“Music of March” at Casino Filipino

Patrons and guests of Casino Filipino (CF) will be treated this month to free entertainment shows featuring some of the country’s best performers.

Among the artists who will perform in the different CF venues this March are soul diva Jaya, Asia’s romantic balladeer Christian Bautista, singer-actress-host Karylle and promising diva KZ Tandingan. 

To add variety and fun to its monthly entertainment line-up, Casino Filipino will also have shows featuring some of the country’s best comedians like master impersonator Willie Nepomuceno, Pokwang, K Brosas and Pooh.  

Bong Quintana, PAGCOR’s Assistant Vice President for Entertainment said their monthly theme ‘Music of March’ is a special prelude to summer. “We always associate summer with fun. That is what we want to exactly give to our patrons who will visit our different CF venues through the special shows that we have lined up for the month,” he said.

Quintana likewise cited that featuring great talents in its gaming venues is a testament to Casino Filipino’s commitment to offer its guests nothing but the best entertainment. “Because they are important to us, our goal is to always give them an entertainment experience like no other,” he added.

K Brosas and Pooh will kick-off the entertainment offerings for March with their show in CF Malate on March 5. Meanwhile, Christian Bautista and Karylle will serenade CF Pavilion guests on March 6. Soul diva Jaya will perform in Ronquillo Satellite on March 6. On March 7, master impersonator and comedian Willie Nepomuceno will entertain the guests of CF Tagaytay.

Other performers who will add excitement to Casino Filipino’s entertainment offerings are sexy stars Yam Concepcion and Meg Imperial on March 11 (Pavilion); comedy actress Pokwang on March 12 (Angeles); singer-songwriter Aiza Seguerra on March 13 (Cebu); stand-up comedian Le Chaz with AJ Tamiza and the Mistresses Mia, Angel and Mariko on March 13 (Malabon Satellite); and KZ Tandingan on March 13 (Tagum Satellite).

All shows start at 9:00 p.m. For more details, call the PAGCOR Entertainment and Bingo Department at (02) 708-2046 or (02) 526-0337 loc. 2401 to 2403 or visit the following websites: www.facebook.com/casinofilipino, www.facebook.com/pagcorartists, www.twitter.com/casinofilipino.

Christmas Fever in November with Allan K and Ima Castro at Casino Filipino

CASINO Filipino guests are in for loads of fun and world-class musical treat this November as funny man Allan K and Filipina actress-singer and former “Miss Saigon” Ima Castro top bill a series of special celebrity shows dubbed “Christmas Fever in November”.

The two veteran artists will make a much-awaited comeback in Casino Filipino after a respite from doing live performances before casino patrons.

Allan K, a mainstay of noontime variety show “Eat…Bulaga!” and a popular stand-up comedian, guarantees to make his audience roll in laughter as he combines forces with the hilarious tandem of AJ and Le Chaz.  They will be at Casino Filipino Angeles on  Casino Filipino Pavilion (November 12), Ronquillo Satellite (November 20), Casino Filipino Olongapo (November 21) and Casino Filipino Tagaytay (November 26).

“Kung naaliw sila sa mga ipinakita ko noon, siguradong mas maaaliw sila sa mga gagawin namin sa darating na shows ko sa Casino Filipino.  Pinaghandaan ko ito ng husto kaya’t tiyak na hanggang sa pagtulog nila ay may maiiwang ngiti sa kanilang mga labi.  Riot ito,” Allan K vowed.

Ima Castro, meanwhile, will be displaying once again the world-class singing flair that landed her a spot in the international stage via the mega musical “Miss Saigon”.  She performs with the all-male PAGCOR homegrown artists K Menn at Malabon Satellite on November 12 and at Casino Filipino Tagaytay on November 22.  K Menn returns onstage at Casino Filipino Angeles on November 28 with the all-female singing group Pretty Young Thing.

“It’s been quite a long while since I last performed for Casino Filipino, so I’m so excited about my upcoming gigs with them.  Doing live performances before the casino crowd always gives me a different kind of high.  Nakakahawa ang energy nila,” she said.

According to Bong Quintana, PAGCOR’s Assistant Vice President for Entertainment and Bingo Department, the special celebrity spectacle they prepared for November are guaranteed to bring excitement and top-rate entertainment to guests of Casino Filipino who enjoy watching their fun-filled shows.

“With a mixture of laughter and world-class entertainment, our celebrity shows this November will certainly capture the fancy of casino guests and satisfy their craving for a rare musical treat,” Quintana said.

For more information on “Christmas Fever in November” and other entertainment offerings of Casino Filipino, please call the Entertainment and Bingo Department at 708-2046 or 526-0337 local 2401 to 2404. You may also visit and ‘like’ us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/casinofilipino; www.facebook.com/pagcorartists) or follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/casinofilpino).

Who will vie for The Miss CF 2014 crown?

From a hundred aspirants who participated in the regional screenings, twenty-nine (29) beautiful Filipinas will vie for the coveted Miss CF 2014 crown during the pageant’s grand coronation night on September 19, 2014 at the Midas Hotel in Pasay City.

