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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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This website includes selected articles from this week's edition of the Filipino Express. Not all the stories published in the printed version appear on this site.
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IT IS appalling to find how local Philippine network shows use the current trend of Pinoy Rock for their own selfish reasons.
Two years ago, a noontime show would not even dare put a band on a spot segment; more so interview them.
They were so un-needful of bands, they were willing to put one of their singers four times in spot segments just to fill in the gaps.
Now, they have a whole segment just for rock bands. The hypocrisy is so overwhelming, it is causing itself to be trampled by its own stampede.
It is obvious that these variety shows are just using these great bands to be more palatable to the young audience, who have long ago deserted the show for being unsupportive of great rock bands.
Consider their habit of putting one of their hosts to sing with the guest bands. Actually, the rock scene is fed up with that horrific practice, but bands have no choice – they need to promote their music.
Why put a movie star with Itchyworms? What the hell was a certain balladeer doing with Rivermaya during the latter’s spot singing the band’s single? Not only does it tarnish the band’s performance, it paints an unfriendly picture – that the band cannot carry the segment so they need added ‘starpower’.
Well, pardon me but that’s a lot of bull. Rivermaya’s star has been burning for more than 10 years, they don’t need anybody to boost them up.
The same is true with the new bands like Orange and Lemons, Hale and the Kamikazee. They have to realize that they are far more talented than some of these movie star hosts they are singing with. But they have to be careful not to air their grievances in public, otherwise, these shows might ban them until they disband.
My advice: Play by the game until it’s over, because, this love affair between bands and noontime shows won’t last, anyway. History tells us that once the ‘band trend” fades, so does the producers’ interest on rock n’ roll.
Well, Pinoy bands have a lot to be happy about these days. They are having great exposure but they have to think of the future too. They got to wise up.
Make the most of your TV moments because Philippine variety shows could go only as far as it can. So, make sure you are household names after appearing countless times on these shows. Do whatever you can to make you stick into the viewer’s mind because TV’s offer is only good while supply lasts.
So, go smash your ‘Sta Mesa” Fenders, make your girl drummers show up with just her drumsticks – no clothes, and so on. Don’t leave the TV studio without leaving a mark. Give them shock TV.
It is sad to say, but that is the state of rock in the home country. You have to be the circus freak show before people would even remember you and have you back on their next episode.
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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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Let’s Talk About Weddings
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I HAVE always loved weddings. A wedding day weaves its own magic for there is so much love going on during this special day. A day wherein two people promising to be with each other until death do they part are surrounded by family and friends wishing the newlyweds the very best.
I have been to so many weddings and have often involved myself with the planning and preparation for my relatives and friends. My friends call me the “silent wedding planner”, since I’ve never advertised myself to be one, but if I didn’t have my other day job today, I could focus myself on being a professional wedding coordinator.
Anyway, just being able to help my family and friends plan for their own wedding is more than enough for me. The following are some of the things I have read from magazines and books, learned from my friends and acquaintances who already had their weddings and finally, stumbled over on my own while helping others prepare for the big day.
The venue
The first thing that a couple should plan for is to look for venues for the ceremony and the reception area. I have noticed that it is becoming a trend now for couples to choose the same place for the ceremony and reception. I believe this is a good idea because it is convenient for all the people involved and guests attending the wedding.
Also, if a couple opt for this, most places offer packages that will save them money. On the other hand, if the couple still prefers a different location for the reception, then I suggest that the two places should be close by.
(You do not want any of your guests to get lost, do you? Unless you are trailed by paparazzi, then that is another story.)
It’s all in the Details
Weddings are comprised of so many details that a couple must really keep track of. I have realized from helping my friends plan for the event that more than the stuff you read or learned from others, it is the little personal touches that you apply that makes it truly your own. From the choice of paper for the wedding invitations to the kind of flowers the bride will carry to the beadings on the bride’s dress, the couple’s personality and style should be evident throughout.
Take for example, a couple whom I am really good friends with, Josie and Steve, when they had their wedding reception in Auberge du Soleil in Napa, Ca, they actually labeled their guests’ dining tables in the reception after the famous wines produced in Napa! Truly, a charming idea!
Something Old, New, Blue and Borrowed
We Pinoys are so big on weddings; it must be because we are really romantics at heart.
Moreover, this is a chance for our families to get-together. We also follow a lot of beliefs and rituals to the letter. While helping a friend for her wedding, I have noticed that I have to consider her families and that of her fiancé’s traditions as well. The old, new, blue and borrowed items are necessary for a traditional wedding. Sometimes, it is easier to follow this with jewelries, a perfect chance to display heirloom pieces passed down from one generation to another.
I have heard of brides wearing the wedding dresses worn by their mothers altered for an updated contemporary look. The bride’s wedding gown should consist of soft lines and filmy fabrics (like chiffon and lace). Minimize on beadings for so much unnecessary decorations on a gown will overwhelm a bride’s over-all look, but choose just enough details so as not to make it look like an ordinary prom dress.
