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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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Housekeeping at 20-something
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COMING to America caused a multitude of changes in my life. Many of myfriends are also in the same situation as I am. One of these is having our own places.
As much as I missed the warmth and comfort of being in my parent’shome, at the age of 20-something, it was actually time for me to spread my wings and find my own nest, so to speak. I have often thought about what makes a home.
I have realized that really, there are no Houdini solutions but with some thought and practice, I can make my cramped space a sanctuary that nurtures my whole being day after day.
My siblings and I did not grow up with household help, and so our parents taught us early on about housekeeping. I must admit that while still in the home Idid not get to practice much for the “bratinella” in me always has a ready excuse to avoid doing household chores. Years later, I now think of organizing, cleaning, cooking and maintaining a house as I am now on my own.
Organizing
I have learned that good organizing starts with space. Since I live in an apartment unit where storage can be limited, I have learned to de-clutter. My sister Vicky taught me to be ruthless with my possessions, meaning to either throw away or donate to charity unworn and unused items in my place. I have polished my skills in doing a trade-off system as well, for example, whenever I buy a new item, it becomes automatic to discard an unwanted stuff.
I love coming home to my place especially when it is relatively clutter–free. When I am so tired after a day’s work, even the small task of picking up something seems monumental. If I have my precious day-off, it is the time when I go through my things and clean up. I never wait for mail, newspapers, dishes or clothes to get piled up, a good habit I have learned as this makes cleaning my place easier all the time.
Laundry and Ironing
Laundry has become my favorite household chore since I can do it and keep myself busy with other tasks. I buy mesh bags for delicate items such as lingerie, hose, etc. when putting these items in the washing machine. I have learned the proper task of sorting light, colored and delicate items (menial feat, indeed but a feat nonetheless!).
On the other hand, ironing is my dreaded task. Nevertheless, I have learned to eliminate the need for ironing by hanging clothes on hanger while damp. If I still need to iron blouses and tops, I just do quick touch up on collar, front and cuffs. It is very important to read care labels for instructions on water and heat temperature for washing, drying and pressing clothes.
Food Shopping and Cooking
I have been proudly telling my friends that I have learned the “art”of grocery shopping.
Make sure you give enough time to do your food shopping so you are not harassed and hurried. Plan your route even before you go inside a grocery store. Buy vegetables and fruits last so the other bulky items in the cart will not crush them.
Moreover, pick items that you can use and freeze immediately. Be into details whenever you would buy something. Choose wisely when buying food, whetherfresh or packaged, after all, you are going to put it inside your body.
I come from a family of good cooks and a family that loves to eat as well. Therefore, it is a given that I should learn how to cook, at least. And when you have your own place, knowing how to cook is a big advantage. Since most of us are working and have limited time, we should learn how to measure, chop, organize, and cook ourmeals quickly.
I have realized that having a place of my own is truly fun but this comes with huge amount of responsibility. I tell this to my friends who are also living on their own that this is actually a good practice that would come in handy someday when wehave to run a bigger household (meaning family life, just in case!)
Turn your house into an expression of personality. Decorate, organizeand clean it your own way. It is your life, your sanctuary. Let everyone know this is your zone. Enjoy life! Happy Housekeeping!
Thess Bacsal is a writer and lives in California. For your life’sconcerns, comments and suggestions, email her at july19rn@yahoo.com
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CONGRATULATIONS to Angel Locsin. Her dream of having her own home will now be a reality. She’s currently living in a small condo unit near St. Peter’s Church along Commonwealth Ave. Now, she is able to get a house and lot at an exclusive village, Don Antonio, also along Commonwealth. She has paid the down payment and promised the owner who’s moving to the States that she’ll pay it in full within six months.
It is a two-storey house and Angel plans to ask her blind dad to stay with her, along with her married sister (who looks after their dad) and her family. Angel is confident that she will be able to pay it in full in six months as her various endorsements alone will be enough for her to raise funds for the house.
We are happy for Angel as she is one young star who knows how to invest her money wisely, unlike other stars who spend money on useless extravagant things. Angel’s hit telefantasya, “Majika,” will run until the end of September.