Hailing from the various provinces in the Philippines, the candidates were selected from hundreds of aspirants who participated in the nationwide Miss CF regional screenings from July 25 to August 30, 2014. The screenings were held in CF branches in Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Angeles, Olongapo, Tagaytay, Malabon, Hyatt and Pavilion.

The finalists from the Visayas and Mindanao are Roselyn Corilla, Joy Magielen Jontilano, Saiphil Nipales, Rogelie Catacutan, Julienne Hazel Penserga, Maria Fatima Saudia Al-Sowyed, Mary Grace Castillo, Gladys Comandao, Darlene Paula Dichoso, Zairah Marie Agsaluna, Jenny Babes Puda and Eiseley Kyle Pragados.

Luzon bets are Berna Bail Penales, Camille Laylay, Emylyn Perez, Johvielyne Co, Martina McKinsey, Donna Velasco, Gel Dacion, Emma Mary Tiglao and Maolin Yalung.

Meanwhile, the candidates representing Metro Manila are Danita Joan Ruazol, Jannie Alipo-on, Abbygale Rey, Dale Ivory Lee, Ivy Meerry Enriquez, Haydee Gumasing, Angela Aninang, Rose Turner and Agatha Lei Romero.

Bong Quintana, PAGCOR’s Assistant Vice President for Entertainment and Bingo, said this year’s batch of Miss CF candidates is a mix of young professionals and college students. “We have an engineer, a pharmacist, a nurse and graduates of Speech Pathology and Hotel and Restaurant Management, among others. We are happy that the pool of our Miss CF candidates is improving every year,” he said.

Quintana added that all of the candidates have a common goal when they joined the Miss CF pageant. “Apart from winning the crown, the contestants are also motivated to join Miss Casino Filipino because they see this pageant as a means to pursue their respective advocacies. They know that winning the crown would allow them to lend a helping hand to those in need since PAGCOR will be donating P200,000 in cash to their preferred charitable institution,” he said.

Apart from participating in PAGCOR’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects and being able to help various charities, the past winners of Miss Casino Filipino were also given career opportunities. “We have discovered many talented ladies through our nationwide beauty contest. Some of them are already part of PAGCOR’s stable of artists who are performing regularly in our different Casino Filipino venues,” Quintana added.

Big cash prizes await the winners of Miss CF 2014. The grand winner will take home P500,000 in cash. Meantime, the runners-up will receive P400,000 (1st), P300,000 (2nd), P200,000 (3rd) and P100,000 (4th). PAGCOR will also award special prizes such as Best in Talent, Best in Long Gown, Best in Swimsuit, Miss Friendship, Miss Photogenic, meanwhile, the candidate who gets the most number of ‘Likes’  in the online media voting in CF Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/casinofilipino  will be awarded the ‘Social Media Darling’ and will be given fabulous prizes.  The winners of the other special awards will get P10,000 each.

The Miss CF 2014 grand coronation night will be hosted by Binibining Pilipinas 2009 Bianca Manalo and TV host, model Marc Nelson. Among the panel of judges who will be selecting the winners are Celebrity Actor Mr. Gabby Concepcion, Basketball Star Vince Hizon, Reigning Mutya ng Pilipinas Tourism International 2014 Glennifer Perido,  Hospitality Headhunter, Trainer and Consultant Vic Alcuaz among others.
Guest performers are Randy Santiago, Ariel Rivera, Kyla, Merjohn Lagaya, Marcus Davis and back-ups Whiplash and Buganda Dancers.

For inquiries and details, please contact the PAGCOR Entertainment and Bingo Department at (02) 708-2046 –  526-0337 loc 2401 / 2403 or visit www.facebook.com/casinofilipino, www.facebook.com/pagcorartists or www.twitter.com/casinofilipino. #

                                                           

PAGCOR’S TALENTS, ARE THEY THE NEXT BIG THING IN 2014?

PAGCOR’S TALENTS, THE NEXT BIG THING IN 2014?


From the PAGCOR Casinos to the TV screen?

Making quite an impression with their performance in front of entertainment media last week, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) homegrown talents are definitely headed for bigger things this 2014.

Whether it’s joining The Voice of the Philippines or any other reality TV talent shows, these four groups could easily give even veteran performers a run for their money—especially with the continued support and training by PAGCOR’s Assistant Vice President for Entertainment, Bong Quintana.

“The PAGCOR management is a staunch supporter and believer in Pinoy talents. Our own homegrown artists are PAGCOR’s biggest contributions to the Philippine entertainment and music industry. Nais namin na mabigyan sila ng pagkakataon na maipakita ang kanilang talento kaya sila ay binigyan ng
PAGCOR ng chance na maging featured performers sa Casino Filipino,” And now, we are launching them
to the mainstream entertainment arena.”Quintana cited.

According to Quintana, the successful shows of PAGCOR’s in-house singing group – the PAGCOR 5 – inspired them to form new musical groups that will suit the varied preferences of casino patrons and the general public.

