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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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SOMEWHERE in remote mountaintops and obscure villages, doomsday prophets must be having quite a picnic. Because in the last two weeks, the earth and its inhabitants have been behaving quite erratically. “The signs are here!”, exclaimed Madame W, a fortune teller in Hoboken,New Jersey. “We are up to the most interesting time in human history”, she added.
It is not easy to brush away claims like Madame W’s because the signs that she’s been referring to are indeed out in the open: Israel, the chosen people, invaded Lebanon, another earthquake rocked Indonesia and resulted in yet another devastating tsunami killing scores of people, Mayon Volcano in the Philippines erupted and continues to spew molten lava, two days of roof-melting heat wave struck the US killing a number of people, and torrential rains have fallen over many regions and have resulted in major floods destroying homes and lives.
“It is definitely happening. We are living the last pages of the New Testament – it’s revelation time”, says a Jersey City-based Fil-Am palm reader that goes by the name of Mala.
If these uncanny events are indeed signs of the times, we should all be prepared for what is to come. The book of revelation, the last book in the Bible, is perhaps the most controversial chapter in any sacred literature. It has been the cause of many disagreements, schisms within churches, and even death and panic due to its misinterpretation and abuse. And it has become the leading source of doomsday predictions since Nostradamus looked into his crystal ball.
As a result, people have been slowly stocking food, flashlights, batteries, water, reading materials, DVDs, CDs and other fallout shelter materials in case something cataclysmic really happens. Others have gone to 360 degree turns in their lifestyles in the hoping that Jesus would usher them to his right come judgment day.
“Call me a cynic. Call me an unbeliever. Judge me doomed. But these soothsayers are simply crazy. If they want signs, here’s one sign – STOP SCARING PEOPLE” , says Perez P, a pub regular in nearby Union City. As always, there is dissent.
But what do I think about these signs?
Well, I believe that what has been happening around the globe is not original at all. Meaning, these events are not first time occurrences. These events, or say signs, are natures’ way of doing its chores -- natural occurrences.
I mean, these same things have happened long ago with different peoples, nations, and times.
And every time, the people surrounding such events have connected it to the final days, which they should not. Wars have been waged throughout the ages, tsunamis have shown their deadly force since God designed the seas, volcanoes have erupted and changed the earth’s face since dinosaurs roamed, and cataclysmic floods have wiped everything since Noah gathered his animals.
These events are nothing new. If these are signs, then these are repetitive signs. Repetitive signs announcing the day that nobody should know when to come. As the Bible says, ‘No one knows the hour’. But there lies the irony of the whole thing – If judgment day should come unannounced, why the signs announcing them?
Perhaps, it is healthy to broadcast these as signs and proclaim the ‘end is nigh. That way, earthlings are sending the higher being a notice that we know that the end is here, therefore, in a way, telling God to be consistent to his word and re-schedule the imminent end to another day – a day he hopes we don’t know when. But we always do – because of the signs.
I guess a little paranoia is helpful after all. Paranoids save the earth.
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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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LOS ANGELES — The multiplatinum-selling, Grammy-winning, omnipresent Black Eyed Peas just shot a music video on a less-than-shoestring budget for a song their label has little plans for.
Why? Because the track, “Bebot,” has special meaning for Peas rapper/producer Apl.de.Ap.
Over two days in Los Angeles earlier this month, the Peas made a video for “Bebot,” a funky dance track from their 2005 LP Monkey Business. Written and rapped in the Filipino language Tagalog by founding member and self-appointed Philippines cultural ambassador Apl, “Bebot” is a fan favorite even though it’s mostly incomprehensible to the Peas’ audience.
“Bebot’ basically means a ‘hot chick,’ “ Apl explained to MTV News. “You walk in a club, and you see girls dancing — that’s bebot.
“It’s funny,” he continued. “I’d be walking around in London and, like, three black girls just come up to me, like ‘Bebot, bebot, be-bebot, bebot — yo, that’s my joint!’ Just like other songs [where] you can’t really understand the words, the melody and the beat keep you going. That’s music.”
The video was a passion project for Apl who, with some help from fellow Peas Will.I.Am, Fergie and Taboo, funded the production independently.
“It’s not just about doing a video,” Apl said proudly. “Filipino culture is like a community movement, and it feels good to represent my culture and to be embraced by my people.”
This community vibe is reflected in the video. Under the direction of budding filmmaker Patricio Ginelsa, two separate treatments were shot: a modern-day house party/summer barbecue set-up; and another culturally themed, historically referenced scene.
