During the thanksgiving party of series “Walang Hanggan,” Avelino said he is truly honored to be part of the top-rating show “Walang Hanggan” since not all newly transferred actors are immediately given big breaks.

“Bihira din siguro na mangyari ang ganito sa mga bagong artista tulad ko at nagpapasalamat ako at nabigyan ako ng pagkakataon makatrabaho ‘yung mga stars na kasama sa Walang Hanggan,” he said.

Avelino said he treasures his “Walang Hanggan” family because they always try to help each other out during tapings.

“Ang dami kong natutunan sa ‘Walang Hanggan.’ I think more on nakatulong ‘yun on my craft kasi I am working with the best. Kumbaga I am working with two of the best directors, I am working with actors and actresses na napakagaling and I am learning so much. Kahit hanggang ngayon pag nakakaeksena ko sila natututo pa rin ako I am learning so much, napapa-wow pa rin ako,” he said.

Avelino said accepting the role as Nathan Montenegro proved to be a challenge for him.

“Actually kumbaga naisip ko na din na challenge na rin sa akin kasi makakatrabaho ko ‘yung mga taong gusto kong makatrabaho talaga. Kumbaga kailangan kong pagsipagin na pag-aralin, kailangan kong mag-effort para sa role para ‘di ako mapahiya sa kanila. Nung binigay naman sa akin ‘di na rin ako nagdalawang isip kasi minsan lang mabigyan ng pagkakataon na ganito,” he said.

Asked where he draws inspiration, he said: “Hugot e. You really need to be inside the box of your character. You need to move around there kasi very unusual kasi ‘yung role na binigay sa akin. Hindi rin siya ganun kadaling gawin very mabilis yung pag-shift ng emotions. Malalim, malalim.” (MNS)

The annual huddle, now in its 35th year, will culminate in a luncheon at Chancellor Angela Merkel’s office Friday hosted by the master of her kitchen, Ulrich Kerz, featuring some of the German leader’s personal favourites.

“We will offer a buffet with German specialities including a variety of vegetables and fried fish,” Kerz told AFP.

His colleague at France’s Elysee Palace, Bernard Vaussion, is joining forces with Kerz in honour of the 50th anniversary of the countries’ post-war reconciliation and preparing sea bass, artichokes and creme brulee for dessert.

Participants include the chefs of the Kremlin, the White House, Buckingham Palace, and the parliaments of China and South Africa, for a packed schedule of fine dining, sightseeing and trips to farmers’ markets.

Vaussion, the Elysee’s chef of 40 years, is now cooking for his sixth French president.

Whatever their differences on the best way out of the eurozone crisis, one thing brings the leaders of France and Germany together: both are wild about cheese.

“Nicolas Sarkozy had banished cheese from the Elysee table, but Francois Hollande has brought it back in. Both he and Angela Merkel adore cheese,” said Gilles Bragard, organiser of the annual get-together.

Unfortunately for her, Merkel will only be able to make a brief appearance at the lunch, a spokeswoman said, barely enough time for a bite and a photo opportunity with the chefs.

After Berlin, the group will heading to Paris Saturday ahead of a meeting with the French president Tuesday.

“The aim each year is to explore the cuisine and lifestyle of the country we visit,” explained Bragard, the owner of a kitchen uniform firm. He founded the chefs’ club in 1977 during a dinner at the restaurant of French culinary master Paul Bocuse.

In Paris, they will climb the Eiffel Tower to Alain Ducasse’s Jules Verne restaurant, tucking into a menu featuring crab claw and crunchy turnip, grilled prawns, veal scallops with grilled girolle mushrooms, and wild strawberries.

Back home, Bragard explained how each has to adapt to the tastes of their employers.

“There are things they don’t like. For Francois Hollande, it’s artichokes,” he said.

“Michelle Obama is on a crusade against obesity and is very big on vegetables. And Hillary Clinton got rid of the French chef when she arrived at the White House, she found his cuisine too rich.”

