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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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RADICAL WAYS FOR THE SCENE IN A
TOUGH TIME LIKE THIS
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WHEN the economy falls, everything else tumbles– even the music. The recent crash of our economy appears to have slowed down the surge of our music scene. Usually during this time of year, artists release works and big shows are already organized.
However, with the ever-increasing uncertainties facing our finances, artists and independent labels are holding at their cash looking for a better time to invest. There is a slowdown. Not a lot of artists are working the rounds because of the tough situation. For one, venues are taking it slow in booking new acts due to the risk of not selling enough to make their ends meet. As a result, they try as much as they can to book establish bands for maximum income.
Likewise, independent record companies already scampering for ways to make money aside from relying on poor CD sales, are more careful than ever to put money on new bands. Most labels, even the major ones, are trying to bet on old horses to make money, hence we see a lot of tribute compilation albums or re-releases of old tried and tested catalog.
On the other hand, there is something to be glad about despite the gloomy surroundings: Innovation. Necessity is the mother of invention, and in tough times like these, artists and scene players are coming up with new ways to beat the recession and keep the music coming.
There are several ways for labels and artists to save and earn money while making continuous music: The Digital Music Store Recently, we launched our very own digital music store on www.soulworksrecords. com. This is one of the ways, artists and labels can save on production costs and yet continue to bring new music and drive the scene back on the road.
One of the most expensive aspects of producing music is the packaging. Replication costs alone could cost thousands of dollars. Add graphic design and printing and you have a brew that is just unaffordable given this kind of economy. Digital music, saves labels and artists that expense so they can use the saved money for other things like marketing or recording.
Though, I am a vinyl fan and believes in the importance of having great packaging and great sound, critical times need critical measures, and in this case, digital files will work, Besides, we can always re-release these digital releases in vinyl or CDs when the economy returns to shape.
The G.Gig
In a time when mainstream or even underground venues refrain from booking unknown Filipino-American bands, I believe a radical way to get bands is in order–and that is what I will be proposing in the next few days: The G.Gig. It will be a revolutionary way to experience your favorite Fil-Am bands without the cover charge.
I will be fine-tuning the details and soon enough, you will hear the formal announcement of the first Gtour. My idea with the Gtour is to eliminate the need for a venue where artists often pay for and yet don’t get anything in return to fill their tummies. The G-Gig will allow for great gigs without all the hassles of securing venues. I see a full-scale US tour without a single club booked. These are but a few measures to alleviate the economic injuries we are all suffering.
I am sure, however, that once we see the situation improve, we will all be back to normal and the music will be better than ever.
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MANILA -- If there’s reportedly one person who feels greatly affected by the breakup of Marian Rivera and Ervic Vijandre’s relationship, it is Marian’s grandma.
Marian was raised by her grandma after her parents’ separation. Her Spanish dad works in Madrid, while her mom works in London. Marian describes herself as a Caviteña, since she grew up there.
A reliable source said Marian’s lola is very fond of Ervic, who was her granddaughter’s boyfriend since high school. Allegedly, according to Marian’s Lola, the two have been together for seven years.
Marian has yet to reveal the cause of their break-up, although an informer said it had to do with a commercial (which has yet to come out) which Ervic didn’t want her to do.
"Kaya malamang na ‘di nga si Dingdong ang talagang cause ng break-up nila ni Ervic," said our source. "Pero, puwede ring naghahanap lang si Marian ng dahilan para makipag- break kay Ervic. After all, madaling mahalin si Dingdong." (MNS)
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MANILA -- PIA Guanio had a vacation recently to celebrate her birthday and it was reported that she and Vic Sotto had tied the knot in Las Vegas.
“I don’t take it against those who reported that,” says Pia. “Pati raw sa radio, binalita na, but it’s simply not true.
“Alam kong maraming nag-aabang kung kalian kami pakakasal kaya hindi naman ito ililihim kung sakaling pakakasal na nga kami. We’ll have an official announcement kasi we’d want to share that significant moment in our life with the people. We’ll never do a secret marriage as it will be unfair to those who love and care for us. Isa pa, busy si Vic ngayon with their filmfest entry nina Tito and Joey, ang ‘Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After’ na sinu-shoot nila.”
