Kanye West & Adele Leads; Nominees Announced For 54th Annual Grammy Awards 2012

On Wednesday, November 30, 2011 Nominations for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards^®(www.grammy.com) were announced by The Recording Academy^® and reflected an eclectic mix of the best and brightest in music over the past year, as determined by the voting members of The Academy.

For the fourth year, nominations for the annual GRAMMY Awards were announced on primetime television as part of “The GRAMMY^®Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night^®,“ a one-hour special broadcast live on CBS from Nokia Theatre at L.A. LIVE. The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on “GRAMMY Sunday,” Feb. 12, 2012, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and once again will be broadcast live in high-definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on CBS from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

Kanye West tops the nominations with seven; Adele, Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars each garner six nods; and Lil Wayne and Skrillex each are up for five awards. Drake, Paul Epworth, Cee Lo Green, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Nicki Minaj, Mumford & Sons, Radiohead, Rihanna, and Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) each receive four nominations.

“Once again, it is most gratifying to see the GRAMMY Awards process produce a broad cross section of diverse and impressive nominees across multiple genres,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “This year’s nominations truly reflect an exceptional and talented creative community that embodies some of the highest levels of excellence and artistry in their respective fields. Coupled with the fourth year of our primetime nominations special, the road to Music’s Biggest Night, the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards in February, is off to an exciting and appropriate start.”

Following is a sampling of nominations in 78 categories from the GRAMMY Awards’ 30 Fields:

GENERAL FIELD
Album Of The Year:
21— Adele
Wasting Light— Foo Fighters
Born This Way— Lady Gaga
Doo-Wops & Hooligans — Bruno Mars
Loud — Rihanna

Record Of The Year:
“Rolling In The Deep” — Adele
“Holocene” — Bon Iver
“Grenade” — Bruno Mars
“The Cave” — Mumford & Sons
“Firework” — Katy Perry

Best New Artist:
The Band Perry
Bon Iver
J. Cole
Nicki Minaj
Skrillex

Song Of The Year:
“All Of The Lights” — Jeff Bhasker, Malik Jones, Warren Trotter & Kanye West, songwriters
(Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi & Fergie)
“The Cave” — Ted Dwane, Ben Lovett, Marcus Mumford & Country Winston, songwriters (Mumford & Sons)
“Grenade” — Brody Brown, Claude Kelly, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Bruno Mars & Andrew Wyatt,
songwriters (Bruno Mars)
“Holocene” — Justin Vernon, songwriter (Bon Iver)
“Rolling In The Deep” — Adele Adkins & Paul Epworth, songwriters (Adele)

POP FIELD
Best Pop Solo Performance
“Someone Like You” — Adele
“Yoü And I” — Lady Gaga
“Grenade” — Bruno Mars
“Firework” — Katy Perry
“F***in’ Perfect” — Pink

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance:
“Body And Soul” — Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse
“Dearest” — The Black Keys
“Paradise” — Coldplay
“Pumped Up Kicks” — Foster The People
“Moves Like Jagger” — Maroon 5 & Christina Aguilera

DANCE FIELD
Best Dance Recording:
“Raise Your Weapon” — Deadmau5 & Greta Svabo Bech
“Barbra Streisand” — Duck Sauce
“Sunshine” — David Guetta & Avicii
“Call Your Girlfriend” — Robyn
“Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites” — Skrillex
“Save The World” — Swedish House Mafia

ROCK FIELD
Best Rock Performance:
“Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall” — Coldplay
“Down By The Water” — The Decemberists
“Walk” — Foo Fighters
“The Cave” — Mumford & Sons
“Lotus Flower” — Radiohead

Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance:
“On The Backs Of Angels” — Dream Theater
“White Limo” — Foo Fighters
“Curl Of The Burl”— Mastodon
“Public Enemy No. 1″ — Megadeth
“Blood In My Eyes”— Sum 41

Best Rock Album:
Rock ‘N’ Roll Party Honoring Les Paul— Jeff Beck
Wasting Light— Foo Fighters
Come Around Sundown— Kings Of Leon
I’m With You— Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Whole Love— Wilco

ALTERNATIVE FIELD
Best Alternative Music Album
Bon Iver— Bon Iver
Codes And Keys— Death Cab For Cutie
Torches— Foster The People
Circuital — My Morning Jacket
The King Of Limbs— Radiohead

R&B FIELD
Best Traditional R&B Performance:
“Sometimes I Cry” — Eric Benét
“Fool For You” — Cee Lo Green & Melanie Fiona
“Radio Message” — R. Kelly
“Good Man” — Raphael Saadiq
“Surrender” — Betty Wright & The Roots

Best R&B Album:
F.A.M.E.— Chris Brown
Second Chance — El DeBarge
Love Letter — R. Kelly
Pieces Of Me— Ledisi
Kelly— Kelly Price

RAP FIELD
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration:
“Party” — Beyoncé & André 3000
“I’m On One” — DJ Khaled, Drake, Rick Ross & Lil Wayne
“I Need A Doctor” — Dr. Dre, Eminem & Skylar Grey
“What’s My Name?” — Rihanna & Drake
“Motivation” — Kelly Rowland & Lil Wayne
“All Of The Lights” — Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi & Fergie

