Grateful Sarah G says Billboard award ‘came at a time when I was doubting myself’

 

The singer during her Billboard interview with pre-event hosts Rania Aniftos and Lilly Singh.

Nathalie Tomada - The Philippine Star 

March 12, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — This Women’s Month, Sarah Geronimo brought pride to the country after becoming one of Billboard’s 2024 Global Force honorees.

Chosen alongside Sarah G by Billboard outlets around the world as Global Forces were Sherine Abdel-Wahab (Egypt), Annalisa (Italy), Maria Becerra (Argentina), Nini Nutsubidze (Georgia), Tia Ray (China) and Luísa Sonza (Brazil).

Billboard described the awardees as “visionaries” who are making groundbreaking contributions to the music industry as singers, songwriters, instrumentalists and producers.

Sarah flew to the US to personally accept her award last March 7 (March 8, Philippine time) during the “Women in Music” ceremony, hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross at the YouTube Theatre in Los Angeles.

In her acceptance speech, the OPM queen, also known as Popstar Royalty to fans, said, “Thank you, Billboard, for celebrating women in music and of course, for giving our country this meaningful recognition. Maraming, maraming salamat to Billboard Philippines for your commitment to bring our music, the Filipino music, and more Filipino artists to a global audience.

“I humbly accept this award for every amazing and excellent Filipina and Filipino artist back home and all over the world.

“Allow me to also take this moment to thank God, Lord Jesus, for the gift of music. Hindi ko po inisip na mararating ko po yung ganito, that I’ll be able to deliver a speech in front of an international audience.”

The 35-year-old, who started in the entertainment scene as a teen vocal champion, also profusely expressed her gratitude to her parents.

“Thank you to my parents, to my Nanay and Tatay, maraming maraming salamat for your unconditional love, and for believing in me and for supporting me.”

The singer went to give credit to her manager, Viva big boss Vic del Rosario, and her management team Viva Artists Agency, and of course, her fans also called Popsters. She then gave a shout out to her husband, actor-host Matteo Guidicelli, “for always pushing me to be a better version of myself every day.”

Sarah pointed out that the recognition symbolized courage and hope for her.

“Courage to accept and embrace oneself. Courage to break boundaries and defy standards. Courage to rise above all the setbacks and challenges that one artist or one person has to face. And I hope one day, this recognition will bridge the Philippines and other nations to create change and positivity in the world through the power of music.”

In a separate statement sent to The Philippine STAR, Anne Bernisca, COO of MMGI and publisher of Billboard Philippines, shared the process for selecting Sarah for the award.

“Billboard Philippines nominated Sarah Geronimo to be the first homegrown and full-blooded Filipina to be recognized on stage to receive the Billboard Women in Music Global Force Award due to her incomparable influence and impact in the Filipino music industry. She is an all-around performer with consistently sold-out shows. She has entered the Billboard global charts and her songs have reached 110 on-demand million streams in 2023 alone,” she stressed.

“Sarah is known for her electrifying stage performances and her wide range of vocal versatility. She is a multi-talented artist who is able to successfully cross both the music and movie industries having starred in top-grossing movies and popular television shows all the while maintaining a stellar music career.

“She also serves as an inspiration to many aspiring young artists and actively participates in helping shape the next generation of Filipino talents by being a coach at ‘The Voice.’ Sarah’s contributions to the music industry and unwavering commitment to effect positive change through her music make her an exemplary choice as Billboard Philippines’ Global Force Awardee.”

She also noted that Billboard Philippines’ participation in this year’s Women In Music Awards is in keeping with “our mission to bridge Filipino music and the world.”

The award, Bernisca further noted, was not only a recognition of Sarah’s achievements but also a celebration of Filipino music.

Meanwhile, in a brief exchange of online messages with Sarah G, through her team at G Productions, Sarah exclusively shared with The STAR some of her highlights from the event.

To be recognized on a global stage, what was your first reaction?

