ANCHORAGE: The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco will conduct consular outreach services in Anchorage on 23 and 24 May 2010. Consul Alfonso “Doy” Ver will lead the Consular mission with Mr. Florentino “Bong” Granada, Consular Assistant (for Passport and Legal Services) and Mr. Cesar “Cet” Cruz, (Consular Assistant (for Dual Citizenship and Collecting Officer).

 The outreach services will be held on May 23, Sunday, at the Arctic Care Services LLC at 3340 Arctic Blvd Suite 102, Anchorage, Alaska from 1:30 am to 5:30 pm., and May 24^th Monday, at the Bereka Church, 2511 Sentry Dr (Corner Lake Otis). The officers of the Alaska Federation Of Filipino Americans, Anchorage Mabuhay Lions and Fil-Am Showtime, are coordinating with the Consulate in making the arrangements for the mission.

 The Consular outreach team will provide passport, legal and notaries services and issue visas to the Philippines. The team will also process applications for dual citizenship and administer oaths to qualified applicants in a ceremony to be held at the culmination of the outreach program.

 The holding of consular outreach service is part of the Philippine Consulate General’s efforts to reach out and bring the Consulate closer to the greater Filipino community in other states under its area of coverage.

 While forms will be available on site, those who are interested to apply for consular services are advised to log on to www.philippineconsulate-sf.org or http://wwww.filamshowtime.net for forms, procedures requirements. Inquiries on this outreach program may be directed to the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco at tel. no. (415) 433-6666 extension 327, 315 or 317; or email sanfranciscopcg2004@yahoo.com.

ANCHORAGE:  The much awaited championship game finally came and jolted the reigning champions Kodiak Team. The first of the best of three-scheduled game was held at the Spenard Recreation Center last Saturday, April 10th at the Spenard recreation Center.  For opening, Sheryl Hoppman sang the National Anthem followed by Philippine National Anthem led by Ed Ducut, Joe Guzman and Nez Danguilan. Prayers were made by Marilene Doup, President of AFFA and Pastor Victor Abalos of Bereka Church. Tossing the opening ball was Mr. John Rodda, Director of the  MOA Parks and Recreation Department. Mayor Dan Sullivan originally was scheduled but was not able to make it due to appointment conflicts.

The game started with Kodiak’s #10 Geoffrey Agmata being fouled immediately. An omen was early seen when sharp shooting Geoffey missed his second shot of the free throw. It was a struggle for Kodiak since then to maintain their intensity. The expected Kodiak terrors in the likes of Melvyn and Efenito Vargas, Jeffrey Agmata led by Geoffrey, did not come out to the expectations. They missed lots of shots and the notorious 3 pointers from Geoffrey did not materialized. In the meantime, the Jokers were awesome. No. 21 Kyle Garcia let the onslaught for shots while Michael Madrid dominated the board with his high jumps.  The fast and furious attack from the Jokers deflated the Kodiak and the final buzz came to the dismay of the Kodiak fans. Final score Jokers 65 and Kodiaks 45. Jokers got their first impressive win for the best of three.

The place was packed with die-hard  Filipino community sports fans of both teams.  Compared to the regular season competitions, game was smooth and subdued. The action packed  2nd rumble for the best of three is scheduled next Saturday, 7 pm Apr17th at Spenard Recreation Center.

Anchorage: With the technical assistance of Fil-Am Showtime, a new community television program was born. It’s called the PACIFIC NEWS, under the auspices of the Polynesian Association of Alaska (P.A.O.A). Thanks to Uncle Nez, Fil-Am Showtime Executive Director and Producer, and Lucy Hansen, the President of P.A.O.A, the program is now seen on Channel 12, 7PM every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Host of the show Lucy Hansen, is a very well known personality in the Polynesian community of Alaska. She is a member of the Bridge Builders and also serve as member of the Executive Board  for the Older Action Group (OPAG). Videographer and Photographer for the Pacific News is Jesse Talivaa, also from the Samoan community. The Pacific News TV program executes their weekly taping at the Fil-Am Studio downtown, Anchorage.