Best Rap Performance:
“Look At Me Now” — Chris Brown, Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes
“Otis” — Jay-Z & Kanye West
“The Show Goes On” — Lupe Fiasco
“Moment 4 Life” — Nicki Minaj & Drake
“Black And Yellow” — Wiz Khalifa

COUNTRY FIELD
Best Country Solo Performance:
“Dirt Road Anthem” — Jason Aldean
“I’m Gonna Love You Through It” — Martina McBride
“Honey Bee” — Blake Shelton
“Mean” — Taylor Swift
“Mama’s Song” — Carrie Underwood

Best Country Song:
“Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” — Jim Collins & David Lee Murphy, songwriters (Thompson Square)
“God Gave Me You” — Dave Barnes, songwriter (Blake Shelton)
“Just Fishin’” — Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell & Ed Hill, songwriters (Trace Adkins)
“Mean” — Taylor Swift, songwriter (Taylor Swift)
“Threaten Me With Heaven” — Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Will Owsley & Dillon O’Brian, songwriters (Vince Gill)
“You And Tequila” — Matraca Berg & Deana Carter, songwriters (Kenny Chesney Featuring Grace Potter)

AMERICAN ROOTS FIELD
Best Americana Album:
Emotional Jukebox— Linda Chorney
Pull Up Some Dust And Sit Down— Ry Cooder
Hard Bargain— Emmylou Harris
Ramble At The Ryman— Levon Helm
Blessed— Lucinda Williams

Best Blues Album:
Low Country Blues — Gregg Allman
Roadside Attractions— Marcia Ball
Man In Motion— Warren Haynes
The Reflection — Keb’Mo’
Revelator— Tedeschi Trucks Band

Best Folk Album:
Barton Hollow— The Civil Wars
I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive— Steve Earle
Helplessness Blues— Fleet Foxes
Ukulele Songs— Eddie Vedder
The Harrow & The Harvest— Gillian Welch

This year’s Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical nominations go to Danger Mouse, Paul Epworth, the Smeezingtons (Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Bruno Mars), Ryan Tedder, and Butch Vig.

This year’s GRAMMY Awards process registered more than 17,500 submissions over a 12-month eligibility period (Oct. 1, 2010 – Sept. 30, 2011). GRAMMY ballots for the final round of voting will be mailed on Dec. 14 to the voting members of The Recording Academy. They are due back to the accounting firm of Deloitte by Jan. 11, 2012, when they will be tabulated and the results kept secret until the 54th GRAMMY telecast.

The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures and John Cossette Productions for The Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, and Louis J. Horvitz is director.

“The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night,” hosted by two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J, featured the announcement of nominations in several categories as well as performances by country star Jason Aldean, two-time GRAMMY winnerCommon, hip-hop innovator Grandmaster Flash, five-time GRAMMY winner Lady Gaga, LL COOL J, three-time GRAMMY winner Ludacris, GRAMMY winner Lupe Fiasco, GRAMMY-winning hip-hop artist Melle Mel, four-time GRAMMY winner Rihanna, rapper Scorpio, singer/songwriter Valerie Simpson,GRAMMY winner Mike Stoller,GRAMMY-winning duo Sugarland, country music sensation The Band Perry, and seven-time GRAMMYwinner Usher.Presenters included actor Taraji P. Henson, GRAMMY winner Bruno Mars, R&B/rap star NickiMinaj, and pop singer/songwriter Katy Perry.

About The Recording Academy: Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com

Editor’s Note: Congratulations to all the nominees and we wish them good luck. For a complete list of all the nominees visit at http://www.grammy.com/nominees

Source: The Recording Academy
Photo credit to: The Recording Academy

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Issues Statement on the Occupy LA Eviction & Closure of City Hall Park

On Wednesday, November 30, 2011 Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa issued the following statement regarding the closure of City Hall Park:

“Last night, we witnessed perhaps one of the finest moments in the history of the Los Angeles Police Department.

After 58 days of the Occupy LA protest, 1,400 officers enforced the closure of City Hall Park. The closure, conducted in a professional and restrained manner, was meticulously planned and involved coordination with multiple city departments. Over 200 people were arrested with a minimal use of force and with no major injuries to the police or to protesters. The activists’ fundamental rights were respected.  This was a peaceful and orderly conclusion of the encampment at City Hall.

Today, the LAPD stands as a shining example of constitutional policing.

I commend the officers who took part in the operation. They are an honor to their profession. Their restraint – in the face of a potentially dynamic situation – is a key reason why City Hall Park was closed in an orderly manner. I also want to commend Chief Beck and his command staff for their leadership over the last eight weeks. At every turn, Chief Beck displayed a steady hand and excellent judgment in developing his department’s response to Occupy LA. The General Services Police Officers, social workers and other City personnel also made key contributions to the successful closure of the park.

From the start, we pledged to do things differently in Los Angeles. We took a measured approach, respected protesters’ first amendment rights, sought to de-escalate conflict and supported open communication.

We did not rush. We respected the dignity of the protesters and gave them time to gather their belongings and arrange their departure. When we made the decision to close the park, we made sure that ample human services, such as shelter beds, were available to those who needed them. As a result, the LAPD was able to avoid the violent confrontations that have marred similar operations in other cities.

