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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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Rufa Mae Quinto, Eugene Domingo, Pokwang, and Candy Pangilinan are friends for life and death in the riotous comedy Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat.
Their friendship starts with a life-threatening event. That day, the young Brite (Rufa Mae), Dolly (Eugene), Gay (Pokwang) and Res (Candy)are riding on the same bus that nearly falls off a cliff. Thankfully, they are miraculously saved and the four young girls vow to stay
friends for life and in death. Together forever!
Several years later, we find the four still very much friends with each other in a lower middle-class barangay. Brite now owns a funeral parlor, Dolly is a struggling piano teacher living with her good-for-nothing boyfriend, Gay is a separated MMDA and Res, is now a fulltime housewife living with her two kids and perpetually bum husband, Totoy Bato (DJ Durano).
Life has been so hard that Brite suggests they work abroad to earn more money. The three of them agree but Res is quite hesitant about the idea. Yet perhaps it is their fate to stick together. Res's corrupt and "pasaway" parents and brothers are all locked up in a
jail, so she has no options left but to join her friends to bail out her family. Totoy Bato allows his wife Res to go with her friends in one condition: that she goes back to him safely after six months of
working abroad.
Upon arriving in Hong Kong, their employers pick them up. Brite has a handsome employer who asks her to care for an old bedridden lady who's surprisingly the girlfriend of her employer. Gay has an Indian
employer who assigns her to wash his family's turbans. Gay at first thinks it is such an easy job until she finds out that the turbans are exaggeratedly long, enough to bury her alive.
Dolly has a German employer who asks her to baby-sit his three children with German measles. And Res has an Asian employer who, unfortunately, locks her inside a room, never gives her any food, and physically abuses her.
Every Sunday, OFWs meet in a park. That day, the three friends wait for Res, but their friend doesn't show up. They have no idea what happened to her until they find out that Res was killed. Starving for several days, Res ate all her amo's goldfish and as punishment, she
was beaten to death. Afraid that Totoy Bato would kill them if he finds out about Res's fate, they decide to bring Res home "alive" at all costs!
Will the three friends get away with their modus operandi? Will Res finally rest in peace? As things get topsy-turvy, the story gets even more riotously funny with Brite, Dolly, Gay and their friend, Res.
Directed by Wenn Deramas and written by Mel del Rosario, Apat Dapat, Dapat Apat will have its New York theatrical premiere at UA Kaufman Astoria Stadium 14 at 35-30 38th Street in Astoria on Wednesday, November 14th and Thursday, Nov. 15th. Doors open at 7 p.m. and movie starts at 8.
Tickets are at $15 and available by phone: (917) 553-4750, (917)453-8013, (646) 725-1878. Group discounts are available – Buy 10 tickets, get 1 free!
This Viva Films production opened in Philippine theaters last October 10.
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MANILA, Nov 5 (Mabuhay) -- NOW that his son is here from the States, Dennis Trillo says he cannot put into words what he felt when he saw the baby boy for the first time.
”I want to do a lot of things for my son, but his mom (Carlene Aguilar) and I have to discuss matters first,” he says. ”I want to take it one step at a time. But one thing is sure, I’m going to support my son all the way.”
How come the baby’s family name is Ho when he and Carlene are not married? “We previously agreed that it’s my real family name that would be in the birth register. Kaya ‘yun nga ang nabasa ng nurse dun sa hospital in the States where she delivered the baby and we didn’t foresee na ipapaalam ‘yun sa writers dito sa Pilipinas. I never had any plan naman to deny the baby or my obligations to him as his father. We just wanted to keep things very private, pero lumabas din.”
Well, as they say, the truth will set you free. In the case of Dennis, he’s already 28, so being a father is not a thing to hide anymore. His fans can accept this now. After all, even Aga Muhlach, who became an unwed father at 18, was still able to pursue a successful acting career. It’s talent that counts, not one’s civil or marital status. This is why his newest show, “Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan,” remains a hit. (MNS)
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MANILA, Nov 8 (Mabuhay) -- Is Sheryl Cruz planning to stay in the country for keeps?
It looks like she is. Sheryl is reportedly planning to buy, if not build, a house in an exclusive subdivision. Currently, she lives in a condominium unit with her daughter, Ashley.
Before anyone jumps into conclusion that something might be wrong with her marriage to Norman Bustos, a sheriff in California who is based in the US, let it be said that Sheryl has Norman’s blessings.
