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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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SOME things come and simply change the way we live.
And like the wheel, Apple’s GUI and the World Wide Web, before it, You Tube did just that. Television as we know it, is gone forever.
You Tube is a website that let’s ordinary people upload their videos for the whole world to see. Except for obscene clips, you can almost put anything there. Anything. Thus empowering the ordinary user to become the next big thing.
Consider the homemade TV series on You Tube called ‘Chad Vader’ - about a grocery store manager, who acts and dresses like Darth Vader, complete with force powers. Over four million people have seen each of its episodes. It has become one of the most watched shows outside of the bood tube. It has made its directors Matt Solan and Aaron Yonda instant stars with offers from Hollywood left and right.
For aspiring actors, musicians, directors and writers, You Tube could be the ticket to their dreams. But for people who just like watching stuff, You Tube provides an amazing list of clips from almost any subject known.
You want to see classic Muhammad Ali fights? Simply enter the keyword on the search bar and there, you’ll get to see videos of great classic Ali fights for free.
The other day, I was watching Beatle footages on You Tube.
I must have spent 6 hours on my mac just watching these great Beatle videos. Some of them are even rare, like the 1963 news reel from England that was shot in Technicolor. I have all the Beatle DVDs, but that was the first time I laid eyes on those footages.
The marvelous thing about the whole You Tube thing is that it is user driven. All the contents are provided by the users from their own work or private collections. Due to this, though, You Tube gets entangled with copyright advocates all the time.
Users can watch most videos on the site, however, only registered users have the ability to upload an unlimited number of videos. In the site’s second year, functions were added which provide the ability to post video ‘responses’ and subscribe to content feeds for a particular user or users.
You Tube was founded in February 2005 by three former employees of PayPal, the San Bruno-based service uses Adobe Flash technology to display video. The wide variety of site content includes movie and TV clips and music videos, as well as amateur content such as videoblogging and short original videos. Currently staffed by 67 employees,[1] the company was named TIME magazine’s “Invention of the Year” for 2006.[2] In October 2006, Google Inc. announced that it had reached a deal to acquire the company for US$1.65 billion in Google’s stock. The deal closed on 13 November 2006.
Now I am quite convinced that it alright to cancel all my cable TV services and instead, buy a giant LCD computer monitor and just rely on You Tube for all my TV needs.
Besides, what’s great on regular TV anyway?
American Idol? The episodes pop up on You Tube the day after the TV broadcast.
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MANILA -- Drama princess Judy Ann Santos and TV host/actor Ryan Agoncillo have laughed off rumors that Ryan was hospitalized due to a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
The true-to-life couple said Ryan was hospitalized at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang, Muntinlup after an airborne virus caused rashes on his face and body.
Ryan contracted the virus before his birthday earlier this month. Judy Ann said she also fell ill from the virus but recovered quickly.
Ryan made his mark as a TV host on GMA Channel 7 before moving to Studio 23’s Breakfast and Y Speak. He was a former host of ABS-CBN’s Magandang Umaga Pilipinas and Talk TV.
Judy Ann and Ryan last starred in the 2006 Metro Manila Film Fest top-grosser “Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo.”(MNS)
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GMA Network in line with its commitment to continuously bring innovative and superior quality entertainment and as part of its First Quarter Explosion introduces LUPIN, the newest teledrama that will soon steal viewers’ hearts. An exhilaratingly different series catapults to primetime television. Jam-packed with action, drama, romance, and even comedy, this primetime blockbuster also boasts of a stellar cast that includes the best veteran actors and the hottest young stars on television today.
Richard Gutierrez will once again captivate viewers as he topbills GMA Pinoy TV’s newest series as Lupin. With this challenging new role, Richard will certainly prove his versatility as an actor and how much he has grown in his craft. After doing a series of telefantasyas, Richard shows a different side to his acting as the master thief Lupin, which also marks his forage into more difficult, more mature roles.
