Minors, students easy prey for illegal online gamblers

 

Illegal gaming operators are drawing increasing numbers of customers to their platforms, targeting even minors and students to their nefarious activities, by offering fewer restrictions to participate in online gambling.

 

This, despite the implementation of strict measures by authorities to curb illegal gambling. Their lack of regulation, combined with aggressive marketing tactics like cashbacks and free money for first-time players, makes it attractive to vulnerable groups, potentially leading to increased gambling frequency and wagers.  

Deception by fake websites

 

Licensed betting sites approved by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) strictly adhere to the "know your customer" verification process to ensure that only those allowed by law can participate in the games.

 

In failing to abide by Pagcor's rules and standards, unlicensed online gaming sites are damaging the industry's potential, with malicious entities creating fake websites to deceive users. They also disregard other laws and regulations, including tax obligations as well as measures meant to protect the safety and privacy of bettors.

 

OKBet, a local gaming platform licensed and regulated by Pagcor, recently uncovered an alarming number of fraudulent websites masquerading as its online sportsbook. These malicious pages use domain names nearly identical to the official OKBet website, prompting the company to remind the public to only access its website through the correct web address, www.OKBet.com.

 

 

Pagcor ushers in 2016 with Celebrity Shows

Pagcor starts the year right with exciting celebrity shows in various Casino Filipino branches nationwide.

Allan K joins forces with Ate Gay as they unleash their comic power and make the crowds holler in their shows at Casino Filipino Mimosa (January 20) and Casino Filipino Talisay Cebu (January 23).

Randy Santiago will prove once more his undying charisma as he performs at Casino Filipino Crown Regency Cebu on January 29. Randy promises that casino habitués will have a great time with his engaging performances.  

Catch Marion Aunor and DJ Durano as they take centerstage on January 29 at Casino Filipino Malabon.

Get ready to laugh till you drop with K Brosas at Casino Filipino Davao on January 30.  There is never be a dull moment when you’re with K. Aside from being a good singer, she will make you wide awake with her side-splitting punch lines and hilarious antics.

For inquiries, call the PAGCOR Entertainment Department at (02) 708-2046, 526-0337 loc 2401 or 2403. Check and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pagcor.artists #

Pagcor ushers in the "Ber" months with a bang!

It’s going to be a fun-filled September for all Casino Filipino habitues as Pagcor ushers in the ‘Ber’ months with exciting celebrity shows. You wouldn’t want to miss the chance to watch and sing along with the stars who will pump up the volume with their much-awaited performances.

Young balladeer Michael Pangilinan returns to Pagcor stage as he performs on September 2 (Binan Satellite), September 3 (Casino Filipino Malate), and September 4 (Madison Satellite). Michael is now making a name for himself as one of the most promising young artists of his generation.

The band Pretty Young Thing (PYT) will liven the night when you watch them live on September 2 at Casino Filipino Angeles.

As one of the country’s female singers with powerful vocals, Sheryn Regis proves once more that she has what it takes to be called a singing diva in the music scene. She will captivate the audience at September 2 (Casino Filipino Iloilo), September 3 (Mactan Satellite), September 5 (Casino Filipino Cebu), September 10 (Casino Filipino Malate), September 11 (Casino Filipino Davao), September 16 (Casino Filipino Pavilion), September 18 (Malabon Satellite), September 19 (Casino Filipino Angeles), and September 25 (Casino Filipino Tagaytay).

Julia Clarete is not only a good actress but also a regular fixture on the small screen as a talented host. Catch her onstage at Mimosa Satellite on September 11.

For inquiries, call the PAGCOR Entertainment Department at (02) 708-2046, 526-0337 loc 2401 or 2403. Check and ‘Like’ us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pagcor.artists #

Celebrity Summer Shows in Casino Filipino

The Pagcor stage is now ready for the much-awaited special celebrity shows of the country’s topnotch performers.

Chokoleit will unleash his comic power on May 8 at Casino Filipino Olongapo. As one of the country’s brilliant comedians, Chokoleit will keep you laughing on your seats with his side-splitting punch lines and hilarious performances. He will return onstage on May 20 at Casino Filipino Pavilion for another dose of fun and entertainment.

