|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FALL is here. It is my favorite season. I get inspired all the time when Fall comes. I suppose, it's the cool weather and auburn hues.
I have been very pre-occupied the last couple of months, and now I have ample time to relax and enjoy this season. And the best way to emphasize my relaxation is, of course, blogging.
Summer
Except for the humidity, Summer is great.
In fact Summer '07 is one of the most memorable ones - the outdoor events with poptimers, the Chicago gig, the Poptimes Anniversary shows, these are things that I will be enjoying in my thoughts while Fall takes its course.
However, there were some vital lessons to learn from that Summer.
One of the most important is that now I know whom to trust and whom not to. And because of that, now I know how to separate the wheat from the chaff.
Thing is, I have been generous with my trust with most of my acquaintances. And it just breaks me up when one of these acquaintances treat me with utter distrust.
Paranoid. That could be the best adjective for these 'friends' of mine. They always think that there is always something sinister behind the trust I give. There's nothing behind it,really.
I suppose these people just take things too seriously. Life is very important - don't take it too seriously.
Good thing these negative stuff happened before my favorite season. Now, I could just enjoy it without the burden of it all.
Knowledge is power.
IPhone dilemma
My current phone is a relic - Nokia 3310. Obviously, I need a new one. I want an iPhone. However, I like Tmobile's service and despise AT&T.
I could go for an unlocked iPhone, but it's a pain to unlock it every time apple releases an update. I mean, the unlocking software is free and all over the Internet and it's fairly easy to do. But to do it every 3 months is kind of a hassle.
However, one of the promising features of the iPhone/ATT is the visual voicemail. And reports say that this feature is carrier specific.Likewise, the Edge network using Tmobile is kinda clunky on the iPhone.
With the current price slash of iPhones, I am very tempted to take the plunge, yet still unconvinced on AT&T's service. Well, I guess for now, my trusty old Nokia will do. It still works, anyway.
Ipod Touch? That's a different matter all together.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MANILA, Sept 17 (Mabuhay) -- New TV superhero and latest "Lastikman" incarnation Vhong Navarro wants a DNA test performed on a 12-year-old girl whose mother claims is his love child.
Vhong admitted that the girl's mother is someone with whom he had a relationship in the past. He said that he's more than willing to accept the child as his as long as tests prove his paternity.
"Ang sa akin lang, sana pumayag silang magpa-DNA. Unfair kasi sa panganay ko. Yung sa panganay ko, pina-DNA test ko 'yon, ako ang gumastos. Sila muna ang gumastos ng DNA sa ngayon. If positive, babayaran ko ang ginastos nila. Tapos kung ano ang pagkukulang ko sa bata, ako nang bahala dun."
(On my part, I hope they agree to the DNA test. It would be unfair to my eldest son otherwise. He took a DNA test that I paid for. Now, I hope that they pay for the DNA test for now. If it's positive, I'll reimburse the cost of the test to them. Then whatever I owe to the child, I'll take care of it.)
Vhong said that he feels great sympathy for the 12-year-old girl who apparently grew up believing that he's her father. The actor said however, that it's only fair for him to make sure that he really is the biological father before he accepts the child as his own.
He said that his two sons hold no ill will toward the girl claiming to be their sister. They are in fact, Vhong said, excited about meeting her.
"Nagtatanong sila 'Daddy, kelan ba namin pwede ma-meet yung kapatid namin?' Sabi ko hindi pa tayo sure, eh," Vhong said. (They ask me "Daddy, when could we meet our sister?" I tell them that we're still not sure that she really is your sister.)
Vhong stars as the rubbery, ultra-stretchable superhero Lastikman in the new, eponymously titled fantasy TV series from ABS-CBN, which premiers on September 24.
Vhong also announced that from September 16 to 24, the "Lastik Minutes" will be shown over ABS-CBN at 8pm. "Lastik Minutes" will feature behind the scenes features and trivia about the new TV series.
On October 6 and 7, there will be the "Lastikmania" event at the Trinoma mall. The even will feature the all-star cast of "Lastikman" including Zsazsa Padilla, Dawn Zulueta, Cherie Gil, Iya Villania, Sunshine Cruz, Jon Estrada, Jomari Yllana, Gloria Rmero, Jake Cuenca, Roxanne Guinoo, Enchong, Empress, James Blanco, Danilo Barrios, Archie Alemania, Sayci, and Ian Veneracion.(MNS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actress and Quezon City councilor Aiko Melendez has asked offices at the city hall to drop from all her official communications the surname of her reported estranged husband, Martin Jickain.
In a letter dated September 10 this year, Melendez told various departments and offices that she will solely use her former name during her term as second district councilor.
