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For the past 20 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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THE SOUND OF A HELPING HAND
LEYTE: The Benefit CD
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NEW YORK – On the 17h day of February 2006, a thunderous rumbling noise startled the residents of the small towns of St. Bernard and Guinsaugon, in the province of Leyte, Philippines – it was the last sound that most of them will ever hear.
For on that fateful day, the two towns where buried and completely erased for the surface of the earth, as tons of rock and mud engulfed their homes, even a small public elementary school, killing more than two thousand of them in one of the most deadly mudslides in recent history.
A tragedy that buried everything except the pain and grief of the ones who survived. A tragedy that caused the whole world to act and send relief and rescue efforts, and months after, rebuilding efforts as well. It was a tragedy that may have graced out from the headlines but still remain big news. It was a tragedy that erased lives, hopes and dreams, but remain etched in every Filipino’s memory.
The Vision
A few weeks after the Leyte tragedy, a Filipino music genius living in California heard a different sound: The Sound of a Helping Hand. Perf De Castro, one of the most respected guitarist and producer in Philippine music history, decided to call upon fellow Filipino musicians, composers and singers living in the US to donate songs for a compilation album that will directly benefit the victims.
“Upon hearing the news, I threw out the idea of a benefit CD to my fellow musicians and artists here in the US and they responded enthusiastically. Transplanted Pinoys and Filipino-Americans from across the US sent in their donations in form of their songs and eventually I received enough to put together this album.
“Some are written with the benefit in mind and some are works that have been pulled out of their treasure chests so they could at last be heard for a noble cause. These songs represent our hands reaching across the world to help our fellow Filipinos in need.”, says De Castro.
This feat of coming up with a benefit CD is not an easy thing to pull off – rallying up artists from all over the US and constantly communicating with them is no picnic. But in this age of email, Mr. De Castro could not hope for a better response.
Perf posted the invite open for all Fil-Am artists at a Fil-Am rock email group some months ago, and the enthusiasm he got from the willing artists was overwhelming.
In fact, what was amazing was that Perf maintained all his communications with the artists in the project mostly via electronic mail. No long distance calls whatsoever. Perhaps, a cause of this magnitude will indeed break any walls that come in between.
Now with the album complete, would a benefit concert to launch the album be next in line? Maybe so. And if that happens, it would be the first ever benefit show that would combine the best of Fil-Am music from East and West.
In closing, Perf De Castro has nothing but gratitude to all who participated in the making of the album - That includes the sponsors, the artists and the fans who have made pledges to buy as much as they can to lend a helping hand.
“I’d like to thank the artists, for rising to the occasion and lending their time, talent, efforts and craft to help the cause of this CD.Mabuhay kayong lahat! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!”.
The Album
“LEYTE: The Benefit CD” is a compilation of songs from Filipino and Filipino-American artists aimed at helping the victims of the tragic disaster. Net proceeds are given to the Philippine National Red Cross to fund their relief efforts for the people affected.
The album is made up of 14 tracks from some of the best Fil-Am and Filipino artists in the United States:
Field Trip - BLEUD;
Manila - RAINCROWD;
Better Days - PIECE OF MINE;
Devil’s Eyes - BEATRICE GOMEZ;
Karma - ZIGBIN;
I Think I’ll Try - RITCHIE LAPAZ;
Goodbye Rye - BASTI ARTADI/PERF DE CASTRO;
Beautiful World - BEN PALTIK;
Armageddon Man - RUBBERBAND;
Nothing Left To Say - A.D.D.;
Beautiful Pain - THE HAPPY ANALOGUES;
Di Ako Lalayo - THE KUWAGOS;
Save Me - THE THIRD ELEMENT;
New Day - PERF DE CASTRO.
The album will be released in June 5, and will be available for purchase on this website: http://www.perfdecastro.com/~leyte/purchase.htm.
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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 -- It’s obviously love for her showbiz career that propelled actress Angelica Panganiban to pose as the first cover girl of the Philippine edition of Maxim that will be launched this June.
