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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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MANILA, Nov 14 (Mabuhay) -- THE screen sizzled when Marian Rivera and Katrina Halili donned their sexy two-piece swimsuits in last Friday’s episode of "Marimar."
When this was taped, the location had to be hush-hush as director Joyce Bernal doesn’t want on-lookers to be trooping to the place to watch Marian and Katrina strutting by the pool in the skimpy swimwear.
"Talagang itinago ito at mahirap na baka dayuhin ng mga miron at kukunan sila ng palihim sa cellphones tapos ikakalat pati sa internet," one staffer tells us.
So will Marian be ready to pose for a men’s magazine after this? "Noon pa maraming offers, but I’m not ready yet. Iba naman itong sa TV kasi ako ang bida rito."
Many noticed that Marian has smooth flawless skin and a well shaped body. "Talagang inaalagaan ko ang kutis ko para laging makinis," she adds. "As for my figure, balingkinitan na ako even then and for this important scene, nag-exercise din ako to make sure I’m in good shape. Ilang gabi rin akong hindi nakatulog thinking of that scene dahil ninenerbiyos talaga akong magbilad ng katawan ko. Pero inisip ko na lang ang consistent high ratings ng ‘Marimar’ na laging nasa mid-40s, so I have to do this para mas mapag-rate namin ang show at sana, umabot sa 50%."
As for Dingdong Dantes, he says he had a good time feasting his eyes on the sexy bodies of Marian and Katrina. "Nagulat ako sa pagka-daring nila at hindi ko alam kung sino ang mas tititigan ko nang matagal. Parang nilagnat ako while watching them. Don’t ask me anymore who’s sexier dahil pareho silang may kakaibang dating. Talagang kina-career nila ang pagpapaganda ng kanilang mga mukha at katawan." (MNS)
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MANILA, Nov 14 (Mabuhay) -- IN “Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity edition 2,” Mariel Rodriguez blurted out that the reason why Bea Alonzo lost weight is she had liposuction. At the final presscon of “One More Chance,” Bea was asked about this and she denied it.
“No, hindi ako nagpa-lipo,” she said. “Talagang exercise and South Beach diet ang reason kung bakit ako pumayat. I don’t know where Mariel got the idea na nagpa-lipo ako.”
Well, at least, Mariel manages to remain controversial even while inside Kuya’s house. Remember when she said in one episode: “Kadiri ang showbiz”? This prompted many writers to censure her.
She gained fame and fortune because of showbiz, and now she’s saying it’s “kadiri”? It’s her manager, Boy Abunda, who apologized for her tactlessness.
Some folks say that Mariel’s exposure in PBB as a housemate is not helping her at all. “Kung minsan, her behavior, para siyang retarded,” says one writer.
But there are those who continue to wonder who is that special guy she called up on the phone when she was allowed by Kuya to get in touch with someone as a reward for a mission that she accomplished.
Meantime, it has become a tradition in Pinoy Big Brother for the housemates to hold a song-and-dance show inside the house. Big Brother thought the time was ripe for his current celebrity housemates to show their talent through a concert that he made a major task last week. Part of the requirement for the concert is for the housemates to perform at least two original songs that they have to compose themselves. Other highlights in the line up are an all-boys and an all-girls song-and-dance numbers.
Dubbed by the housemates as “Concert for a Cause… of Delay,” the event was for the benefit of the inmates of Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) who themselves are internet celebrities because of their dance videos on Youtube.com that was a sensation all over the world.
The concert was very successful and one of the best numbers showed Riza Santos and Will Devaughn doing a duet that confirmed they look good together as a loveteam.
Nominated this Saturday for eviction are Ruben Gonzaga (nominated by head of household Donald Geisler), Ethel Booba and Megan Young. Ruben and Ethel were nominated as they look sad and already want to come out while Meg was nominated for the third time for not returning things she borrowed from her housemates. (MNS)
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MANILA, Nov 12 (Mabuhay) -- After reviving her career as a singer, Agot Isidro is giving her acting career a boost with her latest role in an independent film.
At a press conference for the indie film "Nars," Isidro said she jumped at the chance to act in the low budget movie after spending time on the concert circuit and hosting TV shows. “I said I like it, I wanted to act and that they should include me in the cast," Isidro said in an exclusive interview.
Isidro said she enjoyed her first foray in the indie film industry in the movie "Tulad ng Dati" shown April 2006.
She said the experience of doing an independent film is different from singing on stage. "The experience is good and happy, there’s no problem except that you lack sleep because of the shooting schedule," she added.
She added that her talent fee was not an issue since she knew that the production lacked funds. “No second thoughts, I just accepted the project. Budget is not an issue. We are all there because we want to prove something and that is our love for acting," she said.
“Nars” revolves around the lives of five people who share one dream -- that of becoming a nurse and working abroad. Each character represents the aspirations, motives, realities, ambivalence and fears of becoming a nurse.
The movie is directed by Adolfo B. Alix and produced by Carl and Carl Production, a joint venture of buddies Carl Balita and actor-turned-producer Carlo Maceda. Other members of the cast are Jodi Sta. Maria (Adrinne), Jennyln Mercado (Ela), Jon Avila (Liam) and Coco Martin (Noel).
