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For the past 20 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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Summer movies and spring allergies
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TUESDAY, the first thing my body did right after my eyes opened to welcome a new day was sneeze – eight and a half times. I must have awakened my landlord because I heard quite a fracas after the six more sneezes that followed the eight and a half. I knew it’s going to be a rough day. My eyes were itchy, my nose was running, and my skin felt dry. The pollens were in my system.
Nevertheless, I popped two antihistamines and walked to work.
Once at work, I opened the computer and was besieged by Quicktime emails featuring summer movie trailers. Adrenaline must be a natural antihistamine because as soon as I saw the list of movies coming out this summer, my heart pumped with excitement and I felt a little relief. One by one, I clicked the trailers, watched and totally forgot that my nose was running as if tax collectors are chasing it.
The Da Vinci Code
I have read this Dan Brown novel in three days. It is simply ‘unputdownable’. I remember reading it on the train, walking off the train and onto the street. It is not the novel’s premise that makes the book riveting, it is the suspense and the storytelling that compels the reader not to leave a bookmarker and just read on. I felt like doing the human race a great disservice whenever I cut my read to take a bath.
The full trailer is engaging. Tom Hanks is as magnetic as the book, and so is the lovely French hottie, Audrey Tautou. The music, medieval, fits well with the clips that show highlights of the story, most notably, the grotesque death scene of Sauniére. It’s a great preview, and it does what trailers are supposed to: make the viewer mark the calendar and save up money for the opening day.
Superman Returns
Ever since I saw Chris Reeve’s ‘Superman Movie’, I always thought I was Kal-El. I had these dreams of flight without pants on, fantasies of me having heat vision and blasting our next–door neighbor for not returning the basketballs that have accidentally gone to their fence. And I also I pictured myself hovering around the city with a girlfriend and making her slip out of my grasp, letting her fall, then catching her while the instrumental version of ‘Can You Read My Mind’ played in the background. I even wore my pants under my underwear when I was in 3rd grade.
This summer, as the trailer promised, Superman returns. The story starts with Superman returning from his search for Krypton. When he returns, he sees a changed Metropolis. Even Lois Lane moved on – she is a mother now. Then what happens is Superman, reintroduces himself to a world that forgot about his existence.
From the previews, the special effects are superb and definitely dwarf the visuals of the Reeve movies. But for me, Brandon Routh, the new Superman, though effective and convincing will always play second to the immortal Christopher Reeve. Anyway, I am excited to see this new Superman movie. Who knows, the Kal-El in me might return from it’s own soul-searching and show up in a gig or in the office wearing a Superman suit, or my traditional pants under the underwear number.
MI3
This is Tom Cruise’s way of getting money to feed his newborn baby: A new Mission Impossible Movie.
Like all summer trailers, this one is also pulse-pounding. The unmistakable ‘Dun-dun-dun-dun-dun’ of its famous MI theme, the explosions, and the high-octane chases all combine for a sure blockbuster hit. For those who hate everything about Crusie and his Thetan theories, you have another reason to shell out the dough for this flick – Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman. As for me, it is the lovely Michelle Monaghan.
X-Men: The Last Stand
A cure for mutancy has put the mutant population in peril. Now, mutants can choose between remaining a mutant and becoming a normal human being. The trailer alone can make you buy tickets right away. The conflict is well defined in the short preview and makes you crave for some more.
Magneto believes in total war to protect his species. But Professor X preaches tolerance and acceptance. Sound familiar? Yes, it does resemble the Senate debates about immigration – Republicans being Magneto and Democrats being Professor X.
It would be a delight to see Rogue in full human mode, though – finally, I could touch her!
I am a little confused why Jean Grey is alive again after her heroic demise in X2.
And I am wondering how Beast and Mystique would look like in human skin.
Perhaps Beast would look like Mike Tyson, and Mystic could choose any face for her own – choose Rebecca Romjin.
