LA PINOY MAGAZINE by LA PINOY MAGAZINE

What’s Inside Publisher’s View

Living in LA: Knowing the right connections

Meet the Women of Influence

LAPinoy Magazine celebrates “Women Entrepreneur Month” We are honored to feature selected women of influence. They comprise the epirtome of swell ladies and mingling with them can make you feel like we’re out of the woods and no anemic outlook... technically...

The Power of the Resurrection Joy Through Intimacy

BY ATTY. R. BULAON

(L-R) Pia Chikiamco, Mahsa Moayeri and Lea Dizon.

PHILIPPINES’ “KING OF COMEDY” DOLPHY MAKES GUEST APPEARANCE

OR the Philippines’ “King of Comedy” Dolphy, celebrating over 65 years in entertainment means kicking off the North American tour of his new movie “Nobody, Nobody but Juan” with a special guest appearances at each city hosting its premiere. For Dolphy fans in Los Angeles , that means a special trip to Glendale’s famous Alex Theatre on Valentine’s Day to watch, admire and meet in person this living legend in a comedy that spans several decades, much like his own showbiz career. This will be a kick off to an entire year of celebration to mark this momentous occasion.

Roberto Tavera Fleet Sales Manager TOYOTA CENTRAL: 1600 S Figueroa at Venice, 2 blocks south of the Staples Center, 213-748-8301

Make no mistake: they want to sell you a car. But if people leave the dealership and don’t feel like they’ve been treated as a friend, Toyota Central feels like they’re not following their own time-honored business plan. For forty years, they’ve used this approach to taking care of their customers through every kind of business cycle, demographic shift, Act of God and civil insurrection (and they’ve seen a few of those, you can believe it). When you visit, you’ll notice the wide diversity of people all over the dealership lot—in the showroom, out by the customer service areas, back in the service bays, in the business office. They have people from all over the world working and shopping at Toyota Central, and that’s the way they like it. It’s probably the most multicultural car-buying experience you can have in Los Angeles. You’ll meet Africans, Europeans, North and South Americans, and Asians. Representing the Philippines are several people in the business office, including the dealership Business Manager, Willie Colderia. Out on the showroom floor, you’ll meet the very dynamic and knowledgeable Fleet Sales Manager, Roberto Tavera. Working closely with General Manager Lorenzo Serrano, Roberto and the rest of the sales team make it a point of pride to help people find just the right car to suit their needs, whether it’s an entry level Corolla or a high-end Avalon, a hipster Scion, a sporty RAV4, a family-sized Sienna, or a workhorse Tundra. And their finance team works hard to make the cars affordable for every kind of buyer. “This is a great time to buy a Toyota, I’ll tell you that,” says Roberto. “Right now, Toyota is super motivated to make their cars more buyable than ever, so they’re offering fantastic financing deals and lease terms to just about everybody. We’re able to put together some very attractive deals for people. If you’re familiar with the Toyota product, then you know how rock-solid these vehicles are, how reliable, and well-built. Compared to other car makes, Toyota is going to come roaring back in 2010 as the best automotive deal of the year. And Toyota Central plans to be at the head of the pack. Let me say this to everyone in the Filipino community: next time you’re in downtown LA, whatever you need, whatever questions you might have, just come on by and I’ll take care of you personally. That’s a promise.” Spoken like a true friend.