Sarah gets to interact with international artists such as (from left) Victoria Monet, Luisa Sonza and Thuy at the awards event.

“A pleasant surprise! The first time they told me about it, I could not believe it. I am thankful to Billboard Philippines for giving me the honor to represent our country and our music.

“I see it as an important milestone not just for my career, but most importantly for our music industry.

“May this recognition serve as fuel and give us OPM artists more motivation and inspiration to continue loving and creating original Filipino music.”

What does this latest award mean to you as an artist? How special is this?

“It has given me a brand-new perspective of hope and inspiration. It came at a time when I was feeling low and doubting myself as an artist. This has motivated me to just keep going and keep my passion for music burning (heart and fire emojis).”

Lastly, what were your highlights from the awards event and to whom do you dedicate this award?

“Some of my highlights that night were seeing some of my favorite female artists, actors and performers… I saw Katy Perry, Ellie Goulding… Kylie Minogue, Kat Graham from the TV series, ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ Bailee Madison from the ‘Good Witch,’ Victoria Monet!!! She is an amazing artist! I love and admire her artistry! And she was also very nice that we got to share a quick chat! (Smiley).”

“I also met Thuy from Vietnam and Annalisa from Italy!!! They were both beautiful and nice! And of course, I got to meet Tracee Ellis Ross. I wanted to tell her that I enjoyed watching her movie ‘The High Note’ but was not able to because I was so nervous and overwhelmed.

“The recognition is dedicated to all the dreamers out there, to all my loved ones, to everyone who has been part of my journey as an artist, and of course, to the whole Filipino music industry.”

The 34 Very Best German Sayings…EVER! (VI): Die Nase (gestrichen) voll haben

By: 

AuthorMarcel Iseli

6. die Nase (gestrichen) voll haben

Die Nase (gestrichen) voll haben (lit. to have a full nose) simply means that somebody is fed up with something or someone. This German saying is pretty popular and you will hear it often pretty often in everyday speech.  

The saying is pretty informal obviously. To make the phrase “Die Nase voll haben” even more powerful, you can add a “gestrichen” in front of voll, and at that point everybody should be aware that you are extremely fed up with that something (or someone).

 

Example:

Ich habe die Nase von der Schule gestrichen voll! Ich werde dort morgen nicht mehr hingehen!  

Translation:

I’m really sick and tired of school! I’m not going back there tomorrow!

What are some uniquely German dishes that don't get talked about a lot?

 

Volker Eichener

I start with fish, since most (American) tourists eat German meat dishes.

Forelle Müllerin - trout with almond butter.

Scholle Finkenwerder Art - plaice Finkenwerder style - with bacon bits

Büsumer Krabbenbrot - Büsum-style shrimp sandwich: German black bread (Pumpernickel) with shrimps and fried or scrambled egg

Heringsmarinaden - marinated herring. Herring is abundant in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. We eat salted herring (Matjes), raw herring and fried herring, plain, with rolls or as salads. Just a few examples:

Matjesbrötchen - salted herring roll

Brathering - fried herring, marinated

Rollmops - marinated raw herring, rolled up

Heringssalat - herring salad (often with red beet)

Seezungenröllchen - Dover sole rolls

I stop here. Now, vegetable dishes (or dishes where vegetables play the dominant role).

Semmelknödel mit Pilzen - bread dumplings with mushrooms

Leipziger Allerlei - peas, carrots, asparagus, morel, cauliflower and crayfish

Grünkohl - cale, extremely popular when in season (in wintertime), usually served with bacon, smoked sausage and cured pork

Kohlrouladen - cabbage rolls, stuffed with minced meat

Now, the meat dishes.

Königsberger Klopse - meatballs, Königsberg style with anchovys and capers, in a creamy sauce. One of the most popular German dishes.

