Opposition Sen. Francis Escudero joins the country’s top bands in a major fund-raising effort for the benefit of typhoon victims -- the “Bagong Sigla” concert on Oct. 9, simultaneous in Manila, Dagupan, Iloilo, and Davao.

Originally conceived as a free concert incidentally scheduled a day before the senator’s birthday, “Bagong Sigla” has been turned into a musical event for the benefit of hundreds of victims and the millions rendered homeless by the recent typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

To gain admission to the concert venue, guests are requested to bring some canned goods, a pack of rice, dry and usable clothing, bottled water, medicines, or simply donate a minimum of one peso at the concert gates for the “Bagong Sigla” fund drive.

The Manila concert to be held at Liwasang Ullalim at the Cultural Center Complex will feature Miguel Escueta, the Chicosci, and Bamboo. Local bands will be the featured front acts in the three other urban centers with Imago in Dagupan at the CSI Stadia, Cueshé in Iloilo, and SpongeCola in Davao at the Damosa Market Basket parking lot.

“Sugod! Kilos!, Tayo ang Bagong Sigla” underscores Escudero’s call for a united front. As he downplays the celebration of his 40th birth anniversary on Saturday, the senator has more than prepared for the challenges that will accompany his joining the May polls in 2010.

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Gerry’s Grill Banawe hosts Circle of Friends

After its successful first Circle of Friends Party at Tomas Morato, Gerry’s Grill will host another Circle of Friends Party on Oct. 12, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at its Banawe branch. The series of Circle of Friends Party unfolds every month in all Gerry’s Grill branches nationwide.

Gerry’s Grill remains a favorite and well-loved dining place among Filipinos since it opened its doors to the public on Feb. 14, 1997. It is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for a dining place to hang out with your family and friends with its menu that fits right into your budget.

Gerry’s Grill gives everyone an enjoyable dining experience. Diners are served with a wide array of sumptuous foods ranging from grilled seafood and Filipino favorites to exotic cuisine and tastefully prepared beermates and pica-pica. Every item on the menu goes perfectly well with your favorite beverage; whether it is alcoholic or non-alcoholic.

Its founder, Gerry Apolinario, worked on his passions for good foods and his earnest penchant for drink and grilled foods. He yearned for a venue where both may be enjoyed amidst an atmosphere that was fun, fresh, and wholesome.

Gerry’s Grill continues to reach out to anyone, anywhere. From its first restaurant located along Tomas Morato corner Eugenio Lopez Avenue in Quezon City, Gerry’s Grill has expanded with 44 branches (two of which are in the United States) and still growing!

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Paolo Ballesteros, Direk Soxy, and Mhel Martinez in TV5’s ‘Midnight DJ’

Making a casting coup as gay performers in TV5’s top-rating comedy-horror show “Midnight DJ,” Paolo Ballesteros, levelling on the acting field with veteran actor-director Soxy Topacio and comedian Mhel Martinez, all run for their precious hair and lives this Saturday in the episode entitled “Luka-lukang Peluka.”

“Here (hair) today, gone tomorrow.” This is what happens to a group of unsuspecting gay entertainers Shine (Paolo), Mega (Mhel), and Manong V (Direk Soxy), as a series of killings haunt their nightspot. Samboy (played by Oyo Sotto) and his team once again investigate this fuzzy mystery to find out who, or what, the culprit is.

Watch Paolo Ballesteros on a rare TV appearance as a gay victim together with Direk Soxy and Mhel Martinez in “Midnight DJ” on Oct. 10, 8:30 p.m. on TV5.

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Casting event set at Festival Supermall

Festival Supermall, located in Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, is mounting the First Model and Fashion Congress, a casting event for potential models and advertising talents, at the Activity Area, on all Saturdays of October and November (Oct. 10, 17, 24, and 31; Nov. 7, 14, 21, and 28.)

Schedule is as follows: 10 a.m. to 12 n.n. for infants, children and parents; 1 to 3 p.m. for teens; and 4 to 6 p.m. for young adults/adults.

Participants may just purchase single or cumulative receipts worth P350 from any Festival Supermall store to get a one-day Congress Pass and an electronic pin to log into myfameandfortune.com which can prepare their own set cards.

There will be modeling lectures and VTR/photo shoots. For those who want to have professionally done print outs for their model portfolio, a booth for photographer and make up artists is available. Photo shoots will be at P100 only. Digital shots can be e-mailed or downloaded on customer’s own USB or blank CD.

Festival Supermalls is the only mall with six anchor stores; Shopwise Supercenter, SM SaveMore, Robinsons Department Store, Ace Hardware, and Handyman. Likewise, it has a provision for 600 specialty stores, boutiques and kiosks, a total of 2,300 free multi-level parking slots, various food outlets and 10 state-of-the-art cinemas.

The 1st Model and Fashion Congress is organized by Creativilla and powered by My Fame and Fortune, Asia’s only portal for the modeling industry. Myfameandfortune.com has tie-ups with over 500 talent and casting agencies all over the world. For more information, you can log into www.myfameandfortune.com.