Roxanne Barcelo

It’s very encouraging to know that some of our young stars are responsible enough to engage their time and efforts in worthwhile endeavors like the country’s fight against illegal drugs spearheaded by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor). The movie and TV stars, among them Pauleen Luna, Roxanne Barcelo, Nadine Samonte, and Isabel Oli attended a recent press conference held at the Alegria Lounge of Casino-Filipino Pavilion to show their support to the forthcoming Grand BIDA (Batang Iwas Droga) March slated on March 21.

On that day, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Pagcor Chairman and CEO Efraim C. Genuino are expected to lead more than 500,000 public elementary school children and their parents in what aims to be the world’s first and largest march against illegal drugs.

Pauleen Luna said “I came here because I want to make a stand versus illegal drugs, na masama ito lalo na sa mga kabataan. I skipped work today at ‘Eat Bulaga’ to show my support to this worthwhile activity. By joining the march, I know that in my little way, I will be helping the government’s efforts to inculcate to children the harmful effects of illegal drugs.”

Pauleen, Nadine and Roxanne all expressed pride in joining the Grand BIDA March. Roxanne has many advocacies and this is one of her latest civic involvements. Nadine said she is also excited to be part of the Pagcor-initiated fight against drug abuse.

Some beauty queens also attended the recent press conference at the Alegria Lounge: Karla Paula Henry, Ms. Earth 2008, Kristella Lazaro, Ms. Earth-Fire 2006; Michelle Oblea, Ms. Earth Phils. 2008, and Catherine Untalan, Ms. Earth Phils. 2006.

The Grand BIDA March is a major activity under the Batang Iwas Droga (BIDA) project of Pagcor and which is supported by various government agencies, local government units and non-government organizations.

During the event, participants shall converge at the CCP Complex starting at 1 p.m., then march along the length of Roxas Blvd. going towards the Quirino Grandstand where a free concert featuring popular celebrities and performers will be held as a highlight and culminating activity.  Through this effort, the organizers hope to earn for the country a place in history and a shot at a Guinness Book of World Record for the biggest gathering of its kind.

It is for this reason that “we strongly encourage everyone, young and old from all walks of life, to join this call for a drug-free nation,” Chairman Genuino said. “Let us work together to make our country a safer place to live in. We owe it to our children and to future generations,” he added.
The Pagcor chief also noted that this initiative is very relevant to recent events in the country, which has led to the President’s appointment of herself as the anti-drugs czar.

Meanwhile, BIDA Foundation Corporate Secretary Josephine Evangelista explained that the Grand BIDA March is all about creating awareness. “We want to grab the public attention not only locally but in a global scale. The march is a massive event in which our school children will play a vital role in leading a battle cry against illegal drugs. Our children want to win this war and this is their venue,” she said.

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‘Jed Madela - Songs Rediscovered 2’

It’s now his 5th album – “Jed Madela Songs Rediscovered 2” – and just like the first four, it is expected to immediately rise in the music chart.

Of the songs, Jed said: “When I heard the entire line up of this album, I just couldn’t help but get emotional and nostalgic. These are the songs that have molded me as a true-blooded music lover. I grew up listening to these tunes and being able to record them and add my own personal touch was such a great experience!”

The songs, all OPM, are: “To Love Again,” “I Need You Back,” “Give Me A Chance,” “Friend of Mine,” “A Friend,” “Can Find No Reason,” “A Smile In Your Heart,” “You, Got To Let You Know,” “I’ll Always Stay In Love This Way,” “Special Memory,” “Let The Pain Remain,” “Can’t We Start Over Again,” “Hold On,”  “Maybe,” and “Everyday.”

Jed also expressed a warm admiration for the original singers of the songs. “Their names will always be synonymous with these songs; songs that will forever be etched in our hearts; songs that will always be called OPM classics! Nobody can ever beat the original. It will always be the best, the versions that people have grown to love. I am just so honored to have been given the opportunity to remake these classics and pass them on to future music lovers.”

During the 2005 World Championships of the Performing Arts (WCOPA) held in Hollywood, California, Jed won all the major awards, thus he became the Grand Champion Performer of the World. He was the first Filipino to win the title which he bested over 3,000 contestants from 52 nations!

His first album, “I’ll Be Around,” included the radio hit “Let Me Love You (From the Bottom of My Heart). His second album, “Songs Rediscovered” was certified “Double Platinum,” while his third, “Only Human” went Gold. And the fourth, “The Voice of Christmas” was also certified Gold.
Jed is a regular at “ASAP,” ABS-CBN’s regular Sunday noontime show.

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Winnie Castillo is back after 17 years

Remember the sexy, sultry chanteuse who used to sing in the famous boulevard Strip theater clubs in the 70s? She was one of the toasts of the town then, her contemporaries including Imelda Papin, Eva Eugenio, Claire dela Fuente, Dulce, Lerma dela Cruz, Lirio Vital, and other songstresses.
Like her contemporaries, she refuses to be forgotten or ignored by the world she enjoyed most. “Singing will always remain my first love,” says Winnie Castillo who is known in the Asian entertainment circuits as one of the Powerful Belter of Songs.

Winnie is remembered for her first long-playing album, “Ganyan Kita Kamahal” composed by Vehnee Saturno. She is raring for a comeback because she misses singing a lot. “I miss the spotlight, the klieg lights. The audience’s applause. I like to sing once more to a huge crowd,” she confessed.
After 17 years, Winnie made a comeback in a special show entitled “An Enchanted Evening” held last March 10 at Perlie’s Restaurant Garden (No. 53 Eliptical Road corner East Ave. Barangay Central, Diliman, Quezon City).

Winnie performed back-to-back with the famous Tiongco Brothers. “It was a happy reunion for me with Emil, Jun and Arthur,” said Winnie. The last time she sang with the local Four Aces was 17 years ago at the GQ Theater Club with Total Performer, Rico J. Puno in “The Lady And The Gentlemen.”
The opening act featured Winnie with her two lovely daughters, Lhey and Emz, niece Bhurn Bernal, Chris Vargas, and singing gay comedian, Pearlie Miranda with the Power Image Dancers.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 19, go to former beauty queens Joy Conde Cruz and Kaj Seva Rebano, talent managers Girlie Rodis and Bibsy Carballo, Joey Albert, Joe Nicolas, Josie Vergel de Dios, Margarita Castro, Sam Bayani Ortiz, Mercedes “Nena” Sunico, Josie Tobias, Jocelyn M. Gerilla, Tina Tolentino, Aloha-Joyce “AJ” Calivo, Mara Schinitka, MB’s graphic artists Joseph “Oteph” Antipolo and Robert Tabor II, and Juna Rebekah Cadungog…