PDI columnist a star on GMA Pinoy TV

Among Filipinos in the United States, lawyer and Inquirer Global Pinoy columnist Lou Tancinco has become an instant celebrity.

During an event for the noontime variety show “Eat Bulaga” at Seafood City Supermarket in Concord, California, last March, the lawyer received almost as many fan requests for snapshots as comedians Jose Manalo and Allan K.

Tancinco hosts “Pusong Pinoy sa Amerika,” a legal show that tackles immigration concerns of Filipinos in America and Canada.

The show is on its seventh season, Tancinco reported. “I joined GMA Pinoy TV in 2008.”

Joseph Francia, GMA International’s vice president and head of operations, pointed out, “She saw the channel’s promise early on, when we had zero subscribers.”

With GMA Pinoy TV’s audience share growing steadily (two million viewers and 300,000 subscribers), Tancinco’s fan base has increased as well, Francia said.

Tancinco saw the urgent need for a show like “Pusong Pinoy.” She explained: “If our countrymen are informed, they will not fall victim to unscrupulous people. They won’t slip into the cracks and become illegal aliens.” The show has become her advocacy—a way to give free legal advice to fellow Filipinos.

The most common questions that viewers ask revolve around multiple marriages. “There is no divorce law in the Philippines,” Tancinco said. “What are the implications if a separated Filipina wants to marry an American citizen?”

Other important issues concern Filipinas who get trapped in abusive marriages with Americans and exploitative work situations in the US.

In her two-decade practice in the United States, Tancinco has handled cases of celebrities. Most notably, she was the counsel of actress Nora Aunor during her tumultuous early days in the America. “I helped Nora get her work visa,” the lawyer said.

She helped secure work permits for Filipino entertainers Dolphy and Pilita Corrales, when they had shows in the US.

When Tancinco needed a new cohost last year, she turned to Dolphy’s son Eric Quizon who swiftly said yes.

“I am learning a lot from this show,” Quizon said. “My mom and sister live in the US and my sister is petitioning her three children to become immigrants as well.”

Tancinco said she frequents Pinoy-Pinay, the Quizons’ restaurant in Vallejo, Ca.

“Her office is near our resto. She always orders ginisang munggo,” Quizon said. “My husband loves lechon kawali,” Tancinco quipped.

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‘American Idol’

Who will be the next American Idol? The grand finale airs live in Manila at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 24, on ETC, with same day replays at 6 and 9 p.m.

Prior to results night, Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips will vie for America’s votes for the last time during the last performance night airing Wednesday, May 23 at 6 p.m., replays at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. on ETC. The program also airs on Star World.  Grand finale night will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.

‘Marina Bay Sands 24/7’

Marina Bay Sands, the latest Singapore skyline attraction, is an “integrated resort” with over 2,500 rooms and a crew of 9,000 to keep it ticking round the clock.

“Marina Bay Sands 24/7,” an eight-episode series premiering on Bio Channel on May 31, offers viewers an unprecedented look into the operations of this US$5.7-billion property.

The premiere episode, titled “Heart of House,” reveals the inner workings of the iconic resort hotel through interviews with the key characters who keep it bustling, from the chef to the bellboys. Encores June 2, 10:30 p.m., June 7, 9 p.m. and June 9, 10 p.m.

‘Project Runway’

Emmy-nominated reality series “Project Runway” returns to TLC on May 26 at 9 p.m.

Celebrity judges this season are Kim Kardashian, Christina Ricci, Rose Byrne, Malin Ackerman, Kerry Washington, Zoe Saldana, Adam Lambert, Erin Wasson, Francisco Costa, Rachel Roy, L’Wren Scott and Joanna Coles.

‘Waterfront Cities’

Also on TLC, discover amazing “Waterfront Cities of the World”—from Marseilles to Melbourne, Bangkok to Buenos Aires—through the lenses of photographer Heidi Hollinger.

Airs Thursday at 10 p.m., starting May 24, encores Friday 9 a.m., Saturday at 4 p.m., and Sunday at 9 p.m.

‘Combat Cash’

Military hunter Bob Chatt and his picking partner Owen Thornton put their passion, reputation and pockets on the line in a never-ending pursuit of rare and desirable military artifacts, a.k.a. “militaria,” in Discovery Channel’s brand new series, “Combat Cash.”

Each episode is packed with combat collectibles, from tanks to rare GI Joe figures, World War II flame throwers, Saddam Hussein propaganda banners and Vietnam War-era choppers.

Every new episode premieres Wednesday, 11 p.m. starting May 30 and encores Thursday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 7 a.m.

Final ‘House’

Watched by a whopping 81.8 million people in 66 countries, the multi-awarded medical drama series “House” was named the world’s most popular current television program in the 2012 edition of Guinness Book of World Records.

Now, its eighth and final season airs exclusively on beTV Tuesdays at 10:55 p.m.

The season opens with Dr. Gregory House (played by British actor Hugh Laurie) in a prison cell doing time. A medical emergency ends his sentence earlier than expected, and he quickly discovers the changes in the landscape and hierarchy of the Diagnostic Medicine department at Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital, which he previously presided over. He is forced to submit to a surprising new chain of command.

Tuesdays, 10:55 p.m. on beTV (Ch 35 on SkyCable, 36 on Dream Satellite and 37 on Cignal Digital TV).