"Therefore, in relation thereto, it is my earnest prayer to keep my honor and reputation intact by using my formerly-known name "Aiko S. Melendez," she wrote in her letter.
Jickain and Melendez have reportedly headed for splitsville after a year and a half of marriage. They have a one-year-old daughter, Marthena.
However, Melendez did not cite marital differences as the reason for her request in connection with the city's official documents.
She instead mentioned that she lost votes during the elections last May, causing her to suffer distress, agony and anxiety because of problems over her name.
Last Friday, Melendez asked the Quezon City regional trial court to issue a temporary protection order against Jickain. She also asked the court to prevent Jickain from approaching her daughter as well.
Jickain has denied reports that he had an affair with another woman, while expressing his desire to keep his marital issues private.
He and Melendez got married on February 16 last year. She was already four months pregnant at that time.
Melendez's previous marriage to actor Jomari Yllana has already been annulled, according to a report by the Philippine Entertainment Portal. - GMANews.TV
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MANILA, Sept 14 (Mabuhay) -- NOW that they are older, re-nowned actresses Cherie Gil and Dawn Zulueta, co-stars in ABS-CBN's new series "Lastikman," share a number of things in common.
When Cherie, 44, married international violinist Roni Regoff 20 years ago, she decided to leave the limelight and become a housewife and mother to their three children, Ja’me, now 20 years old, Bianca, 12 and Ralph, 11. Cherie and the kids went with Roni anywhere he had a performance or they would stay in a country where it would be convenient for Roni to join them. For a while, they lived in New York. They were in Venice before Cherie decided that they settle down in the Philippines.
By then, the children were all grown up and needed to attend regular schools. Ja’me is currently taking up a course in business at the Ateneo University. The two younger children are enrolled in a British school.
"My decision to resume my showbiz career has the blessing of Roni," said Cherie. "And he's happy that I'm busy. At least naman kasi dito, I'm able to get people to help me not just to take care of the kids but to run the household."
Cherie's role in "Lastikman" is something she has not portrayed before. She is the "Ice Queen" who has the power to turn anything, be it a living or not, into ice. She is one of the enemies of Lastikman.
But she is also the mother of Iya Villania and Danilo Barrios. Because of her ambition and her power, which her children are not aware of, she has become distant to her kids. Deep inside though, she loves her kids very much.
"Kaya kahit kontrabida ang role ko, may puso," she said with a smile.
***
Dawn also decided to put her career as an actress on hold when she married Anton Lagdameo, now a congressman. For seven years, she was a plain housewife to Rep. Anton.
"Moreover," Dawn related, "eager ako to have a baby even in the early years of my marriage. Kaso nang dumating si Jacobo (her two-year-old son) ay noong nag-decide na akong maging aktibong muli sa showbiz.
"I'm glad that Anton has given me the go-signal to continue with my showbiz career."
Dawn has set some limitations regarding her career. Kissing scenes are taboo. Her working hours are from 12 to 15 only.
In "Lastikman," she plays Ruth, the mother of the hero, played by Vhong Navarro. The young Lastikman is played by child actor Jarius Aquino. Did she have qualms acting the role of Vhong's mom?
"None," she replied. "It's just a role. Besides, Lastikman is supposed to be half-human and half-alien.
"Ako rin ang dahilan why Lastikman became the country's Number 1 hero. He decided to come to our planet to look for me."
Dawn said she's also set to do another teleserye for ABS-CBN which will air in January. But she has no idea yet who her co-stars in the teleserye are. Taping is yet to start next month, October.
Aside from Vhong, Cherie, Dawn and Jarius, Lastikman has in its powerhouse cast Zsa Zsa Padilla, Jomari Yllana, Sunshine Cruz, Carmi Martin, Jake Cuenca, Roxanna Guinoo, Archie Alemanya, Enchong Dee, Empress Schuck and Jayson Gainza. (MNS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MANILA, Sept 14 (Mabuhay) -- IS bossa nova queen Sitti really being wooed by Aiza Seguerra on the set of "Ysabella" where they're co-stars?
"Not true," says Sitti at the launching of her new album, "My Bossa Nova" (that quickly turned into gold after only a week). "I really don't know why we're being linked when Aiza is still very much together with her special friend, si Chen. I have nothing against the sexual preferences of other people pero hindi po talaga ako tomboy, kahit ako pilitin, hindi po."
She was also paired with Sam Milby in "Your Song"? How is he? "He's okay. Maalaga siya sa katrabaho. He even gave me his baon na cereal and bought tea for us ng staff. Enjoy ako working with him."
