Philippine Fiesta 2010 Local Performers:
International Latin Ballroom Champions
CRAIG & SAMANTHA ABAYA CAMPOS
Sounds of Manila
Sounds of Manila is an all-Filipino band based in the New York/ New Jersey area. The band consists of band leader, Ronnie Sabangan (bassist), veteran musician, Bobby de Leon (keyboard player and musical director of famed Filipino artists: Pilita Corales, Carmen Patena, Anthony Castelo, and Gloria Papin), Hermie Angeles (male vocalist, ‘Tanghalan ng Kampeon’ finalist, and Cultural Center of the Philippines stage actor from the play "Aguinaldo 1896"), Suzanne Lansangan-Sabangan (female vocalist and ‘Academic Freedom Band’ female vocalist), Jojo Gendrano (guitarist), and JR Gendrano (drummer). The Gendrano brothers are also members of ‘It’s Simply Green’ (La-Salle band).
Sounds of Manila, tagged as ‘Ambassadors of Philippine Music’, brings to its audience the authentic Manila sound – a mixed genre of the music that has been most enjoyed in the Philippines. The band has also been arranging their own rendition of various OPM favorites, including their most requested ‘Teleserye Theme Medley’.
DANCE PHILIPPINES Performing Arts Company Inc.
The DANCE PHILIPPINES Performing Arts Company, Inc. (DPPAC) offers a glimpse of the complex and captivating world of the Philippines. The multi-faceted history of the Philippines, an archipelago of more than seven thousand islands, come from the various invaders and colonizers that have settled in this, “The Pearl of the Orient Seas.”
The unique blending of cultures brought from foreign lands, as well as those that existed with the early Filipinos can be characterized in the dances, music and costuming of the early Filipinos. All these have brought about the beauty and charm that is uniquely …… the PHILIPPINES!! Through the medium of dance, music, songs and costumes, DANCE PHILIPPINES is proud to present these facets of Philippine culture.
They are a brother & sister team and have been dancing for about 7 ½ years together. They are presently taught privately by Emmanuel Pierre Antoine of NYC, NY.
Craig is 15yrs old but turning 16 on December 13 & is a Sophomore in Nutley High School. Samantha is 14 years old & is in 7th grade of St. Clare School. Both are HONOR students and have been active in Nationwide Competitions, guest appearing in many TV shows, Galas, Fundraiser events & Private Parties.
Both are the 2010 CHAMPIONS in the REGIONAL & NATIONALS of the YOUTH PRECHAMP division. Also have mastered the Bronze, Silver, Gold, Novice & PreChampionship levels. They are now in the CHAMPIONSHIP level & hope to master level & have the opportunity to travel to other countries and compete.
They were in the ABC #1 hit show, Dancing with the Stars Season 7 which aired on November 25, 2008. It was unanimous decision by all 3 judges that led them to the finals and won the hearts of America in winning the title JUNIOR CHAMPION.
During the year 2009 they also had the pleasure of dancing for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in Columbus, OH along with 2 other couples, appeared on FOX 5 News of Washington, DC, Balitang America, TV Patrol, Rated K, was interviewed for an Asia Magazine and other local newspaper in NJ & CA and made the front cover of the American Dancer Magazine.
They also traveled to the Philippines August/September 2009 and were embraced graciously by everyone there and guest appeared on ABS-CBN #1 hit show ASAP’09 and on channel 5 the show SHALL WE DANCE.
March 6, 2010, they danced at the Madison Square Garden for the KNICKS during half time along with 3 other couples. They were in the TYRA BANKS show on April 21, 2010.
Both plan to go back to the Philippines and guest appear on other shows and if God willing go to BLACKPOOL April 2011 for a once-in-a- lifetime experience to compete.
Bayanihan Club of Union Singers
The Bayanihan Chorale consists of adult and young members and supporters of the Bayanihan Club of Union. Although The Bayanihan Club of Union Singers was founded over a decade ago, the singing group has been in existence a relatively short time.
