PAGCOR 5 & Ariel Rivera in Christmas concert tour

MANILA, Philippines - Gifts and gratitude is how the members of the PAGCOR 5 — Joyce Tañana, Charles Kevin Tan, Renz Robosa, Steve Fernandez and Hadasa Camporaso — are going to celebrate Christmas this year. After successfully taking part in the OPM@PAGCOR talent search, a new path has been carved for them.

After their very successful first Casino Filipino national tour Reunited last October, this yuletide season will bring their talents all over the country once again, as they headline PAGCOR’s Paskong Pasasalamat 2011 — a Casino Filipino national Christmas tour scheduled tonight (Airport Casino Filipino), Dec. 3 (Casino Filipino Hyatt), Dec. 4 (Casino Filipino Tagaytay), Dec. 8 (Casino Filipino Heritage), Dec. 10 (Casino Filipino Cebu), Dec. 11 (Casino Filipino Bacolod), Dec. 15 (Casino Filipino Angeles) and Dec. 17 (Casino Filipino Davao). They will be joined by special guest, Ariel Rivera.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa PAGCOR for giving me a wonderful singing career,” Joyce says. The 23-year-old grand champ is set to broaden her musical horizons. Her greatest dream, though, is much simpler: To sing the National Anthem in one of Manny Pacquiao’s fights.

As grateful is Charles, second placer, who suddenly finds life full of blessings. Like Joyce, he has set his heart on a long path of artistic excellence.

Third placer Renz enthuses he has never been happier in his singing career and wants to do more, from recordings, concerts to performances abroad. He thanks PAGCOR for giving him a most needed break to show his talent.

Same with grand finalist Steve, as he says, “PAGCOR has improved my performance ability. Marunong na rin akong sumayaw.”

Hadasa, whose parents are now in Japan as migrant workers, has another wish: “I wish na magkakasama na kami ulit nang buo this Christmas, at gusto ko na ma-experience din sana nila ang mga bagay na natatamasa ko ngayon simula nang naging PAGCOR 5 ako.” PAGCOR, she says, made her dreams come true and she cannot be more grateful.

All shows start at 9 p.m. Admission is free on a first-come-first-served basis. For details, call PAGCOR Entertainment Dept. at 852-7758 to 60 or visit its website at www.pagcor.ph.