The latest addition to its cast is Mikee Cojuangco, who’s making an acting comeback via this show. Mikee will play Tamara, an ally of Angel in her adventures in the world of Saladin. Mikee started her involvement with the show by teaching Angel how to ride a horse and she’s glad to be now acting in front of the camera this time. (MNS)
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KITCHIE Nadal the winner of two Aliw Awards as the “Most Promising Entertainer” and “Best Female Concert Performer” and the recipient of the 18th Awit Awards as “Best Performance by a Female Recording Artist” and “Best Ballad for the song she wrote and composed, the compellingly bittersweet, Wag na Wag Mong Sasabihin” also the winner of Nickelodeon Channel’s Pinoy Wannabe Kid’s Choice Award is set to conquer the US concert scene as part of her 2006 World Tour.
With a Double Platinum album on her belt, Kitchie Nadal has conquered the Female OPM niche, paved the way for a number of guitar-wielding alternative rock maidens and has proven that being a talented rock musician need not be translated to sex, drugs and alcohol. And while exhaustingly keeping up with the dogged demands of the success she’s earned, she’s stuck to her main priority and graduated with a double major in Psychology and Education. This is the kind of fire that even the nastiest critic can’t fan out. It’s a spiritual blaze that has taken root at the very heart of her being and it’s not fading anytime soon, not ever.
Aiza Seguera will be the guest artist for the tour except for Los Angeles and Chicago show. Kitchie Nadal “Same Ground” US tour 2006 is scheduled to hit the following cities:
San Diego – Oct 20
Los Angeles – Oct 21
Las Vegas – Oct 22
Chicago – Oct 27
New York – Oct 28
Washington – Oct 29
San Jose – Nov 3
Sacramento – Nov 4
The Kitchie Nadal “Same Ground” US tour 2006 is being promoted by Nosaj Entertainment, a New Jersey based Production Company. For inquiries about the tour you can contact Nosaj Entertainment at 800.214.1382, 551.998.6020 or nosajentertainment@yahoo.com.
For more info on Kitchie Nadal: www.kitchienadal.com - www.kitchienadal.net
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MANILA -- Marvin Agustin says that with OctoArts Boss Orly Ilacad now managing him, his career is on the right track once again. It was in Boss Orly’s “Kutob” that he won his first best actor award. He then moved to GMA-7 and his “I Luv NY” with Jolina Magdangal is now rating very well so he’s assured that a new project will be assigned to him after this one. Boss Orly is meeting with GMA executive Wilma Galvante soon about this next soap of his for the Kapuso Network.
He is also assured of another film right away, the Metro filmfest entry “Short Time,” where he’s reunited with his “Oh My Ghost” leading lady, Rufa Mae Quinto, and his “Kutob” director, Joey Reyes. “I really can’t ask for more dahil ang daming blessings na dumarating,” he says.
Is he aware some quarters are trying to malign him and urge GMA-7 not to give him another project?
“Oh yes, I’ve read about it, na first and last show ko na raw ang ‘I Luv NY’ sa GMA, but I’m not bothered,” he shrugs. “I place my entire trust in GMA and Boss Orly’s hands and I know hindi nila ako pababayaan. At sa dami ng blessings ko, hindi ko na lang pinapansin ang mga naninira sa akin. As everyone knows, even my restaurants are all doing well kaya wala akong mairereklamo. Suwerte nga raw ako sa negosyo kaya I’m seriously thinking of producing a digital film at baka ma-extend hanggang doon ang blessings ko.”
He’s thankful that he finally got to do kissing scenes with Rufa Mae in “Oh My Ghost.”
“Kasi the first we worked together in ‘Super B,’ kahit yakapan, wala. After her, ang next wish kong maka-kissing scene is Jolina Magdangal. Ang dami na naming nagawang movies and TV shows, pero kahit isang halik, wala pa. And to think na magka-love team kami.”
Wonder what Jolina’s boyfriend, Atty. Bebong Munoz, will say about this. (MNS)
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SEXY comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto is in a sad mood these days and this is caused by the consistent issue that her boyfriend, singer Erik Santos, is a homosexual, or gay. The issue has surfaced in the past but was reportedly articulated recently by actor/TV host Richard Gomez in a private conversation with “SOP” co-host Regine Velasquez wherein Goma allegedly stressed that Erik (and Piolo Pascual too) were gay. Ironically Rufa Mae and Goma are good friends, according to Goma himself who apologized to the actress on “S–Files” last Sunday.