Maxim is a popular men’s magazine in the US. In line with that, Angelica is said to be in her sexiest fashion shoot to date with Maxim Philippines proving it when it hits the local newstands soon.
“Mapapa-tumbling ka,” laughed Angelica when asked how sexy she was in Maxim Philippines’ maiden issue.
Coming from a film like “Santa Santita,” her most mature role so far, it was speculated that posing for a men’s magazine would follow suit. But she declined most of the earlier offers she got. Accepting Maxim’s though is not surprising for a number of reasons: It’s part of ABS-CBN, it’s their first issue and she’s the first cover girl in the Philippine edition. So how does her beau, actor Carlo Aquino, feel about it?
“It’s okay with him. Siya nga nagsabing gawin ko ito,” smiled Angelica.
But what about her kissing scenes with love team mate Jason Abalos in Star Cinema’s “All About Love?”
“Inggit na inggit siya,” the actress giggled.
Angelica and Jason are one of the few love teams in showbiz who are not real life lovers of which their fans are aware of. Unlike the successful tandem of John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, they are still on the testing stages of their on-screen romance.
“When Jason was paired with me in ‘Vietnam Rose’ we tried our best for the love team to work. So when this movie was offered, I was so happy because this is the first time na nagawan kami ng movie ng kaloveteam ko. It never happened to me and Carlo,” expressed Angelica.
She added that at the very beginning of their team-up there had been doubts and fears that it won’t work.
“I just looked at it in a positive way and we’re thankful that we were given good projects like this movie...we only got closer to one another when we did this film because mahiyain po si Jason,” she said. Jason is a promising actor she said of her new leading man.
“The only difference is that when I started with Carlo he was already a good actor and he helped me with my performance. With Jason I was the one giving him tips at minsan di kami nagkakasundo,” commented Angelica. “Sila Jericho, Carlo and Piolo kasi sila ang nagdadala sa kin. Dito po malaki ang contribution mo para umangat ang eksena. Parang tulong.”
To that, Jason is very thankful for Angelica’s guidance and good working attitude towards him. This is also why he wanted their love team to succeed.
The actor declared, “I’m really pressured working with such a great actress like Angelica. Alam naman natin ang pinanggalingan niya, nagkasama na sila nila Piolo, Carlo at Jericho. At ang hirap sagutin kapag natatanong kung bakit ako. So I’m really working hard to act with the same level as Angelica!”
In “All About Love,” Angelica Panganiban and Jason Abalos are childhood sweethearts in the episode “Promdi” which is directed by Don Cuaresma. The two were separated when Angelica pursued her ambition by studying in the city. Unfortunately, her drive to reach her goal made her careless that she figured in a mobilephone-sex-video scandal which destroyed her life.
“Ours is a light drama yet serious because it deals with video scandals which are prevalent nowadays. Mas sexy ng konti yung episode namin,” explained the director.
So has Angelica ever heard about an alleged sex video of herself being passed or downloaded from celfone to celfone?
“Wala pa naman po sa akin sa awa ng Diyos...marami na ring nabibiktima kaya nakakatakot. So nasa pag-iingat lang po. And I’m very careful,” she shared. (MNS)
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MANILA -- Young actor and Streetboys member Danilo Barrios seems to have finally found his true love.
He has presented his current lady love, Jaycee Parker, with an engagement ring. According to no less than the Viva Hot Babe in a tete-a-tete with Star Studio reporters, they are planning to wed in December of this year. They have been sweethearts for almost two years.
Danilo was formerly linked to aspiring actress Aiza Marquez. They went steady for a long time. When they broke up, Aiza found a new love in Carlo Magdangal, a member of a band and a cousin of Jolina Magdangal.
