Columnist Janet Nepales with author Ruben V. Nepales and actor Clifford Banagale
(Photo by Hydee Ursolino-Abrahan)

LOS ANGELES--When my husband, Ruben V. Nepales, launched his first book, My Filipino Connection: The Philippines in Hollywood, at Carla’s Café at the CBS Studios in Studio City recently, we had people coming from various parts of the world to celebrate with us.

Ploning director Dante “Ga” Garcia flew in from the Philippines. Mike Malicsi, director of the University of Santo Tomas Office for Alumni Relations, and Pilar Romero, assistant to the University of Santo Tomas rector, also came straight from Manila to attend the event.

Acclaimed Tina Turner tribute artist Luisa Mendez-Marshall, who is featured in the book and who was also Ruben’s former coursemate at the University of Santo Tomas--they both took up Communication Arts--came from Vancouver, Canada, with her husband Steve.

The book, which is a collection of mostly published works that reflects Ruben’s advocacy to spotlight talents of Filipino heritage making it in world entertainment, includes articles on Vanessa Hudgens; Darren Criss; Oscar nominees Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit) and Matthew Libatique (cinematographer, Black Swan); acclaimed director Ramona Diaz; Charice; animators, including “Pixnoys” (Filipinos who work at Pixar) Ronnie del Carmen, who is co-directing his first Pixar film, Ricky Nierva, and Gini Cruz Santos; DreamWorks’s Louie del Carmen; Alec Mapa; Anna Maria Perez de Tagle; Charmaine Clamor; Bernardo Bernardo; Bessie Badilla; Luisa Mendez-Marshall; John Butiu; the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO); and many more.

Jessica Sanchez with columnist Janet Nepales

LOS ANGELES—Fil-Ams celebrated on May 11 after Jessica Sanchez made it to the top 3 of reality singing competition American Idol’s (AI) eleventh season. The last Fil-Am who made it to AI’s top 3 was Jasmine Trias in season 3.

Other Fil-Ams who made it to AI's live shows were Camile Velasco (season 3), Ramiele Malubay (season 7), and Thia Megia (season 10).

Wednesday nights, to most Fil-Ams, are "Jessica Sanchez voting nights," while Thursday nights are when they pray that Jessica makes it to the show's next round.

We interviewed three Fil-Am community leaders here in Los Angeles--event producer-talent manager Ted Benito, writer Prosy dela Cruz, and fashion model-film producer Bessie Badilla--and here are some of their thoughts on the "Jessica Sanchez phenomenon."

Designer Oliver Tolentino at the Global Green USA pre-Oscar event
(Photo by Sthanlee B. Mirador)

LOS ANGELES—Fresh from his successful stint on the “green carpet” at the Global Green USA pre-Oscar event where he was the first ever fashion designer featured, Filipino Oliver Tolentino added another feather to his cap when America’s Next Top Model’s Cycle 18, billed “The British Invasion,” highlighted his creations in its premiere.

“It is such an honor to be a part of a show that is followed by people in the modeling and fashion world, and especially in the Philippines,” remarked Oliver.

When we attended the exclusive event, we were impressed by the designs that Oliver created for the British and the American models.

In fall 2011, America’s Next Top Model put out a public announcement calling for fans of the show to come out to Universal Citywalk in Hollywood to witness a “Fierce Parade & Fashion Show featuring the designs of Oliver Tolentino.”