The Occupy movement should not be about defending a particular patch of parkland, but rather about spreading the message of economic equality and pushing for social justice. I thank participants who heeded our call and left City Hall Park before the operation, those who stayed, but departed peacefully or were arrested without incident. These Angeleno activists have also demonstrated to the rest of the country that social change is best achieved through peaceful means.

Instead of grinding to a halt amid confrontation, the Occupy LA movement can now amplify their calls for social justice and economic opportunity. In the days ahead, we must build on the foundation of cooperation that we have established over these last two months.

Although we expect further protests as Occupy LA works to broaden its movement, we will work hard to ensure that the City handles these actions with the appropriate restraint. I hope that the Occupy LA activists will do the same.

The movement’s message of restoring the balance to American society is too important to be lost amid clashes and conflict.”

Source: LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Facebook.
Photo credit to: LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Facebook.

Pre-Order The 2012 GRAMMY Nominees Album Now & enter to win a trip for two to the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards

On Wednesday, November 30, 2011 The Recording Academy announced that The Recording Academy^®‘s GRAMMY Recordings^® and Universal Republic Records have joined forces to release the 2012 GRAMMY^® Nominees album on Jan. 24, 2012. The 18th edition of the best-selling series will showcase many of this year’s GRAMMY-nominated artists and songs. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the album will help support the year-round efforts of the GRAMMY Foundation^®and MusiCares^® Foundation — two charitable organizations of The Recording Academy.

For the first time, fans can have the opportunity to attend the GRAMMY Awards by pre-ordering the album starting Nov. 30. To enter, log on to www.grammy.com/2012grammycd to pre-order the2012 GRAMMY Nominees album where music fans can win a trip for two to the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards^®on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 in Los Angeles.

“We are delighted to partner with Universal Republic Records to once again bring together one of the most eclectic mix of tracks in one album,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy.  “And this year we are extremely excited to offer GRAMMY and music fans the opportunity to experience Music’s Biggest Night^® first hand through our pre-order enter-and-win sweepstakes. We look forward to another successful chart-topping year and to providing further support to the important work that MusiCares and the GRAMMY Foundation continue to do year-round.”

Universal Republic Records President/CEO Monte Lipman said, “It’s an absolute honor to be working with The Recording Academy on this release. There have been so many incredible songs and albums released this past year and having the chance to produce a comprehensive snapshot of all that great music is incredible. In addition, it’s wonderful to support these fantastic charities the album will benefit.”

Fans can enter to win tickets by pre-ordering the album through www.cbs.com and www.grammy.com/2012grammycd, launching in conjunction with “The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night” airing on Nov. 30 on CBS Television Network from 10 – 11 p.m. ET/PT from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. In addition to announcing select nominations for the 54th GRAMMY Awards, the concert will feature performances by artists including Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Lady Gaga, Ludacris, Lupe Fiasco, Rihanna, Valerie Simpson, Mike Stoller, Sugarland and Usher.

The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held Sunday, Feb. 12 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, and will be broadcast in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network.

About The Recording Academy: Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com

About Universal Republic Records: A division of Universal Music Group, the world’s largest music company, Universal Republic is home to a diverse array of superstar artists such as 3 Doors Down, Amy Winehouse, Colbie Caillat, Eddie Vedder, Enrique Iglesias, Florence + The Machine, Godsmack, Hinder, Owl City, SuperHeavy, the Rolling Stones, and singing competition “The Voice” (Javier Colon, Dia Frampton), among many others.

It is comprised of innovative imprints and digital business ventures. Including Republic Nashville Records (The Band Perry), and is in partnerships with Aware Records (Mat Kearney), Big Machine (Taylor Swift), Brushfire (Jack Johnson, G Love), Cash Money (Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj) Lava Records (Jesse J, Black Veil Brides), SRC (Akon, Melanie Fiona, Shontelle), and Tuff Gong (Damien Marley, Stephen Marley) among others.

Sources: The Recording Academy, http://www.grammy.com
Photos credit to: http://www.grammy.com

This post is brought to you and partial sponsor by: Diversity News TV on Blip TV and You Tube Channels. (Click picture logo to visit channel)

Marie Osmond Attends The 80th Anniversary Hollywood Christmas Parade 2011 Benefiting Marine Toys for Tots

On Sunday, November 27, 2011 The weather was perfect for every one to watch and enjoy The 80th Anniversary Hollywood Christmas Parade 2011 Benefiting Marine Toys for Tots.

The event was held from 4:00 pm staring with the celebrities red carpet arrivals and the parade started live at 6:00 pm from Hollywood California. Bill Lomas, Producer of the live parade and President of Hollywood’s Santa Parade LLC.

Some of the celebrities the attended the event were Quinton Aaron, Santa Claus, Erik Estrada, La Toya Jackson, Laura McKenzie, Booboo Stewart, Fivel Stewart, Mayor Antonio Ramón Villaraigosa, Lu Parker and Kate Linder.

From the Heart of Hollywood! Starting on Hollywood Blvd at Orange, the U-shaped parade route will travel east to Vine, south on Vine to Sunset Boulevard and west on Sunset, back to Orange.

