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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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JERSEY CITY– Nothing last forever…..BLEUD, one of the leading bands in the Fil- Am music scene has just announced that two of their members have left the group. Brian Joseph Miguel, the band’s front man, together with Jason Estrada, their drummer for the past two years had both given their resignations last month.
Brian has been with the band from the beginning helping create the album “Musings of a Caffeine Addict and Tragic Ending,” which are both available on iTunes. Jason joined the quartet two years ago. The band did a little rearranging in their instrument line-up. Jerwin Glorioso gave up drums to become the bassist, Ted Reyes gave up bass to be one of the guitarist and vocals, Arnold De Rama focused more making kickass lead guitar solos and Brian Miguel gave up guitar to be the band’s front man. Although Jason was not in the first album, he was instrumental in making the band’s EP “Tragic Ending”. Together, the band played in Chicago, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, San Francisco and was even featured on the TFC TV show “Speak Out” two years ago.
What prompted the two members to quit the band? I tried to get a statement from both of them but to no avail. I did get in touch with Brian and he decided not to comment on the issue. He did confirm that he is no longer part of Bleud. So the big question is what happens now? To that, I went to the remaining members for an answer.
“It wasn’t sudden,’ they all agreed when I asked about Jay and Brian’s departure. The remaining three felt it coming; it was just a matter of time. “I feel saddened and wishes them the best,” adds Jerwin. They remained tightlipped on the reason why the two left, just saying, “you have to ask them.” When asked if it was an amicable decision, they just look at each other smiled and said “somewhat”. “Let’s talk about something positive instead,” Arnold said and they all enthusiastically agreed. Asked if the band is still alive, “no doubt about it,” Ted proudly said, “we have a new drummer already and we have new songs to arrange.”
The idea of disbanding never entered their minds especially with all their plans for the future. Bleud was scheduled to make a second album this year. That will still push through. In fact, the band is actively recording new songs these days in time for August, where Ted will go to Manila for contract negotiations regarding releasing the album there. That’s a big accomplishment when you simultaneously release an album here in the US and the Philippines. I asked them if they will stick to Tagalog songs this time and they said that it would still be a mixed of both. And there will be the gigs around the area.
The band had their first practice last Saturday in preparation for their first gig. When asked how did it go, they all agreed that that they were happy with how they sound. “Itwas better than we expected for a first practice,” Ted added. It looks like the new drummer compliments Bleud because they sound more solid than before.
Reactions from their friends and fans vary from one side to another. One says, “It is a great loss with regards to Jay and Brian. I can’t picture Bleud without them. However, I can’t wait to see the band back on track and I would love to see Ted back on vocals again.”
Roni Lao, a longtime fan and fellow musician commented that it is always sad losing members but on a positive note, thinking of the new dynamic of sound that the band will be offering excites him. Adding that he will always support Bleud whoever the members are.
Another musician even suggested that Bleud should just move on since most of their core members are still intact. Advising that adding one or two members is easier than replacing four. Furthermore saying that he will definitely still go to their shows since their music is still the same.
Gatchie Ignacio, a longtime friend of the band only has this to say when I asked for his comment, “ I was very excited and very glad to find out that Bleud will be under new management. I can’t wait to hear the new Bleud”
Well, that’s good to hear. Bleud is still going to keep making music and entertain the Fil-Am Community. I have to say that the pressure is on them if they still got it. We’ll have to see on their first gig. They are one of the bands featured for the Indie Music Festival to be held on July 4th at Crash Mansion. For more of Bleud go to www.myspace.com/bleud
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MANILA – Actress Dawn Zulueta gave birth to her second child on Monday via caesarian section/
The actress, who is married to Davao del Norte Rep. Antonio Lagdameo Jr., gave birth to a baby girl named Ayisha Madlen.
Ayisha Madlen weighed 3 pounds and 15 ounces. Ayisha is an Arab word for "woman" while Madlen is a Greek word that means "tall tower."
In a message sent by the couple, the two thanked all those who prayed for the safe delivery of their baby.
"Ayisha has 10 toes and 10 fingers, a head full of wavy hair and heart full of grace," they said.(MNS)
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MANILA -- WHAT doMarian Rivera and newcomer Carla Abellana have in common? They were both launched to stardom in a remake of a Thalia telenovela.
It worked for Marian in "Marimar," making her the top female star in GMA7. Let's see if the same formula will also work for Carla in "Rosalinda". Their difference is that Marian played supporting roles in other shows, like "Muli" and "Super Twins," whereas Carla is a total neophyte. But Carla has showbiz pedigree since both her parents (Rey Abellana and Rhea Reyes) were actors who met each other in the GMA7 soap, "Anna Liza," more than 20 years ago.
Marian and Carla got to work together last Friday night when they participated in the GMA7 59th anniversary show at Araneta Coliseum, "One Glamorous Night," which will be shown this coming Sunday after "Fullhaus" at SNBO.
