Watch the Champions on this Sunday’s edition of CITIZEN PINOY!

DAY OF THE CHAMPIONS. This Sunday, August 14, on TFC, Citizen Pinoy replays the “Night of the Champions” episode with stars Sarah Geronimo and Mark Bautista. The two singing sensations will talk about their first visit to the United States, with side stories about how they enjoyed the country’s sights and attractions. They are shown above with (from left) hosts Atty. Mike Guingona, Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel, and Odette Alcazaren-Keeley.

Sarah Geronimo and Mark Bautista are names you are familiar with by now. They lead the newest batch of widely acclaimed and highly admired singers from the Philippines. These two “champions” from the Philippines captivate audiences wherever they go with their endearing and powerful voices and their personal charm and charisma.

Since last year, Sarah and Mark have already gone on concert tours around the United States and brought so much joy and pleasure in Fil-American audience who have come from all over the U.S. to hear and watch them perform.

For many Filipino performers and artists, the chance to showcase their talents to an international audience is considered a mark of true success and a clear indication that they have indeed “arrived.” Having fans that cheer them on, ask for their autographs, and who actually line up and buy tickets to their concerts or movies gives Filipino entertainers a euphoric high. They are thrilled when their “kababayans” based in foreign countries, especially in the U.S., recognize them and demonstrate a communal feeling of pride. But performing in front of their fans in the US does not happen with the snap of a finger. A lot of work goes behind it to ensure that the performers can indeed appear for their international engagements. Bringing Filipino entertainers to foreign shores is not as easy as getting a booking from a producer, obtaining plane tickets, and traveling to perform on an international stage and wow an international audience.

A very important document is required in order for the singing champions to perform in front of their fans --- this is the entertainer’s visa, classified as the “O” Visa. This classification allows persons with extraordinary ability in the science, arts, education, business and athletics, or extraordinary achievement in motion picture and television production to enter into and perform in the US. The visa is typically granted for a specific event, such as a concert tour.

This Sunday (Aug 14), CITIZEN PINOY airs the episode featuring champions and singing sensations Sarah Geronimo and Mark Bautista talk as they recount the first time they entered the United States during last year’s successful “Night of the Champions” Concert Tour.

Tune in to CITIZEN PINOY this Sunday and listen to the colorful and exciting tales of young stars Sarah Geronimo and Mark Bautista as they tell CP hosts Atty. Mike Guingona and Odette Keeley about how it feels to sing and give joy to their kapamilya/fans here in the US, with side stories about how they enjoyed the sights and attractions of the country that welcomed their talent with open arms. Leading immigration attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel also provides vital information about the processes and requirements involved in order to obtain an O-1 visa as an Alien of Extraordinary Ability (as entertainers cannot perform on visitor’s visas).

CITIZEN PINOY is a one-hour talk show that will provide information on the various possibilities, issues and problems regarding US immigration. --- hosted by Atty. Mike Guingona, Ms. Odette Alcazaren-Keeley and leading immigration lawyer Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel.

CITIZEN PINOY is seen every Sunday at 5 p.m., with replays every Monday at 4 a.m., and on ANC-USA every Friday at 8 p.m. (all Pacific Standard Time). In the Philippines, the show airs every Saturday at 11 a.m. on ANC (ABS-CBN News Channel).

Viewers in North America may send their questions and/or reactions via text: type CP <your name,> < your city,> <question> and send to 23661 (Ex: CP Eric, Foster City, How do I change from tourist to work visa?) or via e-mail at questions@citizenpinoy.com. Texters in the Philippines may send their messages by following the same format above and sending to 2331 (for Globe & Sun) and 231 (for Smart).

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