Manila Cafe - The Centennial Restaurant 7020 Commerce St., Springfield, VA 22150

Break Time for the Tutubis

2007-02-16T03:51:00.000-08:00

We are taking a break from the cold weather and retreating to our creative igloos. Thanks for keeping us company for all these past months. It was a great Centennial Year. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.

Maraming Salamat,
Julian and Linda

End of the Centennial Celebration (click on the images to enlarge)

2006-12-23T12:42:00.000-08:00

We always make new friends at Manila Cafe, the Tutubi Cultual Center.

Guests came all the way from California.

Making "gigil" on play dough.

The last day of the Centennial Celebration .
June and Linda

Agnes and Jun Delima hosted dinner for Mama

June's pretty grandchildren creating play dough sculptures.

Mr and Mrs Freeman

First Pinoy Mount Everest Climbers Visit Manila Cafe Friday, Dec 22

2006-12-21T16:41:00.000-08:00

Julian and Linda invite you on Friday, Dec 22, 12 noon to meet members of the Mt. Everest expedition at Manila Cafe, the Tutubi Cultural Center. They show us how they conquered the tallest peak in the world.

They will aslo tell us how we can help them meet their next challenge, which is to send Filipino women to the top in 2007.

These photographs were taken by Julian at the Philippine Embassy last Tuesday.

You can learn more about the team at www.philippine-everest.com

Why they are the ultimate Tutubis: In the Philippines, the dragonfly is called a tutubi. In Native American medicine, the tutubi embodies a stripping away of all the beliefs that limit our abilities to achieve a dream or goal, and it is to remind us that anything is possible when we really understand that we are part of a Greater Spirit and as such we have the power to manifest anything that we desire.Tutubis in the early stages are known as Nymphs and spend most of their lives submerged in the water voraciously consuming and preparing for the day when they have dealt with the things in their lives that do not enhance their ability to develop wings. Once they have consumed all they need to move to the next level, they emerge from below the surface, become an adult, spread their wings and fly. Tutubi spirit shows you that you are ready to step beyond the thought of blaming “something” and instead are now getting down to the business of accepting responsibility for what happens in your life by making the appropriate choices as you feel guided.Tutubi also connects us with the power of color and the ability to work with many different colors to achieve anything we want to experience in life. The color we surround ourselves with sets up a vibration that attracts circumstances and energies that reflect back to us the messages we are sending forth. If we affirm that we are ready and willing for the changes to occur color vibrations are a tool to match the energy we are seeking to experience. Wearing red or violet will help us to become better recognized for the work we love; new beginnings are enhanced by green; yellow empowers and blue and indigo are excellent for developing your ability to listen to your inner truth.Tutubi energy enables us to get more in touch with our deep emotions and reminds us to live in a manner that is true enhancement to the path we have chosen. When tutubi energy appears in your life, be ready for transformation. This is a cycle that allows you to work through that which does not enhance your chosen path. Now is the time for you to claim your real power, step forth renewed and encourage others to follow in flight when they are ready to join you.Thank you for being a tutubi – your joyful flight inspires and leads us to reach greater heights. http://tutubiproductions.blogspot.com/

Centennial Celebration Wrap Up and Time Capsule (Tampipi ng Panahon)

2006-12-04T19:16:00.000-08:00

How would you like to be a part of Philippine-American history?

We invite you to join members of our community at Manila Café Tutubi Cultural Center at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 9th, 2006 to help us wrap up our weekly Centennial celebration with a brief overview of all of the activities that were designed to celebrate the 1st 100 years of the Philippine presence in the United States. Dr. Franklin Odo, Director, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program, will join us to help us with this celebration. Special guest entertainers will be Rod Garcia, Jon Melegrito, Ernie and Minnie, the Stars of Manila Cafe. The Jed Espiritu kids will start the show with a surprise song. Kevin Owens might even unveil his idea of a Pinoy time machine, possibly made of bamboo and powered by "lambanog"

This has been such a wonderfully creative time for all of us and we’d like to thank all of you who made our weekly celebrations possible. This event will also serve as our Christmas celebration. As we honor those pioneers who first settled in the United States in 1906 and each wave of immigration that paved the way for the challenges and successes we enjoy today, we’d like to also prepare a gift to offer to future celebrants in the year 2106 in the form of a Time Capsule.

We offer you the opportunity to share information with our future relatives who will plan the next 100 year milestone celebration. Your information can be shared in many ways: through photos, written messages and/or videotaped messages. We would like to keep the video taped segments limited to 3 minutes or less so here are some guidelines for your videotaped interview:

1) Provide your name, your place of birth, your current city and state and your current occupation – and, if you wish, the community organization you represent
2) Share your favorite activities (sports, cooking, musical performance, church, political, reading, acting, etc.)
3) Explain briefly how you celebrated the first 100 year celebration through your family and community
4) Offer the future generation one piece of wisdom you have learned from this Centennial Celebration that you would like to share with them to help them to plan their celebration

We respect and honor the Sekadas, Alaskeros, Musikeros, Manila Men and all of those who made it possible for us to enjoy the freedoms we have today. They were so busy organizing their lives, rebuilding their families and fighting the good fight for all of us they simply didn’t have the tools to leave a time capsule for us. Let’s join together to prepare this gift for our future generations with love in our hearts. We treasure your input and look forward to any information you would like to share.

Just for fun – think of what you would like our future generation to call us.