“Actually, it’s based on true history,” Ginelsa said of the latter, which was set in 1938. “Stockton, California, [was] considered Little Manila, where Filipinos were farmers back in the day. I took Apl’s farmer roots and placed him in the role of a Filipino farmer. Back then, Filipino farmers had their day jobs, but all we looked forward to, though, was getting in our best suits and going to the best clubs — looking nice, and meeting all the bebots!”
This isn’t the first time Ginelsa has worked with the Peas. He directed the video for “The Apl Song,” a tender, Tagalog love letter from 2003’s Elephunk, which Apl wrote and dedicated to his family in his homeland (see “Peas Freeze Solo LPs To Keep Things Shakin’ Off The Richter”).
“I like when Pat mixes [in] the historical, cultural parts in my songs. So that’s important to represent me right, just the way I am,” Apl said.
Also representing as extras in the video were prominent Filipino-American artists and performers including “American Idol” alum Jasmine Trias. “I’m so proud that they’re representing the Philippines mainstream, ‘cause we need that representation,” she said. “More power and success to all of them, and just to be a part of it, it’s definitely an honor.”
Making their own video even impressed DJ E-Man, assistant program director and music director of Los Angeles’ Power 106 radio station. “I think it’s dope that the Black Eyed Peas even did something like this because they’re very powerful people right now and very influential in mainstream music,” he said. “They basically are letting people know it doesn’t matter what language, what kind of music — it’s still music. Music is a universal language.”
DJ E-Man even called out the Peas’ label for not pushing “Bebot” to radio. “I actually talked to the label, they were in my office. And they were like, ‘What are you doing today?’ and I was like, ‘I’m going to the Black Eyed Peas video shoot.’ They said, ‘Really, for what song?’ I said, ‘Bebot.’ They said, ‘But we’re not really working the record.’ And I was telling them, ‘Yo, it’s gonna be a dope video. I know it.’ “ by Eric Araya
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MANILA -- FIVE months after being wed to Raymart Santiago, Claudine Barretto has faced the reality that she now has a family to look after.
This means that Raymart and their adopted daughter, Sabina, who turned two years old this year are on top of her list of priorities. Does this mean she will slow down on her career?
“‘Di naman,” she answered. “Ang ibig ko lang sabihin, dapat lang na may araw na ako ngayon na siniset aside for myself and my family. Hindi katulad ng dati.
“For example, I’ve made Sundays not just my day off but also that of Raymart’s. That’s the day we attend church service (at Victory Family Community).
“Alam níyo, I enjoy it when Raymart, Sabina and I are lolling at home. Ang sarap nang makalaro si Sabina. Ang dami na niyang alam. She can now count from one to ten,” she related.
Has Raymart imposed any restrictions on her regarding the roles she play on TV or in movies?
“Wala,” she answered. “Na-notice ko nga na unless I tell him, ‘di siya nagtatanong tungkol sa aking trabaho. Talagang grabe ang tiwala niya sa akin.”
Lately she has been busy, according to Claudine. Not only because she’s helping promote her movie, “Sukob,” with Kris Aquino but because she has started taping for her new teleserye, “Walang Kapalit,” with Piolo Pascual. This is her first TV project with Piolo after their blockbuster movie, “Milan.”
Claudine admitted that she initially did not want to do “Sukob.”
She explained: “When they started shooting for the movie, I was still busy with ‘Dubai’ (her movie with Aga Muhlach and John Lloyd Cruz). I had just appeared in a suspense, movie then (referring to ‘Nasaan Ka Man,’ which won her her best actress trophy this year).
“But I’m glad I accepted this movie,” she added, smiling. “Kung hindi, baka nagsisisi ako na ‘di ko ginawa ang ‘Sukob.’ It’s fun working with Kris, and with the whole cast. Reunion movie din namin ito ni Direk Chito (Roño) with whom I’ve worked in “Sige, Ihataw Mo,” when I was 14.
“When you’ve worked with someone before, noong wala ka pang kamuwang muwang sa buhay, and suddenly you get reunited with him, na malaki ka na at marami kang nang pinagdaanan, you appreciate having known each other. And that’s exactly how I felt when I got this chance to work with Direk Chito again. I suddenly got nostalgic about the past.”
Direk Chito, in a separate interview, admitted that they did consider Kristine Hermosa for Claudine’s role. Fortunately, Star Cinema told him Claudine had “conceded.”
Call it coincidence, but “Sukob,” with its July 26 playdate, is showing exactly four months after Claudine’s wedding to Raymart, and one year after Kris and James Yap’s wedding. Is Claudine superstitious? Does she believe in sukob?
