This was my picture taken during a concert in Manila, Philippines  last July of 2005, directed by a very good friend and producer, Angie Magbanua.

She finally joined our good Lord last Friday, January 18, 2008. Condolences to her family and friends. We will miss you.

She has directed several of my live performances and concerts abroad and in the Philippines.

Love made on TV

By Rita Neri

It was a grey, rainy Saturday when Jansen Cunanan exchanged I do’s with long time love, Emma Therese Pinga (a.k.a. Tootsie Guevara), last Aug. 8 at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, but you wouldn’t have paid attention to the overcast skies at all because of the warm, happy feeling this particular wedding evoked in the church that day.

For the 300 or so guests that gathered to witness this wedding, this special moment was indeed filled with so much emotion that it brought to mind Elton John’s song, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight:” Many of the friends and relatives knew how this love story began. In August 2001, Jansen, then studying to be a physical therapist, met his “television crush” Tootsie Guevara through good friend, Geneva Cruz. While the first meeting did not ring any bells for Tootsie, it did spur Jansen to greater efforts to court his crush. This meant not only arranging for more meetings and chaperoned dates with Tootsie but also a long-distance courtship. Jansen was then in Subic because of his studies while Tootsie lived all the way in Cainta. Another obstacle to overcome was Mommy Tess. Tootsie’s charming, doting but very strict mama did not take kindly to all of Tootsie’s many suitors, including Jansen. But this enterprising young man now included Tootsie’s family in his courtship campaign that in a short while, Mommy Tess recognized the kind, decent, and sincere person that Jansen was. The final major stumbling block came in the form of an overseas separation for the two when Jansen had to leave for the US to further pursue his career. But true love does indeed stand the test of time when Tootsie was able to finally follow.

Now as Jansen nervously awaits his bride, he can’t help but feel how all the trials and obstacles to making her his made their love all the more special and meaningful. Wearing an off-white Duchesse satin wedding gown with a beaded French lace cover-up, Tootsie was truly a gorgeously glowing bride. Accompanied by her parents, Emmanuel and Teresa Pinga, Tootsie walked down the aisle to the song, “Ikaw” as played by the String Minstrels of Ed and Tina Pasamba. Officiating at the mass was the couple’s long time friend, Fr. Gerry Orbos, S.V.D. The couple also made sure that all their principal sponsors were those they held near and dear to their hearts starting with good friends and mentors, Jose Mari Chan and German Moreno and including: Arnold Vegafria, Lyra Marcos, Josephine Pascual, Rolando Sulit, Edith Ballesteros, Antonio Chua, Esther Tuason, Elvira Manansala, Jaime Cunanan, Dr. Roberto Cunanan, Dr. Evangeline del Rosario, Dr. Roberto Cunanan, Estela Pinga, Guillermo Macayan, Sr., Ida Henares, Melinda Sia, Vehnee Saturno, Chona Maningas, Dr. Mat Tan, Dr. Gil Marasigan, Dr. Melinda Cayabyab, Dr. Rimando Saguin, Dr. Macrina Barriga, and Dr. Steve Mark Gan. Doing the honors as best man was Jansen’s brother, Jonathan Cunanan. Tootsie’s younger sister Andrea Pinga was her maid of honor.

The reception held at the Rizal Ballroom of Shangri-la Hotel Makati had guests dining on peppered ahi tuna with baby greens and wasabi vinaigrette as appetizer, wild mushroom cream soup with pine nuts and rosemary croutons, and a main course of oven-roasted Chicken Supreme with lobster mousse and spinach. Dessert was a melt-in-your-mouth mille feville with strawberry coulis in vanilla sauce.

The evening’s festivities did not lack for entertainment as many of Jansen and Tootsie’s friends sang and gave messages for the two starting with co-emcee Richard Villanueva who sang “The Prayer” in a duet with diva Jamie Rivera to Tootsie’s sister, Taffy, co-emcee the evening’s reception. Also rendering song numbers were Arnee and Jeffrey Hidalgo, surprise guest Marco Sison, the groom’s cousin, Ivory Cunanan, and another cousin, 14-year-old classical pianist Alan Escuro. Equally memorable was a tearful Geneva Cruz giving a heartfelt congratulatory message to the couple with a request for Tootsie to take care of her good friend and “best bro,” Jansen. Maid of honor, Andrea (nicknamed-Tiny), also gave a message but surprised her sister and brother-in-law by singing Tootsie’s hit song, “Pangako Ko Sayo,” a song composed for her by Ogie Alcasid.

