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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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PERHAPS the most poignant melody celebrating the end of the year is ‘Auld Lang Syne’ -- The Scottish song that, more than anything else, turns simple end- of-the-year memories into “CNN year-ender moments.” It’s sticky melody line, is next only to ‘Happy Birthday’ as the world’s most famous melody.
But ‘Auld Lang Syne’, translated as ‘Times gone by’ or ‘Old long since’, is actually an enigma in music history. It is a testament to the sheer power of notes, which when bound together in sublime sequence, needs no words to make it memorable. It is in fact a song that everybody could sing along, but leave the words due to its obscurity. Most of us could sing the phrase, “Should auld acquaintance be forgot. And days of auld lang syne?” then hum the rest of the song. But not anymore. Here, for the record, is the complete, original lyrics of ‘Auld Lang Syne’:
AULD LANG SYNE
(Original Scottish Lyrics)
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And days of auld lang syne?
Chorus (repeated between stanzas):
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet
For auld lang syne.
And surely ye’ll be your pint stoop
And surely I’ll be mine
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet
For auld lang syne.
We twa hae run about the braes
And pou’d the gowans fine
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary foot
Sin’ auld lang syne.
We twa hae paidl’d i’ the burn
Frae mornin’ sun till dine
But seas between us braid hae roared
Sin’ auld lang syne.
And here’s a hand, my trusty fiere
And gi’e’s a hand o’ thine
And we’ll tak a right good willy waught
For auld lang syne.
Such heavy Scottish words, indeed. But how did this song come to be? How did it become the universal theme of new year’s eve?
According to Tyrone Traher, an expert in the origins of the great song, “Auld Lang Syne” was adapted from a traditional Scottish folk tune. The basic words date to at least 1711, though some scholars say it was mentioned as early as 1677. Scottish poet Robert Burns is credited with first publishing it, in the mid-1790s, and, researchers say, smoothing out some of the verses and changing the melody.
The song recalls the days gone by and says we will always remember them. ``Should auld acquaintance be forgot?’’ it asks. No, the chorus replies: ``For auld lang syne (for times gone by), we’ll tak (drink) a cup o’ kindness yet.’’
As for the other lyrics, Verse 2 refers to friends in separate places (or pubs), drinking to each other. Verses 3 and 4 talk about a long journey to find that friend, running ``about the braes’’ (hillsides), and ``pou’d the gowans fine’’ (pulled the pretty daisies), and getting tired doing so (``wander’d mony a weary fit,’’ or ``a weary foot’’ depending on the version). It continues with wading streams (``paidl’d in the burn’’), from dusk until dinnertime, but even then, broad (``braid’’) seas roar between them.
But finally, in the last verse, the friends find each other. And they ``tak a right guid-willie waught’’ (``drink a goodwill drink’’) for times gone by.
It wasn’t Burns, however, who turned this misty-eyed tune into a New Year’s tradition. That would be Guy Lombardo, who first heard the song in his youth from Scottish immigrants in his hometown of London, Ontario.
Mr. Traher, who organizes the Royal Canadian Big Band Music Festival and tribute to Lombardo every year in London, says the song stuck in the musician’s head. When Lombardo formed an orchestra with his brother in 1919, they arranged the piece and made it part of their repetoire.
“It seemed appropriate for New Year’s -- a time to look back,’’ Mr. Traher says. So when the Lombardo brothers got the chance to headline a New Year’s Eve party in New York in 1929, they played Auld Lang Syne near midnight, and then counted down.
For nearly 50 years after that, Guy Lombardo and his orchestra played New Year’s Eve radio, and later, television specials from the Waldorf Astoria.
“Prior to Dick Clark, there was Guy Lombardo,’’ Mr. Traher says, and though Lombardo died in 1977, Auld Lang Syne became a staple.
I have heard a lot of different versions of this tune, but so far, a lone clarinet executed the best one I heard; without the words - it was heartbreaking.
Now, as we countdown to the last moments of 2005, we pause and drink to times gone by. And even though they may include some bitter memories, we should still be thankful for 365 days of pure human experience and be positive about the coming year.
Happy new year to you all!
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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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MANILA --- AI AI de las Alas knows how to count her blessings. After celebrating her birthday by guesting in Regine Velasquez’ ‘Reflections’ concert, she is ending 2005 in a happy mood with a new film that is a Metro filmfest entry, ‘Shake Rattle and Roll 7,’ a Christmas concert in Cyprus with Allan K. and two TV shows, ‘My Juan and Only’ and ‘ETK.’
She’s excited with her role in the ‘Halimaw sa Poso’ episode of ‘Shake Rattle and Roll.’ ‘May three episodes ang movie pero siempre, sa amin ang pinakamaganda,’ she declares.
‘I play a fake medium who pretends na nakakakita ako ng dead people. Kinuha ako ni Tita Gloria Romero to talk to the spirit of her dead apo, Marco Alcaraz.