Andy, who I had the pleasure of covering with during the many times the Cory administration had to deal with coup attempts, had posted a video with words about “mafia henchmen” beating up a lonely guy. Then there was another video he had posted of the same nature.

Knowing Andy and his postings of usually photos of his family, I knew there was something wrong. Upon seeing Andy available for chatting, I immediately asked him if the victim was he himself. He said “yes” and we began the conversation where I learned that he was attacked by Lithuanian thugs. Andy operates restaurants in Lithuania with wife, Monika.

The following was our conversation last June 29:

Rhony Laigo: Andy, the one you posted, was that you? the victim?

Andy Hernandez: yes,, just back from the hospital.

Rhony Laigo: my gosh. I feel sorry for you man. I hope you and your family’s ok.

Andy Hernandez: we are ok, thanks..

Rhony Laigo: and if i’m right, they’re not finished yet and can come back anytime, right?

Andy Hernandez: don’t know maybe… but called all my contacts.. see if they are really big.

Rhony Laigo: take care man. kung nasa pinas tayo, reskbak tayong lahat.

Andy Hernandez: thanks..

(The Filipino “resbak” term is a the Filipino way of avenging a friend, colleague or a relative where victims and their friends muster all those who would like to join them and exact revenge. Not a good way of seeking justice, but it’s been the Filipino way instead of reporting the incident to the unreliable police.)

I then re-posted the videos and informed all other friends about Andy’s ordeal in several journalists’ Facebook groups, which in turn, re-posted and inquired about the incident that both videos became viral.

Soon, I was swamped with questions from friends from all over the globe and all I could do was just to repost again the video with this note: Just in case you don’t know, the victim here is our very own Andy Hernandez, who was assaulted, hospitalized, lost a tooth and suffered bruises.

I then appealed to our colleagues in the Philippines and relayed former Manila Bulletin’s photographer Nick Sagmit’s suggestion to call the attention of the Lithuanian embassy in Manila and to also report the incident to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.

Soon after, Tempo, one of Manila’s leading tabloids, published a story about the incident.

As described in the video, Tempo reported that Andy “is seen being bullied by a burly man who insisted on being served past the closing time of the former’s café on June 29.”
According to Tempo, Andy’s conversation with the thugs went like this:

“‘Excuse me, we’re closed,” said Hernandez as he tried to reason with the man. Instead, the man repeatedly replied, ‘Hoy, hoy!’ and then called somebody on his mobile phone. ‘Please don’t do this,” pleaded (Andy) as he tried to calm the customer.’ Hernandez, in a report posted by Rappler.com, said that ‘hoy’ means ‘prick’ in Russian.

“He called me monkey, black ass, and black face – all racist remarks,” the online report quoted Hernandez as saying, according to Tempo.

The article also said that “Hernandez, who for 18 years worked as photojournalist for Newsweek magazine before setting up business in the town, likewise identified the irate man as ‘Mafia boss Stanislovą Narkevičių, alias Narkuša.’”
Quoting The Rappler, an online news provider edited by a friend and colleague Glenda Gloria, Tempo continued that Narkuša was “wearing white linen pants, alligator shoes, a gold watch and bracelet. The harassment did not end there. In the latter part of the video, Monika, Hernandez’s Lithuanian wife, is seen standing between the Filipino and seven men who had apparently been contacted and told to come to the restaurant by Narkuša.”

“‘He threatened me and Monika bodily harm and that he will destroy the cafe. I told Monika to call the police when he started raising his voice and the insults became worse,’ Hernandez said. The phone, however, fell to the floor and stopped recording.”
Andy  posted his own photo on his Facebook after the incident where could be seen with a bruise on his right jaw. According to Tempo, Andy was “reportedly punched twice in face and again in the ribs, losing a tooth in the process. Monika was also punched twice as she tried to protect her husband. The mafia boss and his seven henchmen only decided to flee after breaking the restaurant’s glass door even as a crowd gathered at the scene..”
Andy said he believed the attack was “racially-motivated.”
He was also quoted as saying “Racially motivated attack I guess…Economic crisis always blames the outsider,” he said. Tempo said Andy currently owns four Asian-themed restaurants in the country, one in Trakai and three in the capital city of Vilnius.

