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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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WHOEVER thought of transforming a totally unknown but promising up-comer into a full-pledged actress must be commended for his assertive decision and having that rare eye in spotting a real gem of a talent in Marian Rivera, (christened Marian Gracia Rivera). Or it could have been the former studio’s newly honed prima donna’s drastic move to transfer to a rival network and left a gapping vacancy (that needed immediate replacement) which opened doors for “the-next-in-line-girl” who was Marian?
For whatever hullabaloo there was, only one thing was certain though: Marian Rivera’s star was, undoubtedly, destined to shine… for she was at the right place (GMAchannel 7) at the right time (a new talent was in search) when there’s a need “to heed the call.” Marian’s premeditated good fate has been written and it was timely consummated.
It was only during that instance when the studio authorities realized that there was already an almost neglected raw stone, just somewhere around, that only needed a little polishing and a perfect bevel setting that could outshine a crown jewel… and Marian was it! She fitted into the slot to a T.
It could be recalled that even in Marian’s previous not-so- prominent role in “Super Twins”, where she played a young mother, Marian oftentimes appeared in scene-stealing instances effortlessly… over-shadowing her supposed to- be (younger) daughters. No amount of mock make-up could mar or deface her strong cinematic appeal that almost always leave lingering impressions even long after her scenes were through.
Then came Marimar, the Mexican tele-novela which ultimately made Marian Rivera as she, symbiotically, made Marimar’s resurrection more than just a top-rated television series… even much “hotter” than its original telecast about two decades ago when it introduced a Latin fast-rising singing star named Thalia.
Marian’s name became a household moniker as her face started to grace the mushrooming billboard ads lining the Metro Manila’s main thoroughfares. She was made! A full-pledge star and a certified box-office property, no doubt!
Striking the iron while it’s hot worked effectively well for Marian. Regal Films made killings at the box-office capitalizing on her instant boob-tube phenomenon with a line up of movies like “Bahay Kubo”, “Desperadas”, “My BestFriend’s Girlfriend”, etc… and they were all (unpadded) hits! Suffice it to declare that Marian Rivera is fully made and has totally arrived!
And as if all these weren’t enough to make her a paragon of the total embodiment of a true star, the “Marian Rivera Dance Hits” was launched to fully showcase her dancing ability and it added another feather to her already feathered cap… a certified Platinum, actually. Lest you forgot, Marian was born with a pair of dancing feet… having had displayed stomping moves even before she was able to initiate her first step.
With Marimar’s unprecedented lording-it-over the- ratings on television and movie success came another assignment that was positively predicted, even from its early conceptualization, to topple any other show that would dare play opposite its time slot --- DYESEBEL, an all-time Filipino favorite folklore heroine about a beauteous underwater mermaid who falls in love with a human.
Originally played on screen by petite and olive skinned Edna Luna during the early 50’s, moviegoers endlessly clamored for more related film sequels thus the inclusion of Vilma Santos, Alma Moreno, Alice Dixon, and Charlene Gonzales (as her launching movie after being crowed Bb. Pilipinas) in the long roster of “Dyesebel” players.
The boobtube didn’t allow itself to be left a non-participant in the “fish-tale” race and so, Rufa Mae Quinto, Pauline Luna and Claudine Barretto are just a few who have had their own fair share of involvement in the game… making Dyesebel truly a once-in-a-lifetime-role worth aspiring and playing for. GMA Channel 7’s production staff must be in their right minds and best spirits when they thought of Marian Rivera for the role… a perfect choice, indeed!
For Marian to play one of Mar S. Ravelo’s enduring legacies will forever make her name etched in the long history of Dyesebel’s successes and her face synonymous to the ethereal sea maiden that the “Father of Filipino Serialized Novels” famously created.
With the proliferation of modern technology and the advent of computerized animation, it is without any doubt, Dyesebel is headed to create another milestone in Philippine television history and Marian Rivera, with her justifying and convincing portrayal of the role (as if it was intentionally created with her in mind), will be but a permanent counterpart in Dyesebel’s continuing saga.
Now, it would be just appropriate and timely for Miss Susan Roces, the royal Queen of the Philippine Movies, to regally bequeath her long-termed title “The Face That Refreshes” to a very deserving recipient, Marian Rivera, after all, the latter has proven her worth as an established and bankable star who literally brightens every space and place by just merely lending her electrifying presence.
Educated (B.S. Psychology from Dela Salle College), a popular and top-rated actress, most in-demand in all aesthetic aspects, has a great number of supportive fans, and above all, beautiful… the exact distinct qualities that made Susan Roces the lasting star that is up to now!
This is Marian Rivera’s season. No doubt about it. This decade is her era where she reigns supreme! Special Edition Press, Inc. takes great pride in rolling out the red carpet to welcome her to the 10th Philippine Fiesta bash as one of this year’s most celebrated guests.
Take a share of the “Dyesebel-Marian Rivera Mania” and partake a slice of their phenomenal success. Experience that rare opportunity to come face-to-face with the Philippine’s number one female star and this year’s FHM’s Sexiest as she unveils her enigmatic persona and unleashes her ambivalent charm by way of her melodious voice, enticing dance routines and pulsating effervescent charisma.
Be at the Philippine Fiesta at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, New Jersey on August 16 and 17, 2008… join Marian Rivera and the rest of celebrity guests, Dingdong Dantes, Bea Alonzo, Divo Bayer, Poca and Rey Kilay and together, let’s all celebrate the traditional merriment and cultural festivities of the biggest gathering and assembly of Filipinos and Expo exhibitors this part of the East Coast--- the Philippine Fiesta!
To sponsor, exhibit, advertise, or attend the Philippine Fiesta Gala Night and the Philippine Fiesta two-day festivities, please contact Philippine Fiesta USA at 212-682-6610 or E-mail us at sepmgzn@aol.com.
For additional information and more details, please visit: www.philippinefiesta.com.
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NEW YORK—The United Nations has recently awarded peacekeeping medals to Filipino troops and police officers serving in Haiti in recognition of the "dedication and spirit of sacrifice they have shown in defending the cause of peace," the Philippine Mission to the United Nations reported.
In his report to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, Ambassador Leslie B. Gatan, Charge d' Affaires of the Philippine Mission, said the medals were awarded to 155 officers and enlisted personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and 17 officers from the Philippine National Police (PNP), serving with the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).
The medals were presented by Ambassador Hedi Annabi, Special Representative of the Secretary General and head of MINUSTAH, during joint ceremonies at the headquarters of the Philippine peacekeeping contingent in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince on 27 June.
In his speech, Ambassador Annabi emphasized the role of peacekeepers in Haiti, saying MINUSTAH has benefited greatly from the presence of the Filipino troops and police officers since they were first deployed during the Philippine membership in the United Nations Security Council in 2004.
In his response, Col. Rodrigo Diapana, commander of the Philippine military contingent, said receiving the decorations is an honor for both the police and military contingents as a whole and for each peacekeeper in particular.
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