Under the tutelage of Erwin Argonza, the chorale was formed to provide hymns at the annual mass celebrating the Philippine Independence Day in the Township of Union, the annual Simbang Gabi at St. Michael’s Church and Holy Spirit Church in Union and the annual Bayanihan Christmas Celebration.
Eric G
Forget what you know, Eric G. is here to break the mold of a Traditional Christian/Gospel Artist. Blessed with God fearing parents, including having a Pastor for a father, Eric was blessed to know Christ from the beginning.
Realizing his musical inclination, he engaged heavily in the choir and eventually formed and led praise and worship teams.
Hungry for industry success, Eric pursued a singing career in secular music. The group's exposure catapulted to BET, MTV, radio stations nationwide and other forms of media. However, its success was as short lived as were
the opportunities and before the album was released, both parties severed ties.
Now after much discernment and much needed spiritual growth, Eric realized that he was meant to use his music, not for this world, but for the ministry to which God has appointed. Utilizing Urban R&B and Hip Hop's cutting edge style, Eric G. is determined to infiltrate mainstream; particularly the youth who are in such dire need of positive and Godly influence. Bringing God to music like no other, Eric G. is devoted to ensuring that every ear that hears his music will know about the Love and Salvation of God!
NINA SOPHIA WAGA MOJARES
The young, multitalented NINA has been delighting audiences. She has been described as a mini Alicia Keys.
NINA’s commercial looks and star-like charisma have caught the attention of several high profile TV producers, Entertainment industry and television network executives who have expressed interest in her promising talent.
11-year old singing sensation NINA WAGA SOPHIA MOJARES is not only a pride of her family but also of the Filipino American community. Most recent feat for Nina is her inclusion in the NBC's America's Got Talent short list of 300 from out of 70,000 contestants, with a number she did with Legit dance crew last June. Nina was also "Most Talented Kid" at the Maury Povich nationwide search where 7 kids were chosen to perform on national TV this past May.
Besides being a singer, Nina is an award-winning ballroom dancer and is very skilled in rumba, samba, jive, and cha-cha. NINA is an A+ fifth grade student and a recipient of the President Barack Obama Outstanding Award in Academics.
Reuel Klint Lara
Violinist
A young aspiring violinist who dreams to enter the Julliard School of Music, after he finishes High School. An avid admirer of Hilary Hahn, one of the most elegant and illustrious violinists of the 21st century. .
He’s been playing the violin for 6 years and an active participant in the All-County, Tri-County, and All-State Honors Orchestra. He is also involved in the Charles County Youth Orchestra and the Maryland Classical Youth Orchestra, which rehearses at the Strathmore Hall Art Center in Maryland. He is also a finalist in the Solo and Ensemble Junior and Senior Division. He recently got invited by some professional violinist to attend the Masterworks Festival, consisting of professional players throughout the state of Maryland.
He’s been earning medals and ribbons from school work and from musical field., is a consistent honor student at the Mc Donough High School in Maryland and had received county recognition in the field of Science. He continues to work hard in playing the violin; he’s working closely with his private teacher, Virgilio Joven, a Julliard School of Music graduate..
He is the son of the proud parents, Reuel and Doris Lara, of City of San Fernando, La Union, Philippines and of Maryland.
Blue Mango
Blue Mango is a high energy entertaining New York City Fil-Am band consisting of season musicians, led by the high-powered sultry voice of Bessie Alejandro, with Sal Di Ruggiero on lead guitar and vocals, Rudy Blay on Bass, Nick Troiani on keyboards and Dennis Aquino on Drums and vocals. Blue Mango’ wide range of music covering Classic Rock, Dance, Disco, and today’s music has received rave reviews at recent performances.
