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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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(Parokya ni Edgar and Kamikazee concert in Jersey City
- September 29, 2007)
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“Are there Gargoyles up there?,” asked a teener inside the antediluvian theater in Jersey City – the Loews theater, the venue for the night’s Pinoy rock twin-bill of Parokya ni Edgar and Kamikazee.
She wasn’t joking at all.
Though the old theater really has that gothic vibe (it does look like a house of gargoyles and Quasimodo), it is actually, Art Deco.
Designed by well-known theater architects, Rapp and Rapp in 1929, and owned by theater magnate Marcus Loew, the theater is one of the five ‘Wonder Theaters’ of Loew, and the is only one built outside New York City.
It is one of those buildings that really breathe history.
However on that cool late September night, Loews Theater became a Pinoy Rock club.
During the gig, one could immediately tell the disadvantages of holding a rock gig inside a government protected ‘historical’ establishment.
First, fans couldn’t stand up and dance to the pulsating beats of the bands.
Nor could they come up the stage and crowd surf. It was like being an asylum that only admits sane people. Schizophrenia prohibited.
The fans were ready to go nuts, especially during the awesome Kamikazee set, however they were constantly reminded by the theater ushers and usherettes to remain calm, seated and composed.
Second, the sound of rock n’ roll could anytime compromise the stability of the antique edifice. That is scary.
Nevertheless, even with these logistical shackles, it was a great show.
I was impressed by Qwadra’s performance. Qwadra is a Fil-Am rock band from Queens, that opened for PNE and Kamikazee.
The band was the first band to seriously threaten the foundations of the theater with their huge hard rock sound.
As a result, the fans showed their glee and wanted more of Qwadra, however, it was not to be due to time constraints.
The other bands that opened were: Guns of August, S.I.G.H and Moxie. Don’t get me wrong, they all rocked hard too. However, there’s just something about Bem’s (Qwadra’s lead vocalist)voice that is “Loew’s” shattering.
The main acts didn’t disappoint either.
Kamikazee was a monster. Jay, the vocalist was both funny and energetic.
Hey, how many times have you seen front men do headstands? Well, he did for a number of times. Moreover, his jokes were hits too with the Fil Am crowd. They played a number of catchy songs along with their hits, which was totally enjoyed by the audience.
If Bem was a serious threat to the stability of the building, Kamikazee’s drummer may have put some real cracks on its walls. He was a drumming animal - wild yet precise.
If drummers are allowed to change gear every after song like guitarists and bassists, he would have asked for new kits every after song. He punished the kit like it committed a serious felony.
Kamikazee’s debut show in New York/New Jersey was a success.
Parokya ni Edgar was Parokya ni Edgar that night. Nothing changed since they were last here last Spring with Bamboo.
When the band took the stage, It was evident from the crowd’s response that they were seeing a re-run.
Not that there’s anything wrong with a re-run, I watch re-runs of Batman Returns and The Sound of Music every time. It was just that Kamikazee got the warmer and more enthusiastic reception because they are the fresher band.
Anyhow, Chito and the crew did their jobs and played their hits. That’s what matters.
I enjoyed the ‘Ordertaker’ jam by the two bands. Members were piggy-backing on stage, while the rest rock out to the spoofed S.O.D song.
At this time, the crowd was trying to breach the ‘no-standing-no rocking out’ agreement , but the authorities at the theater were swift and firm to impose their rules. Too bad.
Aside for the strict rules in the theater, the sound was another let down. When seated at the back of the theater, the huge reverb of the theater ate all the low end of the live mix. It was actually akin to listening to a transistor radio. Good thing the audience, stayed in the front rows, where the sound was fuller.
I hope next time, we can have these kinds of shows in clubs, where the full breadth of rock n’ roll can be maximized.
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MANILA -- Aiko Melendez, a councilor of the first district of Quezon City, is said to have been spotted in several functions with Patrick Meneses, vice mayor of Bulacan, Bulacan. It was said that the vice mayor is a former classmate of the actress-turned-councilor.
Meanwhile, Aiko's second husband, Martin Jickain, has reportedly given up on the idea that he and Aiko would get back again together. He said they have not spoken personally since Aiko left with her two children.
Aiko is reportedly now staying with her kids in a condominium unit in Libis, Quezon City. Martin, on the other hand, is back in his mother's house.
It had been reported that Martin filed a petition to allow him to have custody of their one-year-old daughter, Marthena, for one day a week.