The length of this year’s parade route is two and one half miles. Per event organizers approximately 2,000 people participated in this year’s parade. They featured a 10,000 square feet of Red Carpet on Hollywood Boulevard in front of the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

The Hollywood Christmas Parade is presented annually by Hollywood’s Santa Parade LLC, in association with The City of Los Angeles and Associated Television International.

About The Hollywood Christmas Parade: Since 1928, the Hollywood Christmas Parade has been an American tradition for over 80 years! There were three years during wartime when the parade wasn’t presented. The Hollywood Christmas Parade was originally called the Santa Claus Lane Parade. When the American performer Gene Autry, who was known as The Singing Cowboy, was riding on his horse down Hollywood Boulevard in the 1946 Santa Claus Lane Parade, he heard parade spectators in the crowd exclaim, “Here comes Santa Claus!” This incident became the inspiration for Autry to compose the traditional perennial Christmas holiday song, “Here Come’s Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane),” which he co-wrote with Oakley Haldeman in 1949. Autry first recorded the song in 1947. The song was released as a single by Columbia Records, and became a #5 country and #9 pop hit at the time. Gene Autry is the only celebrity to have five stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one in each of the five categories, Motion Pictures, Radio, Recording, Television and Live Theater. Today the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard at Highland Avenue, where the Hollywood Christmas Parade begins its two and a half mile route, is named Gene Autry Square. For more information please visit the parade’s official websites, www.thehollywoodchristmasparade.com and www.hollywoodchristmasparade2011.com

Photos credit to: Gisele Rebeiro from Party By 5, Stella Gomez, Alex Palomares and Francois Palais for Diversity News Magazine, Yahoo.com, Examiner.com
Video Host/Voice Over by Recording Artist FAWN and recorded/edited by John Palisano for Diversity News TV.

The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce LA 10th Anniversary Awards & Gala Night A Huge Success

The red carpet, awards, dinner and show were running on time at the most classy and prestige event of the year, the every one will be talking about it for months and many years to come.

On Sunday, November 27, 2011 The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles (FACC-LA), celebrated and honored Top Businesses, Business Entrepreneurs and Leaders in the Community at The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce LA 10th Anniversary Awards and Gala Night held at The Beverly Garland Holiday Inn located at 4222 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood CA 91602 from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am.

The event featured live performers by Ciamara Morales, Michelle Delos Reyes, Vangie & Bob Crowther, The Classic Harmony and Ang Lahi Philippine Cultural Dance Group.

The Top Business Entrepreneurs and Community Leaders awards will be presented to: Farmers Insurance Group for Large Business Enterprise, Diana Zuniga of Western Union for her Business Leadership and Service Award (Remittance Industry), Pedro Ramirez of St. Vincent Medical Center for his  Community Leadership and Service Award (Healthcare Industry), Tony Vasquez of Beverly Garland Holiday Inn for Business Leadership Award (Hotel Management, Events and Lodging Industry), Susan Maranan of D’ New Aristocrat Restaurant  for her  Business Excellence Award (Restauranteur), Roman P. Mosqueda, Attorney at Law for his Service Leadership Award,  and John Mina for Community Leadership and Service Award (Non-Profit Service Organization).

Also the FACC-LA Founders & Charter Co-Founders that received the Leadership and Vision Awards were: Leo Maranan, Co-founder, President Emeritus, Rick Rolda, Co-founder, President Emeritus, Joe Arciaga, Co-Founder, Executive Director and Noel S. V. Omega, Charter Co-founder, President Emeritus.

Some of the government politicians the were among the honorees were City of Carson Mayor Jim Dear, Councilmember Elito Santarina of City of Carson, Vice Consul Mary Joy Ramirez of the Philippine Consulate Office.

The event was hosted by Jerry Lozano and Ciamara Morales and produced by Mary Ann R. Omega, Vice President and Noel S.V. Omega, Advisor and President Emeritus.

The Prime Event Sponsor were Farmers Insurance Group, Co-Event Sponsors: Western Union, ST. Vincent Medical Center. Technology Partner: Lozatech. Partners are: United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley, Filam ARTS, Federation of Philippine-American Chambers of Commerce, Asian American Chamber Association, World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations Inc. and Media Partners are: ABS-CBN Foundation, Diversity News Magazine, PinoyWatchDog, Kapitbahay News.

About The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles: Making History Since 2001. Rick Rolda, Leo Maranan and Joe Arciaga are the original founders of San Fernando Valley Filipino American Chamber of Commerce (SFVFACC, Inc. the official name). As of September 2011 the DBA name is now Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles (FACC-LA). The three (3) founders started the SFVFACC way back in January,  2001. Noel Omega joined SFVFACC in 2003 as its Public Relations Officer. Noel became the Charter Co-Founder of FACC-SFV in 2005 when he became president and incorporated the chamber. Noel was the President of the chamber from 2005 to 2007. Leo Maranan then became president from 2007 to 2009. During Leo’s term, the chamber presidency was revamped to a yearly term beginning with the next term. Rick Rolda was the President in 2010. The current President this year for 2011 is Rodel Lumanog.