At a press briefing, House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez said Mrs. Arroyo should be allowed to go out on bail since the testimony allegedly linking her to the supposed electoral cheating in 2007 is “uncorroborated” and is mere “hearsay.”

“We hope that the public will also note the weakness of the electoral sabotage case filed against [Representative] Arroyo, which is being used as a pretext to keep her behind bars,” Suarez told reporters.

Mrs. Arroyo now represents Pampanga’s second legislative district in the House of Representatives.

Another opposition member, Siquijor Rep. Orlando Fua, echoed Suarez’s call for Mrs. Arroyo’s temporary freedom.

“There is no evidence against her [Arroyo]. She should be provisionally released. Justice should not be compromised,” Fua said in the same briefing.

Mrs. Arroyo, who is under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City, is charged with a non-bailable offense of poll sabotage before the Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 112. She had pleaded not guilty to the electoral fraud case.

The former President may, however, be freed provisionally if the Commission on Elections, the complainant in the case, fails to establish her direct link to the electoral fraud.

Suarez also described former Maguindanao administrator Norie Unas – the government star witness against Mrs. Arroyo in her electoral sabotage case – as “damaged goods.”

“He [Unas] has been linked to the Maguindanao massacre, and thus, he has every incentive to testify whatever his government handlers want him to say,” he said.

Unas is also implicated in the 2009 massacre of 57 people in Maguindanao. He once served as the close adviser of one of the primary suspects in the massacre, Andal Ampatuan Sr.

Suarez further said that it is only “common practice” for officials running for a post to order a clean sweep during elections, which Unas accused Mrs. Arroyo of doing during the 2007 senatorial elections.

“That is a motherhood statement. Standard yun na sabihing we will wipe them out. That is only meant to boost the morale. Hindi naman sinabing dayain ninyo,” the opposition leader said.

He added that presiding Judge Jesus Mupas should exercise compassion towards Mrs. Arroyo, since she is a woman suffering from bone disease.

“May sakit naman siya. Hindi pa naman [siya] proven guilty. Tapos babae pa. Sana naman i-grant na ‘yung bail dahil wala naman talagang kaso,” he said.

Earlier this month, former Elections chief Benjamin Abalos, who is also charged with electoral sabotage by the Comelec, was allowed to post bail after the complainant failed to present a witness directly linking him to the alleged poll fraud.

But Abalos also has another case pending before another Pasay court, which is still hearing his petition for bail. Abalos remains detained at the Southern Police District headquarters in Taguig City. (MNS)

The approved redistricting map was developed by an advisory commission of political appointees followed by a final decision by the Los Angeles City Council. “While we appreciate that the city redistricting decision-makers kept most of the Asian American towns whole, we are disappointed that the new City Council map divides Koreatown,” said Joanna Lee, senior research analyst at APALC. A record number of Koreatown residents had testified and asked the redistricting commission and City Council to keep the Wilshire Center Koreatown Neighborhood Council whole.
During the city’s redistricting process, stakeholders and commentators noted the influence politics had played in the drawing of the City Council lines.  In sharp contrast, the state redistricting commission could not take politics into consideration, and APALC and its partners were able to successfully advocate that all the Asian American towns in the City of Los Angeles be kept whole in the Assembly, State Senate, and Congressional maps.
“When you take politics out of the redistricting equation, communities have a better chance of remaining whole since they do not have to compete with political interests,” noted Deanna Kitamura, senior staff attorney at APALC.
The following is a summary of placement of six Asian American towns in the City of Los Angeles:
Little Bangladesh:  The community is kept whole in Council District 10.

Thai Town:  ThaiTown is whole and with the greater Thai Town area in Council District 13.

Little Tokyo: Little Tokyo is whole in Council District 14.

Historic Filipinotown:  The community’s definition of Historic Filipinotown is whole in Council District 13.

Chinatown:  The core of Chinatown is whole and with Lincoln Heights in Council District 1.

