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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, Dec 6 (Mabuhay) -- Talent manager Lolit Solis has reiterated her readiness to make peace and, if needed, apologize to matinee idols Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby.
“Gusto ko naman talagang makipag-ayos kina Piolo at Sam kasi saan ba pupunta ito, ‘di ba? Wala naman. Ano bang mapapala ko? Ano din mapapala nila?," she said.
Solis insisted that she have no personal grudge against Sam and Piolo. She maintained that she does not know the two actors personally.
According to Solis, once the two actors express willingness to settle the matter with her, she will prepare the place where she can meet them.
“Halimbawa kung sasabihin nilang willing silang makipagkita sa akin talagang ako pa ang mag-aano kung saan ko sila pwedeng imbitahin," the host of GMA’s Startalk said.
She added that one of her Christmas wishes is mending of ties between her and the two actors.
“Christmas wish ko yung totoo? Sana maayos yung sa amin nina Piolo at Sam kasi mabigat din yun e. Mabigat din yun sa loob. Saka abala yun," she said.
Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Senate President Manuel Villar advised Solis to bury the hatchet with the two actors.
Villar, in a separate interview, said he is willing to facilitate the reconciliation.
“Ako naman ay mas gusto ko na mas konti ang problema sa mundo. Tamang tama ito Kapaskuhan e magandang tyempo," he said.
Lawyer Joji Alonso, counsel of the two actors, said it is possible that her clients will heed the request of Solis but their decision will still depend on the talent manager’s next move. (MNS)
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MANILA, Dec 3 (Mabuhay) -- Actor Philip Salvador rediscovered the power of prayer when he felt like he had reached the end of his career.
With the local movie industry in the doldrums (thanks to heavy competition from Hollywood films) Salvador clung on to one acting job that came his way late last year.
That film project was shelved. And while Salvador was able to get cast in ABS-CBN's hit teleserye "Maging Sino Ka Man (Book One)", his recurring guest role felt like an extended cameo.
In fairness to Salvador, however, he definitely got noticed in that role, after he made the minor character seem important and compelling to watch.
As a restaurant owner with a bum right arm (the arm was injured in an unrevealed accident, leaving it disfigured and immobile) and a mysterious past, Salvador somehow gave substance and emotional resonance to the role.
Later, Salvador's character was revealed to be the lost father of one of the lead characters.
After that TV series ended however, Salvador again felt that he had reached a dead end.
Add to that the seemingly unshakeable streak of bad luck he was having, that embroiled him in a court case as well as a family tragedy.
Prayer power
But Phillip Salvador didn’t stop praying. “Nagdasal ako nang nagdasal. Para kasing katapusan na ng career ko. Pero mahal ko ang propesyong ito. Mahal ko ang pag-arte. Mahal ko ang show biz. (I prayed and prayed. It seemed like my career was over. But I love this profession. I love acting. I love show biz),” Phillip said.
He had to, once and for all, find the strength to act and defy what seemed to be his doom.
“Isang araw, tinawagan ko si Malou (Santos). (One day, I called up Malou),” said Salvador, referring to Charo Santos-Concio’s sister who is a big shot in Star Cinema and in-charge of some TV productions in ABS-CBN.
It was an act of humility from someone like Salvador, one of the finest actors of his generation.
“Sabi ko sa kanya, nandito pa rin ako. Baka may pag-asa pa. Gusto ko pa rin na mag-artista. Kailangan ko ng project. Mahal ko ang pag-aartista at ito
ang gusto kong gawin sa buong buhay ko.
"Alam ko, may magagawa si Malou para sa akin. Noon din, gusto kong malaman ang sagot. Pero ang sabi lang sa akin ni Malou, ‘itulog mo ‘yan.’ Ang sabi ko sarili ko, ano ‘yon? Ano kaya ang gusto niyang sabihin?"
(I told her, I’m still around. Maybe there's still hope. I still want to act. I need a project. I told her acting is the one thing I would like to do for the rest of my life. I knew Malou could do something for me. I was anxious for her to tell me at once what she could do for me. You know what Malou told me? ‘Sleep on it.’ I told myself what could that be? What did she really mean?)
