Mom's kababayans in Bataan excited over Jessica Sanchez's homecoming

If they could have their way, the residents of Samal, Bataan — the hometown of the mother of "American Idol" runner-up Jessica Sanchez — would give the young singer a hero's welcome when she arrives in the Philippines this month.   The 17-year-old Sanchez will be part of the "American Idol" Top 10 finalists concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City on September 21. Sanchez’s grandfather, Eddie Bugay, a retired United States navy sailor, said his granddaughter was raring to go to the Philippines.   “Sabik na sabik na kami sa pagpunta ng apo ko sa Bataan kaya lang hindi ko pa sigurado dahil under contract siya sa American Idol at ito ang nakakaalam ng schedule niya,” Bugay said during an interview with GMA News Online at his cock farm in Orani, Bataan.   Bugay said Sanchez wants to visit Bataan to thank the people who have supported her during the "American Idol" contest from January to May this year.   “Kung ang bata ang masusunod, talagang gustong-gusto niyang makarating sa Bataan para makapagpasalamat lalo na sa mga taga-Samal,” Bugay said.   Sanchez to endorse local brands?   Bugay said there were rumors that Sanchez will be shooting three commercials in Manila.   “Hindi pa ito opisyal, bali-balita lamang,” Bugay clarified.   If Sanchez does not make it to Samal this September because of her commitments, she will still be back in the Philippines to perform in a concert in Bataan sometime in October or November.   “Maaaring magtagal na siya rito,” Bugay said. Samal homecoming    Meanwhile, Samal Mayor Gene Malibiran dela Fuente said the local government is in talks with Sanchez’s grandparents for a possible “homecoming” for Sanchez in Samal.   “Inaayos pa sa manager ni Jessica,” Dela Fuente told GMA News Online.   “Kung papalarin, baka by chopper siya pumunta sa atin kahit kalahating araw lamang,” Dela Fuente added.   Dela Fuente said the municipal government of Samal intends to hand over a plaque of appreciation to Sanchez.   She also mentioned that the Philipppine Congress also intends to hand over to Sanchez a “World Idol” plaque of recognition. “Manalangin tayo na safe siyang makarating sa ating bansa at sana makapunta pa rin siya sa Samal,” the mayor said.   The friends of Sanchez's grandfather also expressed excitement over the possibility of seeing the young singer.   “Excited na kaming makita si Jessica sa farm at sana makasama kami sa concert,” said brass band majorette Yhet Cruz and her friends.   “Sana sumikat siyang lalo at sana ingatan niya sarili niya,” Cruz said of Jessica. First album