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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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Total performer Gary Valenciano said he has decided to entertain the idea of accepting other projects aside from singing and recording.
“Well I’m really open to do other projects because at this point in time, what I’m doing is not only for myself but because I want to do it also for the others,” Valenciano told abs-cbnNEWS.com.
Valenciano emerged teary-eyed after the preview of his "Maalaala Mo Kaya" (MMK) episode to the entertainment media Tuesday afternoon at the Chronicle Lounge of ABS-CBN’s ELJ Building in Quezon City.
“I’m so nervous, really, I really don’t know what to say,” he said.
Dubbed as "Mr. Pure Energy," Valenciano affirmed that the MMK episode was not the first script the program offered him. He said he accepted the project because the script caught his attention.
“To tell you honestly this is not the first time MMK offered me a script and since the story is good and I have free time to do it, I accepted it.”
Valenciano said he will never forget his experiences while doing the project since it teaches a lot of lessons and at the end, it gives hope to viewers.
In the MMK episode, the singer plays the role of Alex Ramos, a father of three, who was detained for almost four years. He was arrested and jailed for a crime he did not commit. His second child, 14-year-old Rose (portrayed by former child star Maureen Guese), helped her father regain his freedom.
It is indeed a story of a daughter and father of how their love to each other surpassed tough circumstances and how their faith got them through all the ordeals their family endured.
While shooting the project, Valenciano did not talk to Ramos because he wanted his own interpretation for the role. “I did not talk to him because I want to put myself in his situation and give my own acting interpretation,” he said.
Valenciano’s MMK episode is directed by Ruel Bayani. The cast includes Angel Aquino as Sheryl Ramos, Guese, Angelo Ilagan as Egay Ramos, Miles Ocampo as Belang Ramos , Mon Confiado as Fredo, Mike Magat as SPO1 Mario Santos and Tess Antonio as Gie.
MMK’s episode will air on Friday, December 14, after "Ysabella."
Valenciano returned to acting after so many years and he is best remembered in his movies “Natutulog Ba ang Diyos,” “Ibulong mo sa Diyos” and “Kung Tapos na ang Kailanman,” from which he got his Best Actor nomination. His last television project was the Joel Torre-megged "Sand Castle." (By Reyma Buan-Deveza)
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MANILA - Beloved Filipino star Lea Salonga returns to the Philippines to star in title role of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s timeless rags-to-riches story, "Cinderella."
The Tony Award winning Salonga created the starring role in "Miss Saigon" both in London’s West End and on Broadway, and garnered international recognition not only for her Broadway appearances but for creating the signing voices for Princess Jasmine in "Aladdin" and Mulan in "Mulan" for Disney’s films. Salonga recently completed her appearance on Broadway as Fantine in the Broadway revival of "Les Miserables."
The 30-week Asian tour of Cinderella is produced by Broadway Asia Entertainment (BAE). The Philippines engagement is produced in association with Amable Aguiluz V and Amable Aguiluz IX of AMA Group of Companies. The production will feature a Broadway caliber cast and design team including directions by Bobby Garcia and costume design by couture fashion designer Renato Balestra, whose extensive collection includes several commissions for the first ladies of the Philippines. Set design will be by Tony Award Winner David Gallo and and the lightings by famed Broadway designer Howell Binkley.
Rodgers and Hammerstein created a sophisticated world where the impossible can happen and every young princess-to-be can imagine Prince Charming waiting in the wings. Garcia will supervise an all-new version of this enchanting story aimed at both the adult and family audience. Garcia has directed Disney’s "Beauty and the Beast," Bae’s production of "The King and I," and recently, "Avenue Q" in the Philippines. Garcia’s "Cinderella" will feature elaborate sets, costumes, and magical effects synonymous with a large Broadway production.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s "Cinderella" is one of the most famous productions in the history of musical entertainment, premiering to the largest television audience in history. It joins the ranks of BAE’s impressive line of touring shows throughout Asia, including "The King and I," "Spongebob Squarepants Live!", "42nd Street," "I Love You," "You’re Perfect Now Change," and the upcoming encore tour of "The Sound of Music."
Emmy-award winning "Cinderella" features the classic songs "Ten Minutes Ago," "Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful," "Impossible," and "A Lovely Night," among many others.
