Raise the Filipino Race

There was an article a couple of months ago stating that Tagalog is the fastest growing
language in Canada, the most common immigrant home language in Edmonton, and the
second most common in Calgary. This also reflects a broader immigration pattern showing that the Philippines has been the biggest source country for the past couple of years, surpassing India and China. Furthermore, the Philippines seems to be playing a more vital role in Canadian trade and foreign policy, with Prime Minister Stephen Harperʼs visit to the country last November.

It is difficult to determine whether this piece of immigration news is a positive or negative turn around for our country. On the one hand, it shows the quality of our citizens in its ability to be qualified and readily accepted by a first world country. On the other hand, an increase in Filipino immigrants means a strong desire for the people to leave their mother country and a drive to look elsewhere for something that the native country can no longer provide.


What does this increasing visibility in a foreign country signify and entail? For whatever reasons for our leaving the Philippines, we are inadvertently ambassadors of our country, a reflection of our race and culture, in the adopted country, and are no longer just after our own interests, living lives in our individual ways.

In this new year, it is an appropriate time to reflect on what we show of our culture, in our daily living in foreign shores. In a multi-cultural society as Canada, do we lift up our race? Or do we put it into shame?

In one of my internet browsing moments, I chanced upon a forum discussing the traits of
Filipinos as observed by both Filipinos and by people of other nationalities/race, abroad. A lot of people have remarked about the Filipinosʼ traits: hospitality, respect for elders, generosity. In the same breadth, there were comments about: crab mentality, fatalism, short memories, tactlessness, lack of discipline, racism, colonial mentality. This does not mean though that weʼre the only culture/race who exhibit these traits - only that these are the predominant ones that characterize us.


The discussions on Filipino traits somewhat perplex me, with certain contradictions. Some say weʼre hardworking - others say weʼre lazy, respectful - rude, caring - gossip monger. But in fact, there is an ambivalence with some traits and it is our choice on how to use them. The fatalistic attitude may show true faith and spirituality for some, but at the same time, be an excuse for human weakness. What other people refer as our “short term memory” may be good in the sense that we do not hold grudges, but at the same time we never learn from the errors of the past. The motto of “utang na loob” (indebtedness) is good but may be carried to the extent regardless of moral measures and outcomes. Loyalty, whether to an individual or to a group, is a way of putting otherʼs welfare ahead of ours but can result in turning a blind eye or a deaf ear to their faults and errors.

In the end, how we live and act is a personal choice. Driving around the city, I see bumper stickers and displays of “I am Filipino”, “Proud to be Pinoy” or signs of the Philippine flag and map. As we live our lives and raise our children in foreign shores, will we choose to replicate the negative traits, the very traits that we fled from but inadvertently display in our adopted country? Or do we raise the Filipino race to our ideal? However we define success in our individual lives, we eventually define ourselves by highlighting our values.


Observing our penchant to honor and put in pedestals Filipinos with great achievements like Manny Pacquiao, Lea Salonga, Arnel PIneda, CNN Hero of the Year Efren Penaflorida, among others, it is obvious that we all love a hero. So why not be a Filipino hero in your own individual way?

* This article was written for and published in the January 2013 issue of Pinoy Times.

The Filipino Christmas Lantern

In a multi-cultural society such as we live in, we encounter different celebrations, symbolisms and customs in the month of December. There are those who enthusiastically celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, the winter holidays and those who do not believe in celebrating anything at all. As Filipinos, we have learned to be recognizant of this fact but at the same time, cling to our memories and experience of a Filipino christmas.

A most distinct symbol of a Filipino Christmas, among others, is the Christmas lantern or what is most widely known as the “parol”. The parol is so iconic that some of us would remember having this as one of our school projects in elementary, made with bamboo sticks and Japanese paper. Today, there are a variety of designs, shapes and sizes - utilizing: indigenous materials like capiz shells, straw, wood; modern materials like fiber glass, metal; psychedelic lights and music. But what is constant in the design is the five-pointed star.


The parol is derived from the Spanish word “farol”, for lantern. It is an image of the star of
Bethlehem, the guiding light of the Three Kings to the manger and metaphorically, a symbol of hope and joy for the yuletide season. It is believed that the original design was crafted by Francisco Estanislao in 1928. This lantern was used by rural folk to light their paths for the dawn masses.

