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For the past 17 years, The Filipino Express has provided the Filipino American community the best news, arts and entertainment coverage from around the United States and the Philippines.
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I ALWAYS believed that life is like a deck of cards in a slow, one-on-one baccarat game -- slowly being dealt, littered with highs and lows, and savored until the deck is no more.
This crude analogy of mine is never more accurate than in the final month of the year, when all the events are reduced to impulses and sensations tucked in our memory banks.
Regrets
Regrets, I have a few...
But that’s just me being Frank Sinatra because as a matter of fact, I have a lot.
I just find people who say they never regret anything they did or never did, fake and pretentious. These people are as plastic as a Chinese takeout container. When Sinatra sings, “but then again, to few to mention’ - he’s being a Chinese takeout container.
Of course we should regret. We are people, you know.
And yes, December is the month of brutal regrets. It is the best time to look back and kick yourself to disability upon knowing all the chances you have dumped, the opportunities you have bungled, the friendships that you’ve lost; the money that you’ve wasted and the time that you’ve squandered during the whole year.
In particular, I regret not bringing my iPod on a summer long drive to Florida, in a car endlessly playing self-help compact discs entitled, “ Get Lou Ferigno’s body in 50 easy steps”; “Time is Gold: A step by step guide on how to make something out of your time”; and “ Be somebody in 30 days”.
I regret not having the patience to wait for a better flight going to San Francisco. Because of my over eagerness, I ended up being a chance passenger. And as a result, I sat between two big guys in a space-deprived economy class, with the guy to my right was smelling like breakfast, and the one to my left was smelling like lunch. I got off the plane smelling like dinner.
But seriously, I regret having had rough times with some key Fil-Am rock music people mostly due to differences in beliefs ranging from the Kennedy assassination to the way producers mishandle talents in a Fil-Am rock concert.
I also regret not saying yes to invitations to play gigs, which would have been really fun and career defining if I would have said yes.
Of course, there’s the long list of purchase regrets. I regret buying a piece of equipment at the local music shop because the item is really something that I don’t need. Worse, I regret the fact that I didn’t even return it.
I have so many regrets this year that I would have to kick myself in a way that even Gandhi would have fought back.
But the whole point of it all is that regrets are good. Regrets are healthy.
Regretting is the admission of misjudgments and a clear, clear sign that I would do better next time.
Rock N’ Roll Buong Taon
Gino Inocentes, the frontman of New York’s premiere pop combo, Rubberband, has said it well in January of 2005, when he predicted that the year would be filled with Fil-Am Pinoy Rock. True. 2005 has been an exciting year for Fil-Am rock.
Concerts happened almost every month since Gino launched “Rock n’ Roll Buong Taon” at the C-Note Club in Manhattan last January.
Some great Pinas-based groups also visited us here: most notably, Bamboo and Parokya ni Edgar. Websites dedicated to Pinoy rock in America and the Philippines has sprung like magic mushrooms. There is www.astig.us and www.tekarats.com, which provide good web presence for artists with their and reviews and features.
A lot of groups also released records in 2005: Daisychain, Bleud, Rubberband, First Rays, Pedro Gil, Locomotiv, Stella’s Notch, Monkshood, Aikostar, Kamandag and My American Heart, to mention a few.
Most certainly, there were a lot more happenings in the year 2005 than what I wrote in these paragraphs, but I will be writing a proper year-end review for the paper’s final issue of the year. So wait out for it.
Shameless Plugs
I am currently producing the albums of some of the best Fil-Am rockers in New Jersey.
Grim Bottle – these legendary Jersey City hard bangers are almost done with their debut. Two years in the making so I am telling you all that it is worth the wait.
This is a surefire hot seller so don’t forget to buy their CD once we finish it.
Val Guevarra – this singer-songwriter from suburban Jersey is a class on his own. I am producing his debut EP, which contains 4 Filipino songs all penned by Val.
