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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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To tell us what you think about Filipino Express Online or to comment on the stories published here, E-mail us at Filexpress@aol.com
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WHEN does a music magazine truly become one? When the magazine actually comes with music. That is what the premiere Filipino American online music magazine, Poptimes Magazine, plans to achieve as it plans to jump out of the internet and land on your favorite news stands or doorsteps.
Poptimes Magazine in Print is a revolutionary idea in the budding Fil-Am music scene. The magazine has tied up with local Fil-Am indie record labels and bands and is planning to include free Fil-Am indie music on CD with every issue that comes out every month.
The idea is simple. It answers the Fil-Am artists' ever growing need for distribution channels. Since, as of the moment, most Filipino-American owned stores have little interest in carrying independent Fil-Am releases, hence, the magazine will create the channel and bring the music and the information straight to Fil-Am fans' doorsteps. They would not only get introduced to Fil-Am artists via the magazine, they will get to hear them as well - in one delivery.
The launch of the maiden issue of Poptimes Magazine in Print, will be simultaneous with the release of the much awaited Filipino-American music compilation album, Rock in the Box 2. The maiden issue will be all about Rock in the Box: The artists and the music. The music CDs that will come with the magazine are not low-quality demos by artists. It will be real albums, EPs, singles and compilations - the real releases.
There is just something right and beautiful about reading about Fil-Am artists on good old paper, and getting music on tried and tested compact discs.
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(l-r) Jerwin, Ted, Brijo, Jay and Arnold, photo by Sheryl Garcia-Reyes
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NEW YORK– It is not in the way that you might think.
Tragic Ending is the title of the latest record by the Jersey City-based rock band that was launched last Saturday, February 9, 2008 at the Iron Monkey in Jersey City. It is the band’s 3rd release since their eight-track debut ‘Extended
Play’ back in 2004, and to those who have been following the band’ career, Tragic Ending is a milestone- the culmination of everything new about Bleud.
Bleud bassist Jerwin Glorioso says that the record is a rebirth: "Tragic Ending is the preview of the new Bleud. This record is definitely different from our previous ones. I think we were able to express ourselves better, part of it is because I think we found our niche. With Musings and the debut EP, we were still young and somewhat unsure in general. I mean, we barely knew each other four years ago and the only thing we had in common was our passion for music. Fast-forward it to today and Tragic Ending is the result. With this album, we've grown together as a band, and with the addition of Jay, we were able to do a little re-arranging within the band–instrument wise. Now, we're more comfortable and able to express our creative side better, which is very fulfilling."
“I agree,” adds Ted Reyes, the band’s guitarist and producer. “The record was made during the band's period of growth and uncertainty. Having just got Jay to play with us, the band's musical direction became wide open. We didn't have to sound like the old records anymore. It's a whole new world for us."
In addition to developing as a group, each member feels they have grown individually.
"I think this record was a learning experience for me" says lead guitarist Arnold De Rama. "The songs in this record have influenced me to change my approach in guitar soloing and playing in general. I hope this record will show our followers that we have matured a bit as musicians."
"Personally, my bass lines in this record are more challenging. I really had to put my artistic foot forward, you know, and I enjoy doing that" adds Jerwin. "Ted, Arnold, Jay and Brian are one of the most talented musicians I know and they have my utmost respect. We really enjoyed making this record and I just hope that our fans will also enjoy listening to it as well. I can't wait to start our next album."
Fellow artists have also noticed the change in style from when Bleud first arrived onto the scene.
"Bleud has grown since their debut album 'Musings of a Caffeine Addict,'" says Gatchie Ignacio, lead vocalist and bassist of the Kuwagos. "Their current songs evoke a darker side of the band. Instead of wallowing in melancholy, the band gives the world a finger to shove up their asses if they don't come along for the ride. And it's one ride you can't miss."
"Tragic Ending was very interesting to produce. I never thought we have that much anger in us, which is nice considering the first two Bleud releases have general patronage ratings. Now, Tragic Ending should have a PG rating,” says Ted.
Though the new material may seem like a total departure from what the band started out as, drummer, Jason Estrada adds, "With the new sound you still get all of what makes Bleud, Bleud. Catchy guitar riffs, intelligent lyrics, and songs that anyone can relate to.”