“Iskul Bukol” was a hit sitcom that ran from 1978 to 1987 on IBC-13 about the life of students in Wanbol University. The cast now get to revive their respective roles in the show: Vic as Victor Ungasis, the brainy teacher’s pet; Tito and Joey Escalera as the class bullies who always pick on Vic; Mely Tagasa as their teacher Miss Tapia; Bibeth Orteza as a student also named Bibeth who has a crush on Vic; Anthony Roquel as the gay Tonette Macho; and Jimmy Santos as Big J.
In the movie version, Vic now plays a top history teacher in Wanbol University who’s an expert in archaeology. He recovered the Kali of Humabon that opens a door to a mystery and he now wants to find the Kampilan of Lapu-Lapu which is in the hands of Shimata, a rich Japanese whose interest is in the Peseta found in the kampilan’s sheath. This is one of the 30 pieces of silver of Judas Iscariot and anyone who owns it becomes immortal. The Alibata inscriptions on the Kampilan, when put side by side with the Kali, will determine the exact location of the missing Peseta. This triggers a race as to who’ll get the Peseta first, making the movie an exciting action-adventure-comedy flick.
Also in the cast are Ryan Agoncillo, Carlene Aguilar, Francine Prieto, Keempee de Leon, Oyo Sotto, Benjie Paras, EB Babes, child star Robert Villar and Megastar Sharon Cuneta as Sharon Escalera, younger sister of Tito and Joey. With its big budget (with location shooting in Cambodia) and its huge powerhouse cast many are betting that “Iskul Bukol” will be a topgrosser in the coming December filmfest. (MNS)
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MANILA -- Former sexy actress Criselda Volks admitted that she was the girl in sex videos that are being circulated on the Internet and cellular phones.
Volks, who was in tears during the interview, said it was a "personal video" between her and her former boyfriend of five years and it should not have been circulated in the first place.
"Kami ‘yon ng boyfriend ko ng five years. Kami ang magkasama so automatically siyempre nagvi-video-han kami. So, it was supposed to be a video na hindi kumalat. It’s a personal video," she said.
"Alam ko na basically kung anong laman ng video. Nakita ko ‘yong video sa phone at that time… matagal na ‘yon pero hindi ko inisip na lalabas ‘yon," she added.
She believed that her former boyfriend was not behind the scandal because "we love each other up to now."
"I don’t regret making the video because it was supposed to be a personal file, personal namin ‘yon. Sumasama ang loob ko doon sa naglabas ng video," she said.
She did not say though who leaked the videos on the Internet. She also vehemently denied speculations that she sleeps around in exchange for money to finance her alleged addiction to gambling. Volks, who attempted to commit suicide last year, said she stopped going to casinos as well as her other vices when she entered a rehabilitation facility.
"For almost three years, hindi na ako nagka-casino. When I went to a rehab a year ago, I stopped everything. Hindi na ako nagsusugal, hindi na ako nag-sleeping pills, hindi ko na din tina-try i-kill ang sarili ko," she said.
She added that she can financially support her son to former actor Cris Villanueva without having to "sell herself." She said she is now collating all malicious reports about her to use these as evidence when she files a case in court as she vowed to "fight all the way."
The former sexy actress, meanwhile, appealed to the public not to judge her, saying she is the victim in this scandal.
"Sana huwag na lang akong pandirihan dahil biktima lang ako. Ako naaawa ako sa sarili ko, sana maawa din kayo. Na-down po yong moral ko ‘yong dignidad ko sobrang down na down na.
"Lalaban po ako and I just hope huwag nila akong husgahan… hindi po ako masamang tao, hindi ako nagbebenta ng laman. Hindi ako masamang tao, mabait po ako," she said.
She also admitted that she has a girlfriend who is helping her weather all the issues being hurled against her.
"There is someone helping me guiding me through this. She’s making life easier for me." (MNS)
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MANILA -- Sitti is known as "Bossa Nova Diva," but you can also add the words "dancing," "singing," "hosting" and "acting" before the title. She was recently in TV5’s "Shall We Dance," proving that she also has amazing moves to go with her superb voice. Will she do more than just sing in her future shows?
"I have to talk to Direk Calvin Niera about that," she says with a laugh. She admits that she did enjoy the stint but as much as she wants, her schedule got in the way.
Sitti is also a host. She would sometimes sub for Valerie Concepcion or Pokwang in "Wowowee." She also hosted "Pinoy Big Brother 2" on Studio 23 with Asia Agcaoili. She was also seen in Judy Ann Santos’ ABS-CBN soap "Ysabella," where she played a – tadah! – singer.