The band formerly known as INU, the Bergenfield group headed by Gatchie Ignacio, has just finished 4 great songs and they are gearing up for more so stay tuned.
Bleud – my band. Since the October 24 release of our debut album “Musings of a Caffeine Addict”, which also includes our original version of the hit song, “Bye Bye Na.”, major online stores like www.amazon.com, www.cdbaby.com and www.towerrecords.com has sold out the CD thrice. In fact, the new inventory will be the third pressing of the album. A million thanks to all those who supported the album. And for those who haven’t supported yet, you can still get it while supplies last. Visit www.bleud.doesntexist.com
Soulworks Records – The Fil-Am indie label will be releasing a free Christmas EP on Monday, December 12. The EP is made up of original Christmas songs from Soulworks artists like Bleud, The Happy Analogues, and with special appearances by Gatchie Ignacio, of the band formerly known as INU,a nd a lot more. The EP is only available as free downloads on the website. The website will be up on Monday as well.
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Ted Reyes is a musician, composer, record producer and journalist based in NYC. If you have any comments you can visit his website at www.tedreyes.com or email him at tedreyes@mac.com
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THE holiday season is definitely here! ---meaning, days and nights of being with family and friends, enjoying the food and having fun---all wrapped up in an event we all call PARTY!
Pinoys in the USA are well known for hosting and for being present at exciting parties. From the neighborhood get-togethers to office potlucks, church gatherings to family reunions, “ka-jamming lagi ang Pinoy diyan”. From preparing the décor, cooking the food, and buying the gifts, these events are sure enough to cause frenzy but there is the ultimate question, “what to wear to these parties”? One need not fret because if one is armed with the basics in holiday style, one will surely dazzle ‘em all like a seasoned partygoer!
Less is more
Although I have always had an eye for matching colors and coordinating prints, I have had my share of “baduy” days at some point.
I was young and unsure.
I am confident enough to say that my personal style began to emerge. Gone were the layers of tulle and laces, the big bows and puff-sleeved shoulders and replaced with basic cuts and simple lines in my attire. What helped me was reading stylebooks and magazines, watching fashion and red-carpet shows and listening to suggestions of family and friends whose style in dressing, I admired. I wrote this to pass on a bit of the stuff I have learned when it comes to proper party dressing. I’m still learning though, and since fashion is an ever-evolving industry, one should always stay in tune to what’s in and what’s out.
The adage “less is more” is particularly true on this aspect. Even if one is able to afford fancy designer clothes but if they doesn’t fit you to a “T”, then it’s useless to have them, to say the least. KISS--keep it simple, sister! No over accessorizing, don’t pile on too many at once, unless you’re competing with the “Parol” on display.
Shopping diva
When it comes to finding the perfect dress, check out first the stuff in the closet before one starts the trek to the mall. I must admit, though that I used to go straight to the store the minute I got an invite, and buy myself a dress when my armoire was already bursting at the seams with clothes I have not yet worn. However, these days I’ve become a better-informed shopper,
I still have the guilty pleasure of shopping at high-end stores but I’ve come to discover the joy of browsing through clearance racks, thrift stores, antique stores (for vintage stuff!) and even flea markets! One will always be filled with delight when finding things one never expected to get at these stores. Be reminded that it’s not the clothes that wear the person but it’s the person that wears the dress. And if one happens to purchase a dress that will not max out the credit card--the result is a state of bliss!
Essentials
Make sure one has the essentials in dressing for parties. One doesn’t need a lot of party clothes unlike the clothes that one has to wear to and from work (and that’s another story!).