So does she now prefer acting over singing? "No, I enjoy acting, but singing pa rin ang first love ko. But I really learned so much from my experience working with Gina Pare–o and Judy Ann Santos in 'Ysabella'. They're the awesome actresses. Hindi birong trabaho ang acting. During the taping, tatawa ka, iiyak ka, and they can do it at will. Ako, sa crying scene ko, Direk Don Cuaresma had to really motivate me para magawa ko nang tama ang eksena. When I watch myself acting on TV, parang surreal ang feeling ko. But as a whole, satisfied na rin ako sa trabaho ko."
Sitti is ecstatic to be chosen by People Asia as one of its "women of style and substance." "It's an honor to be part of an elite list that includes Gov. Vilma Santos, Korina Sanchez, Vicky Morales, Tintin Bersola, Katrina Legarda, Toni Gonzaga, and other top women in our society. I just feel bad that I wasn't able to attend the awards night as I had an infection and lost my voice. I reported on the set of 'Ysabella' but when they saw my condition, sila nang nagpauwi sa akin." (MNS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Living your life after losing someone you love is not easy but actress and product endorser Anne Curtis is trying her best to move on and look at the positive side following the death of her youngest sister, Clare.
Now, Anne’s closest friend, actor and singer Sam Milby confirmed that the young actress is moving on and ready to live a normal life.
The development comes after Anne canceled all her showbiz commitments and took a break to mourn for her infant sister’s death.
Clare, a four-month-old baby, died on August 28 due to a viral infection that affected her heart.
Anne is a regular host of ABS-CBN's weekly variety show "ASAP '07." She is also preparing for her upcoming television series entitled "Weddings." (ABS-CBN Interactive)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MANILA, Sept 17 (Mabuhay) -- Singer Christian Bautista's vocal prowess might have catapulted him to the top of the pop charts but he still makes mistakes on stage.
Last Sunday, Bautista missed a few lines while singing the Philippine national anthem at an exhibition match between reigning world bantamweight champion Gerry Pe–alosa and NABF bantamweight champion Bernabe Concepcion at Metropolis Mall in Alabang.
Near the end of "Lupang Hinirang" (Chosen Land), Bautista sang the lines "Ang bituin at araw na kailanpama'y di magdidilim. Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati't pagsinta." He missed two lines and then finished the song with the final line "Ang mamatay ng dahil sa 'yo!"
The correct lyrics, according to National Commission for Culture and the Arts, are:
Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati't pagsinta (Beautiful land of love, O land of light)
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo (In thine embrace 'tis rapture to lie)
Aming ligaya, na pag may mang-aapi (But it is glory ever, when thou art wronged)
Ang mamatay nang dahil sa iyo. (For us, thy sons, to suffer and die).
The song was met with both applause and some jeers. Bautista later apologized for the error, saying that he had a momentary lapse while singing the anthem.
"I apologize to the Filipino people for the unforgivable lapse of memory that occurred yesterday during my rendition of the national anthem. I was recovering from a cold and the adrenalin and excitement of the moment got me through it. Unfortunately, it was the cost of a momentary lapse on my part," he said in a statement.
"I promise that my next rendition of our national anthem will be faultless," he added.
The music of "Lupang Hinirang" was composed in 1898 by Julian Felipe, with lyrics adapted from the Spanish poem "Filipinas" by Jose Palma in 1899. The lyrics were translated into Filipino by Julian Cruz Balmaceda, Ildefonso Santos, and Francisco Caballo with minor revisions made in 1962.
Bautista is a regular host of ABS-CBN's weekly variety show ASAP '07. He is busy preparing for his first major solo concert at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City on October 6. (MNS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Singer-actor Piolo Pascual came to the defense of his friend, Christian Bautista, who admitted to skipping the lyrics of the Philippine national anthem during an exhibition game of boxer Gerry Peñalosa Sunday night in Alabang.
“Kung nagkaroon man po ng pagkakamali doon, hindi naman sinasadya ng tao. Siguro na tense lang,” Piolo said.
Piolo made the reaction during the launch of his new 16-track collection album entitled, “Timeless,” under Star Records. The album has already earned double platinum distinction. It was done in collaboration with Toni Gonzaga and Jim Brickman.
Piolo appealed to the public for support instead of criticisms against Christian.
“Let's be fair. Instead of discouraging the guy we should actually be there for him. Pray for him,” he said, adding that, “no one is perfect naman”.
Fellow singers Rachel Alejandro and Luke Mejares, meanwhile, said that there is really a huge pressure on singers who are assigned to sing the national anthem.
“You have to understand it’s the pressure and it’s not because they don’t know it. It’s not because hindi nila nirerespeto,” Rachel said.
“It happens to every singer naman talaga. Huwag kang mag-alala, maraming singer ang kabado kapag kinakanta ang pambansang awit,” Luke said.
