|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEW YORK ‘S Blue Mellon Pop played the first chord at 8:15 PM, Friday, August 31, 2007 and opened the two-night anniversary rock festival of Poptimes Magazine.
Los Angeles-based alternative group, ‘Stella’s Notch’ at 3:45 Am of September 2, 2007, struck the last chord that closed the festival.
It was symbolic: East Coast and West Coast, opening and closing the celebrations that will forever be in the hearts and minds of Filipino-American artists and supporters and won itself a place in Filipino-American music history.
The first night at Club Midway in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, where Blue Mellon Pop opened, was a triumph.
It was an historic, wild, and well-attended night that saw memorable performances of Filipino-American bands from all over the US.
TriCKBag from Neptune, New Jersey, Then Again from Jersey City, New Jersey, These Curious Pleasures from Boston, Massachusetts, Binky Bianca from Jersey City, New Jersey, The Third Element from Baltimore, Maryland, Sodapop Suicide from, Wycoff, New Jersey, Stella’s Notch from Los Angeles, California and The Happy Analogues from Jersey City, New Jersey.
The second night at The Delancey, also in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, was equally historic, wild and well attended.
The performers who shared their music that night were: Syncit of Bergenfield, New Jersey, ACI9 of Chicago, Illinois, Qwadra of New York City, Circled Sin of Baltimore, Maryland, The Kuwagos of Bergenfied, New Jersey, Bleud of Jersey City, New Jersey, Bagwis of Chicago, Illinois, Noizytoyz of Toronto, Canada, P.I. of Washington, D.C., and Stella’s Notch of Los Angeles, California.
While these two nights were a celebration of Fil-Am music, they were also nights of camaraderie among artists and fans.
No longer were these Fil Ams separated by geography, they all became neighbors, classmates, friends and family.
Sightings of artists and supporters from all over, who met for the first time, talking, bonding and exchanging contact numbers are as important as the music that was played.
It was indeed a music scene in full bloom.
One need not be an expert to see the magic that happened during those two unforgettable nights. Geographic, racial and musical barriers were broken down in those two nights.
And all that was left was the tingling aches of hearts that demanded for these nights to last forever.
Yet, while we all settle down and return to our normal lives and routines, let the historic two-nights of August 31 and September 1, 2007 be a reminder to us all that we all did something extraordinary, and we that could all make it happen again for as long as we want.
***************
More gigs this month!
September 15 - Bag of Tricks Dos at Bistro San Miguel. With Trickbag, Bleud, Binky Bianca, The Happy Analogues, Then Again and more!
September 20 - The Happy Analogues at Otto Shrunkenheads, NYC
September 28, - Bleud at Wazzup Cafe (Bergenfield)
September 29 - aprokya ni Edgar/Kamikazee at Loews Theater, Jersey City.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MANILA, Sept 4 (Mabuhay) -- Keempee de Leon’s showbiz career was resurrected when he became Harold, the campy homosexual on the sitcom, Bahay Mo Ba ‘To?.
He went on to star in various primetime shows (Fantastic Man) and weekend specials (Love to Love). And as the Kapuso network follows the trend of making reality-based shows, Keempee tells us how he makes a conscious effort to give his best in his latest project, Kung Ako Ikaw.
The actor believes that the emergence of reality-based shows is not the end of sitcoms. “Nagulat talaga kami (noong sabihing mawawala 'yung show). Mahal namin 'yung show (Bahay Mo Ba ‘To?)" he shared.
Keempee remains optimistic though. “Hindi naman mawawala ang sitcom eh. We’re going through the trend right now na reality-based, (pero) ang sitcom, anytime pwede namang ibalik ‘yan."
On Shifting Genres
Keempee’s stint with Kung Ako Ikaw is a new challenge for him, and he admits that “at first, medyo nangangapa pa ako".
As compared to sitcoms, he notes that “mas mahirap ito kasi hindi biro 'yung locations. Challenge din sa sarili mo na (habang nandoon ka), nafi-feel at nakikita mo 'yung ibang tao – kung ano talaga sila, kung paano 'yung trabaho nila."
Despite the change in environment and attack, Kempee carries over his character Harold, whom people have learned to love.
“Malaki rin ang pasasalamat ko kay Harold – kasi doon ako mas nakilala, tumatak nang husto sa (isip ng) mga tao. Minsan nga 'yung mga tao, iyon na ang tawag sa akin" the comedian shares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MANILA, Sept 4 (Mabuhay) -- JAKE Cuenca refuses to comment on the supposed feud between his girlfriend, Roxanne Guinoo, and her mom. As far as he knows, things are going very well between the mother and daughter.
He also denies that the Guinoos are suffering from financial woes. Jake says that Roxanne’s dad, an aircraft engineer, has a well-paying job in an airline company in Saudi, while her mom has a small business in Cavite, the Guinoo’s home province. Their combined earnings are enough to provide for Roxanne and her two siblings.