PHILIPPINES’ “King of Comedy” Dolphy makes guest appearance

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Editor’s Pick 1

EMOTION SUPREMACY

EMOT ION

When OvSUPREMACY erwhelm ed By Em otional Ba ggage

By Cec ilia Lim

When Overwhelmed By Emotional Baggage

Our our lives emotions can play a . powerful We hear Whe influence about peop maybe overtake n strong, dark over even emotion us we emotional “lost by theirle being ruled Word by of God must turn into threatens drives are healt emotions.” Somtheir emotions the brigh and tries So often . hy in many or etimes to t light overpower we disco A husb our of the ways. and’s lovin ing feelin ver that we his wife realm. are not g gs There nurture or a mother’s desire is to is a hope but the real battle only fight can be take strong her child ing found that does is yearning care and prot ren. Other times not disap in the spirit As we even in the is to love ect ual and work point; however, in the sove mature in Chrismidst of any and and joy our emot battle reignty kingdom. against our t, comes ions take lives of of God we gain faith . both No matte a nega faith and and learn become and cause we good and r how tive turn it to view confidence bad avoid damais always wise difficult our excellence in everything deliver trust Him, He as coming God’s situations to paus from the us from ges that will prote that whether e that may and debil Lord we ct cripple may regre listen in control we will allow our spirit itating circumstaus from troub . Beor our emot t at the end. order to ual grow nces such le and bring painfwe will contr It ions to th. as emot ol these govern is up to us ul and ions and negative devastatin The feelings take g resul walking truth is, if emot that can ts in strapped around with a ions were visib our lives. trem our heart around our back endous amoule, we would nt of bagg be contentmes leaving us frusts. The bagg age age nt and laughter rated, stealing weighs heav ily the joy, in our lives. peace, in

“When strong tries to dark emo overtake tion thre of the us we Word must turn atens our of God .” into the lives and “Do not bright light God belielet your hea rt be ve also many in me. troubled, if mansion you In you. I will go s, if it were my Fathers believe in I go to not so ther house prepare e to prep are a I would have are receive a plac plac told shall be you unto mys e for you, I will e for you, and elf so also.” if that whe come back and re I am “Come there you to and I will me you are learn of give you rest weary and are hea my yoke me and you . Take my vy lead yoke shal en is easy and my l find rest for upon you and your soul burden LAPin is light oy …for .”

are the people who have very little or no savings. Whatever they want, they want it “now” with no regard for long term affordability. Soon enough, the joy from their new toys dissipates quickly and they’re back yearning for more. OK, OK, what I say here are, of course, my own personal thoughts on the subject and I understand that others may disagree and have a different opinion. But in my view, true happiness is what you do with what you ALREADY have- your family, your friends and your health. Yes, money can buy you a lot of material things but it can never, ever buy you happiness. So now, back to you. If you

are struggling with debt problems (regardless of the reasons!) and need to get your financial house in order, we can help you evaluate your options. For a free consultation, call Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772. We have offices in Glendale, Cerritos, West Covina and now, in Valencia. (None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 4,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1866-477-7772). Website: www.bulaonlaw.com

Yes, money can buy you a lot of material things but it can never, ever buy you happiness.

Filipino Filmmakers to watch “ IT ONLY TAKES A MOMENT TO CAPTURE A MEMORY THAT WILL LAST A LIFE TIME” BOBET, TRAVELS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY ON ASSIGNMENT FOR STUDIOS AND COMPANIES. * THE ONLY ACCREDITED FILIPINO MEDIA PERSON DURING THE FIRST LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX. VISIT: www.bobettorres.com

65 years in entertainment 65 years in entertainment

Filipino Filmmakers to watch

20 LAPinoy

AT Toyota Central, two blocks south of the Staples Center, they’ll tell you they have one basic goal: that everybody who visits their downtown dealership should come to the same conclusion: ‘I’ve got a friend on Figueroa.’

8 LAPinoy

people in the world would be the happiest human beings on this planet. But we all know that it is not so. As a matter of fact, over the last 50 years in this country, studies show that the number of people who consider themselves “happy” has declined in spite of the fact that the number of wealthy people has soared. There are now more millionaires in this country than there were 50 years ago. But the divorce rate has tripled and violent crime has quadrupled. We have big houses but broken homes. Somehow with our increased prosperity comes a sense of emptiness and lack of purpose. Where have we gone wrong? In my work as a bankruptcy attorney, I meet a lot of people who are very materialistic. These people are obsessed with acquiring more “stuff”, thinking that they can get more out of life by having more. They continuously buy new homes, cars, computers, TV’s, electronics, etc. They go on expensive vacations and dine at expensive restaurants. Most of this is done, of course, using borrowed money. These people

By Yvee Tadeo Guevarra

Figueroa

Money &Happiness

16 LAPinoy

Lea W Dizon and Pia Chikiamco, whose short narrative film entitled Angel’s Bread, is set to receive a Silver Lei award from the Honolulu Film Festival this April