If you are unable to join us on Saturday, December 9th, you are welcome to submit photos, letters, and memorabilia for the time capsule to:
joteyza@verizon.net or Time Capsule 2106 c/o Julian Oteyza
6312 Seven Corners Center
Falls Church, VA 22044

HOW TO MAKE A TIME CAPSULE AND OTHER IDEAS:

Instructions for kids to make a special Time Capsule to help celebrate New Year's Day or any other special time.
Materials Needed:
Coffee Can or a Large Jar
Many Miscellaneous Items
Instructions:Creativity is the key here. You are going to use the coffee can or a large bottle to make a time capsule to hide away. Use paint and/or construction paper to decorate the outside of the coffee can. You can try to make a special design... Confetti and a large 2000 would be fun, or how about fireworks, or a clock? One thing for sure you should include on the outside of your 'time capsule' is 2000 to commemorate the turn of the century. You probably will want to write a small note to whomever might find your time capsule. Something along the lines of "Do Not Open Until January 1st 2020" or whatever year you choose.
Once you are done designing your Time Capsule, find some special items to place inside it. Some personal items such as a few pictures would be nice. You might also want to include items that are popular these days. How about a few Pokemon cards or a token of some other hot trend. You can clip out a few important news stories also. Another fun idea is to record one of your favorite songs and place the tape in your time capsule. It would also be fun to write a letter to whomever finds and opens your time capsule. Tell them about yourself, your family, etc. Include a picture too, if you can. Can you come up with any other fun ideas?
Finally, once you have your time capsule filled, use glue or tape to 'seal' the top closed. Last of all, you need to find a safe hiding place for your time capsule. Hopefully someplace where no one will find it for quite awhile. Talk to adults and see if they have any ideas. (We made one of these while we were remodeling our house. We sealed it in the new walls when they were put up!).

*What is the National Millennium Time Capsule?

The sounds of Louis Armstrong …a photograph of U.S. troops liberating a concentration camp…children's art…women's rights…the electronics revolution…the dream of Martin Luther King, Jr….transoceanic cable… broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera…fiber stronger than steel…the literary works of William Faulkner…public commitment to education… the Hawaiian State flag…landing on the Moon …our diverse heritage…a model of the Liberty Bell and the freedom it represents…
What artifacts, ideas, or accomplishments represent America at this time in history? What hopes and dreams occupy the hearts of Americans young and old? President and Mrs. Clinton wanted to give Americans one hundred years from now a time capsule to help them answer those questions. The White House Millennium Council asked former presidential and congressional medal winners from diverse fields of accomplishment, as well as students from across the country, to describe what they think represents America at the end of the 20th century and to express their hopes for the future. Over 1,300 students and medallists responded.
President and Mrs. Clinton created the White House Millennium Council in 1997 with the theme "Honor the Past-Imagine the Future." They hoped to give every American an opportunity to mark the millennium in ways that celebrate our democracy, strengthen communities, and leave lasting "gifts to the future." The items and ideas in this exhibit are just some of the contents that will be placed in the National Millennium Time Capsule as a gift from us to our heirs one hundred years from now. The full list of those who contributed and what they suggested follows below.
Fashioned in variants of steel, copper, and titanium that reflect our past, present, and future, the waving flag design of the Time Capsule evokes the dynamic nature of who we are together-states forming a nation bound by a heritage both common and diverse and a people ever on the move.
The National Millennium Time Capsule was designed to provide the most responsible, long-term storage of the papers and objects to ensure that the sights, sounds, written words, and objects in the Capsule arrive in the 22nd century in the best possible condition. Custom-made packaging protects each item and the Capsule is vented to allow the contents to benefit from the controlled environment of the National Archives and Records Administration.
The White House Millennium Council extends its grateful thanks to Pentagram Design, Inc. which created the design of this unique time capsule, the National Teacher of the Year program, the United States Department of Education, the Smithsonian Institution, and the National Archives and Records Administration for exhibiting and storing the National Millennium Time Capsule.
"Think of the items, the events and the ideas of the century that you would put into a time capsule, that you think would really represent the United States and the American century: A transistor? [the sounds of] Louis Armstrong's trumpet? A piece of the Berlin Wall? Take any of these items, and it alone could tell a story of the 20th century. It was, after all, the transistor that launched the Information Age, and enabled man to walk on the moon. It was Satchmo's trumpet that heralded the rise of jazz and of American music all over the world. And it was a broken block of concrete covered in graffiti from the Berlin Wall that announced the triumph of democracy over dictatorship. These are just some of the items that will be placed, along with the scores of other objects representing the ideas and innovations that shaped the American century, into our National Millennium Time Capsule."
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, December 31, 1999
"There is no better moment to reflect on our hopes and dreams, and the gifts we want to leave our children; no better opportunity to open a new chapter of progress and possibility for all people; no better time to join hands and build the one America of our dreams; no better time to be a truly good neighbor to the people of the world who share this smaller and smaller planet of ours. So as we honor the past, let us truly imagine the future. I hope every single one of you…will take just a little time to dream about what you want for your grandchildren and their grandchildren, and what you would like the story of the 21st century to be."
President William Jefferson Clinton, December 31, 1999
Learn more about the preservation of the items in the National Millennium Time Capsule