FACC-LA is proud to announce that the organization have grown tremendously in the years since its founding. FACC-LA maintains an office located at the Valley Corporate Community Center at 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 205, Sherman Oaks, Ca 91403 where it holds several workshops, Business Mixers, Business Expo, etc. FACC-LA maintains strong relationships with Valley Economic Development Center (VEDC), United Chamber of Commerce (UCC), LA County Business Federation (BizFed), and the Asian American Chamber Association (AACA). For the past years FACC-LA have been active in supporting outreach projects with our Community Partners such as the Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team (APAIT), Heal the Bay, the Philippine Consulate’s OAV, and the Filipino-American Census 2010 Complete Count. In addition, FACC-LA helps people who want to start a business or expand their business and does assist in the Business Grand Opening.  FACC-LA also sits in the board of Federation of Philippine Chamber of Commerce (FPACC) and will host the next Bi-national Convention and Trade show on October 2013 in Los Angeles.  For more information visit: http://www.facc-sfv.com

*Event proceeds will benefit the FACC-LA Program Development Fund and The ABS-CBN “Bantay Bata” Foundation.

Tickets for this event were $55.00 (Prepaid), $65.00 (at the door).

Photos credit to: Bob Delgadillo and Edwin Leviste
Sources: Diversity News Publications, Diversity News TV and Examiner.com

Recording Artist Arnold G’s Celebrates His Birthday 2011 benefiting AIDS Walk LA 2012

On Saturday, November 26, 2011 AG Entertainment Productions and AG Records Music presented The 4th annual Arnold G’s Birthday celebration 2011 for Sandra Dee Manoukian and Arnold G birthday benefiting Diversity News Team#3960 for AIDS Walk Los Angeles 2012.

The event was hosted by Hollywood Celebrity Photographer Steven Curtis in a private residence in the Hollywood Hills, CA from 7:00 pm to 1:00 am.

The event featured a red carpet, drinks, appetizers and live performers by Marion Ramsey, Irene Soderberg, Jill McDonald, John Savage, Jen Youngs, Davis Delton, Rob EC, Clent Bowers and many more. The event was hosted by legendary Irene Soderberg.

Some of the VIP guests the attended to celebrate with Arnold G were Celebrity Photographer Daniela Hubbard, George Thomas, Lisa Arroyo, Margie Balter, Stella Gomez, Harrison Held, Maricelle & Scot Meldelson and many more.

This private birthday invitation was covered by Diversity News TV, Diversity News Magazine, Jeff Knight Photography and Bob Delgadillo Photographer.

About Arnold Garcia a.k.a Arnold G: Arnold Garcia (aka Arnold G), a member of The Recording Academy, is a well-respected recording artist, songwriter, dancer, performer and music producer.  He was raised in Camarillo, California. Arnold is the founder of A&G Entertainment Productions (AGEP) based in Hollywood, in which he has served the industry as a creator, producer and director since 2008.  AGEP has been successful in signing artists with major record labels, publishing and helping enhance the music careers of undiscovered talent the opportunity to embark on a professional career path in the entertainment industry.  Arnold wants to help other artists’ development by offering stage coaching, voice coaching, branding, building a fan base and providing business education about the industry, so he launched “Local Celebrity”, “BringItOn” and “ShineOn”, programs which allow artists perform and compete for the opportunity to be mentored by a major recording artist.  AGEP’s mission is to help growing musicians and artists overcome the numerous obstacles they encounter, and to assist them in developing skill sets in all areas of the industry so that these promising artists tap their potential and excel within the industry by thinking “outside the box”.  For more information visit www.arnoldg.com or www.agepmusic.com

About Diversity News Team #3960:
Diversity News team was created and establish by Esteban aka Steven Escobar. The group’s purpose and mission is to give back to the community and to help raise funds for AIDS education, awareness, prevention and medicine research. From 2003 to the present, Diversity News Team #3960 has been recruiting members to walk the 10k (6.2 mile) main event and to raise money for AIDS Walk LA benefiting AIDS Project Los Angeles and other non profit organizations in the Los Angeles County.

Sources: http://agepmusic.com/, World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations Inc., Diversity News TV on Blip TV and YouTube Channels.
Photos credit to: Bob Delgadillo.

This article post is in part sponsored and brought to you by:

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The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles 10th Anniversary Red Carpet & Awards Gala Night

On Tuesday, November 22, 2011 On Tuesday, November 22, 2011 The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles (FACC-LA), announced that they will be Honoring Top Businesses, Business Entrepreneurs and Leaders in the Community at the 10th Anniversary Awards and Gala Night to be held on Sunday, November 27, 2011, at The Beverly Garland Holiday Inn located at 4222 Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood, CA 91602 from 6:00 pm to 12:00am.

The event will feature The Classic Harmony and Ang Lahi Philippine Cultural Dance Group.

The Top Business Entrepreneurs and Community Leaders awards will be presented to: Farmers Insurance Group for Large Business Enterprise, Diana Zuniga of Western Union for her Business Leadership and Service Award (Remittance Industry), Pedro Ramirez of St. Vincent Medical Center for his  Community Leadership and Service Award (Healthcare Industry), Tony Vasquez of Beverly Garland Holiday Inn for Business Leadership Award (Hotel Management, Events and Lodging Industry), Susan Maranan of D’ New Aristocrat Restaurant  for her  Business Excellence Award (Restauranteur), Roman P. Mosqueda, Attorney at Law for his Service Leadership Award,  and John Mina for Community Leadership and Service Award (Non-Profit Service Organization).