The compelling misadventure of Lupin (whose real name is Andre Lupin) begins when his rich businessman father was found dead when he was only a child. His father’s best friend—a former thief who is now also a businessman—is the primary suspect to the crime. Cecilia Lupin (Lani Mercado) would be able to escape with her young son, Andre, but they will be separated along the way. While Cecilia is believed to be dead, the young Lupin was found by Duroy (Tirzo Cruz III), who would raise him but would also teach him how to steal.
The only heir to the wealth of his late father, Andre Lupin will grow up to become the best thief in town, this time known as Lupin de Dios. He has quick hands and reflexes, but he thinks even quicker, and while he is only a high school graduate, he is extremely intelligent. A business tycoon by day and a master thief by night, this playboy prefers to use his wit and charm as his weapons.
Lupin has three sidekicks who help him in heists: Ashley (Katrina Halili), a military school graduate who is a sharp-shooter, a mistress of disguise, and whose lethal beauty is unrivaled; Brigette (Ehra Madrigal), Lupin’s lookout, a college dropout from a computer school where she gained her skill in hacking, and who is skilled in using knives as weapons; and Castor (Boy II Quizon), known as the King of Small Time Con who used to be Lupin’s nemesis but would eventually become his ally.
Meanwhile, two women will capture Lupin’s heart: Angeli Villavicer (Abby Cruz), for whom Lupin wanted to turn his back on his dark life as a thief but a tragedy would disrupt their wedding day; and Avril Legarda (Rhian Ramos), the orphaned daughter and sole heir of the rich businessman who was killed. What would become of Lupin and Avril’s love story when she finds out that he is the prime suspect in her father’s murder?
Also part of Lupin’s powerhouse cast are Ara Mina as Sister Anna, Lupin’s friend and spiritual adviser; Ramon Christopher as Perez, Clavio’s partner; Ricky Davao as Master Moon Raven, the mysterious businessman who seems to have an evil plan against Lupin; Polo Ravales as Josh, Avril’s long-time suitor; LJ Reyes as Elaine, Avril’s best friend; Bearwin Meily as Boy, Lupin’s friend from the province; Almira Mulach as Victoria, Josh’s mother; Sandy Talag as Angela, Duroy’s adopted child whom Lupin would consider as his real sister; Alicia Alonzo as Tiya Nelia, who acts is Avril’s second mom; and Janno Gibbs—in his first time to join a blockbuster soap in GMA’s primetime block—as Inspector Clavio, the police officer who is keen on capturing Lupin in spite of his Houdini skills.
With Director Mike Tuviera at the helm, a compelling story of trials, tragedy, success, and love unfolds on Lupin. With sleek and luxurious sports cars, vehicles, and sets, breath-taking and action-packed scenes, and swoon-worthy romance, Lupin would surely beguile viewers and get pulses racing. Witness the adventures of a young man trapped in his past but whom love has yet to free.
Lupin airs weeknights on GMA Pinoy TV starting April 25, 2007. For more information, please log on to www.gmapinoytv.com.
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MANILA -- Actress and singer Nora Aunor (known as “The Superstar” to her fans) had a tearful reunion with her two sons during her show at the Banquet in Vallejo, California.
The iconic Filipino singer, who was arrested in 2005 in the United States for drug possession, had entered into a US drug court program to avoid serving prison time.
Her legal woes plus her preference to stay in the US to live a more anonymous life have kept her away from her sons for three years.
The show’s producer helped send Aunor’s sons, Ian and Kiko De Leon, from the Philippines.
“I just couldn’t believe that I’m with her right now, you know that feeling, my heart is [beating fast] that you need to control your emotions. I’m really happy because it’s been almost three years since we last [saw] each other,” Kiko said.
“We didn’t [talk] about what happened, we know what is true and untrue and if there are people who will still dwell on that issue its their problem, because we ... we are happy,” said Ian, referring to his mother’s 2005 drug case.
Aunor’s fans in the US have stuck with her through the many scandals in her career and gladly paid the $45-$55 tickets to see her show.
Her admirers beamed with approval after the concert, expressing generous praises like “She’s a really good singer, a champion”, “The show is beautiful, we like it very much”, and “She’s really the best, we will never replace Nora!”
