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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)
THE historic Rock in the Box Weekend was another milestone for all artists and supporters of Filipino music in North America.
This is indeed the farthest we have all gone in terms of our unity as one people. We have all made history and we will forever be remembered for all our sacrifices and love. Never to be forgotten.
Many of us have traveled far to be able to connect with one another and celebrate our likenesses through music. We have gathered as one people and we have shown everyone that nothing is impossible...
We at Soulworks are indebted to all of you who made this writing of history possible:
The Artists:
ACI9
Binky Bianca
Steel Polly
Then Again
Trickbag
PI
Circled Sin
Carpools
Super Kabote
Rayzed
Noizytoyz
Out of Luck
Diablo Royale
The Marys
Qwadra
Stella's Notch
Bleud
The Kuwagos
Alfa
Blue Mellon Pop
The Happy Analogues
Bagwis
Lucidblur
Indiagos
John Violago
Jason Castillo
Kayumanggi
Sodapop Suicide
The Third Element
Earplug
Wallows
The Community:
Ugnayan NYC
Chicago Pinoy Music Scene
Five Points NYC
Tambayan Productions
Bionic Leg Productions
P.I.G. Productions
EdSun Entertainment
Minerva Records
The Individuals:
Our host for both nights, Jeffrey Wiley
Nikka Trinidad
Feliza Mirasol
Ivan and Anna Balasi
Jerwin and Kristine Glorioso
Marie Borja
Patrick and Emjhay Reyes
Dennis Diaz
Annette Ortiz
Brian Joseph Miguel
Tere Ignacio
Emilie Lao
Our Crash Mansion door volunteers:
Jenny, Gladys and Mira
Paul and Beverly Zurita
Marc Lacsamana and Charmaine Sanchez
Cho Lopez and Rosette Viloria–Lopez
Jay Estrada and Lyn Pelaez
Arnold Derama
Valter Guevarra
Juan Miranda
Anthony Murgola
Tito de Leon
Ed Sunico
John Ynayan
Archie D
Baloi Valenzuela
Michael Violago
Lea Manalo
Riya Ortiz
Anang Palomar
Chet del Mundo
Marco Galsim
Jojo Valenzuela
Pao Moral
Ryan Arreola
Ginger Cacnio-Maguigad
Demetrio Maguigad
Natalia Alvarez
Melanie and Dario of MYX
Ria Marquez
The Venues:
Ilana Dubrovsky of CrashMansion
Jasper Coolidge of Rehab
The Media
Poptimes Magazine
The Asian Journal
Newstar Philippines
MYX (ABS-CBN)
The FIlipino Express
Thank you all,
Soulworks Records: Ted Reyes, Ronnie Lao, Gatchie Ignacio, Richard "Jonze" Saguirre, Sheryl–Garcia Reyes
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MANILA -- Actress Judy Ann Santos was in cloud nine while announcing the good news that her well-acclaimed film 'Ploning' was chosen as the country's official entry to the 2009 Oscar Awards for the Best Foreign Language Film category.
"Finalist for the Oscar's kung baga magiging representative ng Pilipinas... pero mahabang pagka-nerbiyos pa ito," Santos said.
It was during a meeting last Friday, August 29th when the Board of Governors of the Film Academy of the Philippines approved the selection of "Ploning" as the country's representative for the Oscar's.
"Actually yung masabi lang na magiging representative ng Pilipinas para mapabilling sa Oscars ay sobrang kaligayahan na yon. Yung makasama ka sa 18 finalist ay bonggang bongga na yon, eh yung makasama ka sa lima -- napakabuting tao ko na siguro talaga. Magbre-breakdown siguro ako to the highest level," the actress added.
The film is the story of Ploning (Santos), a woman who is considered as the town's beauty who is torn between keeping her two promises -- one is to look for her greatest and first love Tomas in Manila or stay in Cuyo to take care of the young boy Rodrigo who depends on her motherly love and care.
Santos admitted that she learned a lot of things before and after shooting the film.
"Maraming bagay na nangyari sa amin. Marami kaming realization at marami kaming naging friends. At saka nagmature ako for some reason, bakit kaya? Parang bigla akong -- hindi naman tumanda, pero ang dami kong natutunan habang ginagawa ko itong movie na ito," she said.
Santos said that despite the problems that she is facing right now like her tax evasion case, she believes that God is giving her things that could also make her happy.
"Siguro ito ang nakaplatapormang buhay ng 2008 para sa sa akin sabi ni Lord... madami ka namang kasong hinahawakan, bibigyan kita ng manaka-nakang kaligayahan," she said.
Santos is now battling legal problems after her petition to dismiss the tax evasion filed against her by the Bureau of Internal Revenue was denied by the Supreme Court. In a 27-page decision penned by Justice Chico Nazario, Santos' petition to reverse the resolution of the Court of Tax Appeals last June 19, 2006 due to lack of merit was denied. (MNS)
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MANILA -- After his hit "World's Greatest Dance Steps," actor-TV host Edu Manzano is back with a followup dance album, "Dance From The Universe."
Due to insistent public demand, and after the success of his first dance album under Universal Records, he decided to come up with "Dance with the Universe" CD.
"We didn't think na magiging ganoon katagumpay yung first one. At noong nagthird platinum na, Universal Records said na gumawa tayo ng follow up," he said.
