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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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(Ted Reyes is a musician, composer, record producer and journalist based in NYC. If you have any comments you can visit his website at www.tedreyes.com or email him at tedreyes@mac.com)
I HAVE been following the NBA finals religiously. This season, I am glad that we have two great teams vying for the sport’s top plum: The Lakers and the Celtics. I am quite tired of San Antonio already, hence I cheered hard when the Lakers bagged the Western Conference title. Likewise, I welcomed the return of the Celtics to the finals by trouncing the Detroit Pistons, who I also dislike for the same reason I dislike the Spurs: They are always there-year after year.
At the end of game number two, which Boston won, Laker coach Phil Jackson whined about the unfair officiating. He said that Celtic guard Leon Powe got to shoot more free throw than his entire Laker team, which was true. It was true because, according to many who saw the game, Powe was aggressive going to the basket, hence got fouled more often compared to the Lakers, who settled for jump shots. Such disparity, he said, has never been seen in all his years as a finals coach. His whining was rewarded when in game three, the Lakers beat the Celtics and guess what, the Lakers got more trips to the free throw line than the Celtics. Thus, whining resulted in winning.
Celtics coach Doc Rivers hit Jackson for whining about the fouls and said why can’t Jackson just accept that they lost the game?
In view of this, I now ask– why do people whine? Why do people complain about so many things? Why can’t we just accept things the way they are? And if whining is a right, is it a universal right?
Consider this: A girl from Nebraska writes on her Myspace page that she hates girls who wear a specific brand of shampoo. She whines that girls who use the shampoo get all the boys in campus. Now, a young girl from Sudan writes a letter to the UN complaining that militant rebels are taking the relief goods that are supposed to be for them and distribute these to other people whom they favor. Which of the two is a valid complaint? Are both valid?
It makes sense to invoke every freedom in the Bill of Rights to give credence to the first complain, however, give the circumstances of the second complain, there is no need to justify its validity. The gravity of the complaint alone justifies itself.
Yet, why does the first complaint about the shampoo need justification to make it valid? Perhaps its gravity or the absence of it requires it. Otherwise, the whining is just plain silly and perhaps, selfish.
In this regard, I can conclude that Jackson’s whining was valid. There is gravity in his complaint. He is being paid millions of dollars to do exactly that. To question anything that affects his team. It is his job to whine when things don’t go their way. It is in his job description.
But what about the millions of people who whine about trivial things? Some whine about people who are loud at rock concerts, others whine about Britney Spears’ recent romance with a paparazzi. Silly as it seems, people do whine about things without any importance at all.
Perhaps it is cool to whine about anything in today’s society. The irony about all this, though, is that people that are comfortable, safe, and devoid of any real painful experiences are the ones that complain more. While the people that have endured poverty, death in the family, depression, hunger, and injustice are the ones that do not. They carry their aches with dignity and strength.
Frank Lucas, the Harlem drug don played by Denzel Washington in the movie ‘American Gangster said: “ The loudest man in the room, is the weakest man in the room.” Likewise, a famous proverb says the same thing: “ He who talks more, says the least.”
In the final analysis, the issue about whining could be summed up into one singular factor: Attention.
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Philippine cinema's Prince of Action Rudy " Daboy" Fernandez was finally laid to rest Thursday around three in the afternoon at the Heritage Memorial Park Crematorium in Taguig. Fernandez' wife actress Lorna Tolentino and his sons Raphael, Renz Marion and Mark Anthony led the funeral rites.
The actor's family, relatives, friends and supporters gave their last respects through a eulogy a day before the burial took place. A last mass was also celebrated for Fernandez' soul. After the mass, Fernandez' golden-brown casket was brought out of the chapel, placed on a horse-drawn carriage and delivered to his final resting place. Before 3 p.m., the Fernandez family took a final glimpse of the actor. The Philippine flag was draped over his coffin before it was interred. Daboy was a reservist in the Philippine Navy.
The actor's best friends, members of the Big 4 -- senators Jose Pimentel "Jinggoy" Estrada, Ramon "Bong" Revilla
Jr. and actor Philip Salvador, the machos of Pinoy movies could not help but cry during the burial.
Fernandez' former sweetheart, actress-politician Alma Moreno, was also present. Moreno is the mother of Fernandez' eldest son actor Mark Anthony Fernandez. Former president Joseph Estrada was also present at the burial.
Also present were Kris Aquino, Ruffa Gutierrez and Eddie Gutierrez, Robin Padilla, Tirso Cruz III, directors-actors Edgar Mortiz and Johnny Delgado. Mourners were dressed in white or pastel colors instead of black as requested by the Fernandez family.
