|
For the past 17 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BROADWAY QUEEN. Lea Salonga answers some questions about her life,
career and upcoming solo show at Carnegie Hall on Monday, November 7.
(Photo by Sheryl Garcia)
|
|
|
|
LEA SALONGA has just made herself comfortable in a nice couch inside a luxury suite inside the famous Hotel Edison, right in the middle of the theater universe: Broadway.
She was particularly in an upbeat mood, always joking with her husband Robert Charles Chein, who was obviously fighting jetlag; the couple just arrived a couple of nights ago after a brief stay in Manila, where Lea did some work. Now, Lea is in town to do a one-night show at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall this coming Monday.
My first reaction upon seeing her was that of awe. Here I was inside this classic Art Deco hotel suite with the artist who put the Philippines, and Asia into the international theater map, with an award-winning portrayal of Kim in the legendary musical Miss Saigon, and a ground-breaking performance as the French girl, Eponine, in the 10th anniversary staging of the classic Les Miserables at London’s Royal Albert Hall in the nineties.
But what made me at ease in doing this one-on-one interview with this superstar was her unbelievable smile.
Her smile was enchantingly disarming, yet very real; as if conveying a message that behind the global acclaim, the numerous awards, and the iconic stature, she is still the same girl-next-door who did the milk commercial, and starred as little orphan Annie when she, I and most of her peers were still kids in the early eighties.
Ted Reyes: Tell us about your big one-night-only Carnegie Hall show this November 7.
Lea Salonga: Well my concert is on November 7, at Carnegie Hall, seven O-clock in the evening; it’s my solo debut. So basically, it’s a solo concert in a really wonderful, wonderful performance hall.
And it’s a hall that I have passed many times walking on 57th Street, coz I use to live there. And I would think, maybe one day I might have a show there. Then I Jose Mari Chan had a show there, and so, “sa isip-isip ko balang magkakaroon din ako ng show”.
TR: what would be your repertoire?
LS: It’s not just a particular kind of repertoire. Definitely, there will be musical theater because I have done mostly Broadway, musicals, but there will also be some pop, some jazz and some standards. Basically, I will be singing songs that I enjoy singing or will challenge myself to sing or have always wanted to sing but I never had the chance to.
And, well, this is Carnegie Hall, and it is one night, so might as well go for broke and just have a blast.
TR: What if the show turns out to be huge. Will it be extended?
LS: Well, we only booked it for one night so, that’s all we’re gonna get. We’re not gonna be able to extend anything, maybe we’ll be able to restage the concert at a later date, maybe at another venue, or Carnegie Hall will have us again, maybe.
TR: With your busy work schedule, how did you becoming pregnant come around?
LS: I mean, there will always be time if you really make time for something. This came in as a happy surprise. Because we weren’t really trying so I was very surprised to find that I was pregnant. I was not expecting to be, and with all the stuff that I had on my plate, I was thinking maybe God’s gonna hold up on it until after this concert series is over.
TR: How are you and your husband taking it?
LS: You know, we feel extremely blessed, and we feel very excited. Like a lot of first-time parents are, but you know, this is gonna be an awesome addition to our family, and we can’t wait, and I’m due at the end of May.
TR: You have been doing theater since you were 7. Will you encourage your child to do the same, maybe audition for a play at the age of 5?
LS: Not at 5! Dear lord no! But I mean if my child has an aptitude and a real good attitude for doing what I do, then, I would certainly encourage it.
But there definitely will be a caveat, I’m sorry to say, but you know who your mother is and what people think who our mother is all that, will you be able to handle that? Well the nice thing is, the surname of my child won’t be mine, so there’s less pressure.
TR: Lea, do you think you have reached your peak, artistically?
LS: I don’t think artists really do. At least, I don’t think so. If there’s always something new to create, to do, or there’s always new song that challenges you to perform, I don’t think artists will ever be able to reach their peak. I mean, I can always think,
I don’t think I will ever reach that peak and I hope never ever to get there. I don’t ever want to get to a peak, because once you get to a peak, the only way to go is down, or into obscurity and into nothingness and I really don’t wanna go that way.
TR: Who’s your greatest musical influence?
LS: Ella Fitzgerald is the most amazing vocalist ever, ever anywhere.
TR: Is it much harder to perform now that you are a Tony winner, than just a plain singer?
LS: No, it always gets mileage. It’s always nice to get introduced as a Tony Award winner. It never gets old, it’s always a good thing and it’s a great thing to have in your resume.
TR: Do you still audition for roles?
LS: Sometimes I do. For film and TV, absolutely I have to because I have not proven myself in that avenue and it’s absolutely necessary.
TR: What’s the current state of Phillipine Theater?