The Gala 10th Anniversary Celebration Awardees are:

FARMERS INSURANCE: DAVE BATTLE, District Manager, Farmers District 56, Valley Division - Large Business Enterprise award for serving the Filipino-American Community at-large

Founded in 1928, Farmers Insurance Group has always had a strong commitment to serving our countries diverse population and Small Business Communities.  With corporate offices in Los Angeles, California, the company and its Agents are supporting a host of projects and special events that benefit minority business ownership and celebrate California’s rich multi-cultural heritage. Ongoing projects include The Community Sponsorship Fund, an Agent driven program that supports community and civic activities that benefit diverse cultures, a series of award-winning television programs and educational videos to promote cultural awareness, student video, photo and essay competitions for cash awards and scholarships and the Farmers Community Gathering project that reach out to diverse groups through health screenings, child ID and fingerprint programs and child safety events.

DIANA ZUNIGA: Country Development Manager at WESTERN UNION – Community Leadership and Service Award (Remittance Industry) for developing remittance awareness and access to remittance services for the Filipino-American market in the Greater Los Angeles Area.

PEDRO RAMIREZ: Director of Multicultural Awareness and Prevention Center of ST. VINCENT MEDICAL CENTER – Community Leadership and Service Award (Healthcare Industry) for providing healthcare awareness and services to low-income recipients in the Greater L.A. area.

TONY VASQUEZ: Banquet Manager of BEVERLY GARLAND HOLIDAY INN – Community Leadership and Service Award (Hotel Management, Events and Lodging Industry) for providing quality services and proactive partnership with Filipino-American businesses and organizations in the greater Los Angeles area.

SUSAN MARANAN: Owner and Operator of D’ NEW ARISTOCRAT RESTAURANT – Business Excellence Awardee (FACC-LA Chamber Member) for consistently demonstrating a progressive business trend and setting an excellent example of business growth through the years since joining FACC-LA.

ROMAN P. MOSQUEDA, Attorney-At-Law: CEO and Principal Attorney at Roman P. Mosqueda Law Office – Service Leadership Award (FACC-LA Legal Advisor) for distinguished leadership and meritorious service as FACC-LA’s primary legal advisor over the last 5 years.

JOHN MINA: President, Historic Filipino-Town Rotary Club – Community Leadership and Service Award (Non-Profit Service Organization) for distinguished service in developing leadership and board community participation through the goals and objectives of the Rotary Club.

Also the FACC-LA Founders & Charter Co-Founders will receive the Leadership and Vision Awards are: Leo Maranan, Co-founder, President Emeritus, Rick Rolda, Co-founder, President Emeritus, Joe Arciaga, Co-Founder, Executive Director and Noel S. V. Omega, Charter Co-founder, President Emeritus.

Tickets for this event are $55.00 (Prepaid), $65.00 (at the door) – buy them online at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2554885732. To order yours contact: Mary Ann Omega at (818) 430-3972, Vangie Crowther at (818) 558-7912 or Joe Arciaga at (818) 457-8408.

The Prime Event Sponsor is Farmers Insurance Group, Co-Event Sponsors: Western Union, ST. Vincent Medical Center. Technology Partner: Lozatech. Partners are: United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley, Filam ARTS, Federation of Philippine-American Chambers of Commerce, Asian American Chamber Association, World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations Inc. and Media Partners are: ABS-CBN Foundation, Diversity News Magazine, PinoyWatchDog, Kapitbahay News and Close Up Photography and Modeling Agency.

*Event proceeds will benefit the FACC-LA Program Development Fund and The ABS-CBN “Bantay Bata” Foundation.

About The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles: Making History Since 2001. Rick Rolda, Leo Maranan and Joe Arciaga are the original founders of San Fernando Valley Filipino American Chamber of Commerce (SFVFACC, Inc. the official name). As of September 2011 the DBA name is now Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles (FACC-LA). The three (3) founders started the SFVFACC way back in January,  2001. Noel Omega joined SFVFACC in 2003 as its Public Relations Officer. Noel became the Charter Co-Founder of FACC-SFV in 2005 when he became president and incorporated the chamber. Noel was the President of the chamber from 2005 to 2007. Leo Maranan then became president from 2007 to 2009. During Leo’s term, the chamber presidency was revamped to a yearly term beginning with the next term. Rick Rolda was the President in 2010. The current President this year for 2011 is Rodel Lumanog.