National Medal Winners
The White House Millennium Council invited winners of the National Medal of the Arts, National Humanities Medal, National Medal of Science, National Medal of Technology, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Presidential Citizens Medal and Congressional Gold Medal to contribute to the National Millennium Time Capsule.
The invitation read, “You have been recognized for your contributions to the nation. Now I would like to ask you for another contribution: if you could choose just one item or idea to represent America at the end of the 20th century, and to be preserved for the future, what would it be? Or, if you have a specific prediction – or hope – for the future, what would you wish?
“You may want to suggest an artifact, an historical event or discovery. Perhaps you want to suggest an object associated with your own achievement, an event that helped define your field, or a hope you have for the future of your area of expertise.”
Students
The White House Millennium Council invited state teachers of the year in all states and territories and the District of Columbia to include their students in contributing to the National Millennium Time Capsule.
The invitation read, “We would like to ask you and your students to do two things. First, please ask roughly 25 students to send a short statement (25 words or less) describing their hopes and dreams for the future (with his or her name and age). The statement can reflect their personal hopes, the future of our country, the world or combinations thereof. Secondly, as a class, please send or describe (on one page) one item or idea to represent America at the end of the 20th century (either present day or as a product of a past event or achievement).”

*Leaving Memories Behind

What would a Centennial Celebration be without the creation of a time capsule? Indian Trail’s Centennial is no different. We are currently collecting ideas for what should be included. Here’s what we have come up with so far…
History of Indian Trail book (currently being written for the centennial celebration)
Programs and Picture Scrapbook from Centennial Events
Items from the Centennial Store
Picture of Centennial Baby
Picture of Centennial Logo Contest Winner
Poems from Poetry Contest (more details to follow)
Indian Trail’s 2007 town budget
Letter to the future mayor from current Mayor, Sandy Moore
Annual reports from local businesses
4 x 6” photos of local residents (*see below for details)
Pictures of local landmarks, restaurants, businesses
Information about the town including map
Current newspaper
Restaurant menus
Current stamps/coins
Pictures of graduating high school classes
Forecasts of what life would be like from local educators legislators, students, businessmen, etc.

No Excuses Band Brought Variety to the Tutubi Cultural Center (click on the images to enlarge)

2006-10-31T04:22:00.000-08:00

Kid artist, Attorney Avelino Halagao's birthday celebration, No Excuses Band with Ben Eugenio and friends, and a great bunch of guests, made Saturday night a memorable evening.

It was another step towards the end of the Centennial Year Celebration which is fast approaching. Join us on Saturday, Dec 2, 9 pm - 1 am for the Centennial Wrap Up and Christmas Party. Dr. Franklin Odo from the Smithsonian Institution will be our special guest speaker.

It was great to be reunited with some musicians from the 60's during which Julian led the first all Filipino band in the area who called themselves the "Tasadays"

Halloween party was great! (click on images to enlarge).

2006-10-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

World famous singer,composer,lawyer, Rod Garcia made a surprise appearance and performed a couple of songs with his beautiful daughter, Jitter. Lot's of costumed guests and staff made it a memorable halloween night at the Tutubi Cultural Center.

Luau Pictures

2006-10-26T05:31:00.000-07:00

Art Contest Awardees at the Tutubi Cultural Center

2006-10-22T15:03:00.000-07:00

Julian and Linda handed out certificates and glowing tutubis to the attending winners of the children's art contest that was held at the Philippine Festival last June. They arrived with their proud families and friends. They became the newest Tutubis. The two adorable daughters of Jed Espiritu, Jordan and Ella, opened the ceremony with the Star Spangled Banner. Jon and Elvie Melegrito, Minerva Rosenthal, Ernie Cordero were some of the sponsors in attendance. The winners proudly explained their interpretations of their paintings to the amazed audience. Victor Ecarma, president of the Philippine Young Professionals assisted Linda in handing out the certificates.

Feedback:

Linda, Julian,
I want to thank you for a wonderful evening tonight! The girls and I had a blast (as usual). I particularly enjoyed the celebration of art - Linda, you are so eloquent and so talented in melding the Filipino and American cultures, I was so enthralled by the words you spoke when interpreting the children's art! And you truly spoke to my core when you encouraged us parents to encourage our own children, to allow them to continue to express themselves in their own unique ways. (Only recently have I learned the true value of self-expression - I used to think it was only rhetoric!)

I am thankful to God that I have been able to meet such wonderful and talented people as you two. The education, the awareness, the keeping alive of a culture...I hope you understand what impact you are making for the Filipino-American community - you sure have made an impact on me.
You really struck a nerve tonight, and again I am grateful to you for what you do for this community.
Take care, and see you next time!

Sincerely,
Jed

Dear Linda and Julian,

What a wonderful thing you're doing for our young artists!
Thank you for your hard work and dedication in promoting PAFC's mission of improving the quality of lives of our community.
With much respect and admiration,
Mencie

-------------- Original message --------------

Children's Heritage Day - Art Contest Awards

2006-10-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

These are the winners of the PAFC/Tutubi Enterprises sponsored children's art contest held last June, 2006 at the Philippine Festival on Pennsylvania Ave. Please join us at Manila Cafe on Saturday, Oct 21, 7:30 - 8:30 pm for the awards ceremony.