LS: I think it’s doing well. There are so many theater companies putting up shows, I mean, besides Repertory Philippines, there’s Actors and Actresses Inc., there’s always PETA, Tanghalan, Trumpets.
There are so many theater companies that cater to a particular branch of the market. There’s a lot of theater going now; much more than, 20 or 30 years ago.
TR: You have become some sort of a standard when it comes to Asians crossing over to the international mainstream. Like, I know of an Asian rap artist who made a bit of a noise in the American mainstream. And then everybody started referring to him as “The Lea Salonga of Rap”. How do you feel about this?
LS: That’s awesome! (Laughs),
TR: Winning a Tony and being cast, in a dream cast for Les Mis in a role traditionally reserved for Caucasian actors; do you feel like you have opened the gates for Asian artists who are determined to make it globally?
LS: You know, it was not really an intention. It wasn’t my intention to break a wall or anything. My intention when I did Les Mis was just to prove that it could be done; that you could cast an Asian person in a role and that’ll be right. It wasn’t really stunt casting, it was a purely by merit.
I think when I won the Tony, I think I gave people a lot of hope, that, “hey she could do it, maybe I could do it”. “She’s Asian, I’m Asian, I’m talented, why can’t I do it too”.
TR: Any messages to our kababayans?
LS: To everybody at home, I’m in New York and getting ready for the Carnegie Hall concert this coming Monday. And I just wanna ask you guys to pray that it goes very well.
And to those who have sent well wishes on my pregnancy, thank you very much. I really appreciate all the kind words you’ve sent to both my husband and to me.
And we are praying that we’ll have a healthy baby in May, and with your prayers as well, that will help us. And for my entire career, thank you for all the love, support and just for basically being there because without you, I wont be around. As long as you want to see me perform, I will be there for you to watch.
Lea Salonga live at the Carnegie Hall, November 7, 2005, 7:00 PM, For tickets: Call 212-247-7800, Or Log on to www.carnegiehall.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jersey City, NEW JERSEY --- On a Friday morning, Harborview’s community room is bustling with energy and activity, as seniors take part in a weekly aerobics session sponsored by the Philippine American Friendship Committee, Inc. – Community Development Center (PAFCOM-CDC) under their Healthy Aging Program.
For about two hours every week in Harborview, Filipinos led by an instructor get their hearts pumping and their bodies grooving to aerobics, in a fun and supportive healthy environment with their peers.
In addition to aerobics, the Healthy Aging Program provides regular health screenings of blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels. The program also provides a series of wellness promotion workshops including smoking cessation, cholesterol, communicating with your doctor, stress management techniques, access to healthcare, and nutrition.
Evangeline, a long-time participant who has had open-heart surgery, said, “Talagang masaya at nakakatulong.” (It’s really fun and beneficial.)
Evangeline cites improved health with her regular participation and appreciates the blood pressure and other screenings. She has invited friends to participate and avail of other programs sponsored by PAFCOM-CDC.
According to a 2003 report to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Asian American elders experience language and cultural barriers that make them less likely to receive social services and medical care, and to benefit from social interaction. PAFCOM-CDC aims to address these health disparities through programs such as Healthy Aging.
Physical activity reduces the risk for coronary heart disease, hypertension, colon cancer, diabetes, and illness in general. A physically active lifestyle also is associated with improved mental health, reduced stress, and a positive self-image.
“PAFCOM-CDC provides much-need services, which help create a healthy lifestyle for Filipinos and other seniors,” said Lita Pena, Board President. “It’s very rewarding to know that our seniors have a familiar and welcoming space and community to go to, have fun, and enjoy activities that benefit them.”
To promote social interaction, PAFCOM-CDC, in conjunction with the City of Jersey City, Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, and the Office of Senior Affairs, is organizing short trips for seniors for a day of relaxation and recreation such as in Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, the world’s premier horticultural display garden.
The Healthy Aging Program is funded by the New Jersey Office of Faith Based Initiatives and through a Statewide Services Grant from the New Jersey Division of Addiction Services. The program is a collaborative effort among Christ Hospital, Shield of Faith Ministries, and PAFCOM-CDC.
For more information about Healthy Aging and other programs and services provided PAFCOM-CDC, please contact Florentino Capili at 201-332-4711.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THE Order of the Knights of Rizal, New Jersey Chapter is sponsoring an oratorical contest on the relevance of the teachings of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.
The oratorical contest, which will be held on December 3, 2005, is open to all Filipino American youth between the ages of 12 and 21.
The contest is divided into two categories, one is for the 12-16 age group and the other for the 17-21 age group.
First place winners will receive a $600 cash prize; second placers will get $300; while third prize winners will take home $200.
Winners will receive their prizes during the Knights of Rizal -NJ Chapter’s Christmas Cruise aboard the Spirit of New Jersey cruise ship on December 17, 2005.
