EchoStar Communications Corp. (NASDAQ: DISH) announced today that its DISH Network satellite television offers a new Filipino programming package called Viva Pinoy Pack includes Viva TV, NBN America and RPN USA.

The Viva Pinoy Filipino programming package offers a mix of Filipino–language channels that provides movies, news, sports and lifestyle programs. Viva TV provides access to the most recent and top–rated movies from the Philippines. NBN America offers extensive news programming along with local sports such as basketball and boxing, while RPN USA is a general entertainment and Lifestyle channel that offers Filipino music, news, cooking, travel and fashion programming.

"Viva TV will entertain the entire Filipino–American family with a mix of everything that is fun and exciting that captures the heart of the Philippines and Filipinos," said Vincent Del Rosario, chairman of Viva Entertainment Inc. "We are pleased to bring our brand of pinoy entertainment to DISH Network’s Viva Pinoy Pack."

"The addition of the Viva Pinoy Pack gives customers an eclectic mix of news and entertainment straight from the Philippines in one programming package," said Tracy West, DISH Network’s vice president of International Programming. "DISH Network has the most channels for foreign–language speaking customers, offering the most comprehensive international programming packages in the industry."

The addition to this Filipino package reinforces DISH Network’s leadership in international programming. DISH Network currently has four Filipino channels: Viva TV, NBN America, RPN USA and the Mabuhay Channel. DISH Network also offers more than 115 international channels in more than 25 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Hindi, Polish, Japanese and Russian.

The Viva Pinoy Pack is .99 per month for customers who subscribe to one of the following qualifying programming packages: DishFamily, America’s Top 60 or above, Dish Latino or above or Great Wall. The Viva Pinoy Pack is .99 per month for customers without a qualifying programming package.

For additional channel information or to learn more about DISH Network’s international programming offer, please visit www.dishnetwork.com., call 1–8888–279–2174–DISH (3474), or contact your local DISH Network retailer.

EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 12 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network, the fastest growing US provider of advanced digital television services in the last five years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio channels, Interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. Visit EchoStar’s DISH Network at www.dish-network.com.

About Viva Entertainment Inc.

Viva, which is commemorating its 25th anniversary this year is one of the most respected names in Filipino entertainment. Aside from film production, it is also involved in music production and music publishing, television production, video production and distribution, artists’ management and concert production. It is also one of the largest suppliers of content for cable, satellite and free television.

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After winning the Grand Prize in "Dancing with the Stars" (seen on ABC 7 cable TV), Cheryl Burke, the Fil–am dance champion (who partnered with Drew Lachey formerly of the band 98 Degree to win the grand prize), is coming home to Manila on May 2. Cheryl and Drew jived their way to the judges and viewers heart to hit the jackpot.

And for Cheryl who grew up in America, coming to Manila is a sentimental journey. Her mother Sherri Bautista Burke is a native of San Jose, Nueva Ecija and has been featured in "Good Morning America" as one of the most successful Asian entrepreneurs. Cheryl has visited the country 6 years ago and confesses to have a weakness for Filipino food.

Cheryl started dance lessons at an early age. At four she was already into ballet lessons. However at age 10, she discovered ballroom dancing and started training in both standard dance and Latin. She started to compete all over the world at age 13. Among her achievements are the 2005 World Cup Professional Rising Star where she emerged the champion, the UK championships and landing 4th place in the US championship for under 21 years old.

"Dancing is a way of life," she says. It is also dancing that has made her strive for perfection in everything that she does. She says that as an artist she is a "rule breaker."

To would-be dancers, Cheryl has this advice, "It doesn’t matter whether you are 4 to 64 years old. If you love to dance, just do it and work hard."

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"Alaala," a benefit concert for the victims of the recent mudslide tragedy in Leyte, was held recently at Merk’s Bar Bistro in Greenbelt 3, Makati City.

Truly and affair to remember, "Alaala" brought together some of the most talented artists for the worthy cause of helping the children of Leyte – the talented Vernie Varga, the very funny Elizabeth Ramsey, the soulful Luke Mijares, the inimitable Toti Fuentes, the dynamic Jacqui Magno, and of course, Prince of Jazz Richard Merk.

Various broadcast personalities the likes of couple Pete and Boots Anson Roa, and Cito Beltran were also in attendance to help the children of Leyte. Governor of Leyte, Rosette Lerias herself graced the event to express her deepest gratitude to the public, and all those involved in the organization of the affair. She captured the audience’s hearts as she related the tale of the tragedy in her town.

To companies, Touch Mobile, Unilever Philippines, and Smart–PLDT, lent their generous support for the fund–raising event. Proceeds of the concert were coursed through the Panaghoy Children Foundation, Inc., which is headed by Cesar Montano.

The event as well served as a soft launch for Richard Merk’s latest CD from Manna Records, also entitled, "Alaala," featuring the title track composed by advocacy artist, Noel Cabangon, "Alaala: Awit para sa Leyte."

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, May 1, go to Charlene Gonzalez–Muhlach, Gavino Abaya, Jr., general manager of Philippine Center of New York; Mary Ann Vargas, former bold star Myrna Castillo, Sonia Ramos, Leni Reyes, Maylene Banabat del Rosario, Joe Pecson, New York-based Jhoanna Jao, Emmie Padilla, Helen Massab, Meny Relova de la Rosa, child star Miles Ocampo and Raphael "Santi" Millado who turns one. Santi is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Millado...Happy wedding anniversary to Albert and Liezl Martinez; Ted Espino and Nerissa Cabral...