"Gusto na rin daw ni Norman na dito na tumira with his mag-ina," said someone close to Sheryl. "He is hoping that he can find a job here."
Sheryl and Ashley were with Norman in the US recently. The eight-year-old played flower girl at the wedding of her father’s sibling.
Even Sheryl’s mom, former actress Rosemarie Sonora, is considering the idea of returning to the country.
Rosemarie, the younger sister of Susan Roces, was in town recently. She was formerly married to the late actor Ricky Belmonte. Her new husband is an American.
Career-wise, there’s no question that Sheryl is doing very well. After having appeared in a series of soap operas on GMA-7, she is now featured in two shows on ABS-CBN, "Your Song Presents: Cindy-Rella," and the soon-to-be released, "Princess Sarah." She is also being eyed to play another role in a teleserye with Ruffa Gutierrez.
"Masipag si Sheryl," said her talent manager, Dolor Guevarra. "Wala siyang hini-hindiang trabaho, lalo na kapag worth it ang kanyang role.
"Kaya hanga sa kanya sina Rosemarie at Norman, dahil ‘di nga siya nawawalan ng project."
Will Sheryl do a movie?
"She has several offers," Dolor answered. "From Mother Lily na lang kaso kinakain ang kanyang sked ng mga teleseryeng ginagawa niya." (MNS)
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MANILA, Nov 3 (Mabuhay) -- Hot on the heels of her first platinum certified album, “Songs Of Love & Healing”, the consistent trendsetter, Kris Aquino, comes out with her new “Love And Inspiration” album, from Universal Records.
There is a limited edition of the new CD, complete with her self-penned Inspirational Book, a veritable collector’s item.
It’s so admiring how Kris Aquino generously shares a big chunk of her personal and family life to her adoring public. There are several never-before-read private moments which are very revealing; and yet so heartwarming and inspiring.
The public image of Kris will surely be enhanced and complemented by the personal accounts in the book, which has all been beautifully enlightening. Kris Aquino is indeed a writer/journalist like her dad, everybody’s idol and hero, Benig-no “Ninoy” Aquino.
All the songs included in this rare collection called “Kris Aquino Love And Inspiration” are her personal choices. Simply because all these musical numbers have provided enough dramatic colors to very important persons and events in her life.
Aptly introduced by Kris, the songs in the new CD are One Hello, Remember Me This Way, Dreaming Of You, Love Is, You Raise Me Up, From A Distance/Wind Beneath My Wings medley, Climb Every Mountain, The Impossible Dream, Beautiful In My Eyes, Everytime I Close My eyes, Flying Without Wings, I Only Want To Be Wth You, Weekend In New England , She’s Always A Woman, That’s What Love Is For.
There are two bonus tracks: It’s Christmas (All Over The World) and It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve, so there are 18 songs in the album.
It’s rather inspiring to know how the songs played important parts in her private life. Just read the book and most likely, you will shed those tears as you enter Kris Aquino’s own world ~ through her own words and favorite songs. (MNS)
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MANILA, Nov 8 (Mabuhay) -- It’s her decision, according to Maja Salvador, to have a kissing scene, her first, with John Lloyd Cruz in Star Cinema’s "One More Chance."
"Sooner or later, magkaka kissing scene rin lang naman ako," said Maja. "Nineteen na ako. At nabanggit ko na rin ang gusto kong maging aking first kiss on the big or small screen ay si John Lloyd."
Maja plays the girl whom John Lloyd turns to when Bea Alonzo breaks up with him in "One More Chance."
"Maikli lang ang role ko sa pelikula, actually," Maja related, "pero maganda. Besides, it has always been my wish to be directed by Direk Cathy (Molina Garcia)."
Maja is the busiest young actress today. She’s currently in two soap operas, "Pangarap Na Bituin" and "Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara," where she is reunited with Kris Aquino (who plays Barbara), her co-star in the blockbuster horror movie, "Sukob."
In a new teleserye titled "Annaliza," earmarked for airing in January 2008, Maja will play the title role.
"Annaliza" is a remake of a drama series topbilled by the late Julie Vega, who died in her prime. (MNS)
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MANILA, Nov 6 (Mabuhay) -- SEXBOMB’s Jopay Paguia says it’s not true she has resigned and leaving their group for good.
“I will just take a vacation but I will still return to Sexbomb dahil hindi ko puwedeng basta iwanan ang grupo na pinagkakautangan ko ng loob,” she adds.