Interested contestants can choose any of the following topics:- Relevance of Dr. Rizal in today’s youth;
- Dr. Jose Rizal and the preservation of family solidarity;
- Rizalism: Bedrock of today’s regeneration;
- Relevance of the life of Dr. Jose Rizal to my personal life;
- Response of a true Rizalist to the problems of modern society.
Contestants must demonstrate deep knowledge of Rizal’s life, works and role in the history of the Philippines.
Aside from knowledge of Rizal’s life and works, contestants will be also judged in terms of organization of ideas, coherence, clarity of expression and effectiveness of delivery.
In sponsoring the oratorical contest, the Knights of Rizal-NJ Chapter said it is hoping that the contest “will bring about the expression of ideas, through oratory, of this great man (Rizal) whose works and whose tremendous love for country and its people inspired a revolution that resulted to freedom in the Philippines.”
Those interested to join the contest should contact the following:
Sir Francis D. Sison, KR. Home : 201-332-7696; Cell: 201-388-6364;
Sir Ador Equipado, KR. Home: 201-333-4739; 201-386-8095;
Sir Dennis Hayes, KOR. Home: 201-451-8291; 201-547-4509.
Deadline for applying is on November 30, 2005.
Applications can be faxed at 201-324-0418 or mailed post-marked no later than November 30, 2005 to: Sir Francis D. Sison, KR, Society Hill at Jersey City I, 13 Juniper Street, Jersey City. NJ 07305.
The Order of the Knights of Rizal-New Jersey Chapter’s mission is to propagate the teachings of Dr. Jose Rizal.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Citibank, which has a presence in over 100 countries, has expanded its services to Filipinos based in the United States by offering a secure and most convenient way to send money to their loved ones back home -- through the new Citibank Money Card.
“Through this breakthrough service, we are happy to serve the needs of Filipinos who may not be in the Philippines but whose hearts remain with their loved ones back home,” says Nina Aguas, Citibank Philippines Country Business Manager for Citigroup’s Global Consumer Group.
“Our reputation as one of the leading banks in the U.S. and the largest foreign bank in the Philippines with an outstanding track record of more than 100 years of service is our customers’ assurance that their remittance will be sent and received immediately, as they are dealing with one of the world’s most stable financial institutions,” Aguas added.
According to John Stewart, Managing Director of Citibank’s National Distribution, with this new remittance service and nearly 800 branches in the United States, Citibank is in a strong position to serve the needs of more than 2 million Filipinos living in the U.S.
“With Citibank Global Transfers, we are flexing our global financial muscle to provide Fil-Ams with a remittance service that is exceptional in terms of security, convenience and delivery,” explained Stewart.
Here’s how
To begin using Citibank’s remittance service simply open a Citibank Account at a Citibank Financial Center. Different types of accounts are available to suit every customer’s unique needs.
The Citibank Access Account, for example, has no minimum balance requirement and the account comes with an ATM card which can be used at any Citibank ATM with no fees.
To send your first remittance via Citibank, simply make a request for a Citibank Money Card to be sent to your loved ones in the Philippines. Citibank will facilitate sending the Money Card to the Philippines, relieving you of the hassle.
When they receive the Citibank Money Card, your loved ones only need to inform you of the account number shown on the front of the card so you can start sending remittances.
So easy to send monthly remittances!
With a Citibank Money Card, it is easy for you to send funds to the Philippines. This is especially advantageous for those who regularly send funds to the Philippines. Remittances can be sent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through any Citibank ATM in the US or through Citibank Online at www.citibank.com. No waiting, no forms, no delays and no correspondent bank charges.
Remittances received in seconds!
Sending remittances using the Citibank Money Card is almost as good as handing the cash personally to your loved ones. Unlike wire transfers that normally take 2-5 days, a transfer using the Citibank Money Card is received in seconds! The remittance is made literally with a push of a button or a click of the mouse. No unnecessary waiting! Funds are immediately available and account balances are immediately updated.
Your loved ones can withdraw your remittance from any of over 3,000 Bancnet or Megalink ATMs all over the Philippines. With this 24/7 feature, it’s so easy for you to respond quickly to even the most urgent situations back home.
Aside from the ease and convenience of this service, Citibank gives US-based accountholders the assurance of having exclusive access and control over their Citibank Accounts. The accountholder can easily set the limit on the Money Card, by limiting the amount sent each month.
Remittances so affordable!
Sending a Citibank Money Card requires only a one-time fee of US$8. Sending a remittance to the Money Card only costs US$8 regardless of the amount of the transaction and all remittance fees will be debited from the sender’s Citibank account.
With Citibank’s cutting-edge remittance service, sending funds to relatives and friends in the Philippines has never been so quick, secure and convenient.
For more information, please call 24-hour Citiphone Banking at 1-800-349-9711.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