The movie will be shown on Dec. 7, 2007. (MNS)
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MANILA, Nov 14 (Mabuhay) -- WHEN Maja Salvador reported to the first day shoot of her new horror teleserye, "Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara," carrying an expensive bag (brand: Louis Vuitton), all eyes were on her, especially Kris Aquino. Maja and Kris became close while filming "Sukob."
"Wow," someone reacted and asked Maja, "How much did that cost you?"
"Well," Maja reportedly said, "kung na-afford ko ito, ang dahilan ay hinatian ako ni Denise (Laurel, her best friend). Sabi niya, it’s high time makatikim naman akong gumamit ng mamahaling bag na ganito.
"But I doubt kung makakabili ako kaagad ng isa pang bag na ganito. Alam ko naman na ‘di ko pa kaya."
Kris reportedly agreed, to what Maja said. She then advised the girl to save first, so she can build a house for her and her family.
The busiest and most promising among her contemporaries, Maja is currently doing a lot of projects. Aside from "Patayin …," she is also doing "Pangarap na Bituin." She’s also being tapped to play the title role in an upcoming teleserye, "Anna Liza."
Maja is also in the cast of the John Lloyd Cruz-Bea Alonzo starrer, "One More Chance," where, for the first time, she agreed to do a kissing scene with John Lloyd. (MNS)
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MANILA, Nov 13 (Mabuhay) -- A few Sundays ago, actor Alfred Vargas insisted that he and longtime girlfriend, LJ Reyes, are fine and that he is very much happy with their relationship.
But recently, Alfred was singing a different tune as he candidly revealed that he and LJ are indeed going through a tough time because of time issues brought by their contrasting work schedule.
"We're just giving each other space. Kasi ngayon, siguro ang pinakamagandang gagawin namin is talagang i-admit naming kung ano ang priorities namin sa buhay. Tutal mga bata pa naman kami, lalo na siya," said Alfred.
Alfred and LJ have been very busy as of late because of their respective commitments. Alfred juggles his time between acting and his business ventures while LJ is dividing her time on studies and her showbiz career.
Asked if they see each other often, Alfred candidly confessed, "Lately hindi masyado dahil sa schedules naming dalawa."
For now, the hunky actor reiterated that he wants to devote more time to think about his future. "Lumalaki na tayo. I want to be prepared pagdating sa future. I really want to be stable and feeling ko, bawat lalaki naman, ‘yon yung hangad."
Though the sexy actor never directly admitted it, his statement seemed to hint that they're currently in a cool-off stage.
"Mahirap sabihin na on the rocks nga kami," he quipped, "kasi open yung communication lines. Our relationship is a very understanding relationship."
He added, "Open pa rin sa communication lines. We still talk a lot pero wala munang expectations."
Despite the imaginable tension, Alfred said that he and LJ seldom argues—something that he owes to familiarity and perhaps maturity.
"Hindi na kami nag-aaway," he proudly said. "We are way past that na kasi we know each other too well para pumunta doon sa bahagi na nag-aaway kaming dalawa." (MNS)
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MANILA, Nov 9 (Mabuhay) -- THE latest addition to the cast of the top-rated GMA-7 series, "Marimar" (which has a rating of nearly 50% in mega Manila, according to the latest survey), is Carmina Villaroel.
Carmina will play a doctor who saves the character of Richard Gomez from going totally insane. Richard is on the brink of losing his mind because his second wife, played by Katrina Halili, has ordered a nurse to inject him with drugs that alter his thinking.
"Parang reunion itong pagsasamang muli nina Richard at Carmina sa ‘Marimar’," said a kibitzer. "Remember that Carmina was Richard’s leading lady in a number of movies when they were both with Regal Films. They were together, too, in the sitcom, ‘Palibhasa Lalaki,’ on ABS-CBN."
Carmina was last seen in "Mga Mata Ni Anghelita," also a soap on GMA 7.
"I’m looking forward to working with Carmina," stated Joyce Bernal, who is at the helm of "Marimar." "I’ve seen a number of her performances in films and on TV. Magaling siya, bukod pa sa narinig kong napaka-professional niya."
Carmina is also co-hosting the daily GMA-7 talk show, "Sis," with Janice and Gelli de Belen.(MNS)
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MANILA, Nov 9 (Mabuhay) -- WHAT can Luis Manzano say now that his mom, Gov. Vilma Santos, has confirmed during her birthday celebration that he’s indeed on with Angel Locsin?
“No, she didn’t confirm,” he counters. “What she said hindi pa kami sumisigaw, kaya wala siyang ie-echo. Nakakahiya nga kay Echo, nasali pa sa usapan. E, wala naman kaming isisigaw ni Angel. At this point, I’d rather keep my mouth shut about Angel as I’ve already been accused of being a user."
"Kung sino raw ang bagong dating sa ABS, ni-liligawan ko, like Toni Gonzaga and Mariel Rodriguez. E, si Toni, nasa ‘Eat Bulaga’ pa siya, friend na talaga kami while Mariel, kasama ko sa Closeup commercial, so bakit pa ako manggagamit? Kung kami na nga talaga ni Angel, the press knows me, wala naman akong itinatago, I’ll admit it.”