Ages 3-6
1st - Serena Baldick (5)
2nd - Ronella Agustin (5)
3rd - Marilyn Reyes (6)
Ages 7-9
1st - Elish Ugot (8)
2nd - Angela (8)
3rd - Solenn Cabrera (8)
Ages 10-13
1st - Chief Justice (11)
2nd - Evan Molina (12)
3rd - Zyraline Batiquin (10)
Ages 14-16
1st - Angelica Alzona (15)
2nd - Eliana Reyes (15)
3rd - Morgan F (16)
Honorable Mention - Jessica Yu (15)
Honorable Mention - Meg Dumlao (15)

First Rays, Capitol Funk, Rex, Tutubi Cultural Center

2006-10-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

Tutubis Julian and Linda and the Manila Cafe staff welcomed the Stars and guests to more great entertainment and food after the successful concert. Mil Arcega even sang a tagalog song to his wife Gemma. It was also the Opening of the "Tatay at Anak, Victor and Julian exhibit" which came back from a successful show in New York. Stop by and check it out at the restaurant where the stars and artists hang out.

Rex and First Rays, Childrens' Heritage Day, Halloween

2006-10-04T05:29:00.000-07:00

Tutubi Stars

First Rays Band
Philippine Center, NY

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

OCt 7 - Comedian Rex Navarette and the First Rays Band will be performing at Lisner auditorium this Saturday....and then will have a post performance gathering at Manila Cafe, the Tutubi Cultural Center. Come and join us...you never know what's going to happen. It is also the Opening of the successful Tatay at Anak (Victor and Julian) art exhibit returning from New York.

Oct 21 - Children's Heritage Day Celebration. The first one was held at the Philippine Embassy last year. This time it's happening at the now famous Tutubi Cultural Center. Bring your kids.

Oct 14 - Karaoke Stars of Manila Cafe

Oct 28 - Halloween Party. Wear your favorite costumes and party with the fun loving crowd.

Chalk Artists at Manila Cafe

2006-09-29T15:50:00.000-07:00

Paradise Tutubi Style, Saturday, Sept 30, 9 pm - 1 am

2006-09-26T11:24:00.000-07:00

Julian and Filipino-Hawaiian artist Galang. Linda with her teachers.

Celebrate the Centennial Year when the first Filipinos arrived in Hawaii. Come join us this Saturday, Sept 30 and see some Hula dancers perform and maybe even learn how to do it. Wear your favorite hawiian shirts, grass skirts, coconut shell top and lei. Bring the kids. Create your dream paradise scenery with art supplies that we provide. Perhaps even purchase some property . We look forward to seeing!

Chalk Artists at Manila Cafe and the World

2006-09-15T11:27:00.000-07:00

Can you turn your sidewalk into these? Stop by the Tutubi Cultural Center and try! Check out www.chalk4peace.org

Saturday, Sept 16, 9 pm-1 am, we will be singing our hearts out with you and creating art on the sidewalk in front of Manila Cafe.
We look forward to having a great time with you!

Back To School Night

2006-08-31T09:50:00.000-07:00

Come on down college kids and start off the school year by singing your favorite Pop songs like: Heaven, My Boo, My Happy Ending, She Will Be Loved, Hollaback Girl, Let Me Go...and many more. Sing songs by Jojo, Ashlee Simpson, Kevin Lyttle, Maroon 5, Avril Lavigne, Bowling For Soup...and other great performers.

This is your big chance to Party and stretch those vocal chords and let all that built up energy go wild !

Magic in the air with new talented guests

2006-08-28T06:25:00.000-07:00

The magic of Juan Tamad was not missed last Saturday Night. The fresh crowd brought their own magic thru great voices, laughter and just pure fun.

CANCELED for a future Date - Master Illusionist Juan Tamad and partner Maria Makiling - Appearing Saturday, August 26, 9 pm

2006-08-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

Jay, Kye, Tan, Pia and Charles

Bring the kids and have them participate in some of the magic tricks that Juan Tamad is going to perform out of his "mahiwagang bayong"!

Rod Garcia's Band was Awsome!

2006-08-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

Rod Garcia's concert opened to a packed room with the De Leon Family and Nate Ramirez. The band gets tighter everytime they return to the Tutubi Cultural Center. Their sounds become even crispier and deep. It is definitely a show to watch out for because they always bring something new even for die hard fans. Their new rendition of the new hit "Dragonfly" was amazing with the great instrumentation It really makes you feel like a tutubi darting wildly all over the sky. Learn more about Rod at www.rodshacienda.com
Join Rod at his next concert at the Knights of Columbus, Fort Washington, September 24, 5 pm, to help raise funds for the Mayon victims

Hosts Julian and Linda continued with karaoke night. It was a great memorable night at the cultural center.

Saturday, August 12, 9 - 1 pm is your turn to be the star!

2006-08-11T05:25:00.000-07:00

Stop by and Sing , Dance. It's all Karaoke all night! Bring your sketchbooks and paint, if you are not in the mood to sing and just create some art.

Isabel Granada Steamed Up the Already Hot Tutubi Cultural Center

2006-08-04T05:46:00.001-07:00

Reunion with Boots Anson Roa after 30 years

2006-08-04T05:46:00.000-07:00

It was over thirty years ago when Julian met Boots at the Philippine Embassy where he was performing magic in front of a group of children. She stopped by the Tutubi Cultural Center to raise funds for MOWELFUND and to hold a special screening of her award winning movie "Blue Moon"

Trademark Band Rocked On!

2006-07-28T04:24:00.000-07:00

Gus Alzona and his Trademark band with a new drummer and keyboard player, performed flawlessly inspite of a blown sound system.