Rouladen - beef roulade

Hühnerfrikasse - chicken stew

Kaninchen - rabbit

Rehrücken - venison (rack of roe deer)

Himmel und Erde - Sky and Earth, blood pudding with mashed potatoes and caramelized apple

Mett - raw pork

Now, the one-pot-dishes, stews or rather: thick soups. Made from potatoes, peas, lentils, barley or just vegetables.

Graupensuppe - barley soup

Linsensuppe - lentil soup

Finally, a few desserts.

Kalte Hundeschnauze - cold dog’s snout. A classic for children birthday parties.

Bienenstich - bee’s sting

Frankfurter Kranz - Frankfurt wreath (?)

Maulwurfkuchen - mole pie with banana

Flockensahnetorte - whipped cream pie with lingonberries

I could continue forever…

EDIT:

Thank you all for your comments. Some mentioned that similar dishes occur in cuisines of other countries, like Scandinavia, Switzerland, Austria, Netherlands, Poland, even Ukraine, or France. This is right.

Many recipes are several hundreds of years old and were not invented by a certain chef, but gradually evolved from the products and ingredients which were available in a certain region. Some of these dishes developed before nation states came into existence in the middle of the 19th century. Also, people used to travel, especially between neighbouring countries. So, it is natural that neighbouring countries with a similar climate have the same dishes. Please refrain from claiming that a certain dish is the “national” dish of a certain nation. This would be an ahistoric, nationalist view.

I just listed dishes which are popular in Germany, being aware that they are popular in other countries, too.

Flair Image Consultancy to hold a leadership, image, and woomanhood Summit on Women's Month

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Mar 11, 2024 01:59 PM 

 

Manila, March 5, 2024 – To celebrate Women's Month, Flair Image Consultancy will hold a hybrid event entitled Leading Her Way, a Summit on Leadership, Image, and Womanhood. Scheduled for March 20, 2024, at Spaces BCG, this groundbreaking event aims to empower women - and everyone aspiring for leadership and professional development – with invaluable insights into balancing career aspirations with personal life goals.

Attendees will engage in a dynamic panel discussion titled "Sustainable Success: Crafting a Life of Balance and Abundance." This session will unveil practical strategies for achieving harmony between professional pursuits and personal fulfillment. From mastering the art of work-life balance to cultivating a mindset of abundance, participants can anticipate gaining actionable insights that pave the way for sustainable success.

 

Furthermore, summit participants will have the exclusive opportunity to learn from a distinguished panel of powerhouse female speakers, each boasting a wealth of experience and expertise in their respective fields. The lineup features Mitzi Tuason, Sales Operations Head at Arthaland; Rita Linda Dizon Dayrit, AICI CIC, a seasoned Certified Image Consultant; Tina Khoe Ang, General Manager of Ice Happiness Inc.; Sheila Nazal, Director of Operations at Ysa Skin Care Corporation; and Martine De Luna, a highly regarded Certified Transformational Coach for Women. 

 Aside from the enriching panel discussion, attendees will get insights from the keynote presentations delivered by industry leaders, namely, Mylene Abiva, President/CEO, Felta Multi-Media Inc, Nerissa Berba, EVP, Chief People Officer, Security Bank Corporation, Ginny Villegas, AICI CIC, Certified Image Consultant, and Patricia Reposo, CEO, Weremote PH. These sessions will cover various aspects of leadership, personal branding, and navigating the multifaceted landscape of modern womanhood. 

 

FLAIR Image Consultancy Managing Director Ginny Villegas, AICI CIC, a Certified Image Consultant by the Association of Image Consultants International, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy life balance. She remarks, "Women can empower themselves by prioritizing a harmonious balance between their career and personal aspirations. By nurturing professional success and personal fulfillment, women can unlock their full potential and lead confidently."

 

The event is sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, Lakpue Drug, Inc., and CASAS+Architects. Media sponsors are When in Manila and Manila Bulletin. Venue sponsor is Spaces. Marketing partner is Breakthrough Leadership Management Consultancy. 

