DIRECTOR and Associate Producer Armando A. Reyes said that Efren Reyes Jr. knows what he is doing as a director, and that is very vital in order to have a successful film.
Efren Reyes Jr. is the director-writer of “Idol: The April Boy Regino Story,” based on the life story of singer-songwriter April Bariso Regino (not Dennis Magloyuan Regino as what is mistakenly posted in Wikipedia) who passed away on November 29, 2020, and known for his songs “Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin,” “Umiiyak ang Puso,” and “Sana’y Laging Magkapiling.”
Left photo shows (from left) John Arcenas, Armando Reyes, Marynette Gamboa and Efren Reyes Jr.; Right photo shows (seated, from left) Madelyn Regino, April Boy Regino, Marynette Gamboa, Efren Reyes Jr. and (standing, from left) Obette Serrano and Lyn Madrigal.
The father of Efren Jr. was Efren Ongpin Reyes Sr., the original Pedro Penduko in the film with the same title. The grandfather of Efren Sr., Severino Reyes, was the author of “Lola Basyang” and ofzarzuela “Walang Sugat.”
Included in Water Plus Productions’ “Idol: The April Boy Regino Story” are John Arcenas (as April Boy), Kate Yalung, Tanya Gomez, Rey PJ Abellana, Dindo Arroyo, Irene Celebre, Jaden Yago, Jimsen Austria Jison, Migz Coloma,and JC Regino. Marynette Gamboa is the executive producer.
It started showing on November 27 in different Philippine cinemas.
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Atty. Bienvenido O. Benitez Jr. is a former classmate at De La Salle University in Manila. Aside frombeing a gifted artist, he is the administrator of the Parole and Probation Administration of the Department of Justice.
Artist Atty. Bienvenido O. Benitez with some of his artworks. Photos courtesy of Rogelio Medina
I am a witness to how kind he is. He has been quietly helping the kids with cancer at the East AvenueMedical Center and the CHILDHaus at Quezon City’s Mapang-akit Street in Barangay Pinyahan.
That is simply Bien, a man with a golden heart and a talented painter to watch for he explores the abstract possibilities of hues that remind the countryside of the archipelago.
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First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos expressed her support to Miss Universe 2015 and UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific Pia Wurtzbach in spreading awareness on HIV-AIDS through supporting a non-government organization, “LoveYourself.” She met with Pia in Bahay Pangulo in preparation for World AIDS Day.
First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos (left) and 2015 Miss Universe winner Pia Wurtzbach
“Thank you for creating safe, compassionate spaces and offering life-changing resources to empower those who need it most,” said the First Lady.
It should be recalled that the former beauty queen said this program aims to raise awareness on HIV-AIDS through social media campaigns, educational videos and training sessions, including online testing, resource centers, and mental health services.
On December 3, there will be a LoveYourself Love Gala, dubbed as “Eternal Elegance: A Night of Timeless Love” at Marquis Events Place in BGC, Taguig.
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Andrew De Real
Congrats to my good friend, Andrew De Real, owner of noted comedy bar, The Library, for being one of the awardees in the 2nd Southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Award to be held on December 8, 2024.
“When I opened the first few pages of The Library Comedy Bar in 1986, I never knew that it would become a hit because my only intention then was to build a safe space for the LGBTQIA community and to make people happy with our brand of entertainment,” said the Godfather of Comedy Entertainment.
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I had a recent chat with my uncle Joselito Constantino, father of singer Yeng Constantino. He is now based in Unisan, Quezon.
Joselito Constantino with daughter, singer Yeng Constantino
My uncle worked at Ateneo de Manila University’s Rizal Library as library assistant for 34 years. He studied at Florentino Torres High in Gagalangin, Tondo, Manila and at the University of the East.
He often updates me on my cousin Yeng, a good daughter who during her young age upon listening to her voice would be famous and it came true years after.
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GMA Network celebrates the Christmas season with its 2024 Christmas Station ID, “Ganito Ang Paskong Pinoy: Puno ng Pasasalamat.” It embraces a culture of gratitude as Filipinos come together to celebrate the season with and give thanks to the Lord, family, friends, and loved ones. It also aims to express its gratitude by continuously giving back: through GMA Kapuso Foundation’s Christmas project “Give A Gift: Alay sa Batang Pinoy,” donors are encouraged to spread more cheer and hope during the holiday season with donations that will provide children and their families with noche buena food packs.
GMA Network recently unveiled its highly-anticipated Christmas Station ID, “Ganito Ang Paskong Pinoy: Puno ng Pasasalamat.”
This station ID gathers its biggest stars and personalities, together with the executives, led by GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon and President and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., showcasing the Kapuso family’s deep bond. Making it more festive are Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, Alden Richards, Michael V., Dennis Trillo, Jennylyn Mercado, Rayver Cruz, Bea Alonzo, Carla Abellana, Sanya Lopez, and David Licauco. Also joining them are some of the country’s most awarded broadcast journalists – Jessica Soho, Arnold Clavio, Vicky Morales, Howie Severino, and Mel Tiangco, together with other personalities from GMA Integrated News and GMA Public Affairs.
Other artists taking part in the celebration include 2nd Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers love team Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay, Gabbi Garcia, Khalil Ramos, Christian Bautista, Mark Bautista, Richard Yap, Michelle Dee, Rhian Ramos, Glaiza de Castro, Rabiya Mateo, Elle Villanueva, Derrick Monasterio, Megan Young, Mikael Daez, SB19’s Pablo and Stell, Billy Crawford, Rocco Nacino, Katrina Halili, and Kim Atienza, among many more. Helping to spread the spirit of gratitude further are other GMA Network officers and employees, plus members of the Kapuso Brigade.
The station’s ID was performed by Julie Anne San Jose, Aicelle Santos, Rita Daniela, Jessica Villarubin, Hannah Precillas, Mariane Osabel, Garrett Bolden, Anthony Rosaldo, Thea Astley, John Rex, and Cloud 7.
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Clockwise, from bottom left: ATOM members at Museo ng Pag-asa; Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc attends to evacuees; Rogelio Medina at Biyaya Animal Sanctuary in Alfonso, Cavite; Former VP Leni Robredo at flooded Naga City.
Volunteerism, the practice of doing work for good causes, is alive in times of natural disaster. It is certainly the act of contributing free labor to conduct community service or support an NGO. Rather than receiving a financial reward, volunteers change the lives of their community members out of feelings of social responsibility and a desire to give back.
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Rogelio Medina at the cover of the November 2024 issue of Cosmo Digest.
Thanks to Cosmo Digest International Magazine, published by Global Asia Insider-USA-UK-Dubai, for featuring me in its November 2024 cover issue. Thanks also to Pradash M. Nanimba’s “The Heartbeat of a Journalist – The Inspiring Journey of Rogelio Constantino Medina.”
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Saleha Pangarungan Sacar, Rogelio Medina and Nirro Marcelo were guests at PTV’s “Rise and Shine Pilipinas” last November 28.
Nirro Marcelo, Saleha Pangarungan Sacar of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and I were guests on November 28 at Rise and Shine Pilipinas at PTV.
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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.
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