Ace rapper Gloc 9 will rap his way to Casino Filipino Tagaytay on May 15. Be amazed as you listen to his poetic lyrics performed in his signature rapid-flowing vocal style. If once is not enough, then go and watch him again on May 23 at Casino Filipino Angeles.

Mark your calendar for Janno Gibbs’ special shows on May 22 (Casino Filipino Cebu) and May 28 (Casino Filipino Malate).Janno will surely captivate the romantic at heart with his gentle and soothing voice.

Acoustic singer Nyoy Volante takes centerstage on May 27 at the Carmona Satellite.  The audience will fall in love all over again as he serenades them with romantic songs.

For inquiries, call the Entertainment Department at (02) 708-2046, 526-0337 loc 2401 or 2403.

Have fun with celebrities at PAGCOR this November

Topnotch comedian Allan K reigns supreme at Pagcor stage this month. Mark your calendar for his series of shows on November 4 (Casino Filipino Angeles), November 5 (Casino Filipino Malabon Satellite), November 12 (Casino Filipino Pavilion), November 20 (Casino Filipino Ronquillo), November 21 (Casino Filipino Olongapo), and November 26 (Casino Filipino Tagaytay).

Allan K is one of the brilliant entertainers in the country today. He will bring the house down with his comic banters with the audience and with his guests Le Chazz and AJ Tamiza.

Expect a night of melody and harmony as musical theater sensation Ima Castro and K Menn take centerstage for a vocal showdown at Pagcor on November 12 at Casino Filipino Malabon Satellite (Le Grande Hotel) and November 22 (Casino Filipino Tagaytay). The guys of K Menn are Steev Fernandez, Mykle Benedicto and Eeboy Quizol.

The band Pretty Young Thing (PYT) will charm their way to the hearts of the audience as they perform on November 28 at Casino Filipino Angeles. The girl band is composed of Miriam Jayne Mayo, Dania Soan, and Sharmaine Marie Eugenio. They will perform together with K Menn.

All shows will start at 9pm.

NYOBG BARES ALL THIS OCTOBER AT PAGCOR

Looking for an exciting late night show? Drop by any Pagcor branches and watch Benj Bolivar, Carlo Sawit, Maui Lumba, PJ Go, Avery Paraiso, Kaye Chua, Junnel Manansala, Jennica Ollero, and Nicole Koffman in their Not Your Ordinary Variety Show (NYOVS) this October.

Catch them live on October 11 (Casino Filipino Angeles), October 16 (Casino Filipino Hyatt), October 25 (Casino Filipino Ronquillo), October 30 (Casino Filipino Pavilion), and October 31 (Casino Filipino Tagaytay).

“It’s going to be a fun, fun night. All the audience need to do is to take the backseat and enjoy the ride. The NYOBG will take care of the rest.” That’s how Benj described NYOVS this October.

Carlo shared that his excitement never diminishes despite the numerous shows they have done. “It always feels like the first time. You gotta have this kind of mindset so you will look forward to every performance and not think of it as pure work. Di naman nakakasawa because we have different themes each month. New clothes, new gimmicks, new music to pump up the crowd.”

Chinese cutie PJ admitted there are still a lot in store for the audience. “Kahit marami na kaming naipakitang performances, may ihihirit pa kami. We don’t run out of ideas to make NYOVS better each time. We thank our management, Backroom Inc., because of the relentless support we receive. Kaya naman lalo namin pinagbubuti ang aming trabaho.”

Maui added, “Siyempre we thank our fans and the audience. Iyong iba nga sa kanila, dinadayo pa kami kung saan kami nagpe-perform. We feel appreciated and loved. We’re thrilled when we hear good feedback. Nakakataba ng puso and we’re inspired to do better not only in NYOVS but in our respective careers. It also proves that we did the right thing by joining showbiz.”

Kaye is used to walking onstage – either as a performer or as a beauty title holder (the last one being a 3rd Runner Up and People’s Choice Award in Ms. Manila 2014). “Like I previously said in an interview, it should go way beyond having fun when it comes to your career. You should feel comfortable and be sure of yourself because when you are, what you’re doing won’t feel like work anymore and that’s what I feel when I’m on stage.”