He's willing to stay out of Aiko's life, if that's what she wants, Jickain said.
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MANILA -- Actress Kristine Hermosa has remained in shock, a day after figuring in a traffic accident that killed a 16-year-old boy in Maragondon, Cavite.
Hermosa had just come from a taping when her vehicle, a Hyundai sport utility vehicle, collided with a motorcycle that had cut into their lane in an attempt to overtake their vehicle.
Killed in the accident was JR Davis while his girlfriend, Maricel de Guzman, had fractures on both feet. She is currently recuperating at a hospital in Naic, Cavite.
The incident happened before 2 p.m. along Governor's Drive in Garita Village in Maragondon town.
Hermosa, who was in shock after the collision, was unharmed.
Her driver, Francisco Manarang Jr., was immediately arrested by the police and detained at the Maragondon police station. The police are investigating the incident.
A statement from Star Magic said Hermosa is doing everything possible to extend assistance to the families of the motorists. Star Magic handles the career of Hermosa. (MNS)
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MANILA -- THE team up of Kristine Hermosa with TJ Trinidad in "Gulong ng Palad" was a bigger hit than when she was paired with ex-husband Diether Ocampo in "Till Death Do Us Part" and "Palimos ng Pag-ibig."
No wonder they're together again in "Prinsesa ng Banyera," a daytime drama starting Monday after "Wowowee," about twin sisters (the other is Angelika de la Cruz) who lead different lives.
"I'm glad tanggap ng tao ang tambalan namin ni TJ," she says. "Enjoy rin naman talaga akong katrabaho siya as he's not only a professional but also a good actor."
So what's the status of her relationship with Diet now?
"We're still working on the annulment of our marriage," she says. "Marami kasing naging mali sa mga papeles namin noon. But we still care for each other. Who knows, baka pagdating ng araw, we'll still end up with each other. We feel no bitterness toward each other. We just need more time and space. We remain to be good friends and we're both not closing our doors that we might still be together in the future."
So how is Diet now? "I haven't seen him for a while kasi busy rin siya. When he's not working, he's with his Kids Foundation that helps poor children."
Does she have new suitors? "May mga nagpaparamdam. Meron na ring nag-try, pero hindi ko pa feel makipagrelasyon. Gusto ko, friend lang muna. It's too soon for me to get into another relationship." (MNS)
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MANILA, Oct 9 (Mabuhay) --
Action star Rudy Fernandez is so sick he went to Las Vegas and watched Manny Pacquiao win over Barrera. Okay, it's not the way that it sounded.
The fact is couple Rudy Fernandez and Lorna Tolentino went to Las Vegas Saturday morning to seek a second opinion on Daboy's bile duct cancer.
They timed their trip to be able to catch the Pacquiao - Barrera rematch.
The action star is an avid fan of boxing and he doesn’t miss any fight including those of Pacquiao.
“Kahit noon pa, boxing na ang favorite sport ni Daboy. Mas nai-excite siya sa boxing. (Even before, boxing has been Daboy’s favorite sport. He’s more excited watching and joining boxing),” Tolentino said.
Considering what Rudy has been going through, entertainment and relaxation will surely help.
The action star was diagnosed with the condition two years ago. Since then, it has been a series of medical examinations and treatment. Lorna said their Las Vegas is prompted by the result of Rudy's medical tests last September which she describes as "hindi masyadong satisfactory." She did not elaborate.
Fernandez has undergone treatment in Hong Kong and Japan but he still wants to consult another expert to be sure of his early recovery. “Siyempre, mabuti na
rin ‘yong may ibang opinion," Tolentino said, "That way, mas nakakapag-adjust kami. Lahat ay gagawin ko at ni Rudy para lang maging matagumpay ang aming laban. (Of course, it’s good to have another opinion. That way, we can adjust. We will do everything to win this battle.)"
Fernandez looked well when some members of the press saw him and Lorna off the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. He was thankful for the support and the prayers sent his way. (MNS)
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MANILA -- In a rare display of emotion and vulnerability, singer Martin Nievera said he feels "naked" and "ugly" after the revelations by former wife Pops Fernandez to "Yes" magazine.
Nievera said that he finds it too painful to read the interview in full. He said however that he was able to get the "highlights" of the interview. According to him, some of Pops' claims were exaggerated while others "cannot be proven".