Lady in the Water
M. Night Shyamalan’s bedtime story for his kids becomes a full-length film.
The film stars one of my favorite actors: Paul Giamati of ‘American Splendor’ and ‘Sideways’ as Cleveland. The synopsis of the movie is about a Nymph-like creature named ‘Story’ living under water passageways of an apartment that Cleveland manages – he’s the super. Cleveland’s life changes as he discovers the struggles of Story to cross over to the real world. The trailer, with its Anrea Bocceli sounding theme, is subtle as it is mysterious like all of Shyamalan’s films.
As I closed the browser window, having viewed all the emailed trailers, I suddenly felt a rush of allergens come my way. There it was again – the never-ending sneeze.
I managed to get home early feeling feverish and weak.
Wednesday. I am writing this piece with my laptop in bed. I missed work. I am stricken with fever.
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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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A Rich and Tasty Trip - Part Two
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SEVERAL of my friends called me up recently and commented on how they liked the articleI wrote on food and where I dined on my last trip back home. Since some of them areplanning to go back to the Philippines for a vacation, they told me that the write-up gavethem the idea of where to go and eat out.
I casually mentioned that I was pleasantlysurprised at how Manila has become the haven for a lot of delectable food, the introduction of hip fine dining restaurants, the mushrooming of food kiosks all over town, plus the ultra –familiar Pinoy delicacies we all loved to have for snacks.
I told them that I have actually compiled in my travel journal some of the food and diningexperiences I had. They were all one in saying that I needed to put it into writing once more...Good food plus happy thoughts equals wonderful memories...Bon appetit!
Pasko In February
Two food items are necessary in my list to have everytime I would come home to Manila; Bibingka and Puto Bumbong. Since these two delicacies are associated with Christmas, itnever fails to conjure up memories of happy Christmases past spent in Manila.
I am so glad for places that sell these two dishes all year round! Of course, the best place to buy your Bibingka is at Ferinos. My mom bought me their special bibingka (rice cake). It’s the one that is topped with kesong puti (white cheese) and itlog na maalat (salted duck egg), garnished with butter, and grated coconut. I liked how soft and buttery the taste of the rice cake was. My niece Acza really goes for this stuff, she can finish one order oflarge round bibingka in one sitting!
I have always loved eating Puto Bumbong, but not just any puto bumbong, mind you. I have to have the one from Via Mare. This purple-colored delicacy made of glutinous rice and purple yam that is cooked in either a standing metal tube or bamboo with a steam-producing container underneath is my all time favorite. Via Mare has always been one of the Philippines must dine places in Manila.
A day prior to my departure, with my family and some friends, we all went to Rockwell in Makati, and although we had a reservation to dine in another place, I still had to get puto bumbong at Café Via Mare . Their version of this dish still tops my list, the substantial and full-flavored serving of the rolled purple stuff topped with sugar, butter and freshly grated coconut is to die for. Sure, can’t miss that one!
Sweet Tooth
To be honest, I never really liked eating too many sweets but eating Ensaymada (round Filipino pastry usually topped with butter, sugar and cheese) is another story. More so, if it is the ensaymada from Megamelt bakeshop. This Muhlach-owned (yes, the former child star-Nino Muhlach’s family!) bakeshop has come out with productsthat have been consistently a favorite “pasalubong” to balikbayans.
While we were waiting for our official family picture to be taken, the Megamelt kiosk across from the studio was a temptation too difficult to resist. I had to try one, at least. Aside from my favorite cheese flavor, they also offer other fillings with the ensaymada such as ham, macapuno, salted egg and ube. It was heaven the minute my lips tasted the creamy taste of the pastry.
Monster of a Dessert
I had the pleasure of trying this stuff when I came home. It is almost a spin-off from halo-halo (popular Filipino dessert that is a mixture of shaved ice, milk, sugar, various fruits and sweets) but given with a fresh twist. I was told that it is one of the latest craze to hit Manila.
Ice Monster offers ice desserts with assortment of toppings on thinly shaved icesuch as Mango Pomelo, Saba –Langka, Taro and Red Bean. I had their buko pandan (pandan flavored gelatin with strips of fresh coconut meat and pinipig(roast rice crunch) and it turned out to be so delicious! Just what I needed to conquer the sweltering heat ofManila!