Broadway Asia Entertainment with offices in New York and Shanghai, is the largest producer of Broadway musicals in Asia, and its founders are the most active commercial producers in the world as well as the largest touring operation throughout the Asia Pacific region.
BAE co-producers on their Asian touring productions include The Really Useful Group, Nickelodeon Theatricals, Troika Entertainment, Networks Productions, and Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre.
Tickets are available at all Ticketworld outlets, via the website at www.ticketworld.com.ph, or by calling the Ticketworld Head Office at 891.9999. Selected major National Book Store branches, major Robinsons Department Stores, Ayala Malls’ Greenbelt 1/Glorietta 1 are also selling tickets at P500 to P7,000.
The show runs at the Cultural Center of the Philippines till Aug. 24, 2008. (MNS)
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MANILA -- Was Angel Locsin really naked in some of her scenes as a werewolf in her first teleserye on ABS-CBN, "Lobo"?
It looks like she was, as can be seen in the teaser of her teleserye with Piolo Pascual.
"’Lobo’ is one of ABS CBN’s biggest offering for the year 2008," said an ABS CBN insider. "’Lobo,’ I must admit, is an ambitious project. It is one of our most expensive, too."
Angel, for her part, said: "Actually, I don’t mind kung natagalan ang pagpapalabas ng ‘Lobo.’ It’s worth the wait. Truly, maipagmamalaki ko ang teleseryeng ito."
"Lobo," said Angel, is both a love story and an adventure series. "I’ve seen a few scenes of it. Kinilig ako sa mga romantic scenes namin ni Piolo," she revealed.
"Lobo" is directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina and FM Reyes..Direk Cathy was at the helm of the blockbuster and well-admired movie, "One More Chance."
FM Reyes, otherwise known as Erick Reyes, is also at the helm of the "Maging Sino Ka Man (Book Two)." He was also one of the directors of the said teleserye on its initial run. He worked with directors Rory Quintos and Mae Cruz on the first book and the three all return for its second run. (MNS)
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MANILA -- Pops Fernandez’ recent concert at the Araneta Coliseum, titled "Divalicious," was more than just a success. It was also an affirmation that her current romance with Jomari Yllana, who came with his mom, is for real. The two were seated very prominently near the stage. Pops kept addressing Jomari "Honey." Seated a few seats away was Pops’ mom, Dulce Lucban.
Here’s a funny incident at the concert. A fashion show was incorporated in between the song numbers. One portion showed off the models dressed in wedding gowns. Pops was one of the models featured. Later, when she had the stage to herself, she called Cheska Garcia, the older sister of actor Patrick Garcia. "Cheska is a soon-to-be true bride," Pops announced. But she left out the name of Cheska’s beau. In any case, it is Dougs Kramer, a popular Ateneo University basketball player. They have set their wedding in October of next year.
Back to Pops: At the concert, she revealed her desire to walk down the aisle again. She told Jomari, though, "But this doesn’t mean I’m pressuring you."
Pops was 18 years old when she became Martin Nievera’s bride. Their marriage was annulled several years ago.
She will turn 41 on December 12.
Speaking of her concert, Pops' repertoire was just right. So were her guest performers, two of whom are concert artists themselves, Sharon Cuneta and Gary Valenciano.
The orchestra was okay. But the piece de resistance was the production and direction. It was Rowell Santiago who was at the helm of "Divalicious." (MNS)
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MANILA - A word war is going on between ex-Optical Media Board chair Bong Revilla and the current one, Edu Manzano.
This began when Bong said after Edu and he are supposed to go to a raid together and Edu didn’t show up: “I’m not satisfied with his performance. It’s below average. Masakit mang pakinggan pero talagang I’m not happy with his performance.”
Edu says they’ve agreed to raid a BF Homes store of pirated videos. “But he suddenly changed his mind and he suddenly wanted to raid Quiapo. Hindi puwede ‘yon dahil kakaunti lang ang tauhan ko sa OMB, and I don’t want to put their lives at risk dahil ang daming tao sa Quiapo. Wala kaming search warrant, kulang kami sa pondo, kulang kami sa tao. When we had another raid at Makati Cinema Square, he was late but he had his picture taken with the confiscated DVDs. It appears photo opportunity lang ang gusto niya. E, kami hindi nagtatrabaho para lang sa publisidad.”