Registration for the Leading Her Way summit is now open. Secure your spot today by registering through the link: bit.ly/LeadingHerWay. 

 

Celebrate women's resilience, strength, and leadership this Women’s Month. Join Flair Image Consultancy on March 20th for an empowering and transformative experience at the "Leading Her Way" summit. 

 

For media inquiries or further information, please send an email to info@flairimageconsultancy.com. 

FASHION AND BEAUTY: Binibining Pilipinas 2024 calls for aspirants

 Binibining Pilipinas 2023 queens: Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2023 Anna Valencia Lakrini, Binibining Pilipinas 2023 1st runner-up Katrina Anne Johnson and Binibining Pilipinas 2023 2nd runner-up Atasha Reign Parani.

Earl D.C. Bracamonte - Philstar.com

March 10, 2024 | 2:33pm

MANILA, Philippines — Binibining Pilipinas, the pageant, will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this 2024 pageant season. Interested aspirants still have two weeks to submit their applications.

In a social media post, the Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) reminded applicants of the requirements they need to furnish the organization upon submission of their respective applications. These include:

An accomplished application form (Applicants can download the forms via www.bbpilipinas.com)

Proof of citizenship, whether they are: a.) Natural-born citizens (born in the Philippines), b.) Balikbayans who re-acquired Philippine citizenship under R.A. 9225, or c.) Natural-born citizens born outside the Philippines

Residency (Has not resided outside the Philippines or has resided outside the Philippines)

High School or college diploma. For graduate applicants, a copy of her transcript of records is also needed.

Medical certificates for both physical and mental health well-being

Certificate of good moral character given by school, church, and/or professional organization

Photo set cards (one close-up and one full body)

A certified true copy of birth certificate

Applicants may submit their documents to the BPCI Office at the 8th floor of the Aurora Tower, along Gen. Malvar St. in Araneta City on or before March 22, 2024.

Outgoing queens Binibining Pilipinas International Angelica Lopez and Binibining Pilipinas Anna Valencia Lakrini will crown their successors at the culmination of the 60th coronation night ceremonies in early June. Stay tuned!

RELATED: 60 delegates for Binibining Pilipinas' 60th year

Angel Canino powers La Salle over UP for fifth consecutive win

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• Reigning Rookie of the Year-Most Valuable Player Angelo Canino continued to showcase her fine form after steering De La Salle past the hapless University of the Philippines, 25-15, 25-17, 25-18, in the first round of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

---

Reigning Rookie of the Year-Most Valuable Player Angelo Canino continued to showcase her fine form after steering De La Salle past the hapless University of the Philippines, 25-15, 25-17, 25-18, in the first round of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

 

Reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year-Most Valuable Player Angel Canino of De La Salle. (UAAP Media) 

With the win, the Lady Spikers and finals rival National University Lady Bulldogs share similar records of 5-1 for the second spot in the standings. 

NU is also fresh from a dominant straight-set victory over University of the East Lady Warriors a week before the reigning finalists take on each other to wrap up the early eliminations. 

Canino led all scorers with an all-around display of 16 points off 13 attacks, two blocks and a service ace, while Shevana Laput and Thea Gagate finished with nine and eight markers, respectively. 

Joan Monares paced the Fighting Maroons with a measly nine-point outing to cover for the whole squad’s limited offensive production. 

The State U under the guidance of new head coach Oliver Almadro is still seeking for its breakthrough as it stretches its losing streak to 16 games dating from last season’s one-win campaign. 

The Fighting Maroons remained as the only winless team this season, having only won two sets so far in five outings. 

Kuh Ledesma shares about living the best life

A birthday to celebrate, a concert to entertain, and a message to inspire

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• Most of the proceeds from the 3:16 Concert aim to benefit The Holy Bible Giver Foundation, Inc.

