|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
To tell us what you think about Filipino Express Online or to comment on the stories published here, E-mail us at Filexpress@aol.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BIGGEST GATHERING OF FILIPINO AMERICAN BANDS/ARTISTS SET IN NYC
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEW YORK CITY - On Friday, August 31, and Saturday, September 1, 2007, New York City will play host to the biggest gathering of Filipino- American artists in recent memory.
19 bands from all over the US and Canada will meet for two nights of pure rock music to celebrate the first anniversary of the premiere Filipino-American online music magazine, Poptimes.(www.poptimesmagazine.com)
Founded in May of 2006, Poptimes Magazine has become the number one source for anything about Fil-Am music, with articles and features about both upcoming bands, and the veterans of the Filipino-American music scene. It has also featured, via exclusive interviews, some of the big-named Philippine-based artists like, Barbie Almalbis, Sandwich, Perf De Castro, and Rivermaya.
Poptimes Magazine, aside from being an online music magazine, is also a community with almost 400 members. These members, known as ‘Poptimers’ are mostly artists and fans from all over the US, Canada, and even the Philippines, who share a common love for music and a sense of camaraderie. It has galvanized the scattered music scene and turned it to one big family of fans and artists.
In February 2007, the people behind the website launched version two of Poptimes Magazine. The new improved website has become more interactive, allowing artists, fans and producers to post their own content like videos, articles, music and other promotional stuff on the website for the whole of cyber space to see.
The new site also allowed bands to post and sell their merchandise through its online store – free of charge.
Now, after a full year of existence, the artists and fans of the Fil-Am music scene will pay tribute to their online home with this special two-night concert.
The Friday show will be at Club Midway, 25 Avenue B, NYC, and will highlight the music of these amazing acts: Blue Mellon Pop (New York), Binky Bianca (New Jersey), triCKbag (New Jersey), Sodapop Suicide (New Jersey), The Happy Analogues (New Jersey), Then Again (New Jersey), These Curious Pleasures (Massachusetts), Stella's Notch (California), and The 3rd Element (Maryland).
On the other hand, the Saturday show will be at The Delancey, 168 Delancey Street, NYC, and will feature these equally amazing lineup of bands:
Syncits (New Jersey), ACI9 (Illinois), Qwadra (New York), P.I. (Washington D.C),The Kuwagos (New Jersey), Bleud (New Jersey), Bagwis (Illinois), Circled Sin (Maryland), Noizytoyz (Toronto), and Non Revs (New Jersey).
Tickets will only be available at the respective venues for $20 - good for both shows.
The Poptimes Magazine First Anniversary Rock Show is strictly for fans 21 and over.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MANILA -- Gretchen Barretto is now back and she answers all the controversial events that happened to her during the past months, including her improved relations with her sisters, Tony Boy's health condition, and the enigma behind the "kisscandal" with John Estrada.
Gretchen first relates her feelings about Claudine's pregnancy and giving birth to Santino Santiago.
"Si Claudine kasi, bago pa ‘yung controversy [the kisscandal with John], nandoon na siya, nagkita na kami. It was good to see her and 'yung bata. Pinag-uusapan namin kung sino 'yung kamukha."
Then she added in jest, "It doesn't matter, right? May Barretto, may Santiago!"
"First time ko nakita ulit si Raymart [after a long time]. Parang walang nagbago. Parang walang time, walang space. It's just the same na parang natulog ka lang, nagising ka, ‘yun ulit," the eldest Barretto sister said.
Marjorie's sudden text message in the middle of Gretchen's ordeal brought tears to her eyes. She said the text message said something like: "Gretch, This is Marj. I'm just here and I know you're going through a lot. I love you."
"Tinawagan ko siya after that," Gretchen said. "Hindi ko pinigilan 'yung emosyon ko. 'Di ba sometimes, nangingibabaw ang pride over emotion? Ako naman, my emotions, I just let it flow. Pinindot ko na 'yung cellphone and I just cried."
At this point, Gretchen was already fighting her tears when she added: "We [both] just cried. I can't even tell how long and I called just to say ‘I love you.'"
Now, it's smooth sailing for the three sisters, a completely different path compared to the one they chose before when there was totally no communication between them.
"We have our dates," Gretchen explained, "nagde-date kami, nagla-lunch kami. We chat a lot. Para sa akin sa isang relasyon, importante ang healthy boundaries. Ayoko masira ulit kung ano ang meron kami ngayon. Marami na akong natutunan sa mga nangyari in the past, kaya kami nag-away and all that.
She continued, "Ayoko ulitin ‘yon, so alam ko kung ano 'yung tama, kung hanggang saan just to preserve that relationship. It's the best thing. When she [Marjorie] calls me just to say she loves me, and I do the same, we don't talk for hours. When we have a problem we know we have each other. We know we are strong together. We will always have each other."
Once again, Gretchen was teary-eyed when she explained that she realized, when "one is really in trouble, kahit masama ang loob mo sa tao, sa kapatid mo, it's automatic... it's love, it's blood."
About John, has Gretchen had the opportunity to face and talk to him?