Nievera said that while he didn't want to answer all of Pops' claims word for word, he couldn't help but respond in some way lest people think that he's "hiding because it's all true."
"Ang gusto ko lang sabihin dito sa 'The Buzz', talagang masakit na masakit yung nangyari sa akin (What happened to me was really painful). It was a shock, really because I think I know why, I'm almost sure I know why Pops is doing this," he said.
Source of anger
Nievera and Fernandez figured in a new scandal several months ago when the latter complained about how her sons Robin and Ram were insulted by the former's new partner, Katrina Ojeda.
Fernandez gave interviews to the media saying Katrina called her sons "monkeys." Nievera later explained to media that Katrina's "monkey statement" was taken out of context and that the incident happened nine years ago. He also claims that he and Fernandez resolved it before.
Fernandez maintains that she only learned about the "monkey" incident just months ago. Ojeda and Nievera have a one-year-old son of their own, Santino.
Nievera believes his ex-wife came out with the interview to make people understand why she became very angry over an issue that, according to him, had already been settled years ago.
"I think it's important for Pops that the people know kung saan galing yung galit niya. Sa ibang tao maliit na bagay yon eh.
"So ginagawa ni Pops itong article na ito para maipakita sa buong mundo kung bakit sya nagagalit sa akin, kung bakit malaking bagay ito sa memory o sa puso ni Pops. There's a place there that she doesn't wanna go to and that place is nine years ago."
Naked, ugly truths
The interview of Fernandez over "Yes" magazine detailed events in the final years of her marriage to Nievera that cast him in an unfavorable light: as a lying, scheming spouse who persisted in an illicit affair even as he tried to play husband to her.
"Now my life I feel I'm naked. It's the first time in my life I've ever felt naked. Onstage, on TV, in front of the camera. I go onstage in Anaheim, I'm gonna go out tonight at the Starlight theater here in San Diego at the Balboa Park, I don't, I, I don't know how, how to appear. I'm not confident anymore, I feel, I feel ugly, I feel like I felt nine years ago. You know, it's like I'm a winner in disguise. 'Coz inside talaga I'm a loser. That's how this article made me feel."
Nievera said that the "Yes" article seems to have served no good purpose other than to hurt him and others who were dragged into the issue.
"I don't know what good this article has done for her because it's done me no good. I'd like to apologize to the families who she included in this article, meaning Katrina's family. She made Katrina look very bad. She made the mom of Katrina and the family look really bad."
He also talked about feeling very unhappy and unfairly singled out and blamed. It also soured him further about the prospect of marriage, even though the annulment of his previous marriage with Fernandez now makes him free to wed again.
"Marriage? the sanctity of marriage? How can I ever go back to marriage after seeing how this one is still not over with Pops? How can I ever be completely happy when the people around me who I love are not happy?
"Do you think kung masaya si Pops sasabihin niya sa akin yon? She's unhappy about something and obviously it's me nine years ago."
Biggest regret
Interestingly, Nievera said that his biggest regret over the latest development in his relationship with his ex-wife is the loss of their musical tandem.
For more than two decades, the couple's most successful gigs were when they combined their talents in concerts--the "Martin and Pops" series of shows were unfailing hits.
"The worst part is this, the Martin and Pops team, as we've known it, as we've lined up in lines to watch it, before, during and after the marriage, it's over. It's dead.
"As far as i'm concerned with this 20-page magazine article which you can refer to any day of your life for the next 100 years, she killed it, she killed the team and that's my biggest regret because who's gonna wanna watch us now?
"I wanna ask Pops, I wanna say now that this is out already, I mean, where do we go from here? Okay, fine, we all know kung saan galing yung galit mo, some people really dont' care because they've been there before, they know.
"You don't need a whole 20 page magazine to let people know how painful it is when your husband fools around."
Not friends
Nievera nearly broke down in tears twice during the interview. First was when displayed genuine regret at the fact that he and Fernandez are no longer even friends.
"You know it's funny because I told some friends maybe we should come out with a magazine called "No". And on this magazine it would say 'no i didn't do this, no i didn't do that'. But it I were to do that, paragraph per paragraph, line by line, hindi matatapos to eh (this will never end).
"And somewhere down the road I'm thinking, I'm hoping and I'm praying that, that we'll be friends, that we'll be friends again," he said as his voice broke and he covered his eyes with his hand.
Nievera also explained why until today, he has not taken the effort to talk to Fernandez face to face and settle things once and for all.