Following the boo-boo, Christian immediately admitted his mistake and publicly apologized by issuing a formal statement to the media.
“It’s a lesson that I’m learning and I promise na I will do better next time,” he said.
The controversial scene involved Christian, who sang the “Lupang Hinirang” in the middle of the boxing ring surrounded by fans.
Near the end of "Lupang Hinirang" (Chosen Land), Christian sang the lines "Ang bituin at araw na kailanpama'y di magdidilim. Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati't pagsinta." He missed two lines and then finished the song with the final line "Ang mamatay ng dahil sa 'yo!"
The correct lyrics, according to National Commission for Culture and the Arts, are:
Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati’t pagsinta (Beautiful land of love, O land of light)
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo (In thine embrace ‘tis rapture to lie)
Aming ligaya, na pag may mang-aapi (But it is glory ever, when thou art wronged)
Ang mamatay nang dahil sa iyo. (For us, thy sons, to suffer and die. )
Christian said he felt dismayed and embarrassed during his performance prompting him to issue an apology to the public through an official media statement.
“It feels bad for me kasi being a Filipino I feel very nationalistic and here I am..parang because of a lapse in memory I really feel bad sa nangyari. I don’t know siguro iyung moment, adrenalin, excitement, I was recovering from a sickness siguro naghalo tapos I just couldn’t find the words,” he explained.
Despite the honest mistake, the crowd cheered him on after the performance. Christian even bowed twice.
“Some singers take this song for granted, na kinakanta lang ng basta-basta. It’s our national anthem and I think na every singer should know it by heart not just to sing it just to get on the show kaya medyo I feel bad about it,” he said. With a report from Mario Dumaual
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MANILA, Sept 19 (Mabuhay) - Matinee idol Piolo Pascual has dropped a bomb on reporters during a press conference, revealing that he had a romantic affair with concert queen Pops Fernandez, the former wife of singer Martin Nievera and mother of his two children.
Piolo refused to add more details about his past love affair with Pops, saying she is already happy with her present sweetheart actor-commercial endorser Jomari Yllana, and he doesn't want to add fuel to more intrigues and speculations.
Pops and Piolo were once romantically linked but the two never admitted to the affair.
The actor said he is still continuing his search for the girl of his dreams.
Piolo is a regular host of ABS-CBN's weekly variety show "ASAP '07".
He is set to star in a new fantaserye on ABS-CBN with former GMA-7 prized talent Angel Locsin. (MNS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MANILA, Sept 18 (Mabuhay) -- Actress Sunshine Dizon was visibly irked when asked about her rumored affair with Angelu de Leon's ex-flame, Jojo Manlongat.
Sunshine, known for her sunny outlook in life, couldn't hide her irritation when asked about Angelu's statement that she is the current flame of the controversial businessman who was also linked with Ara Mina.
Sunshine was so upset about Angelu's pronouncements.
"Bakit niya ako idinadamay sa kanyang love life? Wala naman akong kinalaman sa mga pinagsasabi niya. Hindi ko siya kaibigan at hindi kami naging magkaibigan kaya magtigil na siya. Sana ay lubayan na niya ako, please," said one of lead stars of soap opera "Impostora."
"Yes, aaminin ko, nakilala ko si Jojo pero there wasn't anything to it. Masama bang magkakilala kami? Nagpapakatao lang naman siya at I found him [to be] a good person," added Sunshine.
Sunshine divulged that she is loveless and finds it working to her favor. "Loveless po ako. Pero nakakatulong 'yon sa akin. I can concentrate on my career. Marami naman pong nagmamahal sa akin lalo na sa family ko.
"It's not boring being loveless. I might not be in love but I can manage. Marami pang puwedeng gawin like sa acting ko. Ito ang love ko. Kesa naman may love ka nga, pulos naman pasaway. Di bale na lang."
Sunshine also dismissed the idea of her former beau Polo Ravales courting her anew. "Hello! Please lang. Ano ka ba, Polo?"
Polo is already a thing of the past for her and Sunshine, definitely, is one person who doesn't wallow in bygones. "We should move on para mas makatulong sa growth natin as individuals."
Her mother, former movie producer Dorothy Laforteza, was around when Sunshine fumed at Angelu. All Dorothy could say was, "Bahala na si Sunshine to handle it. I trust her so much. Kaya niya 'yan."
She wouldn't even meddle with her daughter's love affairs, past and present and even future.
"Hindi talaga ako nagsasabi ng kahit ano kay Sunshine. Kung ano ang desisyon niya sa kanyang love affair. 'Yang issue kay Jojo, hayaan mo siya. Ako, wala akong masasabi r'yan. Malaki na si Sunshine. Let her do what is best for her," the mother who was once over-protective of her daughter, said with finality. (MNS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