Jaleo Filipino
Dance Ensemble of NY
Jaleo Filipino Dance Ensemble of NY promotes Filipino culture through dance. The group was formed in the summer of 2008. The dance ensemble is made up of young Filipino-Americans who are trying to discover their Filipino identity. It is an all volunteer group, driven by the the passion of dance and culture. Jaleo has performed in many Filipino American events in the NY metropolitan area, such as invitations from the Philippine Consulate and United Nations and also The Philippine Fiesta. Jaleo Filipino Dance Ensemble of NY is under the leadership of Rommel Milanez.
PEARLS OF THE PACIFIC
Each year during the month of May we proudly celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. On behalf of the “Pearls of the Pacific” performers, we are proud to represent our group not only as a group but as “Ohana”, which means family.
We formed our group in 2001, with every member coming from a different place, background, and nationality, but one thing we have in common was dancing. We learned to set aside our differences and perform through the love of music and dancing. We are one strong group and we want to inspire others that no matter how different you are you can always belong to a group which is special and amazing.
We encourage all Asian Pacific Americans, and other nationalities to join a group and participate in community gathering, like the Philippines Fiesta. We, the “Pearls of the Pacific” members are active participants in our country’s role, as leaders. We are proud and wear the mantle of pride and dignity and vow to pursue our country’s ideals.
Kommon Ground is a new (2008), young and hip cover band who loves to play classic and the most current R&B, Pop, and Hip-Hop music that you hear on air waves. “It’s what we do best!” We all have a love for this genre of music and that is our “Kommon Ground” We delivery an energy filled performance and we always put our own flavor to our musical arrangements.
D’EXECUTIVES BAND
“Bringing Quality Music to Life”
D’Executives band, one of the first Filipino-American bands in NJ/NY area, established in 1972 by band leader, the late Severo “Bernie” Oades, ASCAP composer/arranger.
In 2000, his daughter, Bernadette Oades continued his musical legacy leading D’Executives band to the present time. Based in Jersey City, NJ, D’Executives has performed for major corporate events (e.g. Verizon, Roche), weddings, and other special events within and outside the tri-state area (Wash D.C., WV, KY, FL, CT, MD, etc.) The band’s full range of eclectic repertoire include the coolest smooth jazz ( Rippingtons and Incognito) to the big band sounds( Michael Buble and Frank Sinatra ) , and hip contemporaries ( Alicia Keyes and Lady Gaga ).
D’Executives band consists of accomplished, musically trained, and talented performers/musicians: Bernadette Oades---Band Leader/vocal, Tony Camacho---vocal, Ronald Sumague---sax/ flute/keyboard, Frankie Tee---bass, Michael Villarosa---piano and Efren Belizario---drums.
Past notable performances include concerts with various artists such as Lea Salonga, Carmen Patena, Imelda Papin and Haiji Alejandro and many more.
Alyssa Jade Shoemaker
Alyssa Jade is the 10 year old beautiful daughter of Maureen Javier Varco and Michael Shoemaker; the granddaughter of Mr. & Mrs. Rolly and Rose Javier and Pastor& Mrs. Donavon Shoemaker of Jersey City;. She has two older brothers: Justin, 14 and Michael, 12.
Alyssa has beauty and brains. She is a fourth grade honor student in Arbor School in Piscataway, NJ where she resides. She was part of the Soaring High Scholar program in her school.
Alyssa Jade is this year’s Little Miss NAFA 2010. Not only does she possess beauty, she is also very talented. Like her mother, she loves to sing; is currently studying voice at the Music University in Freehold, NJ. She made her first singing debut at the 2009 Philippine Fiesta in the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, NJ along with popular Filipino top stars such as Gerald Anderson and Kim Chu. She sang in other Filipino events such as the PACAL and Garden State Associations. Alyssa was the 2nd place winner of the Bulilit Idol in this years 2010 PAFCOM in Jersey City, NJ.
Alyssa loves to sing songs from artists such as Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Miley Cyrus, to write her own songs and play the piano and saxophone. She loves ballroom dancing.