According to Jake, if Roxanne’s parents would have their way, they’d want the young star to continue with her studies like her elder siblings and not be in show business. Roxanne was taking up a course in mass communications when she joined the "Star Circle Quest." She was a runner-up to winner Hero Angeles.
How come such reports persist?
"Hindi nga po alam nilang mag-ina kung bakit may mga lumalabas na ganitong balita. Kung kailan pa nga raw bumalik na ng kanilang bahay sa Cavite si Roxanne, saka pa may lumalabas na ganitong issue," says Jake.
Roxanne’s dad purchased a house for her in Tandang Sora, Quezon City. It serves as a half-way house for his daughter, but now that Roxanne is back in Cavite, the Guinoos are planning to sell or rent out the property.
Jake, on the other hand, plans to purchase a new condo unit near ABS-CBN. He is currently staying at a condominium in Mandaluyong.
"I purchased my unit a few years back. A two-bedroom affair, nabili ko ng medyo mura lang, since I got it noong pre-selling pa ito," relates Jakes.
So, what does he plan to do with his Mandaluyong condo unit if he gets one in Quezon City?
"Baka iparenta o ipagbili ko rin," he says.
What Jake has recently purchased is a new car, a Ford Explorer. He also has a CRV.
In town, according to Jake, are his parents, who are based in Spain. He has not seen them for quite a while. The last time his parents were in the Philippines, he was still with GMA 7.
"Noon, kapag namamasyal kami ng Mommy ko at may kahit isang fan na lumapit sa akin, nagmamalaki kong sabihin sa Mommy ko, ‘O, ayan may fan na ako’," he relates.
His transfer to ABS-CBN early this year has obviously made him more popular. When he accompanied his parents and four-year-old sister (his youngest sibling) at a mall, a big group of fans mobbed him. He could feel how proud his parents were.
Jake is currently doing five shows at ABS CBN: "ASAP ’07,""Natutulog Ba ang Diyos?," "Pedro Penduro at ang mga Engkantaos," "That’s My Doc" and the soon-to-be shown "Lastikman," topbilled by Vhong Navarro.
Like in the teleserye, "Natutulog Ba ang Diyos?," Jake is teamed up with Roxanne in "Lastikman." They play Ken and Sandy.
"At first, I’m not in love sa ‘Lastikman’ kay Roxanne dahil more attracted ako kay Yellena (played by Iya Villania). Makaka-agaw ko sa panliligaw sa kanya si Vhong (who portrays a half-human and a half-alien)," Jake further stated. (MNS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MANILA, Sept 4 (Mabuhay) -- Marian Rivera’s "Marimar" continues to be the highest-rating show on primetime TV today, but she doesn’t like it when people say "ikaw na ang pumalit sa puwestong iniwan ni Angel Locsin."
"Sana, wala na lang ganun na may mga pinalitan," she says. "Iba si Angel at iba rin ako. Basta I just give my best in every scene that I do in our show. I feel I cannot do less kasi sayang naman ang pagtitiwala ng GMA sa akin at alam ko malaki ang expectation nila sa akin."
Is it true Dingdong’s girlfriend, Karylle, is banned on the set of "Marimar" so that Dingdong won’t feel conscious when they do their romantic scenes? "No. Nahihiya nga ako kay Karylle at nasasangkot siya pati sa writeups about the show. Siya mismo ang nagsabi na she cannot visit the set dahil malayo. We shoot either in Zambales or in Batangas."
Marian says doing "Marimar" has boosted her self confidence. And this is evident in the fact that she used to be quite bashful before but she’s now friendlier and more open to the press. (MNS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MANILA, Sept 4 (Mabuhay) -- REGAL Entertainment celebrates another triumph. Its family romantic comedy, “My Kuya’s Wedding” grossed P3.7 million when it opened in theaters nationwide on August 29, affirming lead star, Maja Salvador’s audience acceptance.
Regal Entertainment executive producer declares: “This is a welcome development not only for Regal but also for the entire movie industry.”
“My Kuya’s Wedding” also got a B rating from the Cinema Evaluation Board, confirming its quality in terms of story, performances and technical values. This general patronage movie features a fine ensemble cast composed of Maja, Ryan Agoncillo, Pauleen Luna, Jason Abalos, Dominic Ochoa, Say Alonzo, Frank Garcia, Ethel Booba, Janus del Prado, Ryan Yllana, IC Mendoza, Dick Israel, among others.
The great news about the first-day showing comes on the heels of a successful premiere night at SM Megamall with the Philippine’s biggest stars and other celebrities in attendance, including Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., Phillip Salvador, Senator Loren Legarda and Judy Ann Santos.
Maja’s co-artists at ABS-CBN also came to support her launching movie. Among them were Gerard Anderson, Matt Evans, Melissa Ricks, Denise Laurel and many more. Executives and directors from rival networks GMA7 and ABS-CBN also sat by side and enjoyed the movie such GMA Films Annette Gozon-Abrogar with husband Lito, ABS-CBN business unit head Deo Endrinal and ABS-CBN directors Cathy Garcia-Molina, Trina Dayrit, Erick Salud and others.