Consider your choice of shoes as well, favorite looks for a wedding include lace slingbacks and beaded mules.
For grooms, they may opt for a classic suit or tuxedo, or for a Filipiniana theme, wear a barong Tagalog made of either jusi or pina.
Extra, extra
A couple should plan for their wedding at least 6 months to one year in advance and a couple should have a checklist to guide them during planning and preparation. Tasks to prepare for are to scout for wedding location, make reservations for caterers( one of the best part—food tasting!) and hire photographers(make sure that you hire professional ones, never rely on snapshots taken by friends, remember your wedding day will neve have a take two so put your memories in the capable hands of a professional).
Allow a good amount of time to schedule gown fittings with your entourage, make-up sessions with your stylist, contacting a local florist for flowers and ordering your cake and giveaways from your chosen stores. Of course, never forget to decide on a color scheme for the wedding. I have noticed that two-color motif is the trend among weddings nowadays, a combination of pink-purple, fuchsia-orange, red-gold; blue-silver and many others.
Wishin’ and Hopin’
My “soul sis” Mavic from London called me over the phone recently to inform me that she is getting married this fall. We were so ecstatic talking and going over the details of her big day. It was so funny to think that we went through the same conversation summer of last year while we were strolling in Central Park, NY.
Both single girls inspired by the beauty that surrounded us, we started verbalizing with each other the kind of wedding that we both wanted in the future. It will certainly be easier for my friend Mavic to plan for her wedding for she pretty much have an idea of what she wants.
I have learned that a couple should have a basic knowledge of what kind of wedding they want. Whether they want an intimate wedding, or a wedding with all the pomp, ultimately it is the couple’s decision. Finally, take time out to relax in the middle of your busy preparations and enjoy the company of the people that matter most to both of you as a couple, your family, friends and of course, each other!
Happy Day to all!
Thess Bacsal is a writer and lives in California. For your life’s concerns, comments and suggestions, email her at july19rn@yahoo.com
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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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ORANGE COUNTY, CA-- After a year and a half as vocalist of rising hard rock band LOKOMOTIV, Basti Artadi has parted ways with the band and is retiring from the music industry. LOKOMOTIV released this announcement today: “We know this might come as shocking news but it was an amicable and inevitable farewell”, says manager Ron Davis.
LOKOMOTIV reassures their fans that they and their management team are not breaking up. Exciting things are brewing behind the scenes and Lokoheads can look forward to great things to come. Meanwhile, guitarist David Aguirre, bassist Danny Gonzalez and drummer Wolf Gemora are concentrating on writing new material and are focused on keeping the momentum going.
“We want to assure YOU, our fans and friends that we will continue to be LOKOMOTIV and will move on with a strong frontman when the band is good and ready. We humbly ask for your continued support for our music and our cause.”, says Wolf.
Meanwhile, Basti Artadi made this statement at the Lokomotiv website. “Hello Friends, I am writing you all today to let you know that due to personal issues it is finally time that my musical jihad comes to an end. The past thirteen years and the last two I had experienced with you all have been great and they will be something that I will always cherish and remember. He continued, “The music industry is a beast and its one that you have to grab hold of and start stabbing in hopes that one day you can kill it before it kills you. Unfortunately my knives are no longer long enough or sharp enough to continue on. I wanna say thank you to all the people who have helped me out in some form or another while I was doing this.”
The news came as a bit of a shock to Lokomotiv supporters. Fans were saddened by the news, perplexed by why something like this has to happen in the middle of Lokomotiv’s rising tide. Guitarist David Aguirre affirmed their fans that although it may take a few weeks or months for Lokomotiv to resume all operations, they have not come to an end. He expressed his gratitude to all their supporters and continued, “this is merely a ‘pit stop’ in this train’s journey, and we will make sure that you all continue to get the honest rock n’ roll you deserve.”
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MANILA–FLT Films big boss Rose Flaminiano admitted that ‘Pacquiao, The Movie,’ which she co-produced with Star Cinema and, well, Manny Pacquiao, on whose story the films was based, didn’t fare as she had expected at the box office.
But she’s not complaining, she said. Nor does she regret giving up her real estate business temporarily for this movie.
“I took this risk. I’m accepting the consequence,” she said.
All in all, producing “Pacquiao, The Movie” cost P50M. And the movie will speak for itself on why this much was spent for it. “Maganda ito, maayos ang pagkakagawa. Lalo na ang mga performances ng mga artista,” Mrs. Flaminiano enthused. “And before I forget, excellent ang pagkaka-direk ni Joel Lamangan ng pelikula.”
“Pacquiao, The Movie” stars Jericho Rosales in the title role. Playing Manny’s wife, Jinky, is Bea Alonzo. The others in the cast include Jaclyn Jose, Zoren Legaspi, Polo Ravales, Jiro Manio (as the young Manny), Glaiza de Castro, Dimples Romana and Jay Manalo. “As you may have noticed, we have the best of our local talents in the cast,” Mrs. Flaminiano added.
