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For the past 21 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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No Fortune of Fortune Cookies
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THE New York Times recently published an article about the struggles of Asian -American artists to crack the jackpot in pop music.
In an article entitled, ‘Trying to Crack the Hot 100’ some industry people opined that Asian-American artists don’t get signed by major labels because of how they look and how they are perceived to be. Likewise, they talk about how unprepared the American audience is to accept a chinky-eyed version of Justin Timberlake.
Well the article is somewhat true given the fact that in America, Asian-Americans are always perceived as either nerds or Kung-Fu kings rather than pop gods and Billboard top notchers.
The truth is, there are many Asian Americans here that are more than the Mathematics and the Flying Eagle Kung-Fu Attack.
These Asian-Americans are very talented and can easily end the careers of such talent-less ‘stars’ like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears, who, in the first place, are in the limelight not because of their gifts, but because of their goods.
In my case, I could care less. What’s so great with being as famous as Britney Spears or Justin Timberlake anyway? Do you want to get hounded daily by paparazzi’s?
And besides, the credibility of the music that you make doesn’t depend on it being on Billboard. Your music could get the respect that it deserves even if it only exists on Myspace.
I mean, listen to what’s on the radio nowadays. Do you hear anything life-changing? Matter of fact, the music today sucks. And these are all signed artists.
The thing is, being signed by a major label does not guarantee that you will make music that could change lives. It only guarantees wider distribution and some TV and media time.
Now, the problem with some of these talented Asian Americans is they worry too much about making it. Sure, it feels great to be in the same league as, say, Prince or pick up a Grammy here and there. But I believe that they should zero in first on what really matters: The fun of making music. Because once you find the happiness in making your own music, and getting it out there in your own little way, everything else would be mere bonuses. A record deal would be mere formality. And even if you never get signed, and retire as an indie, you still made great music and enjoyed every second of playing it even just for a niche crowd. With or without a major label, the music has to go on.
The Times article added that record executives have no ready answer to why there aren’t many Asian Americans out there reigning over the hit charts. These execs even deny that the race card is ever at play. They just can’t see anyone worth signing. And to them, the reason why is as mysterious as the Tibetan Book of the Dead.
If I were a record executive working for a major label, I wouldn’t hesitate signing Asian American artists, who have worked very hard to get into people’s consciousness. How else can a label get artists that are so full of talent, so good with Mathematics, so good with making steamed rice and noodles, and packs a wicked roundhouse kick?
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AFTER a long hiatus, former MTV VJ and Time Magazine cover girl Donita Rose returns to the boob tube via an inspirational docu-drama, “U-Turn,”
Produced by block timer Estima Content Creates Consent, “U-Turn” will feature inspiring stories of young people destined for self-destruction who have turned their lives around with determination and God’s grace. Echoing the look and feel of other docu-drama shows like “Pipol,” “U-Turn” will also deal with real people, shown exactly as they are. There will be absolutely no re-enactments on the show. Each episode will start with a short summary of the subject’s life, and will segue to an actual interview with that person.
“Basically, our goal is to inspire young people to set their lives along the right path,” explains an excited Donita, who is glad to be marking her return to television with this type of show. Ever since she became a Christian, Donita has always wanted to do shows that speak of her faith and of how God helps change people’s live for the better — and that is what “U-Turn” is all about.
What with a sordid past filled with intrigues and shambles to what she is today, Donita as “U-Turn” host best exemplifies a person of a changed life and a renewed heart.
Doing a show like “U-Turn” is a natural progression and the fulfillment of Donita’s life’s work.
In fact, while in Singapore, Donita works as a volunteer with a program that also reaches out to young people.
“We target the young people because they are at that age where they are most vulnerable to the temptations of the world—such as peer pressure, pre-marital sex, drugs and violence. Because young people are still struggling to find themselves and establish their identity, it is so easy for them to stray off the right path. We, of the show, hope to make our young and also our not-so-young viewers realize that with God’s help, nothing is impossible. Anyone can turn his or her life around. This mission is embodied in the show’s slogan,” “U live and learn,” explains Donita.
The show will feature both celebrities and ordinary people whose lives fit the shows format and mission. Completing the live interviews will be footages, pictures and inspiring narratives from the interviewee.
The circumstances in their lives can be circumstances of their own choosing or not, such as being born into a poor family. But the message of the show is that even if one is born into disadvantaged circumstances, it is still possible to rise above them, for as long as one is determined to do so, with God’s grace, so goes the encouraging message of “U-Turn.”
“U-Turn” premieres on March 17, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. with replays every Tuesday at 8 p.m. on Channel 5 (Sky & Home Cable), Channel 32 (Destiny Cable) and Channel 33 (Free TV) courtesy of Estima Content Creates Consent.
