Fernando C. Amorsolo

FERNANDO C. AMORSOLO
(1892-1972)

Fernando C. Amorsolo, National Artist, was born on May 30, 1892 in Paco, Manila. He spent the first 13 years of his youth in Daet, Camarines Norte.

Already a promising artist at an early age, he busied himself in the midst of rice fields and abaca plantations sketching animals, seascapes, and landscapes. He spent time copying pictures from calendars and sitting by a wharf drawing ships at sea.


During the revolutionary period, he was attracted to the guardia civil in the streets of Daet: he took them as subjects for his painting and drew them well.


While in Daet, Fernando and his brothers studied in a public school and were tutored on how to read and write in Spanish at home. Unfortunately, his father's death left the family destitute and Fernando had to stop studying after only three years of formal schooling.


Two years after his father's death, in 1895, the family returned to Manila and stayed with the painter Don Fabian dela Rosa who was his mother's first cousin. Under Don Fabian's guidance, Fernando learned to mix paints and to wield the brush as his uncle's apprentice.


Amorsolo's first triumph was the second prize he won for his painting Levendo Periodico at the Bazar Escolta organized by the Asociacion Internacional de Artistas in 1908. This was also his first recorded prize in a competition with established artists.


At 17, Amorsolo enrolled at the art school of the Liceo de Manila where, aside from being a scholar, he excelled in drawing and other subjects, and won prizes in several design contests. Later, he graduated from the U.P. School of Fine Arts in 1914.


His most notable work as a student was his painting of a young man and a young woman in a garden. That won for him the first prize in the art school exhibition in his graduation year.


Before graduating, he found a well-paying job at the Pacific Commercial Company. Shortly after his graduation, he was taken as an instructor in fine arts. At the same time, he also took a parttime job as draftsman in the Bureau of Public Works.


From among the professors under whom Amorsolo studied at the Liceo de Manila and at the University of the Philippines, Rafael Enriquez, Miguel Zaragosa, and Toribio Herrera influenced him most.


Amorsolo started to be known outside the country when he joined the Exposicion de Panama in 1914. His entries were a large portrait of U.S. President Woodrow Wilson and an intriguing piece entitled La Muerte de Socrares.


Fortune smiled brightly upon him. In 1919, he caught the attention of Don Enrique Zobel, a wealthy businessman and father of the modernist painter Fernando Zobel. He was sent as a scholar to the well-known Academia de San Fernando, then under the directorship of Jose Moreno Carbonero and Cecilio Planas, two of Madrid's distinguished painters.


While abroad, he was attracted and influenced by the bright colors of the impressionists Sorolla, Zorn, Monet, and Renoir. At the same time he took up the Velasquez technique, the so-called "vision of the moment." However, his line was still classic and his colors of tonal values, an aspect learned from Fabian dela Rosa.


After a year in Spain, he returned to the Philippines and began teaching at the state university.



The whole decade of the twenties was Amorsolo's creative peak. During this period, he developed his interpretation of Philippine sunlight and landscapes which remain his greatest contribution to Philippine painting. During this time, he reached the height of his power and virtuosity. Thereafter, art lovers and collectors began seeking out his works.


His first masterpiece in 1920 was "My Wife, Salud." It was regarded as a masterpiece of portraiture by his fellow painters, most notably by his uncle Fabian dela Rosa. His El Violinista stamped him as an impressionist.


In 1922, "Rice Planting," a serious genre painting was completed. That same year, he obtained first prize at the Commercial and Industrial Fair in the Manila Carnival.


As an illustrator, Amorsolo's best work was done for Iñigo Ed. Regalado's Madaling Araw (a Tagalog novel). He also illustrated Pasion and textbooks for public school children.


At the Grand Central Gallery in New York City in 1925, Amorsolo held a one-man show which attracted many Americans who were interested in the Philippines.


A newly appointed director of the U.P. School of Fine Arts, his painting “Noonday Meal of the Rice Workers” won first prize at the New York's World Fair in 1929. A few years after, in 1931, Amorsolo also exhibited one of his anecdotal paintings, "The Conversion of the Filipinos" at the Paris Exposition.


At home, Fernando Amorsolo was awarded a grand prize when he exhibited his paintings at the Manila Carnival's Commercial and Industrial Fair in 1927.


For his distinguished achievements in art, he was named Outstanding Alumnus of the University of the Philippines in 1940.


The Japanese Occupation was generally difficult for painters but it did not seem to affect Amorsolo. He stayed in Manila and keenly observed the destruction of the city. The ravages of war were the

subject of Amorsolo's strong paintings like: "The Rape of Manila" and "The Bombing of the Intendencia" (1942); "The Explosion" (1944); and "The Burning of Manila" (1945).


On November 6, 1948, Amorsolo held a one-man retrospective exhibition at the National Museum in Herran, sponsored by the Art Association of the Philippines. In 1950, he exhibited two of his histo-

rical paintings entitled "Faith Among the Ruins" and "Baptism of Rajah Humabon" at the Missionary Art Exhibit in Rome.


To devote himself full time to painting, Amorsolo retired from the directorship of the U.P. School of Fine Arts in 1952. He confined himself to his studio, painting from sunrise to sunset. His paintings became so popular that he could hardly meet the demand for commissioned works, especially portraits.


Amorsolo's works can be classified as color studies, genre pieces, anecdotal paintings, portraiture, and the paintings of the last war.


In recognition of his artistic prowess, awards came one after the other. These were the Gold Medal from UNESCO National Commission in 1959; the Pro-Patria Award; the honorary doctorate in Humanities from the Far Eastern University in 1961:the Diploma of Merit from the University of the Philippines in 1963; and the Republic Cultural Heritage Award in 1967.


At the age of 70, Amorsolo underwent a cataract operation. The operation, however, did not stop him from producing great works. An exhibit of his works was mounted at the Art Center of the Manila Hilton in 1979.


In 1971, Amorsolo underwent an ear operation. He also came to suffer from diabetes, arthritis, headache and occasional dizziness. He became weak, but he would still paint whenever he felt a little better.


Once after an interview, he was asked by the interviewer to rest. He replied calmly that if he could have his way, he would prefer to die while he was painting. That wish, unfortunately, was not granted him.


On April 14, 1972 he died of heart failure at St. Luke's Hospital at the age of 79. Four days after his death he was conferred the First Philippine National Artist award at the Cultural Center of the Philippines by President Ferdinand E. Marcos.


Amorsolo was married twice. His first wife was Salud Jorge whom he married in 1916 and by whom he had six children. Widowed fifteen years later, he married Maria del Carmen . The couple had eight children.



Tagalog / Filipino Version

Fernando C. Amorsolo
(1892-1972)

BANTOG sa pagiging pambansang pintor si Fernando Amorsolo. Kilala siya sa lumikha ng hindi na mabilang na obra-maestra sa larangan ng pagpintura.

Isinilang si Amorsolo sa Paco, Maynila noong Mayo 30, 1892. Mula pagkabata ay kinakitaan na si Fernando sa pagkahilig sa pagguhit ng kung anu-anong bagay. Nakapukaw-pansin ito sa kanyang ina na si Bonifacia Cueto Amorsolo.

Naging huwaran ni Fernando ang kanyang tiyuhin na si Fabian de la Rosa dahil sa magaling din ito sa nasa-bing larangan. Kaya naman, pinag-aral siya ng nasa-bing tiyuhin sa Liceo de Manila.

Talagang sinubaybayan siya ng kanyang Tiyo Fabian sa pagguhit kaya rito siya nakilala sa Pilipinas at maging sa ibang bansa.


Kauna-unahan si Amorsolo na nagtapos ng Sining sa Pagguhit sa Pamantasan ng Pilipinas, taong 1914. Nagtamo siya ng maraming karangalan at hindi katagalan ay pinagkalooban siya oportunidad ng pilantropong si Enrique Zobel na nakapag-aral nang libre sa Espana. Si Zobel mismo ay labis na humanga sa mga nilikha ng pintor.

Karaniwan sa kanyang mga iginuhit ay ang makasaysayang pangyayari at iba't-ibang larawan ng mga tao tulad ng isang mayuming dalagang nayon. Dahil sa kahanga-hangang pagguhit, si Amorsolo ay tinanghal na pinakamagaling na pintor noong taong 1920.

Naging direktor siya ng School of Fine Arts ng Pamantasan ng Pilipinas hanggang sa pagreretiro noong 1957. Sa kanyang pagpu-punyagi, tinanghal siyang na pambansang pintor.

Yoyoy Villame

Yoyoy Villame (November 18, 1932 - May 18, 2007) born Roman Tesorio Villame, was a Filipino singer, composer, lyricist, and comedian. Villame was a native of Calape, Bohol and was the father of singer Hannah Villame. He died of cardiac arrest at the Las Piñas Medical Center in Metro Manila on May 18, 2007.

Early Life:

Before getting his break in the music industry, Villame was at one point a jeepney driver and at another, an army draftee who fought in the government’s anti-insurgency campaign in Central Luzon. He went back to Bohol to become a bus driver, and there he formed a rondalla combo with his fellow bus drivers as band mates. The owner of the bus company took notice of Villame’s efforts, setting up a music studio named Kinamay Records just for him. Villame's first recording was in 1972 and entitled Magellan. It was the beginning of a long list of albums and recordings of his politically inspired songs in Sugboanon, Tagalog and English.

