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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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(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)
GREENLIGHT GIRL
Artist: Chelsea E.
Fantastic Productions
Released 2008
GREENLIGHT Girl is a pop record by a California based Filipina-American artist named Chelsea E.
Chelsea herself wrote nine of the 16 songs in this album. The others songs were penned by Chelsea’s collaborators and producers.
The album sounds like a trip to the 1990’s–A throwback record. It evokes sounds of an earlier era governed by names like TLC, Janet Jackson, C.C. Penniston and Paula Abdul.
The songs have all the parts of a template 90’s pop songs: Drum machine, orchestral synth hits, and synthetic sounding distorted guitars (think Janet’s Rhythm Nation) There are 16 tracks in the album, but one of my favorites is Dozen Roses.
The song, written by Chelsea and her producer Paul Anthony, has the makings of a crossover hit. The song simply works. It begins with a nice acoustic guitar intro driven by full sounding percussion arrangement. The melody is catchy and the words are easy to dig. It is one of those tunes that would make you remember something from ten years ago even though the song was written and recorded only this year. No wonder, there’s an encore performance of the song at the end of the music program– an acoustic version of Dozen Roses. The producer’s know that the song has it.
I am a bit confused, though. The original version of Dozen Roses, which is track number four in the album, is already acoustic. So what’s the need for another version if it is really NOT another version.
The encore of Dozen Roses is not much different from the original, except for the way the acoustic guitar is played– slap and pop compared to the original’s pluck and strum. The percussion arrangement is different, but it ‘s the same instrument. Perhaps, it would work better if they called the other version as “The other version.” But it is really a good song so no matter what they call it, it will still work.
There’s another song in the album that is noteworthy– Caught Up. Again, it sounds like a pop song from 1992, but again, in a good way. It is a type of song that Wilson Phillips could have written and recorded. It also has the makings of a hit especially in Manila.
Another good song in this album is He Lied to Me. This is a well-written song that also has a big crossover potential. I could totally picture young girls crying over this song after a fight with their boyfriends.
Chelsea is a good singer. She also writes well. However, despite the potential of Dozen Roses, Caught Up, and He lied to Me, the album suffers from lackluster A&R work. The A&R could have selected the songs more carefully to make a cohesive whole. I missed a number of tracks because my mind just wanted to do something else. The album is just too long.
With Chelsea E’s singing talent, beauty and writing gift, she would go places if her projects were to be handled well. Regardless of poor A&R work, though, Chelsea E as an artist is a success. Now it’s time for her to choose the right people to work with because if she does, she will definitely put Fil-Ams in the map again.
Greenlight Girl is available on www.bestbuy.com and the iTunes Music Store
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Filipino Artists from all over North America to gather for another
historic weekend
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ROCK IN THE BOX ONE ARTISTS BATCH 2006 Top, left to right: The Moonbugs, Bleud, The Kuwagos, Alfa, Sodapop Suicide, Rubberband, Jay Legaspi, Bagwis, Blue Mellon Pop, Grim Bottle, Third Element, The Happy Analogues, during the album launch at the Cutting Room NYC. This Labor Weekend, a new batch of Filipino artists from North America will launch the second volume of the compilation CD. PHOTOS By SHERYL GARCIA
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NEW YORK– For a 3rd year in a row, New York City will again play host to the biggest gathering of Filipino artists in North America with a two-night show on Labor Day Weekend– August 29 and August 30, 2008.
The show billed as “Rock in the Box Weekend” will feature 28 rock bands from the United States and Canada to celebrate the launching of the second volume of the compilation album Rock in the Box.
The first show on Friday, August 29 is the pre-album launch party at Club Rehab NYC located at 25 Avenue B, New York. NY. The artists that will be playing that night are as follows:
Jason Castillo – New York
Daybreak – Chicago
Earplug– Maryland
Indiagos– Indiana
Kayumanggi – New York
Lucidblur– Chicago
John Violago – New York
Wallows– New York
These acts will be joined by some bands that were part of the first volume of Rock in the Box launched in August of 2006 at the Cutting Room also in New York City:
Bagwis – Chicago
Blue Mellon Pop – New York
Bleud– New York
Sodapop Suicide – New Jersey
The Third Element – Maryland
The second show on Saturday, August 30 is the album launch of Rock in the Box 2. It will be held at Crash Mansion located at 199 Bowery, NYC. The show will feature 12 of the 16 bands that are in new compilation:
ACI9 – Chicago
Binky Bianca – New Jersey
Circled Sin – Maryland
Diablo Royale – New York
Noizytoyz– Canada
Out of Luck – Canada
P.I. – Washington, D.C.
