Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

The upcoming Reflections 20 to be held on Nov. 22 is very meaningful for me because it will sum up all the years I’ve spearheaded this major FilAm production.

All these individuals are so varied and unique in their own ways and they will forever stay in my Reflections memory.

One of them is this year’s Man of the Year, Mr. Michael R. Cucueco. For many years, committee members within Reflections have been nominating Mike for this premier honor but somehow, the timing was never right. This year, I’m so happy that finally Mike has accepted the recognition. Being Man of the Year is a lead role of sorts given to an upstanding member of our community who has achieved so much for himself and beyond just for himself. I met Mike for lunch recently and I was struck by how humble he is, despite his reputation for being a high-power real estate developer. Over lunch, I learned that one of his deepest passions is to help our community na magkasama-sama, which is consistent with the goal of Reflections.

Mike is so busy with his work commitments but he never fails to dedicate time to worthy regional projects such as the Pampanga Day Commission. During the Oct. 15 press conference of Reflections 20, I witnessed his unconditional generosity. When the producers and film director of the acclaimed Pinoy movie Ploning asked for our kababayans’ support in relation to the movie’s Oscar bid, without hesitation Mike volunteered to host a screening for Ploning possibly at The Wiltern.

I also noticed that despite being a structured leader, Mike can be laid back as well. Amid all the success, wala kang makikitang pagmamalaki sa kanya. He’s just low-key and casual; very easy to talk to. He confided in passing that he would someday love to retire in the Philippines. Whenever he goes back home, he always feels so welcome there. He also speaks so highly about the natural resources of our country and its many untapped potentials. Doon ko naramamdaman ang kanyang pagkamakabayan.

Mike, you’re not just the Man of the Year but a man for all seasons. It’s a blessing knowing you!

Another extraordinary person receiving Reflections 20 honors is Ms. Jackie Regala, Concert Producer of the Year.

I’ve known her for a long time and I know that she’s bound to be one of the top ranking concert producers here in our community. Her clever ideas and savvy marketing makes her one of the best in her field. Jackie, up to now, with her kolehiyala manner, is a delight to everyone.

Whether producing a concert or hosting an event, she makes sure that everybody is satisfied and she gets rave reviews for production values and entertainment quality.

As Chief Executive Officer of KATZ Entertainment, Jackie has been producing concerts for the past 12 years. The list of artists brought in by KATZ Entertainment is quite impressive starting off with the biggest names in the Philippine music scene, including the Megastar Sharon Cuneta, Concert King Martin Nievera, pop icon, Gary Valenciano, Concert Queen Pops Fernandez, Original Philippine Diva Kuh Ledesma, Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez, Lani Misalucha, ZsaZsa Padilla, Eat Bulaga, Side A, Freestyle, Ogie Alcasid, MYMP, Basil Valdez, and Piolo Pascual, among others.

I first met her when she was working at Asian Journal, where she was awarded Journalist of the Year several years back. Jackie is married to a very good man, Jerry Katigbak, and blessed with son Miko. Amid all the challenges she’s facing right now, she’s still upbeat and inspiring. During the recent press conference of the Martin Nievera and Brian McKnight concert she is producing, her composure seems unfazed. She’s still Jackie, holding the microphone, making jokes and doing what she does best.

With the help of your friends, family and loved ones, Jackie, all our prayers are with you. And I know that you will triumph. Coming from my heart, I wish you all the best and many many concerts to come!

Another remarkable woman being honored at the Nov. 22 Reflections 20 gala night is Angelique Salve Gradney. She is receiving the Renaissance Woman Hall of Fame Award for her resilience and ability to set her own fate no matter what exterior factors throw at her.

I’ve seen I’ve seen her hard work and determination to withstand all the storms and challenges in her life. I recently had dinner with her and her dashing husband Stephen Gradney. It was a dinner date that we’ve been trying to set up since last year and finally, last week, it happened at the ritzy City Club in Downtown LA.

I’ve known Angie for quite some time and I’m one of those very enamored by her charm and kikay ways. She’s a major player in the real estate sector as young president of First Nations Funding. But little did I know of her humble beginnings.

During dinner, she began to tell the story about how she was one of the pioneers of the ukay-ukay craze [selling vintage or used clothing] in Manila back in the day.

In her desire to strive for more, Angie traveled to the US and started from scratch. She even had to do manual, hard labor for a construction company at a young age just to get by. Even at that age, she was just determined to achieve something. She used all her experiences and learned from established businesspersons. Angie also enrolled herself in classes until she earned her real estate license and eventually became a financial and real estate wizard.

Of course, her success has also a lot to do with a very committed support system, her husband Stephen. Their love story has produced two beautiful daughters Isabella Marietta and Madeleine Paulina.

Stephen, who comes from a large family of 11 children, has showbiz roots. I guess that’s why he’s so guwapo. At a young age of 20, he was able to direct and produce a play that toured in Florida.