Koreatown:  For the City redistricting process, the Koreatown community defined itself as the Wilshire Center-Koreatown Neighborhood Council.  The neighborhood council is split between Council Districts 10 and 13.  The split separates the residents in the northern portion of WCKNC (in Council District 13) from Koreatown’s financial base (in Council District 10).

A map showing each town and the new district lines can be found at:

http://apalc.org/media-center/publications/la-city-council-district-boundaries-map-2012.

From June 15-October 15, MoneyGram customers in Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, San Francisco and Washington D.C. can send money to family and friends in the Philippines for as little as $5 when sending $1,000 or more.

“MoneyGram’s focus is to bring our customers closer together through this pricing promotion and our reliable 275,000 agent-strong network,” said Alex Lim, country manager of the Philippines, MoneyGram.

MoneyGram’s promotion is designed to encourage customers to adopt its direct-to-bank transfer service, which allows consumers to conveniently and securely deposit money directly into the bank accounts of their family and friends in the Philippines.

MoneyGram launched the product in 2011 to provide customers with more options when sending money to loved ones in the Philippines.

The promotion is part of the company’s global “Moneygrado sa MoneyGram” campaign, which seeks to build awareness and affinity for the brand and its services among Filipino consumers around the world.

The organizers are giving away a brand new car to a lucky patron through a grand raffle draw, as the highlight of the “International Speed Meet” exhibit which will feature an extensive collection of exotic cars from around the world.  Secondary raffle prizes will include iPads, cash, gift certificates and other valuable prizes.

The City of Pomona will host a 3-mile walk, headed by Mayor Elliott Rothman, who through the years have shown his enduring support to the Filipino community.  Benefiting this walkathon is the Beautiful Day Foundation, a non profit organization which mission is to create awareness about breast cancer.

“The US-Philippines Expo has so much to offer this year— there is something for Dad, Mom and the kids — and of course, for Lolo and Lola,” VP Operations of Libra Entertainment Ms. Theresa Fernandez said at the press conference on June 24 at the Charisma Life church in Pomona.  “We are preparing a generous amount of activities that will make this event a true family affair,” she added.

“We already have over 100 exhibitors and more have expressed desire to join the bandwagon of last-minute participants.  We are occupying Buildings 4 and 6 to accommodate all the activities lined-up for everybody.   Our two-day schedule is packed with games, contests and a beauty pageant.”

The amateur competitions at this event are the ones to beat: the “Emotion Ethnic Motion” Hip-hop dance contest will showcase the talent of young Filipino dance crews and the “Miss US-Philippines Expo 2012” beauty pageant will honor the true beauty of the Filipina.

The pageant winner will become the US-Philippines Expo “Tourism Ambassadress of Goodwill” and will receive a round-trip ticket to the Philippines, hotel accommodations in a five-star hotel in Manila for three days and two nights (provided by  the Philippine Department of Tourism), cash and other prizes.

Not to be forgotten is the heroism of Filipino veterans and war heroes.  A patriotic exhibit containing World War II memorabilia will be on display during the expo.

This event is first and foremost a trade show for Filipino consumers.  It is a vast gathering of businesses and organizations that cater to and support the Filipino community.  It is a celebration of Filipino food, culture, talent and lifestyle.  It is a reflection of how Filipinos in the U.S. have pressed forward throughout the years.  It is a manifestation of our camaraderie and solidarity as Filipino-Americans.

Since the first US-Philippines Expo in 1993, no one can be more pleased at how this festival has consistently brought the community together than its founder, Mr. Ruben Panopio, Jr.  He positively sends his invitation to everyone:  “Come join us at the US-Philippines Expo 2012.  We have prepared a lot of surprises for you.  Leave all your stress, worries and woes, and have fun with us for two days.  You will be glad that you showed-up!”

For tickets, auditions, advertising and sponsorship information, visit www.usphilexpo.com.

Santos, whose last TV series was “Habang May Buhay” in 2010, will star alongside actress KC Concepcion and actor Sam Milby in the new teleserye that aims to “empower women.”

