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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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ONE of my most poignant childhood memories was this one time when I was in the car with my father and him telling me about the power of positive thinking. We were on the way to my high school that morning when my father told me that we had to stop for gas. I told him that there was no need for a refill yet because the gas meter showed that it was still half-filled.
I could very well remember the glow in his face when I uttered those words. I didn't say something special, did I? I thought to myself then. I merely read what was on the gas meter. However, knowing may father, he would not let a moment like that pass. He told me how he admired me for reading the meter that way.
He told me that not a lot of people see a half-filled gas meter in that situation. He himself didn't see that, he told me. Most people would see a half-empty gas meter.
I didn't get it. I never understood my father's words until I was in college. In college I found myself rationalizing things. Even the most bitter and frustrating events were subject to my rationalizing, and most of the time, I could see good in them- good even in the worst of times.
And I could see it not only for myself but for other people too. It was a positive perspective all the time. My friends would tell me their problems and I would see good coming out of them as if they were automatic. I am yet to experience a complete spiral down when confronted with the worst of times. I always see light.
Some of my friends think that it is plain stubbornness. Others think it is defiance. A few think that I just refuse to succumb to the reality of the negative, and that I am always susceptible to pain and disappointment by always expecting the best. Most think that I am simply being an idealist. Whatever it is, I am happy with it.
However, I know that with this kind of makeup, I could come across as naive or soul-less. The thing is, I think a lot. And doing so allows me to rationalize and separate my thoughts from emotions. I am a rationalist. I think emotions are deceiving and cloud correct judgment.
I think more than I feel. I never trust my feelings (sorry Obi-wan). I always trust my thinking and it always serves me well. Emotion is the habitat of misery.
When you think, you will always see a half-filled gas meter. When you feel, all you see is emptiness.
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MANILA -- Kris Aquino thinks she may be pregnant. Yup, with her third baby. She had a self-pregnancy test, she revealed, and the result was positive. But it’s still her obstetrician who will decide on her interesting condition. She submitted to a pregnancy test a few days back and she was told to wait 12 days for the results.
But whether pregnant or not, Kris, according to one of her confidantes, had expressed her wish to lie low in her work. In fact, we were told that she had a talk with someone "powerful" at ABS-CBN and she suggested giving up her program, "Boy and Kris," because it’s taking so much of her time.
Kris’ game show, "Wheel of Fortune," will soon be axed. But she has another game show to host.
"Kung sabagay," said our source, "dapat nga lang for Kris to give more time to her two sons. Fourteen years old na si Joshua (her son with actor Philip Salvador) in June. Si Baby James (father, James Yap) naman will turn one year old on April 19."
Kris and James are currently in Phuket, Thailand for a three-day vacation. They left their two kids with a caretaker.
If, indeed, Kris is pregnant, she is planning to have a high risk doctor take care of her. She doesn’t want to take any chances. Not with herself or with her baby. After all, it’s common knowledge that she had difficulty with her last pregnancy. Baby James should have been born first or second week of May. But they had to have him "come out" earlier because of the risk involved, especially on Kris’ part.
Kris turned 36 last February 14. (MNS)
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MANILA -- Beleaguered TV host-singer Regine Velasquez, made her statement regarding the network transfer brouhaha: “It’s true, I really planned to leave GMA,” she said. “I cried (on SOP) because I found it hard to say goodbye to my co-hosts, and to the staff and crew who I’ve worked with for the past several years.”
Although there was nothing new in her statement and the interview we did a few weeks ago, Regine finally put a closure on the issue. She confirmed that there was an offer, and she was tempted to accept it, but she clarified that it was not because of money.
“Hindi naman ito pera-pera lang,” she said. “I said on The Buzz last week na I was jobless, because it’s true. I want to do something, and they offered me that something. It’s for my growth as an artist. I was looking for a new venue for my growth.”
She thanked GMA bigwigs, Atty. Felipe Gozon, VP Jimmy Duavit, Wilma Galvante, Darling de Jesus and especially Annette Gozon-Abrogar “for understanding.”
Of course, she never forgot to thank boyfriend, Ogie Alcasid “for always being there” and ended it with “Baba (her term of endearment for Ogie), I love you.”
Officially, she said: “I will remain a Kapuso and I’m proud to be Kapuso.” (MNS)
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MANILA -- WILL Charlene Gonzales be interested to join the cast of Dyesebel? Now that she is doing a show for QTV 11, the sister channel of GMA 7, many are wondering if it’s possible for her to do a soap opera.
Charlene is hosting “Proudly Filipina” aired every Friday on QTV 11. She replaces Daphne Osena-Paez. Her first episode was aired last Friday, Feb. 29. She says her husband Aga Muhlach is very happy that she was offered to host “Proudly Filipina.” She plans to bring her kids, Atasha and Andres to the succeeding taping days of “Proudly Filipina.”
And since GMA is doing a TV remake of “Dyesebel,” many are wondering if the former Bb. Pilipinas Universe and finalist in the 1994 Miss Universe pageant held in Manila would be interested to join the cast of the newest Marian Rivera- Dingdong Dantes starrer. And what does she think of Marian being given the role of Dyesebel? Charlene played Dyesebel in the movie produced by Viva Films.