A well-cut pair of pants is an absolute must for both men and women. For women, the pants can be paired with a beaded top or they may opt out to wear a skirt, an A-line cut is good because it’s flattering to any body type. Be it in silk, satin or velvet (as a nod to the season), it’s a look that’s subtle but sexy. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum. But a hint of sparkle is good too, for it makes a dress more dramatic. Case in point, if one plans to wear that” little black dress”, adding a brooch will definitely enhance the look. Comfort is the key when it comes to choosing what shoes to wear. Go ahead and wear either the Blahnik or Ferragamo stilettos but just keep a pair of flip-flops in the trunk of the car just in case one is up dancing all night (trust me, I’ve been there!). It’s best to bring an evening purse big enough to stash lipstick, keys, and breath mints (one will surely need one after the wine tasting and hors’ d’ oeuvres sampling!) For men, the pants can be paired with an oxford long-sleeved polo; a cashmere sweater or vest on top will definitely give the attire the oomph it needs, truly a classy look. A good coat-topper is also essential to add since it’s truly an anywhere item during the season. Remember that the clothes and accessories don’t have to match in every detail but rather complement one another in color and design.
On the side
When I was a little girl growing up in Manila, we were just two doors away from a beauty parlor. The make-up artists were nice enough to expose me to the “tools of their trade” and so I grew up knowing the basics of putting on my own make-up. In fact, I’ve enjoyed it so much that I even took up Cosmetology class! When it comes to make-up, a little shimmer with vibrant hues for cheeks, eyelids and lips go a long way. Make-up should be polished and lighter for day parties. Neutral tones in brown or blush palette, which I’ve discovered and are usually fine for most Filipino complexions, should be used. One can pull off a bolder, brighter look for nighttime parties. Mascara and eyelash curler are the two must items because it brings out the beauty of one’s eyes. Always have a lipstick tube ready because one looks washed out especially if one doesn’t have it on after all that drinking and eating. At any rate, one should make use of the free make-up consultation that department stores are offering. One gets to know the colors that are best and test the products before buying. It’s a win-win situation. Sometimes, it’s hard to buy from the catalogues because the colors in the pictures are way different from the color of the product itself. Ask the seller to show samples first before ordering one. An icon in the cosmetics industry once said, “There’s no ugly person, only a lazy one”..
Post-it notes
Don’t drink and drive. Be merry but still be safe. Remember, it’s important to shine from within and everything else follows. Happy Day to All!
Thess Bacsal is a freelance writer and lives in California (but says, “feels right at home anywhere”...)..For feedbacks and suggestions, email her at july19rn@yahoo.com.
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MANILA --- Jennylyn Mercado’s latest stint in “Love to Love, Season 9” will be a test for her. Will fans still accept her even if she’s not paired with ex-boyfriend Mark Herras?
In the episode “Miss Match” that starts on November 27, she is paired with Jake Cuenca. “I hope naman that they’d still watch it even if I have a new leading man,” she says.
“After all, the story is very nice. I play Joey, a gym owner who has the power to see Cupid, the matchmaker who can make people fall in love with his magic crossbow. I accidentally break his crossbow so Cupid cannot match people anymore.
He then orders me to do his duties. First, I have to find a match for Jake, my business rival who puts up a bigger gym near my own gym. Then, I also have to reconcile my best friend, Katrina Halili, with my cousin, Dion Ignacio, after their bad break up some years ago. Ako ang naging bagong Cupid. The episode is directed by Khryss Adalia, whose specialty is doing fantasy love stories like this.”
So how is she and Mark?
“We broke up two months ago and I’ve already recovered. I even gained weight, siguro dahil wala na akong problema. Because of my heartaches, nakagawa ako ng kanta which Iíd include in my next album. I now entertain new suitors, both showbiz and non-showbiz, pero ayoko munang sagutin ang kahit sino sa kanila. I even have a serious admirer who keeps on sending me flowers secretly.”
Could it be Mark, trying to woo her again? “I don’t think so. He’s not the type who sends flowers. At ayoko na talaga. I don’t even miss him anymore.”
So what’s their relationship on the set of their filmfest entry, “Blue Moon”? “We don’t talk on the set, but kapag take na, we do what’s expected of us. Trabaho lang.”