“Very relatable [ang role ko] sa mga babae. Nakaka-empower ito ng mga babae, sa mga housewife, mga magulang, sa mga may anak. Inspirasyon talaga siya,” Santos said.

On returning to primetime after two years, Santos admitted she is nervous, citing the challenges of tackling the ever-changing taste of TV audiences, and her apprehension of having time apart from her family.

“I’m excited, pero andu’n din ‘yung kaba. Iba na ‘yung takbo ngayon ng televiewers, hindi mo na rin alam kung saan ka puposisyon, kung makukuha mo ‘yung kiliti nila sa ganitong klaseng eksena,” she said.

“‘Yun din ang apprehension, na ‘pag gumawa ako ng series, baka mawalan ako ng time sa mga bagets,” she added.

Family time

Santos, who is married to actor-host Ryan Agoncillo, is a mother of two children, Yohan and Lucho.

In anticipation of the busy schedule that comes with filming a series, the actress said she has reached an agreement with the management on her work schedule, so she will not be deprived of quality time with her family.

“Napaka-understanding naman ng buong unit. Sinabi ko naman sa kanila na sana kung maaari, ayoko na ‘yung taping tapos edit tapos palabas na, parang panahon pa ni ‘Krystala’ ‘yun. Sana tapos na ako du’n,” she said.

“Very accommodating naman sila sa mga request ko, pero it’s a give and take relationship as well. Walang hindi napag-uusapan.”

Aside from Concepcion and Milby, Santos will be joined in “Against All Odds” by John Estrada, Mylene Dizon, Jessy Mendiola, Joseph Marco, Bryan Termulo, Tirso Cruz III and Coney Reyes. (MNS)

The concert started with his dance hit “Hataw Na” with an updated beat as the people were pumped up with excitement seeing him in person. Then he went straight up to a ballad “Hanggang sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan,” which made the crowd go wild.

He reminisced about how he started in show business and his inspirations. Then he reprised his debut TV appearance in the 1980s with Al Jarreau’s “Love is Real,” excelling in vocal calisthenics and jazz-R&B inflections like he never aged.

Then the concert shifted into a family affair. First it was his daughter, Kiana, who shared the stage with him for the first time singing Christina Aguilera’s hit “Ain’t  No Other Man” then sang solo with Michael Jackson’s “Rock with You.” His older brother Gabriel on keyboard joined her with an acoustic set. Gary kept on gushing on how proud he is as a father and that this is the first and hoping not the last time that his children will share the stage with him.

But one of the highlights of the show was when Gary did a duet with his oldest son Paolo singing his older hits such as “Di Na Natuto” and “Natutulog Ba ang Diyos.” Then they sang a medley of Stevie Wonder’s hits. “Paolo is more into rock songs so it’s new for him to sing some of my songs, sometimes I have to compromise for him also” said Gary.

He also interacted with the audience with wit and attentiveness, exchanging conversations and even taking pictures as he sings with them. He knew that his audience were mainly immigrants who have never been in the Philippines for awhile. He dedicated his balikbayan anthem “Babalik Ka Rin” to them and then joined by his son Gabriel to dance to the tune.

As the show progressed, it became more inspirational as he talked about his battle with diabetes. (A portion of the concert had him eat a banana to stabilize his sugar level.) He also talked about his spirituality and his relationship above. “The energy’s got to come from somewhere else. It’s got to come from God.” Then he went behind the keys to sing a song he wrote 25 years ago but recorded it two decades after called “Even for Awhile.” He then called all of his children to sing a medley that they especially prepared for the night: a mash-up of his two hits “I Will Be Here/When I Hear You Call.” It was an emotional moment as you could feel the fullness of the song that is beyond just singing it. And everyone, even the siblings onstage, were emotional.

As the show was nearing its conclusion, he showed the crowd his ability to still be relevant even with his age as he sang and danced with his son Gabriel to the hits of Usher, LMFAO, and Jay Sean in an upbeat medley. Then he ended the concert with a remix of his inspirational hit “Shout for Joy” as he danced like it was the 90s again.