"Kasi sisigaw kami eh, magagalit kami. I'll never be able to say what I really want to say because I have to scream over her voice, So I'd rather text it.."
Fernandez however told the meida that she's determined not to talk to her husband through text messaging, saying she would rather that they talked in person.
Apology
Towards the interview's conclusion, Nievera denied reports that he is planning to sue Fernandez and "Yes" magazine. He also gave a message to his ex-wife, his voice wavering with emotion and held back tears.
"I don't know. I don't know why you do... I don't know why we've gotten this far with this problem, I don't know why we can't seem to fix this but um, so to Pops, I don't know what to say.
"Just... just try and forget about the nine years, you know, I think, I think she's having a hard time also moving on. I know that what I did to you was unforgivable, but it's kind of a long time ago so I'm hoping for the sake of everybody, especially our children, that you'll forgive me for that. I know forgetting is a tall order but... I don't know why uh, just... just take it easy.
"Just take it easy and breathe. Enjoy life and all the blessings around you. I'm there somewhere. I'm rooting for you, I'm praying for you.
"Let me just say it now in front of the whole world, that I'm really, really sorry for whatever it is that still hurts you about me. I'm really, really sorry." (MNS)
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MANILA, Oct 6 (Mabuhay) -- Rufa Mae Quinto and Dennis Trillo had an affair that lasted for several weeks, the actress revealed.
However, the comedienne said that they both denied the relationship that time because Trillo was being built up by GMA as the partner of Angel Locsin in Darna.
"Itinago namin 'yon dahil inaalagaan kasi nang husto ng GMA ang career ni Dennis, at naiintindihan ko 'yon. Nagsisimula na si Dennis sa Darna opposite Angel Locsin," Quinto said.
"Malinaw ang planong ipinagpe-pair sila, kaya hindi ako dapat umeksena. Alam ko kung saan ako dapat lumagay kaya tumahimik lang kami ni Dennis kahit kinukulit kami noon," kuwento ng sexy comedienne.
Trillo was involved in a recent controversy when he initially refused to acknowledge that he fathered a baby boy with beauty queen Carlene Aguilar.
Aguilar gave birth to their son on Sept. 22 in Los Angeles, California and Trillo admitted that he was the father of the child on Sept. 30.
Quinto, in the interview with the Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP), denied that she was using her past relationship with Trillo for publicity.
"Hindi naman sa kailangan ko pang gamitin si Dennis para sa publicity," paglilinaw ni Rufa Mae. "It's not that. Kasi, I can't help but be affected sa mga nasasabi about Dennis tungkol sa isyu. Naging ex ko kasi siya, pero hanggang doon na lang 'yon."
"Ang masasabi ko lang, sa kabila ng lahat, kung ano talaga si Dennis at sa nangyayari sa kanya, tatanggapin ito ng publiko. Maiintindihan pa rin siya na kailangan niyang ayusin ang pagsasalita tungkol sa ganitong bagay dahil inaalala rin niya ang career niya,"she added.
Quinto has had several failed relationships and said that she does not want to get pregnant without any plans of marriage.
"Hindi rin kasi nagtagal ang relasyon. Pangit naman yung nabuntis ako na hindi ko na karelasyon ang tao, di ba? Funny. Pero kung relasyon pa lang kasi at wala namang seryosong pagpaplano para sa marriage, bakit magpapabuntis? 'Yon lang ang sinusunod kong patakaran tungkol sa bagay na 'yan,"she said.
"May mga nagsasabing malas daw ako sa relasyon dahil lagi na lang akong napapahiwalay sa nagiging boyfriend ko, gaya sa nangyari sa amin ni Rudy [Hatfield], and afterwards, kay Erik [Santos]. Hindi ko naiisip na loser ako pagdating sa pag-ibig dahil ako naman ang nakikipaghiwalay. Pag nararamdaman ko kasi na talagang hindi uubra, kahit nga mahaba na yung panahong ginugol ko sa relasyon, gaya ng kay Rudy, kapag masyadong malaki na ang isasakripisyo ko at hindi ko kaya, I just give up," Rufa Mae added.(MNS)
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MANILA -- Actress Criselda Volks said she tried killing herself due to loneliness.
Volks admitted that she ingested liquid bleach and detergent after partner Cris Villanueva refused to sign papers that would allow her to bring their 7-year-old child to the United States.