“If the road to life ahead is blocked, simply make a “U-Turn” and God will be waiting there for you,” encourages Donita.(MNS)
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ASSUNTA de Rossi denies that her marriage to Jules Ledesma is on the rocks. “Someone wrote na kasi raw, si Jules, laging nasa probinsiya while I stay here in Manila,” she says. “It’s but natural for him to stay there kasi nandun ang family business.
I cannot join him naman there all the time. But we’re really sad kasi gusto na namin to have our own baby, pero hindi pa binibigay, e.”
Assunta is back on the big screen in Dante Mendoza’s horror movie, “Siquijor: Mystic Island.” She plays the host of a TV show, “Hilakbot”, that probes mysterious happenings.
They go to Siquijor to interview alleged witches, with Angel Aquino as the show’s producer, Sid Lucero as their gay writer, Yul Servo as cameraman, Coco Martin as production assistant, and Ian Veneracion as the director.
They want to show something really spectacular to boost their ratings so they cook up a gimmicky episode where a woman is shown being possessed by evil spirits. They think it was a fake “possession,” but when they return to Manila, strange things start happening to each of them. Their experiences will truly terrify the viewers.
The release of “Siquijor” was delayed because public officials of the island complained that their place is being projected as haven for witches. They were assured that the film is mere fiction and it does not in any way intend to put Siquijor in a bad light. (MNS)
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NEW YORK - In what is billed as ‘the hottest ticket this spring’, Pinoy super bands, Bamboo and Parokya ni Edgar will play with Fil Am super groups, The Kuwagos, Warholsoup, Bleud, triCKBag, The Happy Analogues and Kayumanggi Band on two separate dates and venues: Saturday, March 24 at Fast Lane in Asbury Park, NJ, and Sunday March 25 at Five Star Banquet Hall in Long Island City, NY.
The two Manila-based bands are currently on a US tour produced by Happy Box productions.
Bamboo recently released its 3rd album called ‘Let’s Stand Alone Together’ under EMI Philippines, but it is certain that the band will play their certified hits like ‘Noypi’, when they hit the stage here in the US.
Meanwhile, Parokya Ni Edgar is guaranteed to thrill the Fil Am audience with their catalog of hits from a career that spans over 10 years. Songs like ‘Buloy’, ‘Don’t touch My Birdie’, ‘Gitara’ , ‘Harana’ are songs that has become a part of their fans’ lives.
The Fil Am bands that will be playing with Bamboo and PNE are not short of credentials as well.
Three of the bands performing with the Manila rockers are fresh from their own successes. Bleud and The Happy Analogues have recently performed their hits like ‘Bye Bye Na’ , and ‘Alaala’, respectively, on national television via ABS-CBN/The Filipino Channel’s youth show, Speak Out. While The Kuwagos are currently taping their own episode for the same program.
Warholsoup and Kayumanggi band are big bands as well. They have created their own solid following because of their exciting music and breathtaking live performances.
The massive collection of great artists on these two shows is enough to justify the claim that these are indeed the hottest tickets this spring.
For tickets, you can call: 732 -895- 7366. The show is being brought to the NY/NJ fans by Tambayan Productions.
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MANILA, -- Bossa Nova Queen Sitti (full name: Sitti Navarro Baiddin) says she was surprised when it was reported she caused the breakup of Victor Neri and Michelle Madrigal. “Victor Neri just watched my concert, but we were never even introduced to each other,” she says.
Someone says it’s actually Victor’s friend, Jojo Manlongat, who’s her boyfriend. “Nakilala ko siya in one of my gigs pero hindi na kami nagkita after that. I have no boyfriend now. The only one I had was when I was still taking up business economics in UP. As of now, wala akong time.”
Sitti has started hosting “Pinoy Big Brother on Studio 23” every Wednesday and Thursday from 7:30 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday, 7 to 8 p.m. “I enjoy co-hosting it with Asia Agcaoili kasi never a dull moment sa kanya. Makulit siyang mag-host.”
Her manager, Gary Trinidad, reveals that she got an offer to do a movie before her “Cafe Bossa” album was launched, but the producer wanted her to augment her boobs so Sitti backed out. “I’d like to try acting, pero ayoko ngang magparetoke,” she says.
She was only 16 when she started as a lounge singer at Stone House, E. Rodriguez Ext. Well-meaning friends advised her to focus on bossa nova songs and she was successful in reviving it with her “Cafe Bossa” that has become double platinum. Her second album, “Sitti Live,” is now also nearing platinum status. This has a DVD version showing her in concert singing 17 numbers, plus her music videos. Now, she’s staging a big concert at the Music Museum on March 16 and 23, 9 p.m., “Bossa Rocks,” where she experiments with a fusion of bossa and rock, to prove how versatile she is. Her special guests are Jett Pangan of The Dawn, Cookie Chua of Color It Red, Aia of Imago, “Philippine Idol’s” Jan Nieto, and DJ Mo.