---

Kuh Ledesma 

A celebration that hopes to entertain and inspire. That is the theme of Kuh Ledesma's birthday concert, "3:16," which will be staged at the Music Museum in Greenhills San Juan on March 16. 

"3:16" is the numeric equivalent of Kuh’s birthdate, March 16. During a recent media conference held at La Virginia in Timog, Quezon City, Kuh shared that her upcoming concert is special because her friends will share testimonies about how God changed their lives.

"May laman yung mga songs na stories na maririnig nila. Very short stories lang from different people I've known. Maricris Bermont will share a testimony. Napaka-powerful ng testimony niya of how she came to know Christ. Pero dito shorter version lang. Testimonies from other friends. I have a good friend who will testify. She's gorgeous. She takes care of herself. Hindi siya naghahanap ng boyfriend. But in the past, it was sex, drugs, and rock and roll. She will share why that's not the kind of productive life for our children," Kuh said. 

(The songs that they will hear are full of stories. These are just very short stories from different people I've known. Maricris Bermont will share a testimony. Her testimony of how she came to know Christ is very powerful. But here, it is only a shorter version — testimonies from other friends. I have a good friend who will testify. She's gorgeous. She takes care of herself. She's not looking for a boyfriend. But in the past, it was sex, drugs, and rock and roll. She will share why that's not the kind of productive life for our children.)

Kuh said that her fans will also get to hear her OPM hits. Asked about her most requested songs during the concert, the pop diva said: "Sabi nila 'Till I Met You' raw. I think one of the requested songs during my concerts abroad was 'Ako Ay Pilipino.' You could see some of them crying as I sang the song."

"One of the songs I will sing is " The Climb" by Miley Cyrus. It's a really nice song. They will hear songs about love. The power of Jesus Christ has given us an example; even before we loved Him, He already loved us. Ang talagang naghe-heal sa atin ay ang Panginoon. Ang buhay mo ay hawak ng Diyos. So basically, that's the show's message in songs and stories," Kuh also said.

Up-and-coming singer Nathan Randal will join Kuh, with the special participation of 70s Movie and Music Icon Mr. Tirso Cruz III, award-winning actress and director Gina Alajar, and Kuh’s daughter Isabella. "Gina will act out something from the Bible. Pipo naman will sing. May duet kami." 

She added: "I've stopped spending on gowns, and we've stopped spending too much. It's a different situation this time because the proceeds will go to the beneficiary. But our guests meron din naman silang love gift. We never do a show na wala silang matatanggap."

Kuh mentioned that she maintains her singing voice by ensuring that she gets enough sleep.

"I've never smoked. I try to sleep early. Kapag na feel ko na pagod na (ang voice ko), hindi na ako masyado nagsasalita. You have to know the disciplines of being a singer. Kapag rested ako, mas mataas ang boses ko. So sleep is very important to singers."

Kuh Ledesma (right) and Gina Alajar

Ultimate goal

Kuh is currently enjoying the best days of her life. Aside from her music and business, Kuh also reads and spreads the word of God. As she celebrates her birthday, the "Dito Ba" singer says she has learned to stop worrying. Her secret to being strong and lively all this time is the inner peace of the Lord.

"I read the Word of God everyday and pray. Para sa akin, kapag nagdasal tayo, nagiging mas madali ang buhay natin. Connected kasi si God sa atin eh. We are His creations. When you run away far from God, we are on our own. Wala tayong lakas.  

"My strength is the inner peace of the Lord. Dati worrier ako eh. Hindi na ngayon. I just learned to surrender everything to God. There's no point in worrying. You're worrying about something na puwede namang hindi mangyari," she said.

Kuh revealed her ultimate goal: to serve God. "My ultimate goal is to serve God more than anything. In my concert, I included the message of God's love. I can talk about mga kalokohan, but I don't want my life to be like that."

The concert is Kuh’s heartfelt way of thanking and celebrating the many blessings she and her family have received through these years, a celebration she wants to share with her beloved fans. 