The creativity and ingenuity embedded in the parol design and production, has given rise to
competitions whether in the school, community and national levels, and with some Filipino
communities in other countries. Two such events in the Philippines that I have had the pleasure of witnessing are: the Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga and the Lantern Parade of the University of the Philippines, Diliman.


The Pampanga Giant Lantern Festival is a competition of giant parols that are about 40 feet circumference, with lights that are programmed to music. A lantern would approximately weigh at least 1000kg and would have a minimum of 50 people working on it an entire year. The months of January to May are often devoted to laying out the electrical framework, June to July for the electrical wiring and August to December for papering and accessorizing. Then once the competition is done, itʼs back to the drawing board for next yearʼs concept and design. Each  lantern would require a generator that is powerful enough to light a barrio. This visual display of lanterns are akin to the famous fountain choreography of the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

The festival is sponsored by business and private organizations, which enables the city
government to provide a subsidy to the participating barangays. Participants come from San Jose, Dolores, Lourdes, Sto. Rosario, Del Pilar, San Pedro, Sto. Niño, Sta. Lucia, San Nicolas and San Fernando. The lanterns are judged on the basis of design, color combination, interplay of lights and rhythm to the music.


The University of the Philippines Lantern Parade is also a visual spectacle, marked with a
social consciousness thematic approach, showcasing the critical thinking and ingenuity of the ʻskolars ng bayanʼ. The first Lantern Parade was in 1922 when the UP community used
lanterns to light their way to the church for the Christmas midnight mass. It was then
institutionalized as a university event in 1934 by University President Jorge Bocobo.

It is a parade of large lantern/floats around the university oval, taking place on the last day of classes before the Christmas holiday, and after a couple of hours of the popular Oblation Run.  The floats feature the diverse causes of the different colleges of the university like government corruption, LGBT equality, foreign dominance, and other political issues.  Aside from the lantern, there are also presentations in key stops for the judges. Cash prizes are allotted for those judged as Overall Best Lantern Grand Prize, Judges Choice and Most Resourceful Awards.  This parade likewise attract thousands of people in the city and is normally a media event.

These use of the parol as a holiday decoration, treat and event is a tradition that marks the
Filipinosʼ creativity, ingenuity and conviction. Whatever your tradition or reminiscences are for this holiday season, I wish everyone a joyous and prosperous season!

* This article was written and published for the December 2012 issue of Pinoy Living.

Miss Saigon: a Filipinos’ Gateway to International Stardom

With the planned revival of the hit musical Miss Saigon in the West End for 2013, and the consequent auditions held in Manila last November, the musical has caused once again quite a stir and renewed interest amongst Filipinos and artists.  

Miss Saigon is a story based on Giacomo Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly”, inspired by a photo of a Vietnamese mother handing over her child to an American soldier who was about to board a plane for the United States.  It premiered in London in 1989 and has gone on to be one of the longest running musicals, performed in 25 countries, 246 cities and translated into 12 languages.

When the creators Cameron Mackintosh, Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil were casting for the 1989 premiere, they noticed from auditions in London and in the US that there was a common denominator on the stand outs - Filipino blood.  They then decided to go to the source and found for themselves a mother lode of talents in Manila.  In Manila, they casted the lead roles of Kim (Lea Salonga, Monique Wilson) and Gigi (Isay Alvarez) and an ensemble of 13 actors who eventually performed some of the major characters.  Among them were: Victor Laurel, Robert Seña, Jon Jon Briones, Pinky Amador, Junix Inocian, Michael Williams.

This huge contingent of Filipino artists to West End opened the doors for other Filipinos as well, who were cast in various stagings of the musical.  These included: for Kim, Jamie Rivera and Ima Castro; Leo Valdez, Raul Aranas as the Engineer; Joanna Ampil as Kim in London (1993) and Sydney (2001); Ma-anne Dionisio, a Filipino-Canadian raised in Winnipeg, who portrayed Kim in the 1993 and 2010 Toronto staging, and moved to play the same role in London, Sydney and Pittsburgh; Aura Deva as Kim, Robert Seña as Thuy, and Milanie Sumalinog as Gigi, in Stuttgart (1994); and Laurie Cadevida as Kim in Australia.  

