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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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ROCKY YULETIDE COLLECTION WITH
JOHN FLOR & ARCHIE D
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IN 2006 and 2007, Soulworks released two free Christmas records. The releases are now known in the scene as the Rocky Yuletide Series.
This Thanksgiving, the label announced the release of The Rocky Yuletide Collection– a free downloadable holiday album containing all the songs from the 2006 and 2007 releases plus two new songs: Merry Christmas (Santo Niño) by Archie D, and Secret Santa by John Flor Sisante.
Archie D and John Flor, two of the most talented singer- songwriters in the scene today, will join an impressive roster of fellow Fil-Am artists who have contributed songs to this annual tradition: The Kuwagos, Binky Bianca, Trickbag, The Happy Analogues, John Limguangco, Tony Murgola, Sodapop Suicide, Bleud, Sheryl Mae and The Astrids, Then Again, Paul Zurita, and Sugarplumfairy.
Rocky Yuletide Collection comes with a new digital album sleeve and will be available for free download on the Soulworks website (http://www.soulworksrecords.com) from Thanksgiving Day (November 27) to Christmas Eve (December 24).
About John Flor Sisante
John Flor Sisante is a mainstay in the singer-songwriter circuit not only in the Fil-Am music scene but also in the mainstream. He released his smashing debut in 2004 entitled the Music of Things, and quickly became a standard to which future Fil-Am releases of the genre are measured. He regularly releases new songs on his Myspace page (http://www.myspace.com/johnflor) and is currently playing the live circuit.
John Flor’s song in the holiday compilation, Secret Santa, is true to his style– smooth-simple yet musically sophisticated.
About Archie D
Archie Dairocas or Archie D is a legend in the Philippine pop music industry. He is one of the most sought-after singer-songwriter-producers in the business. Back in the day, Archie D wrote and recorded a string of pop hits in the Philippines, which includes: Kasayaw, Pakita Mo, Lovely, and Sadya bang Ganyan. He has performed with top caliber OPM artists like Randy Santiago, Ara Mina, Martin Nievera among others.
Now, Archie is based in New York and is producing a number of Fil-Am artists, like Kayumanggi band. He recently co-wrote a hit song with Ed Sunico entitled, Di Pa rin Nagbabago, which is currently enjoying airplay in the Philippines.
Merry Christmas (Santo Niño) is Archie’s contribution to this year’s Rocky Yuletide collection. It is a well-crafted RNB number that boasts of his gifts as a singer, songwriter and producer.
The Rocky Yuletide Collection, according to Soulworks is Fil-Am artists’ gift to all the people who have supported the scene throughout the years. The album contains mostly original songs by the artists and it stands out as the only Fil-Am holiday collection of it’s kind.
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MANILA -- RUFFA Gutierrez says their entire family felt relieved after her mom Annabelle Rama's doctor told them that the biopsy on the growth taken from her mom's uterus is clear of cancer cells.
"We're so happy that wala naman pala dapat ikabahala tungkol sa kanya," she says. "Naiyak nga ako sa tuwa. Finally, nakalabas na siya ng hospital on Saturday and is back home now. Naglalakad na nga. Gusto ng manood ng fight ni Manny Pacquiao sa Las Vegas. I'm just thankful na si Daddy rin, naagapan sa angioplasty and is back to playing golf."
Her role as Daniella in "Betty La Fea" got her positive reviews. "I'm really thankful for that. From the start excited na talaga ako with it as I knew I could give it justice. But some friends said I might lose endorsements in playing the role of a contravida. Luckily, people love the character. Even kids approach me and say 'Are you Daniella?' I really enjoy doing it so sana tumagal pa siya at ma-extend. I love working with the staff and the entire cast, lalo na sina Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz who have no superstar complex at all. I'm also proud of Megan Young, who plays my sister. Kasi she's much younger than the age of her character, Marcella, but she's good in it."