Even with the excitement of the new direction that the band is moving towards, some were admittedly reserved with the choice of title for the new EP.
"Really heavy. Very uncomfortable" begins Gatchie Ignacio. "The word 'tragic' cannot be taken lightly. Paired with 'ending,' it makes it even heavier for any Bleud fan like myself."
When asked about the significance of the title, Brian Joseph, lead vocalist, adds this: "Lyric-wise, the songs are tragic in the sense that where there was once a feeling of trust and unconditional love, it all came to an abrupt halt because of an unfortunate event. It's tragic that things ended the way they did. This is Bleud responding to that. Not just myself, not just Ted or Arnold, Jerwin or Jay, it's all of us having our own unique input."
Despite the title, things won't end here. The band is currently planning to tour local NJ/NY venues as well as local colleges and universities in the upcoming months to promote their newly released EP. They are also currently writing material for their official second album.
For a press kit, concert/ tour information, or additional information, please contact Eddielyn "Lyn" S. Pelaez at bookings@ bleud.net. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or (732) 829-2981.
Sample song clips are available on www.bleud.net, www.myspace.com/bleud, www.reverbnation.com/bleud, and www.ilike.com/bleud.
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MANILA -- Gretchen Barretto is visible once again as she's promoting her album, "Unexpected." In interviews with her, Gretchen denies that she was thrown out by her longtime companion, Tony Boy Cojuangco, after she had an affair with Dodie Puno.
"Nasaktan ako sa mga balitang pinalayas ako ni Tony Boy at pinili raw ng anak naming si Dominique ang daddy niya," she says. "Hindi totoo 'yan kasi 90% sa mga nasulat, walang katotohanan, 10% lang ang totoo. I'm really hurt by the accusations kasi pinagmukhang masama si Tony na pinalayas ako. He's a very good man and I wouldn't be with him for 14 years if he's not a good man."
At the 45th birthday celebration of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada at Blue Leaf in Fort Bonifacio, Gretchen arrived with her love partner to show that they're still together. But Gretchen is mum about her alleged romance with Dodie Puno. She says she'd rather be silent. We guess that's part of the 10% that she says is true.
"All I'd say is nagkakamali pa rin ako but it's a learning experience and I will take with me whatever I experience," she adds.
When Tony Boy approached her and pulled her hand to end the interview, Gretchen asked him: "Pinalayas mo ba ako? Answer."
But her man didn't answer and only smiled. As they say, silence means consent. What can she say to Tony Boy?
"For all his love and forgiveness, I will love him for the rest of my life."
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MANILA -- Is 'Asia's Songbird' Regine Velasquez really moving to ABS-CBN now that her contract with GMA-7 has expired?
But according to reports, she isn't doing any such thing because, according to Velasquez's current flame Ogie Alcasid, she can never bring herself to leave GMA-7 while he still has shows there (a weekend variety show and a gag show).
But wait. Now Velasquez is saying that Alcasid never made such a statement.
“Actually sinabi niya na hindi daw nanggaling sa kanya (Actually, he told me that he never made such a statement),” Velasquez said during a press conference for her coming lead role in an episode of ABSCBN’s “Maalaala Mo Kaya".
“He did not say that ‘Regine will not leave me.’ He just said that ‘I don’t think I should be talking about it’, that’s what I know,” she explained.
Velasquez said that her beau is a very supportive person and will always be there to comfort her and make her happy no matter what her decision may be.
“He will support me. Whatever decision I will make he will support me,” she said.
Velasquez revealed that she received offers from both networks but hasn't made up her mind yet. She added that in making her decision, she will definitely consider Alcasid's feelings.
“Kasi alam niyo siyempre iko-consider ko iyong feelings niya at saka iyong siya na hindi kami magkikita sa work iko-consider ko talaga iyon but still it’s my career, it’s my decision and he knows that.” (Of course I'll think about how he will feel and the possibility that we won't be seeing each other at work. But still it's my career, it's my decision and he knows that)
Velasquez is starring in MMK for the second time. Her first was with hunk actor Piolo Pascual back in 2002. Her performance earned for her a Star Awards Best Actress recognition. This time, the singer/ actress will work with award-winning actor Albert Martinez and award-winning director Jeffrey Jeturian in a story about lovers being torn apart by their families.