"I'm sick and tired of being alone, I merely gave up...I wanted to be with my family but they are all in the States ... I don't have anyone here, I just wanted to die," she said.
Volks was rushed to the Ospital ng Makati past 5 p.m. after a guard at her residence called the Makati City emergency hotline.
But almost as soon as she arrived, she refused medical treatment and signed a waiver, then went out of the hospital and boarded a cab back home.
A witnesses who saw what happened described Volks' movement as "pasuray-suray (swaying from side to side)." (MNS)
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MANILA -- Former bold actress Maricar de Mesa said she would not go bold anymore. She said she would be leaving that phase in her career but expressed that she's not closing her doors to sexy roles in the future.
In ABS-CBN's newest soap "Prinsesa ng Banyera," first aired Monday, October 8, Maricar plays a prostitute, saying she accepted the role without reservations and that it has not affected her happy relationship with her husband, basketball star Don Allado.
"I asked his opinion about my doing TV again. Of course, I was guesting once in a while in game shows but there was all to it. Sabi ko kay Don, 'O, 'yan, baka may sexy scenes 'yan. Sabihin mo na ang gusto mong sabihin,'" Maricar said.
She also opened up to her husband about her kissing scene with co-star TJ Trinidad.
"Actually, wala pa namang nakukunan na sexy scene pero ang alam ko lang, e, may kissing scene ako kay TJ. Ang sabi lang ni Don, 'A, okay. Kay TJ naman pala, e. Walang problema.' Magkakilala kasi sila ni TJ kaya gano'n," she said.
De Mesa said their relationship is getting deeper and stronger after almost a year of marriage.
The couple wants to have a baby soon. "Sana nga para masaya."
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MANILA -- FRESH from the success of her concert series in the US, Sarah Geronimo is back to buckle down to work again.
She stars as the feisty, rough, and even tomboyish Emerald in ABS-CBN's new soap series, Pangarap na Bituin. The role is a far cry from Dorina, the docile singer Sarah played in Bituing Walang Ningning.
She promotes Xtreme Magic Sing, which will hold singing contests in Gawad Kalinga communities. This is on top of her other endorsements like Jollibee, Charmee, Talk 'n Text, Hapee Toothpaste, and others.
The Search for a Star grand champion is also resuming her studies at the UP Open University, where she's taking up an Associate in Arts degree.
"I do my assignments online. Ate Sharon (Cuneta), a classmate, told me I can always discuss anything about school with her," says Sarah.
Aside from getting a degree, Sarah dreams of giving theater a try, playing Lois Lane and working with John Lloyd Cruz. The biggest dream of all, though, is to be another Lea Salonga.
Does that mean demure Sarah will wear a sexy attire the way Lea did as Kim in Miss Saigon? Sarah turns mum.
Will she leave ABS-CBN when the chance to start an international career comes along? This time, Sarah gives an answer: yes.
Sarah has given up many things for her career, like weekend gimmiks and parties with friends. And she has yet to experience burn out. (MNS)
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MANILA -- Vina Morales vehemently denied that she's pregnant during the launch of the much-awaited "ASAP Supahdance Album." She was even supposed to perform a dance number at the launch but was not able to rehearse since she had just arrived from her concert tour in the US. She even added that she would tell if she were pregnant.
The statement by the actress-performer is an offshoot of a report which came out in several column items claiming that she was planning to delay going back to the Philippines because of her delicate condition. Vina confirmed that she will be back in "ASAP '07" this Sunday.
"ASAP Supahdance Album" is the product of the team-up of ASAP Music and Star Records and a must for dance aficionados. The idea of producing the said album came from the top-rating one-hour segment every Sunday in the show.
ASAP Music has come up with successful albums in the past. Some of these are "Sana Maulit Muli" soundtrack, 'ASAP Hot-silog" and "Ultimate Dance 4" (UD4), all of which have reached gold status.
The stars featured in the dance album gave a sample of their terpsichorean talents at the grand launch. Among them were Maja Salvador and Rayver Cruz; Gabriel Valenciano, Iya Villana, Saicy Aguila and Mickey Perz, Wowowee ASF Girls, Kitty Girls, Kokey and the Full Circle group of Star Magic talents made up of Angelo Patrimonio, Arno Morales, Chris Gutierrez, AJ Perez, Empress Shuck, Erich Gonzales, Enchong Dee, Isabella Abierra and Lauren Young.
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