Jaycee was born in the Philippines but for a time lived in the U.S. with her American father. She returned home for a vacation, but showbiz beckoned, and then, Danilo came along.(MNS)
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“Daisy Siete” producer and Sexbomb manager Joy Cancio has already accepted the fact that she and her girls have indeed lost a lot of exposures after their departure from “Eat Bulaga,” the No. 1 noontime variety show in the country. But on the other hand, she is also elated that the Sexbomb Girls has had numerous out-of-town shows and offers continues even without “Eat Bulaga.”
“Siyempre malaking nawala sa amin because walang daily TV exposure. Kahit may ‘Daisy Siete,’ iba rin kung merong ‘Eat Bulaga.’ Wala ng ‘Bosing’ pero may show kami or Fans’ Day,’” shared Joy.
She is just saddened she said that until now she still read stories that put them in a bad light. She has apologized and they have been moving on yet intrigues are still being hurled to her and her group.
With or without “Eat Bulaga,” the Sexbomb Girls is not discounting their fans who account for their nationwide popularity. It is because of them that they are mounting a Sexbomb Girls Fans’ Day entitled “Sexbomb: Lips Don’t Lie” on Wednesday, May 31 at the UP Theater in UP Diliman from 5 p.m. onwards.
“It is a free show and an interactive one because there are parlor games wherein the Sexbomb Girls will play with the fans. We also have giveaways and even raffle prizes to be won,” Joy said.
The occassion will also serve as a venue for a Question & Answer session with the Sexbomb Girls, a sort of a casual press conference, thus keeping true with its title “Lips Don’t Lie.” There will also be guest performers and at the same time production numbers from the Sexbomb Girls.
“We will also be launching a new member, Hazel Taligatos, who was the Grand Winner of ‘Lets Get Aww,’ our show on QTV–11...sayang nga kasi di na namin nalaunch sa ‘Eat Bulaga,’” lamented Joy.
As a Sexbomb Girls celebration for their successes, they will be giving out free rides to and from UP Theater. This came about when they held a contest online for Sexbomb concert tickets and the winners decided not to avail of them because they didn’t have money for transportation.
In answer to this predicament of the fans, they are providing free bus rides on a first come, first serve basis for their fans from Panilao, Bataan, Tanza, Cavite, San Pablo and Sta. Rosa, Laguna and Bocaue, Bulacan. The following are the time and meeting place for the buses: 11 a.m. at Pilar Municipal Hall in Barangay Panilao, Bataan, 1 p.m. Bocaue Crossing in front of 7-11 Store, 1 p.m. at the Welcome Sta. Rosa Arc and at the Municipal Hall of Tanza Cavite.
“Ang ‘Sexbomb: Lips Don’t Lie’ Fans’ Day’ is for all their fans who never tired of supporting the Sexbomb Girls and are there for us through thick and thin,” expressed Joy.
With regards to security, Joy said that everything has been taken care of. She also said that they have 25 fans who volunteered to be part of their security team. So attendees don’t have to worry about any accidental stampede.
On the lighter side, Sexbomb veteran Rochelle said she’s not sure whether she’ll sport a bald look for their afternoon soap opera “Daisy Siete.” Even if she’s offered R300,000 on top of her regular salary, the dancer has been reported to be adamant about shaving her head for her role. The irony though was that she agreed about it a few months ago even before Aleck Bovick shaved her hair in “PBB Celebrity Edition.” It was also reported that she would had been crying about being pressured to go bald.
“I hope she reconsiders because it is very vital to her character. Pero natatakot kasi siya baka wala ng kumuha sa kanya or hindi na tumubo ang buhok niya. If she says yes then this would be a good challenge to her career as an actress. If not, prosthetics na lang,” remarked the Sexbomb manager.
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MANILA -- Financially and emotionally, Smokey Manaloto thinks he’s prepared for marriage. He has saved enough and has acquired some properties, one of them a townhouse in Quezon City, where he lives with his sisters and their respective families.
But Smokey, who's 36, said that he's "not yet found the right girl. Sayang nga, because I’m actually raring to get married na."