These landmark performances garnered awards for artists, most notable of which was Lea Salonga’s winning of the Best Actress in a Musical category for the Laurence Olivier Award (1989), Tony Award, Theatre World Award and Drama Desk Award (all in 1991).  Laurie Cadevida was also awarded the Helpmann Award for her portrayal of Kim in Australia in 2007.  And Aura Deva was named one of the most influential people in Germany.

Manila holds a vital place in the Miss Saigon saga.  Aside from being a major source of cast members and the only Asian city where auditions were held by the artistic team, it was given the distinction to be the first city to stage the musical in its Asian tour, where it moved on to Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong and Korea.  Furthermore, the Manila run was the only Asian production that received immediate coverage from CNN.

Now 24 years after, the same team with additional key production members, has turned to Manila once again for auditions not only for the lead role, but for ensemble cast members as 

well.  It is also rumoured that American roles in the musical were open for casting too.  And although no casting news will be released as yet, the latest word is that six artists have made it to the final round of auditions - Rachelle Ann Go, Frencheska Farr, Mary Joy Solomon, Emerald Bañares, Apple Chiu, Tanya Manalang and Aicelle Santos.  Up for grab will be three possible Kims, with the two as understudies.

For sure, the people who will be part of this revival, will have their lives turned around in ways they would not have imagined.  As the original Kim, Lea Salonga, expressed recently in her Facebook page, “And so it begins again... It was in November 1988 that I auditioned for ‘Miss Saigon.’ Whose life is going to change this November 2012?”

* This article was written for and published in the Pinoy Times December 2012 issue.

Filipino-Canadian Gala 2012

Ida & Jojo Lucila

The 2nd Filipino-Canadian Gala was held last September 15, 2012 at the Northlands Expo Centre. Organized by Gala and Event Management lead by Lixmila Serrano and Ramon Cifra, the Gala is an annual event aimed at bringing together Filipinos and friends for a night of cultural feast and dancing, to celebrate the achievements of the Filipino community and at the same time, to support local charitable institutions. It had, as its beneficiary, iHuman, an organization that supports at-risk youth in Edmonton to rebuild their lives through the arts.  Last yearʼs beneficiary was the Edmonton Food Bank.

Philippine Choral

The Gala was held in a sumptuous hall that seats 800, in tables decked in red, white and blue, with the Philippine flag as the pattern for its layout. A tropical hut served as the dance floorʼs center piece, perfect for photo opportunities. Around the hall were booths of Filipino businesses and Gala sponsors, and display items for the silent auction. An added bonus for the night was the grand raffle prize of a free trip to the Philippines.

Philippine Ambassador Gatan

MP Rona Ambrose

MLA Thomas Lukaszuk

Guests were treated to song and dance performances prior to the official opening of the Gala, which was marked with messages from the three levels of government of Canada and the presence of the Philippine Ambassador to Canada, Leslie Gatan. Guests of honor were: Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works & Government Services, and Minister for Status of Women - Canada; Thomas Lukaszuk, Deputy Premier of Alberta; Stephen Mandel, Mayor of Edmonton; Naresh Bhardwaj, MLA; Richard Andersen, Northlands President; among others. In their speeches, they extolled on how the success of Filipinos all over the world serves as an inspiration and a reminder that much can be achieved through vision and guidance, and the Filipinosʼ reputation to be hardworking, generous and wonderful contributions to society, making Mayor Mandel exclaim

Mayor Stephen Mandel

We need more Filipinos to come to Edmonton! There are currently 330,000 Filipinos in Canada, 70% of which are Philippine-born. And to these people and their Canadian friends, Ambassador Gatan appealed for more Canadian investments in the Philippines, to keep both the cultural and economic ties, and declared that the Philippines is not the sick man of Asia anymore.

After a buffet of Philippine-inspired cuisine, guests were treated with performances by the Philippine Choral and HOJA. This performance of the Philippine Choral marked its transformation from a church choir to a show choir, with a full repertoire suite and choreography. HOJA, on the other hand, is an acapella trio who has performed all over Canada and recorded five cd albums. This followed with everyone dancing the night away, more photo opportunities and revelry. It was good to see the people of Edmonton come together in their evening finery to celebrate Filipino culture and achievements, and support a very deserving local charity. We look forward to the 3rd Filipino-Canadian Gala!

