Adrian Manzano Cancer Wing opens at kids' medical center

“My father, Adrian, loved children. And he was especially concerned with helping children in need not out of pity for what they do not have. On the contrary, his heart went out to them in admiration for what they have — courage.”

With those words, Edu Manzano, Optical Media Board (OMB) chairman yesterday formally opened the Adrian Manzano Cancer Wing (AMCW) of the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC). The event was timed with World Cancer Day which falls today.

Edu was assisted by son Luis Manzano and other members of the Manzano family. Other stars present were Cherie Gil, Mark Gil, Ricky Davao, Arthur Manuntag and Kat Alano.

Dr. Vince Gomez, head of Surgery at the PCMC, said that the new ward is the only chemotherapy and blood transfusion ward that specializes in treating children. Each equipped with a TV set and DVD player like the three others, the three chemo cubicles have a playful look composed of basic shapes painted in 26-color palette representing the 26 letters in the alphabet.

The entire wing was designed and constructed with the support from Luis M. Zialcita Architects and Stages Design & Construction respectively.

“My dad was active in charity work in his youth,” added Edu. “This facility is a way of continuing his passion in helping kids even though he has passed away.”

The AMCW was blessed by Rev. William Kreutz, rector of the Jesuit Community at the Ateneo. Also present were PCMC executive director Dr. Julius Lecciones and PCMC Chief of Cancer & Hematology Dr. Eustacia Rigor.

Sam Concepcion is the personal choice of Taylor Swift for her Asian concert tour with a stop on Feb. 19 at the Araneta Coliseum

Swift taps Sam as front act on her Asian tour

Confirmed: Taylor Swift has personally chosen Sam Concepcion to open her sold-out concert at the Araneta Coliseum on Feb. 19.

“Taylor selects everything for her concerts,” said Renen de Guia of Ovation Productions which is producing the concert, tickets to which have been sold out as early as first week of December. “In fact, Sam is joining Taylor on her Asian tour.” The Swift concert tickets are the hottest “must-have” these days — “Parang ginto,” said Carlo Orosa, Sam’s manager.

Said Sam who will do a song-and-dance number, “I would have been happy just to watch the concert. It’s a big surprise that Taylor chose me. I’m humbled and thankful, very excited and very thrilled.”

Rosario’s joining SoHo Filmfest not yet certain

A few issues ago, Funfare Update published a report by correspondent Carlo Orosa that Albert Martinez’s film Rosario was joining the SoHo International Film Festival in New York City (SIFFNYC). Carlo quoted Albert as saying, “I am excited and honored because I will get to see the great director Martin Scorsese in the festival, plus the program will be hosted by Frank Vincent who will receive the first SIFFNYC Icon Award. Director John Gallagher will host the closing night to be held at the Quad Cinema. NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg will also attend the opening night and the Red Carpet Night.”

Jorge Ballos, SIFFNYC founder/CEO, e-mailed Funfare Update the following disclaimer:

• Rosario not participating

• Martin Scorsese’s name should not be mentioned

• Actor Frank Vincent is the SIFFNYC Icon Award recipient, but not the host

• Director John Gallagher is a member of the Advisory Board, NOT A HOST

• Mayor Bloomberg’s name should not be mentioned

According to Bibsy Carballo from whom Albert said he learned about an invitation for him to join the SIFFNYC, Rosario and two other Filipino films (Tarima and Ganap na Babae ) have been submitted “for consideration” but it doesn’t mean that they are already officially included.

Imelda’s Nakakagayuma single lives up to title

Like her classic Isang Linggong Pag-ibig, Imelda Papin’s new single Nakakagayuma (from her latest CD Bakit) is bound to, well, “mesmerize” OPM-lovers.

The album, produced by US-based 618 International Records (a division of 618 International Entertainment, Inc. headed by CEO Oscar Parel), also features Imelda’s duet with Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao.

Fresh from another successful concert at the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas together with The Cascades and Ron Dante of The Archies, Imelda is back for a concert in Palawan on Feb. 13, in General Santos City on March 12 and in Bulacan on March 19.

She will be back in the US for another show at Orleans Hotel & Casino on May 6.

Venus, Iya join Umagang Kay Ganda

Starting on Monday, Feb. 7, Miss Universe-Philippines Venus Raj and Iya Villania are joining the ABS-CBN early-morning show Umagang Kay Ganda (UKG).

Venus, who writes the Sunday column Major, Major for The STAR Entertainment Section, will deliver the latest showbiz news and public-service features; while Iya will host the Youth Tube segment that features free playback of the videos that are creating a buzz online.

Other new segments will be introduced on the show, including Webb Report, hosted by Pinky Webb, showing videos from concerned citizens.

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