Rock to their great music from the classic past. 9 pm - 1 am.

Basketball Night at Manila Cafe

2006-07-28T04:03:00.000-07:00

The Manila Cafe basketball team lost their game but their spirits, together with the rest of the families, were not dampened. The wives sang all night, the kids created works of art and everyone went home winners.

Rock with Trademark Band !!!!

2006-07-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

Gus Alzona and Trademark Band are returning this Saturday, July 29, 2006, 9 pm - 1 am. Stop by and hear them play your favorite tunes.

Birthday Bash for Queen Tutubi

2006-07-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

The community made Linda feel like a pinay tonight with Rod Garcia's song which he wrote especially for her and from awsome presents that great friends gave. Not even a leaky ceiling "dampened" the mood of the excellent singers.

IASG Exhibit Kickoff Party was a night to Remember

2006-07-03T22:52:00.000-07:00

It was great to see IASG artists Natalya Parris and Dan Shay sharing thier singing talents with the rest of the crowd and to learn about their creative inspirations.

The evening turned into a battle of the sexes and the ladies easily won. They got to wear tiaras while they sang "Dancing Queen"
The children got to draw.

Mingle, sing, dance, eat, paint with artists from all over the world at the Manila Cafe where Julian and Linda have their famous Tutubi Art Space and Cultural Center in Springfield, VA. They will be launching the spectacular IASG exhibit at the Martin Luther King Jr. Library in Washington, DC. The show runs from July 6 till the 29th. The Opening Reception in on Thursday, July 13, 6:30 - 8:30 pm.
They will have a cake with a candles representing each of the 40 participating artists.

Exhibiting artists are coming from Denmark, Spain, Taiwan, Russia, Chile, Eastern Europe. Philippines, China, California, Oregon , Atlanta, New York, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC

Catch the fever and hop on the International Artists Support Group train. Next stop...New York, Novemeber 1-15, 2006 at the Asian Fusion Gallery. Learn more about IASG at http://iasg.blogspot.com or contact Julian Oteyza at 703-969-5469 or joteyza@verizon.net.

We Make New Friends at Manila Cafe Every Saturday Night

2006-06-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

These guests braved the rain to keep us company last night, Saturday, June 4. We even sang "happy birthday" to Joan.

Pre Philippine Festival Party - Saturday, June 3, 9-1 pm

2006-05-31T04:13:00.000-07:00

Stop by Manila Cafe and relax from all the Festival preparations. Sing while discussing last minute strategies to make sure everything goes as planned and deciding what to wear. Looks like it's going to be a steamy Sunday..

It's Beatles Night at Manila Cafe! Saturday, May 27, 2006, 9 pm - 1 pm

2006-05-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

Sing your favorite Beatles songs and bring your memorabilia. Share your favorite Beatles stories and experiences. Dress up like your favorite Beatle. Check out the Beatles Tutubi Style

Beatles of Metrica, Sampaloc, Manila circa 1966. Left to right: Manolo, Bill, Bing, Julian, Danny, Loy

Parangal sa mga Nanay at To To Be (tutubi) Mothers - Saturday, May 13, 9-1 pm. FREE at Manila Cafe

2006-05-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

We are celebrating Mother's Day at Manila Cafe this Saturday, May 13, 9 -1 pm. Please bring your mothers, grandmothers and mothers to be. Contact Julian at (703) 969-5469 for more information
Photos: Lola Leo with Jaden , Tutubi Linda and Mima Cabacungan

Trademark Band at the Tutubi Cultural Center - Manila Cafe

2006-04-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

Gus Alzona and Trademark Band rocked the Tutubi Cultural Center all night long. Julian and Linda showed up after the Leyte Fund Raising event at Bishop O'Connell School dragging some of the audience with them.

Elvis Comes Back as Elbis

2006-04-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

Elvis reappeared as "Elbis" after an extreme makeover. He decided to come back as a Filipino. It was quite a challenge for the surgeons especially when it came to his hair. Elbis re-appeared in the same jumpsuits he wore in 1980 before he disappeared. He promised his fans that he would come back for other appearances. Some fans had a rare opportunity to be photographed with the "Hari" (King) Other body doubles attended and performed their favorite Elbis tunes.

Remember Eddie Mesa? Well...he won't be there but we will have better Elvises. Show how we have evolved from the Musikeros to Elvisios
Wear your sideburns and jumpsuits, bring your favorite Elvis velvet painting and other memorabilia to share it with the fans. Sing your favorite Elvis songs.

*A Filipino Elvis impersonator performed Saturday night in downtown Raleigh, decked out in a yellow beaded pantsuit, white leather shoes, flashy jewelry, purple-tinted shades, and a headset. Between each song he would retreat to the back of the stage, fumble with his mp3 player, turn back around with a big smile on his face, and begin to croon. Beads of sweat formed on his brow as he jerked back and forth, tassels swaying this way and that, and he'd point his index finger at the end of his outstretched arm as he hit a lasting high note. He looked like he was enjoying himself.
The word is that his daughter is disabled, and he performs in order to help pay the bills. In any case, he is not the only Elvis impersonator in the family; on Saturday, he sang a duet with his similarly employed cousin via speakerphone, via the Philippines.