Philippine Choral

HOJA

Post Dinner Dance

Photos courtesy of Kitakits Studio Inc. To view more photos of the event, go to http://

kitakits.smugmug.com.

* This was written and published for the Pinoy Times, October 2012 issue.

History through Film

Lino Brocka's Ora Pro Nobis

The month of September marks two events that our generation remembers well - the 9/11 tragedy, and the declaration of martial law by Ferdinand Marcos.  On these dates, there were widespread media focus to ensure that the ideals, the heroes, significances and consequences are not forgotten by this and future generations.  

Artists derive inspiration from their world - their reality.  In turn, they become a voice, in advocating and recording snippets of history.  Film is one such medium that has been widely utilized both for its value for entertainment and propaganda.  Here, we recall some of the landmark works in Philippine cinema, significant for their artistic and historical merits.

The first movie made by a Filipino is Jose Nepomuceno’s Dalagang Bukid in 1919, based on  the highly acclaimed musical/zarzuela of the same title by Hermogenes Ilagan and Leon Ignacio and starring Atang de la Rama.  During the war, more films of sociopolitical and historical nature abound, some even garnering awards and making the circuit of international film festivals.  Examples of these are: Lamberto Avellana’s Anak Dalita (Child of Sorrow, 1956), which focused on the stark tragedy of post-World War II survival set in Intramuros; and Gerardo de Leon’s Ifugao (1954).  Other notable films of this time too are: Guerilyera (1946), starring Carmen Rosales and Cesar Baltazar, a film about the guerilla movement during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines; Death March (1946), a portrayal of the Bataan Death March, directed by Lamberto Avellana and starred Leopoldo Salcedo, Norma Blancaflor.

Chito Rono's Dekada '70

With the resurgence of film companies like Sampaguita Pictures, LVN and Premiere Productions, came a new beginning for an era of love themes, musicals and romance.  But there were also more films that extolled the virtues of heroism, patriotism, struggle and sacrifice as a consequence of Philippine political events and issues like colonization, martial law, power abuse, etc.  Some films brought issues to the social consciousness, issues that were difficult to face and accept.  Some of these are: 

Marilou Diaz-Abaya's Jose Rizal

Mike de Leon's Sister Stella L

• Gerardo de Leon’s film adaptations of Jose Rizal’s novels Noli Me Tangere (1961) and El Filibusterismo (1962).
• Eddie Romero’s Manila, Open City (1968), set during the Japanese occupation, depicts the fate of a Filipino who, after collaborating with the Japanese, switches allegiance to the Americans.
• Eddie Romero’s Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon (1976), follows the struggle of a country from the Philippine revolution to the Phil-American war, through the eyes of a country boy portrayed by Christopher de Leon, in parallel to his search for his own identity.
• Eddie Romero’s Aguila (1979), an epic movie chronicling the highlights of Philippine history from the 1896 revolution to militant student activities in the ‘70s.  It starred Fernando Poe Jr. and Christopher de Leon.
• Celso Ad. Castillo’s Ang Alamat ni Julian Makabayan (1979), starring Christopher de Leon focuses on agrarian unrest and feudal oppression.
• Mike de Leon’s Sister Stella L (1984), starring Vilma Santos, is the director’s response to the assassination of Ninoy Aquino, through the story of a nun who gets involved in labour strikes and confronted with issues of labor, politics and religion.  It also raised an argument about the separation of church and state in the country.
• Lino Brocka’s Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim (1985), a film that focuses on inherent corruption in government, pre-martial law era.  It caused a furor when it was smuggled for showing at the Cannes Film Festival, consequently banned in the Philippines and caused Lino Brocka’s arrest.  It had Phillip Salvador and Gina Alajar as actors.
• Lino Brocka’s Orapronobis (1989) depicts the human rights abuses during the ‘80s, starring Phillip Salvador and Dina Bonnevie.  It was highly controversial and was banned for a time by then President Corazon Aquino.
• Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s Jose Rizal (1998), a biographical film on national hero Jose Rizal starring Cesar Montano.  The film was screened in several prestigious international film festivals and is credited with re-introducing the hero to a new generation.
• Chito Roño’s Dekada ’70 (2002), starring Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon, centres around a family affected by the political turmoil that set the declaration of martial law.   It is based on a novel with the same title by Lualhati Bautista.
• Raya Martin’s Independencia (2009) set in the early 20th century, it comments on how the Philippines evolved as a colony of the US, instead of being an independent country.  It features actors Tetchie Agbayani, Sid Lucero, and Alessandra de Rossi.

