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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.
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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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IN the music scene, show bands, or bands that play nothing but songs of other artists are not given much regard by fellow artists and musicians.
Peers who believe that the purpose of being in a band is to dish out fresh, new original tunes often brand them as talent-less and mere copycats. Why such anonymity toward groups whose main philosophy is to give their audience a good time?
Besides, what’s wrong with being in a show band anyway? What’s wrong with playing Michael Jackson songs, or Kenny Rogers materials to please the crowd? Nothing, really. There’s nothing wrong with being in a band that doesn’t play nor write their own tunes, except passing on the opportunity to widen their musical horizon.
Remember, even the Beatles did cover top 40 materials in their day, but of course, they became a phenomenon when they started doing songs that they wrote themselves.
Two schools of show band thought
There are two schools of thought when it comes to the purpose of being in a show band: Musicianship and money.
Musicianship- most musicians join a show band to hone their skills in the instruments they play. I know a friend who started out in a show band playing bass guitar. Their repertoire consisted of 70’s disco hits, soul music, rock and roll, pop, jazz and even country. Now, he is one of the most sought-after studio bassists in his area. A show band really does make a musician improve their instrumental and vocal skills, because they have to live up to the standard of the original artist that did the song.
Money – Show bands have a lot more playing opportunities than bands that play only original music, thus more money to earn. Show bands are the first choice in cruise ships, weddings, formal functions, receptions, election parties, Bar Mitzvahs, funerals, Sweet Sixteen balls, proms and a lot more. Whereas, bands that play only-original materials are limited to clubs, festivals, and parties. Economic-wise, show bands can hum their way to the bank. That is unless the original music-playing group explodes and becomes the Beatles, Coldplay, or U2.
Show band vs. Original band
Which is more satisfying, to be in to show band or an original band?
Both are satisfying, but in different aspects.
Creatively and artistically, it is more satisfying to be in an original band for the reason that it is involved in the creation of music from scratch. Besides, the songs that show bands copy are from ‘original’ bands.
The satisfaction involved in show bands is of the ‘technical’ side. Being able to fully copy, note for note all the instrumentations of a song is satisfying as well.
Being in an original band involves creation, whereas being in a show band involves duplication.
Generally, original bands are gutsier than show bands in the sense that, they are willing to introduce new, unproven materials to discriminating ears every time they play it, whereas show bands are assured of a friendly crowd all the time, given their crowd-pleasing lineup of songs.
Original bands are always exposed to boos and violence, while show bands are pelted with dollars for song requests.
There is no question though that it is the original band that drives the music industry to new and greater heights, while show bands wait on the side for the next big song that they can cover, and eventually make money from.
Music boot camp
Being in a show band has many advantages, but I do stress that it should only be a phase in a musician’s journey. It is similar to a musical boot camp where a musician will learn and perfect the needed skills to make it in the industry. Eventually, the skills should be used to a more creative outfit like a band that plays nothing but original songs.
Rock in the box complete
The much-awaited summer compilation CD from Soulworks Records is finally complete. “Rock in the Box’ will feature 12 Fil-Am bands from all over the United States, each armed with a song is guaranteed to make you ask for more. The Rock in the Box compilation CD album will also be distributed in the Philippines via a major label. For more details log on to www.soulworksrecords.com.
Open Casting Call for Bleud’s Music Video
The band is on its way to shooting their 2nd music video this month and thus in need a cast. For more info log on to www.bleud.net
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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
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MANILA --- Celebrity couple Claudine Barreto and Raymart Santiago wed in a grand and intimate ceremony attended by some of society’s most popular, most influential and wealthiest figures.
The Christian wedding took place at 4 p.m. at the picturesque country club of Tagaytay Highlands.
Barretto was radiant in an ecru off-the-shoulder gown by Randy Ortiz while Santiago looked dapper in his black suit.
Barretto walked down the aisle with her father, Miguel Alvir Barretto.
The bride and groom became emotional while reading their marriage vows, moving some of the guests to tears.
“A marriage made in heaven” was how actress Helen Gamboa, one of the principal sponsors, described the union.