Is she really mad at Pauleen Luna? “No. We’re okay. We play best friends in the movie at wala kaming problema.”
How come Pauleen is vilified by their fans, especially on the internet? “I don’t know. Wala naman siyang kinalaman sa break up namin. Sana huwag na lang kaming pag-awayin.” (MNS)
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MANILA --- JULIA Clarete was hailed Hollywood Dreams’ ultimate champion after a close fight with contender Raymond Bagatsing last Sunday, November 20 over ABC. The event, taped as live an hour before its broadcast, caps ABC and Next Generation Productions’ six-month reality search.
Julia won by a single vote, earning four nods from the seven Hollywood judges. All seven casting directors and producers agree Raymond and Julia performed excellently during the auditions. The decision went down to marketability and Julia’s distinct Asian look (even compared to Zhang Ziyi) plus her relative youth gave her the title. The other three who picked Raymond were impressed by his confidence and ease in assuming different characters. They were also quick to tell Raymond was the more seasoned actor based on a few minutes worth of auditions alone.
“They would just sit and watch silently, as if peeling us!” Julia comments on the scrutiny they received from these Hollywood professionals.
“Their (the judges’) bodies of work are broader and they are more keen and meticulous in judging talents. It’s scary,” Raymond adds.
The panel of judges was composed of Mike Fenton, film and TV casting director (“ET,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” and “Back to the Future”); Teri Berland, TV and commercial casting director (over 300 commercial credits in the US including Pepsi, Sony, Visa, and Jaguar); Henry Capanna, film producer (has worked with Dylann McDermott and Gladys Knight in the movie “Unbeatable Harold”); Bryan Brucks, film producer (“Chasing Ghost” starring Michael Madsen and Meat Loaf); Scott Karp, talent agent and manager with the world famous William Morris Agency; Jeff Rice, film producer (“Watcher,” starring Keannu Reeves and “Two Weeks” with Oscar winner Sally Field); and Paul Emami, TV and film director (over 250 credits including Nokia and McDonalds and the movie “Lost” starring Dean Cain).
“My Hollywood Dream” experience has been beautiful. It has brought me from being utterly helpless to ecstatic. I also learned a lot of professionalism and interacting with different actors. And I never had so many friends in the business since “Hollywood Dream” came along. It was a major turning point in my life,” Julia enthuses during the show.
Raymond also shared how the experience has provided him a family. “I never stayed in one school growing up so I never really kept a certain bunch of friends. I think this (pointing to fellow finalists) will last me a lifetime.”
Raymond, who is now under a new manager, June Rufino, still has his eyes on Hollywood. “I’ll also be flying back to L.A. early next year. I am fixing my papers. I’ve hooked up with Filipino communities there and I’d be doing a series of concerts and a play (Rizal), while auditioning on the side.”
He is also part of the film “What a Wonderful Place,” Israel’s official entry in the Oscars.
“Hollywood Dream” producer Romeo Joven was also glad with the outcome of his first Filipino TV project. “Its great. It’s been a learning experience for all of us. It was also tough, but fun nevertheless.”
He shares that both Raymond and Julia have huge chances of making it big in Hollywood. “Even the judges agree that both will make it there (Hollywood). It’s just a matter of exposure.” He also mentioned that plans for a second season are being discussed.
Julia flies back to L.A. and New York on January to enjoy her “Hollywood Dream” loot which includes roles in two Hollywood motion pictures and in CBS’s soap “As the World Turns,” a SAG Card, and more meetings with Hollywood agents, directors and producers. Romeo also shares that “Wrinkles,” one of the two movies Julia will participate in, is now in its pre-production stage. Shooting will start February at Universal Studios.