Sukob is a superstition that applies to siblings who get married in the same year. Old people say that when they do, one of them will experience misfortune.
Claudine said that since she became a Christian, she no longer believes in superstitions. She only believes in what God says in the Bible. She does not believe in luck, either. She says that whatever good things that have happened and are happening to her and her family are blessings. (MNS)
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MANILA -- Is Keanna Reeves making the same mistakes as Ethel Booba? Remember that twice she took over a role previously assigned to Ethel. First, the part of Eddie Garcia’s mistress in “I Wanna Be Happy.” And now, she’s playing the title role in “Reyna,” a movie which was previously meant for Ethel.
Keanna’s current boyfriend, Andrew Wolfe, was once linked to Ethel. It’s said that Ethel hooked up with Andrew after her break-up with Alex Crisano, with whom Ethel has reconciled.
Keanna is said to be a pain in the neck for those she’s working with. There are reports that she comes late to her commitments and shootings. Just like Ethel when she was at her prime.
When Keanna won in “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition,” she thanked the Lord and her talent manager, Boy Abunda, for giving her another chance. Let’s all hope she wakes up before it’s too late. (MNS)
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SINGER Frenchie Dy suffered a mild stroke Monday morning at her home, not a serious or fatal heart attack as earlier spread by rumors. She is totally out of danger and is now under medication.
This was disclosed by PR supervisor of Backroom Entertainment Mary Ann Sta. Ana who stands as the singer’s handler. She said in a phone interview, “Kahit kami nagulat kasi may mga tumawag sa amin wanting to know what happened. Some of them even thought the attack was fatal, kaya we really clarified the thing and assured everyone that Frenchie is alive and ok.”
The mild stroke, which in medical term is called Belpalsy, still shocked people though, especially those who are close to “ASAP” performer and did not have any inkling of the possibility of such an attack.
It is said that three doctors attended to the R&B singer who, at this period of her career, is busy performing in corporate shows. Whether or not the stroke is connected to her weight concerns, doctors have to confirm such a situation. But the fact that she is just in her 20s raises concerns about her health.
As of the moment, Frenchie is under observation and is not yet ready to clarify questions about her condition.
“When we heard that ngumuwi daw yung labi niya during the attack, medyo nataranta kami. Pero sa ngayon, palagay ang kalooban namin kasi it wasn’t serious and part lang ‘yun ng attack. If this is heaven’s warning for our artist that she should take care of her health more than she does, then we’re taking it as a positive sign. We’re here of course to support our beloved artist,” the publicist added.
Frenchie Dy, who belongs to the batch of current young singers who became instant celebrity after winning the second edition of ABS–CBN’s ‘Star In A Million” search, is evidently not that conscious about her figure. When it was reported that she had fallen in love with someone she met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (where she performed), she said she didn’t mind losing weight at all because the guy apparently got attracted to her because of her size. “Di na po kailangan magpapayat, gusto niya daw ng babaeng matataba,” she mused earlier.
The lady singer is known as part of “ASAP’s” ‘League of Champions,’ performing on TV and big-time concerts with fellow stars like Erik Santos and Jerome Sala. Unknown to many, Frenchie Dy used to train Sarah Geronimo, her neighbor, how to sing; this is partly why the latter fondly calls her Ate Mahal, her nickname.
Using only a screen name, Frenchie Dy was born Gyphartori Dimacali. But a friend christened her Frenchie in reference to her size being the common figure of a typical French woman. Dy was taken from the size of her bra, 40 D.
Right now, the belter is one of Backroom’s stable of artists that include other lady talents like K Brosas and Kim Flores. According to Bacroom representatives, Frenchie will record an album soon.
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HEART Evangelista wears a heart-shaped, three-karat diamond ring, which was given to her by Jericho Rosales, her boyfriend of one year. Is that an engagement ring? She answered us with smile. When will wedding bells ring?
This time, she replied. “Not in the very near future. Although we often talk about it. Yes, seriously. Ganumpaman, since we are both young pa (she’s 21; Jericho’s 25), we feel we can do a lot din, individually, for our future.
“Ang mahalaga mahal namin ang isa’t isa.”
How is her relationship with her parents? According to reports, they were disappointed after learning that their youngest daughter has fallen for Jericho.
Heart’s her father’s favorite. His niña bonita. She always gets her way with him. He was even against her decision to enter showbiz but he relented because his bunso wanted to do it.
The family of the father of Heart used to own a film firm. His elder brother, Rod Ongpauco, who used to sport the screen name, Rod Evans, was married to a former actress, Liberty Ilagan.
Rod, like Heart’s dad, has three daughters. But his marriage to Liberty has been annulled.