There were 26 principal sponsors to the star-studded wedding. Among them were former senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto, Comedy King Dolphy Quizon, Lipa City Mayor and actress Vilma Santos, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. chairman Eugenio Lopez III and Mowelfund president and actress Boots Anson-Roa.
The other principal sponsors were GMA Network EVP and COO Gilberto Duavit, actress Susan Roces-Poe, Dr. Perfecto Palafox, Dr. Vicky Belo, Mayor Edmundo Jose Buencamino of San Miguel, Bulacan, restaurateur Glenda Barretto, former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, ABS-CBN’s Charo Santos-Concio, GMA Network’s lawyer Felipe Gozon and Wilma Galvante.
Raymart’s best men were Reily Pablo Santiago Jr. and Reynovich Reyes, while Claudine’s matron of honor was her sister, Marjorie Barretto-Baldivia. Maureen Brennan stood as maid of honor.
The rest of the entourage consisted of relatives and friends of the couple in the entertainment industry, including groomsmen actor Bobby Andrews, and Raymart’s brothers, Rowell and Randy Santiago. The bridesmaids were actresses Assunta de Rossi-Ledesma, Jenny Miller and Ciara Sotto.
Secondary sponsors included Aga and Charlene Muhlach, Edu Manzano, Benjie Paras and Maricel Soriano.
At the reception, the newlyweds and their guests were serenaded by some of the country’s best singers led by Gary Valenciano and Kuh Ledesma, a string quartet and an orchestra that played original music written for the occasion by composer Trina Belamide.
The full story of the wedding and the couple’s fairy tale romance will be shown in a TV special titled “You Are The One: The Claudine-Raymart Love Story” on ABS-CBN on April 2. (MNS)
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Exclusive interview with Ms. Julie Danao-Salkin - mulit-talented Fil-Am Broadway artist
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AFTER seeing the off-broadway play ’Savages’ , we caught up with one of the play’s main actors: Julie Danao-Salkin- the Filipino-American artist, who also starred in many Broadway productions inlcuding Miss Saigon, Rent and Lennon: The musical. She was nice enough to take time and participate in this interview in spite of her loaded schedule.
How much of you is Filipino?
Full blooded. Both my parents are from the Philippines.
Were you raised in a typical Filipino way?
Yes-With both parents rich in the culture, I acquired habits such as the importance of family and eating great rich Filipino food. However, because my brother was unable to speak English when we first arrived in the U.S. , his teachers made it very difficult for him. Our mother vowed to teach us English and the American culture so that we wouldn’t have a hard time growing up in the States. Thus, we are very Americanized.
Are you still in touch with Filipino culture?
Yes. Now more than ever. These are my roots and I am on the quest to find out more about who I am and where I came from. I have Filipino friends that keep me grounded and searching, especially my husband (Jonathan Salkin, who is pinoy, as well).
Have you been to the home country?
Yes. But it’s been awhile. I was only 11 years old. It was life-changing. I saw the ocean my mother used to swim in when she was growing up. I slept in the same bed my father slept as a little boy. For the first time, I saw my parents and realized who they were and what they had to sacrifice to bring my brother and sister and myself here. But meeting my cousins and aunts and uncles made me weep. In the states, all we had was each other: mom, dad, sister, brother, and myself. I think about how lonely my parents must have been all these years far from their family. But now they are retired and visit often. I am planning a homecoming very, very soon.
How did your career begin?
I was really young, probably 3 years old when I 1st heard my mother singing to me everyday. That started off the love of music. Little did I know that I would end up singing professionally. In high school, I competed in drama and chorus competitions and did very well. Later, I was good enough to be given a full scholarship at Florida International University for vocal performance. Hurricane Andrew came and destroyed my house, and school was postponed. So, I decided to wait for the city to rebuild and audition for shows. That was when it all began.
Who are you influences?
I loved Linda Ronstadt. She sang standards and got me hooked. I loved different styles of singers from Mariah Carey, Eva Cassidy, Amy Grant, Joan Sutherland. But I had the acting bug as well. I always looked for an Asian actress to look up to, but movies at the time did not promote diverse ethnics. I really respect and love Lea Salonga. She is a great example of breaking boundaries!
Aside from your Broadway gigs, what other things do you do?