Meron kang kaibigan sa

Meron kang kaibigan sa Figueroa

I read an article this morning about a multi-millionaire who decided to give away everything he had, right to the last penny. According to the story, this man had it alla luxury villa by the lake, a 42-acre estate and all the “toys” most wealthy people have, you name it. His total fortune? $4.7 million dollars! But instead of being happy, this man says that his wealth has actually made his life miserable! What’s wrong with this picture? Like most people, your first reaction is probably, “Is this person crazy? Why in the world would anyone give away that much money when to most people who are struggling, wealth always seems elusive?” It just doesn’t make sense”. But listen to what he says: “For a long time I believed that more wealth and luxury automatically meant more happiness. After a while, I felt I was working as a slave for things I did not wish for or need.” After getting rid of some of his possessions, he said that for the first time in his life, he started feeling “free”. Does money buy happiness? I think most of us would like to be rich and find nothing wrong with having a little more than we have. But did you know that even lottery winners and the Forbes’ 100 wealthiest people (according to a survey) say that they have only slightly greater happiness than the average person? Yes, making it big may bring temporary joy but in the long run, it doesn’t guarantee happiness. If it did, then the richest

“True happiness is what you do with what you already have - your family, your friends and your health”

Lea Dizon and Pia Chiamco.

Looking Towards What Truly Matters

“True happiness is what you do with what you already have - your family, your friends and your health”

MONEY & HAPPINESS

The team at work.

Editor’s Note

Through the eyes of an artist Bobet Torres

LAPinoy

President/Publisher Rod Dasco Vice President/Editor-in-Chief Cecilia C Lim Editorial Board Luisito C Lim Lydia C Lim Pastor Lily Burton Managing Editor Suzan Rosal Contributors Diane Abapo Jeffrey R Brignoni Ray Bulaon Yeng S Lim Yvee Tadeo-Guevarra Photographers Ding Carreon Michael Anthony Hermogeno Barbara Singer Graphic Designer Gerry Roman

Publisher’s View

Living in LA:

Knowing the right connections

BELIEVE it or not, we have passed almost a quarter of 2010 and heading towards the end of March. In keeping with our tradition LAPinoy Magazine celebrates “Women Entrepreneur Month” We are honored to feature selected women of influence. They comprise the epirtome of swell ladies and mingling with them can make you feel like we’re out of the woods and no anemic outlook...technically... We’ve been visible online forever...be it in the facebook, twitter or our website www.lapinoymagazine.com... Our business partners, advertisers and readers continue to response and surreptitiously giving feedbacks of what is new and what is interesting. We have the biggerst circulation of the only locally printed Filipino “lush” magazine and our readership is growing in leaps and bounds that we will soon be offering paid subscriptions. You will find us at most Filipino establishments but we are at a point where we want to put a note which says “please take one per family” but we just love for them to grab their FREE copies as soon as it circulates. Printing cost for LAPinoyMagazine is no kidding so we ask your indulgence and watch our dropped off stands. People declare that they’re with us and proud of LAPinoyMagazine’s mission of taking it into a higher level and raising the bar of Filipino publication. USUAL COMMENTS WE HEAR MOST FROM OUR COMMUNITY is “you are giving away a very beautiful magazine for FREE?” Again, we give our heartfelt thanks to our local businesses, professionals and advertisers for their faithful support and LAPinoy is heads up to them. We will definitely focus our next issues to the local and deserving individluals or groups to showcase their businesses, publish their triumphs and remember their accomplishments. LAPinoy Magazine is at your service in expanding your territories including your fun times or simply throwing a cooking bash... In this issue LAPinoy Magazine is marking a milestone of introducing these fabulous women of influence - Ana Puno, Amy Gill, Emma Tiebens, Angie Gradney, Lou Razon and Gandi Villareal. They’re arguably a group of substantial women paving the way for the Filipino women entrepreneur, to get recognized in the global playing field. They embody the vibrancy and tenacity of powerful women who can reset the course of the horizon. President / Publisher