FACC-LA is proud to announce that the organization have grown tremendously in the years since its founding. FACC-LA maintains an office located at the Valley Corporate Community Center at 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 205, Sherman Oaks, Ca 91403 where it holds several workshops, Business Mixers, Business Expo, etc. FACC-LA maintains strong relationships with Valley Economic Development Center (VEDC), United Chamber of Commerce (UCC), LA County Business Federation (BizFed), and the Asian American Chamber Association (AACA). For the past years FACC-LA have been active in supporting outreach projects with our Community Partners such as the Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team (APAIT), Heal the Bay, the Philippine Consulate’s OAV, and the Filipino-American Census 2010 Complete Count. In addition, FACC-LA helps people who want to start a business or expand their business and does assist in the Business Grand Opening.  FACC-LA also sits in the board of Federation of Philippine Chamber of Commerce (FPACC) and will host the next Bi-national Convention and Trade show on October 2013 in Los Angeles.  For more information visit: http://www.facc-sfv.com

Photo flyer credit to: The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles 

Sources: Examiner.com, World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations Inc

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Diversity News Magazine

It have been another tough financial year for our industry, but we can thank GOD for still been alive.

Our editorial, photography, marketing and public relation teams wish you and your family a “Happy Safe Thanksgiving Day and Weekend.”

Have you ever wonder what is Thanksgiving? and why is been celebrated? Wikipedia.org describes as follows:

Thanksgiving, or Thanksgiving Day, is a holiday celebrated in the United States on the fourth Thursday in November. It has officially been an annual tradition since 1863, when during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving to be celebrated on Thursday, November 26.^[1] As a federal and popular holiday in the U.S., Thanksgiving is one of the major holidays of the year. Together with Christmas and the New Year, Thanksgiving is a part of the broader holiday season.

The event that Americans commonly call the “First Thanksgiving” was celebrated to give thanksto God for guiding them safely to the New World.^[2] The first Thanksgiving feast lasted three days, providing enough food for 13 Pilgrims and 90 Native Americans.^[3] The feast consisted offish (cod, eels, and bass) and shellfish (clams, lobster, and mussels), wild fowl (ducks, geese,swans, and turkey), venison, berries and fruit, vegetables (peas, pumpkin, beetroot and possibly, wild or cultivated onion), harvest grains (barley and wheat), and the Three Sisters:beans, dried Indian maize or corn, and squash.^[2][4][5][6] The New England colonists were accustomed to regularly celebrating “thanksgivings”—days of prayer thanking God for blessings such as military victory or the end of a drought.^[7]

Date

Since being fixed at the fourth Thursday in November by law in 1941, the holiday in the United States can occur on any date from November 22 to November 28. When it falls on November 22 or 23, it is not the last Thursday, but the penultimate Thursday in November. As it is a Federal holiday, all United States government offices are closed and employees are paid for that day. It is also a holiday for the New York Stock Exchange and most other financial markets and financial services companies.

Thanksgiving dates, 2011–2021

• November 24, 2011
• November 22, 2012
• November 28, 2013
• November 27, 2014
• November 26, 2015
• November 24, 2016
• November 23, 2017
• November 22, 2018
• November 28, 2019
• November 26, 2020
• November 25, 2021

Day after Thanksgiving

The day after Thanksgiving is a day off for some companies and many schools. It is popularly known as Black Friday, because of the heavy shopping that day helps put retailers’ books back into black. Black Friday has been considered by retailers to be the start of the Christmas shopping season since as early as the 1930s.

Source: Wikipedia
Photos credit to: Wikipedia & Diversity News Publications

The 39th Annual American Music Awards 2011 Complete List Winners

On Sunday, November 20, 2011 Dick Clark Productions produced and presented The 2011 American Music Awards live from the Nokia Theatre, L.A. Live.

The show was broadcast live on ABC from 8:00pm ET/7:00pm CT. The performers the stole the show was Enrique Iglesias and Jennifer Lopez with her outfit the every one is talking about it.

On the other side of the coin we broke the news from backstage when Bruno Mars went to the photo room and from the press room we Tweeted and posted on Facebook that Bruno Mars who won for the first time got mad at the photographers when they were screaming his name and he got upset and left the room saying ”Stop yelling at me”.

We immediately Tweeted and posted on Facebook and we got other media attention about this uncomfortable incident.

Katy Perry receives Award of Achievement for being the first woman in history of pop music to have five number one singles from one album.

 

Please check out the complete list winners below:

POP or ROCK MUSIC

Bruno Mars (Winner)

Favorite Female Artist
Adele (Winner)

Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Maroon 5 (Winner)

 

Favorite Album
Adele/21 (Winner)

COUNTRY MUSIC

Favorite Male Artist
Blake Shelton (Winner)

Favorite Female Artist
Taylor Swift (Winner)

Favorite Band, Duo or Group
Lady Antebellum (Winner)

Favorite Album
Taylor Swift/Speak Now (Winner)

RAP/HIP-HOP MUSIC

Favorite Artist
Nicki Minaj (Winner)

Favorite Album
Nicki Minaj/Pink Friday (Winner)

SOUL/RHYTHM & BLUES MUSIC

Favorite Male Artist
Usher (Winner)

Favorite Female Artist
Beyonce (Winner)

 

Favorite Album
Rihanna/Loud (Winner)

ALTERNATIVE ROCK MUSIC

Favorite Artist
Foo Fighters (Winner)

ADULT CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

Favorite Artist
Adele (Winner) 

LATIN MUSIC

Favorite Artist
Jennifer Lopez (Winner)

CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONAL

Favorite Artist
Casting Crowns (Winner)    