"I requested my sisters and their families to stay with me muna while I’m still single. But once I get married, they’ll both leave the house, so I can start a family myself," related Smokey during the presscon of his new show, "Let’s Go," which will start airing at 4 p.m. on Saturday (June 3).
He’s playing the role of a professor in "Let’s Go," considered the first barkada sitcom on air. It will tackle the concerns of the youth of today while at the same time teach the parents what their children are really feeling in their daily struggles.
His parents used to live with him, but they have migrated to Canada, where Smokey’s eldest sister lives. His parents, according to Smokey, can hardly wait to see him have kids. He’s the only boy in a brood of four.
Smokey’s love life is an open book in showbiz. Two of the actresses he was linked to were popular names. There was A.A. and, of course, M.F. A.A. now lives abroad. M.F., on the other hand, is a happy mother to a six-year-old kid. The love of her life is in showbiz, too.
Doesn’t he regret that he didn’t end up with either of them?
"Let’s just say that we’re not meant for each other," Smokey replied.
His last girlfriend was non-showbiz. They were sweethearts for almost two years. They parted ways after a petty quarrel. Their separation happened at the time he was contemplating on whether to finally propose marriage to her.
What’s his ideal girl?
"As long as mabait siya at mahal niya ako at ganun din ako sa kanya, I will not ask for anything more," said Smokey.
"Let’s Go" is a creation of Edgar Mortiz, who is also the director of the show. Also involved in the production are three of his children: Frasco, who’s the second unit director; Badji, who is one of the writers (he is also in the cast); and Marilyn, talent coordinator.
Frasco also directs the variety show "Gudtym," aired every Friday night on ABS-CBN.
Included in the cast of "Let’s Go," aside from Badji, are Blumark Roces (Morman), Kontin Roque (Zap), Timmy Boy Sta. Maria (Dennis), Mikel Campos (Mike), Valerie Garcia (Bangs), Eda Cabilan (Juniper), Cathy Gonzaga (Alex), Jana Pablo (Trish), Joem Basco (Bob), Janelle Quintana (Maffi), and Chari Pineda (Charie). (MNS)
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NEW YORK–It was a night of great music, brilliant poetry, wonderful ambiance and pure fun at the premiere Asian-American artists’ club Teabag NYC, last Wednesday, May 31, as Filipino-American singer/songwriters Alfa Garcia and Binky Veloria and the band Bleud all gave acoustic performances that brought the house down.
Poet’s Lounge
Wednesday nights at Teabag, called Teabag Poet’s Lounge is hosted by Filipino-American from Jersey City, Feliza Mirasol. It is a performance showcase featuring the city’s best and emerging poets, spoken word artists, slam poets, folk musicians and performance artists. A poet herself, Feliza has done various performances of spoken word in the New Jersey/New York region. Now, she hopes to bring different racial, cultural, ethnic, political and artistic voices together to stand on common ground at the Teabag Poets’ Lounge.
A Fil-Am night
Jersey City rock band Bleud opened up with a never-been tried set: An Acoustic one. The band played two acoustic versions of their current single ‘Animé Girl’ and a new song called ‘Every Other Day’.
Up next after some amazing spoken word artists was, the featured act of the nigh: Singer/songwriter/registered nurse Binky Veloria, who sang her original songs about heartbreaks and friendships while strumming her green guitar named ‘fern.’ Helping Binky onstage were her guitarist friend Anthony and another Filipino-American performance artist namedHanalei.
Singer-songwriter Alfa Garcia closed the show with her heartfelt songs that has become certified hits in the Asian-American scene. Still in college, Alfa is one of the most sought-after acoustic artists in the industry.
Established sometime in 2003, Teabag is the place to be for musicians, comedians and poets, who want to break in to the competetive New York City art scene.
Originally founded to supply an outlet for Asian American artists, it has quickly become something more that encompasses all races, ages and cultures.
The Teabag is located at Silk Road Place - 30 Mott St., NYC.
Catch a glimpse of this show at TFC on June 4, Sunday at 9:00 pm EST.
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