"We already met each other in a previous GMA event," says Marian. "I welcome Carla as a Kapuso and I'm happy kasi nadagdagan na naman ang leading ladies ng GMA. I wish her good luck sa project niyang 'Rosalinda' and I'm sure na dahil magandang mag-alaga ang GMA, maganda rin ang magiging result noon just like 'Marimar'."
Doesn't she feel insecure that Carla might eventually surpass her popularity? "Kailangan ba may ganun? I believe hindi kailangang magkaroon ng feelings ng insecurity ang sinuman as there's room for everyone. Ipakita mo lang na you have talent para mahalin ka ng publiko. I wish Carla and Geoff Eigenmann all the best."
And how does Carla feel about being with Marian? "Sa totoo lang, na-star struck ako the first time we met kasi nanonood ako ng shows niya. Andnow, we got the chance to work together dito sa GMA anniversary special and I saw for myself kung gaano kainit ang tilian ng audience sa kanya. They really love her and Dingdong and it's an honor to meet her and work with her here. Mabait siya, napakaganda, and I'm just happyto be given the chance to follow in her footsteps."
What can they say about the observation of some folks that they look alike? "Oo nga," says Marian. "Pag magkaharap kami, para kaming nananalamin sa isa't isa. It means pareho kaming beauty, di ba?"
"Wala pa ko sa showbiz, noon pa maraming nagsasabi sa'kin niyan and I'm really flattered kasi, let's face it, she's THE Marian Rivera, di ba?" says Carla. (MNS)
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MANILA -- Young actress Bea Alonzo said she had to go on a diet and attend yoga sessions to be in good shape, for her upcoming movie "And I Love You So" with actors Derek Ramsay and Sam Milby.
Alonzo, who gained weight while taping for the defunct hit series "I Love Betty La Fea," obviously lost weight with a silvery tube-dress she wore during the renewal of her contract with ABS-CBN's movie outfit Star Cinema last Friday, June 19.
The actress said she attended bikram yoga sessions to be in shape, which is a requirement for her role in the upcoming movie.
"This is for the movie. Actually kailangan talaga ng pelikula, and I'm working on for myself again para ibang Bea ang makita ninyo dito,"Alonzo said.
The actress said that aside from the yoga sessions, she has been on a no-carb diet, munching on eggs and bananas. Alonzo said that aside from hard work and determination, it was her film director Laurenti Dyogi who challenged her to be fit again.
The actress said that as a proof of her effective diet, she lost almost 15 pounds in just four month. She said she can now wear the clothes she used in her 2007 hit film "One More Chance."
Even with her sexy body, Alonzo said she's still not yet ready to pose for men's magazines.
"Sa pelikula lang muna... at sa fashion magazine lang siguro," she said.
'And I Love You So'
Giving justice to the character she plays in the film "I Love You So" was Alonzo's motivation to have a perfect body. Alonzo said she and her leading men are about to finish filming the movie.
"We are happy sa tinakbo. Talagang wow. Nakaka-inspire at alam mo na ang ganda ng tatakbuhin," she said.
She added that she felt comfortable working with sexy leading men, Milby and Ramsay.
"Pareho silang interesting and ang sarap kilalanin. They are really kind and really nice," Alonzo said.
"And I Love You So" is about a young woman (Alonzo) who lost her husband. In her solitude, she will meet a man (Milby) who is a complete opposite of her late husband. (MNS)
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MANILA -- Seven years since her last album, it is nice to see Zsa Zsa Padilla back at the recording field. Her new CD entitled Unchanging Love is under Polyeast Records and it contains song revivals mostly from the 80s.
The presscon for the album was like a mini-concert as Zsa Zsa sang live almost all the cuts culled from the 2 CD special edition package. Justlike the title, her voice remains unchanged. In fact, it is even getting better. Whenever I perform abroad, they always request me to sing OPM songs. Mahina ang palakpak nila kapag covers ang ginawa ko. Most of my repertoire ay OPM at Hiram is their favorite. Di pwedeng mawala ito sa listahan. I welcome this opportunity of waxing revivals,” she admits.
Her classy remake of Hanggang (popularized by Wency Cornejo) should put the CD on the top of the music charts. Zsa Zsa sings it soulfully and with undying passion.
For something more personal. What does Zsa Zsa intend to give Dolphy on his 8lst birthday next month? Will they ever tie the knot?
“Lahat na yata ng materyal na bagay ay mayroon si Dolphy. I plan a birthday bash for him dahil gusto niyang makasama ang mga close friends niya from the industry. He is touched with the presence of good friends lalo na iyong matagal na niyang di nakikita. Regarding wedding plans. I don’t see it coming anymore since tuluyan nang nawala ang momentum. We nearly got married pero hindi natuloy and I suffered period of despression. May invitation na kasi at wedding gown. My daughter Zia tells me what is there to prove anyway. People marry because they want to raise a family. We have that na. He has 18 children and I have three beautiful, intelligent and loving daughters. I am truly blessed in everything. There is nothing more to ask kundi ang mag-triple platinum ang aking album,” she divulged. (MNS)
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