Bong counters: “That’s a lie. I don’t need to have picture-taking there dahil araw-araw na akong nasa gitna ng balita. Para sa Quiapo, we have 50 soldiers with long arms. Hindi pa ba sapat ‘yun? Nagtataka lang akong ayaw niyang pasukin ang Quiapo. Is he protecting someone there?”
While they’re fighting, we hope the pirates are not enjoying their feud and taking advantage of the situation. One writer quips: “Baka naman nag-usap talaga sina Bong at Edu dahil walang dudang makakatulong lahat ng ito to promote Bong’s filmfest movie, ‘Resiklo’?” (MNS)
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MANILA -- Pop multimedia artist Ogie Alcasid scores another victory as he snatches two major awards from two different award giving bodies.
After garnering several nominations from the Aliw Awards this year, Ogie won for Best Major Concert. This was for the performer’s work on his “Komikonsyerto” concert held at the Aliw Theatre last year. Ogie also received the Star Awards from the Philippine Movie Press Club for Best Comedy Actor for his work in “Bubble Gang.” Ogie was also recently nominated at the Asian TV Awards, also for his work in “Bubble Gang.”
Meanwhile, Ogie continues to be very busy as a songwriter and recording artist.
He recently created a new composition which serves as the theme song for the new soap opera from ABS-CBN which will star Piolo Pascual and Angel Locsin. The song, entitled “Ikaw ang aking Pangarap” has been recorded by no less than Martin Nievera.
Ogie had recently composed another theme song for ABS-CBN, entitled “Huwag Mong Iwan Ang Puso” whch is the theme from “Ysabella” starring Judy Ann Santos. The song was recorded by Yeng Constantino, and another version has been created by Aiza Seguerra.
Ogie will soon start to record for his brand new album under Universal Records. This is slated for an early release next year. (MNS)
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MANILA - Valerie Concepcion is unfazed by the rumor linking her to Anak ng Kumander lead actor, Manny Pacquiao.
They have a kissing scene in the movie, which said to have deviated Manny’s wife, Jinkee’s focus of jealousy. In fact, it was rumored that Valerie received a text message from a certain Jinkee, but which was later on denied by Jinkee herself.
“Wala naman po talaga ‘yon,” the beautuous Wowowee host said during the Coca Cola Christmas Caravan at the Fiesta Carnival in Cubao, Quezon City. “Trabaho lang po.”
Meanwhile, the Coke caravan will also bring her to Cebu (December 15) and Davao (December 22) with comedian Bayani Agbayani and rapper-musician Francis M with some bands. Coke executives who were present during the Cubao caravan said the projects aims to bring Filipino families together during Christmas.
They can use Coke caps and crowns as currency in the caravans. There is also an ongoing parol making contest using Coke plastic bottles, caps and crowns. In the caravans, there are also games for families who stand to win big cash prizes. It started last December 1 at Burnham Park in Baguio City.
When Valerie comes back from the caravan, she will join the Parade of Stars on December 24 where she will join Manny Pacquiao, Ara Mina and the other stars in the Anak ng Kumander float. (MNS)
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MANILA - Pauleen Luna is glad to be in the “Bangungot” episode of “Shake, Rattle & Roll 9”. “First time ko to do a ‘Shake’ movie and I’m glad dahil kasali pa ito sa Metro filmfest,” she says.
She’s also happy she just won the Star best single performance award for her portrayal in “The Olivia Ortiz Story” in “Magpakailanman.” “Masaya ako kasi first acting award ko at naka-tie ko pa si Ms. Gina Pareno so it’s really an honor.”
It’s not only her career that’s doing well but also her lovelife. As we’re interviewing her, her cellphone rang and it’s her boyfriend, Valenzuela Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian, who’s calling. We heard them calling each other ‘Sweetheart’. But even if they’re now so comfortable with each other, they have no plans to tie the knot yet.
“Enjoy pa ko sa pagiging dalaga and I’m only 19,” she says. “Isa pa, sayang naman ang career ko. Hindi ko pa ito basta maiiwanan at this point. It’s good Sherwin understands.” (MNS)
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