Rod Dasco

Pinay USA, Las Vegas MARIA MABASA

Editor’s Note

Looking Towards What Truly Matters We are struck by the awesome reality of how we are challenged, and extend ourselves beyond our comfort zone. We are all touched by the terrible disaster that ravaged Port-Au-Prince in the little nation of Haiti. We were awestruck and still catching our breath when another devastating earthquake hit the country of Chile. The images we saw and the stories we heard prompted us to ask what can we do to help. We observed all neighboring and far away countries continue to send help but seemed inadequate. Men, women and children including infants were sleeping in the “open” because the few buildings that remained standing were unsafe. The suffering and discomfort will stay for a long time repairing and refitting lost homes and lives. It is very difficult to talk about a degenerating and unstable society that we live in… whenever the economy is shifting, morality is negotiable and truth is relative. Our vision can easily become blurred in the swirl of an ever changing events and the future is so uncertain. The cost of publication are real and unrelenting but the returns of touched lives are well worth the sacrifice. Most of life is learning and growing; falling and getting backup and a lot of forgiving and forgetting. We hardly need the reminder that being in this business is not a cloud nine utopia. Looking things that truly matters are God’s unchanging Word and present the things that will last such as relationship with one another regardless of the changes that lurk in the horizon. LAPinoy Magazine continues to print as our way of helping the community to navigate the maze of change that characterize our world. But there is nothing better than to rejoice and do good – it is the gift of God. LAPinoy Magazine Celebrates

“THE GLORY OF EASTER AND HIS GLORIOUS RESURRECTION.” From the Editor Cecilia Lim

LAPinoy

Meron kang kaibigan sa

Figueroa

Roberto Tavera, Fleet Sales Manager TOYOTA CENTRAL: 1600 S Figueroa at Venice, 2 blocks south of the Staples Center Cell Phone #: 818-2370918 / 213-7488301

8 LAPinoy

65 years in entertainment

PHILIPPINES’ “KING OF COMEDY” DOLPHY MAKES GUEST APPEARANCE

10 LAPinoy

“Nobody, Nobody but...Juan” tells the story of a senior citizen named Juan (Dolphy) who lives in a senior citizens’ home run by his son (portrayed by Eric Quizon who also directed) and daughter-in-law (played by Giselle Tongi). Juan’s favorite pastime is watching the popular Filipino variety/game show “Wowowee” on The Filipino Channel. But he does not watch the show just for entertainment’s sake. Aside from wanting to connect with the Philippines that he dearly misses, Juan is lonesome for his first love, Aida, with whom he lost touch during the Japanese occupation of Manila . Watching “Wowowee” is Juan’s way of coping with homesickness and reliving the past. But when “Wowowee” is banned in the home, Juan takes drastic measures to watch his favorite TV program and in his quest to find ways to do so, crosses paths with his old friend Tu (played by Eddie Garcia) who used to be his partner in the vaudeville duo “Juan Tu”. The incredibly funny “Wowowee” co-host and comedian Pokwang plays Tu’s partner in crime. Legendary actors Eddie Garcia and Gloria Romero also have starring roles opposite Dolphy and even “Wowowee” host Willie Revillame has a few on-screen moments.

Giselle Tongi

Eddie Garcia

Pokwang

“The movie was conceptualized in about 30 minutes in a phone call with (co-producer) Joe Aldeguer”, explains Eric Quizon. “Joe called me and wanted to do a movie with my dad after watching the Oscar-winning movie ‘Slum Dog Millionaire’ and I suggested to him to do a movie based on a FilAm senior citizen who lives in an assisted living residence and loves to watch ‘Wowowee’ in part to connect with his homeland but also to connect with his long lost love and best friends. It’s ‘Wowowee’ that makes Juan decide to return to the Philippines .” Eric immediately took the idea to his father (who already is in semi-retirement) but excitedly gave a definitive ‘yes’ to move forward with the film. The screenplay was written by award

winning writer and comedienne Bibeth Orteza. “For me, there are so many wonderful reasons why this movie is so special,” continues Quizon. “First, I have always wanted to do a movie with my dad with a U.S. location so that I could spend time with him to basically bond. The crew spent about 6 days in Chicago filming because the architecture of Chicago is very nice. You have tall skyscrapers and, at the same time, you have all these Gothic structures. It also happens that Joe also resides in Chicago where he works as a TV and radio personality. There are also several characters which my siblings portray and I get to re-unite with my screen partner Giselle Tongi. Plus, it’s also a reunion of sorts with my dad, Eddie Garcia and Gloria Romero who all started with Sampaguita Pictures in the 1950’s”. The last time Eric worked with his father was back in 2002 in the film “Home Along The River”. What