Assistants ko rito sina Biboy Ramirez, Rainier Castillo and Jenine Desiderio. Later on, nakakita na nga ako ng totoong multo at ‘yung assistants ko, isa-isang napapatay. This is directed by Uro de la Cruz na mahusay talagang manakot ng tao at napakabait pa dahil kahit na-late si Rainier ng seven hours, hindi nagalit at all. Pero ‘yung episode namin, you’ll laugh while you get scared.’
Is it true she refused to the movie of Sandara Park and Joseph Bitangcol as she doesn’t want to work with new comedienne Pokwang? She’s supposed to play Sandara’s mom and Pokwang, Joseph’s mom. “No, hindi naman ‘yun ang dahilan. Si Ama (Boy Abunda, her manager) ang tumanggi. Kasi support lang ako. Isa pa, I’m busy now with two TV shows, tapos ang dami ko pang corporate shows at guest pa ko ni Erik Santos sa Riverbanks concert niya where we’ll sing Christmas songs, then pupunta pa ako sa abroad para mag-concert and magbakasyon with my three kids so matagal ako mawawala. May sinusunod silang time schedule at baka maging ako pa ang cause of delay, so huwag na lang.”
Someone tells us she also doesn’t want to accept it for personal reasons. “Kasi, kapag hindi nag-click sa takilya ang love team nina Sandara at Joseph, baka siya pa ang masisi, ‘di ba?” says our source. Ai Ai is not the only Backroom artist whose career flourished this year. Rufa Mae Quinto has three hit shows (“Bubble Gang,” “Hokus Pokus” and “SOP”) and a filmfest entry, “Ako Legal Wife.” K Brosas had a successful solo concert at Music Museum and is now in two GMA-7 shows, “Bitoy’s Funniest Videos” and “Hokus Pokus.” She also sings regularly at Ratsky Malate on Thursdays and Ratsky Morato on Fridays. On December 2, K and the Boxers will do a special show at Fujitsu in Calamba. Prince of Pop Erik Santos feels so blessed he’s holding his thanksgiving show, “Paskong Pasasalamat” at Marikina Riverbanks on December 3 and will do a concert in Dubai with Sharon Cuneta and Fanny Serrano on December 9. (MNS)
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MANILA --- WHAT can Ara Mina say now that former boyfriend Jomari Yllana is being linked to Pops Fernandez? ‘Wala’, she says. ‘Kahit naman noong kami pa ni Jomari, very close na talaga sila as friends. Kung talagang sila na nga, ‘di I’m happy for them. Pero hindi pa naman yata sila umaamin, e. As for me, zero pa rin ang lovelife ko.’
We thought she’s now playing beautiful music with Jimmy Bondoc? “We’re just being linked kasi heís producing my new album. Gusto ko kasi ng acoustic sound and he’s perfect for the songs I had in mind.”
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MANILA --- Bernard Palanca, who turned 29 last December 2, has stopped looking for love. He admits that after his break-up with Rica Peralejo, he dated one girl after another, but he was never serious with any of them.
“Na-realize ko kasi na mahal ko pa rin siya (referring to Rica). I even believe that one day soon, we will be together again. God willing,” states Bernard.
Would he say that having Rica back is his greatest wish this Christmas?
“Yes it is” he replies. “In fact, I will not deny that Rica is the best thing that ever happened to me in my 29 years.”
Finally, Bernard revealed that he is to blame for their break-up. “I took her for granted. And she probably believed I didn’t love her enough,” confesses Bernard.
But he says that the two of them have remained good friends. They will even do a telesine together.
Bernard and Rica’s romance bloomed while they were filming their first movie together, “Sa Huling Paghihintay.” They were sweethearts for four years.
Bernard is excited about his new movie, “Sukob,” which also stars Kris Aquino, Claudine Barretto and Wendell Ramos. “Sukob” is directed by Chito Roño.
The actor is looking forward to doing another teleserye. He was last seen in “Hiram” as Dina Bonnevie’s love interest.
He is still very much a part of the singing group, The Hunks, which also includes Piolo Pascual, Jericho Rosales, Diether Ocampo and Carlos Agassi. They just came from a series of concerts abroad.
Bernard is a mainstay of two TV shows: the comedy “Bora” and the Sunday musical “ASAP ‘05.”
He just renewed his contract as endorser of the apparel, Oxygen.
On December 14 at the Metro Comedy Bar, Bernard will perform in a show with Troy Montero. (MNS)
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IT’S NO secret that to make it in the entertainment business, it takes more than a pretty face and talent. Being beautiful and skilled in your craft gets you in the door, but in an industry where those qualities are a dime a dozen, you better have something more to set you apart from the rest if you plan to have any longevity.
Which brings us to Filipino American actress and singer Lalaine. She is most recognized for her role as Miranda Sanchez on the hit Disney series “Lizzie McGuire.” Since leaving the sitcom in 2003, Lalaine has been branching out to different areas of the entertainment world and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. In fact, with an upcoming movie and as a newly-signed artist with Warner Brother Records, this versatile 17-year-old looks like she can (and will) be in the business for a while.
