06/06/2025
📸 Part 1 of 2: Highlights from the Maid to Shine Premiere!
More memories coming soon in Part 2!
From the Desk of
Esmeralda Padilla-Gould
Vice President & COO, FilAmTV Network
Co-Executive Producer, Maid to Shine
I am overflowing with gratitude as I reflect on the incredible success of the world premiere and press conference of Maid to Shine held in Las Vegas. What an unforgettable evening filled with heart, talent, and the true spirit of community!
First, I would like to sincerely thank our amazing Master of Ceremonies, Angelica Villarta, for guiding the evening with elegance and energy.
To Tita Rozita Lee, thank you for leading us in a heartfelt invocation prayer that grounded our event in faith and intention.
To John Jerome Hughes, thank you for your powerful renditions of the Philippine and American national anthems—you set the tone with such pride and grace.
A special thank-you to Hon. Consul Amie Belmonte, who gave a warm and gracious introduction to our keynote speaker, Hon. Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz. Your presence brought both honor and heart to the evening.
To all of our incredible performers, your talents lit up the stage and made the night magical:
• Kym, our powerhouse Tina Turner tribute artist, along with backup dancers Blue and Celina
• Cecile and Mighty Torrente, who mesmerized us with music, magic, and sword-swallowing in support of DemiloFoundation.org
• Niko, for your poignant poetry
• Ashley, who beautifully performed while playing her guitar and singing, is the talented actress who plays Nollie in Maid to Shine.
• Kitty Pine, who filled the room with laughter, who played Ms. Pitik Pitik In Maid to Shine
• To Alexis Aubrey and her husband, Jojo Riguerra—the stars of Maid to Shine—thank you for your touching duet that moved us all. Your talent and chemistry lit up the stage and reminded us why this story matters
• Kenneth Gould, our very own Miguel, for bringing down the house on drums—joined by his dad Jeffrey Kenneth Gould on guitar and grandfather Jeffrey Andrew Gould on vocals and bass
• And to the legendary Nelson Alcantara on keyboard—thank you for weaving the music together so masterfully.
To our incredible tech and production team:
Nathan Golden, Guy Rendon, Jayar Tolentino, Francis Salvador, and Eric Guideng—thank you for bringing our vision to life behind the scenes with such precision and care.
To our generous food sponsors, your contributions fed both body and soul:
• Crazy Pita, Walmart Art Mendoza, Maria Mita Rayo, and Donnamarie Howe
• Cafe De Manila and Pampanga Specialty Delicacies – Millie Cadag
• Uncle Tapas – Kuya Rey
My heartfelt thanks to those who lent their support through presence, partnership, and service:
• Gloria T. Caoile and Ben Caoile
• Anna Ladao of Humana and Peque Ladao
• Luz Tudla Prill
• Mr. Kisuk Song of PurpleU, for your generous giveaways and support
• Luz Sapin Micabalo of the Philippine American Charity Foundation
• Ruel Rodriguez of the Cavite Association of Nevada
• Cynthia Deriquito, Sally Balecha, Olympia R. Ramones, Sid Dela Cruz, Jacqueline and Art De Joya, Resty Lopez, Ed Galvez, and Magnolia Magat
Thank you as well to our media and community partners:
• Immix, PHLV Radio, The Fil-American Post, VegasVibes Junction, HollywoodActorsWorkshop.com, Pure Medical Equipment & Supplies, Vic Esquivel of Power Portraits, and Terry Giordano, our amazing event photographer.
To our vibrant vendors:
Hawaiian Snacks, Girls Snacks, Gifts by Bing, Berkshire Hathaway Genio Group, Trinity Health Saladmaster, Noms Candy, PurpleU, Cafe De Manila, Pampanga Specialty Delicacies, and Shairi Design Couture—thank you for adding flair and flavor to our premiere experience!
A heartfelt special thanks to Vivian Pescozo, whose support, hard work, and steady presence helped me in more ways than I can count. From coordinating behind the scenes to lending a hand wherever it was needed, you truly went above and beyond.
I also want to recognize the wonderful friends Vivian brought along—Lua Fifita, Lola Maria Espinoza, Vickie Villaron, Tiffany Louise, Margie Candari-Hyderkhan, Kadriah Silva, and Brissa—thank you for showing up, stepping in, and standing by us. I also want to give a very special thank you to Jean Feller, my mom, and all the lovely ladies who stayed behind after the Maid to Shine event to help me clean up. Your kindness, patience, and willingness to go the extra mile meant so much to me. I couldn’t have done it without you—thank you from the bottom of my heart.
A very special thank-you to Giovannie Espiritu, our brilliant writer and director—your vision gave Maid to Shine its soul. And to Jeff Francisco, our dedicated associate producer—thank you for helping bring that vision to life.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank Mr. Sam Buban, President and CEO of FilAmTV Network and Executive Producer of Maid to Shine, for bringing this project to life.
And to Joe Buban, thank you for capturing special moments behind the scenes during our event.
To those who couldn’t be with us in person but sent their love and support—you were with us in spirit:
• Belinda Panelo, our beloved Ms. Chicka Chicka and former MTV VJ Philippines—thank you for cheering us on with so much heart and for sending a sweet reel to show your love and support. Your presence was felt, even from afar!
• Myles Ocampo, our Maid to Shine Director of Photography—thank you for helping shape the visual story of this series with your brilliance
This premiere was only the beginning. Together, we lit the spark—and now, the world will see just how brightly Filipino-American stories can shine.
With all my gratitude,
Esmeralda Padilla-Gould
Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
FilAmTV Network
Co-Executive Producer, Maid to Shine
Photo credit:
Mr. Terry Giordano
