Isko Moreno resigns from Northrail

Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has resigned as chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of North Luzon Railways Corp. (Northrail), citing personal reasons.

In his letter to President Duterte yesterday, Domagoso said: “Due to personal reason, I would like to tender my irrevocable resignation as member of the board of directors and as chairman and CEO of Northrail effective immediately.”

Cesar Chavez, undersecretary for rails at the Department of Transportation (DOTr), said in a text message that it is not clear whether the President has accepted Domagoso’s resignation.

Domagoso said he is grateful for the opportunity given to him to serve under the Duterte administration.

“The experience I have gained is indeed enriching and has taught me valuable knowledge about the dynamics of national government, specifically running a government-owned and controlled corporation,” he said.

Asked if his resignation is related to the 2019 midterm polls, Domagoso said he has no plans for 2019 yet.

Domagoso was a senatorial candidate in last year’s elections. He was appointed by Duterte to the Northrail in July 2016.

Prior to running for the Senate, Domagoso served as vice mayor of the city of Manila for many years.

Northrail is a subsidiary of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and an attached agency of the DOTr.

Northrail’s primary purpose is to develop, construct, operate and manage a railroad system to serve Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Northern Luzon.

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Concert to showcase Corrales’ mettle, musical legacy

Iconic singer Pilita Corrales mounts the stage of The Theater at Solaire on Nov. 17 for a one-night only show. Her children Jackie Lou Blanco and Ramon Christopher, both popular showbiz personalities, will help tell her story and musical legacy. Joining them is Pilita’s granddaughter, Janine Gutierrez, now also making a name for herself.

Pilita is excited over her forthcoming concert because it will chronicle the start of her singing career in Australia all the way back to the ’50s. She is impressed with the show director, Carlo Orosa, who made an extensive research on her early musical ascent there where she became the first woman to top the Australian pop charts with the song “Come Closer To Me.” She was so popular that a street was even named after her.

Orosa said “We want to show a side of Pilita that a lot of the young people have not seen. She is first Filipino singer to actually showcase Filipino talent internationally. She is both an icon and a legend.”

Pilita said singing is about passion and perseverance. And she may have become an icon in the musical world, but Pilita said retirement is not in her vocabulary. “I will continue singing until there are people who want to listen to me.” As to how she was able to maintain her voice, she said she stopped smoking. A healthy lifestyle is really the secret, she said.

Martin Nievera’s mom Conchita Razon is writing the script for “An Evening With Pilita.” It was also Conchita who wrote the script for the long-running show of the same title aired on ABS-CBN.

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2nd branch for Bless Las Paellas

Filipino philanthropists and business partners Jessie V. Maloles and Nelson Mendoza opened recently the second branch of their Bless Las Paellas at the Vista Mall in Sta. Rosa near Nuvali.

The first is on Aguirre St. in BF Parañaque.

Aside from being a restaurateur, Jessie is into the boutique/hotel business. She was also a former Mrs. Philippines Int’l and she competed in Kuala Lumpur a few years ago and finished as first runner-up place. She is active in civic and charity projects as well as in the world of fashion.

The opening of their second branch was highlighted by a mini show where the guests were treated to Spanish dances and a fashion show featuring the creations of Rye Baile and Marlo Javier. The models included Bb. Pilipinas Int’l 2001 Maricar Tolosa, Miss Global Queen 2002 Cox-JP Abinuman, April Tanhueco, among others.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 28, go to Jonathan dela Cruz, Walter de Santos, Benjo Marquez, Manny Valera, Bubbles Carandang, Millie Vera, Angia Munji Laurel, Atty. Pete Principe, Melba Nergua, Christine Limpo, Alvin Tan, Winnie Boado, Fatima Dumalagan, Doreen Fernandez, and De La Salle Lipa’s Grade 12 student Romina Celina Sabino Faylon… Oct. 29: Boy Abunda, Maridel Villavicencio, Lorna Llanes, Jeannette Reyes, Digna Santiago, Filipina Diga, Annalyn Jusay, Louie Kieruff, and Angelika dela Cruz… Oct. 30: Mary Ann Sta. Ana, Benny Soliven Manolet Legaspi, Oscar Clarino, Aila Marie Amoyo Reyes, Maribelle P. Tuazon, Lord Jay Christian Reyes, Pia Pilapil, Roselyn Magsaysay and Christine Bersola-Babao…