CELEBRITIES

Jazzy Coco in Manila, Philippines Black American Tourism A Jazz Renaissance

Posted on April 7, 2016

The Philippines is making enormous strides in the controversial, promotion of ‘Black American Tourism’ within the country. Special Tours start at around $3,500 for an 8-day and 8-night, all-inclusive tour from LAX, USA.

Tours are created for those interested in investments, nightlife, food and provincial island tours -specifically tailored to black American guests. The ideal, is to give their black American guests, a break from the stressful life they live back home; showing them a racism-free business, events, opportunity and lifestyle tours. (www.ThePhilippinesMagazine.com)

The industry emerged following a Minority Success America Report, which stated the country was a top pick destination for “…black Americans who desired to travel to, live and do business” -without racism. Equality for blacks, is a huge issue in America right now, and the current US Presidential elections, have added even more tension between the races. There has subsequently been a huge rise in international travel, investments and work relocation abroad, by able blacks in America.

Formerly, one of the Philippines most-beloved US Ambassadors in history, Harry Thomas, a black American from New York, won the hearts of the Filipino people -even more- when he married his Filipina sweetheart, Mithi.

Ambassador Thomas, was renowned as ‘a simple and kind man’ who was often seen without security, supporting local businesses, events and celebrated the Filipino culture at-large. A trait most-Filipinos admire about black American culture. Rodel Bacsal, of The Malacanang Palace Media, PBS told The American Press“….black Americans are more down-to-earth and genuinely appreciate our culture and values here.” talking in regards to his opinion of having the first foreign Host; a black American.

Malacanang Palace with The Philippines Broadcasting Service(PBS), is making final history under the Aquino Administration by bring Kareem Jackson aboard, as the countries first ever foreign Host, or Philippines American International Lifestyle Ambassador.

Recently, the tropical country, comprised of more than 7,000 islands, hosted US President Obama, as well as Denis Rodman, Vin Diesel, and numerous NBA players.

As a special treat, this year at The Philippines International Jazz Festival, Jazzy Coco, a vivacious black American jazz Diva, was a headliner. Jazzy Coco, was hosted for 4-months in the country, she stayed at the glorious Shangri La, in Makati City, where she also did gigs. In an effort to aide the Philippines in their Jazz Renaissance, Jazzy Coco is said to be in the works, to co-publish a PH Mag complimentary Special Edition, GROOVES, a Philippines Music & Nightlife Special Edition Magazine which will showcase the countries jazz and OPM music culture.

In an impromptu poolside exit-interview with the US Executive Publisher of The Philippines Magazine International LIVE! ON THE SET Show, she expressed her love for the Philippines

“I love the Philippines…their hospitality is amazing, something we do not see much in this day and age.” stated Jazzy Coco, followed by her “I love you Manila” rendition of “I’ve got you under my skin” by Frank Sinatra ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlusNMMW11o ).

Truth is, according to the US Census, 48% of all Asian/Black marriages were with Filipinos. In addition, the Filipino/Black divorce or break-up rate is around 35%, which is lower than the US national divorce rate of 60%.

Historically, blacks and Filipinos, have formed tight unions; beginning in the US with the Spanish American War, then, Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice of the US, was married to Cecilia Suyat Marshall, a Filipina-American, until his death in 1993 and they had 2 sons together. Reginald Lewis, a black American, and his wife, Loida Nicolas-Lewis, who is Filipina. Reginald was the first African American to build a billion dollar company, Beatrice Foods, and he was the richest African American in the US in the 1980s. He was named as one of the Forbes 400 Richest Americans in 1992. Unfortunately, he passed away at the age of 50 from brain cancer. His wife, Loida, took over as CEO of his billion dollar company after his death and she successfully ran the company for six years before selling it. Ron Sims, black American, is the former Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and the former King County Executive in the state of Washington. He is married to Cayan Topacio Sims, a Filipina, and they have 3 kids together. Howard Hewett is an African American R&B and gospel singer, and the former lead vocalist of the R&B group Shalamar. He was married from 1989 to 1993 to Nia Peeples, a biracial Filipino & white R&B singer, actress, and television personality. They have one son together. Karl Malone, is a retired black American professional basketball player who played in the NBA for 18 seasons. He is a 14 year NBA All Star and scored the second highest career points of all NBA players. Karl is married to Kay Kinsey Malone, biracial Filipino and white, since 1990 and they have 4 children together. Ronde Barber, black American, is a former NFL player who played 16 years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His wife, Claudia Patron Barber, is a former marketing and event planner who is Filipino-American. They have been married since 2001 and have 2 kids together. Dave Chappelle is a black American comedian, screenwriter, television and film producer, and actor. He is well known for his comedy television show, “Chappelle’s Show”. His wife, Elaine Mendoza Erfe Chappelle is a housewife and is Filipino. They have been married since 2001 and have 3 kids together. Eddie Griffin is a black American comedian and actor best known for his roles in the TV sitcom “Malcolm and Eddie” and the funny comedy movie “Undercover Brother”. Eddie was married to the second of his three wives, Rochelle Lyn, Filipina, from 2002 to 2010, and they have 2 children together. Terrence Howard is an African American actor and singer who was nominated for an Academy award for his role in the move “Hustle and Flow”. He is currently starring in the hit TV show “Empire”. Terrence is multi-generational black American and European American biracial – both his parents are African American and European American biracial. He was married to Michelle Ghent, biracial Filipino and white, from 2010 to 2013 and they had a nasty divorce, but no kids together. He was also briefly married to Mira Cristine Pak, a Korean Canadian, and dated May Seng Yang, Chinese American, for many years. Percy Miller, better known as Master P is a black American rapper, actor, entrepreneur, film maker, author and philanthropist. While he was married, he had a long term affair with Lenna Miller who is Filipino. Apparently Lenna has stayed out of the limelight at Master P’s request and lives a very comfortable life funded by Master P. There is very little about her on the web. Master P and Lenna had one daughter together, Cymphonique (shown in the picture) who is an actress and singer. Her half brother Romeo (also shown in the picture), is also a singer and actor, but has an African American mother. Curtis James Jackson III, better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is a black American megastar rapper, entrepreneur, investor, and actor. 50 Cent’s on and off again girlfriend since 2011 is Daphne Joy, who is Filipino and Puerto Rican and they have one child together.

Over all, black American tourism in the Philippines is an exciting and new industry. A derivative of the two cultures deep love for music, entertainment and family.