*Would-Be Kings
Shrines aren't enough for some, and for those folks, we have Elvis impersonators, who come in all shapes, sizes, genders, and abilities to sing. Or lip synch.
Elvis impersonators cover the years from Elvis' 1950s start through the glitzy Vegas years.
There's the now-famous sky-diving Flying Elvi (remember the movie "Honeymoon in Vegas?" Nicholas Cage isn't really a member, but the group does exist -- and they jump in, what else?, jumpsuits). There are also the legendary Legends in Concert shows in Vegas, Atlantic City, Honolulu, Myrtle Beach, Branson and on a Bahamas cruise ship. "Elvis" closes the show at these extravaganzas.
In north Georgia, a restaurant cook at the Lantern Inn entertains his customers with rousing Elvis renditions, and in North Carolina the "world's foremost" Filipino Elvis impersonator serves up his own versions.
We put the question to Minnery: Why do so many Elvis impersonators do the Vegas look and skip the younger Elvis? Her answer, quite simply: It's easier.
In Ontario, eight women called The Graceliners reign supreme. Group coordinator and manager Joan Minnery says the group -- the members range in age from 27 to over 50 -- had been country line dancing together for five years, and took the plunge to Elvis impersonation one evening at a show in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
"The mostly American crowd went berserk," Minnery says.
The rest is history. The group has performed in more than 150 shows since then, both singing live and lip synching.
We put the question to Minnery: Why do so many Elvis impersonators do the Vegas look and skip the younger Elvis? Her answer, quite simply: It's easier.
"His costumes were flashier and the public can easily recognize and identify with the Vegas period," she says.
The younger Elvis, with his wild gyrations, says Minnery, is a little harder to copy. But there are, she says, a number of good young Elvis impersonators out there. The Graceliners cover the earlier period as well as the Vegas years.
Related sites:Note: Related sites will open in a new browser window.

Manila Cafe Opens Tutubi Art Gallery

2006-04-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

Visit the newest and most colorful Filipino-American art gallery in the country and possibly own some original art by world renowned Tutubi artists Tanya Owens Nuchols, Ernie Cordero, Kevin Owens, Nikki Oteyza, Linda Pirrone, Julian Oteyza, Frank Redondo, and one of the "13 Moderns", Victor Oteyza. Many more guest artists to come.
Curated by Julian and Linda.

Contact Julian Oteyza to paticipate in the art exhibits at joteyza@verizon.net or (703) 9696-5469

Skydiver Guests of Manila Cafe Raising Funds

2006-04-03T10:21:00.000-07:00

JUMP FOR THE KIDS
SKYDIVE & HELP SOMEONE GO TO COLLEGE.
Jump For The Kids is a charity that funds gateway after-school activities, college visits, and college scholarships for high school students from low-income households. Jump For The Kids holds skydive-a-thons to raise money for its programs. A skydive-athon works similarly to walk-a-thons. Participants ask friends and family to pledge a certain amount of money per 1,000 feet they fall. The pledges are then used to help students from low-income families prepare for and attend college. Please enter one of the following names for sponsorship: Joni Samilin; Esther McElroy and/or Kate Borman.http://www.jumpforthekids.org/

Celebrating the Centennial through Continued Academic Excellence

2006-03-28T09:37:00.000-08:00

Celebrating the Centennial through Continued Academic Excellence
1903
The Pensionado Act allowed Filipino students to study in the U.S. These students are known as Pensionados and are sent to study at American schools by the Philippine government. Upon completion of their degrees, the pensionados go back to the Philippines where they occupy important government positions.
Fulbright Scholars
This program was conceived by Sen. J. William Fulbright of Arkansas and carried forward by the Fulbright Act of 1946 and it was an educational scholarship grant program to encourage international intellectual and cultural exchange to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.
Tonight we have students and alumni from George Washington University who continue the tradition of providing encouragement and support for academic excellence but in a 2006 manner. Next Sunday, April 9th they are going to skydive for scholarships. You have an opportunity to sponsor their skydiving adventure through your tax deductible donation. Please see Joni or Esther for more information and to make your donation for their effort to support educational opportunities for all.

Gus Alzona and Trademark Band - Appearing Saturday, April 22

2006-03-13T05:57:00.000-08:00

The TRADEMARK BAND performed on Sat, March 25 and wowed the crowd with their sound.
Click on the link below to learn more about the band.
They are gearing up for more appearances around the area so keep checking their blog at:
http://trademarkband.blogspot.com/

First Rays Band appearing Saturday, March 4

2006-02-28T09:52:00.000-08:00

The First Rays Band, made up of Nick Gold (lead guitar/vocals) Charles Oteyza (drums)
Andrew Beck (percussion) and Jomil Madrid (bass) are four musicians who compose thier own material and combine styles from jazz, rock, reggae, hip hop to make up their unique sound. They have played at the State Theatre on Lee Highway and various clubs in Georgetown, Richmond and clubs up and down the East coast.
They have volunteered to perform for free to help raise funds for the mudslide victims in the Philippines.

Gus Alzona and Trademark Band Rock the Cafe

2006-02-23T07:56:00.000-08:00

Gus Alzona and the Trademark Band rocked Manila Cafe and gave them a taste of a real live band from the 70s and 80s.
They helped raise quite a bit of money for the mudslide victims in the Philippines. "Thank you very much for donating your time and energy to support a good cause. We look forward to having you back with more rock and roll tunes" from. Julian and Linda

Rodney Concert - Big Success (click on images to enlarge)

2006-02-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

It was standing room only at Manila Cafe. Julian and Linda started off the evening with the story of a filipino inventor of a vehicle powered by water. Linda read a very touching poem to Rodney.