Watch Velasquez’s rare appearance in country’s longest running and most-awarded drama anthology “Maalaala
Mo Kaya” this coming February 22 (Friday), after “Maging Sino Ka Man.”
Velasquez is now preparing for the second season of Celebrity Duets and reports say she will be doing a movie with Alcasid with working title "Love is Deaf... And Blind".(MNS)
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A triumphant victory for Filipino cinema. Aureaus Solito's "Pisay," about eight Philippine Science High School students' coming of age in the 1980s, scored two major awards in the 14th Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema in France.
"Pisay" won the Grand Prix du Jury (Grand Prize of the International Jury) and the Prix du Public (Audience Prize).
The filmmaker who attended the week-long festival (Jan. 29 to Feb. 5), was accompanied by actors EJ Jallorina, Carl Barrameda, Claudine Najera and production designer Endi "Hai" Balbuena.
"The film was cited for 'good spirit, acting, scenario and [direction]," Solito said. He added that the Audience Prize was presented by the mayor of Vesoul.
"Pisay" debuted in last year's Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, where it won the Best Director and Best Production Design awards.
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MANILA -- NADINE Samonte dreams of making an action series, same as “Super Twins” where she co-starred with fellow GMA Artist Center talent Jennylyn Mercado. And since GMA is planning to bring back the character of Darna to the TV screen, Nadine expressed interest in portraying the role of the superhero in case GMA-7 would offer the role to her.
She auditioned for the role of Darna before but the part went to Angel Locsin. But in case she would be offered the role, Nadine knows that she would be compared with Angel if she will play Darna.
“Siyempre naman for sure ikukumpara nila ako kay Angel kasi siya ang huling gumanap sa role pero siyempre hindi naman ako pababayaan ng GMA pagdating sa ganoong bagay,” said Nadine.
Nadine’s contract with GMA Artist Center expired last February 1 although she was offered to renew it last October. GMA Artist Center though has the first option to renew the contract and sign her up anew, good for another year.
She also spoke on the issue that she’s not in good terms with Isabel Oli, her co-star in the afternoon series “Maging Akin Ka Lamang.” Nadine says she and Isabel have no chance to talk and get close even if they want to because they tape on separate locations, thus they have different holding areas that prevent them from interacting with each other even if they want to.
“Iba ang eksena niya, iba ang eksena ko. Hindi naman sa hindi kami close pero wala kaming chance na magchikahan to the max,” explains Nadine.
Is it true that even if efforts were made to make you and Isabel become friends, it still did not work?
“Ewan ko kasi hindi ko nga alam kung saan nagsimula ang issue na iyan. Nagbabatian naman kami pag nagkikita kami. First time lang naming nagkasama sa soap. Pero nagkikita kami sa mga guest stints before,” she said.
But it seems you’re the one who’s being pictured as “suplada at hindi nambabati.”
“Siguro lahat ng tao sa set galit sa akin,” she said with a laugh. “Baka naman gusto nila na si Jennylyn (Mercado) ang katrabaho nila. But there’s no reason for the staff to get mad at me.
“Ewan ko lang kasi bakit parang lumalabas na ako ang may kasalanan o ako ang suplada. Bakit walang ibang sinisisi sa issue. Bakit parang ako lang? Kung parehas kaming ’di nagbabatian ni Isabel, dapat sinasabi rin nila na parang ’di rin nambabati si Isabel. Parang ako ang pinagtutulungan,” she added.
Didn’t you and Isabel talk about this matter?
“Actually, pinag-usapan naman namin. Siguro baka ‘yung ibang tao sa set, parang ’di nila ako type. Ewan ko lang kung tama ang feeling ko,” says Nadine. “Okay naman kasi kami ni Isabel.”
Maybe this alleged gap is a way to promote your afternoon series.
“Puwede rin kaya lang nakakasama rin ng loob kasi may mga taong nagsasabi sa akin na ganyan ka pala. Tapos mayroon akong friend na nagkuwento sa akin na sumakay daw siya ng jeep. Pati ba naman daw sa jeep ay pinag-uusapan ako na suplada raw si Nadine,” she related. (MNS)
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