipino to play but also to be entertained by some of the country’s best performers.”



“Through these shows, we are able to offer our patrons a variety of entertainment choices. We have balladeers, acoustic and rock artists, OPM legends, stand-up comedy artists. Name it, we have it,” Quintana added.



The series of celebrity shows at Casino Filipino kicked off last Feb. 1 at the Heritage branch with the popular band Aegis as featured performers. Their show was followed by the shows of Claire dela Fuente at the Ronquillo Arcade and the wacky duo Brod Pete and Jeffrey Tam at the Airport Casino Filipino on Feb. 2 while the seductive all-female group Playgirls sets the floor ablaze at Casino Filipino Tagaytay on Feb. 9.



Guests who continue to be avid fans of Victor Wood and Eva Eugenio can go down the memory lane as the two performers entertain casino guests at Casino Filipino Olongapo (Feb. 13) and Casino Filipino Mimosa (Feb. 22).



Other celebrities who will add excitement to Casino Filipino’s celebration of the love month are Filipino folk rock band Asin at Casino Filipino Angeles (Feb.13); comedian Pooh at Casino Filipino Tagaytay (Feb. 15); local band Kenyo at the Airport Casino Filipino (Feb. 22); singer and songwriter Wency Cornejo at Casino Filipino Tagaytay (Feb. 23); stand-up comedians Anton Diva and Kim Idol at Casino Filipino Angeles (Feb. 23); and Karylle at the Airport Casino Filipino (Feb. 28).



All shows start at 9 p.m. First come, first served.

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Sen. Chiz, Natural As TV Host

Sen. Chiz Escudero has been known for being glib and articulate – you can’t help but be awed when he starts talking – but lately, the handsome lawmaker has also proven himself to be a natural TV host with his ocassional co-hosting stint on Kris Aquino’s morning show on ABS-CBN. And so many are now saying that, if for some reason Sen. Chiz Escudero decides to give up politics, he won’t have a hard time finding another career.

Many were really surprised at the ease with which Chiz took on the daunting job last year on “Kris TV.” Being paired with the Queen of All Media was no small challenge, but the senator was definitely up to it. He displayed the cool and casualness of a seasoned trooper, and was never intimidated by his mega-celebrity partner. What’s more, Chiz spoke with the authority borne of his long tenure as a legislator. Yet he never was pompous or legalistic when discussing the issue at hand. Chiz has a keen grasp of how to communicate with the people using such a powerful medium as television.

He doesn’t hide the fact that he loved being in front of the camera. “I thank Kris for giving me the chance [to co-host ‘KrisTV’]. I’ve long wanted to be a TV host,” Chiz said.

Does he feel any pressure? “None at all. In fact I enjoy it.”

Chiz had semi-regular appearances on “Kris TV,” although he begged off from the show when he filed his candidacy in October out of delicadeza. He resumed his stint in December.

Viewers have responded favorably to the team up of Chiz and Kris and look forward to the days when the senator is scheduled to appear.

Is a TV talk show of his own in the offing for Chiz? The senator is not sure for now. “I don’t think being a TV host is my calling. What I really go for is public service. But let’s see,” he said. Chiz is already an online celebrity, thanks to “Oppan Gangnam Chiz.” The video was played last Jan. 10 when he was introduced at a Rotary event. “I was surprised that they took the effort to produce the video. It’s not that easy to do,” he said.

“Oppan Gangnam Chiz” can be viewed on the senator’s Facebook page. No wonder Chiz’s popularity continues to grow. He topped the latest DZXL RMN poll survey of senatorial contenders, with a 70 percent rating.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 2, go to Lloyd Samartino, Jay Aquitania, Ballroom Queen Aida M. Posadas, JC Bonnin, Nello Nayo, Dante Nagtalon, Monette Ejercito, Serafin Buan, Cornelio de Guzman, Ruther Batuigas, Maning Salac, Robert Espinosa, Michelle N. Bello, Engr. Emerson Visaya, US-based beautician Puring Nuguid, Charito Ong, Dr. Candy Capellan of UDMC, Carol Tanjutco of New York and my sister London-based Susan M. Almontero… Happy wedding anniversary to Angel and Jules Lopez…