Even her performance in "Desperadas 1" and "Monster Mom" got good reviews. "I can feel I've matured na rin as an actress, especially in 'Desperadas 2' now na mas lovable na ang role ko as Isabelle at hindi na basta spoiled brat. But I wish I'd someday get a real meaty and challenging part na hindi glamorous ang role ko. Yung wala akong make-up at mukhang probinsiyana. I'm just thankful I got the chance to work with the great Lino Brocka. At 14, I was nominated as best actress for his movie, 'Makiusap Ka sa Diyos'."
But most challenging roles are now done in indie movies. Would she be open to do one? "Yes, why not? As long as it'll showcase a different Ruffa at magiging panlaban sa iba't ibang international film festivals."
How come she rejected having a kissing scene with Jay-R in "Desperadas 2"? "Kasi I believe I can show that I love him and grateful to him in the film by just giving him a tight hug. Also, nag-iingat na rin ako. My daughters are growing up and I don't want them asking me why I'm kissing another man. Isa pa, baka mapanood ni Yilmaz at magkaroon na naman ng gulo. E, he's a sleeping giant now, 'no?"
Won't that limit her as an actress? "I'm willing naman to do a love scene in a serious drama, but it has to be worth it and it'd give me the chance to win an award. E, alam ko naming my role in 'Desperadas 2' is not pang-award."
While Ruffa is being interviewed, her daughter Lorin called her up on her cellphone asking her what time she's coming home, where is she and who is she with. "Mahigpit pa yan sa mommy ko at kay Yilmaz combined," she laughs.
Viewers of "The Buzz" are always eager to know what she and Kris Aquino will wear in the show. Isn't there any rivalry between them? "I really love having Kris with us now kasi I'm more challenged to do my best as it's undeniable that she's the Queen of Talk. I love our team work and also with Boy Abunda. Wala kaming patalbugan as we give way to each other. Kris would even text me before each show to find out what I'm wearing para well coordinated kami. She's really considerate, intelligent and I like her as a person. I think she also likes me kasi she has included me in her devotional prayers. Madasalin kasi siya, e."
Ruffa says 2008 has been very good her. "'Desperadas 1" was shown starting January 1st this year and it's a hit kaya, heto, may sequel ngayon that opens naman on Christmas Day. I also did 'Monster Mom' so naka-three movies ako this year. I also did 'Kokey' and now, 'Betty La Fea', at may 'The Buzz' pa ko. I have so many endorsements kaya I'm in the list of top 20 endorsers at marami, nag-renew na. I really thank the Lord and I hope 2009 will be just as fruitful as 2008." (MNS)
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MANILA – Cristine Reyes is among the freshest new faces on the ABS-CBN block–and the people at Viva Artists Agency (VAA) and Mint, her newest clothing endorsement, are very proud to be part of her success.
Since she became a kapamilya, she has impressed critics and fans alike with her star turn in a "Maalaala Mo Kaya" episode earlier this year. Cristine is currently making waves in "Kahit Isang Saglit," the Jericho Rosales- Carmen Soo teleserye coproduced by ABS-CBN and= Malaysian production outfit Double Vision.
Next year, she is slated to topbill a remake of the 1976 Alma Moreno movie "Eva Fonda 16." The remake will simply be titled "Eva Fonda" and will see Cristine at her best, acting opposite award-winners like Baron Geisler and Jason Abalos.
Cristine also proved her versatility as an actress when she signed on to do the gag show "Banana Split." The show cemented her status as an ABS-CBN "It Girl" because it featured her in skits alongside other kapamilya girls, including Angelica Panga-niban and Roxanne Guinoo. All of her projects have also made her one of VAA’s busiest talents.
But as any actress knows, it’s really important to look good on the job. So it was that Cristine signed an endorsement deal with Mint.
"Actually, matagal na akong bumibili sa kanila, kaya I’m very happy na endorser na nila ako ngayon," she gushes. "I really love all their clothes and accessories." (MNS)
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MANILA – Malaysian actress Carmen Soo is at a loss over reports romantically linking her to actor John Lloyd Cruz. She said that the issue that has been brewing may have probably been blown out of proportion.