Fernandez or Rodolfo Fernandez in real life passed away on Saturday, June 7, after a two-year struggle against periampullary cancer. He passed away in the presence of his wife Lorna and his family and friends at their home in White Plains, Quezon City due to periampullary cancer.
Dubbed as the Philippines Cinema's Prince of Action, Fernandez made almost 100 films. At the age of three, Daboy starred in the movie "Luksang Tagumpay" with his father Gregorio Fernandez as the film director. His career bloomed when he starred in action films based on real life characters, both anti-heroes and heroes, including "Bitayin si Baby Ama" (1976); "Batuigas: Pasukuin si Waway" (1984; for which he won Best Actor from the FAP and the FAMAS) and "Victor Corpuz" (1988; for which he won Best Actor, FAMAS) and "Markang Bungo."
Daboy's legacy
Among the many provisions that action star Rudy "Daboy" Fernandez made sure to arrange before his deathwas the continuation of his legacy as an actor for posterity. To this end, he bequeathed the rights to his films to ABS-CBN to ensure that later generations would be able to watch his films.
It was fortunate that in December 18, Fernandez was able to sign a contract with ABS-CBN, giving the network the rights to air his films. Fernandez was accompanied by Lorna Tolentino at the signing which was witnessed by ABS-CBN executives, including the network's president Charo Santos-Concio and Malou Santos. At the time, Fernandez appeared fit and healthy and was all smiles as he signed the contract spoke to ABS-CBN officials.
The actor's movie will be aired in the future on a weekly basis only on Kapamilya network. A report said that Fernandez' films will be aired at the end of the Fernando Poe Jr. Cinema Collection.
Daboy's memories
Celebrities, family members and close friends remember Fernandez as not only a great actor but also a wonderful human being and colleague. Known as a generous, kind, caring and loving person in real life, Fernandez was not just an action star but a real film artist whose legacy includes memorable characters and classics in the Filipino action film genre. (ABS-CBN)
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MANILA -– Newlyminted Kapuso star Heart Evangelista said she wants to do a movie with Marimar and Dyesebel star Marian Rivera as well as star in a Koreanovela adaptation.
“I want to work with Marian for maybe a movie. She’s really hot," the actress said.
Heart also expressed her intentions of starring in a Koreanovela a la Regine Velasquez in the Filipino adaptation of Kim Sam-soon, which airs soon on GMA.
“I really want to do a Koreanovela dahil siguro doon ako babagay kasi I look different. I look chinita and I like romantic comedies," confessed Heart.
Earlier, executives of the Philippines’ leading network disclosed that Heart would star in a Koreanovela adaptation, apart from appearing in a Sineseries and regularly hosting at Sunday noontime show SOP. Blooming in her grey top and miniskirt, Heart chatted for almost three hours with online fans from as far as Japan, England, Thailand, Hawaii, Brunei and parts of North America.
Working with Kapuso stars
Among the questions posed the most to Heart during the live chat were her thoughts on finally working with other Kapuso stars. Heart did not deny that she wanted to star alongside other Kapuso heartthrobs like Mark Herras and JC de Vera.
“Thank you. Kaya pala hindi niya ako pinapansin. Akala ko naaartehan siya sa akin (So that's why he has been ignoring me. I thought he found me "maarte" )," Heart said after being informed that Dennis Trillo has a crush on her.
“I think very shy siya eh (he’s very shy)… but yes I would like to work with Dennis Trillo," she added.
She also expressed excitement on meeting Rufa Mae Quinto and Yasmien Kurdi.
Heart is set to star with Richard Gutierrez in the upcoming primetime series Codename: Asero, with scenes shot in Dubai and Subic in Zambales.
“Iyang si Richard gwapo naman talaga yan muy bonito. Sobrang bait at down to earth. Tahimik lang siya. Sobrang cool. Si Richard ang pinanaka- maalaga (Richard is really handsome, muy bonito. He's so kind and down to earth. He's quiet but very cool. He's the most thoughtful)," Heart said of the hunky actor. (MNS)
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Actor-host Luis Manzano said his relationship with actress Anne Curtis is stronger than ever. Manzano talked about Curtis and their current relationship as best of friends.
“Walang nagbago sa amin ni Anne which is good walang nabawasan sa closeness walang nabawasan sa pagiging special namin sa isa’t isa and that bestfriend soulmate context, so we are very, very happy na ganoon pa din ang relationship namin,” Manzano said.
Manzano who worked with Curtis in ABS-CBN’s “Kampanerang Kuba” and other television projects said their special friendship never changed. They are both happy that they will be working again for a ABS-CBN’s television series “Dyosa.”