As an encore, he sang “How Did You Know”, “Tayong Dalawa”, “Kung Tayo’y Magkakalayo”, and “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin” as he showed lock on the hit theme songs of top TV shows and movies. When the intro of “Sana Maulit Muli” started, Pechanga exploded with applause. It was a fitting finale for the total performer and one that will linger for days to come.

Gary Valenciano still has the energy and determination to entertain and remain relevant for as many years to come. With his humbleness and great talent, he still remains as one of the best entertainers in the country and arguably in the world.

For more Filipino news, visit: www.balita.com and www.usasianpost.com.

In the past decade, several videos on losing weight have been released. Some deal with slow “excruciating” routines or mixed with martial arts. But the most popular ones are probably those that incorporate dance numbers.

But so far none compares to Zumba – the latest dance-exercise fitness craze that involves more than just losing weight, it’s entertainment! What’s more, the lost pounds result in the prettier and sultrier you, thereby actually changing your lifestyle if not the entire YOU.

“Zumba has changed my wife,” is the most common comment that Ariel Trinidad has been hearing from their clients, he tells Weekend Balita. Ariel is the husband of Mary Jane Trinidad, who is a certified Zumba instructor at MJ Dance Studio.

According to Ariel, Zumba doesn’t only change someone’s physical appearance, “overall, they feel good about themselves because it relieves stress…making you feeling younger, have more energy and more relaxed.”

Our classes are becoming a family affair.  We have quite a number of mother/daughter and husband/wife clients.  We have numbers of siblings doing Zumba together, we have several nurses going after work and long time friends having fun doing our Zumba classes.  With our hectic schedule, it is a fun way of bonding with your love ones and at the same time getting fit together.

Uniting as one to achieve our common goal of improving the lives of the people in our studio.  Together, we embrace diversity to create an environment where each of us can express ourselves.  We always treat each other with respect and dignity and we hold each other to that standard.

We connect with, laugh with and uplift the lives of our customers.  The positive change we make to people’s live will extend past the time shared with us.

Although there are several Zumba Fitness classes scattered all over Southern California, Mary Jane’s 18-year ballroom experience has been the key difference in the way the couple’s two studios in Long Beach and Carson are being run.

“Mary Jane just makes the Latin dance livelier.” Ariel says, “And her long years of dancing experience enables her to conduct her own choreography – her own version that she teaches in her classes that excite the students.”

The classes are so energetic that Saturday nights in Carson studio, where mentally disabled students also do the Zumba, come alive. “In Carson, we provide a program designed to help the developmentally challenged. Don’t be surprised, but these folks could dance…” Ariel says, “that’s how Mary Jane captivates you.”

The MJ Dance Studio in Carson has been teaching Zumba Fitness classes since February 2012. The Long Beach studio has been a favorite hang out for Zumba dancers/exercisers for the past two years, according to Ariel.

Zumba Fitness classes in Carson are held every Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. and on Saturdays at 9-10 a.m. and 6-7 p.m.   Our classes in Long Beach are daily from 8 p.m. to 9 pm except on the weekends.  On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we combine Turbo Kick and Zumba for an hour.   We have several couples who are attending this class.

In Carson, classes cost only $5 per session/hour or $50 per month for an unlimited number of classes. The private classes at the Long Beach studio cost double those amounts.

Aside from Zumba Fitness classes, Mary Jane also teaches one-on-one ballroom instruction, Turbo Kick and Pi-Yo (Pilates /Yoga).

Next month, we will be introducing our One-Hour Ballroom Dynamic Classes at our Carson Studio.  This class is for people who wants to experience ballroom dancing without a partner.  Our classes will be from 10 am to 11 am in the morning.

MJ Dance Studio in Carson is located at 16880 S. Main St. , Carson, CA 90248.   Our Long Beach location is at 3845 California Avenue, Long Beach CA 90807 . For more information, please call Mary Jane at (661) 623-7118 or (562) 726-1341. (Ariel Trinidad)