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MANILA - Tony Award winner Lea Salonga has returned to to Broadway as Fantine in the hit musical “Les Miserables.”
The Filipina, born Maria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga, plays the lead role in the revival of the hit musical. She replaced Daphne Rubin-Vega, who left the production February 18 to star in the Broadway play “Jack Goes Boating.”
Salonga’s flair impressed audiences and the musical production team wherer she earned a spot for weekend performances starting March 6.
She earned international acclaim for her award winning performance as “Kim” in the London and Broadway productions of “Miss Saigon.”
Salonga was the first Asian actress ever to play Eponine on Broadway in Les Miz in 1993.
The Tony Award winning musical which ran for 16 years is currently on stage at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City. (MNS)
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IS Pauleen Luna still dating Marvin Agustin? It was heard she’s doing this secretly but her dad found out about it and got mad.
“That’s not true,” says Pauleen at her launching as endorser of Met Tathione whitening capsules of Aesthetic White Beauty Center. ”Mabait akong anak, ‘no? I obeyed my parents when they asked me to break up with Marvin at ang obedience ko, hindi pakitang-tao lang. I obey them fully. But my dad did call my attention na huwag na akong makipag-communicate or text with Marvin kasi it’ll be more difficult for me to move on, which is true naman.
“Although I’m already 18, I still value my parents’ advice and opinion. At okay naman ang naging breakup namin ni Marvin kasi friends pa rin kami. Bale we were on for three months lang, November to January.”
But Pauleen looks slimmer now and definitely prettier. “Sabi nila, pumayat ako kaiisip kay Marvin after we broke up. Hindi, ‘no? I work out regularly kasi sa gym. As for being prettier, I owe it to Met Tathione. I’ve been taking it for a month at talagang mas kuminis at pumuti ang skin ko.”
She’s currently paired with James Blanco in Solar-RPN 9’s new sitcom, “Kemis (Ke Misis Umaasa),” but she doesn’t want to entertain any thoughts about them being linked. “I’m not ready to get into another relationship soon. I don’t want to fall in love again for now. Buti na ‘yung friends lang muna and you can go out na walang commitment, basta happy-happy lang.”
Has she heard that Marvin is reportedly courting his “Asian Treasures,” co-star, Angel Locsin? “Aba, di bahala siya. Angel is a friend. She’s so sweet at mabait “Suwerte si Marvin kung magiging sila.”(MNS)
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WITH his boyish good looks and golden voice, Sam Milby is the perfect blend of Filipino American charisma. This Ohio-born athletic heartthrob found fame in his Asian roots when Filipino audiences welcomed him with open arms from the time he first graced television screens as a housemate in Pinoy Big Brother.
A certified achiever at an early age, Sam’s interests ranged from competitive figure skating to motocross racing. During these colorful years, his musical talent already began to surface as president of his high school’s choir.
Visiting the Philippines with his Filipina mother gave Sam the opportunity to try his hand in show business. In 2005, he got his first break as a commercial model for Close Up toothpaste. This brief commercial stint could not foreshadow the rise to stardom that was to follow from an extremely fortuitous event.
Sam’s “big” break came when one of the contestants of the Philippine version of the popular reality show “Big Brother” had to leave for personal reasons. Philippine viewers got the surprise of their lives when hunky Sam stepped into the door of the “Bahay ni Kuya” (Big Brother House). From the onset, Sam’s charming demeanor and boyish sincerity won the hearts of the show’s hosts, his fellow housemates, and a legion of fans that grew almost overnight. His show stopping acoustic rendition of an original song in the Big Brother house clinched his future in the highly competitive field of Philippine recording arts.
Emerging from the Big Brother house, Sam was quickly whisked away into the world of Philippine entertainment, making a name for himself outside the Big Brother house with a platinum album and a shining career in television and cinema. He has also continued on as a commercial model, endorsing products from leading Philippine brands.
Sam Milby teams up with male superstar Piolo Pascual and funnywoman Pokwang to regale New York with an evening of song, dance and laughter in a concert on Friday, April 13, 8:30pm at the Manhattan Center on 311 West 34th Street & 8th Avenue.
The New York concert is produced by Special Edition Press, Inc. (SEP) headed by Nanding and Mila Mendez. SEP is committed to continue its mission to provide excellent entertainment to Filipinos in the United States. From its years of successfully producing concerts in the East Coast, SEP has developed an impeccable knack for finding the right blend of entertainers and venues that result in memorable crowd-drawing spectacles.
For ticket inquiries, or to advertise and sponsor, please contact: (212) 682-6610, e-mail: sepmgzn@aol.com or visit www.specialeditionevents.com. Ticketmaster:(212) 307-7171
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