“We intend to capitalize on the buzz generated by the PAGCOR 5 as we launch our new set of talents for 2014. I am highly positive that this level of exposure can help our homegrown artists make a breakthrough in the mainstream music industry. At the same time, we know these fresh talents can give our Casino Filipino guests and patrons something new to look forward to,” Quintana added.

The musical groups formed by PAGCOR’s Entertainment Department include “Dash as One Rhythm” featuring PAGCOR 5 member Dash Camporaso; the “Krazy Chikz”, the “Viktors” which consists of the champions of the OPM@PAGCOR Talent Search Season 1 Joyce Tanana, Season 2 Froilan Canlas and Season 3 Karl Tanhueco; and the “K Menn”, a singing trio formed in 2013 whose all-male members, Steev Fernandez, Mykle Benedicto and Eeboy Quizol, were also finalists  in the last three seasons of the OPM@PAGCOR nationwide singing search.

According to Quintana, the singing groups will focus on different genres which will give casino patrons more choices of entertainment. “Dash as One Rhythm will be playing almost all genres. The K Menn will be focusing on novelty songs, ballads and classics. On the other hand, the Krazy Chikz will be dancing and singing pop and modern songs. The Viktors meantime will be rendering OPM, ballad and contemporary pieces,” Quintana explained.

At the press conference The K Menn did a very surprising mashup of the Masculados “Hotdog” and Boyz to Men’s “On Bended Knees” before they were joined on stage by the Krazy Chicks as they sang Blurred Lines.

The Krazy Chicks were perhaps the most entertaining surprise of the day— Raine de Guzman, Reyna Yamanouchi, Carin Ramos and Kim Parajes - all Miss Casino Filipino 2012 pageant winners whom Quintana describes as “beauty queen-turned-models-turned-dancers-and-trying to be singers.”

And whatever these Krazy Chicks lack in voice quality, they more than make up with their beauty, sexy grooves and very bold ambitions.

True enough, the four ladies were “crazy” enough to take on the songs of Whitney Houston and said they also want to include Katy Perry, Spice Girls, Aegis and even Lea Salonga song in their repertoire.

Quintana later answered all the questions from the press, from how they formed each group—saying they believed in “the more the merrier concept” to the preparations and training each of them have to further improve their performances.

PAGCOR’s musical director Elmer Blancaflor serves as their voice coach and helps them arrange their mashups and repertoire of songs; Donald Galang handles dance and choreography, while Quintana is their mentor for hosting and spiel delivery.

“We are very excited about the group’s upcoming performances because they are the best of the best. They have proven their talent after winning either as grand finalists or champions in PAGCOR’s nationwide talent search and pageants,” Quintana cited.

Dash who has been part of the PAGCOR 5 for years, said those who will be watching the One Rhythm Band shows can expect more from her as an artist. She also promised to promote OPM through her own musical style.

“The audience can expect new song arrangements. As we all know, PAGCOR is promoting pinoy talents and giving importance to OPM, so as an advocate of OPM, hindi po mawawalasa list ng band namin ang mga OPM songs pero bibigyan po namin ito ng panibagong tunog or areglo para magkaroon po ng twist and more excitement,” Dash explained.

Joyce Tañaña - a member of the Viktors – lauded PAGCOR for giving budding local artists like her a chance to showcase their musical flair. “Malaking tulong ang break na ibinigay sa amin. Sana ipag-patuloy pa ng PAGCOR ang pag-tulong sa mga Filipino singers na katulad ko na magkaroon ng trabaho at makapag-perform sa lahat ng branches ng Casino Filipino. Maraming nagsasabi na OPM is dead. Dahil sa proyekto ng PAGCOR, naniniwala ako na mas umangat at nabigyan ng buhay ulit ang OPM,” she said.

Tañaña was the grand champion in the first season of OPM@PAGCOR Nationwide Talent Search held in 2011.

Froilan Canlas, also a member of the Viktors and the grand champion of OPM@PAGCOR Season 2, shared how performing at Casino Filipino has changed his life. “Sobrang thankful at happy ako sa kung anong meron ako ngayon. Noong manalo ako sa OPM@PAGCOR 2, maraming nangyari na nagpabago ng buhay ko. I was able to perform with different celebrities like David Pomeranz, Randy Santiago and KZ Tandingan. Maituturing ko itong learning experience. Nakapag-patayo din ako ng business, music school, recording and rehearsal studio,” Canlas narrated.

K Menn member Steev Fernandez also thanked PAGCOR on behalf of his group, “We are very thankful na may PAGCOR na patuloy na naniniwala sa aming talents as Filipino artists. Without their support we won’t be able to showcase our abilities as entertainers and singers,” he enthused.

For more information on Casino Filipino’s entertainment offerings, please call PAGCOR’s Entertainment Department at (02) 854-4688 or 852-7760 or visit www.casinofilipino.ph and www.facebook/casinofilipino.