At this point, Salvador had to break off his touching narrative, as he was already in tears in front of the group of writers in the grand press launch of “Maging Sino Ka Man (Book Two)” at Plaza Ibarra in Timog Avenue.
Second chance
When Salvador called Malou again, he was still nervous. Then she told that he is being cast in the sequel to "Maging Sino Ka Man (Book One)".
“Napaluha ako. Alam ko, tinulungan Niya ako. Salamat sa Kanya. Salamat din kay Malou. (I broke down and cried. God helped me. Thanks to Him. Thanks to Malou.),” said Salvador, his voice trembling.
“Walang hindi mangyayari kung tatawag tayo sa Kanya. Malaki ang magagawa niya sa buhay natin. (Nothing is impossible if we just call on Him. He does big things in our life).”
Everyone in the production, including multi-awarded scriptwriter Ricky Lee, began praising Salvador, saying he will add depth and dimension to “Maging Sino Ka Man (Book Two)” which is slated to air on December 10 in ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.
Philip Salvador, the actor, looked humbled and grateful, then immensely pleased. (MNS)
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MANILA, Dec 3 (Mabuhay) -- When Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon and former Senator Tito Sotto first saw then three-year-old Aiza Seguerra as a contestant in "Miss Little Philippines" in their long-time running noontime show, "Eat Bulaga," they knew already that she was destined to be a star.
Although Aiza didn’t win the title, she became the youngest host ever on local television. Happily, for the trio of Vic, Joey and Tito, Aiza didn’t fail them. She delivered.
In no time, she was the biggest child star after Niño Muhlach, known as local movies’ "Child Wonder." Mother Lily Monteverde got Aiza to star in Regal movies, which all emerged as blockbusters.
"But even that early, may ideya na kami ni Joey when it comes to her gender preference," Vic laughingly recalled, "Aba, bata pa, she shared our fondness for the opposite sex."
Now in her 20s, Aiza, in fairness, has never kept secret her gender preference. She may not flaunt it, but neither does she deny it. In fact, she has introduced her very pretty and loving girlfriend to friends.
Happily for Aiza, her fans have accepted her for who she is. No wonder, she is in demand as a singer and as an actress too, especially on television. She has a regular TV show on ABS CBN, the teleserye, "Ysabella," which co-stars her with Judy Ann Santos, Ryan Agoncillo and Derek Ramsey.
In his entry to this year’s "Metro Manila Film Festival" (MMFF), "Enteng Kabisote 4: Okay Ka, Fairy Ko (The Beginning of a Legend)," Vic has again cast Aiza to play his daughter. She and Vic’s real-life son, Oyo Sotto, are siblings in the movie.
"Medyo magulo yata ang casting ng MMFF entry this year ni Bossing Vic," jokes a kibitzer. "Mantakin mo, anak niyang babae si Aiza at asawa niya ang rumored girlfriend ni Oyo sa tunay na buhay (referring to Kristine Hermosa, Oyo’s current constant date)."
"The last three ‘Enteng Kabisote’ movies, all MMFF entries, were blockbusters," said Vic. "Kaya I predict that this one, which will give the current moviegoers an idea how my character, Enteng Kabisote, who is now a legend, came to be, will follow the same path as the first three at the box-office.
"And we made sure na high tech ang special effects ng episode na ito. We also added new characters," he added.
Aside from Vic, Kristine, Aiza and Oyo, the "old" members in the cast are G Toengi, Ruby Rodriguez and Jose Manalo. The additions are Ian Veneracion, Ian de Leon, Francine Prieto, Candy Pangilinan, Caridad Sanchez and Peque Gallaga. Featured in special roles are Jomari Yllana, Cristine Reyes and Joey de Leon. (MNS)
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MANILA, Dec 6 (Mabuhay) -- WHAT do Vic Sotto and Ryan Agoncillo currently have in common, aside from the fact that they both have film entries in the coming Metro Manila Film Festival?
They are both in love, Vic to Pia Guanio and Ryan, of course, to Judy Ann Santos, but getting married soon is still a remote possibility.
Vic: "We (he and Pia) have talked about it. But we have yet to set the date. Pero hindi sigurado kung sa susunod (2008) na taon na."