Qwadra – New York
Rayzed – California
Steel Polly – Maryland
Then Again – New Jersey
Trickbag – New Jersey
Once again, these bands will be joined by Rock in the Box 1 alumni:
Alfa Garcia – New Jersey
The Happy Analogues – New Jersey
The Kuwagos – New Jersey
These big Filipino music festivals have become a tradition in New York City since Rock in the Box 1 was launched in 2006. In 2007, the premiere Filipino–American music online magazine, Poptimes Magazine, celebrated it’s first anniversary with a two-night event similar to this year’s Rock in the Box Weekend. It was also held during Labor Day Weekend that year.
The past events are nothing short of historic. Rest assured, this coming Rock in the Box Weekend will be of the same magnitude, if not greater than its predecessors. So this coming Labor Day weekend, the history in the box will finally be unpacked. Be a part of history. Support your local Filipino artists.
Rock in the Box Weekend is produced by Soulworks Records. Admission is $15.00, however, special ticket prices are now available online at www.soulworksrecords.com. Early online buyers can avail of a–two night pass for only $20.00 compared to $15.00 for each show– an instant $10.00 savings. All online transactions are facilitated by the ultra-safe payment system Paypal. All major credit cards accepted.
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MANILA - Veteran actress Rosanna Roces, also known as Osang, is set to revive her acting career in films soon when she does a digital film opposite young actor Piolo Pascual.
"Atat na atat na akong ibuga ang nalalaman ko sa akting," said Roces.
"I-re-remake naming ang ‘City After Dark’ ni Ishmael Bernal. Di ba, dati ‘Manila By Night’ ‘yon pero hindi pinayagan ni Imelda Marcos na maipalabas dahil sa title kaya binago ang title, di ba?" recalled the actress, who was just a teener when the movie was shown.
According to Roces, it was Pascual himself who chose her as his co-star.
"Gagampanan ko ang papel na ginampanan ni Charito Solis, ‘yong asawa ni Johnny Wilson sa pelikula na dating hostess sa club," said the actress.
The millennium version of Bernal's opus will be directed by Adolf Alix, Jr. Roces will also appear in another Alix project namely "Palahian" with seasoned actress Anita Linda and actress Katherine Luna.
"Natutuwa ako at nagbabalik na si Katherine. Magaling siya," Roces said.
Roces may be excited to do a film, but she said she is not too eager to go back to television. "Nalalaspag ako sa TV. ‘Yong puyatan," she said.
The actress looks fresh, younger, and sexier these days.
"Kasi, lagi lang ako sa bahay. At saka lagi akong happy sa pag-ibig," she said. She refused to say who inspires her, though.
Proud grandma
She is also happy fulfilling her duties as a grandmother. "Nag-aalaga lang ako ng dalawa kong apo. Nanganak na ang misis ni Onyok (Roces' son)," she said excitedly.
She said she has given up her car wash business, and that she has a lot of free time these days.
"Iba na ang negosyo ko. At mas madalas, sa bahay lang ako," she said. (MNS)
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MANILA – JOLINA Magdangal and Marvin Agustin are together again in GMA- 7’s “Dear Friend” that will replace “Tasya Fantasya” on Sundays starting July 20. Their previous shows on GMA, “I Luv NY” and “Hoo U” both rated well so the management is confident that “Dear Friend” will also be well received by home viewers.
Marvin is really so lucky as he’s also seen Monday to Friday in “Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan,” which is rating high.
“I’m really thankful to GMA-7 for all the good projects they’re giving me,” says Marvin who just returned from the U.S. where he promoted GMA Pinoy TV with Katrina Halili.
“Straight from the airport nga, dumiretso na ako sa taping ng first episode namin ni Jolens for ‘Dear Friend.’ Ganyan ako ka-excited talaga na makatrabaho uli si Jolens.”
How does Jolina feel about their new show? “Siyempre natutuwa ako kasi up to now, tanggap pa rin ng tao ang team up namin. It’s been quite a long time na rin since we last got to work with each other, although nagkikita namin kami sa SOP when he’s promoting a new show, pero siyempre, iba yung magkatrabaho kami talaga in one show like ‘Dear Friend.”
“Talagang hindi kami pinaghihiwalay ng tadhana,” Marvin jokes. “Di ba she left me behind sa ABS pero sinundan ko siya rito sa GMA-7? We’re sure the fans of our love team na loyal sa amin will be glad na makita uli kaming magkasama.”
“When I was told na si Marvin ang makakasama ko sa ‘Dear Friend,’ siyempre, natuwa ako kasi it’s fun to work with him. Also, maganda yung concept, hindi mabigat ang tema at bagay for light and easy Sunday afternoon viewing. Bagay sa amin. Makaka-relate ang viewers, lalo na ang mga kabataan, kasi we will read letters sent by viewers, then this will be dramatized and Marvin and I will be giving our opinion on matters of love and relationships.”
“Parang new version ito ng ‘He Said, She Said.’ Kami ang magbibigay ng advice doon sa letter sender about his problem. Puedeng pareho ang advice namin at puede ring magkasalungat. ‘Yun nga ang maganda roon, the letter sender will be able to hear different views at siya na ang bahalang mag-assess which one will be of better help para sa kanya.”
