POP PRINCESS Sarah Geronimo flanked by Senator Ed Angara (right) and senatorial bet Sonny Angara

The country’s Pop Princess Sarah Geronimo kicked off 2013 with renewed advocacy for education, as she is seen gracing the advocacy commercial of the champions for education, Senator Edgardo J. Angara and Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara.

The new commercial, shot at the Bagong Ilog Elementary School in Pasig, features Sarah’s hit song “Sa Iyo.” When asked why she chose to take up the advocacy of the Angaras, Sarah explained: “My family has always valued education above everything else. Getting a good education was always a priority, because it is more lasting and more important than stardom. When I won ‘Star for a Night’ in 2002, the only request I made to my manager, Boss Vic del Rosario, was for me to finish school.”

Sarah related that she has always admired Senator Angara’s commitment to the improvement of the country’s educational system ever since she endorsed him in 2007. “Marami talaga po sa batas na naipasa ni Tito Ed ang nakatulong sa nakararami para makakamit ng de kalidad na edukasyon,” she said.

A former UP President, Senator Angara authored such bills as the Government Assistance for Students and Teachers in Private Education which aims to assist students in primary and secondary levels enrolled in private institutions. He also authored the Free High School Act (RA 6655) which entitles every Filipino to participate in the complete basic education cycle free if tuition and other school fees.

“Ngayong nandito na po si Kuya Sonny, tiwala po ako na ipagpapatuloy at papantayan niya ang nasimulan ni Tito Ed sa larangan ng edukasyon. Mataas din po ang tingin ko sa mga legislations na nagawa ni Kuya Sonny.”

A member of the 14th Congress, Rep. Angara penned such laws on education like the Universal Kindergarten Education Act (RA 10157) which mandated free access to kindergarten education to all Filipino children. He is a former law professor at the New Era University and Centro Escolar University.

“Like Sarah, I grew up in a family where education was given premium over everything else,” Rep. Angara said. “And so, Dad and I have advocated for educational reforms ever since.” Rep. Angara is currently chair of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education. He added, “We are firm believers that education is key to our country’s progress, to every Filipino family’s progress. If every household has at least one college graduate, then that college graduate can get a job and lift his family from poverty.”

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‘Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs’

In time for the Valentine Season, Star Recording Inc., the music arm of ABS-CBN, released recently “Himig Handog P-Pop Love Songs” which features the 12 song finalists to this year’s biggest songwriting competition in the country, Himig Handog, which will have its grand finale on Feb. 24 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena with live telecast via ABS-CBN.

The 12 tracks in the album, selected by a panel of credible judges, are interpreted by some of the country’s finest recording artists of the country today. By the way, the album, in both physical and digital formats, are now available at AstroPlus/Astrovision, Odyssey, and MAV Stores nationwide. You may also download the digital format exclusively through iTunes.

The 12 song finalists, their composers and interpreters are: “Alaala” by Ma. Fe Menchenette G. Tianga and Joel Jabat, Jr., interpreted by Yeng Constantino; “Anong Nangyari Sa Ating Dalawa” by film director Joven Tan and sung by Aiza Seguerra; “If You Ever Change Your Mind” by Marion Aunor, which she herself interpreted; “Tamang Panahon” by Wynn Andrada, who is also the interpreter; “Hanggang Wakas” by Soc Villanueva, rendered by Juris Fernandez; “Na Sa Iyo Na Ang Lahat” by Jungee Marcelo, interpreted by young heartthrob Daniel Padilla; “One Day” by Agatha Morallos, sung by Angeline Quinto; “Puwede Bang Ako Na Lang Ulit” by Jeffrey Cifra, sung by Bugoy Drilon; “Sana’y Magbalik” by Arman Alferez, rendered by Jovit Baldovino; “Scared to Death” by Domingo Cubelo, sung by KZ Tandingan; “This Song Is For You” by Jude Gitamondoc, interpreted by Erik Santos; and “Kahit Na” by Julius James de Belen and rendered by Toni Gonzaga.

Toni, by the way, will be the official host of “The Voice of the Philippines,” the country’s edition of the worldwide hit singing competition “The Voice.” According to the Ultimate Multimedia Star, “it’s a singing competition with a different concept. We will showcase the best singers in the Philippines like you’ve never seen them before.”

Toni will be the counterpart of Carson Daly who hosts “The Voice” with Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton as celebrity hosts. “The Voice” is a unique singing competition where auditions are based solely on vocal ability.

One of the most sought-after and bankable hosts in the country today, Toni became the face of ABS-CBN’s reality shows “Pinoy Big Brother” and “Pinoy Dream Academy” and among the hosts of “Happy Yipee Yehey” and entertainment talk shows “Entertainment Live” and “The Buzz.”

For audition details, like the show’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheVoiceABSCBN or follow @TheVoiceABSCBN on Twitter.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Feb. 19, go to US-based singer Carina Afable, Lulu Ng de Leon, Lettie Fuentes, Louie San Juan, Ronald Campos, Darwin Chiang, Elvie Regala, Viktor Santillan, Eng. Santiago Pascual, Dr. Nena Veloso Mewshew, Alice Coronel, Suzette Uy, Jun Escarez, and Empress Schuck…