STANDING OVATION FOR SHERYN REGIS

ANCHORAGE: Sheryn Regis Concert is over but the sweet memories linger on. Her comeback performance as the leader of the pack, touched the hearts of the Filipino Alaskans. Her entourage Raymond Manalo, Makisig and Kitkat performances likewise, delighted the Anchorage Filipinos. Raymond Manalo’s second appearance  wowed  the audience as he swooned numerous tagalog songs and accommodated his Kapampangan audience with couple of songs.  Makisig Morales was an instant favorite and showed classic dance and movements with his songs exciting all the screaming Fil-Alaskan teenagers on the crowd.  Kitkat, was something else. She was funny with her off color jokes and the crowd roared with laughter’s especially the one about “Joy”.  She was an instant smash and everyone laughed all the way to her last act.

On the last part of the over 2 hours concert, Sheryn gave her best, belting all her songs that were originally heard by the audience on her TFC /ABS CBN’s ASAP program.  There was a hush on the theater as she gave her sincere appreciation for the love and care accorded to her by Anchorage Filipinos. “To you all Anchorage Filipinos I bow to you, thank you so much.” And when she bowed, there were tears not just by Sheryn but by almost all watching that night.  Then she rendered her last   song entitled “Anchorage” which she composed herself, in the most amazing and touching way. The Anchorage Filipino-Americans were on their feet and gave her standing ovation, with thunderous applause. You still can hear the crowd reaching out loud to her with “Sheryn we love you”.  It won’t be surprising if another comeback is requested.

Sheryn Mae Regis Alaskan Concert

Anchorage:  Sheryn Regis is petite Filipina from the Bisayan region of the Philippines. Her first appearance in Anchorage was in 2008 behind the shadow of Erik Santos. Regardless, she became an instant favorite of Fil-Alaskans. At an interview on Fil-Am Showtime Ch. 12 studio by TV host Nez Danguilan, Sheryn was first seen together with Erik Santos, Pooh, and John Pratts. But it was on the live concert that Sheryn started to prove who she was really. Her renditions both in English and Tagalog, were heartwarming and dynamic, captivating the Fil-Alaskans.

It did not come as a surprise when the entertainment elites of the Philippines dubbed her as the Champion in small package. Barely 5 feet tall, Sheryn Mae Poncardas Regis meteoric rise to stardom, came after a disappointing runner-up to champion Erik Santos (after consistent top scorer of Star in a million contest). After that, Sheryn garnered Crystal Voice of Asia, Queen of Teleserye, 2008 Best Performer in ASEA and Voice of Asia. This is not unusual. After all, in her early years, she has been dubbed Modern Juke Box Queen as well as Filipina Pop Singer and composer.

Anchorage will have the opportunity to see and hear this Philippine diva one more time, on September 6, 2009 at West High School Auditorium, 7 PM. Cost: $58-$78.  Thanks to producers, SP3J Production, the Sheryn Concerts package includes debonair crooner Raymond Manalo, and Kitkat, popular funny female comedian; and added gem, the famous young actor Makisig Morales known as Super Inggo. Tickets for Anchorage are available at Shepherds Pacific Asian Market located at corner Minnesota Dr and Benson Blvd.  Or call Emma Munoz (907) 351 8998; Jessie Vizcocho 306-0459; Linda Rivera 952-1919; Honeylet Juanitez 952-2297; Susan Dickerson 560-1095,  Josie Regal 350-6170 or Fil-Am Showtime at 350-0219.

Anchorage: It did not matter if Mt. Redoubt volcano erupted. Still, she came, she saw, and she conquered! Philippine’s singing superstar Rachelle Ann Go, made her mark with her first solo debut in Alaska, USA’s last frontier. Filipino-Americans in Anchorage, enthusiastically cheered her up and her entourage, Nikki Bacolod, and Jimmy Marquez, at West High School Auditorium’s live performance. Her dedicated Fil-Am fans practically shook the auditorium as she belted her latest hits in her new album “Falling In Love”. It was a night to remember.

Falling In Love theme fits the occasion.  On her TV interview with Nez Danguilan of Fil-Am Showtime on Ch.12 and Ch.1, she explained that Falling in Love theme came about, after a feeling of sadness and at the same time relief, from a love affair turned sour episode experience. “This time around Tito Nez”, she said, “will be more intense and really sweet”. Thus, “Falling in love “ show was born. The tour in Alaska includes Juneau, and Ketchikan.