Tsinoy
Of course, who doesn’t love Chinese dimsum? David’s Tea house in Timog, Quezon City has built a reputation of serving one of the best dimsum in the metropolis. My cousin Vines and I decided to go to David’s after spending a couple of good hours lounging in the nearby Starbucks coffee house. We were a little bit hungry but just wanted something light. We had shrimp har gow and pork dumplings with our tea. We dipped these into soysauce and hot mustard on the side. It was so yummy; I had to order several for take-out!
I remembered eating most of the time at Hen Lin when I was in college for the food was great and affordable. With my college buddies Ana, Bern, Fe and Steph in tow, we’ll each order different items from their menu but we still ended up sharing the order of siomai.
One of the stuff that I also liked at Hen Lin is their cuapao; it is similar to a mini sandwich (with siopao dough) with strips of pork, vegetables and peanut as filling. When I came back to Manila, I had the chance to order the same meals I used to get at Hen Lin.
I suddenly missed the old times with my friends (all of us live in different countries now) and a thought occurred that maybe someday we all get the chance to be together and who knows, share the good food at Hen Lin again. (I bet, we can order more now since we areall working!)
As I was writing this, it made me realized how much fun of a dining experience I had in Manila. It is always something to look forward to the next time I come back for a vacation. Meanwhile, I just had the urge to run and hit the treadmill! Have to burn those calories, you know!
Happy Day to All!
Thess Bacsal is a writer and lives in California. For your life’s concerns, comments and suggestions, email her at july19rn@yahoo.com
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New York City, NEW YORK --- The first ever New York-made Pinoy television series wrapped up its shoot on Wednesday, promising Filipino viewers a well crafted treatment of how immigrants live, work and survive away from their loved ones.
The TV series “I Love New York” boasts of being the only production so far which has footages of all of New York’s landmarks and tourist attractions, said itsproduction manager, Regie Magno.
Featuring love teams Marvin Agustin and Jolina Magdangal; and Mark Herras and Jennylyn Mercado, “I Love New York” is being produced by tv giant GMA7.
“Being able to shoot all of New York’s key landmarks is the most rewarding experience for me, enthused its director, Louie Ignacio.
He, however, admitted the shifting weather condition has taken a toll on them during their three week shoot. Although already in springtime, they caught the last snowfall on film.But it was the changing cold, heat and rain that downed many of them.
“For three days I was nursing my colds,” Ignacio said, who, however, stressed despite those constraints they were able to finish the shooting on schedule.Magno said they even had more footages than originally planned.
Both Herras and Mercado admitted shooting “I Love New York” was a challenge because of the weather and the fast pacing of the shoot. Add to that, they said, was to quickly adjust to the uniqueness of what New York is.
For their part, Agustin and Magdangal, see their experience as being blessed and priveleged. “Being a part of this ground-breaking television series is enough for us,” the two tv stars said. They stressed they really exerted extra effort to make the series worth its salt. “Everybody shared what they can.”
Carmen Vicencio, a New York-based filmmaker who is part of the New York production team, described it as a team effort. “We set aside our positions and did what we can to compensate and complement each other.”You will see and feel in the tv series, she explained, that much heart has been poured into it.
“I’m really proud of what we were able to come up which just underscores the beauty and genius once Filipinos start to pool resources and talents in doing something they are very passionate about.”
Ramon Mappala, another New York-based filmmaker who legworked the city and federal permits for all the location shoots, described the production as ably handled and well-crafted.
“Direk Louie Ocampo has that depth and nuance that made the tv series a top quality production comparable to the tv productions here in New York.”
Mappala expects a very warm response to the tv series from Filipino viewers worldwide, explaining “I Love New York is a tv series made in New York na pang-New York.”
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San Francisco, CALIFORNIA --- After much anticipation, California based Pop/R&B female group, Immij, releases their sophomore album, Fearless.
Cutting the ties, breaking the boundaries, and creating an original sound is what puts the new album in a distinctive genre of its own.
Immij, (pronounced “image”) is a four part R&B/pop female singing group which consist of two sisters, Doris and Kris, and two cousins, Lyn and Mei. All of them have known each other since childhood. They first met at a children’s choir in church and have been inseparable ever since.