"Mahirap nga lang career- in ang trabaho nila (mga artista)," she explains. "Magdamagang taping. Mahirap sa boses."
This coming holiday season, she fills the airwaves with soothing Christmas carols. She comes out with "Ngayong Pasko" from Warner Music Philippines. "Ngayong Pasko," Sitti’s gift to her loyal fans, features a mix of traditional and the new –"All I Want for Christmas," "Santa Baby," "Winter Wonderland," "Someday At Christmas," "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, "Grown Up Christmas List," "The Christmas Song," "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus."
Special tracks are the delightful duet of Sitti and Christian Bautista, "Baby, It’s Cold Outside," and Sitti with the Las Piñas Boys Choir in "I’ll Be Home for Christmas."
"My favorite in the album is ‘Someday at Christmas’ of the Jackson 5 because I get to sing it as a ballad," she reveals.
She is set to go on a nationwide tour with other Warner Music artists: Gabby Concepcion and Nina. Then she celebrates another year with a concert on her birthdate, November 29. "First," her solo concert at the Captain’s Bar of the Mandarin Oriental Manila, will trace Sitti’s roots through songs— how she started, her rise, her success and her future plans. (MNS)
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MANILA -- There is no stopping GMA Network from showcasing world class television to Filipino viewers. This November, GMA brings to life four beautiful masterpieces featuring a world class dramatic actress brought to life by four of the country’s most distinguished directors in "Obra presents Iza Calzado."
Iza who has one of the most beautiful faces in the country is also one of the most multi-talented actresses in the entertainment industry. This November, Iza once again showcases her versatility as an actress as she portrays four challenging roles that will make viewers marvel at her forte.
Iza will prove once more her mettle in acting as she portrays four remarkable characters in four heartwarming and gripping stories– "Sanib," "Boksingera," "Beauty Queer," and "Stella 45." The four weekly drama anthologies will be directed by the country’s new breed of directors namely Topel Lee, Mark Reyes, Dominic Zapata and Rico Gutierrez.
Directed by Toppel Lee, "Sanib" is "Obra’s" Halloween special that tells about the role of a woman possessed by an evil spirit with a sinister past. Then, she plays the role of a female boxer whose heart will be torn between the man she loves and her father’s fervent dream for her in the emotionally gripping episode "Boksingera" directed by Mark Reyes. In the funny yet heartwarming episode "Beauty Queer," Iza plays the role of a consistent "Thank you girl" or a losing contestant in beauty contests. "Beauty Queer" is directed by Dominic Zapata. Lastly, Iza will portray the role of an assassin who wants to change her life but her profession keeps haunting her in the episode "Stella .45" directed by Rico Gutierrez.
Don’t’ miss these new set of exceptional stories in the most talked about and most awaited drama anthology today on Philippine TV, "Obra" presents Iza Calzado beginning November 6 after GMA Telebabad. (MNS)
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MANILA -- GMA-7 continues to support the Jennica Garcia-Mart Escudero love team. After “Kim Samsoon,” they are now together again in “Gagambino.”
“We’re really thankful to all our viewers dahil sinusubaybayan nila ang ‘Gagambino’,” says Jennica, who plays the tomboyish ward of Dennis Trillo. “Kaya naman kami sa cast are all doing our best para lalong mapaganda ang show.”
Jen and Mart admit that they will celebrate their first year as sweethearts come December. “I’m glad na ring inamin namin ang totoo kasi mahirap ‘yung tago kayo nang tago,” she adds. “Mart was the first one to admit it when he guested in ‘Sis’ and I’m proud na sa kanya nanggaling ‘yon na kami na nga. Kasi kung ako, I’m scared to admit kasi baka bigla i-deny ng lalaki di napahiya lang ako. So ngayon, Mart was the first one to admit it and I’m happy sa ginawa niya. It means he’s really proud of me.”
How is Mart as a boyfriend?
“He’s very sweet. Madalas niya akong binibigyan ng letters. Di ba ngayon, usually, patext-text na lang. But in his case, talagang sumusulat siya ng romantic letters at natutuwa ako sa gesture niyang ‘yon. Nagulat nga ako, kasi hindi ko alam that he’s capable of writing such notes na talaga naming nakakakilig.
"He’s really a romantic person and I really smile each time I read his letters to me.”
So what does she do in return?
“Ako kasi, I’m a very expressive kind of person when it comes to showing my true emotions. Hindi ko basta kinikimkim, so Mart now knows my true feelings for him and about our relationship.” (MNS)
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