Goma also said he has nothing against gay people; “In fact, my manager is gay.” But I respect them (gay people). he said
When Rufa Mae guested on “Startalk” last Saturday (to promote her and Marvin Agustin’s latest movie “Oh My Ghost” which opens today, Aug. 16), she was caught crying by the TV camera. This was believed to have been caused by the negative press that her relationship with Erik Santos has been generating from detractors.
In defense of Erik, Rufa Mae insists that he is not gay. “I should know, because boyfriend ko siya,” she has repeatedly told everyone who asked her about the issue.
Anyway, Rufa Mae’s other big concern these days is the movie “Oh My Ghost!” which reunites her on the big screen with Marvin. They first worked together in a movie four years ago via “Super B,” one of the top-grossers in the 2002 Metro Manila Film Festival.
So how was it working with each other again?
Both said they were happy and excited about the project. “Who wouldn’t be? Rufa Mae is a class of her own in the biz. Comedy is just chicken feed to her. She’s truly one gifted comic, and it’s a privilege to work with her again. It was another great and unforgettable experience, “ Marvin said.
As to what have changed in them ever since they first collaborated on the big scren, Rufa Mae said: “Siguro our development in our craft.When we did ‘Super B.’ mga bata pa kami. Now, marami nang nangyari sa amin, like siya nanalo na siya ng Best Actor award. Ako, awardee na rin so ngayon parang mas humusay lang kami bilang mga artista but our warm friendship off-cam remains intact.”
In “Oh My Ghost!” Rufa Mae plays an avenging ghost and as such will try to scare the viewers but still with the trademark humor that has catapulted her to fame and popularity.
“Yes, ibang level na naman ako dito! I’m sure the viewers will like my character here ‘cause it’s the first time that I play a ghost pero sexy pa rin, huh? It’s a mixture of horror and comedy and I’m proud to say na our special effects are really high-tech. Thanks to Boss Orly (Ilacad), our producer, who really made sure that our movie will be a technical marvel,” Rufa Mae added.
It’s the first time the sexy actress is doing a movie with OctoArts Films and director Tony Y. Reyes and she only has good words for them.
“With OctoArts kasi, they really treated me like a queen, eh. Wala akong masabi. Our shooting went on smoothly due to the fact that their system is well-organized. I’m glad nga that I still have upcoming projects for them like ‘Short Time’ na from what I heard ay entry nila sa Metro Manila Film Festival in December. Bongga. di ba?
“Si Direk Tony naman, alam naman ng lahat ang track record niya sa box-office. He’s so cool and he has a lot of ideas on how to execute a funny scene. I must say that I learned a thing or two from him when it comes to the art of comedy. Ibang klase siya! Kalog pa. I really enjoyed the experience of working with him.”
Marvin’s role in the horror-comedy flick is that of “my best buddy who’s secretly in love with me. He’ll help me solve my case. At may kissing scene pa kami dito, huh? Dapat niyong abangan ito,” Rufa Mae laughed.
And as to her rapists in the film (Paolo Contis, Carlos Agassi and Uma Khouny), she said “Bongga, ang guguwapo nila! Considering their bloodline, aba ang haba ng hair ko di ba? Isa pa, they’re all professional and good performers. The rape scene nga, nahirapan ako kasi, it was so realistic. Of course, wala namang private parts na ipinakita pero nagkapasa-pasa ako because of the struggle I did. Magagaling silang lahat.”
Did Rufa Mae ever have a ghost experience in her life? Yes, “it happened years ago. I was in my room talking to someone over the phone. Siguro, mga 2 a.m. ‘yon. I was lying down in my bed when I heard some noise in the bathroom. I called my PA and asked her what was it all about. Nawala ang noise. But later, I heard some noises again, and this time papalapit sa akin. I got scared na at nagtalukbong ako ng kumot and prayed and prayed hanggang sa nawala. It took me years bago ko naikuwento ito sa iba. Di naman talaga ako matatakutin until that incident.”
Going back to “Oh My Ghost!” Rufa Mae has this as a parting shot: “It’s 100% fun and horror. Di kami mapapahiya. Aside from me, Marvin, Paolo, Carlos and Uma, there’s Jose Manalo, Sugar, Dick Israel, Jackie Aquino and Jimmy Santos and Bianca King in a special participation. So starting today, I invite everyone to come laugh and scream with us at the theaters.”
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