Even if they do not think the compositions will reach the success of the first album's hit song "Papaya", Manzano said still they are trying to find at least one track that could somehow tickle the ears and feet of the public.
"Tama na yung sabihin na 'Oy ang galing!," he added.
The songs included in the CD are a combination of rehashed and original compositions. Some were rearranged by DJ MOD.
The chief of the Optical Media Board also said that his latest album was recorded to make people smile and want to dance.
"It's a happy album. The idea there is, once people hear the songs, they will make them smile," he said.
Happy Birthday
Manzano, who is the host of ABS-CBN's game show "Pilipinas GKNB", is also set to mark his birthday this coming September 14. The actor said that he could not wish for more since he almost has everything he needs.
"You know, I thought about it this morning pero wala akong maisip," he said "I realized that I'm so lucky with my children and I don't need anything else."
Manzano, who is a father of three, said he always finds time to talk to his kids. He is also happy and inspired by the special woman in his life.
"I have a wonderful woman who takes good care of me, and alam naman ng lahat yan. I'm just trying to enjoy what's left of my life," he said.
Manzano said his previous relationships have enriched his life in many ways.
"My point of view is that, be the best that you are and the best will come true." (MNS)
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MANILA -- A LOT of people were surprised when they saw Marian Rivera crying when she heard her father greeting her in Spanish during her birthday celebration at the Big Dome (shown on TV last Sunday.) It’s because she really has a sad personal life. She was only two years when her Pinay mom and her Español dad separated. Her dad went back to Spain and they seldom communicated with each other.
She grew up with her maternal grandma in Cavite and when she joined showbiz, she lost touch with her dad. This is the reason why she became so emotional when she heard her dad’s voice. Her father requested her to visit him in Spain so they can see each other again.
“I promised him I would do so next year,” she says. “Hindi ko naman puwedeng gawin ngayon as I still tape for ‘Dyesebel’, then I’ll shoot two new films, ‘Desperadas 2’ and ‘One True Love’. So hindi ko talaga maisisingit ang pagdalaw ko sa kanya sa Spain. I told him oras na makalibre ako, the first thing I’ll do is to fly to Spain and see him.”
It turns out her dad owns many businesses in Spain and she can inherit his riches. One writer even joked that she doesn’t have to work anymore since she’s an heiress.
“Ayoko namang umasa doon,” she says.
“Isa pa, I love my work in showbusiness. It gives me so much fulfillment and being able to entertain my fans is something I want to go on doing for a long time.” (MNS)
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MANILA -- When Billy Crawford surprised Nikki Gil with a bouquet of flowers during the August 24 gala night of the Pinoy Dream Academy Little Dreamers, it was hard not to notice the obvious closeness between the two. People around them have been commenting on the steadily growing sweetness they have for each other.
“We’re good friends. We’re getting to know each other. He’s a really nice person,” Nikki admitted during Star Magic’s birthday presscon for its August celebrants.
Having never worked together before PDA, the two talented singers have taken the time to get to know each other a lot more during their three-month stint on the show.
Blame it on their obvious similarities. Aside from both having had experience singing abroad, they also have great hosting skills. Add to that their outgoing personalities and friendliness and it’s not hard to guess why they would also find each other quite attractive.
Despite the hectic daily tapings for PDA, Nikki said she and Billy still hang out after work. “We go out. Minsan with friends, minsan hindi (laughs). We’re getting to know each other.”
But not wanting to add color to her statement, she added, “We’re getting to know each other because we work together. So siyempre you want to get to know the people that you work with.”
She refused to confirm if Billy was courting her and said that she thinks he would be in the better position to answer a question like that.
“Siya na lang yung tanungin niyo. Basta we go out and just enjoy each other’s company,” she concluded.
From the obviously happy response, it’s obvious that things between them are headed in a good direction. (MNS)
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MANILA -- Young actor Zanjoe Marudo shared his experiences working with veteran actress, Maricel Soriano for ABS-CBN's upcoming minihorror series "Florinda." The actor admitted feeling intimidated by Soriano especially during the first taping day for the project.
"Nakakakaba talaga. Hindi ko alam kung may lalabas na boses sa bibig ko noong ka-eksena ko siya. Kasi wala, makikita mo pa lang siya parang nai-intimidate ka na talaga," Marudo said.
Marudo said that before taping a scene, Soriano would approach him and actress Roxanne Guinoo, his love interest in the series. She would give them advice on how to improve their acting.
"Bago naman kami magsimula kasi kinakausap niya ako kinakausap niya si Roxanne so naging okay na parang kapag nag-eksena kami tinuturuan niya kami, pinaayuhan niya kami," he added.
Marudo said that though he feels nervous working with Soriano, he is giving his best to make sure that the actress will only say good words about his acting.
"At saka nilabanan ko iyong kaba ko at takot ko na kapag naka-eksena ko siya," he said.
In "Florinda", Marudo portrays the role of Archie, Guinoo's boyfriend who plans to marry her and settle down outside the country. They encounter problems because of Florinda (Soriano).
"Hindi kami makaalis dahil kay Florinda dahil may problema siya dito sa Pilipinas, na parang minumulto siya o may nagpapakita sa kanya. Pero kaming lahat iniisp naming na nasisiraan siya ng ulo dahil wala kaming nakiita o nararamdaman. So, hindi maiwan ni Roxanne iyong ate niya. So iyon, ipaglalaban niya kung ako o iyong ate niya," Marudo said. (MNS)
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