The other finalists who were also present during the finale vowed to still pursue their “Hollywood Dream” all the way to LA. The group has become so close that before the announcement, they insisted that whoever wins will bring the rest to Hollywood, a remark which Julia welcomed with cheers. (MNS)
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MANILA --- Before Jimmy Bondoc would just keep quiet if he’s asked about soul siren Nina. Now, he admits that they’ve been on for four years and just parted about a year ago. “Noon kasi, I want to keep my personal life private, but now, I’m trying to be more open and more mature in the way I do things,” he says.
As part of this new attitude, he bares his body in the beefcake photos that accompany his new album with BMG, “Undercovers.” It shows him looking lean and finely muscled. “I worked hard para magkaroon ng ganitong katawan so I want to show it sa pictorials,” he adds.
Is it true his relationship with Nina didn’t work as her family, especially her mom, is against him.
“You know, I tried everything to please, to win her family, so they’re not the reason why we split. Siguro we just drifted apart. But we remain to be friends and we still do shows together.”
He’s now being linked to Ara Mina and Jennylyn Mercado. “Ara is a good friend and I’m producing her new album for BMG Records. Ako kinuha niya as she wants it to have an acoustic sound. I met Jennylyn in a show in Bicol and invited her to join my concert on November 25 at Music Museum, undercovers, The Silent Hits and she quickly agreed. She’s a great singer at bilib ako sa kanya. As of now, I have no girlfriend at all as I’m busy with my new album.”
“Undercovers” has 14 great tracks, all revivals, with Stephen Speaks “I Believe” as carrier single. “These are the songs I grew up with and that fans request whenever I do shows. I recorded them myself at home.”
The other cuts are “Don’t Give Up On Us,” “Grow Old With You,” “Everyday,” “Reminiscing,” “Now and Forever,” “Beauty and Madness,” “Two Solitudes,” “The Way It Is,” “The Lady Wants to Know,” “Never Let Her Slip Away,” “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight,” “Heart of Mine,” and “Moody’s Mood.” Tickets for the show launching the album on November 25 are available at 891-9999. (MNS)
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MANILA --- ALESSANDRA de Rossi is said to be the source of the rumor that her sister Assunta is now separated from husband Jules Ledesma and that Assunta is asking for a luxury car for them to reconcile.
She reportedly even said she’s willing to manage Assunta now. “About that managing thing, biro ko lang ‘yon,” she says. “I never said hiwalay na sila. But if ever they would, she’s welcome to live with me kasi mag-isa lang ako sa bahay ngayon. About the car, gusto nila, ako pang magregalo ng kotse sa kanila nang ‘di na sila mag-away.”
She’s a favorite star of Director Gil Portes. How come Gil now got Assunta in his filmfest entry, "Mourning Girls?"
"The role is about an ex-bold star. ‘Di ba mas bagay naman ‘yun kay Assunta kaysa sa’kin? Besides, I have my own Metro filmfest entry, ‘Kutob’ for Canary Films. I just want to make it clear na suspense-thriller ito and not a ghost story like ‘Spirit of the Glass’ last year. This is my fourth filmfest entry after ‘Hubog,’ for which I won best supporting actress, then ‘Homecoming’ and ‘Spirits.’ This is the scariest so far. Gugulatin talaga ang mga tao. Actually, hindi ako natatakot sa movies about ghosts, like ‘The Maid’ which I did in Singapore. I’m more scared by thrillers like ‘Scream’ and ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ na totoong tao ang pumapatay at nakikita mong ini-slit ang throat. ‘Kutob’ is like that. Mangingilabot ka each time a character is killed."
Is she murdered, too? "Secret. I don’t want to spoil the fun for the viewers. Hulaan nila kung sino ang mga mapapatay sa amin nina Rica Peralejo, Ryan Agoncillo, Marvin Agustin, Anna Capri, Andrea del Rosario and James Blanco. All I can say is ang husay ni Direk Joey Reyes in creating fear in the viewer."
Does she believe in kutob or intuition? "Oo naman. There are times when I can feel something isn’t right at nangyayari nga."
What’s her kutob on Jules? "Ever since, masama ang kutob ko roon, e."