Then how come the audience didn’t go for it?
“That I don’t know,” she answered. “Ang alam ko lang, they want daw a good movie. Heto at we are giving them a movie which we know they’ll appreciate, ayaw naman nilang panoorin.”
Will she still proceed with the two films she said she had planned for Manny which will see the boxing champ playing the lead role?
““Di ako marunong umurong sa usapan,” she answered. “When I decided to do the Pacquiao, The Movie,’ sabi ko, hope this will usher a renaissance of the local film industry.’ Ipagpapatuloy ko ang hangarin kong ito.” (MNS)
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MANILA–Lovi, daughter of the late Ronnie Poe, closely resembles KC Concepcion, Sharon Cuneta’s eldest daughter with first husband, Gabby Concepcion. The two could pass for sisters’ with Lovi, 16, as the younger sister, and KC, 20, as the elder one.
Aside from being both tall, the two can also sing. Unlike Lovi, who is now a recording star of Sony BMG, KC opted not to pursue a serious career in singing. Instead, she’s bent on finishing her studies in Paris.
Lovi, as a recording star, is doing very well. Sony BMG has just released her first album titled “The Best of My Heart.” Her first single, “I Love You,” is now a radio hit.
Even before she left for Paris to study, KC was showered with many film and TV offers. She reportedly turned them all down.
Lovi is said to have been offered to do a remake of “Dear Heart,” Sharon’s debut movie where she was first teamed up with Gabby. But for Lovi, she says singing is the only profession she wants at the moment.
Lovi is in fourth year high school at the Colegio San Agustin. (MNS)
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MANILA -- For singer Erik Santos, Rufa Mae Quinto the sexy star is more than just the image she portrays.
“Sa kabila ng sexy image niya, mas conservative pa ‘yan sa kin (Despite her sexy image, she’s more conservative than I am),” he said.
He added that Rufa is family-oriented and this is what he admires most about her.
And despite her hectic schedule, Erik said Rufa always finds time to send him a text message just to say “I love you baby.”
During the interview, a blushing Rufa watched Erik from the audience as he answered questions about their relationship.
“Pagkagising ko siya ‘yung nasa isip ko (She’s the first one that comes to my mind after I wake up),” Erik said.
Kind words for his special someone continued as the singer said that he appreciates even the tiniest thing that Rufa does to him.
Erika then looked at Rufa and said that he loves her and he is happy because of her.
The love between the two blossomed after Erik guested on Rufa’s birthday concert at Aliw Theater last month. (MNS)
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MANILA--Ruffa Gutierrez is in town to host the 22nd Star Awards for Movies at the Philippine Plaza Grand Ballroom on June 30. While she is here, she will be co-hosting “SOP” for three consecutive Sundays and have guest appearances in ABS-CBN’s “The Buzz” and “Rated K,” GMA-7’s toprated sitcoms, “Lagot Ka Isusumbong Kita” and “Bahay Mo Ba’To.”
“I really miss showbiz and acting,” she says. “And I’m thankful my husband understands my need to act every now and then, basta huwag lang sa movies at wala lang kissing scenes or love scenes.”
She has an offer to pose for FHM but it’s definitely a no-no. “Naku, my husband will really raise hell if I do that. You know naman how conservative his family is.”
She says that her in-laws now love her very much. “I admit that at the start, it was difficult for me to adjust as I have to live in a different country with a different culture. But I made a choice that I want to have a family na. Also, I’m not getting any younger and it’s time be a mom na, kaya pinanindigan ko ang decision ko. At first, my in-laws were distant to me. But now, when I have a disagreement with Yilmaz, they side with me. But it didn’t happen overnight. I gained their trust when Yilmaz got shot and I took care of him and never left his side for two or three months. They realized I really love their son.”
She’s spending her birthday here on June 24. “I plan to have a small family dinner lang, unless someone will surprise me and host a party for me. My birthday wish is for me to help more people. Organizing that benefit bazaar for the victims of the Leyte landslide inspired me to do more acts of charity as I’m already so blessed myself. In October, I want to hold another bazaar and look for other recipients naman like the homeless. I see so many people sleeping in the streets and I want to help them.”
After her two daughters, doesn’t she want to have a son? “Siguro in two years. I really want a boy and they tell me, ask your mom, kasi I have five brothers and I’m the only girl, ‘di ba? If there’s a technique to make sure it’ll be a boy, I really want to learn it.”
How does she feel now that her brother Richard’s show, “Captain Barbell,” is No. 1 with a rating of 44.9 percent?
“I’m so proud of him. He tells me he wants to do something serious daw and I tell him not to rush things. He’s still young so it’s okay to do shows that kids and masa viewers will like. When he’s older na, in his 30s or 40s, saka na siya gumawa ng serious films na pang-award.” (MNS)
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