Notable Works:

Among his notable works include Butse Kik, a song written from made-up Chinese-sounding words which Villame allegedly came up with by writing down the names of Chinese stores while waiting for a mechanic to fix his broken-down jeepney in Manila's Chinatown. He also wrote Philippine Geography, which lists 77 major islands, provinces, cities, municipalities, and towns in the Philippines from north to south. His long list of hits and his entertaining style of music has earned him the title of "King of Philippine Novelty Songs".

Villame began making movies in the early 1970s, and was noted for his role in the 1974 suspense thriller Biktima. In 2004, Yoyoy played a Visayan troubadour in the critically acclaimed movie, Babae sa Breakwater (Woman of the Breakwater).

Jose Clemente Zulueta

JOSE CLEMENTE ZULUETA
(1876 - 1904)

On November 23, 1876, Jose Clemente Zulueta, a distinguished Filipino bibliographer, was born in Paco, Manila. His parents were not known because his mother died five days after his birth and his father, when he was still a child. He was adopted by a kindhearted couple, Agustin de la Rosa and Juliana Estrada, who gave him parental care and education.

He took a course in History in the old College of San Antonio de Padua and eventually transferred to the Ateneo Municipal, where he obtained his Bachiller en Artes. He organized a study group among his friends, and every night he expounded on philosophy, arithmetic and algebra, ethics, rhetoric and poetry.

He studied law at the University of Sto. Tomas and frequented the entresuelo meetings of young students in Intramuros before the revolution of 1896. Cecilio Apostol, Fernando ma. Guerrero, Rafael Palma, Jose Abreu and others also converged in his room and talked of literary and patriotic activities.


In the university, he achieved literary celebrity as a weaver of exquisite Spanish verses. His poem “Afectos a la Virgen,” which Don Epifanio de los Santos highly commended for its poetical grace, was awarded 3rd prize in 1985 with a “lirio de plata” (silver lily) by the Academia Bibliografico Mariana, of Lerida Spain. It was published in Revista Catolica de Filipinas, VII, no. 5 March 1, 1986.

The Revolution of 1896 to him was a laboratory for his historical theories. He wanted to observe the event from the viewpoint of both camps. He presented himself to Governor-general Camilio de Polavieja to ask permission to cross the lines of battles and witness for himself the struggle of close range. The governor general issued a pass which enabled him to move between the camps freely.

He was with a caravan that trekked to the north when the Revolutionary Government was being moved to safer ground. He had lost his resolve at impartiality and now sided with the Filipino cause.

He established the newspaper La Libertad, on June 20, 1898, the first number of which was dedicated to Colonel Pacheco. After its initial publication, it was stopped by the Revolutionary government and the printing press was seized. He joined the staff of La Independencia, founded by General Antonio Luna. In his writings, he used M. Kaun as penname.

He resumed his studies in 1899 after the American army occupied Manila. He took the 1902 bar examination together with Manuel Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, and Juan Sumulong. Afterwards he and don Modesto Reyes established in Manila a newspaper, La Union, suppressed by General Elwell S. Otis because it was considered anti American.


He joined the faculty of Liceo de Manila to teach subjects on Philippine and World History. He was librarian at the Centro Artistico and Club International which sent members on fellowship grants to the United States. The first to receive such grant was the city engineer, Santiago Artiaga.

When the Philippine Commission decided to participate in the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, he was chosen to collect the art and literary materials for exhibition.

When he was still with the Exposition Board, Act 688 was passed by the Philippine Commission on March 17, 1903 authorizing the appointment of collecting librarian for the Insular Government:

Civil Governor Taft named him the collecting librarian. He left on April 29, 1903, for Marseilles, proceed to Barcelona and Madrid, where he presented his credentials to the American Minister in that capital. He worked in the Biblioteca Nacional and in the Museo Biblioteca de Ultramar, which had its origin from the materials exhibited during the Exposicion General de Filipinas. He discovered a rich collection of papers and documents among which gave importance to Gov. Valdez y tamon’s work on Plazas, Fuerzas Castillos y, Presidios in Philippines in 1839.

He found in Biblioteca de la Real Academia de la Historia the unpublished work of Fr. Francisco Ignacio Alcina’s Relacion. At the King’s College, he saw the Vocabulario Tagalo, dated, 1585, in manuscript compiled by Fr. Domingo de los Santos, printed in Tayabas town in 1703. Zulueta came back to Manila on July 30, 1904. As required by law, he wrote a report entitled Fuentes Historicos de Filipinas in June 1904. He was one of the early Filipino historians who advocated the interpretation of t he Philippines from the Filipino point – of – view.


He died in Manila on September 10, 1904, at the young age of 28.


The Philippine government purchased the Zulueta collection for P17,000 from his widow Doña Paz Natividad and kept it the National Library. This priceless collection vanished in smoke during the liberation of Manila in February 1945.

Efren "Bata" Reyes

Efren Reyes (born August 26, 1954) is a Filipino professional pool player from Angeles City and a 2-time world champion. Reyes is considered to be one of the all-time greats in the games of nine ball and one-pocket. He is often known by his nickname "Bata", and is also referred to as "The Magician".

Background:

Reyes was born in Pampanga in 1954 and moved to Manila with his family, at the age of 5. In Manila, he worked as a billiards attendant at his uncle's billiards hall, where he started learning the various cue sports. At a young age, he played for money, and in the sixties and seventies, played carambola billiards (also known as three cushion billiards). After winning very often, promoters around have discovered him. This gave him the opportunity to compete in big time tournaments.

Reyes began winning a number of tournaments in the US, Europe and in parts of Asia. Thus, he started to gain attention and recognition worldwide. In fact at the start of his career he would use "aliases" to hide his true identity just so as to be allowed to compete. By the mid-1990s, he became one of the elite players of the Philippines along Jose Parica and Francisco Bustamante.

Notable Successes in Pool:

The fame of Efren Reyes began he won the US Open Nine Ball Championship in 1994 by defeating Nick Varner in the finals. For 8 years, he was the first and only non-American ever to win the event until Ralf Souquet won it in 2002 and Alex Pagulayan in 2005 who is also a Filipino.

A couple of years later, Efren Reyes and Earl Strickland were chosen to face each other in an event called the Color of Money, named after The Color of Money movie. The event was a 3-day race-to-120 challenge match of 9-ball. It was held in Hong Kong and has a winner-take-all prize of $100K. Reyes won the match 120-117 and the big prize. This was the largest single-winning purse in a pool event until it was equaled by an offer at the Texas Hold'em Billiards Championship, an event won by Marlon Manalo in 2005.

Although Earl Strickland was the first to win the WPA World 9-ball Championship, Reyes, in 1999, became the first to win it broadcast on television. Note - this tournament was not recognised at the time by the WPA, but Reyes was later retrospectively acknowledged as the winner of one of two world championships held in 1999. Nick Varner won the other than-"official" world title, but this was a much smaller scale event than the one Reyes won. The two tournaments were merged for the following year, with both men listed as the champion for 1999. At the time, the Matchroom Sport-organised event in Cardiff, Wales, was called the World Professional Pool Championship (despite the entry of many non-professional players).

In 2001, Reyes won the International Billiard Tournament. The event was in Tokyo, Japan, has over 700 players and total purse of ¥100M ($850K). Reyes dominated the event by besting Niels Feijen in the finals 15-7 and earned the ¥20M[1]($170K) first prize. For 4 years, this was biggest first prize in a pool tournament.

Then in 2003, he became the first Asian to be inducted into the Billiard Congress of America's Hall of Fame.

Near the end of 2004, Reyes bested Marlon Manalo to become the first-ever WPA World Eight Ball Champion. This was his second world title.

In December 2005 Reyes won the IPT King of the Hill 8-Ball Shootout. Reyes won a record-breaking $200K for first place by beating fellow Hall of Fame member Mike "the Mouth" Sigel two sets to none (8-0 and 8-5).

In 2006, Reyes and Francisco Bustamante represented their country as Team Philippines in the inaugural World Cup of Pool. They defeated Team USA, formed by Earl Strickland and Rodney Morris, to capture the title

That same year, Reyes won the IPT World Open Eight-ball Championship over Rodney Morris 8-6. He earned $500K which was the largest prize money tournament in the history of pocket billiards. Unfortunately, he hasn't claim much of this as of 2007 due financial problems of the IPT.

One of the World's Most Profitable Players:

As a player in professional pool, Reyes has been known to have won a number of money-rich tournaments worldwide. This makes him one of the most profitable players around. To prove it, he topped AZ Billiards Money List 5 times; 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006. In 2006 he set a record by earning $646K in a single year.

Film and Ambassador:

In 2003, Mr. Reyes was featured in the Filipino movie Pakners with the late actor Fernando Poe, Jr..

Reyes was appointed Philippine Sports Ambassador of the 2005 South East Asian Games alongside some of the Philippines' greatest athletes (Allan Caidic, Rafael Nepomuceno) to promote the event throughout the country.

Nicknames and Aliases:

"Bata" - Reyes is often called by his nickname "Bata" (Tagalog for ""youth" or "kid"), given to him by friends at his regular pool hall to distinguish him from an older Efren.

"The Magician" - Reyes, along with the other "Filipino invasion" players revolutionized the way pool is played by their introduction to the sport of pinpoint precision kicking (going into a rail with the cue ball and then hitting an object ball). Reyes' ability to "kick safe" and to kick balls into intended pockets is legendary. This ability, coupled with his superb skill at other aspects of the game, led U.S. professionals to give him the appellation "The Magician." Before Reyes and his compatriots came over to the U.S., no one there had seen anything like their kicking skill set.

The so-called Filipino Invasion players consist of a group of fine Filipino players all of whom came to the U.S. in the 1970s and 1980s and quickly took the professional pool world by storm. The first of these innovators was Jose "Amang" Parica, followed (not necessarily in chronological order) by Mr. Reyes, Francisco "Django" Bustamante and, to a lesser extent, Rodolfo "Boy Samson" Luat and Leonardo "Dodong" Andam. There are many other fine professional players who have followed in their footsteps, including Ramil Gallego, Santos Sambajon Jr., Antonio Lining, Marlon "Marvelous" Manalo and Alex Pagulayan, current 2005 US Open Champion and 2004 World Pool Championship winner, but only the first three original "invaders" are consistently considered among the small elite who dominate the very top of pool's professional rankings.

"Cesar Morales" - "[The] first time I came over to the states, I used an alias of Cesar Morales. Pool players in the US already knew Efren Reyes as a great shooter from the Philippines, but they [hadn't]...seen...[me]...in person." — Efren Reyes.

Trivia:

* Aside from being a notable player in the game of nine-ball, Reyes possesses a masterful skill in straight pool (14.1), a game completely obscure the Philippines. In 1995, Efren Reyes dominated the Maine 14.1 Event besting very well-known names such as Jim Rempe and Earl Strickland. His highest run in that tournament was 123.

* In 2000, Reyes competed in the US Open 14.1 Championship. Although he didn't win and had to settle for third, he conquered notable players such as Oliver Ortmann, Thomas Engert and Mike Sigel. He even made an impressive run of 141 which was more than the one he made five years before.

* Efren Reyes, along with Francisco Bustamante, is featured in a video game called World Championship Pool 2004.

* He is the first movie and the late Fernando Poe, Jr. in "Pakners" in 2003.

Valerie Concepcion

Valerie Concepcion (born December 21, 1987 in Manila, Philippines), is a Filipina actress. She is currently being managed by Becky Aguila and is a free lancer. Currently, she is a co-host of ABS-CBN's noontime show Wowowee.

Kissing Controversy:

On December 8, 2007, Jinky Pacquiao, wife of Manny Pacquiao, sent a text message to young actress Valerie Concepcion (when Jinky discovered Manny's torrid kissing scene with her in the 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Anak ng Kumander): "This is Jinky Pacquaio, I saw you with my husband in a kissing scene. How sweet! Ito ang masasabi ko, kung isa ka rin sa bumabalak na manira at sirain ang pamilya ko, Hindi kita uurungan o kaya gusto mo, pupuntahan kita sa Wowowee at ipagsigawan ang kalandian mo. Balita ko, nagpahanap ka daw ng bahay. Pera ba ang kailangan mo? Subukan mo mga balak mo, lalabanan kita."

Betty La Fea:

She is being considered to play the lead for the local version of Betty La Fea, the same role that Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez wanted to do as her first Valerie Concepcion teleserye on ABS-CBN.Other actresses like Angel Locsin, Bea Alonzo and Anne Curtis are also rumored to be on the short list. Though there is no word yet on who would be awarded the part, Valerie admitted that she already feels honored to have been thought of taking on such a challenging role.

Rey Valera

Reynaldo Valera Guardiano (better known as Rey Valera) (born May 4, 1954 in Meycauayan, Bulacan, Philippines) is a singer, songwriter, music director and film scorer from the Philippines. He wrote and produced songs that were recorded by various singers, most notably Sharon Cuneta.

Personal Background:

Reynaldo Valera Guardiano is the second of three siblings, and the surname Valera was derived from his mother's maiden name.

He still lives in Meycauayan, Bulacan with his family. He has a son and three daughters.

Career:

Rey Valera started his recording career in 1977 after becoming a band member from a group called Electric Hair Band for seven years. He waxed his first single as a solo singer - songwriter with the song Ako si Superman, which he created supposedly for Rico Puno. His former boss at Vicor Records gave him the opportunity to sing his song and at the same time hired him as one of Vicor’s in-house producers.


Rey also made songs for other artists such as Rico Puno's Sorry Na, Pwede Ba, Daigdig Ng Ala-ala; Geraldine’s Pangako; Pol Enriquez’ Ayoko na Sa ‘Yo and many more. While he made songs for his peers, he made albums for himself such as Naaalala Ka, Rey Valera Vol. 2, Walang Kapalit, Hello, The Rey Valera Christmas Album, Gabay Mo Ako, Rey Valera’s Greatest Hits Vol. 1,Rey Valera’s Greatest Hits Vol. 2, Pirapirasong Ala-ala, Sa Kabila Ng Lahat, Kung Sakaling Iibig Muli, FM Ka, AM Ako, Home Sweet Home, Ang Mahalaga, etc. Most of these albums made golds and platinums.


In July 2005, Rey Valera released the "Panghabangbuhay" album, with his children's band called "Saling Ket", and they have been performing together ever since.

Recently, Vicor Music Corporation compiled all of Rey Valera's recorded songs in their library in a 4 disc set album entitled, "Walang Kapalit" as part of Vicor's 40 year anniversary.

Mr. Dj and Sharon Cuneta:

One of his initial projects was to make a song for a twelve-year-old mayor’s daughter named Sharon Cuneta (who later became known as the "Mega Star"). It was a daunting challenge, as Rey initially could not figure out what kind song would be fitting for her; she was too young to be taken seriously to be given a love song, and a bit too old to be given a nursery rhyme.

It dawned upon Rey to write a song about the people who were responsible for playing songs on the radio; the DJs. Wherever radio station the song would be submitted in, it was almost always guaranteed that it would be played and continue to play because it is their song. The song happens to be Mr. DJ, followed by Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko. It made remarkable sales on the chart.

Sharon states in a recent interview by Deborah Kan in Star News Asia, that she has been always thankful for and grateful to Rey, for writing her first hit song. "Mr. DJ".


The two have been friends ever since, and in 1992, Sharon paid tribute to her favorite composer when she recorded Sharon Sings Valera.

When Sharon Cuneta and her then husband Gabby Concepcion separated, Rey composed the song, "Kahit Wala Ka Na" (Even When You're Gone). When Sharon and Rey met at Cinema Audio, she asked, why wasn't he writing songs for her anymore. Rey replied that he did wrote one for her, and submitted the song to VIVA for it to be an inspiration or a battleground for Sharon. Both of them found out that the song has been shelved for two years at VIVA. Sharon immediately recorded the song, and used it in her movie, "Single Mother"(former title). It was retitled to "Kahit Wala Ka Na".

Sharon’s biggest blockbuster movies were lifted from popular songs of Rey, thus Sharon singing Valera is an always-tested winning chemistry.

Rey Valera's Impostor:

In 1983, Rey faced one of the worst challenges of both his career, and personal life; an impostor was using his name and was committing crimes, among them were car-napping and rape. The list even extended to marrying numerous women, and even petty crimes like "borrowing" money and personal items, all under Rey Valera's name. Rey made numerous newspaper statements announcing that there is an imposter posing as him. Rey also wrote and released a song entitled, "My Fans Are in Trouble" to warn his fans through the medium of music, with the lyrics depicting his helplessness to stop this impostor. What Rey feared most wasn't the money, but the physical harm people the impostor had fooled might do to him. Ultimately in 1984, Rey decided to quit show business at the peak of his career to protect his fans and also to make up for the time he lost with his family during his fame. When Rey made a comeback in 1988, he wore his hair long so that his impostor (who had kinky hair), would have a harder time posing as him if the impostor ever resurfaced. The impostor has never been heard from ever since.

Theme Songs for Soap Operas:

Valera ‘s songs are also favorite titles and theme songs of soap operas like “Ula, Batang Gubat” (Malayo Pa Ang Umaga), “Te Amo, Maging Sino Ka Man”, “Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako”, and the two year running soap series, “Pangako Sa'yo”, from ABS-CBN.

Recently, Rey Valera's song's have been revived as theme songs for soap operas with the same title. They are: Maging Sino Ka Man ( which has spawned a second book,Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik ) and Walang Kapalit from ABS-CBN, and Sinasamba Kita from GMA Network.
Writing Music for Songs and Movies:

Rey was film scoring movies during his singing career, but after the trouble his impostor has caused, Rey focused on his musical directing career. He particularly liked scoring music for action films, giving fight scenes and chase sequences fast paced, rock-themed music, which reflects his roots as a rock band member.

Rey's songs made marks also as theme songs and movie titles. These includes several Sharon Cuneta movies such as Maging Sino Ka Man, Pangako sa 'Yo, Kahit Wala Ka Na', Tayong Dalawa; Vilma Santos’ Sinasamba Kita, Romansa, Hiwalay; Robin Padilla’s Carnap King, Barumbado, and Baby Ama; Romnick Sarmenta’s Pasong Tirad, The Gregorio del Pilar Story, Aleck Bovick's Tampisaw and most of her earliest films.

There are very few people are aware that Rey wrote music for movies, even fewer are aware that he also wrote music for R-18 "Bold" films. He accepted making music for movies and considered it an opportunity, as these projects usually pitted his songwriting skills to follow fresh and often unusual themes and topics, often deviating from pop love songs which he was usually typecasted into.

The Theme song, "Ambon" ( Raindrop ) from the filme, "Tampisaw" emphasizes on the singer's hunger and depravation of love, and that a single "raindrop" of love would be enough for her to live on.

The theme song, "Nagpapanggap" ( Pretending/Deceiving ) from the film, "Kerida" ( The Mistress ), depicts a person's awareness that her lover is only pretending to love her, and yet she has this pragmatic acceptance and is even thankful that she was loved, no matter how false that love may be.

The theme song, "Sa Gitna ng Buhay Ko" ( In The Middle of My Life ), from the film "Naglalayag" ( Silent Passage ) follows the movie's theme of a middle aged woman falling in love with a man half her age. The song relates to her life as the times of the day, asking questions such as, "why did love arrive at only NOON?"

The Greatest Hitmakers:

In 2002, Rey reunited with his contemporaries Rico J. Puno and Hajji Alejandro in a series of concerts called "Greatest Hits", highlighting the music of their own time. They also launched a VCD recording of their concert. Nonoy Zuñiga and Marco Sison joined the group in the following year. The group continues to perform both locally and internationally

Although they were formally named "The Greatest Hits", the group felt that using the name "The Greatest Hitmakers" was more proper, as the former referred to the 'songs' and not the group members themselves. The group has successfully performed even with the absence of one or two members, usually concentrating on a core trio group ( e.g. Rey, Hajji, Rico / Rey, Hajji, Marco / Rey, Rico, Marco ) and varies between concert to concert, depending on each member's availability. This flexibility of the group's roster combined with miscommunication with the each show's promoter and other reasons has often led to various names for the group such as "The Hitmakers", "The Greatest Hits", "The Great Hitmakers" "GH5", "GH4" and such.

Induction to Bulacan's Walk of Fame:

In November 9, 2006, Rey was inducted to Bulacan's own "Walk of Fame", in the "Hardin ng Mga Bayani at Sining" ( The Garden of the Heroes and Arts/Artists), Malolos City, Bulacan.

Rey was among the few Bulakeños who was given the title of "Alagad ng Sining at Kultura ng Bulacan", loosely translated as "Disciple of the Arts and Culture of Bulacan", or simply put, Great Artist of Bulacan.

An inductee was given a tile with his/her name on it, and a small pile of a then wet cement to leave a hand print. The names on the Walk of Fame embody the Bulakeños who have brought pride to Bulacan in the fields of arts and culture.

Trivia:

* Rey Valera doesn't have any formal music background. When he submitted his song at Vicor in Raon Manila, he was an accounting student at the Far Eastern University.

* it was former Record Producer Adel Ardaza and former Vicor Executive Chito Ilacad was the first to give Rey his chance for his song "Ako Si Superman"(I am Superman), to be recorded. Chito was also the one who decided that Rey be the one to sing his own compositions.

* the song, "Ako Si Superman" was originally composed by Rey in the English Language with the title, "I Will Try To Make You Smile" for his sweetheart.

* the song "Mr. DJ" was composed in a jeepney while Rey was commuting from the office.

* the first song that Rey used in a movie was "Tayong Dalawa" (Both of Us) for the movie "Stepsisters" that Lorna Tolentino and Rio Locsin starred in 1979.

* the song "Kung Kailangan Mo Ako" (If You Need Me) was first used in a movie that was starred by Vilma Santos and Edu Manzano, "Romansa" (Romance)

* the song "Maging Sino Ka Man" (Whoever You May Be) was composed by Rey for women who worked in bars and nightclubs.

Chronology:

1977

Wrote and sung "Ako Si Superman"

November: wrote the song 'Mr. D.J." and 'Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko" for Sharon Cuneta. Both songs received Gold Record Awards.

1978

October:Received his first Gold Record Award for single entitled "Naaalala Ka". He wrote the song "Sorry Na, Puwede Ba" for Rico Puno while doing his first album that same year.

1979

Joined Blackgold Records, a sister company of Vicor Music Corporation, as a record producer. He rose to the position of assistant Vice President for Research and Composition.

That same year he waxed his record album with hits such as Maging Sino Ka Man, Malayo Pa Ang Umaga, etc.

Tried to venture in music directional jobs.

1980

Rey Valera started writing songs for other singers again, this time for Geraldine with the song "Pangako", and Lirio Vital's "Naniniwala Ako Sa Iyo".

1981

February: he was awarded the Gold Record Award for the hit single "Kung Kailangan Mo Ako".

June: he received the Gold Album Award from a compilation of his past hits titled "Rey Valera's Greatest Hits".

October: he represented the Philippines as a songwriter in the first Asean Song Festival held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

he was also awarded the Gold Record Award for the album entitled, "Walang Kapalit".

November: bagged the title "Juke Box King of the Year".

1982

Received "The King Of Tagalog Songs" award.

Tried the movies via Annie Sabungera

1983

March: He sang the song "Gabay Mo Ako", as one of the finalist in the Metro Manila Pop Music Festival. It was in March also when his long playing album "Hello" became another Gold Record.

April: Received the title "Entertainer of the Year".

May: Held the title, "King of Tagalog Songs" for the second time.

December: Rey Valera's Greatest Hits" album became Platinum Record.

This was also the year that an impostor used Rey Valera's name to his disastrous advantage.

1984

Transferred to Wea Records and waxed his last album. He wrote another gold hit song entitled, "Pirapirasong Alaala" for another female singer.

Dropped show business. Went back to his family to make up for lost days.

He joined the movie industry now as a musical director.

1985-1986

The country saw the economic crisis that led to the downfall of the local music industry. During these times, Rey Valera relied heavily on his movie scoring works, devoted his time to his promotion business, while anticipating the comeback for the Golden Era of the Philippine Music Industry.

1988

TV Personality, comedian, and fellow Bulakeño Bert Marcelo persuaded Rey to make a comeback in live performances and join him in a series of concerts called "Hatid Saya" in Europe and Middle East.

1989

Began training and introducing aspiring composers to professional songwriting and studioworks.

1992

Joined Sharon Cuneta in her Mega concert in U.S. and Japan.

1993-1994

Member of the Board of Directors - FILSCAP

1994

Nominee, Best Original Song Category - "Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo".

2000
Joined forces with Freddie Aguilar, Mike Hanopol, Vehnee Saturno, and formed the group, SAGA (Songs And Generations After). The group recorded one album, and performed one major concert in Canada. It was their first and last concert as SAGA, and the group disbanded months later.
2002

Merged with Rico J. Puno and Hajji Alejandro, in a series of "The Greatest Hits" concerts.

2003

The group "Greatest Hits 5" or "GH5" was formed with Rey Valera, Hajji Alejandro, Rico Puno, Marco Sison and Nonoy Zuñiga which continues to perform locally and internationally.

Recipient, Lifetime Achievement for Music 8th Tinig Awards from The National Press Club

2004

Participant, Travel Advocacy Campaign, Department of Tourism, "Biyahe Tayo", WOW Philippines.

Winner, Best Song Category, "Sa Gitna Ng Buhay Ko" for the movie "Naglalayag", Metro Manila Film festival

2005

July: Released the "Panghabangbuhay" album with his children's band called "Saling Ket".

Awardee, 18th Awit Awards Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino - Lifetime Achievement Award, given by The Philippine Association of Recording Industries

2007

November 9: Inducted to Bulacan's own Walk of Fame, in the "Hardin ng Sining at Bayani", Malolos Bulacan

Rosa Sevilla Alvero

Rosa Sevilla Alvero was born in Rajah Matanda, Tondo Manila on March 4, 1879. She is a child of the couple Ambrosio Sevilla a seargent in Spanish Military in the Philippines and Silvina Tolentino a close relative of the writer Aurelio Tolentino.

She graduated in Assumption College as a teacher. She is a writer and an orator both fluent in Filipino and Spanish. She had been the editor of Vida Filipino, Buhay Pilipino, La Vanguardia, Taliba, El debate and La Opinion.

Rosa Sevilla Alvero also known as social worker, poet, and an activist for women.


Filipino Translation from wikemedia:


Si Rosa Sevilla Alvero ay ipinanganak sa Daang Rajah Matanda sa Tondo, Maynila noong Marso 4, 1879. Ang buo niyang pangalan ayon sa kanyang partida bautismo ay Rosa Lucia Sevilla. Ang kanyang mga magulang ay sina Ambrosio Sevilla, isang sarhento ng hukbong Kastila at si Silvina Tolentino y Rafael na kamag-anak ng mandudulang si Aurelio Tolentino. Siya ay nagtapos ng kursong Maestra Superior sa Kolehiyo ng Assumption. Nakilalang manunulat at mambibigkas sa wikang Kastila at Tagalog. Naging patnugot siya ng Vida Filipino, Buhay Pilipino at Pajima de la Mujer ng La Vanguardia. Naging manunulat din siya ng Taliba, El Debate at La Opinion.

Sa kabuuan siya ay isang guro, social worker na naging aktibo sa mga kilusang pambabae. Sa larangan ng panitikan siya ay makata, mandudula, at mambibigkas. Ang ilan sa kanyang mga akda ay La Mejor , El Sueno del Poeta, Prisonera de Amor, La Loca de Hinulugang Taktak at marami pang iba.

Jericho Rosales

Jericho Vibar Rosales (born on September 22, 1979 in Quezon City, Philippines) is a Filipino actor. He entered show business after winning Mr. Pogi (a male beauty contest in Eat Bulaga) in 1996. Echo, as he is fondly called, is a natural talent. He is an accomplished actor, singer, songwriter, dancer, and director (he directed two music videos and co-directed, with Gary Valenciano, his own two-night successful concert, Raw Energy, at the Music Music last Oct. 18 and 19, 2007).

Rosales joined Star Circle 4 in 1997. On the small screen, he was featured in several Maalaala Mo Kaya episodes, Pangako sa 'Yo, Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas and Ang Panday. The telenovela Pangako sa 'Yo made him a common household name, not only in the Philippines, but also in other South East Asian Countries as well, such as Malaysia.

Rosales starred in the critically-acclaimed films Tanging Yaman, Bagong Buwan, Noon at Ngayon, Santa Santita, and Nasaan Ka Man. He was also the other-half of the hugely popular loveteam with Kristine Hermosa in Trip, Forevermore, and Ngayong Nandito Ka. His latest movie was the true-to-life story of the famous Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao.

In March 2006, EMI Malaysia signed Rosales and his band Jeans (in which he is the lead singer and songwriter) for their debut album Loose Fit. In June 2006, Rosales and ex-girlfriend Heart Evangelista began endorsing one of the Philippines' leading fashion apparel brand Penshoppe.

In 2008, The largest integrated media and entertainment company in the Philippine, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Crop. has signed a contract with Malaysian production outfit Double Vision.The two companies agreed to co-produce a TV series which will be topbilled by awarded Filipino actor [Jericho Rosales] and [Malaysian superstar] and model Carmen Soo.

Controversy:

In May 2008, He and Heart became one of the controversy issues in the Entertainment. After 3 years of romance, Heart decided to end their relationship via Television. Heart, who made a via patch interview, revealed that the reason she broke-up with Jericho is because she caught him having an affair with Hollywood actress Briana Evigan. He and Briana also worked together in the Hollywood film Subject:I Love You. Jericho "Echo" Rosales on May 11, 2008, admitted on The Buzz his inner turmoil, and that he's still in denial over Heart breaking up with him due to influence and false accusations by some people: "I'm full of Heart right now. Heart is written all over my whole personality and character.I know how parents are, and I'm touched how much Heart’s parents love her. They have wonderful dreams for Heart and I'm sorry that our relationship got in the way of their dreams for her."

Gen. Crispulo F. Aguinaldo

CRISPULO F. AGUINALDO (1864-1897)

General Crispulo Aguinaldo; the hero of Pasong Santol, was an elder brother of General Emilio Aguinaldo. He was born on June 10, 1864 in Kawit, Cavite to Kapitan Carlos Aguinaldo and Trinidad Famy. He had five brothers (Primo, Benigno, Esteban, Ambrosio and Emilio) and two sisters (Tomasa and Felicidad).


Crispulo, or Pulong, obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran. He married Irenea Arazaso of Kawit by whom he had seven children. His only son was named after him.


Before the outbreak of the Revolution in 1896, he served as Capitan Municipal of Kawit. A Freemason, he was a member of the Katipunan's Magdalo council.


He took part in the Battle of Binakayan on November 11, 1896. His troops were assigned at the rear together with the troops of Gen. Baldomero Aguinaldo. Generals Simeon Latorre and Candido Trias Tirona were killed in that battle. Luckily, the Filipino irregular troops led by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo defeated later the Spanish forces headed by Governor General Ramon Blanco and Colonel Marina.


Gen. Crispulo Aguinaldo also led the insurgent forces in attacking the Spanish forces in Muntinglupa, Taguig and Pateros in Rizal Province. They waged a fierce fight for two days, after which they retired to Cavite. Consequently, the fighting intensified as the Filipino bastions in Batangas, Cavite and Laguna provinces were stormed by the Spanish troops to avenge their defeat at the Battle of Binakayan and in the Rizal towns.


In the later part of February, 1897, Crispulo joined the staff of his brother, Emilio, who was defending the town of Dasmariñas, Cavite against the attack of General Lachambre the trusted division general of Captain-General Camilo Polavieja. The Filipino forces evacuated the town only after days of bitter fighting.


After the Spanish victory in Dasmarinas, General Lachambre, assisted by Gen. Antonio Zabala (commander of the Spanish garrison in Dasmariñas), attacked Salitran (an estate house). Crispulo distinguished himself in hand-to-hand combat heading a mixed group of riflemen and bolomen. In this battle, General Zabala was killed.


On March 22, 1897, Crispulo attended the Tejeros Assembly in San Francisco de Malabon (now General Trias). In this assembly, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo was elected president of the reorganized revolutionary government. Andres Bonifacio's election to the post of director of the interior was questioned by Gen. Daniel Trias Tirona of Kawit. The lamentable break between Emilio Aguinaldo and Bonifacio thus began.


The assembly sent Colonel Vicente Riego de Dios to fetch Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, who was in Pasong Santol (a zigzag trail between Imus and Dasmarinas). Colonel Riego de Dios returned to Tejeros without the new president and so Crispulo headed a second commission to notify his younger brother. On the afternoon of the same day, he left for Pasong Santol with a handful of aides and scouts.


After reaching their destination the following day, Crispulo conveyed his birthday greetings to his brother. Likewise, he explained his mission and urged him to assume the presidency in order to effect the reorganization of the government. Emilio, however, refused to leave his command as he knew that the Spanish forces were advancing from Dasmaridas to Imus; he wanted to block their way and annihilate the cazadores.


Crispulo didn't want to return to Tejeros without his brother so he offered to take over the command at Pasong Santol on condition that Emilio should go to Tejeros with the commission to formally accept his election as head of the revolutionary government.


He made his pledge in the presence of his brother and the member of the staff, vowing that the Spanish forces could only take Pasong Santol over his dead body. Aware of the dauntless courage of his brother Emilio relinquished his command in favor of Crispulo.

Two days later, on the 24th of March, the Spaniards outnumbered the Filipino forces and captured Pasong Santol. Although wounded, Crispulo fought on gallantly. He died a martyr at the age of 33.

Lito Camo

Lito Camo is a Filipino songwriter known for his commercially-successful novelty songs, which are mostly made up of catchy melodies interspersed with witty lyricisms. Notable compositions include "Ms Flawless", "Ye Ye Vonnel", "Sumunod Sa Galaw ng Ilaw(Gamo-gamo)", "Spageti Song", "Bulaklak", "In or Out" and "Otso-Otso".

He has received criticism for not taking songwriting seriously and being low-class and uncouth. He claims "Sometimes, my friends would tease me saying that while they put a lot of hard work into their compositions, it’s my ‘nonsense’ songs that become hits".

Career:

Before songwriting, Lito Camo was a family diver and domestic helper.

In 1997, he released his debut album entitled Sino Camo Baduy?, ayos ka ah!, featuring the hit song Kung Ikaw, and the follow-up single "Hey Babe". However, his follow-up album, Ano Camo?,leche ka ah!, sold poorly. Following this, he wrote jingles for commercials and television shows.

He had a breakthrough hit in 2001 with the song Bakit Papa, tawag mo ako?, and was credited for ushering in the novelty genre in the country's music industry. This was followed by the release of the novelty song Otso-Otso.

He has released a solo album titled Ako Naman, Kanina Kapa Eh.

He also wrote songs for Manny Pacquiao.

Discography:

* ADoo Doo Doo Ada dada ahhaahhaa
* Alog Alog
* Bakit Papa, tawag mo ako?
* Boom Tarat Tarat
* Boom Tarat Tarat (Christmas Version, Halloween Version)
* Scent of Borat
* Bulaklak
* Ms. Flawless
* Puppy Mo Ako
* Spaghetti Song
* Sumunod Sa Galaw ng Ilaw
* Totoy Bebot
* Otso-otso
* Wowowee
* Ye Ye Vonnel
* Don't Matter
* Bartender
* Girlfriend
* Elevator
* I Kissed A Girl
* Sulutera
* Buhay ng Gangsta

Gen. Gregorio L. Aglipay

Gen. GREGORIO L. AGLIPAY (1860-1940)

The formal launching, in 1902, of a Philippine national church called the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, was the culmination of a vision first raised at the Assembly of Paniqui which was convened in 1999 for the purpose of organizing the Filipino clergy. This assembly marked the beginning of a religious revolution that; came to affect the lives of a great number of Filipinos. At the forefront in convening the assembly was a man who was a former Catholic priest, a nationalist, a patriot, a guerrilla leader, and the first Supreme Bishop of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente. His name was Cregorio Aglipay Cruz y Labayan.

Gregorio Aglipay was born in Bathe, Ilocos Norte on May 8, 1860. His parents were Pedro Aglipay Cruz and Victoriana Labayan Hilario. Little is known of his family: an elder brother, Benito, died at an early age; Canuto, a teacher, was a year or two older than Gregorio.

His mother died when he was barely a year and seven months old. Orphaned. Aglipay came under the care of his maternal granduncles and grandaunts. An industrious and lively lad, he spent his boyhood in the fields helping in the planting of tobacco. An unpleasant incident when he was fourteen made a deep impression on him. For failing to meet the required quota of tobacco, Aglipay was arrested and brought before the gobernadorcillo. This caused him to harbor deep resentment against the Spanish civil authorities.

Aglipay had his early education in his hometown. In 1876 he went to Manila and studied at the private school of Julian Carpio, a lawyer. After two years and with the financial help extended to him by a granduncle, Francisco del Amor, he enrolled at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran where he worked his way as a "capista." A diligent student, Aglipay received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Letran and went on to the University of Santo Tomas to study law. Subsequently, however, he decided to study for the priesthood and entered the Vigan Seminary in 1883.


Aglipay was ordained a priest in Manila on December 21, 1889 and celebrated his first Mass in January of the following year. For eight years he served as coadjutor (assistant parish priest) in various parishes: Indang, Cavite, San Antonio, Nueva Ecija; Bocaue, Bulacan; San Pablo. Laguna; and, finally, Victoria, Tarlac. He was coadjutor of San Pablo when the Philippine Revolution broke out in August 1896.

Aglipay had some radical ideas and his sentiments were doubtless for the revolution. But it was not until after he was assigned to Victoria, Tarlac in the latter part of 1896 that he became directly involved with the movement. He was known to have given aid to the revolutionaries. In Victoria, Aglipav is remembered as a hero and a liberator. Joaquin Rigor, an old resident of the town, recalled that in 1897, the Spanish cura parroco had ordered the arrest and execution of all male residents upon being informed that many prominent familes were connected with the revolutionary movement. However, Aglipay, who was then the coadjutor, prevented the execution when he appealed to the Spanish friar and vouched for their innocence. The order was revoked and the men were freed.


On October 20, 1898 Gregorio Aglipay was appointed military chaplain of the Revolutionary Government by Emilio Aguinaldo. As a military chaplain, he earned for himself the gratitude of the Spanish Jesuits. It was said that through his intercession the Spanish Jesuits, Fathers Antonio Rosell and Felix Mir, who were being held prisoners by the revolutionaries, were ordered released and sent to Manila. On another occasion, he interceded in behalf of several imprisoned Spanish friars in Laoag who were being asked to cut grass in the public plaza. However, his appointment of Eustaquio Gallardo as vicar general of the See of Nueva Segovia, was later cited as one of the causes for his excommunication from the Catholic Church.


In September of that same year, General Aguinaldo called for a meeting of delegates in Malolos, Bulacan. Gregorio Aglipay represented his home province of Ilocos Norte and was among those who affuted their signatures to the Constitution which was adopted by the Congress.


Aglipay was raised to the rank of vicario general castrence (military vicar general) by General Aguinaldo in a decree issued on the 20th of October. As such, he resumed the work begun by Fr. Jose Burgos - the Filipinization of the Church in the Philippines. He issued several manifestoes urging the Filipino clergy to unite and take over the government of the Church in the country. These manifestoes, among other reasons, led to his excommunication. The ecclesiastical court, in a decree issued in May 1899, found him guilty of inciting the clergy to rebellion against Church authorities.


During the lauching of the new church, Isabelo de los Reyes, a labor leader, offered him the position of supreme bishop. He hesitated at first, but finally accepted the offer that sealed his break with the Roman Catholic Church.


The independence of the Philippines was a consuming passion for Aglipay. He tried in every way to serve his country. He was an energetic soldier and an effective guerrilla leader during the Philippine-American war. His guerrilla unit courageously engaged the Americans in several encounters. In April 1901, a month after the capture of General Aguinaldo, Aglipay realized the futility of continued resistance against the Americans, and surrendered to Colonel MacCaskey in Laoag.


Aglipay's desire for independence did not lose its fervor even after peace was restored. He became deeply involved in the campaign for independence during the American regime. The success of his tour in the United States in 1931 intensified his interest in the political affairs of his country. In 1935, he ran for the presidency of the Commonwealth but lost to the fiery Manuel L. Quezon. Aglipay devoted his remaining years to the welfare of his church.


The Iglesia Filipina Independiente allows its clergy to marry. On March 12, 1939, Aglipay married Pilar Jamias of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.


Death came to Gregorio Aglipay on September 1, 1940. He died in Manila following a cerebral stroke. His remains were buried in his hometown, in Batac, Ilocos Norte, after having been interred first at the Aglipayan Cathedral in Tondo, Manila, and later, after the cathedral was destroyed in 1945, at the Temple of Maria Clara in Sampaloc.

Pedro Bukaneg

Pedro Bukaneg

(Born March 1592 – c. 1630 in Bantay, Abra)

He is the recognized Father of Ilokano Literature

One of the figures that shaped up the Philippine history, particularly in the annals of Samtoy (ancient name of Ilocos).

He was born blind, coined as the first Ilokano poet, orator, musician, lexicographer, and linguist.

Bukaneg is acknowledged as the author of one of the Philippine' great epics entitled Biag ni Lam-ang (Life of Lam-ang). With his extensive knowledge of the Spanish and Ilocano language, he co-authored the Ilocano-Spanish grammar book and dictionary. In 1621, he took part in the publication of the first Ilocano book. His famous poem entitled "Patay" (Dead) shows his clear and vigorous philosophy on death. Many of his novenas, prayers and religious literature are in Ilocano, and edited by an Augustinian friar.

Dr. Candido M. Africa

CANDIDO M. AFRICA (1895-1945)

Dr. Candido Macasaet Africa was a doctor of medicine, scholar and researcher. His contributions tp medical science made him internationally known and won "for the first time recognition of the Filipino scientist abroad, thus reflecting glory and honor upon his calling and country."

He was born in Lipa, Batangas on October 2, 1895. After graduating from the College of Medicine of the University of the Philippines, he taught at the Department of Parasitology, School of Hygiene and Public Health of the same college. He became associate professor and head of the department in 1932.


It was while teaching at the state university that he became involved in scientific research. In all, he wrote 19 scientific articles, some of which he co-authored with his colleagues Walfrido de Leon, E. Y. Garcia, P. G. Refuerzo, F. J. Dy, J. Soriano, J.O. Nolasco, S.F. Sta. Cruz and A. V. Vasquez Colet. Among his important works were "The Progress of Medical Science In The Philippines," "An Anthropod Associated with Chronic Dermatitis Involving The Face," "Three Cases Of Insect Bites Involving Triatoma Rubrofasciata, and "The Occurence Of Bartiella In Man, Monkey And Dog In The Philippines." Much of his researches dealt with parasites that caused heart failure. He also worked on their effects on the other parts of the human body. Finally, he undertook research on the causes and prevention of malaria.

In the course of his researches, he discovered four human flukes that attach themselves to the heart, resulting in disease and, eventually, death. This discovery was hailed as a significant contribution to medical science as it greatly benefited heart patients.

To improve his scientific skills, Dr. Africa studied at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and graduated with the degree of Doctor of Tropical Medicine in 1929. That same year he became a Fellow in the Tropen Institute of Hamburg, Germany. A year later, he received a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. It allowed him to attend the Harvard Medical School at Cambridge, Massachusetts and John Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland in 1930-1931.

In recognition of his extensive contributions to scientific research, his works were compiled in special books and were exhibited in 1937, during the silver jubilee of Dr. Sadao Yosida of the institute for Research in Microbic Diseases of the Osaka Imperial University of Japan. In the same year, his works were also exhibited at the silver jubilee of Professor Sadamu Yokogawa of the Taihoku Imperial University in Formosa, and in the 30th year of the professorship of Dr. K. J. Skrajabin of the All-Union Institute of Helminthology in Moscow, Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. In 1938, in the silver jubilee of the professorship of Dr. Lauro Travassos of the Institute of Oswaldo Cruz in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, his works were also displayed.

Dr. Africa was known all over the world for his researches. This allowed him to visit leading laboratories undertaking experiments in parasitology in London, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Paris, Utrecht, Hamburg, Berlin, Vienna, Rome, and in other cities in Europe. He represented the Philippine Commonwealth at the Third International Congress of Microbiologists held in New York City, U.S.A., on September 1939. At this international gathering of well-known scientists, he read a monograph entitled. "Visceral Complications In Intestinal Heterophydiasis of Man."

His other valuable works include "Certain Developmental Stages of Ascaris Lumbricoides Ova In Live Tissue," "Preliminary Report in Cystercerous Cellulose In Man," "Notes on Malaria," and "Notes In The Prevention of Malaria."

Dr. Africa's activities, however, were not only confined to laboratory work. He was also an active member of scientific and technical organizations, like the American Society of Parasitologists, the Philippine Scientific Society and the National Research Council of which he was a charter member. He was also a member of the Association of Tropical Medicine, the Philippine Medical Association, The Phi Kappa phi, the Society For The Advancement of Research, and the Manila Medical Society.

As an authority on heart disease, he was written up in the 1938 editions of American Men of Science and in Who's Who Among physicians and Surgeons.

As an outstanding alumnus of the University of the Philippinzs, he was acclaimed one of the best scientists the state university had ever produced. In accordance with the recommendation of the Board of Citizens and the Board of Directors of the U.P. Alumni Association, he was awarded the Gold Medal of Merit and was conferred a Diploma of Honor for distinguished achievements in the field of parasitology.

He continued to serve in the government until the war broke out in 1941. He was a known figure among the Japanese military officers during the occupation of Manila but unfortunately he was one of those civilians who died in the battle of the liberation of Manila on February 12, 1945.


His colleagues did not forget him. In the General Session of the Philippine Medical Association held in Manila on May 8, 1946, Doctor Africa was honored with a citation naming him a great doctor and scientist

General Mariano M. Alvarez

MARIANO M. ALVAREZ (1818-1924)

A revolutionary general and a teacher, Mariano Alvarez was born in Noveleta, Cavite on March 15, 1818, to Severino Alvarez and Maria Malia. At the age of 10, he started his formal education in the town's friar school. Then he was sent to San Jose College in Manila for further schooling. While studying, he found time to read colorful corridos like Los SIete Infantes de Lara and Doce Fares. These corridos instilled in his mind hatred against tyranny.


After obtaining the teachers' diploma, he returned to his hometown and became a school teacher. He taught at Naic and Maragondon, Cavite for a couple of years.


In May 1863, he married Nicolasa Virata y del Rosario, by whom he had an only child, Santiago, who became an equally noted revolutionary general.


One day in 1871, obviously to manifest his hatred for the Spanlards, Mariano ordered that a cupful of dirty water from a ditch be given to a Spanish soldier who had been thrown off his horse. The next day Mariano was bound and hauled off to the soldier's headquarquater at Barrio Dalahican, where he was tortured. He was spared from an untimely 'death only through the intercession of the provincial governor to whom his townmates had appealed for his life.


The next year (1872) he was arrested and tortured again after he was implicated in the Cavite Mutiny following the discovery of an autographed photograph of Fr. Jose A. Burgos on his person. This was used as an evidence against him. Mariano was placed in solitary confinement. Chains placed around his neck and his legs prevented his moving around freely. One measly meal was allowed him daily.


Together with some suspected rebels, he was placed on a boat for Manila. The suspicion was that he was going to be sent into exile, but an order releasing him from captivity was received by the officer-in-charge of the prisoners.


In 1881, he was elected capitan municipal of Noveleta against his wishes. He later acceded and held the post for six years, after which he tendered his resignation - only to be appointed Justice of the Peace (Hukom Pamayapa) of the town. Much later, he was re-elected capitan municipal of Noveleta. He held this office until the outbreak of the Revolution.


When the provincial council or Sangguniang Magdiwang at Noveleta was formed in April, 1896, he was elected president. To a certain extent, he was responsible for the spread of the Katipunan in the province. He initiatedrevolutionary activities in Cavite in September of 1896. In an effort to prevent the Spaniards from sending reinforcrments, he had the bridge at Dalahican destroyed, an incident that resulted in the death of the local commandant of the civil guard,

Antonio Reboleda. He also led his forces in an ambush of about a thousand Spanish troops who were planning to cross the Calero bridge at Dalahican. This initial success at Dalahican was followed by other victories. In a week, most of the towns in Cavite were in the hands of the revolutionary forces.


In recognition of his valiant accomplishments, Bonifacio designated Alvarez general and second Supreme of the Katipunan during the Magdiwang Council meeting in Cavite in December 1896.


Alvarez did not join the revolutionists who retreated to Biak-na-Bato because Bonifacio's death in 1897 grieved him. He was not even present during the signing of the declaration of independence at Kawit on June 12, 1898.


During the American regime he affiliated himself with the Nacionalista Party whose constitution he signed on August 28, 1901, the day the party was founded. Later, he was elected municipal president of Noveleta. As town executive, he helped construct the municipal cemetery through voluntary contributions and effected the annexation of barrio San Juan (previously under the jurisdiction of Kawit) to Noveleta.


Mariano Alvarez was not only a nationalist by party affiliation but his nationalism extended to his religion. Hejoined the Aglipayans and helped build a church in the town.


After his term as town president, he retired to his farm and devoted himself to agriculture. In the morning of August 25, 1924, he died of chronic rheumatism at a rather advanced age. He was 106 years old.

KC Concepcion

Maria Kristina Cassandra Cuneta Pangilinan (born April 7, 1985), also known as KC Concepcion, is the daughter of Filipina actress Sharon Cuneta and former Filipino actor Gabby Concepcion. Her name "Kristina" came from her mom, and "Cassandra" from her dad who loved the movie Cassandra Crossing. She has two half-sisters named Simone Francesca Emanuelle (Frankie) and Mariel Daniella Sophia (Miel) from her mother's second and current husband, Philippine Senator "Kiko" Francis Pangilinan.

She is legally adopted by Francis Pangilinan. Legally, her surname is Pangilinan but she uses her biological father's last name as screen name.

As a teenager, Concepcion auditioned for theater roles, eventually landing the leading role for the musical play Little Mermaid. She sees her mom as her inspiration.

Her modeling career skyrocketed as she signed a deal with clothing line Human.

She was an MTV Asia VJ in 2003 and appears regularly on her mother's self-titled show Sharon,

She recorded the soundtrack for the musical Beauty and the Beast directed by Ryan Cayabyab.

In August 2007, Concepcion graduated from the American University of Paris with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in International Corporate Communications with a minor in Theatre Arts.

She recently signed a contract with ABS-CBN, her mother's home television station. She did a documentary special entitled, KC: From Paris to Pinas which details her college years in Paris. The documentary won an award from the Philippine Movie Press Club.

She currently has several endorsements and deals under her belt, including the clothing line Bayo and Enervon, a multivitamin tablet.

In February 2008, Concepcion starred in her first television acting role in an episode of the biographical series, Maalaala Mo Kaya. There are plans of another lifestyle show for her and also movies.

Shortly after, Concepcion was appointed by United Nations as the World Food Programme Ambassador in the Philippines.

Dingdong Dantes

José Sixto Gonzales Dantes III, popularly known as Dingdong Dantes, is an award-nominated director/actor, born August 2, 1980 in Quezon City, the Philippines. He is one of the most popular & highest paid actors in the Philippines, and is also the highest paid underwear model.

His popularity rivals those of Richard Gutierrez, Dennis Trillo, Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby, Jericho Rosales, Cogie Domingo, Alfred Vargas, Diether Ocampo, Carlos Agassi, Jake Cuenca, Wendell Ramos, John Lloyd Cruz, Zanjoe Marudo, Derek Ramsay, Marvin Agustin, Polo Ravales, Mark Herras, Patrick Garcia, and many other bankable Philippine Showbiz bachelors.

He is proclaimed to be the country's equivalent of David Beckham.

Biography:

Dingdong first attended college at San Beda College and took up Marketing Management. He transferred to the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) as an Interdisciplinary Studies and Communication Arts major. He is also a real life cousin of fellow actor and co-star in MariMar, Arthur Solinap. Dingdong's mother is the sister of Arthur's mom. They both have Gonzales as their middle name.

Career:

Early years - He first became popular as a child star appearing in several commercials. He was part of the male dance group Abztract together with his buddy and fellow actor, Dino Guevarra, and his cousin and actor, Arthur Solinap, their group became regulars in Eat Bulaga and That's Entertainment making him treat legendary starmaker, German Moreno like his own father. As an actor, he debuted on GMA Network's youth-oriented show T.G.I.S. (Thank God It's Sabado), afterwards embarking on a promising career in show business.

Dantes began as a print and commercial model and appeared in a famous dairy product commercial when he was nine years old. He was then part of an all-male dance group called Abztract Dancers. By the time he was seventeen, Dantes made his first television appearance when he was introduced as one of the lead cast in the second season of GMA Network's highly popular youth-oriented flick T.G.I.S. (Thank God It's Sabado). His role as the dashing boy-next-door Iñaki was massively well received and contributed much to his growing popularity. Almost immediately, Dantes was already a growing sensation. His pairing with Antoinette Taus, whom he was romantically involved with, spun films like Honey My Love So Sweet and I'm Sorry My Love and other television outings including Anna Karenina. It wasn’t long before Taus left to pursue a film and recording career abroad, by that time, their relationship had ended and Dantes ventured as a solo artist.

Primetime Prince - In 2002, Dantes was paired with actress Tanya Garcia as they top-bill in GMA-7's primetime soap opera series entitled Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga. Their pairing was received satisfactorily and the show raked ratings. Dantes and Garcia also headlined in another primetime romance-drama billing in 2003 entitle Twin Hearts. Dantes then took on several hosting stints and has emceed for Binibining Pilipinas Pageant in numerous occasions. His flair and spontaneity in the field eventually led him to be selected as host for GMA Network's reality artist search, StarStruck in 2003 and has since hosted in the seasons that followed.

Aside from his television stints, Dantes also appeared in several chartbuster films including Magkapatid and Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka and has starred with big wigs like Sharon Cuneta, Christopher de Leon, Regine Velázquez and Judy Ann Santos.

Dantes hosts the suspense-thriller program Wag Kukurap, for which he also occasionally serves as director. He is well-known for his role as King Ybrahim in the Encantadia fantasy-themed television saga, where he co-stars with his on-screen and off-screen romantic interest, singer-actress Karylle. The couple also co-star in the 2006 film Moments of Love.

MariMar & Post-MariMar Era - In 2007 He is filming now a new GMA Teleserye of Marimar set to end March 2008, Dingdong was also voted by Cosmopolitan readers as the no. 1 bachelor for 2007 where he defeated many of Philippine showbiz's eligible bachelors, he took part in the Cosmo bachelor show for the same year. During the show he received the highest applauds from the crowd. in 2008 he was tagged by his home studio to portray the love interest of Dyesebel, also in March of that same year he debuted as Bench's newest image model, alongside his idol, Richard Gomez, who also portrayed his father in Marimar and thus becoming the highest paid underwear model in the country & just a few weeks after being launched by Bench Dingdong was also launched by Ibuprofen Medicol as their newest endorser and many other companies also started showing interests in getting Dingdong as their endorser. Marimar has become a big success because of the two people who portrayed the role of Marimar and Sergio (Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes).

Endorsements:

* Bench
* Mario D' Boro shoes
* Ibuprofen Medicol
* Belo Medical
* Ricky Reyes Salon
* Close - Up

Marian Rivera

Marian Gracia Rivera, more popularly known as Marian Rivera (born August 12, 1984 in Madrid, Spain) is a Filipino actress and commercial model. Her first TV role came in 2005 via TAPE Inc.'s afternoon drama, Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako. However, her breakout role did not come until 2007 when she was cast for the title role in the Philippine remake of MariMar.

Biography:

Early life - Rivera was born in Madrid, Spain to an interracial couple; Spaniard named Francisco Javier Gracia and a Filipina named Amalia Rivera. When her parents separated 2 years after her birth, Rivera and her mom left Spain and flew back to her mother's hometown in the Philippines. However, her mother had to leave to continue her work commitment abroad that she was sent to her maternal grandmother, Francisca Rivera in Bacoor, Cavite.

Education - Rivera attended local private schools in Cavite including Saint Francis of Assisi College System where she spent her Elementary and High School years and De La Salle University-Dasmariñas for college. She had a 3-month practicum at the National Mental Hospital, after which she graduated with a degree in A.B. Psychology.
Television Career:

Early work - Rivera left her hometown to pursue a career as a ramp and commercial model. Not long after, she landed an appearance on TV advertisements for Skin White Lotion and Sky Flakes crackers where she was seen by TAPE Inc.'s executive producer, Tony Tuviera. From then on, she starred in a series of afternoon soap operas for TAPE Inc. and GMA Network such as Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako, Agawin Mo Man Ang Lahat (where she was named as the Best New Female TV Personality at the 2006 PMPC Star Awards) and Pinakamamahal along with Oyo Boy Sotto as her main leading man. GMA Network then cast her into mother roles for the afternoon Philippine-Malaysian drama Muli with Alfred Vargas and the primetime telefantasya Super Twins.

MariMar - Rivera rose to fame when she won an audition for the title role of MariMar, the remake of the Mexican telenovela which starred Thalía. Before the auditions, Rivera knew little about the character as she was only 11 years old when the original soap opera aired on Philippine TV. Rivera then took the time out to do a research about the role over the internet. Other actresses who took part on the auditions were Nadine Samonte, Katrina Halili, Jennylyn Mercado, Karylle, Jewel Mische, and Bianca King.

MariMar premiered on August 13, 2007 with a 36.6% rating. Her participation in the show led her to becoming a household name among the Filipino audiences that some would refer to her as Marimar/Bella even when she's out of her character, and with critics from the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation, Inc. honoring her as Phenomenal TV Star in the 38th Box-Office Entertainment Awards.

Dyesebel - After MariMar, Rivera will play the role of Dyesebel Dingdong Dantes, who was her leading man in MariMar, will pair up with Rivera as Fredo.

Film Career:

In 2006, Rivera was casted in the horror movie, Pamahiin along with Dennis Trillo and Iya Villania. The following year, she starred in two MMFF movie entries: Bahay Kubo and Desperadas. Rivera's first leading movie opposite Richard Gutierrez is the romantic-comedy My Best Friend's Girlfriend. The film received positive reviews and was successful enough that it grossed over PHP140,000,000 at the box office.

Marian Rivera is set to do a romantic movie in 2008 tentatively titled Amnesia with Dingdong Dantes and Iza Calzado. She was supposed to be in a comedy film with Philippine top comedians Dolphy and Vic Sotto, but was later dropped according to the March 29, 2008 telecast of entertainment news program Startalk.

Other Projects:

Following the success of the series MariMar, Rivera was featured on the cover of fashion magazines such as the Philippine editions of Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire, as well as Manual men's magazine. She was also chosen as an endorser for apparel brand Karimadon and shampoo brand Sunsilk along with Heart Evangelista, Nikki Gil and Maja Salvador. The Sunsilk campaign is the Philippine version on the product's Life Can't Wait campaign featuring Madonna, Shakira and Marilyn Monroe.

Rivera also appeared on the album cover of Marian Rivera Dance Hits, a compilation of dance music produced by Universal Records Inc., wherein she presented a dance choreography for each track. The said album has reached a Gold status, and later Platinum - being the first album released in the Philippines by a Filipino artist on the year 2008 to reach such status.

Valerie Concepcion

Valerie Concepcion (born December 21, 1987 in Manila, Philippines), is a Filipina actress. She is currently being managed by Becky Aguila and is a free lancer. Currently, she is a co-host of ABS-CBN's noontime show Wowowee.

Kissing Controversy:

On December 8, 2007, Jinky Pacquiao, wife of Manny Pacquiao, sent a text message to young actress Valerie Concepcion (when Jinky discovered Manny's torrid kissing scene with her in the 2007 Metro Manila Film Festival entry Anak ng Kumander): "This is Jinky Pacquaio, I saw you with my husband in a kissing scene. How sweet! Ito ang masasabi ko, kung isa ka rin sa bumabalak na manira at sirain ang pamilya ko, Hindi kita uurungan o kaya gusto mo, pupuntahan kita sa Wowowee at ipagsigawan ang kalandian mo. Balita ko, nagpahanap ka daw ng bahay. Pera ba ang kailangan mo? Subukan mo mga balak mo, lalabanan kita."

Betty La Fea:

She is being considered to play the lead for the local version of Betty La Fea, the same role that Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez wanted to do as her first Valerie Concepcion teleserye on ABS-CBN.Other actresses like Angel Locsin, Bea Alonzo and Anne Curtis are also rumored to be on the short list. Though there is no word yet on who would be awarded the part, Valerie admitted that she already feels honored to have been thought of taking on such a challenging role.

Marvin Agustin

Marvin Jay Cuyugan Agustin, better known by his stage name Marvin Agustin (born 29 January 1979 (Age 28) at Peñafrancia, Paco, Manila) is a Filipino actor and entrepreneur, famous for his love-team partnership with Filipina actress Jolina Magdangal in numerous TV sitcoms, TV dramas and romantic-comedy movies.

Showbiz Career:

He starred in more than 30 Filipino movies and tv series, including Marilou Diaz-Abaya's Noon at Ngayon, Chito Rono's Dekada '70, Laurice Guillen's Tanging Yaman, Jose Javier Reyes' Kutob, Marilou Diaz-Abaya's Maging Akin Muli, Joyce Bernal's Hey Babe, Jerry Lopez Sineneng's Labs Ko Si Babes, Jose Javier Reyes' Whattamen, Laurenti Dyogi's Gimik and Olivia Lamasan's Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako.

He won his first TV and film acting awards for his performance as Filipino boxing champion Rolando Navarette in Maalaala Mo Kaya's Boxing Gloves episode in 2004's 1st Golden Screen Entertainment TV Awards, and as a disturbed psycho Lemuel in the horror-thriller Kutob in 2005's 31st Metro Manila Film Festival.

Aside from perennial loveteam partner Jolina Magdangal, he also co-starred in romantic dramas with Kristine Hermosa in Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako in 1998 and Filipina-Australian actress Janette McBride in Star Drama Theater Presents - Rave in 2001.

A homegrown artist of ABS-CBN's Star Magic, Marvin named Octo Arts producer Orly Ilacad as his manager and moved to GMA Network which reunited him with Jolina in I Luv NY that was partly shot in New York. He co-stared with Angel Locsin, Diana Zubiri, and Robin Padilla in Asian Treasures that was shot partly in other Asian countries.

He also played a hunchback Gabriel in Mga Mata ni Anghelita. He plays Gabriel, a kind hearted man who will protect Anghelita from bad influences. Recently, he also joined the GMA Artists Center as one of its stable of talents. It was not known whether Ilacad co-manages his career with the Artist Center.

He recently appeared in MariMar as Rodolfo San Jinez. He joins the cast of the upcoming GMA Primetime, Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita.

Cooking and Business Career:

After Agustin finished his cooking skills, he started his business career by building his own restaurant called Sumo Sam. He made his delicious dishes in his restaurant. Aside from this, he's a host of the second season of Q 11's Chef To Go after Rob Pengson.