What about Jeremy Marquez, who no less than GMA-7 exec Felipe Gozon announced at the thanksgiving party of "Darna" as her boyfriend? "Maganda ang kutob ko riyan. Mabait kasi siya."
Has she met his two kids? "Yes. Once pa lang. Okay naman sila." (MNS)
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MANILA --- JUN Ynares, who married Andrea “Andeng” Bautista in elaborate cer
emonies at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila last Saturday, is eager to have a child. After their honeymoon, he kids his new wife.
The couple will leave for Europe. Their destination will be Rome, Milan, Venice and Florence. They will be away for two weeks.
"We have to be home soon since I want to celebrate my birthday on December 10 in the Philippines," said Andeng. "Isa pa, Metro Manila Film Festival entry and pelikulang ‘Exodus: Tales of the Enchanted Kingdom’ which topbills my brother, (Senator) Bong (Revilla)."
Jun hopes to have at least four kids: two boys and two girls. The boys, he said, will look like him, and the girls will be as beautiful as their mom.
His desire is to have a kid one after the other so their age will be close to each other and they will be playmates.
Jun is the youngest of three kids. His two sisters are much older than him. Only one of them is married, the older one, Nina Ricci, the maid of honor at the wedding. His sister Rebecca was the cord sponsor with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Mike Defensor.
Andeng’s dad, former Senator Ramon Revilla, revealed in an interview that he has at least 70 children with different women. With Andeng’s late mom, the late Azucena Mortel, he has seven children. Andeng is the sixth child. The youngest, Diane, is 10 years Andeng’s junior.
Andeng’s other siblings are Marlon, Senator Bong, Strike, Princess and Rowena.
Senator Revilla, Sr. himself said he can hardly wait to have an apo by Andeng. Jun’s parents said the same thing.
Jun’s parents are Rizal Governor Ito Ynares and Rebecca Alcantara, who was also a former Rizal Governor.
Two political pillars were united with the marriage of Jun and Andeng. But if Andeng would have her way, she would want Jun to avoid politics and just practice his profession. Jun is a doctor.
"Mahirap ang pulitika," Andeng said. "And I should know dahil sa Daddy and Kuya Bong….
"But I guess Jun is also inclined to enter politics. It’s not only because it is what his dad expects him to do, pero kasi gusto niya rin," she added.
Right now, Jun holds the position of assistant secretary to DENR Secretary Mike Defensor.
Jun and Andeng were classmates at the College of Medicine in De La Salle Dasmariñas. Jun saw Andeng while both of them were on their way to their classroom.
Before they were even introduced, Jun had told his friends, who included Tonton Manlongat and Enrique Cojuangco (both sponsors at the wedding), that she was the girl he would marry.
They were sweethearts for 10 years. But they split up. It was when they reconciled late last year that they decided to tie the knot.
Andeng got a degree in biology but was not able to finish medicine. She works as the marketing and promotions manager of their own family film firm, Imus Productions. She has permission from Jun to continue with her work.
When the couple returns from their honeymoon, they will live in Valle Verde where Jun had a house built for his bride after proposing to her. (MNS)
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MANILA --- Do you know that even with her income as a singer, Sarah Geronimo and her family have yet to purchase their own house? They are, to date, still renting a big house in a plush subdivision in Quezon City.
Once we asked Sarah why she does not own a house yet while Mark Bautista, who is not earning as much as she does, will soon transfer to a condominium unit in The Fort, Taguig.
"Ang parents ko po ang puwedeng sumagot niyan," she said.
Sarah revealed that she receives a weekly allowance, which sometimes remains untouched. "Kasi ho lahat naman ng mga kailangan ko ay binibili na sa akin ng father at mother ko," she explained.
Only 17 years old, Sarah said she’s still too young to handle her own money so she has requested her parents to handle her earnings for her.
"So far, wala naman ho akong reklamo," Sarah further stated. (MNS)
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