Jeffrey Quizn and Vandolp

Eric Quizon makes “Nobody…” even more special for Eric is his involvement in helping to write the screenplay, along with Orteza, which is based on his original idea. “Nobody….” premiered during the Metro Manila Film Fest in December and actually, was first entitled “Juan”. But when the Wondergirls song “Nobody” became a big hit, Dolphy himself suggested that they add “Nobody, Nobody” to the title. If added to his entire body of work, “Nobody, Nobody but Juan” pushes Dolphy’s film credits to well over 350 films. The Los Angeles premiere of “Nobody, Nobody but Juan” at Glendale’s Alex Theatre will have an exclusive red carpet prior to the 4:00pm show and will be attended by Dolphy, Eric Quizon, G Tongi and Joe Aldeguer as well as special invited celebrity guests. “’Juan’ is a heartwarming, rib-tickling comedy from the King of Comedy, Dolphy,” beams Eric, “it’s my dad at his funniest best!”

LAPinoy

MEET THE

WOMEN

OF EXCELLENCE Anna Puno, Emma Tiebens, Amy Gill, Angie Gradney and Gandi Villareal. They embody the vibrancy and tenacity of substantial women who can reset the course of the horizon like skilled diplomats they have the ability to marshall arguments like natural born leaders and skilled communicators.

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Women Entrepreneur Month LAPinoy Magazine is marking a milestone of presenting these fabulous women of excellence blazing the trail in - thru making a difference in their craft and paving the way for the Fil-Am Women Entrepreneur to get recognized in the global playing field.

Anna Puno

Emma Tiebens

Amy Gill

Angie Gradney Gandi Villareal

Concert Spotlight on Mega Producer. There is a saying that says behind a successful man is a woman. In concert production however, behind a phenomenal event with the likes of The Main Event (Regine Velasquez and Lani Misalucha) and AS

Emma Tiebens is the Founder of The Relational Marketer and is also an Author, Speaker, Mentor, Coach, Loving Wife, Super Cool Mom and Child of The Most High God!

“When you’re a nurse, you know that every single day you will touch a life, and with every touch comes the opportunity to make a difference in that person’s world,” she says. An experienced nurse, she is no stranger to the health care industry.

Michael Anthony Hermogeno - Photographer Alvin Reyes - Creative Director Giovi Zamora - Art Director Marlou Colina Maxi - Hair and make - up

LAPinoy

Editor’s Pick 1

EMOTION SUPREMACY

When Overwhelmed By Emotional Baggage By Cecilia Lim Our emotions can play a powerful influence over our lives. We hear about people being ruled by their emotions or maybe even “lost by their emotions.” Sometimes our emotional drives are healthy in many ways. A husband’s loving desire is to take care and protect his wife or a mother’s strong yearning is to love and nurture her children. Other times however, our emotions take a negative turn and work against our lives of faith and excellence in God’s kingdom. No matter how difficult our situations may become it is always wise to pause and listen in order to avoid damages that we may regret at the end. It is up to us whether we will allow our emotions to govern and take control or we will control these negative feelings that can bring painful and devastating results in our lives. The truth is, if emotions were visible, we would be walking around with a tremendous amount of baggage strapped around our backs. The baggage weighs heavily in our hearts leaving us frustrated, stealing the joy, peace, contentment and laughter in our lives.

When strong, dark emotion threatens and tries to overtake us we must turn into the bright light of the Word of God. So often we discover that we are not only fighting overpowering feelings but the real battle is in the spiritual realm. There is a hope that does not disappoint; and joy can be found even in the midst of any battle. As we mature in Christ, we gain faith and confidence in the sovereignty of God and learn to view everything that comes both good and bad as coming from the Lord. Because we trust Him, He will protect us from trouble and deliver us from debilitating circumstances such as emotions that cripple our spiritual growth.

“When strong dark emotion threatens our lives and tries to overtake us we must turn into the bright light of the Word of God.” “Do not let your heart be troubled, if you believe in God believe also in me. In my Fathers house are many mansions, if it were not so I would have told you. I will go there to prepare a place for you, and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you unto myself so that where I am there you shall be also.” “Come to me you are weary and are heavy leaden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me and you shall find rest for your soul…for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

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Editor’s Pick 2

The Power of the Resurrection Joy Through Intimacy By Cecilia Lim

Many of us believe that we don’t need church or religion. When we are approached regarding these matters we cut them short by declaring – “ I am a very spiritual person.”