"I don't know actually how it came about... I only saw him few times especially during ASAP guestings at ABSCBN. So to be linked to him all of a sudden, I don't know how that come about," he said." Soo said.
The actress-model also said that she doesn't know the actor very well, that’s why the report linking her to him is certainly untrue. Insiders, meanwhile, believe that rumors started after Cruz and Soo were seen together inside the Trinoma Mall in Quezon City. Talk had it then that Cruz broke up withhis real-life-sweetheart Liz Uy. The report of the "break-up" was immediately denied by Cruz in a previous interview.
Meanwhile, Soo, who charmed the Filipino viewers with her performance on ABSCBN's hit television series "Kahit Isang Saglit", said that though she's not that close with Cruz, she's open and looking forward to work with him.
"That will be great I will look forward to that and I always look forward to work with new people and I also learn new things from everyone. So I'm still absorbing and learning new things everyday,” the actress said.
Soo said that she’s just here for work. “I’m not living in the Philippines right now... I'm gonna be here for the few days. I came here for work it will highly defend on if I continuously working here then of course I will still be here most of the time,” said the actress who arrived from overseas earlier this week.
The actress, meanwhile, said that she might consider establishing a base in the Philippines if things turn out good, including her love life. "Well if that happens yes of course I want to stay with the person I love," she said.
On a related issue, Soo again denied reports of a romance between her and co-star Jericho Rosales. The actress even joked that Rosales is a bad tour guide since he still failed to do his promise to bring her to Boracay. (MNS)
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MANILA -- Diana Zubiri has two entries in the coming Metro Filmfest. She plays Vivian, the free-spirited friend of Katrina Halili, in "One Night Only." She has the hots for Jon Avila and wants to bed him when they meet in a motel, but Jon is already with Valerie Concepcion that night so this becomes a problem for Diana. In "Shake, Rattle & Roll 10," she is in the "Engkanto" episode with Marian Rivera, who also has two entries in the filmfest: "Desperadas 2" and "Shake 10."
"First time ko magkaroon ng entry sa filmfest, tapos nagkasabay pa," says Diana. "Sa parade of stars, I’ll just ride on one float one half of the trip then lilipat ako sa kabila sa in the middle of the parade. Star-studded ang cast ng both movies ko and I’m glad I got to work well with every cast member na nakasama ko."
Wasn’t there any rivalry or competition with her and other stars at all like? "Kung meron man, hindi maiiwasan ‘yun but we didn’t allow it to become a real problem for us. Basta ako, hindi ako patatalbog kahit kanino. Kung paseksihan ang labanan, handa akong makipag-compete kahit kanino. Pero wala naman kaming naging ganyang problema. We all had a good relationship on the set."
How about in the billing? Was there no problem also? "Sa akin, wala. Kasi kahit nasa una man o gitna ang name ko, no problem for me. Ang mas mahalaga, maganda ‘yung role ko at hindi ako natabunan ng kahit sino." (MNS)
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MANILA -- Young actress Aiza Marquez denied reports anew that she got married with her purported girlfriend in United States last May of this year. Marquez pointed out that in the first place she never got involved with a woman.
“Nakakaloka noong May. Natawa naman ako diyan. Napaka-imposible na para sabihin na ikakasal ako ng May dahil May dumating ako dito noong 25 and May 16 kasama ko ang mga tito ko at asawa niya sa Santa Barbara,” she said.
Marquez and a certain Elaine Crisostomo allegedly hooked up when the former was having money troubles. Crisostomo allegedly helped Marquez when the actress and her family got evicted from their home due to non-payment of rent. A picture of the two together is also spreading in the Internet. Marquez admitted that she and Crisostomo are friends but she denied any romantic involvement with her.
“Nakilala ko siya through Desiree Del Valle. Those days na magkasama kami ni Des sa “Maalaala mo Kaya.” So, since then friends na talaga kami until now,” she said.
She said she went to the US in December last year and stayed there for two to three weeks. She said during those times she and Crisostomo had gimmicks with other friends.