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Taylor Swift (Winner)

SPRINT NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

POP/ROCK
Hot Chelle Rae (Overall Winner – Sprint New Artist of the Year)

COUNTRY
The Band Perry

SOUL/R&B
Miguel

RAP/HIP-HOP
Wiz Khalifa

About dick clark productions, inc.:
Founded in 1957, dick clark productions, inc. (dcp) is a leading independent producer of television programming. dcp produces perennial hits such as the “American Music Awards,” “Golden Globe Awards,” “Academy of Country Music Awards,” and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.”  dcp also produces popular weekly television programming, including “So You Think You Can Dance,” and owns and maintains one of the world’s most unique and extensive entertainment libraries, which includes more than 30 years of “American Bandstand” footage.  For additional information about dcp, please visit www.dickclarkproductions.com

About the American Music Awards:
In 1973 Dick Clark created the American Music Awards to pay tribute to popular musicians from various genres of music and to put audiences in touch with the latest phenomena in American music.  Since its founding, the AMAs have honored and showcased the talents of some of the biggest names in the music industry. For press credential requests, please go to http://ama.dickclark.com.

Sources: Ernst & Young and Dick Clark Productions

Photo credit to: American Music Awards Facebook

Editor’s Note: More photos and videos will be posted soon here and our Blip.TV and YouTube Channel. Please come back soon for more.

Editor’s Note: The only negative thing about American Music Awards 2011 is when we went tru security and we were giving the wrong directions by LAPD in the venue where to check. This rude woman in black glasses would not allow us to go to the elevator, she follow us to the check in security. Security and us we told we already pass tru security but the woman would not care and force the security to check us again during a busy time. I think dick clark productions should fire her or she needs to apology to us and the security lady. Thank You.

FACC-LA First Annual Halo-Halo Holiday Special Concert at Envision Center

On November 18, 2011 The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles hosted their first annual Halo-Halo Holiday Special (An Evening of Music and Dance to Benefit Entrepreneurship and Education) at Envision Center, located at 15055 W Oxnard St. Van Nuys, CA 91403 from 8:00 pm to11:00 pm.

The entrance price was a donation of $25.00.

Halo-Halo Holiday Special featured live cover and original songs performances from Retz Gajardo Jr., Ciamara Morales, Michelle Delos Reyes, Selyna and Josephine Arciaga, Shay Louise, Vangie and Bob Crowther, Maria Amor and Samira Kazemeni and The Classic Harmony; Fenny, Sal, Bob and Edgar.

The event was hosted by Noel S.V. Omega and the producer/chair person was Vangie Crowther. Among the guests were celebrities Recording Artist Fawn and Book Author John Palisano.

*Event proceeds to benefit the FACC-LA Program Development Fund and The ABS-CBN “Bantay Bata” Foundation.

The Prime Event Sponsor is Farmers Insurance Group, Co-Event Sponsors: Western Union, ST. Vincent Medical Center. Technology Partner: Lozatech. Partners are: United Chambers of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley, Filam ARTS, Federation of Philippine-American Chambers of Commerce, Asian American Chamber Association, World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations Inc. and Media Partners are: ABS-CBN Foundation, Diversity News Magazine, PinoyWatchDog and Kapitbahay News.

About The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles: Making History Since 2001. Rick Rolda, Leo Maranan and Joe Arciaga are the original founders of San Fernando Valley Filipino American Chamber of Commerce (SFVFACC, Inc. the official name). As of September 2011 the DBA name is now Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles (FACC-LA). The three (3) founders started the SFVFACC way back in January,  2001. Noel Omega joined SFVFACC in 2003 as its Public Relations Officer. Noel became the Charter Co-Founder of FACC-SFV in 2005 when he became president and incorporated the chamber. Noel was the President of the chamber from 2005 to 2007. Leo Maranan then became president from 2007 to 2009. During Leo’s term, the chamber presidency was revamped to a yearly term beginning with the next term. Rick Rolda was the President in 2010. The current President this year for 2011 is Rodel Lumanog.

FACC-LA is proud to announce that the organization have grown tremendously in the years since its founding. FACC-LA maintains an office located at the Valley Corporate Community Center at 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 205, Sherman Oaks, Ca 91403 where it holds several workshops, Business Mixers, Business Expo, etc. FACC-LA maintains strong relationships with Valley Economic Development Center (VEDC), United Chamber of Commerce (UCC), LA County Business Federation (BizFed), and the Asian American Chamber Association (AACA). For the past years FACC-LA have been active in supporting outreach projects with our Community Partners such as the Asian Pacific AIDS Intervention Team (APAIT), Heal the Bay, the Philippine Consulate’s OAV, and the Filipino-American Census 2010 Complete Count. In addition, FACC-LA helps people who want to start a business or expand their business and does assist in the Business Grand Opening.  FACC-LA also sits in the board of Federation of Philippine Chamber of Commerce (FPACC) and will host the next Bi-national Convention and Trade show on October 2013 in Los Angeles.  For more information visit: http://www.facc-sfv.com

Photos credit to: Bob Delgadillo
Sources: Diversity News Publications, Examiner.com
Videos credit to: Diversity News TV on Blip TV and YouTube Channels

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