The Phenomenal WASSUP of 2014: A Recap

By: Jovie Calma

 

“People making lists, buying special gifts. Taking time to be kind to one and all. It’s the time of year when good friends are near, and you wish you could give more than just presents from a store.” Growing up, this famous song from the Jackson 5, “Give Love On Christmas Day” usually kicked off the holiday season in my home. As soon as December 1st hit the calendar, my family gathered to set up the Christmas tree and shared what we wanted for Christmas as presents or how we call it our “wish list”. Now, that I have my own family, we still enjoy decorating the Christmas tree together and share our wish list but with an addition of #25 Days of Kindness with it. Does it have to be on Christmas season that we should do this? Christmas is a time of giving. Giving a gift to others is a good thing, but it points to a deeper meaning. We will not find this deeper meaning under the Christmas tree, but it is not a bad place to start. The deepest meaning however is found in the loving heart. At its best, Christmas is a mirror in which we see reflection of the very best life can be and the best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped in each other. Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year and really, the best time of the year. It’s God’s way of reaching His world and His creatures with the good news that life could be different from what we have made it. It is God’s way of giving us, His creatures, the gift that keeps on giving– Jesus Christ. This month, allow me to share with you once again the bountiful blessings that God has showered for Wassup?! Jovie Calma Live in Chicago for VIA Times Newsmagazine and Chicago Philippine Reports TV this year. In January 2014, we shared the enchanted evening at the Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker 2013 as they celebrate their 26th year anniversary. The stellar production was a resounding success and proved as “America’s Number 1 Nutcracker”. This awe-inspiring and beloved holiday masterpiece has captivated Chicago for the last 25 years with brilliant costumes, largerthan- life scenery, entrancing storytelling and Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s famous score. Bruno Mars wins Best Pop Vocal Album at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. We highlighted Bruno Mars in February. It’s been three years since the last time I had a chat with the 18-times Grammy nominee and singer-songwriter, Bruno Mars. It was in 2010 when I told him in one of my interviews for VIA Times and CPRTV, “I wanna see you at the Grammy’s”. You may call it a divine intervention, the following year, Bruno Mars had 7 Grammy nominations and won the Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for “Just The Way You Are” in this highest music honor awards giving body. March 2014 was the time when I had to share the legacy of my late maternal Grandfather, Eladio P. Angeles who joined our creator on February 25, 2014. It’s been almost four decades that Tatay taught me that life is too short to be unhappy and miserable and to live it without passion. He lived a remarkable life, one that inspired me tremendously. His adventurous attitude and happy demeanor is a reflection that life is meant to be filled with laughter and joy. Tatay also taught me that people are meant to be remembered for the amazing things they’ve done and contributed into your life and that we must always strive to better our lives and the lives of those around us. In April, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan brought the spectacular performance of “Songs of the Wanderers.” The most acclaimed Asian contemporary dance company which is a visually stunning meditative masterpiece showcasing recreation of spiritual pilgrimage, brought to life with a set featuring three and a half tons of shimmering, golden grains of rice. It’s not your typical dance performance, audience were immersed in a transformational experience where one entered a whole different world. Directed by the celebrated choreographer, Master Lin, the group is phenomenally acclaimed both at home and on their international tours. Despite of the cold weather in April, Hofbrauhaus Chicago launched their Spring event with the tapping of the much-anticipated Moiback brew on April 25. This annually produced spring brew has pleased the palette of beer drinkers since 1614. Comedian Michael Palascak graced the event and did the keg tapping for the moiback brew. It was indeed celebrated as if it was Oktoberfest! In June 2014, VT/CPRTV officially launched our Junefest in Wassup?! Jovie Calma LIVE! Junefest kicked off with the third annual event, “An Evening of F.A.M.E. 2014!” Foundation of Artists Mentored in Entertainment (F.A.M.E.) held its 3rd annual competition at Columbia College on May 22, 2014. Ms. Lily Liu, 2006 Chicago Filipino Asian AmericanHall of Famer is the founder and the brain behind this F.A.M.E. Level Next Music Recording Artist, Taylor Mallory rocked the stage. July 2014, I celebrated my #JC@40! A Milestone Celebration. They say life begins at 40 and that it’s a milestone, a serious one… one that offers the possibility of reinvention. Each year on my birthday, it was like New Year’s Eve for me as I take a moment to take a good sneak at my life and see where I’m at. This year was totally different. In the journey of life, it is important to have direction and purpose. Each one of us has a built-in compass to help us get to wherever we desire to go. Don’t forget to trust that compass, and refer to it often, for with that trusting will come the strength to bear whatever life deals you. In August, Budweiser’s Made in America: Chicago Party was a huge hit to Chicagoans. It was trending with Chicagoans checking-in with their social media apps with hashtag #MadeInAmerica #MadeInChicago. It was one of the concert series to kick-off Budweiser’s Made In America. In September 2014, Filipino actor, singer-songwriter and guitarist, Aiza Seguerra staged a successful concert for a great cause, “High On Love” with special guest, Stephen Bishop to benefit BEFINC. “May the 4th be with you,”, that was the famous line of the day amongst the photographers, models, designers, stylists and make-up artists who collaborated together for the “Steampunk Chronicle” photo shoot that was held on May 4th, the worldwide celebration of Starwars Day. We highlighted the steamy success of this shoot and the launch of AMOUR Magazine in October. In November 2014, Akira Fall Fashion Show: The Last Dimension captivated Chicago. More than 3,000 fashion lovers were dazzled by inspiring designer collections and high-profile special guests at this year’s AKIRA Fall Fashion show held at the Grossinger City Autoplex. AKIRA once again secured its position as a must-see fashion event in Chicago when they amazed audiences with their retrospective collections of stunning designs showcasing fashion innovation, style and flair. Hollywood actor and music artist, James Maslow was the featured guest who impressed the audience in this sell-out event for a great cause. Part of the proceeds benefited the PAWS Chicago. On a side note, special birthday wishes to Tito Aris Topacio (Dec.1), Tita Haidee Angeles (Dec. 4), James DC (Dec. 13), Michelle Ola (Dec. 20), and to my Dad Ricky Calma (Dec. 28). I love you, Dad! To all VIA Times Readers and CPRTV viewers, thank you for your continued support. Until the next issue of Wassup?! Jovie Calma LIVE! Have a Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous 2015! God Bless Us All!

Chromosomes should not determine the value of life! I’m proud of my aunt who has a down syndrome but it didn’t stop her to be the MOST AMAZING person that she could be! Her smile is contagious; her laugh is the best medicine for the heart; her hugs are heavenly and her heart itself is pure gold! I adore her and love her to the core of my being! Happy 52nd Birthday Tita Haidee!

VT/CPRTV’s Jovie Calma’s photo opportunity with 2014 Hall of Famer, Dennis Mondero and Chaz Patron of Lady’s Choice Band and CPRTV staff. Photo credits: JC Patron Photography

 

VT/CPRTV’s Jovie Calma’s photo opportunity with CBS 2 Anchor, Mai Martinez who served as the Mistress of the Ceremonies for the Chinese Mutual Aid’s Association’s 33rd Annual Dinner and Silent Auction