“’Yong nag-California ako, nag-message siya sa akin. Gusto niya akong i-racket sa mga comedy bars sa San Francisco. And ako naman, since gusto ko ng trabaho at the same time may bakasyon din ako, pinadalhan niya ako ng ticket. Pumunta ako, nag-stay ako doon for like two to three weeks,” she said.
She maintained that even during her most difficult times she would never use a friend just to get out of the situation.
“Hindi ako ganoon kadesperado para manggamit ng tao and wala sa personality ko na manggagamit ako para lang makaiwas ako… kilala ko sarili ko. Alam ko kung ano ang tama at mali para sa akin,” she said. (MNS)
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MANILA -- OYO Sotto used to be with GMA-7 starring in TAPE’s afternoon soaps, then ABS-CBN got him and he got a number of shows for a while. But since none of them really rated that high (like "May Minamahal," "Pedro Penduko and Engkantao," and "Prinsesa ng Banyera"), the interest of ABS-CBN in him quickly dwindled and he has not been visible for six months now. No wonder he quickly accepted the offer of TV 5 to replace Paolo Contis as the lead in "Midnight DJ," now to be seen every Saturday.
"It’s nice to be working again," he says. "Bukod dito, kasama rin ako sa ‘Iskul Bukol, 20 Years After,’ na entry ng Tito, Vic and Joey sa Metro filmfest."
How’s his relationship with Kristine Hermosa?
"We’re dating pa rin. Mas malalim kaysa best friends, but no full-time commitment and we prefer it that way. Siya lang ang laging kasama ko, wala ng iba, pero wala kaming rules like sa mag-boyfriend-girlfriend kasi doon nagsisimula ang selosan at mga away. We know mahal namin ang isa’t isa, bahala na lang kung saan kami dadalhin nito later."
What can he say now that Kristine is about to be paired with ex-boyfriend Jericho Rosales in a new soap?
"That’s just okay. Ang totoo nga niyan, nag-tape na sila ng isang episode ng ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya.’ Trabaho lang naman ‘yun. Marami pa ring nakaka-miss at sumusuporta sa love team nila na talaga naming nag-hit noong ‘Pangako Sa’Yo’ days. Maski ako, pinanood ko sila noon."
Those close to Oyo say that Kristine had a positive influence on him.
"Maraming nagging magandang pagbabago kay Oyo dahil kay Kristine," they say. "He no longer smokes or drinks at hindi na rin nagpupuyat. Mas going straight na siya ngayon." (MNS)
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Sid Lucero and Emilio Garcia won the Best Actor award for their film Selda (The Inmate) at the recently concluded 49th Thessaloniki International Film Festival in Greece. The first time that the festival included a Filipino film in its main competition program, Selda’s screenings were held last Nov. 17 at the Olympion and Nov. 18 at the Frida Liappa.
Apart from the Greece debut, Selda also competed at the Montreal World Film Festival in Canada last August, the first Filipino film to do so. Jury president Michael Ondaatje from Canada said Selda is “a powerful film.”
Selda was programmed by Lefteris Adamis and Maria Hatzakou who became ardent supporters of Filipino movies after screening Brillante Mendoza’s Masahista in 2005. They have programmed Filipino movies like Jeffrey Jeturian’s Kubrador (2006) and Mendoza’s Foster Child (2007). This year, they also have Mendoza’s Serbis (which has been acquired by a Greek distributor) and Francis Pasion’s Jay. Both films screened in the Independence Days section. Selda and Jay were represented by Ignatius Films Canada while Serbis was represented by Fortissimo Films.
The jury of the International Competition Section of the 49th Thessaloniki Film Festival is composed of Ondaatje, writer (Canada); president Diablo Cody, screenwriter (USA); Yesim Ustaoglu, director (Turkey); Lita Stantic, producer (Argentina); Émilie Dequenne, actress (Belgium); David Robinson, film critic (UK); and Dionissis Savopoulos, composer (Greece).
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