ILOCOS Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Marcos Manotoc, who finished a psychology course in Claremont McKenna College in California and attended the National University of Singapore’s Stanford Graduate School of Business, is inviting fellow Ilocano and non-Ilocano residents to join in “Himala sa Buhangin” (Miracle in the Sand) event during the Himala Arts and Music Festival at Suba Sand Dunes (where some art installations can be found) in Paoay, Ilocos Norte on November 16. Many artists and performers like Zack Tabudlo and Shanti Dope will participate in this festival (a brainchild of Sen. Imee Marcos). For tickets, you may contact himala.ilocosnorte.ph or http://www.smtickets.com.
Manotoc is an avid golfer and basketball player. He was a basketball coach and a co-founder of Espiritu Manotoc Basketball Management (EMBM).
* * *
Rapper-comedian Andrew Espiritu, or simply Andrew E, is a responsible, caring husband to former Mylene Yap of Boracay Island. He sired three bright, talented kids. He will have his first major concert after 34 years, dubbed as “1 Time for Your Mind” at New Frontier Theatre in Quezon City on December 11.
* * *
For Los Angeles-based Filipino chef Marvin Aritrangco, winning best action short film for “Bare-Knuckle” at this year’s Los Angeles Film Festival is a great honor. ‘We are grateful for the recognition and support from our fellow winners, as well as the opportunity to sit beside Lou Diamond Phillips,” he said.
Directed by Alex De Ocampo and written by Mark Labella, “Bare-Knuckle” follows the story of a hitman coming to terms with his sexuality and grapples with the dual challenge of breaking free from a toxic relationship while confronting the merciless underworld he has chosen. The hitman eventually aims to redefine his own destiny through self-love and redemption.
Singing Chef Marvin, is also part of the half-hour dramedy series “Nurse the Dead” by Mark Labella, and it is in the works.
Hailing from a family of overseas Filipino workers, Marvin was a sous chef de cuisine at Sheikh Hamad Al Sharqi Royal Palace in Rabat, Morocco some years ago. His first exposure abroad was in 2006 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates where he worked at the Royal Palace for the Al Maktoum-Al Sharqi family. He later became chef de partie and personal chef of Sheika Fatima Al Maktoum at the Ruler’s Palace in Fujairah, UAE. Interestingly, his communication line with his former lady boss is still open.
Despite his success, he remains humble for he knows how to give back what he has now achieved in life. “Life, after all, is a continuous learning, and giving,” he said with a smile.
* * *
Nicole Andersson is the daughter of 1975 Miss Young Philippines titleholder and actress Jean Saburit while Robin da Roza is the nephew of 1969 Miss Universe titleholder and actress Gloria Diaz. Both followed the footsteps of their relatives, but later on left the kleig lights.
Nicole appeared in ABS-CBN’s “Kaya ni Mister, Kaya ni Misis” (with Maricel Soriano and Cesar Montano in the lead) and in the film “Mulawin, the Movie.” She also used to host a TV show with Georgina Wilson. This writer met Nicole years ago during a yoga session launch in Ortigas, Pasig City. Through her French-Filipina friend Solenn Heussaff, she has been doing yoga, a great full body workout, to build strength and to serve as stress therapy.
She left the kleig lights (since she was three years old, she had been into acting for 13 years but she stopped) to study international business and marketing at the University of San Francisco in California. After college, she worked abroad, then she took a year off, travelling around Europe. She has a blog about her travelling experiences and enjoys reading business books that helps her in shaping her business philosophy: “Don’t be afraid to take a risk.”
Former Close-Up toothpaste model Robin da Roza, who was first discovered in showbizness by Simon Ongpin, was asked by German Moreno in 1984 (that time, he was about to finish his elementary education) to join Kuya Germs’ TV show but his mom wanted Robin to finish his studies at De La Salle University. At three years old, he did his first commercial. He had done 18 TV commercials. He is now an interior design consultant.
* * *
Sixteen P. Ablero, or “Hiwaga” of Hiwaga Pares, from Negros island, appeared in GMA Network’s series “Black Rider” as Marisol as well as in “TiktoClock.” He was interviewed in shows “Unang Hirit,” “Sarap ‘Di Ba?,” and “May Puhunan: Kaya Mo.” He was recognized recently in the 1st Filipino Heroic Awards as Most Outstanding Social Media Influencer and Fast-Rising Entrepreneur of the Year.
* * *
Photos courtesy of Rogelio Medina
Congressman Bro. Eddie Villanueva was recently recognized by the 2nd Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers as Most Outstanding Public Servant in the Philippines. He was represented by Leo Alconga during the awards ceremony at The Hexagon Events Place in Quezon City. He is the founder of the Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide which will celebrate its 46th anniversary in Luneta, Manila on October 12.
* * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * *
