Friday, August 14, 2015
Monday, August 4, 2008
Jasper Garvida
FILIPINO DESIGNER WINS LONDON FASHION COMPETITION
http://goodnewspili pinas.com/ wp/?p=2269
Jasper Garvida, a Filipino-Canadian fashion designer bested tough global competition to win the Sky One Television prime-time reality program Project Catwalk in London.
Kelly Osbourne, the host of Project Catwalk praised Garvida’s victory saying “We have found the U-K’s next biggest designer …
http://goodnewspili pinas.com/ wp/?p=2269
Jasper Garvida, a Filipino-Canadian fashion designer bested tough global competition to win the Sky One Television prime-time reality program Project Catwalk in London.
Kelly Osbourne, the host of Project Catwalk praised Garvida’s victory saying “We have found the U-K’s next biggest designer …
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Charice Pempengco
Here's something that should delight us, not only for its entertainment value but for the pride it gives us Filipinos.
Heads up fellow Pinoy. Are we good!
Charice Pempengco has catapulted herself to world-class status and captured the world audience after emerging as one of the top winners in a local talent contest.
Charice is only 15 and very proud to be a Filipino !!
Click the following links one after another to keep tab of how things developed for this wonder Pinoy. Best viewed with your speakers on.
Dito nag-umpisa ang lahat:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SEuzbUeRl00
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WRpIhh2SFSc
Ellen Degeneres searching for Charice Pempengco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFwhcgkCPfQ
Charice Pempengco on E!'s The Daily Ten - A Queen Is Born
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzzY3o41tnI
HETO NA: Charice Pempengco in Ellen Degeneres Show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmXq1pRmP1w
Heads up fellow Pinoy. Are we good!
Charice Pempengco has catapulted herself to world-class status and captured the world audience after emerging as one of the top winners in a local talent contest.
Charice is only 15 and very proud to be a Filipino !!
Click the following links one after another to keep tab of how things developed for this wonder Pinoy. Best viewed with your speakers on.
Dito nag-umpisa ang lahat:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=SEuzbUeRl00
http://youtube.com/watch?v=WRpIhh2SFSc
Ellen Degeneres searching for Charice Pempengco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFwhcgkCPfQ
Charice Pempengco on E!'s The Daily Ten - A Queen Is Born
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzzY3o41tnI
HETO NA: Charice Pempengco in Ellen Degeneres Show
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmXq1pRmP1w
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Filipinos play key role in Cayman
According to the Ten Year Work Permit Profile by Nationality summary (from the Economics and Statistics Office) 2,353 permits were granted to Philippine Nationals in 2006. This represents an increase of nearly 250 percent in the number of Filipinos entering the Cayman Islands between that year and 1995 when 671 permits were granted to individuals from that national group.
The influx of Filipinos to the Cayman Islands is just a small percentage of the thousands who have left their country in search of employment to secure a better standard of living for their families. According to an article on http://www.ofwguide.com/, a guide for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), there were more than?eight million Filipinos living or working abroad in 2006. The article says that the ‘Philippine government considers them a national force as their huge remittances significantly strengthen the economy’.
Over the last ten to twenty years the attitude towards overseas workers has changed in the Philippines with OFWs no longer regarded as creating a ‘brain drain’ from the country, but seen as creating wealth for the country. There is general acceptance that OFWs are needed to support the economy of the Philippines as well as the thousands of families benefitting from remittances regularly sent home.
An article appearing in The New York Times magazine of 22 April, written by Jason DeParle, states that ‘a growing number of economists see migrants, and the money they send home, as a part of the solution to global poverty.’
Estimates on the number of migrate workers from various countries scattered across the globe, put the figure at about 200 million who are supporting a population back home.
Indeed for many Filipinos, working in the Cayman Islands provides an opportunity to earn salaries that could never be acquired at home. Sources close to the community say the average salary in the Philippines is in the region of US$400 per month. Once in Cayman with an exchange rate in the region of CI$1 to 50 Philippine pesos, individuals can earn up to five times that amount.
Despite the financial benefits, the emotional consequences are often great with many suffering acute feelings of homesickness especially where spouses and/or children are left behind. Ironically, the reason for leaving home – to provide a more financially secure environment for the family – often results in the weakening or breakdown in family relationships.
Reports indicate that some working in the Cayman Islands would be willing to establish themselves as long term residents of these islands. However, the seven-year term limit (rollover policy) enforced by the current government, along with the high cost of bringing families to these islands, counter such action being taken.
One individual who would be willing to make the Cayman Islands his long term home is Tagumpay Ocampo, commonly known as ‘Pie’. Like many of his countrymen, Pie left home to seek a better living. “I am better off financially,” he said, “as I am earning around four to five times more than I would have back home.” The potential for higher earnings is the reason why many make the sacrifice to leave their families, he added.
During his time here, Pie has emerged as a pivotal figure between Filipinos and the wider community and an unofficial leader within his community. When he arrived in Grand Cayman in 2000, he soon realized the need for “Filipinos to get together”, to be more cohesive as a group as well as to start taking part in activities in the wider Caymanian community.
In the years following his arrival, Pie has organized a number of events aimed at creating a social outlet for Filipinos. June of 2006 saw the launch of the Filipino Volleyball League, sponsored by Cable & Wireless. As a result of this competition, the Filipinos were able to enter men and women’s teams in the 2006 Cayman Islands National Volleyball Tournament. The teams sponsored by Wendy’s, were both entered into Group B, which they won.
“Basketball is the number one sport in the Philippines,” Pie pointed out, “with many wanting to join the sport because it pays well.” “A Basketball team was formed for the Cayman Islands National League which we have participated in for at least two years. But we never win,” he said with a smile, “because of our height disadvantage.”
Pie believes that sport is important to his community because it helps to bring cohesion and a sense of belonging for those living many miles from home. He said it encourages interaction and friendships, helping people to overcome their homesickness.
“We support each other (through feelings of homesickness) by reminding each other that if we go back home now it would be harder to live on the salaries offered,” he said.
Organizing events around activities recognised as national pastimes of Filipinos, serves to create a feeling of ‘home away from home’, thereby alleviating some of the pain felt by being away from home and loved ones.
The Song Fest is one such activity, building on the love of karaoke found amongst Filipinos. According to Pie, karaoke bars are common in the Philippines with many homes having karaoke systems for entertainment. Pie explained that the competition was based on an elimination process, whittling down 15 contestants to five who competed in the first Cayman Islands National Karaoke contest in February 2007. Filipino entrants were placed second and third in the national contest held at the Lions Centre.
Pie expressed surprise at some reactions to the contest and to accusations of segregation on the part of the Filipinos. “We never intended to segregate ourselves,” he said. Pie’s view is that supporting Filipino activities in the community in turn serve the Caymanian society a greater good.
He disputes the view that the spending patterns of Filipinos means that most of their earnings are sent back home and that his community is not willing to spend money here. “We love partying and have a passion for cars and spend a lot of money in those areas,” he said, stressing that bars and food stores benefit greatly from the patronage of Filipinos.
An article in this publication of Wednesday, 9 May 2007 quoted Andre Iton, Managing Director of Integrated Financial Services as saying, “Jamaicans are more inclined to support local businesses than other nationalities that are growing in prominence such as Filipinos.” According to the article Mr Iton goes on to say that, “in contrast, Filipinos will choose to send money to the Philippines for the purchase of (consumer) items there.”
While it is true that substantial amounts of money are sent home, Pie echoed the views of other Filipinos by saying that it is the rollover policy that acts as a deterrent to greater investment here. This is particularly relevant to Pie who has now reached the end of his seven year term in Grand Cayman.
“My employer has applied for an extension to my permit citing me as a key employee, but if the application is declined I will have to go home.” Pie’s greatest concern at returning home is whether all the activities he has worked on for the future will materialise.
“I am trying to contribute to the community, but because of the rollover I am affected,” he said. “Who is going to organise activities when I leave?” Pie is concerned that the contacts he has made with sponsors and community organisations will be lost on his return to the Philippines as he says no one has emerged to take over role he has assumed over the past years.
The upcoming activities he refers to are the Song Fest on 26 December, the Lion’s Club National Karaoke competition in February and the Volleyball League in March. “If I have to go back home the Filipinos may not take part in any of these,” Pie laments.
He also points to other examples where Filipinos are making in-roads into the local community, particularly in the area of music. He mentions bands such as Damoys and Asya which have respectively played at the Hard Rock Café and the Cayman Music Festival.
The one thing that makes him particularly proud is the Filipino dance troupe being placed second in this year’s Batabano festival, with the Ati-atihan tribal dance. This victory not only served to give some recognition to Filipinos in these islands but could also be seen as a precursor to greater involvement by this group into Caymanian society.
If letters to the Editor of this publication are anything to go by, the increase in Filipino nationals in this country has been met with mixed reactions, with some welcoming and others less so. This is not unusual in a small country where the population feels overrun by foreigners. The Minister of Education, Hon Alden McLaughlin, has previously said, “The term limit policy (rollover) is necessary if Caymanians are to retain control of our country.”
The issue, however, for many like Pie is not about ‘taking over’ someone else’s country, but being given the opportunity to become a part of the local social landscape in a way that enhances both the country and the individual.
During our conversation Pie alluded to the ‘industry’ that has developed around OFWs and the encouragement the Philippine Government gives to facilitating overseas working. A quick look at websites such as http://www.ofwguide.com/ and http://www.ofw-connect.com/ bears testament to the vitality of this ‘industry’ with advice on a wide range of issues. The sites give information on loans, visa and immigration updates, career guides, overseas job openings, travel tips, ways to avoid illegal recruitment and a host of other information that would be of use to those planning or already working abroad.
The structure that has developed to support overseas workers, of whatever nationality, will always be needed whilst there are migrant workers seeking to escape the cycle of low wages and poverty at home.
The challenge for the Cayman Islands continues to be the need to find a way to successfully manage the symbiotic relationship between migrant workers – some of which may subsequently become Caymanians by choice – and Caymanians, without a loss of identity.
The influx of Filipinos to the Cayman Islands is just a small percentage of the thousands who have left their country in search of employment to secure a better standard of living for their families. According to an article on http://www.ofwguide.com/, a guide for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), there were more than?eight million Filipinos living or working abroad in 2006. The article says that the ‘Philippine government considers them a national force as their huge remittances significantly strengthen the economy’.
Over the last ten to twenty years the attitude towards overseas workers has changed in the Philippines with OFWs no longer regarded as creating a ‘brain drain’ from the country, but seen as creating wealth for the country. There is general acceptance that OFWs are needed to support the economy of the Philippines as well as the thousands of families benefitting from remittances regularly sent home.
An article appearing in The New York Times magazine of 22 April, written by Jason DeParle, states that ‘a growing number of economists see migrants, and the money they send home, as a part of the solution to global poverty.’
Estimates on the number of migrate workers from various countries scattered across the globe, put the figure at about 200 million who are supporting a population back home.
Indeed for many Filipinos, working in the Cayman Islands provides an opportunity to earn salaries that could never be acquired at home. Sources close to the community say the average salary in the Philippines is in the region of US$400 per month. Once in Cayman with an exchange rate in the region of CI$1 to 50 Philippine pesos, individuals can earn up to five times that amount.
Despite the financial benefits, the emotional consequences are often great with many suffering acute feelings of homesickness especially where spouses and/or children are left behind. Ironically, the reason for leaving home – to provide a more financially secure environment for the family – often results in the weakening or breakdown in family relationships.
Reports indicate that some working in the Cayman Islands would be willing to establish themselves as long term residents of these islands. However, the seven-year term limit (rollover policy) enforced by the current government, along with the high cost of bringing families to these islands, counter such action being taken.
One individual who would be willing to make the Cayman Islands his long term home is Tagumpay Ocampo, commonly known as ‘Pie’. Like many of his countrymen, Pie left home to seek a better living. “I am better off financially,” he said, “as I am earning around four to five times more than I would have back home.” The potential for higher earnings is the reason why many make the sacrifice to leave their families, he added.
During his time here, Pie has emerged as a pivotal figure between Filipinos and the wider community and an unofficial leader within his community. When he arrived in Grand Cayman in 2000, he soon realized the need for “Filipinos to get together”, to be more cohesive as a group as well as to start taking part in activities in the wider Caymanian community.
In the years following his arrival, Pie has organized a number of events aimed at creating a social outlet for Filipinos. June of 2006 saw the launch of the Filipino Volleyball League, sponsored by Cable & Wireless. As a result of this competition, the Filipinos were able to enter men and women’s teams in the 2006 Cayman Islands National Volleyball Tournament. The teams sponsored by Wendy’s, were both entered into Group B, which they won.
“Basketball is the number one sport in the Philippines,” Pie pointed out, “with many wanting to join the sport because it pays well.” “A Basketball team was formed for the Cayman Islands National League which we have participated in for at least two years. But we never win,” he said with a smile, “because of our height disadvantage.”
Pie believes that sport is important to his community because it helps to bring cohesion and a sense of belonging for those living many miles from home. He said it encourages interaction and friendships, helping people to overcome their homesickness.
“We support each other (through feelings of homesickness) by reminding each other that if we go back home now it would be harder to live on the salaries offered,” he said.
Organizing events around activities recognised as national pastimes of Filipinos, serves to create a feeling of ‘home away from home’, thereby alleviating some of the pain felt by being away from home and loved ones.
The Song Fest is one such activity, building on the love of karaoke found amongst Filipinos. According to Pie, karaoke bars are common in the Philippines with many homes having karaoke systems for entertainment. Pie explained that the competition was based on an elimination process, whittling down 15 contestants to five who competed in the first Cayman Islands National Karaoke contest in February 2007. Filipino entrants were placed second and third in the national contest held at the Lions Centre.
Pie expressed surprise at some reactions to the contest and to accusations of segregation on the part of the Filipinos. “We never intended to segregate ourselves,” he said. Pie’s view is that supporting Filipino activities in the community in turn serve the Caymanian society a greater good.
He disputes the view that the spending patterns of Filipinos means that most of their earnings are sent back home and that his community is not willing to spend money here. “We love partying and have a passion for cars and spend a lot of money in those areas,” he said, stressing that bars and food stores benefit greatly from the patronage of Filipinos.
An article in this publication of Wednesday, 9 May 2007 quoted Andre Iton, Managing Director of Integrated Financial Services as saying, “Jamaicans are more inclined to support local businesses than other nationalities that are growing in prominence such as Filipinos.” According to the article Mr Iton goes on to say that, “in contrast, Filipinos will choose to send money to the Philippines for the purchase of (consumer) items there.”
While it is true that substantial amounts of money are sent home, Pie echoed the views of other Filipinos by saying that it is the rollover policy that acts as a deterrent to greater investment here. This is particularly relevant to Pie who has now reached the end of his seven year term in Grand Cayman.
“My employer has applied for an extension to my permit citing me as a key employee, but if the application is declined I will have to go home.” Pie’s greatest concern at returning home is whether all the activities he has worked on for the future will materialise.
“I am trying to contribute to the community, but because of the rollover I am affected,” he said. “Who is going to organise activities when I leave?” Pie is concerned that the contacts he has made with sponsors and community organisations will be lost on his return to the Philippines as he says no one has emerged to take over role he has assumed over the past years.
The upcoming activities he refers to are the Song Fest on 26 December, the Lion’s Club National Karaoke competition in February and the Volleyball League in March. “If I have to go back home the Filipinos may not take part in any of these,” Pie laments.
He also points to other examples where Filipinos are making in-roads into the local community, particularly in the area of music. He mentions bands such as Damoys and Asya which have respectively played at the Hard Rock Café and the Cayman Music Festival.
The one thing that makes him particularly proud is the Filipino dance troupe being placed second in this year’s Batabano festival, with the Ati-atihan tribal dance. This victory not only served to give some recognition to Filipinos in these islands but could also be seen as a precursor to greater involvement by this group into Caymanian society.
If letters to the Editor of this publication are anything to go by, the increase in Filipino nationals in this country has been met with mixed reactions, with some welcoming and others less so. This is not unusual in a small country where the population feels overrun by foreigners. The Minister of Education, Hon Alden McLaughlin, has previously said, “The term limit policy (rollover) is necessary if Caymanians are to retain control of our country.”
The issue, however, for many like Pie is not about ‘taking over’ someone else’s country, but being given the opportunity to become a part of the local social landscape in a way that enhances both the country and the individual.
During our conversation Pie alluded to the ‘industry’ that has developed around OFWs and the encouragement the Philippine Government gives to facilitating overseas working. A quick look at websites such as http://www.ofwguide.com/ and http://www.ofw-connect.com/ bears testament to the vitality of this ‘industry’ with advice on a wide range of issues. The sites give information on loans, visa and immigration updates, career guides, overseas job openings, travel tips, ways to avoid illegal recruitment and a host of other information that would be of use to those planning or already working abroad.
The structure that has developed to support overseas workers, of whatever nationality, will always be needed whilst there are migrant workers seeking to escape the cycle of low wages and poverty at home.
The challenge for the Cayman Islands continues to be the need to find a way to successfully manage the symbiotic relationship between migrant workers – some of which may subsequently become Caymanians by choice – and Caymanians, without a loss of identity.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Filipino teen cagers shine in U-S NCAA
Three tall Filipino teenagers are now enrolled in US schools to hone their basketball skills in the hope of someday playing for the country in international competitions.
While they're considered “projects,” there's no doubt the future is bright in the cage careers of 6-9 Japeth Aguilar of Western Kentucky University, 6-9 Gian Chiu of Oberlin College and 6-11 Jericho de Guzman of Martin Methodist College.
Aguilar, who played two years for the Ateneo seniors, is averaging 3.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 15.3 minutes for the Hilltoppers this season. Against Kennesaw State last Friday, he compiled six points, three rebounds and four turnovers in 17 minutes as the varsity won, 96-61.
Western Kentucky is an NCAA Division I school that has produced NBA players Clarence Glover and Jim McDaniels. Another graduate was Fil-Am Kurtis Townsend, now University of Kansas assistant coach. Townsend's brother Ray played for UCLA and Golden State and Indiana in the NBA.
Aguilar was recruited by Hilltoppers coach Darrin Horn who has a reputation for spotting potential talent. Horn was credited for recruiting Dwayne Wade for Marquette. Aguilar and the Ivory Coast's Desire Gabon are the only foreigners in Horn's roster.
Chiu, 18, plays for NCAA Division III school Oberlin College. He played two years for Desert Christian high school in California before moving to Oberlin in Ohio. As a senior at Desert Christian, Chiu averaged 16.6 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots. He hit .520 from the field, scored at least 20 points in eight of 24 games and fired a high of 29 in Desert Christian's 62-48 win over Bloomington Christian. Chiu earned All-Conference second team honors and was named to the World Quest Academic team for being an A-student.
Oberlin coach Isaiah Cavaco said Chiu is the Yeomen's cornerstone. “Gian is an imposing presence in the paint on both ends of the floor,” said Cavaco. “We haven't had size like this in the last three years and he will add a whole new dimension to our team. He is very skilled with both hands, has great balance and is extremely long. I am looking forward to seeing what exactly Gian can do and helping him become a top player in our conference.”
The other day, Chiu collected 11 points, 12 rebounds and four blocked shots in an Oberlin pre-season game.
Chiu played for the Ateneo juniors before he was referred by Golden State Warriors scout Ron Michaels to Desert Christian for a tryout. Michaels saw Chiu play at the Nike camp in China.
Chiu's mother Mary Ann, a Metro Bank branch manager, said her son's dream is to play for the national team.
“Coach Luigi Trillo called to ask if Gian would be available to play 3-on-3 for the Philippines in the recent Asian Indoor Games in Macau,” said Mary Ann. “Gian was able to get permission from his coach to play but we didn't hear from coach Luigi again. He probably chose players who were already familiar with each other.”
Chiu's younger brother Luigi, 16, is 6-2 but isn't into basketball. His parents are both tall – father Emerson is 6-1 and Mary Ann, 5-11.
Although Chiu plays in Division III, he said the experience will go a long way in developing his game. “Whether it's Division I or III, Gian believes the important thing is he learns and improves,” said his mother.
De Guzman is red-shirting as a sophomore at National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) contender Martin Methodist in Pulaski, Tennessee. Redhawks coach Andy Sharpe will likely activate De Guzman next season.
De Guzman played briefly for FEU's B-team before leaving for the US.
FEU team owner Anton Montinola said De Guzman was with FEU only a few months. “He was sent to the US to train in a big man's camp,” added Montinola. “Very raw but he's a legit 6-11.”
De Guzman has been likened to 7-foot E. J. Feihl. With US training, he could develop into an inside force for the national team in the future.
A Fil-Am who decided to play in the Philippines is 6-11 Greg Fuentes Slaughter. The teenager is now enrolled at the University of the Visayas.
While they're considered “projects,” there's no doubt the future is bright in the cage careers of 6-9 Japeth Aguilar of Western Kentucky University, 6-9 Gian Chiu of Oberlin College and 6-11 Jericho de Guzman of Martin Methodist College.
Aguilar, who played two years for the Ateneo seniors, is averaging 3.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 15.3 minutes for the Hilltoppers this season. Against Kennesaw State last Friday, he compiled six points, three rebounds and four turnovers in 17 minutes as the varsity won, 96-61.
Western Kentucky is an NCAA Division I school that has produced NBA players Clarence Glover and Jim McDaniels. Another graduate was Fil-Am Kurtis Townsend, now University of Kansas assistant coach. Townsend's brother Ray played for UCLA and Golden State and Indiana in the NBA.
Aguilar was recruited by Hilltoppers coach Darrin Horn who has a reputation for spotting potential talent. Horn was credited for recruiting Dwayne Wade for Marquette. Aguilar and the Ivory Coast's Desire Gabon are the only foreigners in Horn's roster.
Chiu, 18, plays for NCAA Division III school Oberlin College. He played two years for Desert Christian high school in California before moving to Oberlin in Ohio. As a senior at Desert Christian, Chiu averaged 16.6 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots. He hit .520 from the field, scored at least 20 points in eight of 24 games and fired a high of 29 in Desert Christian's 62-48 win over Bloomington Christian. Chiu earned All-Conference second team honors and was named to the World Quest Academic team for being an A-student.
Oberlin coach Isaiah Cavaco said Chiu is the Yeomen's cornerstone. “Gian is an imposing presence in the paint on both ends of the floor,” said Cavaco. “We haven't had size like this in the last three years and he will add a whole new dimension to our team. He is very skilled with both hands, has great balance and is extremely long. I am looking forward to seeing what exactly Gian can do and helping him become a top player in our conference.”
The other day, Chiu collected 11 points, 12 rebounds and four blocked shots in an Oberlin pre-season game.
Chiu played for the Ateneo juniors before he was referred by Golden State Warriors scout Ron Michaels to Desert Christian for a tryout. Michaels saw Chiu play at the Nike camp in China.
Chiu's mother Mary Ann, a Metro Bank branch manager, said her son's dream is to play for the national team.
“Coach Luigi Trillo called to ask if Gian would be available to play 3-on-3 for the Philippines in the recent Asian Indoor Games in Macau,” said Mary Ann. “Gian was able to get permission from his coach to play but we didn't hear from coach Luigi again. He probably chose players who were already familiar with each other.”
Chiu's younger brother Luigi, 16, is 6-2 but isn't into basketball. His parents are both tall – father Emerson is 6-1 and Mary Ann, 5-11.
Although Chiu plays in Division III, he said the experience will go a long way in developing his game. “Whether it's Division I or III, Gian believes the important thing is he learns and improves,” said his mother.
De Guzman is red-shirting as a sophomore at National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) contender Martin Methodist in Pulaski, Tennessee. Redhawks coach Andy Sharpe will likely activate De Guzman next season.
De Guzman played briefly for FEU's B-team before leaving for the US.
FEU team owner Anton Montinola said De Guzman was with FEU only a few months. “He was sent to the US to train in a big man's camp,” added Montinola. “Very raw but he's a legit 6-11.”
De Guzman has been likened to 7-foot E. J. Feihl. With US training, he could develop into an inside force for the national team in the future.
A Fil-Am who decided to play in the Philippines is 6-11 Greg Fuentes Slaughter. The teenager is now enrolled at the University of the Visayas.
Filipina stars in South Pacific's U-K tour
Filipino talent continues to shine on the international stage. One big (literally and figuratively) proof is Sheila Francisco who has been wowing them with her performance as Bloody Mary in the current tour of South Pacific in England.
According to Girlie Rodis, Sheila was originally handpicked by the producer for the revival of the enduring hit musicale at the Royal National Theater in London a few years ago. Sheila was such a smash that producer Martin Dodd also handpicked her for the same role in the current tour.
"Miss Francisco is a real star," Dodd was quoted as saying. "She lights up the production with her portrayal of Bloody Mary. She has received rave reviews from our press here and the audience clearly love her performance, as we do. It is a great privilege for us to have her in our company."
"Sheila makes us proud to be Pinoy at a time when it is sometimes difficult to be."
Here are excerpts of the rave reviews Sheila has been collecting.
- From Blackpool Gazette/The StageBy Robin Duke
It also says something that America is still at war today just as it was in this 1943 tropical setting and that the racism central to its storyline still exists but, hey, musicals rarely let such things get in the way of a good knees-up and who would find the mercenary Bloody Mary (a winning performance by Sheila Francisco), out for a fast buck and prepared to marry her teenage daughter off to the highest bidder, half as appealing if she wasn't a politically incorrect parody of a pigeon English speaking big Polynesian?
- From Hull GazetteBy Jackie Foottit
All this against a backdrop of bored US navy men — starved of female company and not really enjoying their enforced stay in paradise — and the reality of island life, hilariously portrayed by Bloody Mary (Sheila Francisco) as she ekes out a living for her and her daughter.
- From Sentinel/Stoke On TrentBy Liz Rowly
As expected there were some great comedy moments throughout the production, with Chris Howell creating many laughs in his role as Luther Billis and Sheila Francisco doing the same if not more, as Bloody Mary; her mannerisms alone carry the character.
- From Bolton News (Manchester)By Lynn Ashwell
Some Enchanted Evening; I'm Gonna Wash that Man Right Outta My Hair; There is Nothing Like a Dame, and a spine-tingling version of Bali Ha'i from the fantastic Sheila Francisco, who made the role of Bloody Mary, the native islander out to make a quick buck, her own.
- From Evening News (Manchester)By Kevin Bourke
Still, the show does boast a lusty, and well-received, Bloody Mary, played by Sheila Francisco, as well as a lively and accomplished supporting cast, that's encouragingly sizeable for a touring musical.
- From Evening News (Manchester)By Julie Taylor
If I were voting for charisma and stage presence, I would choose Sheila Francisco as Bloody Mary. Her timing and projection are second to none and her angry reaction when Jo refuses to marry her daughter is totally uninhibited.
- From Entertainment ManchesterBy Rachel Hammer
There was also a very humorous and clever performance from Sheila Francisco as Bloody Mary. She did a beautiful rendition of Bali Ha'i that sent shivers down my spine and did justice to the memorable Happy Talk where she teaches her daughter to talk through dance.
- From Edinburgh Evening News (Edinburgh)By Thom Diblin
Rather more memorable is Sheila Francisco as Polynesian entrepreneur, Bloody Mary. Not so much for her larger-than-life stage presence but for her voice. Harshly crackling when needed, she produces a magical rendition of Bali Ha'i to tempt Lt. Cable over to the island where her daughter lives.
- From Daily Info Oxford (Oxford)By Andre Hopkins
Dave Willetts as Emile de Becque was a dishy older guy convincingly reinvigorated by love, and has a wonderful rich chocolatey voice. Sheila Francisco as Bloody Mary was utterly fabulous — a formidable stage presence, her chunky scolding informing her splendiferous contralto and stealing every scene she was in.
- From Oxford TimesBy Giles Woodforde
Down the cast, there are spirited cameos from Sheila Francisco as Bloody Mary (so spirited that her words are sometimes indecipherable), Ian McLarnon as the upright, Princeton-educated Lt. Joseph Cable, David Alcock as prone-to-panic Capt. Brackett and Christopher Howell as skirt-chasing, lip-smacking Luther Billis.
- From Oxford Mail (Oxford)By Chris Gray
Its dark shadow is similarly cast over the love that develops between Lt. Joseph Cable (Ian McLarnon) and the native girl Liat (Kanako Nakano). This is a huge disappointment to her mother Bloody Mary, wheeler-dealer to the US forces occupying her idyllic island. As performed by Sheila Francisco, her songs Bali Ha'i and the hugely infectious Happy Talk are highlights of the show.
- From The Henley and Oxfordshire StandardBy Mary Scriven
Sheila Francisco's attack, and beautifully judged portrayal of this colourful character resulted in her holding the audience in the palm of her hand — could there be a remnant of her portrayal of the character in the Royal National Theatre's production to thank for that? Who knows — but if this South Pacific did seem at times to be a bit of a patchwork of directorial inspiration, then it was a colourful one, and kept you feeling nice and warm on an autumn evening.
- From Swansea Evening NewsBy Graham Williams
...while comedy relief is provided by Christopher Howell — whose portrayal of Luther Billis is an absolute hoot — and Sheila Francisco, whose full-blooded performance as Bloody Mary brought the house down on the opening night...
According to Girlie Rodis, Sheila was originally handpicked by the producer for the revival of the enduring hit musicale at the Royal National Theater in London a few years ago. Sheila was such a smash that producer Martin Dodd also handpicked her for the same role in the current tour.
"Miss Francisco is a real star," Dodd was quoted as saying. "She lights up the production with her portrayal of Bloody Mary. She has received rave reviews from our press here and the audience clearly love her performance, as we do. It is a great privilege for us to have her in our company."
"Sheila makes us proud to be Pinoy at a time when it is sometimes difficult to be."
Here are excerpts of the rave reviews Sheila has been collecting.
- From Blackpool Gazette/The StageBy Robin Duke
It also says something that America is still at war today just as it was in this 1943 tropical setting and that the racism central to its storyline still exists but, hey, musicals rarely let such things get in the way of a good knees-up and who would find the mercenary Bloody Mary (a winning performance by Sheila Francisco), out for a fast buck and prepared to marry her teenage daughter off to the highest bidder, half as appealing if she wasn't a politically incorrect parody of a pigeon English speaking big Polynesian?
- From Hull GazetteBy Jackie Foottit
All this against a backdrop of bored US navy men — starved of female company and not really enjoying their enforced stay in paradise — and the reality of island life, hilariously portrayed by Bloody Mary (Sheila Francisco) as she ekes out a living for her and her daughter.
- From Sentinel/Stoke On TrentBy Liz Rowly
As expected there were some great comedy moments throughout the production, with Chris Howell creating many laughs in his role as Luther Billis and Sheila Francisco doing the same if not more, as Bloody Mary; her mannerisms alone carry the character.
- From Bolton News (Manchester)By Lynn Ashwell
Some Enchanted Evening; I'm Gonna Wash that Man Right Outta My Hair; There is Nothing Like a Dame, and a spine-tingling version of Bali Ha'i from the fantastic Sheila Francisco, who made the role of Bloody Mary, the native islander out to make a quick buck, her own.
- From Evening News (Manchester)By Kevin Bourke
Still, the show does boast a lusty, and well-received, Bloody Mary, played by Sheila Francisco, as well as a lively and accomplished supporting cast, that's encouragingly sizeable for a touring musical.
- From Evening News (Manchester)By Julie Taylor
If I were voting for charisma and stage presence, I would choose Sheila Francisco as Bloody Mary. Her timing and projection are second to none and her angry reaction when Jo refuses to marry her daughter is totally uninhibited.
- From Entertainment ManchesterBy Rachel Hammer
There was also a very humorous and clever performance from Sheila Francisco as Bloody Mary. She did a beautiful rendition of Bali Ha'i that sent shivers down my spine and did justice to the memorable Happy Talk where she teaches her daughter to talk through dance.
- From Edinburgh Evening News (Edinburgh)By Thom Diblin
Rather more memorable is Sheila Francisco as Polynesian entrepreneur, Bloody Mary. Not so much for her larger-than-life stage presence but for her voice. Harshly crackling when needed, she produces a magical rendition of Bali Ha'i to tempt Lt. Cable over to the island where her daughter lives.
- From Daily Info Oxford (Oxford)By Andre Hopkins
Dave Willetts as Emile de Becque was a dishy older guy convincingly reinvigorated by love, and has a wonderful rich chocolatey voice. Sheila Francisco as Bloody Mary was utterly fabulous — a formidable stage presence, her chunky scolding informing her splendiferous contralto and stealing every scene she was in.
- From Oxford TimesBy Giles Woodforde
Down the cast, there are spirited cameos from Sheila Francisco as Bloody Mary (so spirited that her words are sometimes indecipherable), Ian McLarnon as the upright, Princeton-educated Lt. Joseph Cable, David Alcock as prone-to-panic Capt. Brackett and Christopher Howell as skirt-chasing, lip-smacking Luther Billis.
- From Oxford Mail (Oxford)By Chris Gray
Its dark shadow is similarly cast over the love that develops between Lt. Joseph Cable (Ian McLarnon) and the native girl Liat (Kanako Nakano). This is a huge disappointment to her mother Bloody Mary, wheeler-dealer to the US forces occupying her idyllic island. As performed by Sheila Francisco, her songs Bali Ha'i and the hugely infectious Happy Talk are highlights of the show.
- From The Henley and Oxfordshire StandardBy Mary Scriven
Sheila Francisco's attack, and beautifully judged portrayal of this colourful character resulted in her holding the audience in the palm of her hand — could there be a remnant of her portrayal of the character in the Royal National Theatre's production to thank for that? Who knows — but if this South Pacific did seem at times to be a bit of a patchwork of directorial inspiration, then it was a colourful one, and kept you feeling nice and warm on an autumn evening.
- From Swansea Evening NewsBy Graham Williams
...while comedy relief is provided by Christopher Howell — whose portrayal of Luther Billis is an absolute hoot — and Sheila Francisco, whose full-blooded performance as Bloody Mary brought the house down on the opening night...
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