Aunor said she plans to take a break and make another movie while in the US.
Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in real life, the fifty-ish Aunor began her showbiz career when she was 14 years old.
Since then, she has made more than 170 films and recorded more than 20 albums. Her glorious fame in Philippine show business has been marred but not really affected by scandals related to her love life, her children and her drug use.
Aunor received a house as a gift from former president Joseph Estrada after she endorsed his candidacy in the 1998 elections. She has been called the Philippines’ greatest pop icon.
Her fans, who call themselves “Noranians”, have now spread to cyberspace with one fan club calling itself the International Circle of Online Noranians (ICON). The group runs the Web site www.nora-aunor.com. (MNS)
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NO less than Oyo Sotto confirmed rumors that Paolo Paraiso is going after his ex-girlfriend, Angel Locsin.
In an interview, Oyo revealed that each time he bumps into Paolo, he would ask him to send his regards to Angel.
Lately, according to Oyo, he and Angel seldom see each other which is understandable. Oyo is busy with assignments on ABS-CBN. He appears in “Love Spell,” “Sweet Sixty” and “Pedro Penduko at ang mga Engkantao.”
Angel, on her part, is still under the contract of GMA-7.
Paolo naman is officially separated from Mylene Dizon, mother of his nearly two year-old son, Tomas Miguel.
Is it true that Oyo currently can’t help gushing about Maja Salvador, who is his leading lady in “Pedro Penduko at ang mga Engkantao?” (MNS)
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SPECIAL Edition Press, Inc., producer of blockbuster Filipino events on the eastcoast, is bringing the Philippines’ Concert Queen, Pops Fernandez and the multi-talented hunk Pio Pascual to perform at the Philippine Fiesta in America, now on its 9th year, to be held once again at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, NJ on August 18 & 19.
The Philippine Fiesta is a veritable expo of all things Filipino -- from quality products and services to world-class entertainment. Topnotch comedian Pokwang will join the duo.
A superstar legend in his own right, Piolo has conquered almost every genre of entertainment there is: television, movies and music. A versatile actor with a powerful singing voice, Piolo is not only one of the biggest talents in showbusiness, but also one of the most bankable commercial models for leading consumer brands.
From his simple beginnings on a children’s television show he grew to star in critically acclaimed films like “Lagarista”, “Mila”, and “Dekada 70”; record gold and platinum hit albums; and perform in crowd-drawing concerts both with the singing group “The Hunks” and as a solo artist.
Pops Fernandez is the reigning Philippines’ Concert Queen whose enduring career spans more than two decades in movies and music, has made her one of the most recognizable personas in entertainment.
Never failing to draw crowds of thousands to her shows with her grace, beauty and voice, Pops has broken borders, touring successfully around Asia, Europe, and the United States.
Her hit movies over the years have ranged from love stories to drama.
Pops’ recording career is also at stellar heights with her gold and platinum albums.
An integral part of the Philippine Fiesta’s revelries is the entertainment spectacles that feature some of the biggest stars in the industry, a tradition that Special Edition Press live up to.
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SARAH Geronimo deserves a pat on the shoulder because she is good example of a working youth who takes her schooling seriously.
Sarah, despite her busy schedules, graduated from high school through the home study program at Angelicum College.
We hear that Sarah promised herself to finish schooling. She believes though that the knowledge obtained through academics is different from what one learns at home and with co-workers. Sarah admits it’s a hard climb but very rewarding, indeed, in the end.
Sarah starred in “Bituing Walang Ningning,” and we hear that another project will follow soon. In the meantime, she stars with Oyo Boy Sotto in “Love Spell.”
She also co-hosts “ASAP” and “Little Big Superstar.” On the side, she does concerts here and abroad, plus many TV guestings, so, can you blame her why she’s not entertaining suitors yet?
Sarah believes in the saying, “ if there’s a will, there’s a way.”
And she has one more promise to fulfill, she’s going to finish her college studies and how. (MNS)
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