Did he really feel bad that hosting the new ”Pinoy Dream Academy” was given to Ryan Agoncillo and not to him? “No, ewan ko nga kung bakit may ganyang balita. There was never even a hint na I was considered for it, so bakit sasama ang loob ko?”
But is he really happy with the way he’s career is going since he has no new movie or TV show? “I’ve already met with Tita Cory Vidanes of programming and they said they have one new acting and one new hosting job for me next year, so I’ll just wait.”
He and Anne Curtis have just released a new exercise video, “Bump & Burn”, where they both get to show their sexy bods. Who’s the sexiest actress for her? “Sa local, si Anne. But sa foreign, si Jessica Alba. I saw her shopping in a store in Hollywood. She’s wearing a simple white dress but she’s really exuding sexiness.” (MNS)
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MANILA, Nov 12 (Mabuhay) -- Actress and Quezon City Councilor Aiko Melendez has sought the annulment of her marriage with model Martin Jickain, barely two months since their separation last September.
The Quezon City Regional Trial Court is set to raffle on Friday afternoon the petition filed by Melendez seeking the annulment of her nearly two-year marriage with Jickain.
The court refused to reveal the grounds cited by the councilor in her petition for nullity of marriage, citing the confidentiality of the petition being a family matter.
Two months ago, Melendez was granted a temporary protection order (TPO) to keep Martin away from her and their one-year old daughter.
Melendez reportedly cited physical abuse and Jickain’s relationship with another woman as grounds for her TPO petition. Jickain has since denied that a "third party" was involved in their break-up.
Shortly after the court approved the TPO, Melendez last October 26 filed a permanent protection order (PPO) against Jickain, which remains pending in court.
Meanwhile, a source disclosed that the reasons cited by Melendez in her annulment petition were almost the same as the ones that were used to justify her earlier TPO and PPO petitions.
Jickain and Melendez were married in 2005, following the annulment of Melendez’s marriage with actor Jomari Yllana several years ago. (MNS)
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MANILA, Nov 9 (Mabuhay) -- Hunk actor Diether Ocampo strongly denied reports that he and hot model Bubbles Paraiso are now an item.
"There’s nothing to deny to begin with, there’s no romantic affair," Ocampo said.
Ocampo and Paraiso are part of the cast of ABS-CBN's newest musical fantasy series, "Princess Sarah."
Ocampo admitted that he and Bubbles are good friends, and that the friendship is a major factor in his decision to accept a role in the new TV series.
"Yes we are good friends and I really know her," he said.
Ocampo was reacting to reports that he and Paraiso were spotted during a romantic tryst in Cebu.
Nowadays, Ocampo is busy taping for "Princess Sarah" and running UNO, the men's magazine that he publishes. (MNS)
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MANILA, Nov 12 (Mabuhay) -- THE movie “Batanes: Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan,” which pairs Iza Calzado with F4 star Ken Zhu, is set to be released on December 5 and Iza can’t control her excitement.
It’s the same excitement she felt the first time she set foot in Batanes where the movie was shot on location. In fact, she fell in love with the place that she’s thinking of buying a house there.
Iza is very much secure with her career. She’s set to finish “Batanes: Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan” with Ken Zhu under the director of Adolf Alix, Jr. and Dave Hukom. Well, she didn’t fell in love with Ken while they were doing the film in Batanes. After all, Iza is very happy with her lovelife. But she did say that she and Ken fell in love with Batanes.
“We are very good friends,”says Iza about her leading man who is a member of the popular group F4. They are textmates and while Ken was here in the country to shoot Batanes, they were in constant touch. She’s looking to meeting him when they start their promo for their movie. (MNS)
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MANILA, Nov 12 (Mabuhay) -- WHEN Aicelle Santos first came onto the scene via her runner-up finish in "Pinoy Pop Superstar Year 2," it was reasonably clear that she possessed a better voice than any newcomer. It’s considerably strong but pliable enough to varying degrees.
In a way, one is easily reminded of a young Lea Salonga with traces of contemporary R& B and soul; that is, Aicelle appears edgy early on in her burgeoning career.
On her GMA Records debut album, “Make Me Believe,” Aicelle flaunts her superior voice and opts to concentrate on soulful melodies but going beyond trite formulas and productions for a fuller sound. Here, she demonstratesher ability to adjust her vocals depending on the song’s demands.
Of course, pop and R&B references are aplenty all throughout but it’s marked with that signature Aicelle style: consistent, solid vocal performance. She hits high with relative ease, it’s quite adictive. The album’s opener and carrier single, “Ikaw Pa Rin” essentially testifies this young woman’s significance and position in the music industry.
Vocally, Aicelle is strikingly extraordinary. She bawls at times but still manages to soften it when needed. Although very young, she sounds way beyond her years and seems to be miles ahead of her peer by writing songs and creating “Make Me Believe,” a good effort that copes with various genre shifts. (MNS)
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