“Dear Friend” will surely make your Sunday afternoon viewing much more meaningful. (MNS)
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MANILA -- RHIAN Ramos was at the victory party of “My Monster Mom,” where she played the young Annabelle Rama. She said she hopes to play Annabelle again if ever they’d do the sequel of the movie.
We’ve seen the movie and she’s really good as the young and feisty Annabelle. She also plays the daughter of Ramon Christopher in GMA7’s “Codename: Asero” and is one of Richard Gutierrez’ leading ladies.
A lot of writers congratulated her for being a fine host in “Pinoy Idol Extra.” It’s just too bad that her detractors won’t stop in their desire to ruin her reputation and the newest scuttlebutt they’re circulating about her is that she’s trying to seduce Phillip Gozon just to make sure she’ll have more projects on GMA-7.
“Nakakahiya kay Phillip at pati siya, iniintriga pa,” she sighs. “He’s the son of GMA president Atty. Felipe Gozon. We met only once sa isang party and our picture was taken together. Ayun, someone posted it in the Internet at ginawaan na kami ng kuwento.”
What can she say to the accusation that she herself is masterminding all these intrigues so that she’d continually be talked about?
“I don’t think any woman would do such a thing para gumimik lang, ‘yung sisirain ang sarili mong pagkatao. That’s below being cheap. I’m just thankful na sa kabila ng paninira sa’kin, ayun, nanalo pa rin ako ng breakthrough award sa Golden Screen for ‘Ouija.’ That proves na hindi totoo yung sinasabi ng detractors ko na hindi ako marunong umarte.” (MNS)
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TV and film director Gilbert Perez passed away last night, July 16. He was 48.
The director, who was known to his friends and colleagues as Manong Gilbert, suffered a heart attack last July 1 on the set of his new ABSCBN drama series, A Time For Us, starring Jericho Rosales and Malaysian actress Carmen Soo. He was rushed to St. Luke's Medical Center where he underwent an angioplasty on the same day. But, unfortunately, he never recovered.
Manong Gilbert's friends from the industry held a fundraising show last July 10 at Esquinita for his hospitalization. The show reportedly raised P2 million.
Some of Manong Gilbert's credits as a TV director are the following: Maalaala Mo Kaya; Arriba, Arriba; Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka; Bituing Walang Ningning; Super Inggo; Super Inggo 1.5: Ang Bagong Bangis; Maging Sino Ka Man Book 2; and Patayin Sa Sindak Si Barbara.
Some of the films he directed are Kahit Isang Saglit, Trip, Jologs, Dreamboy, and Supah Papalicious. All these films were produced by Star Cinema, the film company of ABS-CBN, where Manong Gilbert spent most of his career as a director. (Erwin Santiago)
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MANILA -- Wacky actor, Jojo Alejar, is bound to spice up Betty La Fea with his hilarious antics.
“I play Mac Olarte, one of the bosses for Eco Moda (fashion design company), and Daniela (Ruffa Gutierrez) is my love interest. My character is so in love...na hindi naman siya pinapansin. Hindi nangyari sa akin kahit kelan [dahil habulin ako ng chicks],” Jojo quips.
Nonetheless, Jojo Alejar feels great to be a part of a huge project like Betty La Fea, originally a Colombian series which has been re-produced in over 13 countries worldwide.
He’s going to work with a star-studded cast who are famed for their gift of gab like Ai-Ai delas Alas and Vhong Navarro.
To be paired, in a sense, with someone as stunning as Ruffa is a big plus. “Yun palang nakakatawa na. Medyo off yata kaming dalawa kasi ang tangkad-tangkad ni Ruffa. Although ever since, I've always been into taller women,” says Jojo.
Would it be impossible then for him to fall in love with an uncomely girl like Betty?
“You know, beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder. So I would say that it’s very possible for me to fall in love with someone like Betty. Lalo na kung makikita mo na, [I can say] ‘uy may potential ‘to.’
"Huwag naman panget na panget. Yung presentable naman. Kumbaga sa kotse eh konting linis mo lang, konting retoke lang, okay na eh.
"Nung bata ako, all for looks ako. Balewala sa akin maski bobo ka. Basta ang importante trophy girlfriend yung dating mo. Pero medyo nung nagka-edad na ako konti, secondary na yung beauty.”
Speaking of his heydays, this former 80’s matinee idol— from the now defunct show "That’s Entertainment"—also talks about how different TV production works now compared to his time.
“Ito (role in Betty), I had to do a series of interviews and a series of make-up tests which are actually very good, very professionally done. It was based on the merits that you have which will suit the character you have to portray. Hindi ka lang kinuha because sikat ka or what. ”
Jojo admitted that acting had been “more like a hobby than a source of income” for him back when he was one of the sought-after stars in the biz. But he has learned from his mistakes and is now determined to be more passionate and focused with his craft. (MNS)
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