Now, to our question, here’s Heart’s answer: “I am in touch with my mom. In fact, I just talked to her. As regards my dad, I’m still taking my time before I talk to him. And I know he will understand.”
We also asked Heart about the near fisticuff between Jericho and John Estrada. It was reported that the confrontation, which occurred at the premiere of “Superman Returns” at SM Mall of Asia’s I-MAX almost a month ago, happened because of her.
“As much as possible, I would not want to talk about this issue anymore. Para bang John had come out with everything that should be said and done. But sana, he didn’t twist facts. Sana wala siyang binago sa tunay na nangyari.
“I swear that I was not drunk during our conversation at that bar in Makati. We were both sober when I told him that I discovered only recently that we go to the same church (Victory Fellowship). And how my new faith has done a lot of good to me and my relationship with Echo.
“Because I’m close naman to John (they played father and daughter in the teleserye, ‘Hiram’), I freely told him about my relationship with Echo. Doon siya nagsimulang magsalita ng mga remarks which I felt were inappropriate. Lalo’t we were talking about religion. And Echo.
“I decided to leave,” she concluded.
How come she reportedly didn’t make a move to stop Echo from confronting John? Did she really enjoy having two guys quarrel over her?
“I was not around when Echo approached John. Bibili ako ng popcorn. Nang bumalik ako, naka-apologize na si Echo kay John.
“Which was too decent of Echo, since I don’t think he did anything wrong.
“As for John, I’d accept his apology, pag nag-apologize siya. Kung hindi naman, okay lang,” she further stated.
Heart will soon be seen in an episode of “Maalaala Mo Kaya.” She’s currently the host of ABS-CBN’s “Close-up to Fame.” (MNS)
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MANILA -- DIRECTOR Chito Roño revealed that he already had Kris Aquino in mind for one of the lead roles while conceptualizing the movie “Sukob.” And he is glad that Star Cinema chose Claudine Barretto as the other star of the movie. He likes both Kris and Claudine’s working style.
“Kris has improved a lot. I admired the way she acted in ‘Feng Shui’ (their first horror film together). But I guess she’s much better here in ‘Sukob’,” said Direk Chito.
“Nag-mature na siya. Na dapat lang. After all the events in her life, good and bad, she has metamorphosed into a very good actress.”
“Sukob” is actually Direk Chito and Kris’ third movie together. A few years back, they did the melodrama, “Bakit Kita Minahal,” which also starred Ruffa Gutierrez, Richard Gomez and Aga Muhlach. Direk Chito remembered it took two years to finish the movie. Why?
“Well, ang alam ko, basta nag-disappearing act na lang si Ruffa. The next thing we knew, umalis siya patungong US kaya we resumed shooting for the movie nang dumating siya,” the director answered.
Direk Chito worked with sixteen year old Claudine in “Sige, Ihataw Mo.” He notes that a lot has changed with the new bride, who is now 27. “Like Kris, Claudine is a very intelligent actress. She has also matured as an actress. When I ask her to do a scene, all I do is explain to her what I want. Bahala na siya.
“Claudine also comes to the set prepared for her scenes. But she also understands when last-minute changes have to be done.”
“Sukob” is the director’s 25th movie in 21 years. He started working in showbiz in 1985. His first directorial job was “Private Show,” which starred Jaclyn Jose and Julio Diaz. Both actors eventually became known as terrific performers.
“Sukob” will have premiere in Los Angeles, Hawaii, Canada, Milan and London. It will open in local theaters on July 26. The movie will have its premiere on July 25.
Ruffa Gutierrez left for the US with her daughters Lorin and Venice. They are to meet with husband, Yilmas Bektas, who will be coming from Istanbul, Turkey.
Ruffa is coming back September to start shooting for a movie inspired by the television series “Desperate Housewives,” co-starring her with Gretchen Barretto, Dawn Zulueta and Pops Fernandez. Roi Iglesias is still writing the script, according to her. Eric Quizon will direct.
While abroad, she will shop for clothes she will wear for the movie. Did we hear it right that Gretchen, like Ruffa, plans to also wear designer clothes in the movie? She herself is leaving with Tony Boy Cojuangco and daughter Dominique for their yearly US vacation in August.
Dawn and Pops are also clotheshorse. They will naturally not allow the two (Ruffa and Gretchen) to outshine them. “Kaya watch din tayo kung ano ang plano nila,” stated our source. “Pag nagkataon, sa damit pa lang, pabonggahan na ang apat na ito. Huwag sanang kalimutan na dapat marunong pa rin silang umarte.” (MNS)
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