I do music that I would consider adult contemporary.
It is sparsely produced with an acoustic feel. (Think Nora Jones mixed with Eva Cassidy. I love performing.
There’s a big market for Filipino-Americans in the home country right now. As a matter of fact, being a foreign-born Filipino is like a guarantee that you will get into show business there. Are you willing to go to the Philippines and try it out there?
I am going to come to the Philippines to pursue a record deal. If any record labels are out there interested, please contact me at www.juliedanaosalkin.com
Slowly, Fil-Americans are coming out in the show business mainstream here in the US. A couple of them joined American Idol and did well, others have emerged as great filmmakers, one became a dance champion on TV, and some are doing great in other fields of entertainment. But still, we could consider it as ‘isolated’ cases. In your view, what will it take for us to be able to be a constant force in the industry?
The more we write and create venues that are universally marketable, the more people will learn about who we are. Not a lot of people even realize that the 2nd largest Asian community in the States are Filipinos. I deal with a lot of rejection because of how mixed I look, but as long as I have the support from those important in my life, I am hoping to encourage other pinoys and myself to spread the spirit and talent of who we are and represent. It’s a slow pace, but doors are opening.
Do you have any messages for the Filipinos and Filipino-Americans who have admired you both as an artist and as a fellow citizen?
I was always different from the people that I grew up with. But my roots run deep within my family. Filipinos take pride in family and I am very proud of that aspect of my culture. If we can encourage pride through the upbringing of our children, we can spread the word of our strength as a people. I am now just learning about who I am and the richness of my background, from Spanish and Chinese,etc. We are a culture full of history and I am hoping to find the right inspirations to bring a Filipino story out there. My story begins with me finding my way back home....Ang Bayan kong Pilipinas.
Now my life begins with my new husband, Jonathan Salkin(former VJ of The MYX ABS-CBN) who is more important to me than fame and riches. He is my life and having him, makes the craziness of this world worth living in.
Special thanks to Jim Baldessare for setting up this exclusive chat.
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MANILA --- Just when you think that everything is quiet on the camp of former “Star Circle Quest” grand winner Hero Angeles, who was released by ABS-CBN after his talent management contract expired last year, 22-year-old Hero pulls a fast one on his erstwhile network by threatening to file a P5 million damage suit against ABS-CBN.
Hero, with his brother Henry, who now acts as his talent manager, is said to be demanding for P5 million from ABS-CBN after the network inadvertently aired an old plug of its star-text promo with Hero in it.
The plug was aired early this month and Hero’s camp had apparently monitored it that’s why they readily called the attention of ABS-CBN. An executive of the network reportedly met with Hero and Henry and offered to settle the matter amicably by giving the former SCQ winner a six-figure sum, so they won’t file any case in court. But we heard the Angeles brothers readily turned down the offer and demanded a whopping P5 million from ABS-CBN.
Naturally, the network did not agree to give the huge amount to Hero. The matter was not settled, so Hero is said to be going to court with it and suing ABS-CBN for using the star-texting plug without his permission. Now, talk about really burning your bridges.
Hero has been scarce from local showbiz and has not been doing any major showbiz project since he left ABS-CBN middle of last year after his contract with the network had expired. ABS-CBN’s Star Magic also issued an official statement releasing Hero from its stable of talents. Hero has opted to concentrate on his studies at the University of the Philippines, where he is currently finishing his Fine Arts degree.
Not too many who has witnessed Hero’s rise to fame have been saying it’s a case of too much, too soon for the young star. He was doing TV shows and films when he was with ABS-CBN. He even had product endorsements. But since he chose to sever his ties with the network, Hero has not been seen on TV.
We seen occasional TV guestings on GMA 7, but that’s about it. ABS-CBN’s rival network has not expressed any desire to sign up Hero and give him regular TV or film assignments. (MNS)
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BECAUSE he has become so skinny even before he entered Pinoy Big Brother house, Rustom Padilla was speculated upon as being sick, and maybe has AIDS.
