The Fil-Am Comedy Jam V returns to the Dole Ballrooms in Honolulu, Hawaii on Saturday, April 11. This year’s Jam stars Rex Navarrete, Joey Guila, and Ron Josol, and hosted by local boy Lanai from Island 98.5 FM radio.

Rex Navarrete is considered the premier Filipino American comedian selling out shows across the nation and in the Philippines. Likewise, Joey Guila has set the bar for Filipino comics winning the western division of the First Asian-American National stand-up competition as well as the regional Kings of Comedy in 2003. Ron Josol is the most recognized Asian comedian in Canada performing in shows such as Winnipeg Comedy Festival, International Comedy Fest 2k8, and the LOL Comedy Festival in Hollywood, California.

Nonito Donaire Jr. and Brian Viloria, bitter rivals during their amateur days, showcase their talents when the country stages its first-ever dual world championship card on March 22 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Donaire, who dethroned Australia-born Armenian Vic Darchinyan by knockout, will defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight crown against undefeated Mexican Raul Martinez in a 12-round clash.  Martinez, 27, has a 24-0 record, with 17 KOs, and is the IBA superflyweight champion.  Last November, he weighed 113 1/2 pounds in knocking out Victor Proa in one round in Philadelphia. Three years ago, Martinez tipped the scales at 119 in halting Andres Ledesma.

In the companion main event, Brian Viloria (a former WBC light flyweight champion) will take on IBF light flyweight titlist Ulises Solis of Mexico in hopes to reclaim his status as the top dog in the 108lb class - 12 round championship bout.

Promoted by Bob Arum in association with Solar Sports, the card will feature the Los Angeles-based Donaire and Viloria (grew up in Hawaii), as headliners for the first time since they fought as amateurs during the 2000 Olympic Trials.

The country’s biggest, grandest and most anticipated festival is set to take center stage once again—the Sinulog Festival 2009.  The Sinulog is an annual festival held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, Philippines. The festival honors the child Jesus, known as the Santo Niño (Holy Child), patron of the city of Cebu. It is a dance ritual that commemorates the Cebuano people’s pagan origin, and their acceptance of Christianity.

The word ‘Sinulog’ is from the Cebuano adverb ’sulog’. It means “water current movement.” Its adaptation describes the forward-backward step movement of the Sinulog dance. According to the rhythm of the drums, people dance two steps forward, then one step backward.  The participants in the Sinulog Festival wear bright-colored costumes and dance to the music made by trumpets, native gongs, and drums. The streets are full of people eager to witness the beauty of the festival.  Smaller versions of the festival are held in various parts of the province, also to celebrate, and honor the Santo Niño.

Traditionally, the Sinulog Festival is celebrated for nine days. The ninth day culminates into the Sinulog Festival Grand Parade. A water parade called Fluvial Procession is held on the day before the Grand Parade. The procession starts at dawn from Mandaue City and ends in Cebu City.

We would like to thank all of those who visited Brown Nation at the Taste of Kalihi 2008 held on Oahu on Saturday, September 6, 2008 · 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Click here to see more photos.

“A Taste of Kalihi” is Kalihi’s annual block-party style celebration highlighting Kalihi’s rich history, cultural diversity and bright future. The event brings together business organizations, area residents and Kalihi supporters in a festival-style atmosphere in an effort to revitalize “Kalihi Pride” and stimulate economic opportunities in the area. As the event’s namesake highlights, attendees will be able to experience the area’s unique flavor through a sampling of the town’s delicious cuisine, dynamic entertainment and exciting activities.

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