In 2003, Immij released their first album- ‘Destined’ under their own independent record label, ‘Immij Ladies’. The debut record has fifteen tracks, and it received great praises not only by Filipinos and Filipino-Americans, but by other locals in the bay area as well. After the release of the record, their performances expanded from local schools and functions to large scale festivals, major college shows and leading hotel/casino productions.
Immij’s second venture, ‘Fearless’ promises to be another exciting album from the group. The foursome wrote all the songs; a blend of various pop, hip-hop and R&B beats.
Doris, Kris, Lyn and Mei also oversaw the production of the album, and made sure that the instruments and sounds perfectly convey the image they wanted to project.
With Immij’s involvement on their album, the ladies have been able to creatively express how each song should make an impact, not just to a person’s tastes and preferences, but right down to a person’s emotion. “We want people to know who we are and we hope to represent that group of artists who believe in positive music and positive actions” Mei relates.
With a promotional tour under wraps, a dedicated fan base and an artistically grown outlook, Immij is definitely bringing their music to the next level.
For more information on Immij, visit their website at http://www.immijladies.com.
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DURING the height of Pinoy Rock in the 90’s, two hard rock bands dominated the headbangers’ circles: Razorback and Wolfgang.
Their brand of true blue Rock N’ Roll endeared them to the rock fans all over the Philippines.
But earlier this decade, as pop and novelty music put a stop to the burning flame of rock, the key members of Wolfgang and Razorback migrated to the US to start anew.
Wolfgang’s lead singer Basti Artadi, and drummer Wolf Gemora settled in the bay area, while Razorback’s lead axeman David Aguirre and drummer Miguel Ortigas moved to CA as well.
Now, almost 10 years since the demise of their Filipino bands, Artadi, Gemora and Aguirre decided to revisit the way of rock by way of a ‘LOCOMOTIV’.
Locomotiv, is the new band that these three survivors of the Pinoy Rock boom of the 90’s formed in San Francisco early in 2004. Bassist Danny Gonzales, who fits well with the power trio, completes the Locomotiv lineup. The band released their debut album ‘Rock N’ Roll Death Toll’ in 2005, and it continues to garner great reviews from the local press. It is available on the ‘Starry Starry Store’ online and it will be featured in ABS-CBN’s MYX music program.
Locomotiv’s sound is not a million miles from the sound of Wolfgang and Razorback. The bluesy riffs of Aguirre, the solid, Bonham-esque drumming of Gemora and the melodic growls of Artadi are reminders of their heavy and famous past – Good, straight rock. But the infusion of modern NU rock influences steers the band away from the realms of being a tribute band of the two-famous Pinoy bands. They are in fact being called the AUDIOSLAVE of the Philippines.
Locomotiv, being the Pinoy mega band they are, has no trouble convincing the CA Pinoys to check them out. Their multi-awarded past is enough to build them a solid following in the west coast fil-am rock scene. But like any other indie-ethnic band, Locomotive hopes to take their experience and talents to make them visible in the American scene. They have what it takes. Their big sound alone can clear the way for their grand entry, and make American fans ride along the unstoppable surge of this train.
For more information, please contact Ron Davis II of The Outfit: Artist Management at email: theoutfit.rd2@gmail.com or check out the bands website at www.lokomotivrocks.com. Fans can write to the band at lokomotiv_rocks@yahoo.com. Rock N’ Roll Death Toll is available at www.starrystarry.com.
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MANILA --- Mariel Rodriguez wants to make it clear that she didn’t steal the PBB hosting job from Toni Gonzaga.
“Some say sinulot ko raw siya at masakit pakinggan ‘yun,” she says. “When management informed me about it, I called up Toni right away and she said okay lang sa kanya if it’s management’s decision. Siempre, I made sure muna that I’m not offending her or anyone.”
Mariel’s career is really doing well. Aside from being Aga Muhlach’s leading lady in “OK Fine” on Mondays, she’s now doing her first movie, “X 44,” opposite Vhong Navarro.
“I really want to thank ABS for the wonderful chances they’re giving me and I promise to do my best nang hindi naman ako mapahiya sa kanila.” (MNS)
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