Ryan: "There will, definitely, be a wedding. Kung kelan, iyan ang ‘di pa namin masabi. For while a wedding is an event, marriage, which is more important, is for a lifetime."
Vic’s movie is the fourth in his very popular "Enteng" series. It is titled "Enteng Kabisote, Okay Ka Fairy Ko (The Beginning of a Legend)" and stars Kristine Hermosa and Oyo Boy, G Toengi, Jose Manalo, Ruby Rodriguez and Aiza Seguerra. Ian Veneracion, Francine Prieto, Michael de Mesa and Carlos Agassi are the new members of the cast. In special guest roles are director Peque Gallaga, Candy Pangilinan, Caridad Sanchez and Joey de Leon.
"Enteng Kabisote 4" has Tony Reyes at the helm. It is produced under Vic’s film firm, M-Zet Productions, and Orly Ilacad’s OctoArts Films.
Ryan’s entry is also a sequel. It is titled "Sakal, Sakali, Saklolo," the follow up to the highly successful MMFF entry last year, "Kasal Kasali, Kasalo." The new movie reunites him with real-life sweetheart, Judy Ann Santos. It is still produced by Star Cinema and directed by Joey Javier Reyes. Also in SSS are members of the original cast, Gloria Diaz, Gina Pareño, Derek Ramsey and Ariel Ureta.
***
Vic apparently is most prepared about his approaching "lolo-hood" to eldest daughter Danica’s firstborn.
Danica is two months pregnant with her first baby by husband, basketball player Marc Pingris, whom she married in March last year.
According to Danica, Vic was in the US with you-know-who when she learned about her pregnancy. She sent a text message to inform him about it.
His answer, also via text, amused Danica. "Ay, magiging lolo na ako," said Vic.
Then, he sent her another message, "Take care," it read.
The reaction of Dina Bonnevie, Danica’s mom, was different. Dina’s problem is how her first grandchild will address her (She doesn’t want to be called a lola, she said.). Vic, however, welcomes the idea of being called "Lolo."
We wonder if Pia is prepared to be called a "lola."
***
Based on Ryan’s treatment of Judy Ann’s three-year-old adopted child, Yohan, it’s apparent that he’s ready for fatherhood.
"Iyon nga lang sobrang protective siya sa bata," related a kibitzer. "Galit siya na tinatawag si Yohan na ampon. But that cannot be avoided naman."
This early, Ryan is showing great concern for Yohan’s education. He wants her to study in a good pre-school, which is talagang kahanga-hanga.
Ryan himself had the luck to study in one of the best schools in the country, De La Salle University.
Judy Ann finished high school at the Mt. Carmel School in N. Domingo, San Juan, where she had former actor Leandro Muñoz as classmate.(MNS)
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MANILA, Dec 3 (Mabuhay) -- "Marimar" star
Marian Rivera seems to be irresistible even to everyone. Has she experienced being wooed by a tomboy?
“Noon po, sa school. Pero ayokong man-reject ng tao kaya dinaraan ko na lang sa biro. I tell them (and she made her voice deeper), ‘Pare, mas lalake pa ako sa’yo.’ Para tigilan na nila ko.”
She has many scenes in “Desperadas” where she’s in a scanty two-piece swimsuit. “Ilang na ilang ako kasi I don’t really wear bikinis.”
Doesn’t she feel she’s sexy? “There are times when I feel I’m sexy, but there are days na hindi. Nako-conscious talaga ako. But it’s our director, Joel Lamangan, who insisted na mag-two piece ako. First scene pa lang namin na kinunan ni Will Devaughn, nakabikini agad ako. Sabi ko, baka puwedeng shorts na lang, pero ayaw niya talaga. Nakikiusap ako dahil halos bawat scene ko, naka-swimsuit ako.