Lalaine shared that her break in Hollywood started with music instead of acting. When she was around nine years old, she started taking singing lessons and, at 91⁄2, landed the role of Little Cosette in the Broadway production of Les Miserables. Since then, singing has always been part of her acting career. Lalaine performed songs on “Lizzie McGuire,” recorded tracks for two Disney Channel original movies (You Wish and Pixel Perfect), and toured for Radio Disney concerts.
Lalaine’s true passion for singing was undeniable and it’s no surprise that a solo album is now in the works. She describes her album as pop-rock, saying that “it has that pop thing to it, but it’s definitely more rock because it has really heavy guitars and drums. And, some really dark songs.” The album, which is being produced by Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Goo Goo Dolls), also features songs co-written by Lalaine and is scheduled for release within the next year.
Despite a burgeoning singing career, Laline still loves acting, especially when she gets to play a different type of character. She just finished shooting Princess, her first major motion picture, with the late Pat Morita (The Karate Kid) and Eric Roberts (National Security). In the movie, Lalaine plays a princess who discovers a plot to have her assassinated. She explains, “[It is] Definitely a role I’ve never taken on before. I really had to get in touch with my emotional side,” and adds that the thriller is, “really twisted and something you wouldn’t expect.”
Aside from her work as an actress and singer, Lalaine always makes time to support the Filipino community (both of her parents were born in the Philippines) and give back to the public at large. She recently attended a birthday bash for Apl.de.ap (member of Black Eyed Peas), where Filipino American artists were being showcased, and mentioned that “supporting my fellow brothers and sisters of the Filipino community” is important to her. Back in 2004, Lalaine hosted “Flipside,” a TV series that followed her as she traveled throughout the Philippines learning about her cultural heritage. And, as if that weren’t enough, she is also the current spokesperson for Power Play, a California program that encourages youth to eat right and exercise regularly to stay healthy.
Not even old enough to vote yet, Lalaine has had substantial experience in the entertainment industry. Her looks, charm, and genuine talent continues to open doors for her, but her ability to work on multiple projects in the different genres (television, film, music, and being a representative for the community) and maintain a high level of success in all of those projects gives her that extra edge. Combine that with a growing and loyal international fan base and Lalaine has all the ingredients for a long and prosperous career in showbiz. She is definitely one artist we will be seeing (and hearing) more of in the future.
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MANILA --- OGIE Alcasid just won the best comedy actor in a gag show award for ‘Bubble Gang’ at the Golden Screen TV Awards.
Now, he tries another kind of comedy, the sitcom, in ‘Ay, Robot,’ where he also plays a father role for the first time. At 36, he plays Douglas, the father of 17-year old Ryza Cenon and child star Eunice Lagunsad. ‘When they got me, akala ko, leading man ako ni Ryza,’ he quips. ‘It turns out ako pala’ng tatay niya.’
He is paired with Tanya Garcia, who plays their supportive neighbor. Also in the cast are CJ Muere as Ryza’s leading man, comedians Gabe Mercado, Caloy Alde, Joy Viado and John Feir. The story revolves around “Starstruck Kid” winner Sam Bumatay as a rag doll who turns into a robot after she was hit by lightning. Ogie’s family adopts her and as she interacts with humans in their neighborhood, she slowly develops the sensibility and sensitivity of a real human being.
“I’m thankful to be a part of the sitcom kasi child-friendly talaga ito,” says Ogie. “The whole family can watch it together and they will gain a lot of insights about family relationships.”
Ogie just returned from the U.S. for a series of shows he did with “Bubble Gang.” “Ang hirap. Nakakangarag. Kulang pa kami sa tulog, trabaho na kami agad so it’s really very tiring. But it’s worth it as the reaction of our Pinoy kababayans there to the show is just too overwhelmingly warm.”
“Ay Robot” is directed by former male sex symbol Al Tantay. “With this show, talagang nag-mature na ako.”
We complimented him for his persuasive portrayal of Paolo Ballesteros’ gay dad in the last season of “Love to Love.” We told him he’s very convincing in his crying scenes. “Naku, sabi nga ni Direk Maryo de los Reyes: ‘Kaya magaling diyan, kasi bakla ka naman talaga!” and he laughed heartily. (MNS)
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Having survived probably the biggest crisis in their life, Julius Babao and Tintin Bersola look back at the passing year misty-eyed and look forward to the future with hope and faith in their hearts.
Julius has been cleared in that ugly “terrorism” issue and, according to Tintin, “We felt like a thorn has been extracted from our chests.”
As morale-booster, Julius and Tintin have been named among the Anak TV Seal Winners for 2005. It’s a “people’s choice” kind of awards for “the most highly-respected and wholesome TV personalities.” The canvassing was held from March to November this year by 3,653 Anak TV jurors/respondents from all walks of life, from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Among the jurors/respondents were four bishops; two Muslim imams; college deans and school principals; teachers; businessmen; nuns, priests and pastors; parents; workers; NGO representatives; artists; and regional media people.
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