Raya Martin's Independencia

These are just a few examples of a long list of films.  They may have entertained and diverted us, brought us to a time different from our own reality, confronted us with philosophies and challenged our own thinking and have preserved snippets of our heritage and immortalized the stories for next generations.  It is my personal hope that you have viewed some of these films or will encourage you to watch these films and research further in our history.

* This was written for and published in the Pinoy Living October 2012 issue.

Famous Lines from Filipino Movies

If you are a movie fan, it would be easy to identify the origins of these phrases:  Go ahead, make my day [Clint Eastwood, Sudden Impact]; I’m also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her [Julia Roberts, Notting Hill]; Houston, we have a problem [Tom Hanks, Apollo 13]; I’ll be back [Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Terminator]; I see dead people [Sixth Sense]; and the list goes on and on.  But what about lines from the Filipino movies?  Here are some of the most popular ones (note: apologies for not having an English translation.  The emotions and wittiness are sometimes lost in the translation):

Walang himala!  Ang himala ay nasa puso ng tao!  Nasa puso nating lahat!   [Nora Aunor, Himala].  The film centers around a young visionary who has caused a stir in an isolated village, challenging people’s attitude towards their religious faith.  Directed by Ishmael Bernal with story by Ricardo Lee based on a true story, Himala is considered as one of the best acting feats of Nora Aunor.   Premiered in 1982, it went on to win numerous film awards, i.e. CNN Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Bronze Hugo prize at the 1983 Chicago International Film Festival. It was  also exhibited in international film festivals, i.e. Berlin International Film Festival (the first Filipino film to be included in the Competition Section)

You’re nothing but a second-rate, trying hard copycat. [Cherie Gil, Bituing Walang Ningning].  This is the story of a die hard fan rising to fame and becoming the most formidable rival of the star singer.  Released in 1985 and directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza, it starred Sharon Cuneta, Christopher de Leon, Jay Ilagan, Cherie Gil, Tommy Abuel, Chanda Robero and Joel Torre.  It was a blockbuster hit and this quoted line uttered by Cherie Gil as the star Lavinia Arguelles, to Sharon Cuneta as the fan Dorina Pineda, was the ultimate catfight scene, splattered wine and all.

Ding... ang bato!  [Darna].  Who doesn’t know about the Filipino comics superheroine by writer Mars Ravelo and artist Nestor Redondo?  Created in 1947, Narda, a young girl transforms into Darna, and vice versa by shouting out their respective names,  and by swallowing a white stone, from the planet Marte. This superheroine has been portrayed in both tv and the movies since 1951 with the following actresses and even actors: Rosa del Rosario (1951-52), Liza Moreno (1963), Eva Montes (1965), Gina Pareno (1969), Vilma Santos (1973), Chiquito (1974), Lorna Tolentino (1977), Dolphy (1979), Rio Locsin (1979), Nanette Medved (1991), Anjanette Abayari (1994), Angel Locsin (2005), Marian Rivera (2009).

Trabaho lang ito, walang personalan.  [Rudy Fernandez, Markang Bungo].  This 1991 movie was based on the life story of Baguio City police officer Bobby Ortega.  This line is still widely used - from Manny Pacquiao, to the current President of the Philippines.

Kakabakaba Ka Ba?  This movie with the same title was a 1980 movie by Mike de Leon.  A comedy of misadventures, and of gangsters smuggling an audiocassette tape of opium in the Philippines, it starred Christopher de Leon, Charo Santos, Sandy Andolong and Jay Ilagan.  It was significant in the sense that it managed to be a political satire, escaping censorship during a Martial Law regime.