Rod sang original compositions with his daughter Jitter.

February 4 - Night of the Yoyo, Karate Kids, Art, and Song

2006-02-05T16:13:00.000-08:00

Tonight the crowd was informed of the origin of the YOYO, which was invented by a Filipino. It's main use was as a weapon before it evoloved into a toy. The Virginia Martial Arts Institute students and parents were in the crowd. They just came back from a competition in Baltimore where co-owner Jun's son, E.J. brought back a trophy for placing second. Linda taught and inspired some kids to color and draw. Griffin was the guest singer/guitarist who sang some Metallica tunes. Also present was the staff of BC Construction. It was a great night!

A folk tale of the yo-yo is that it began centuries ago as a Filipino weapon. The story is about an assailant in a tree with a heavy oversized yo-yo waiting for a victim to pass below. At the critical moment the yo-yo would be hurled at the victim’s head presumably rendering him unconscious. A near miss would still allow the assailant a second opportunity. Physics of the yo-yo make the story improbable. Although there is no question that the toy existed in the Philippines for centuries, as a popular toy, there is no documented evidence that it was ever used as a jungle weapon. The story was popularized by Duncan yo-yo demonstrators in the ‘30s, many of whom were from the Philippines. It was a great story and helped to sell yo-yos. The word “Yo-Yo” was introduced to America in 1916 in an article in the Scientific American Supplement titled “Filipino Toys”. In 1928, Pedro Flores, a Filipino immigrant began manufacturing the toy as a yo-yo in the United States and the history of the modern yo-yo began. The demand for the toy was so great in 1929 that Popular Mechanics published an article on how to make a Filipino yo-yo. Flores trademarked the name yo-yo and then sold the trademark and company to Donald F. Duncan

Fun celebration last Saturday, January 28, 2006

2006-01-29T17:33:00.000-08:00

It was a huge crowd. There was a birthday party for Meng; Julian and Linda informed the crowd about a couple of Filipino inventors. One who invented the moon buggy that roamed the moon and the other, the inventor of karaoke. Linda asked the children to draw their interpretation of the moon buggy. She also taught some how to draw and color. Satomi China Pirrone was the guest performer who sang an opera. Julian's band member from the first all Filipino band, named the Tasadays, in DC during the 70s, Eddie Lozano, played awsome lead guitar that brought back good old memories.

SPECIAL GUESTS

2006-01-24T17:57:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 28 Satomi and her Opera Graffi art

Saturday, February 4 Griffin on guitar

Saturday, February 11 Anna Acedo and her awsome vocal talent

Saturday, February 18 Rod Garcia and his Band website: rodshacienda.com

Saturday, February 25 Angie Pepa and her dynamic voice website: angiepepa.com

Saturday, March 4 First Rays Band website: firstrays.net

Tutubis Julian and Linda kick off their unique version of a Centennial Celebration

2006-01-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

One hundred years ago, at Honolulu Harbor, the 20th of December, 15 Filipinos arrived on board the SS Doric. 1906 marked the beginning of an agressive campaign for the recruitment of Filipino farm laborers by the Hawaiian Sugar Planters Assoc. to work on the sugar plantations. Sugar was king those days, and newly opened plantations were in desperate need of plentiful labor supply. By the 1930s the Filipino workers had become the majority of the plantation workforce, working on the plantations for 12 hours in the sugar mill, or 10 hours in the cane fields interrupted with a 15 minute breakfast, a 30 minute lunch and occasional pauses for water. The last group of 6000 plantation workers from the Ilocos arrived shortly before Philippine Independence was regained from the United States in 1946. After that, the quota was limited to 50 a year, later increased to 100.

It was only toward the late 1950s that immigration laws enabled Filipinos already in Hawaii to get their families beyond the quotas. In 1965, immigration laws were liberalized to admit not only family members but also professionals, including doctors, nurses, engineers, lawyers, accountants, teachers, health technicians and others with college educations

Learn more about Tutubi Productions , Julian and Linda at (703) - 969-5469 . joteyza@verizon.net and click on the links below
http://tutubiproductions.blogspot.com/
http://hawaiishots.blogspot.com/
http://artpalabok.blogspot.com/
http://artpinoy.blogspot.com/
http://www.guitaround.com/

Manila Cafe Staff - Not only provide delicious food and excellent service, but sing great too!

2006-01-08T11:18:00.001-08:00

Springfield 7020 Commerce St.Springfield, VA703-644-5825
Open daily for lunch and dinner. Among the cuisines represented here, many diners will find the cooking of the Philippines the most exotic. But the hints of Southeast Asia and the Caribbean in the cooking, and the presence of such dishes as roast chicken and fried fish, make just about anyone feel at home.
The restaurant offers a combination of buffet-style dining from steam tables and made-to-order dishes. A weekend buffet for $12.50 introduces diners to the variety of the cooking. Offerings include a whole suckling pig with crisp skin and tender meat; afritada, sautéed chicken with potatoes and bell peppers in a tomato sauce; adobo, pieces of chicken and pork braised in vinegar and soy sauce; ampalaya con carne, bitter melon sautéed with beef and black-bean sauce; menudo, stewed pork with potatoes and bell peppers in a tomato sauce; roast chicken; fried fish; sautéed noodles; and fried and steamed rice.
Manila Cafe, 7020 Commerce St., Springfield; 703-644-5825.

