LIKE any other city in the United States, you will know that it is summer in Seattle. I am not talking about the weather. I am referring to the blossoming of concert after concert, picnic after picnic, camping after camping, and other activities and events that signal the height of summer.

Malaki na ang pinagbago ng

Seattle kumpara sa panahon nang ako ay unang dumatingsa bayang ito nuong 1999. Compared to California, Seattle was very behind in terms of entertainment and showbiz. Sa mga sumunod na taon, naging masigla ang Filipino community sa panonood ng mga live shows ng mga kilalang kababayan natin sa larangan ng entertainment. I believe this could be attributed to The Filipino Channel (TFC) as well as to the publication of PLANET PHILIPPINES and now, ONE PHILIPPINES. TFC, PLANET PHILIPPINES, and ONE PHILIPPINES brought the Filipino community of Seattle closer to our country. Ang Seattle ay hindi na ngayon pahuhuli sa balita sa larangan ng pulitika, pelikula at mga tanyag na mang-aawit sa ating bansa. Sa isang kisap mata, ating namamalas ang mga nangyayari sa Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng TFC. At ngayon, magkasama na sa Direct TV ang TFC (ABS-CBN), ang ating kapamilya, at Pinoy TV (GMA 7), ang ating kapuso, na nagdudulot ng aliw sa ating mga kababayan dito sa Seattle.

“Pista sa Nayon” ushered the 2006 summer events in Seattle. As reported by Allison Espiritu, even as the morning news warned of the chance of showers and temperatures in the low 70s, avid Seattle Pista-goers were unfazed. Fil-Ams, resident Pinoys and veteran Seattleites flocked to Seward Park Amphitheater on July 20. That was only the beginning. There are more concerts, picnics and camping activities scheduled well into fall.

KUH LEDESMA CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN SHOWBIZ

“Paano Kita Mapapasalamatan?” is Kuh’s theme for her concert in Seattle on September 15, 2006 at the Meany Hall of the University of Washington. Kuh’s concert is her way of saying “thank you” to her many masugid na mga tagahanga sa nagdaang 25 taon. Her producer of the show in Seattle, Vallie Pavino, says “Kuh Ledesma is celebrating her triumph and thanksgiving for her 25 years in the music industry and we are honored to be with her to celebrate it.”

The concert includes the special participation of Basil Valdez, Jericho Rosales, Isabella, and Seattle’s local artist, Timmy Pavino. Those who missed the Asian-American Idol last year, will be happy to note that winners Briget Hermano, Cece Cabading and Gaby Borromeo will open the concert. Part of the proceeds of the show will benefit the medical-dental mission to the Philippines of the Hope of the City Church in Tukwila. If you wish to know more about the mission, visit www.hopeofthecity.org.

Tickets are sold at $125, (VIP), reserved seating on Rows A-C with giveaways including one Kuh CD album; $100, (Premium) open seating on Rows D-F); $78 (Preferred) on Rows G-R; and $48, open seating in the Balcony. Kuh will give away 60 CDS with winners to be drawn at 7:30 p.m. before the show. Visit www.pavison.com/kuh for additional information or call 206.498.0572, or email vip.l@comcast.net.

NORA AUNOR IN CONCERT

Following Kuh’s event is the concert of Nora Aunor with the special participation of John Robert Porter. Live music will be provided by Groove Edition featuring DaRa. The concert will be held at the Renton Ikea Performing Arts Center. For tickets, contact 425.802.4989 or 206.295.7393.

I have been in contact with Suzette Ranillo, daughter of Gloria Sevilla and brother of the Philippines’ matinee idol, Matt Ranillo. She directed Nora’s movie, CareHome, a story about a Filipina caregiver, portrayed by Nora Aunor, who moves her mother, Corazon (Gloria Sevilla), to a care home (facilities like Adult Family Home, Home Care Services, or Nursing Home). Her mother feels hurt and unloved. Like many Filipinos, Corazon believes a care home is tantamount to rejection. You should see the movie and I guarantee it will move you to tears as well as laughter. Suzette is doing a road show of the movie in the United States as well as in Europe. Those who are interested in booking the movie, visit the website, www.carehomethemovie.com.

“RENDITIONS” IN SEATTLE

A production of Casa de Manila, “Renditions” is sponsored by Joy Basa-Gill of Century 21 and Titan Realty Estate. Together they will bring a powerful show, “Renditions,” to Seattle on November 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ikea Renton Performing Arts Center. According to the producer and sponsors of the show, “Renditions” is more than just a showcase of pretty faces gracing the Philippine silver screen. The concert stars, Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby and Rica Peralejo, are packed with performing talent.

Piolo Pascual is the current heartthrob of Philippine cinema. He is an actor, TV host, commercial model and singer. He is a regular talent of A.S.A.P., a popular Sunday lunchtime show of ABS-CBN. In “Renditions,” Piolo will serenade the audience with his soulful interpretation of popular Filipino songs.

Sam Milby is presently the hottest “Crush ng Bayan.” Sam entered showbiz as a commercial model. He surprised everybody with his singing talent after he left the Pinoy Big Brother house. His movie with Toni Gonzaga, You are the One, is a current box office draw in Manila.

Rica Peralejo is one of the sexiest and most daring young actresses in tinsel town. She started her showbiz career as a singer but soon proved she was a multi-talented performer. In “Renditions,” she shows off her dancing and singing prowess.

The concert will also feature the special participation of Washington’s pride, Kontagious and ARYZ. For tickets and additional information, call 206.322.7050.

CAMPING, PICNICS, AND BALLROOM DANCING

It’s time to bring out your tents, sleeping bags, and dancing shoes. I always find enjoyment in camping, picnics, and ballroom dancing.
Last weekend, I attended the 25th annual picnic of the Tagalog Circle at the Gene Coulon Park in Renton. Gaya ng aking inaasahan, ito ay puno ng tsibugan, tsikahan at hagikgikan. The children as well as the adults enjoyed the different parlor games. The food was enough to feed a battalion. The afternoon was capped with the Filipino favorite, halo-halo. Napakasaya, tunay na napakasaya. I look forward to next year’s Tagalog Circle’s annual picnic.

Next weekend, camping naman. I am joining the Filipino American Christian Fellowship camping activity at the Black Lake Bible Camp in Olympia, Washington. We will celebrate Labor Day at the camp. I am now preparing my sleeping bag, insect repellant, and sunblock.. For a while, I will be out of touch with the outside world. That’s wishful thinking because I will have my cell phone with me.

Sa mga mahilig sa ballroom dancing, ihanda na ang inyong mga dancing shoes. The Tagalog Circle is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a dinner and dance ball on Saturday, October 14, 2006. This will be held at the Campion Tower Ball Room on 914 East Jefferson, Seattle, Washington from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. Music will be provided by Retrozone DJ.

Halloween, too, is not too far away. The Pangasinan Association of the Pacific Northwest is throwing a Halloween night on Saturday, October 28, 2006 at the Filipino Community Center. Dinner is by JR Catering Service and music by Retrozone. For additional information, contact Jocelyn Montemayor at 206.764.9385 or 206.618.7973.