“Wow! Si Marian, she’s very beautiful. She fits the role of Dyesebel. As of now, I haven’t been offered anything. If ever they would offer me a role, why not? But my only commitment as of now is with QTV 11 and Proudly Filipina. Let’s do it one at a time muna,” says Charlene. Besides, Charlene adds, they have to ask Aga’s permission if he would allow her to accept a role in a teleserye.
The Muhlach couple are leaving this month for the United States . They plan to watch Manny Pacquiao’s fight, if they would be lucky to get tickets. But Aga will return home first since he has to finish his movie with Anne Curtis titled “Waiting for Love” under the direction of Jose Javier Reyes.
On the other hand, Charlene would extend her vacation a little bit so she could visit some of her relatives in the States. But she can’t stay long either because she did few advanced episodes for “Proudly Filipina,” just enough until her return from the States.
Charlene will be the anchorwoman at the Bb. Pilipinas beauty pageant on March 8 with Raymond Gutierrez and Paolo Bediones. It will be aired on GMA 7. (MNS)
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MANILA, Starlet Alicia Mayer, who was once linked to TV host Edu Manzano and comedian Joey Marquez, recently admitted that she's pregnant. Alicia would not say who her unborn baby’s dad is.
"Basta isa siyang politician," she said.
Is the guy unmarried? Alicia was asked.
"Oo naman," she answered. "And he welcomes the idea of becoming a father soon. It’s both our decision to have a baby."
While she’s waiting for her tummy to "swell," she wants to be active in her TV career. Alicia was the mainstay of a comedy series on GMA-7 before she quit showbiz temporarily. (MNS)
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More than 2,500 fans of Filipino bands Parokya ni Edgar and Aegis are expected to attend the Rakrakan Overload concert at the Marina Club, Manama, next month. For a band that initially thought of naming itself Comic Relief, Parokya ni Edgar has come a long way and will make their Bahrain debut at a concert on March 7.
Since its inception a decade ago, the band has scored multi-platinum hits, a series of product endorsements and consistent critical acclaim making Parokya ni Edgar a byword in Filipino pop culture.
Famous for their crazy on-stage antics and witty song lyrics, the five-piece band claims that they are about having fun and seizing the moment. Their music can be described as rock-alternative moving away from conventional loud angst-driven compositions and their songs include elements of hard rock, pop, funk, and rapcore.
They have also won numerous MTV Asia, Awit Awards, and NU Rock Awards and are touring in support of their eighth album Halina sa Parokya.
Aegis was formed in the 1990s and has enjoyed radio airplay in the Philippines and other countries where Filipinos live. The band has received nods from music critics for their soulful lyrics since it was first launched and has been regular fixtures at award shows, having performed at sold-out concerts in Canada and the US.
The six members were originally called AG's Sound Trippers, but shortened the name to the current moniker, which is a play on words of their original title. The band's unique fusion of pop, rock, country and disco elements in their music have earned them acclaim by both critics and fans.
The event is being organized by TFC World Tours and is being supported by the Kabayan Hotel, BPInoy Remittance, Giordano, BuyNow!, Seair, and the Bahrain Tribune. Tickets are priced at BD5 each and doors open at 5pm.
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It’s confirmed! Slapshock will be part of the Dubai Desert Rock Fest V 2008 happening on March 7 and 8. Slapshock will be sharing the stage with Headliners Korn, Muse, Killswitch Engage, As I Lay Dying, Velvet Revolver and Machine Head.
This is the biggest, most prestigious annual rock event in the Middle East with thousands of rock afficionados gathering from all parts of the globe. Previous year’s performers include Iron Maiden, Prodigy, Incubus, Megadeth, Sepultura, Testament, Stone Sour and In Flames.
This is gonna be a huge break for the band as they become the first Filipino artist ever to participate on the said event.
Thanks for all the prayers and support! Keep posted for more updates on this. For more info check out www.desertrockfestival.com
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MANILA -- IS there sibling rivalry between sisters Ehra and Michelle Madrigal?
“None,” said Ehra. “Mga tao lang naman ang nagko-compare sa amin. We really support each other and I was even the one who referred her to my manager, Tita Annabelle Rama, para dito na rin siya magpa-manage at hayan nga, dumami na rin ang trabaho niya.”
But who has more magnet when it comes to attracting guys?
“Definitely, siya. She has plenty of suitors. Ako naman ang mas masunuring anak sa mommy namin.”
Ehra gamely revealed the Killer Question addressed to her: Totoo bang kinukulitkulit ka ngayong ligawan ni Janno Gibbs?
“Hindi nanliligaw si Kuya Janno sa akin ngayon,” she says. “But when we did ‘Lupin’ together, he’d tell me na crush niya ko then text me smiley faces. Pero dinedma ko lang siya kasi kilala ko si Tita Bing Loyzaga and I have so much respect for their family.” (MNS)
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