We hear preaching from pulpits in direct opposition to the scriptures and plan of salvation.

We try to fill this spiritual void with taro cards, astrology, numerology, meditation, philosophy or yoga.

Some of us even claim being spiritual basing it on any dimension of our experience that is beyond the physical and welcome paganism, occult, mysticism, or any designed religion we feel comfortable to be empowered or enlightened.

We can be preoccupied with focusing our attention inward, encouraging ourselves to dig deeper into our souls to find truth, self empowerment and self realization or actualization but in the end - we realize these are elusive goals. Apart from Christ as our Savior, these efforts to fill our spiritual hunger are in vain. We need to face the fact that we were all born in a spiritual vacuum, craving wholeness and peace. We may try to satisfy our hearts and souls with temporary fixes or reliefs but only God can enduringly and totally fill that longing inside us. When we come to reach the end of our rope, we reach out and seek for the true source of fulfillment after we realize that the crutches we are holding on are but lies and temporary. They are but shadows of the spirituality of God. These shadow spiritualities make us lose sight of the most important thing. We oftentimes fail to acknowledge Jesus Christ as the true sovereign power and authority of God. We need to watch ourselves fall into shadow spirituality which dismisses the Bible as the Word of God Even the churches we join to fellowship are not immune to temptations of shadow spirituality.

We try to seek for a religion which we think will give strong self-esteem, a balance of spirit, body and mind. Unfortunately, we come to discover that these are elusive goals leaving us empty and searching for more. We may think for a time that these distractions guised as spiritual are helpful but will lead us away from the One who gives real peace, joy and fulfillment. Jesus is the only One who can make us whole and He longs for us to receive the power of the Resurrection when we are transformed by His Spirit – the Holy Spirit of God. “Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God. Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.” 1John 4:1-3

In Touch Ministries Dr. Charles Stanley 99.5 KKLA FM Radio Leading The Way Dr. Michael Youssef 740 KBRT AM Radio Love Worth Finding Dr. Adrian Rogers 740 KBRT AM Radio

LAPinoy

“True happiness is what you do with what you already have - your family, your friends and your health”

& BY ATTY. R. BULAON I read an article this morning about a multi-millionaire who decided to give away everything he had, right to the last penny. According to the story, this man had it alla luxury villa by the lake, a 42-acre estate and all the “toys” most wealthy people have, you name it. His total fortune? $4.7 million dollars! But instead of being happy, this man says that his wealth has actually made his life miserable! What’s wrong with this picture? Like most people, your first reaction is probably, “Is this person crazy? Why in the world would anyone give away that much money when to most people who are struggling, wealth always seems elusive?” It just doesn’t make sense”. But listen to what he says: “For a long time I believed that more wealth and luxury automatically meant more happiness. After a while, I felt I was working as a slave for things I did not wish for or need.” After getting rid of some of his possessions, he said that for the first time in his life, he started feeling “free”. Does money buy happiness? I think most of us would like to be rich and find nothing wrong with having a little more than we have. But did you know that even lottery winners and the Forbes’ 100 wealthiest people (according to a survey) say that they have only slightly greater happiness than the average person? Yes, making it big may bring temporary joy but in the long run, it doesn’t guarantee happiness. If it did, then the richest

16 LAPinoy

Money Happiness

Yes, money can buy you a lot of material things but it can never, ever buy you happiness.

“ IT ONLY TAKES A MOMENT TO CAPTURE A MEMORY THAT WILL LAST A LIFE TIME” BOBET, TRAVELS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY ON ASSIGNMENT FOR STUDIOS AND COMPANIES. * THE ONLY ACCREDITED FILIPINO MEDIA PERSON DURING THE FIRST LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX. VISIT: www.bobettorres.com

LAPinoy

(L-R) Pia Chikiamco, Mahsa Moayeri and Lea Dizon.

The team at work.

Lea Dizon and Pia Chiamco.