Despite the numerous trials and challenges that Kuh has faced in her professional and personal life, her unwavering faith has kept her head above water, and she has demonstrated remarkable resilience and courage against all odds.  

Kuh hopes that through her 3:16 Concert, people will not only be entertained by the songs that she will be performing but that through her testimony, people will be inspired to learn more about the significance of the number 3:16 in her life.

Nathan Randal

Proceeds

Most of the proceeds from the 3:16 Concert aim to benefit The Holy Bible Giver Foundation, Inc.

The Holy Bible Giver Foundation Inc. (HBGFI) is a non-profit, non-government organization founded by Kuh. Its goal is to distribute Bible copies in depressed areas nationwide and conduct healing conferences and Inspirational Concerts all over the Philippines. 

Kuh has continued supporting HBGFI in its efforts to successfully distribute Bibles in Metro Manila, Cavite, Tacloban, Davao, Cebu, and Cagayan. 

The Foundation has also organized big healing conferences in Cagayan, Bacolod, and Cebu. It has been supporting non-government organizations that care for abused children, like The Kalipay Foundation of Bacolod and the Samaritan’s Inc. in Cavite.

In addition to her hectic professional life, Kuh has visited prisons, rehabs, and orphanages as part of her calling and commitment to sharing God’s good news and love. 

Kuh believes that more than just providing financial or material support to incarcerated individuals or abandoned or orphaned children, the spiritual welfare and needs of these individuals are just as important or, if not even more important, as they face the stigma of imprisonment and neglect. 

She believes that by paying it forward through her faith, she is also helping society by imparting positive and encouraging values to people whom society has somehow shunned or forgotten, thus giving them hope for a second, third, or even fourth chance at a better, more productive life.

In line with the theme of her concert, Kuh will be performing familiar Pop ditties with inspiring messages that she hopes will entertain and impart a positive spiritual vibe to her audience.

3:16 is one concert that Kuh hopes will not only entertain people who will go to watch it but, more importantly, be able to take home an inspiring message that will give them hope and encouragement as they face the many challenges in their daily lives.

Cayetanos deliver essential aid to various sectors in NCR

Over a thousand residents of Caloocan City and the City of Manila received essential aid from the offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano during two days of outreach activities on March 4 and 5, 2024.

In Caloocan City, Barangay Health Workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, and Daycare Workers —sectors that the Cayetanos have been advocating for through legislation—were given aid to address their needs.

Former Caloocan 2nd District Representative Egay Erice, who was instrumental to the success of the March 4 activity, addressed the beneficiaries and thanked the sibling-senators for extending aid to their community.

"Magpasalamat tayo kay Senator Alan Peter at Senator Pia Cayetano sa handog nila sa ating lahat. Sa kahirapan ng buhay, iyan po ay ibinibigay nang walang kapalit at ano mang kondisyon," he said.

Aside from community development workers, members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers' Association (TODA) of Barangay 12, Caloocan City, also received assistance from the senators.

The following day in the City of Manila, 300 women residents were empowered by the Cayetanos' aid in honor of Women’s Month, a cause close to the heart of Senator Pia Cayetano.

Among the beneficiaries was Remedios De Vera, who shared that she has been caring for her child undergoing dialysis for 29 years. Due to this, she had to resign from her job and seek assistance from various government agencies and offices.

She revealed that Senator Alan never failed to assist her with their medical needs.

“Simula noong nagsimula siyang mag-dialysis, palagi akong lumalapit kay Senator Alan Cayetano at palagi naman akong hindi nabibigo dahil palagi niya akong binibigyan ng tulong,” she said.

These outreach efforts were made possible through the assistance of the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD)’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program and the local government units of Caloocan City and the City of Manila.

These initiatives are part of the Cayetanos’ ongoing efforts to support marginalized communities in the country. They closely collaborate with government agencies and local units to ensure that Filipinos in need receive necessary assistance. ###