“We couldn’t have done all these without the help of many people,” says Mother Lily. “A big thank you goes out to the stars and staff and crew, director Topel Lee, writer Allan Tijamo, Malou Choa Fagar and ‘Eat Bulaga,’ and especially to the press people and both networks ABS-CBN and GMA7 which supported Regal in all aspects from production to promo.”
In connection with the impressive performance of “My Kuya’s Wedding,” Mother Lily announces that she will be giving her new Regal babies, Jennica Garcia, Mart Escudero, Lovie Poe, and others, their own launching movies in the future. (MNS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MANILA, Sept 4 (Mabuhay) -- "Wowowee" host Willie Revillame has finally explained the controversial incident during the airing of the Wilyonaryo game segment last August 20.
He also apologized for making remarks that offended "Eat, Bulaga!" host Joey de Leon.
Speaking before the "Wowowee" audience, Willie cued replay footage of the August 20 episode, after which he explained the original design of the wheel-shaped boxes and how that old design resulted in the "technical glitch" that aroused speculation that cheating was going on, with Willie supposedly manipulating the results of the game.
Design flaw
Wiliie's explanation was consistent with a previous statement made by ABS-CBN Senior Vice-President for TV Production Cory Vidanes, that the design flaw involved having the original version of the "wheels" contain two numbers.
Willie told the audience that he and the show's management took time in explaining the incident because they wanted to make sure that their explanation and presentation would not be marred by technical glitches as well.
The "Wowowee" host admitted that a pending investigation by the Philippine Senate and the Department of Trade and Industry also spurred them to finally end all speculation with a demonstration.
"Umabot na po itong problema namin sa Senado, kailangan na po kaming mag-explain. In-explain ko na po ito ngayon araw na ito dahil ako po ang nakaharap sa inyo, mga kababayan, pangalan ko, pagkatao ko.
"Hindi po pupwedeng mangyaring mandaya po ako, at mandaya ang programang ito. Hinding-hindi po kahit sa panaginip ho hindi po. Lagi lang po ang hangad namin mapasaya kayo," said the host.
(Our problem has reached the Senate, we now need to explain things. I'm explaining all this today, because I'm the one who's always in front of you, my countrymen, my name [and] my person [are at stake]. It's not possible for me to cheat and for this program to cheat you. Never, not even in our dreams, no. Our main objective is always to make you happy.)
'Sorry, Joey'
De Leon earlier told the media that he was hurt by what he considers direct, personal attacks made by Revillame against him on August 29.
Revillame made those remarks following de Leon's criticism of the Wilyonaryo incident over rival noontime show "Eat, Bulaga!"
"Ang tao po, kasi tao lang, nasasaktan. Naging emosyonal po ako. Pero ito gusto kong malaman niyo: Humihingi po ako ng tawad kay Joey de Leon. Kung nasaktan ko siya, humihingi po ako ng tawad sa kanya. Galing po ito sa puso ko, hindi lang po para matapos na ito," said the comedian host.
(A man, because he's just a man, gets hurt. I became emotional. But I want you all to know this: I am asking for forgiveness from Joey de Leon. If I hurt him, I'm asking for forgiveness from him. This comes from my heart, not just because I want all this to end.)
On August 29, an obviously hurt and angry Revillame gave a message to de Leon over "Wowowee," saying that he had enough of the veteran host's frequent veiled attacks against him, saying "Akala mo napakalinis mong tao (You think you're such an upstanding person)."
Revillame then said that even if he was charged with sexual harrassment, de Leon was charged with something else that he (Revillame) implied was much worse, but refused to say directly.
Many understood that Revillame was alluding to a rape case that was lodged against de Leon and "Eat, Bulaga!" co-hosts Vic Sotto and Richie D'Horsie. That case was lodged in 1982 by sexy, underaged Filipino Amerasian starlet Pepsi Paloma.
That case was settled out of court and the trio made a public apology to Paloma. In 1985, Pepsi Paloma hanged herself to death. (MNS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A film shoot for all former Illonggo Camp Roxas members will be held on Sept. 16 as part of a project documenting the lives of the first Filipino migrant workers from the camp.
"Remembering Camp Roxas: The History of Filipino Americans in Guam," is a project of the Guam Humanities Council that will feature the history of those from the Philippine province of Iloilo who came over to Guam as post-war skilled workers, and who eventually made the island their home.
The project will feature a photo exhibit of hundreds of pictures of camp members. That exhibit is scheduled to be completed early next year. A film documentary directed by Alex Munoz is also in the works.
"We're trying to get everybody together so we can let them know that there's this project going on and help document the camp," said Lea Panes, who's working with the project. "We're looking for those first wave of immigrants from the camp, but we've learned that many have passed on."
Panes said the children of the camp members are also invited to participate in the project and take part in the film shoot.
The project is supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency, Government of Guam and the Office of the Governor, according to a press release.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