Isang bala ka lang.  [Fernando Poe Jr., Isang Bala Ka Lang].  A classic action movie starred in and directed by Fernando Poe Jr., the story is of a good cop, convicted and jailed for avenging his wife’s death, turns vigilante in the light of injustices to innocent victims.  Released in 1983, it also stars Maggie dela Riva, Marianne de la Riva, Julie Vega, and Paquito Diaz.

Ginto na ang nasa harap mo, basura pa ang pinili mo.  [Vilma Santos, Sinasamba Kita].  Directed by Eddie Garcia in 1982 with actors Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon, Phillip Salvador and Lorna Tolentino, the movie is about half sisters, with the younger one as the father’s illegitimate daughter.  Maltreated and oppressed, the younger sibling leaves but fate brings them together for a final reckoning.  The theme song of this movie, with the same title and composed by George Canseco, was a popular hit too.  It won film awards for Best Director, Best Original Song and became a tv movie in 2007 with Joel Lamangan as director, starring Sheryl Cruz and Valerie Concepcion.

Mahal mo ba ako, dahil kailangan mo ako o kailangan mo ako kaya mahal mo ako?  [Claudine Barretto, Milan].   A 2004 romance film starring Claudine Barretto and Piolo Pascual, it is a story of two people who are strangely banded together by their own personal quests, fall deeply in love and later called on to make personal sacrifices.  Aside from the beautiful locations in Italy, it garnered acting awards and nominations for the 2 lead actors.  It also featured the singing voice of Piolo Pascual for its theme song, The Gift.

These are just a few of the many highly dramatic, comedic and memorable dialogues in Philippine cinema.  What are your favorites?

* This article was written for and published in the Pinoy Times September 2012 issue.

Aegis: the Edmonton Concert

The Aegis Concert for Edmonton was held last July 29 at the River Cree Resort & Casino, as part of their 2012 US and Canada tour.  This was the band’s 3rd visit/performance in Edmonton.

Aegis was originally formed as AG’s Sound Trippers, with the AG standing for their managers’ last names, Abenoja and Galindo.  They chose the term “aegis” which means “shield” or “protection” - as a metaphor for their kind of music, that of a balm from heartbreak and desolation.  A 6-member band, it is comprised of sisters Juliet, Mercy and Ken Sunot as Vocalists; Stella Pabico in the keyboard; Vilma Goloviogo in drums; Weng Adriano for bass guitar; and the lone male member, Rey Abenoja for lead guitar.

The show opened with two front acts: Vanessa Oller singing “God is Speaking”; and duo Virgie and Delia, who are regular performers at the Edmonton International Airport.  There was also a presentation of a plaque by Hon. Consul Esmeralda Agbulos for producer Dr. Nimrod Montano, for his community service to Filipinos both locally and in the Philippines.  Incidentally, the concert and raffle proceeds served as a fundraiser for a dental mission to the Philippines in 2013.

After about an hour from start time, the main attraction was introduced.  Hyped as a concert to “rock & roll” the city, the opening number was a little bit sedate, for our expectations.  It didn’t take long though for them to impress the audience with their powerful vocals.  This is a concert that definitely does not rely on fancy wardrobe, intricate choreography, and special effects - but simply on the music.  Aside from their hit songs Luha, Halik, Basang Basa sa Ulan, May Bukas Pa, they also did covers of Adele, Journey, Katy Perry, Jennifer Lopez and requested songs by the audience - covering a vast repertoire of ballads, dance music and rap.  These were eagerly lapped up by the audience who sang, applauded and shrieked on cue.  The vocalists are power belters, hitting notes that get higher and higher, notes that you think can’t be reached but are actually hit.  Juliet Sunot definitely has the strongest lung power among the sisters.  She delivers her songs effortlessly, while hamming it up with the audience and the cameras, and delivering comedic lines as well.  It would be ideal though, in the whole mix of the songs, to have some that will show restraint in vocal delivery, for a greater appreciation of the powerhouse sections.

Talent comes in different packages.  If you do not know the Aegis band members and you see them for the first time offstage, you will not think that they are such musical dynamos.  They are unassuming, grounded and deferential.  And these qualities are probably a major factor in their audience appeal, making them relatable to a lot of people.  At the end of the night, you appreciate these visits by Filipino artists who embody talent and good values and reinforce your notion that there definitely is no dearth of Filipino singers!

* This article was written for and published in the Pinoy Times August 2012 issue.