"Hinde," Gretchen said, "hindi ko pa kaya. I'm old enough, I'm an adult. I should be responsible for my own actions."
According to Gretchen, only time can tell when she can bundle up the courage to face the issue and face John.
"Hinde ko pa kaya emotionally. One of these days I would really have to sit down and really see kung kamusta na siya, kung ano na nangyari. I don't know kung tapos. I guess we're allowed to put things aside even when it comes to our emotions. I have put that aside for my own sanity."
For Gretchen, the issue with John was the most difficult for her to handle because many people got involved and were hurt by it. She added that no matter how bad you've acted as long as you're honest and be able to face the consequences, you'll be fine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MANILA —Actress-singer Vina Morales confirmed on national television an ongoing relationship with a married businessman, whom she said was planning to seek an annulment from his current wife.
Morales revealed this as she was honored for bagging the gold in the recent ASEAN IKON regional talent competitions in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, wherein she bested performers from different countries in Southeast Asia.
Prior to the interview, Morales said she had consulted Cedric Lee, a Chinese-Filipino businessman about what she would say if asked about their relationship.
“Sabi niya, tell them about the annulment (from his marriage with wife Judy), sabi ko, okay. Nasa-process po (ang annulment). Nasa lawyer already. He paid the lawyer. Interviews na, lahat. Sabi ko, is it okay for me to mention that. Sabi niya, yeah, tell them that I’m going to file the annulment. It’s in the process now. And I guess that alone will answer all their questions,” Morales said in a live interview with “The Buzz” on Sunday.
Further asked if they love each other, despite reports that the businessman and his current wife had reunited, Vina said: “Sobra po.”
Cedric and wife Judy Lee were spotted together with their children in a recent event organized by David and Jessica Bunevacz. They were described as very much jovial and intimate, leading observers to conclude that they were reuniting for the sake of their children. (MNS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MANILA -- Matinee idol Piolo Pascual is visibly excited about his upcoming projects with actress and new ABS-CBN contract star Angel Locsin.
Piolo said he is really thrilled to work with Angel. The actor only had good words for his leading lady-to-be.
“I’m happy, so thrilled, so honored and I'm just excited to work with her. I can attest [to the] professionalism of Angel. Humble, atsaka 'pag trabaho, trabaho. Hindi niya nilalagay sa utak niya ang success (Angel is a hard worker and she never lets success go to her head),” said Piolo.
Angel and Piolo will star in the Kapamilya network’s latest television series, “Taong Lobo,” and will be shooting their first movie together under Star Cinema.
Piolo even told Angel that her decision to go back to her mother network is the best decision she made after her five-year contract with GMA-7 network expired. Angel began her showbiz career in ABS-CBN as a Star Circle Quest talent before she moved on to GMA-7.
“This is the best decision, she is so great to do something like this but pero I’m sure she will surpass all the challenges.”
Piolo welcomed Angel and added that he will always be there for her.
"You can count on us, we will always be here for you. I’m always here for you if you need a friend. I’m so happy and we are honored, you are with us now and you’re back,” he said. (MNS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MANILA -- Actress Angel Locsin may have ruffled feathers in her former home after announcing her transfer to ABS-CBN but she is being met with open arms by a former colleague now working for the Kapamilya Network.
Anne Curtis, a former talent of GMA-7, denied reports that she is insecure with Locsin's transfer to ABS-CBN.
“It’s not true. I welcome Angel with open arms,” Curtis said. She also told Locsin's detractors that they should give Angel a break after she was placed on the receiving end of criticisms for abandoning the station that made her a star.
She said Locsin could always approach her if she needs a friend in ABS-CBN.
Angel signed an exclusive contract with ABS-CBN after her five-year contract with GMA-7 expired.
ABS-CBN Kapamilya’s grand welcome party for Angel was aired last Sunday at ASAP ’07.(MNS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
KATRINA Halili confronted DJ Mo in “Showbiz Central” recently.
DJ Mo reportedly said on the air that Katrina is the worst actress in local showbiz. When she won in the poll the show conducted on who’s sexier between her and Cristine Reyes, DJ Mo again remarked that Cristine’s sexier two of them.
Katrina faced him and asked: “Bakit mo ko inookray, e ni hindi naman tayo magkakilala? How can you say I’m the worst actress, napanood mo ba lahat ng movies at TV shows ko?”
It was Rufa Mae Quinto who urged Katrina to confront Mo as she herself had some grudges against him because of Erik Santos but she never got the nerve to reprimand Mo about it. Someone from “Showbiz Central” says “malakas lang pala ang loob ni Mo kapag hindi niya kaharap ang artistang pinipintasan niya. Nang harapin siya ni Katrina, wala siyang masabi. Para siyang asong nabahag ang buntot.”
Katrina later remarked: “Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit lagi niya akong inookray sa radyo at sa TV, pero nang kaharap ko, ang bait-bait niya sa akin at iba na ang sinasabi. I really don’t care kung hindi niya ako gusto bilang artista, I don’t have to please him naman. Sa’kin lang, magpakatotoo siya at hindi ‘yung kapag hinarap na siya ng inookray niya, naduduwag siya.” (MNS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