So I told the one in charge sa wardrobe, sabihin kay Direk, puwede bang takpan ng something ‘yung lower part ko, like a scarf na parang tapis. ‘Pag pumayag, pinabibigyan ko ng chocolate. Sabi naman ni Direk, ‘Ah, ganun, pag hindi ako pumayag, wala akong chocolate?’ Tapos, first scene din namin ni Will, kissing scene agad. Ayaw ni Direk na basta kiss lang, gusto niya talaga, ‘yung may passion. Naku, kung wala si Direk to motivate me, hindi ko magagawa nang maayos ang mga eksena namin ni Will. Hindi naman ako sexy star, eh. Kaya nga noong mag-poll sila sa Showbiz Central, kung gusto ng tao na magpa-sexy ako sa FHM at 74% ang bumoto na ayaw nila, nagpasalamat ako sa mga tao kasi ayaw naman pala nilang magpa-sexy ako and I feel nirerespeto pa rin nila ako.”
In “Desperadas,” she plays Courtney, a free-spirited girl who dresses flamboyantly and is the youngest sister of Ruffa Gutierrez, Iza Calzado and Rufa Mae Quinto. “Malayo sa totoong ako ang character that I portrayed but I’m glad to do it kasi acting challenge talaga for me. And Direk Joel says nailarawan ko naman ng maayos on screen kaya happy talaga ako.”
Is it true her three senior co-stars objected when they put a “and” in her billing? “I don’t know. May nagsabi lang. Pero sila naman talaga ang dapat mauna sa akin as I’m so new in the business. Pero wala akong marereklamo sa kanila as they were also nice to me while we were shooting the movie, lalo na si Ate Ruffa Gutierrez. Tuwing makikita akong nakakuba, she’d say, ‘Girl, kailangan, laging straight body.’ Lahat sila, nakasundo ko.” (MNS)
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MANILA, Dec 6 (Mabuhay) -- KATRINA Halili is baffled why some folks think she and “Marimar” co-star Marian Rivera are at odds. “I really said we’re not friends, but that doesn’t mean we’re enemies,” she says.
“Magkasama kami sa trabaho, we’re not close friends, pero magkasundo kami sa set. Wala lang chance for us to be closer kasi hindi naman kami lumalabas after work para mag-bonding. Pero puwede kaming maging close friends if we’d be given the chance, so huwag na lang sana kaming intrigahin. Hindi porke’t kontrabida ako sa kanya sa ‘Marimar’, talagang antipatika na ang dating ko sa kanya. It’s not true that we snub each other when we’re off cam. Dito nga sa episode naming ‘Engkanto’ sa ‘Shake, Rattle & Roll 9’, mga taga-ABS ang kasama ko like Matt Evans, Melissa Ricks, at Sam Concepcion, pero magkasundo naman kami sa location in the forest of Puerto Azul where we shot the movie.”
The director of the “Engkanto” episode, Topel Lee, says Katrina is the best choice for the role of the deadly enchantress who falls in love with Matt Evans and causes harm to his companions like Mart Escudero, Jojo Alejar, and Jewel Mische.
Topel’s “Yaya” episode in “Shake, Rattle & Roll 8” was the best episode last year and those who’ve seen “Engkanto” say that it’s now again the best episode in “Shake 9”. “Maraming suspenseful moments kasi puro exterior this time ang mga eksena at maraming thrilling na habulan,” says a Regal insider. (MNS)
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MANILA, Dec 1 (Mabuhay) -- RUFFA GUTIERREZ looks like a goddess of beauty at her launching as the Style Ambassador for Avon Fashions Accessories & Jewelry. They say her counterpart in the U.S. is Reese Witherspoon and Ruffa definitely is much ravishing than Reese. “Magkaiba naman kami,” she demurs. “Blonde siya, e.”
But still, we believe she’s the better endorser as her beauty simply dazzles so she fits Avon’s Genuine Gem Collection, a series of precious stones made into earrings, bracelets and necklaces like amethyst, citrine, jade, crystal agate and rose quarts, all costing less than usual.
This year is really a memorable one for Ruffa. Although her marriage crumbled, her career is now in full bloom once again. She hosts “The Buzz,” starred in the hit TV series, “Kokey,” and has just finished her comeback film, “Desperadas,” a Regal entry in the Metro Filmfest. Also, she’s now a much sought after endorser. “I’ve always believed that when something bad happens to you, may magandang kapalit yon. And whatever highs I’m now enjoying in my career, it’s all the product of hard work. I’m doing this because I’m a single mom who has two daughters to support.”