The speculation now is she’s pregnant, courtesy of her boyfriend Joshua Zamora, who’s separated from his wife and kids. “No, hindi po ako buntis.
“The truth is while taping ‘Daisy Siete” episode na ‘Tabachingching’, where I played the title role, nahirapan ako nang husto at pumayat ako ng todo-todo. That’s why I want to rest muna and I think I’m entitled to that naman. Even our manager (Joy Cancio) realizes na kailangan ko ng pahinga kaya pumayag siyang magbakasyon muna ako. Kung buntis ako, hindi naman malilihim ‘yan dahil lalaki ang tiyan ko. After a few weeks, babalik din ako sa pagsasayaw sa ‘Eat Bulaga’.”
This is the reason why Jopay won’t be in the next season of “Daisy Siete” entitled “Ulingling,” which will topbill Rochelle Pangilinan. (MNS)
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MANILA, Nov 5 (Mabuhay) -- IT looks like Geneva Cruz’s fans didn’t miss her at all. Gen is now in Seattle, Washington, USA with live-in partner, KC Montero who likewise isn’t missed by SOP fans.
Nevertheless, Gen performs in different American cities and which we heard is greatly appreciated by Pinoy fans as she is, no matter what, a good singer and performer.
Aside from making green bucks, she is also trying to fix her papers to get a visa for people with extraordinary talents. When everything is fixed, Gen plans to return to the country. We are sure both networks will welcome her with open arms.
Meanwhile, contrary to reports, her relationship with KC is in top shape. In fact, they are coming home together and even in Seattle, our spy told us that they appear very sweet. We just don’t know if they will legalize their union though a church wedding. After all, Gen’s marriage to Paco Arespacochaga, the father of her son, Heaven, has already been annulled. (MNS)
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MANILA, Nov 5 (Mabuhay) -- Actress Angelu de Leon is open to letting the fathers of her two children bond with them.
De Leon's statement came following a remark made by her former lover, action star Joko Diaz.
In an interview, Diaz said that he plans to one day sit down and explain to Nicole, his love child with de Leon, what the situation is between him and her mother.
De Leon said that while she welcomes Diaz's plan, she thinks it would not be good for her daughter to just see her father once. The actress added that her ex-partners are more than welcome to establish paternal bonds with their kids.
De Leon also said that she never tried to turn her kids against their dads, even though she is already separated from both of them.
The actress' daughter Nicole is nine years old, while her second daughter, five-year-old Louise, is her child by her former non-showbiz partner, who is a businessman.
De Leon began her showbiz career as one of the child stars ABS-CBN’s "Ang TV". She is now busy taping Kapamilya’s fantasy series "Super Inggo 1.5 Ang Bagong Bangis". (MNS)
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MANILA, Nov 6 (Mabuhay) -- IT’S good that Joross Gamboa has decided to continue with his nursing studies after his teleserye, "Natutulog Ba ang Diyos," with former girlfriend, Roxanne Guinoo and her new boyfriend, Jake Cuenca, ended.
In a recent interview with Joross, he revealed that, like Roxanne, his love life is going strong, too. The current love of his life is a Malaysian beauty, Karishiela May Kuiper.
Although Karishiela’s family is based here, she studies in Malaysia. Thus, what they have, according to Joross, is a long distance relationship. Which both of them doesn’t mind, he added. "Para sa future naman namin itong desisyon namin to continue with our studies," Joross stated.
He would have wanted to visit Krishiela in Malaysia but his studies and some previous commitments prevented him from leaving the country.
"Pero, siya rin ang may sabing huwag akong mainip," Joross said. "Uuwi raw siya ngayong December." (MNS)
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MANILA, Nov 5 (Mabuhay) -- COMEDIAN Bayani Agbayani has a new girl! His wife, Len Len, gave birth via C-section to their youngest daughter – their fourth –last October 27.
"We thought the baby was to arrive on October 30, pero nagmadali ang bata," he joked.
Just like their three elder daughters, Bayani and Len Len named their latest daughter after a character of a popular Mexican tele-novela.
"Maria Sabrina will be our last child," said Bayani. "Lahat kasi ng mga anak namin ay ipinanganak ni Len Len na caesarean kaya hanggang apat lang ang puwede.
"Gustuhin ko man na magkaroon ng anak na lalaki, ‘di na pupuwede," he added. (MNS)
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