But last Sunday on “The Buzz,” Rustom denied he has AIDS, saying “I’m not even sexually active.” And then he added, “Being gay is not a license to be promiscuous...” When he was in the States, he didn’t have any affair with a man but had a girlfriend (a blonde, he said) but he did try to explore West Hollywood, “to see the world” and to find himself, but “honestly, I didn’t have any boyfriend; I wasn’t ready.”
On March 4, inside Big Brother’s house, Rustom made a startling (though not so surprising to some) revelation that he was gay. He made his confession to fellow housemate Keanna Reeves, who incidentally, he wants to win, he said because “she is a real person and a good friend.” So he’s asking fans and followers of PBB Celebrity Edition to text their votes for Keanna.
As to why he is thin that’s why he has been perceived to be suffering from a certain ailment, the actor said “it’s because of my lifestyle. I jog every morning and in the afternoon I walk my dog.”
His being gay, Rustom said, is not a sexual preference but a sexual orientation. If it was a preference, he could have taken pills or medicine three times a day to reverse it.
He opted to get out of Big Brother’s house because his “big night” has already happened (that night he revealed he was gay to Keanna Reeves) “at ayoko nang madungisan pa ng kompetisyon...” He asked forgiveness from his fans who would have wanted him to stay put in Kuya’s house till the end. (MB)
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MANILA --- SHARON CUNETA is in a good mood. Her show, ‘Sharon,’ rated a high 20 plus last Sunday. ‘In church that morning, I prayed to the Lord that He’ll let our audience find us and the following day, I found out that He quickly answered my prayer,’ she says.
‘Kasi we’re trying our best to impart good values in the show and sayang naman if there would be no audience for it. The topic then was mother-daughter relationship and I was the one who personally contacted Ruffa Gutierrez and her mom to guest in the show and I’m so glad they did, along with Dina Bonnevie and daughter Danica Sotto. It was so funny when Ruffa revealed that Tita Annabelle still babies her sons even if they are 6’4” na in height.’
Sharon is really back full blast in her career. Her “MegaValentine” concert at the Big Dome was a hit so it’ll have a repeat on March 31, with Kuh Ledesma, Christopher de Leon, Christian Bautista, and also Martin Nievera as special guests. “Martin volunteered at ayaw magpabayad,” she says.
She also has a new album, “Isn’t It Romantic?” that will surely be another hit just like her “Sharon Sings Alcasid” that has already turned gold. We’ve just listened to it and it’s a different Sharon that you’ll hear as she sings revivals of her favorite English songs the acoustic way. Our personal favorites in the album are Neil Sedaka’s “Laughter in the Rain,” Don McLean’s “Birthday Song,” Rick Price’s “Heaven Knows,” The Bee Gee’s “How Deep Is Your Love?” Rex Smith’s “Simply Jessie,” The Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends,” and Jim Croce’s “I Have to Say I Love You in a Song.” Take note that these songs were previously sung by men, but the arrangements in Sharon’s versions are all so feminine in treatment. “And I did all the backup vocals myself, from the second voice to the sixth voice, thanks to my producer Eloisa Matias who did all the arrangements,” Sharon proudly proclaims.
The effect is really magical. The album is a real collector’s item with 16 priceless songs. It’s the kind of CD you won’t get tired of listening to in your car during a long trip or when you want to take a trip down memory lane. Other standouts are her renditions of Basia’s “Until You Come Back to Me,” Lani Hall’s “I Don’t Want You to Go,” and her own remake of “To Love Again” which she first sang when she was only 17 years old. “I’m now 40 and in those 23 years, so many things have happened in my life kaya I was crying and crying as I was recording it,” she sighs.
The album’s notes are also something else. Sharon wrote everything herself and the result is something so revealing as she looks back into her past to thank the many people who have affected her life through the years. “I’m now planning to write my autobiography,” she says. “But I don’t want it to be kind na maninira ako ng tao, like Gabby (Concepcion), kasi kahit anong sabihin, he’s KC father and I also have to protect her. I want to show people the ups and downs in my life and how I pick up myself each time I fall. I want it to be inspiring without making sira to anyone. At this point in my life, I feel I’m already so blessed that there’s no space in my life to wish anybody any ill. I always tell KC, don’t let anything negative that happens to you stay with you. Just learn from it and make sure it makes you a better person.” (MNS)
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