The fathers of the couple, Emmanuel Pinga and Jose Cunanan, gave their toasts to the newlyweds with much appreciation from the audience. The two made it clear how welcome the children was in their families. But this magical evening was made more memorable as Jansen and Tootsie presented their guest with a simple but choreographed first dance complete with a turn around the dance floor with their parents.

My best wishes to this lovely and much loved couple. I hope you and your families enjoy your planned honeymoon in Boracay and may love, laughter, and good health be in your life always!

First of all, may I greet each and every one - Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon! (Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!)

Some of you may be wondering, where Tootsie is now? I apologize for not writing regularly, but that doesn’t mean I have forgotten to keep you guys updated on my life now.

I have been very blessed since I came here in the U.S. since 2004. Not only do I have a wonderful family but a career I’ve always dreamt of since I was in school. Even though I was in show business since 9 years old, with the support and guidance of my parents, I pursued my education, never quitting and graduated college with flying colors. At the same time, garnered gold and platinum record awards and was able to experience and launch an acting career as a villain in soap operas.

Working now for a multi-million dollar Senior Living Company in the U.S. that has almost 300 communities nationwide is a very humbling experience. Each day, I thank the good Lord for giving me the opportunity to help the seniors at the same time making me a much better person. It makes my life more meaningful.

Recently I was offered by my Regional Director of Sales & Marketing to tansfer from a Memory Care Assisted Living (Alzheimer’s and Dementia community) to an Independent and Assisted Living Community with Memory Care. This is a much better position as opportunities are larger.

It was sad for me to leave the residents and fellow supervisors  from the community I came from whom I’ve loved but it was a very happy and exciting challenge for me in accepting the offer. Loyalton of Rancho Solano - the community where I am now is such a beautiful place being surrounded by wineries, golf course and scenic views. I am really very grateful for all the wonderful opportunities and meaningful experiences with Senior residents and their families every single day.  That is why I wanted to share with you a recent photo taken during our resident’s Christmas party.

I would like to share with you my photos with Mayor Harry Price, Mayor Pete Sanchez and Chief of Police Mr. Kenton Rainey. I cherish my friendship with them for they are always there to support our Senior residents and are really involved in the community. (from Left to right - Mayor Harry Price, Mayor Pete Sanchez, me, Chief of Police Mr. Kenton Rainey and Mrs. Price)

Sincerely,

Community Relations Director

Loyalton of Rancho Solano

a.k.a. “Tootsie Guevara”

Third weekend of September we went to Discovery Kingdom Six Flags in Vallejo, California.  I never really enjoyed going to theme parks before. Why? Because I can’t stay too long, can’t be very tired (for my upcoming shows) can’t eat too much sweet food (like cotton candy, ice cream etc.), although I always like to ride scary and thrilling roller coaster but can’t scream (bad for the voice) haha, but now, going to theme parks with my son is so much fun!!! Especially now I can eat ice cream, cotton candy and don’t have to worry if I get too tired walking around chasing my son at the theme park and just play and enjoy the day with him. My son had so much fun seeing Shamu, sea lion, bathing the elephant, tiger, lion, different birds, his favorite penguin and other animals.  Anyway, I realized that I won’t be riding those roller coasters anymore. It just scares me now I have a son. Sign of aging? Maturity is a better word

Hello everyone! First of all, I would like to thank and give credit to my very good friend and very talented webmaster- Doinks! He’s the best! I was so happy to see the new look of the website.

Thanks to mosesjoel for sharing the videos and for your messages. I was very glad to know someone out there still remembers me

Today is Labor Day weekend here in California, which means tomorrow Monday, no work! Haha! But a lot of sales and good deals in most of the stores.

I am just relaxing at home, spending time with family and my so adorable son!

I miss Philippines and looking forward to visit sometime soon. I miss my friends there…

It’s already the “ber” month so perhaps there will be early Christmas decors all around Manila and playing Christmas songs/carols on the radio.

Will write again soon…

 The second single that was added to the repackaged “Sa Puso Ko” album of Tootsie.

In 2001, Tootsie Guevara released Sa Puso Ko (In My Heart). As with most albums by Philippine solo artists, the album contains much easy listening music, but it also contains upbeat, dance-inflected numbers and substantive, soulful balladry.

~ David Gonzales, All Music Guide

The second single from Tootsie’s album “Kaba“.