Why doesn’t she ask the help of her ex-husband, Yilmaz Bektas? “I don’t feel I have to do that. He has to do it voluntarily. But I want him to know I can raise our two daughters by myself.”
Will Yilmaz be joining them this Christmas? “I don’t know. It’s all up to him. He’s free to visit them anytime. But even without him, my daughters will feel that we’re still a whole family, what with all the love and support they get from my parents and brothers. It’s not going to be a sad Christmas for us, lalo na ako as I will be busy joining the Parade of Stars and promoting ‘Desperadas’. I’m so proud of the movie. While dubbing it, I can’t help but laugh as it’s really very funny. I wasn’t able to finish dubbing all my lines as my voice got hoarse from laughing.”
Ruffa is not only a stylish modern woman, she has become an icon for independent, strong-willed women, a true survivor in love, life and her career. (MNS)
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MANILA, Dec 6 (Mabuhay) --
IZA Calzado has two lovescenes in "Batanes." One is with new comer Joem Bascon who plays her ill-fated husband and the other one is with Taiwanese actor Ken Chu who plays a Chinese fisherman who gets lost at sea and gets stranded in their island.
"Both of them, sila ang kinakabahan sa love scene namin, lalo si Joem na ako ang umalalay sa eksena. Dapat, very gentle ang eksena namin. Si Ken, it’s also his first love scene and we have to show that we’re making a connection. Pero kabado as I know he has many fans as a member of the F4 at baka magalit sila sa’kin so ngayon pa lang sinasabi ko na, trabaho lang po. He has done two films ("Sky of Love" and "Tokyo Trial") pero wala raw parehong lovescene kaya his manager was requesting na puro mukha lang ang ipakikita, no body shots. But Direk Adolf Alix explained na hindi naman puede yung ganun kaya may scene din siya na topless siya. He’s nice to work with. Nang minsan umuwi siya sa Taiwan, pagbalik niya, may pasalubong na pagkain para sa amin ng buong cast and crew."
According to film critics, Iza delivers a fine performance as Pam, the grieving widow who falls in love with Ken, who was deserted by his wife for another man.
The beauty of Batanes is captured in the movie, with its pristine beaches and breathtaking scenery that’s worth the price of admission. (MNS)
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MANILA, Dec 3 (Mabuhay) -- Pinoy Dream Academy champion Yeng Constantino is even more inspired to create more music, after she won the award for Best Theme Song in the 55th Famas awards.
Now she wants to write even more songs that will be able to keep her audience happy, while keeping her vision and mission as a musical artist intact.
Her creation, "Hawak Kamay" which became the theme song of Star Cinema’s "Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo" had won the nod of fans and critics, too.
"First time ko pong magka-award at nakakapagpataba pala talaga ng puso. Ibang klase. Para akong nasa alapaap. (It’s my first time to get an award. It’s heartening. It's a different feeling, like I'm in cloud nine)," Constantino said.
Where does she get her inspiration from?
"Mula po sa aking mga sariling karanasan. Mas maganda kung sa personal at saka, love life o kaya ay common experiences ng mga tao. (I create music from my own experiences. It’s more beautiful if it’s personal and about love or experiences we all share in common)."
She revealed that when she's at her best, she could finish a song in one sitting.
This is why she has a lot of material saved up, just waiting to find the right listener.
"Marami po. Nakaimbak talaga. Nando’n lang at naghihintay na ma-produce. O kaya naman ay magko-compose pa ako para mas maganda (There's so much material filed away, waiting to be produced. I also keep on writing new compositions)."
Before winning in the first season of "Pinoy Dream Academy", Constatino sang nightly in bars around the metropolis.
She still remembers singing with upstart groups in honky-tonk places. "Masaya po pag naaalala ko ang mga kinakantahan ko no’n. Nakaka-compose ako ng magagandang kanta tungkol do’n. (I feel happy remembering the places where I sang before. I am able to compose beautiful music about them)."
She denied a report that she is being pursued by a foreign label to cut a record for them. "Wala namang gano’n. Okey naman ako sa Star Records. (There’s no such thing as that. I am okay in Star Records)." (MNS)
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