Avery considers each show as an opportunity to improve himself as an artist. He said, “Marami akong pinaghuhugutan ng inspiration to be a better performer, at isa na rito ang NYOVS. I learned to work harder and to be more comfortable because of our Pagcor shows.”

Jennica enthused, “I want to gain more experience and exposure. I’ve made up my mind to grab all the opportunities knocking on my doorstep.”

So for those going to watch NYOVS this October, Junnel chortled, “It will be a fun-filled night full of surprises and music. Bawal ang kill joy! Dapat lahat ay masaya. Dapat lahat ay chill lang.”

Nicole promised, “We assure you that the shows are a feast to the senses – spectacular production numbers and highly-infusing beats. Everything is prepared to give only the best to the audience.”

Special guests are Krazy Chikz and other Pagcor artists.

For Inquiries, call Backroom Inc at 4351108, 4351120 and 9280717 or email us at backroominc@hotmail.com.Like Backroom Inc. on facebook at www.facebook.com/backroominc and or follow Backroom Inc. on twitter at www.twitter.com/BackroomArtists.

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. #

                                                           

NYOBG's Not Your Ordinary Variety Show This Summer.

Summer is just around the corner and what better way to beat the sweltering sun than to join the fun as NYOBG (Not Your Ordinary Boys and Girl) heats the runway in the extra hot special show titled Not Your Ordinary Variety Show live at various Pagcor Casino branches.

A whole night of rollicking performance awaits the audience on March 1 (Casino Filipino Pavilion), March 14 (Casino Filipino Mimosa Satellite), March 20 (Casino Filipino Hyatt), March 22 (Airport Casino Filipino), March 29 (Casino Filipino Olongapo), April 3 (Casino Filipino Olongapo), April 9 (CasinoFilipino Hyatt), April 12 (Airport Casino Filipino), April 23 (Casino Filipino Angeles), and April 26 (Casino Filipino Pavilion).

NYOBG, Backroom’s latest addition to its league of talented artists, is composed of Carlo Sawit, PJ Go, Avery Paraiso, Benj Bolivar, Kaye Chua, Maui Lumba, and Bon Jovi Osorio.

Carlo enthused, “I get an adrenaline rush whenever I perform in-front of a crowd. Since it’s a live show, may feedback agad from the audience so alam agad namin kung nage-enjoy ang manonood.”

“Since joining NYOBG, we have been together for over a year now. We’ve bonded together and it shows during our performance dahil comfortable na kaming magkakasama. We consider ourselves as one big, happy family,” said PJ, Benj, and Avery.

Kaye and Maui shared, “We’ve been friends since college. Now that we’re in NYOBG, mas lalo kaming naging close sa isa’t isa. Although we’re working, parang gimik na rin ito para sa amin lalo pa’t we’ve met the other guys. Sabi nga, the more, the merrier.”

Bon Jovi added, “I always look forward to our performances at Pagcor. Not everyone is given the chance to perform live onstage. It also prepares us for our future activities. Plus, it’s lots of fun!”

Joining them onstage as special guests are Krazy Chikz and Pagcor artist.

Aside from being busy with their Not Your Ordinary Variety Show, these new breed of young artists have their hands full of activities in their individual careers. Carlo is the newest endorser of Yellow Cab. He recently finished taping a special role in an upcoming ABS-CBN series and is now preparing for a role in a new project. Benj is part of a forthcoming series on ABS-CBN. Avery is currently shooting a movie under Skylight Films (Star Cinema’s sister company).

Meanwhile, after appearing on Maria Mercedes, Bon Jovi is now preparing for a special project. PJ and Maui will be launched as the latest product endorsers of a leading brand. Kaye is training in preparation for her big dream.

For Inquiries, call Backroom Inc at 4351108, 4351120 and 9280717 or email us at backroominc@hotmail.com. Like Backroom Inc. on facebook at www.facebook.com/backroominc and or follow Backroom Inc. on twitter at www.twitter.com/BackroomArtists.

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.