Noel
Turo Turo
Arnel serenading his wife
Manila Cafe at night

Jun

Manila Cafe: 7020 Commerce St., Springfield, VA Phone: (703) 644 - 5825

“A Century of Challenge and Change: The Filipino American Story”

THE FILIPINO AMERICAN CENTENNIAL COMMEMORATION

In 1906, the first significant numbers of Filipino immigrants arrived in Hawaii to work on the island’s sugar plantations. Until 1935, many more came as migrant laborers to West Coast farms and Alaskan canneries. After World War II, approximately 7,000 Filipino soldiers received U. S. citizenship and, in 1945, the War Brides Act permitted Filipino wives of U. S. military to immigrate. The 1965 Immigration Act paved the way for Filipino professionals to enter the United States, many of them in the medical field. This latest wave of immigration brought major changes in gender and class in the Filipino American community which no numbers 2.36 million. Filipino Americans constitute the second largest APA group overall, second to Chinese Americans, according to the 2000 Census.

In 2006, the Smithsonian Institution will commemorate the centennial of Filipino migration to the United States with special events, a curriculum guide, public programs and an exhibition that will provide a historical overview of Filipino Americans in the United States. The Filipino American Centennial Commemoration will tell the stories of the unique roles of Filipino Americans in the United States – their struggles, contributions, challenges and achievements. The first public program of this important year of celebration will be on Friday, February 10th – “100 Years of Filipino American Story” 6:30 p.m. – Carmichael Auditorium, National Museum of American History

Childrens Art

2006-01-08T11:18:00.000-08:00

These young artists created their art works at the Manila Cafe as their parents participated in the singalong.

From left to right: Cecilia Reyes, Julian Oteyza, Clyde Delos Santos, Linda Pirrone, A. J. Delima

Guests and Comments

2006-01-08T11:17:00.001-08:00

COMMENTS:

"Congratulations, Julian & Linda, for bringing the centennial celebration of the first wave migration to the heart of Filipino Town, no other than Springfield, Virginia!! Wish my friends and I could be there. Medyo malayao, but Inggit ako sa mga entertainers! And I bet the eating was tops! It's a little too far for so late in the evening for me. You understand... Mima sends her love!" Reme Grefalda www.oovrag.com

What Is The Tutubi Legend?

In the Philippines, the dragonfly is called a tutubi. In Native American medicine, the tutubi embodies a stripping away of all the beliefs that limit our abilities to achieve a dream or goal, and it is to remind us that anything is possible when we really understand that we are part of a Greater Spirit and as such we have the power to manifest anything that we desire.Tutubis in the early stages are known as Nymphs and spend most of their lives submerged in the water voraciously consuming and preparing for the day when they have dealt with the things in their lives that do not enhance their ability to develop wings. Once they have consumed all they need to move to the next level, they emerge from below the surface, become an adult, spread their wings and fly. Tutubi spirit shows you that you are ready to step beyond the thought of blaming “something” and instead are now getting down to the business of accepting responsibility for what happens in your life by making the appropriate choices as you feel guided.Tutubi also connects us with the power of color and the ability to work with many different colors to achieve anything we want to experience in life. The color we surround ourselves with sets up a vibration that attracts circumstances and energies that reflect back to us the messages we are sending forth. If we affirm that we are ready and willing for the changes to occur color vibrations are a tool to match the energy we are seeking to experience. Wearing red or violet will help us to become better recognized for the work we love; new beginnings are enhanced by green; yellow empowers and blue and indigo are excellent for developing your ability to listen to your inner truth.Tutubi energy enables us to get more in touch with our deep emotions and reminds us to live in a manner that is true enhancement to the path we have chosen. When tutubi energy appears in your life, be ready for transformation. This is a cycle that allows you to work through that which does not enhance your chosen path. Now is the time for you to claim your real power, step forth renewed and encourage others to follow in flight when they are ready to join you.Thank you for being a tutubi – your joyful flight inspires and leads us to reach greater heights.

Featured Entertainers of the Week

2006-01-08T11:17:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 18 Rod Garcia and his Band

Saturday, January 28 Satomi China Pirrone and her Opera Graffiti Show

Saturday, January 21 Rudy and Amor

Saturday, January 14 Ernie and Minnie

Manila Café is pleased to host Julian and Linda, (Tutubi Productions) Saturday evenings celebrating this centennial featuring special guest singers, poets, writers, artists, dancers, filmmakers, photographers and good family fun. Each Saturday evening will be captured in photographs and filled with educational activities for children to be included on the Tutubi Productions blog. Tonight, our special guest performers are: Ernie Cordero and Minerva Rosenthal who will entertain us with an entire set of their beautiful singing styles, and a coloring/drawing contest for children about sugar cane.

Saturday, January 14 Ernie Cordero and Minerva Rosenthall

To participate, contact Julian Oteyza at (703) 969 - 5469 . email: joteyza@verizon.net

more guests

2006-01-08T11:16:00.000-08:00

more guests

2006-01-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

more guests

2006-01-08T11:14:00.000-08:00

Learn more about Tutubi Productions , Julian and Linda at (703) - 969-5469 . joteyza@verizon.net and click on the links below
http://tutubiproductions.blogspot.com/
http://hawaiishots.blogspot.com/
http://artpalabok.blogspot.com/
http://artpinoy.blogspot.com/
www.guitaround.com