“After nagkahiwalay kami... ako nag-Crazy for You, nag-Rounin, we are still very happy na pagkabalik ng ‘Dyosa’ ay ganoon pa din kaming dalawa,” Manzano added. Manzano said that he doesn't expect any problems with working with Anne again since they had been so successful as a tandem before
“Wala sigurong pagkakaiba which is good dahil kahit paano naman it is safe to say na effective din ang love team namin in Anne na nasuportahan lahat ng projects namin.
“So kung ano ang minahal ng tao sa amin dati nandnoon ulit iyon si direk na ang bahala mag-tweak kung ano iyong pupuwedeng idagdag sa aming dalawa,” Manzano added.
In “Dyosa,” Manzano will portray the role of Kulas the childhood friend and sweetheart of Dyosa (Curtis). The actor said the series’ story revolves around a goddess who will try to save the earth.
“Dyosa is, hindi natin alam na may nakatira pala ditong Dyosa at deities dito sa mundo natin--na nakikihalubilo sa atin na ganoon. Sa Dyosa magugulat yung character ko na iyong isang taong kilala niya ay deity pala siya,” narrates Manzano.
Manzano also confirmed that he is having a problem when it comes to schedule due to his many projects, but said that he's committed to fulfilling all of them no matter how much effort and time it takes. Last February 13, Manzano inked a two-movie deal with ABS-CBN’s movie outfit Star Cinema. (MNS)
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MANILA -- IT IS not true that Pauleen Luna has much more time for love than her showbiz career. It’s just that she’s an actress waiting for the right project to display her histrionic talent. But she is never without a project, either as a host (for Eat Bulaga) or as an endorser.
Early last week, Pauleen signed a contract with a weight management company. Two days later, her manager, Lolit Solis, handed her another contract for her third consecutive year endorsement of Placenta. Pauleen admits that her talent fee for the endorsement isn’t comparable to what others get, but for her, money isn’t everything. Pauleen considers Placenta lady boss a good friend and she wants to help her boost her product in the market.
Remember that Placenta is still in a legal imbroglio with a former beauty queen. The controversial case, however, didn’t seem to have a negative effect on the sale of Placenta. In fact, Pauleen was surprised when she saw the huge crowd in Hong Kong when she attended an exhibit of beauty products for OFWs there. It also opened a big opportunity for OFWs who want to sell beauty products as sideline. The sale in Hong Kong and other Asian countries of Placenta products is quite promising, making Pauleen an effective endorser.
Meanwhile, Pauleen is also in a new adapted Koreanovela, Kim Sam Soon, on GMA 7 which will start taping soon. Leading the cast is Regine Velasquez, with Nadine Samonte, among others. (MNS)
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MANILA -- DEAF dreamer Priscilla Navidad of the recently concluded "Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Season 2" had a chance encounter with Aga Muhlach, when she and her fellow evictees, Rona, Juriel, Joef, Linda, Kevin and Jolas went on a charity mission with some ABS-CBN executives, headed by Charo Santos- Concio and Cory Vidanes, in Bacolor, Pampanga.
With the group were the cast of the ABS-CBN sitcom, "That's My Doc," headed by Aga. They included Roderick Paulate, Bayani Agbayani, Pokwang and Nova Villa. Also present were the kids in the cast, Celine Lim, Jairus Aquino, Sophia Barrs and Bronson.
"It was a happy group," Priscilla related. "And I, in particular, was in my element. Sayaw ako ng sayaw while waiting for, ika nga, the action to take place. We were to feed and give gifts to more than a 100 children.
"I must have caught Aga's attention. He called me. And he was probably surprised why I was not responding. Somebody must have told him that I was hearing impaired. He did some sign language. E, hindi nga rin ako marunong ng sign language.
"But we later had the chance to talk. And I was truly impressed with him. He looks so young. 'Di mo sasabihing may asawa na siya at anak. At mabait siya," Priscilla added.
***
Priscilla is from Davao City. While in town for the rest of the "PBB Teen Edition 2" activities, she and her mom are staying at the Sogo Hotel on Quezon Avenue, where the hotel management gave them a 50 percent discount.
In the Sogo Hotel compound is also where the boutique shop of Ogie and RoseVergara is located. It is also the office of the STEAM Foundation, which Aga helped establish 12 years ago. For a time, Aga was the foundation's chairman and president. The STEAM Foundation aims to educate and train its deaf members, which will allow them to get employed in companies where they can excel despite their disability. Most of the members are college graduates.
Aga volunteered to give up the position two years ago to give way to one of its members, Cromwell Umali, who was born deaf and is now employed with the Media Office of the President in Malacañang, to become the foundation's president. Aga remains the foundation's honorary chairman and president. (MNS)
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