Filipino Filmmakers to watch By Yvee Tadeo Guevarra

Lea W Dizon and Pia Chikiamco, whose short narrative film entitled Angelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bread, is set to receive a Silver Lei award from the Honolulu Film Festival this April 20 LAPinoy

ILIPINO filmmakers have only recently started to gain recognition on the world stage – from Brillante Mendoza’s triumph at Cannes to the worldwide critical acclaim bestowed upon Ang Pagdadalaga Ni Maximo Oliveros director Aureus Solito, but a crop of emerging young Filipino talents are determined to make their name in Hollywood and beyond. Among these hopefuls are Lea W Dizon and Pia Chikiamco, whose short narrative film entitled Angel’s Bread, is set to receive a Silver Lei award from the Honolulu Film Festival this April. Produced as a graduate level student short at the renowned University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts (alumni include George Lucas and Robert Zemeckis), the project was one of three to win a $15,000 grant from the school. The 20-minute film tells the story of Matthew, a struggling young cellist who puts his musical dreams aside to take a job as a baker’s assistant. While Matthew brings new life into the bakery with a secret family recipe for “angel’s bread,” he also finds musical inspiration in the sounds of the kitchen and in the company of Cecelia, the beautiful bakery owner. The idea to make a film focused on food was the decision of Chikiamco, who produced the film with Mahsa Moayeri. “Delicious baked goods make me happy. I wanted to convey that in a story,” Chikiamco says. Then both students in the prestigious Peter Stark Producing Program at USC, which trains mostly producers and studio executives, Chikiamco and Moayeri collaborated with screenwriting student Teresa Lo on the story then recruited Dizon to direct.

Lea Dizon, a native of Angeles, Pampanga, came to Los Angeles in 2007 and is finishing up her MFA in the Production Program at USC.

A native of Angeles, Pampanga, Dizon came to Los Angeles in 2007 and is finishing up her MFA in the Production Program at USC. “It was only natural that I wanted to work with Lea,” says Chikiamco, who grew up in Manila and got her bachelor’s degree in communications from Ateneo de Manila University. “We were the only two Filipinos at the graduate level at USC film school. We didn’t know each other before USC but quickly became great friends.” Luckily Dizon had already worked with, and had been friends with Moayeri from her stint at USC’s summer program a few years before. “So it worked for all of us,” says Chikiamco. While it could have easily devolved into off screen drama, as many productions are prone to, it was a pretty harmonious set. “We had creative discussions and we all have strong points of view,” says Dizon. “But we learned to collaborate and compromise.” While sometimes Chikiamco and Dizon would switch to Tagalog in the middle of a discussion, they made sure Moayeri, who hails from a Persian family in Cleveland, Ohio, and the rest of the crew never felt left out. “I started teaching her some Tagalog words,” laughs Chikiamco. With two Pinays on the project, the Filipino influence in the film is very strong, even if the story itself has nothing to do with the Philippines. Working with Los Angeles based food stylist Denise Vivaldo and her team, the group determined that ensaimada dusted with powdered sugar would be the best (and most efficient) representation of the fictional angel’s bread, which had so far only existed in writer Lo’s imagination. Many in the Filipino community also lent a hand. San-San Onglatco, an Ateneo graduate from Cebu, worked in the film’s camera department and Chikiamco’s aunt and uncle, the Bondocs, generously allowed the crew to film scenes inside their home in Westchester for two days. The result is a film that is as sweet as the baked goods inspired by it. But for Chikiamco and Dizon, it is only the beginning of their success in filmmaking.

LAPinoy

KAPLAN LIM BRIGNONI & CENIZA, CPA’s

The Most Trusted Help in Tax Times By Cecilia Lim

XPRIENCED accountants and auditors who have endured the roller coaster ride over the decades make up the backbone of KAPLAN LIM BRIGNONI & CENIZA, CPA’s. In the past six decades this full service accounting firm successfully navigated the economic downturn and volatility condition of the business world since it was founded in 1946.

Their team of CPA’s understand the uncertainties instilled in the minds of their clients by the upheavals of economy in the present times and easily proved themselves as trusted advisers to help clients tackle difficult challenges, unemployment, tight credits and most of all persisting tax problems to gain back their grounds. In this changing world of basics and unreliable guides where past results no longer necessarily the conduct for the future, KAPLAN LIM BRIGNONI & CENIZA has established themselves trustwor-

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