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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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IT is not uncommon for people to be jerks. I suppose, three out of five people are jerks whether implicitly or explicitly. It is the law of human jerk-hood, so to speak.
But there are special jerks that are so exasperating, they elevate jerkiness into a higher plane - the A-hole plane. The moment they act, they cease to be mere jerks and morph into something divinely bad and cosmically irritating.
Such are these group of artists that I know of that I will refer to as - The Holens.
These artists think that their music is written by the gods, that no mere mortal could ever enjoy more so, understand. It is to them, highly intellectual and spiritual,
The Holens also think that their musical skills are skills that can only be dreamed of. And they never fail to show it off while onstage. They make it appear, when they play, that what they are doing is way beyond the average musician’s capabilities - even if it is just a simple G chord.
As good as they think they are, they are very particular with the gear that they use - They use only D’ Best.
And they never permit fellow artists to even dare touch their gear.
For The Holens, all other bands are unworthy to use the same gear as they use. Even if it costs the other bands to not play at all.
As expected, The Holens have no friends. In fact they are being avoided by most artists in the scene because not only do they have the strong potential to create a bad night for everyone, they are simply too cocky for everybody.
But let me make it straight. They haven’t won a Grammy yet. They haven’t even played a venue like say, The Knitting Factory or The Cutting Room. They have never been on national television. They don’t even have a CD out. But why they act mega stars is such a big puzzle.
I even saw one member on the PATH going to Manhattan.
The thing is, being an artist is extra fun when you are in a community of artists. Camaraderie is paramount to aspiring bands because bands and artists are supposed to connect with one another, help one another and enjoy the company of others. They share ideas and collaborate on projects. They support one another’s gigs and releases. And they share the joys of their own triumphs in a competitive industry such as the music industry.
But with bands like The Holens, whose collective ego can rival that of Zeus’, there is no chance for them to ever create a good vibe among their fellow artists. Moreover, they will be hated and despised for being such super jerks.
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The Holens is a fictional band created by the author to emphasize the beauty of humility and brotherhood among artists in our small music scene. It is also used to stress the bad side of being too egoistic in a small scene like the Fil Am music scene.
The Holens is not based on any real group or artist existing in the music scene today.
Any similarity to real persons is purely accidental.
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KIM Chiu sets the record straight that she and Gerald Anderson are sweethearts. Theyíre not, not yet. In due time, they might become more than friends. Right now though, Kim says she has few male friends and she considers Gerald as one of her closest.
She is a bit careful about falling in love again. She was hurt before. It is common knowledge that before joining “Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition,” she had a boyfriend. But they broke up before she became a housemate in Bahay ni Kuya.
She was 14 at that time. Ten months after they became sweethearts, they split-up.
“Nasaktan ako sa break-up namin,” she relates. “But Iíd rather not divulge the real reason why we parted ways. Sa akin na lang ëyun.”
What would she remember most about the guy?
“He was my first kiss. Pero hindi ako nagsisisi kung nangyari man iyon dahil mahal ko siya that time.”
She no longer sees the guy, she reveals. If they do meet, she would treat him as a friend. But she is not considering reconciling with him, should he want to win her back. (MNS)
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MANILA -- Cesar Montano has announced that, contrary to speculations, he is not backing out as one of the 12 senatorial bets of Team Unity. In an impromptu presscon, he explained that the only reason he took time out from the campaign is because he wanted to attend to some immediate needs as a candidate.
He related that he does not even have a campaign headquarters nor does he have a staff to help him in his rigorous campaign.
“I am glad I realized before it is too late that this is not an easy job I’ve gotten myself into,” Cesar stated. “Even if I’ve to work thrice as hard to win, kung ito naman ang paraan para makatulong ako sa ating mga kapus- palad na kababayan, I will do it.”
So far, surveys have revealed that his effort has not been for naught. In due time, he might occupy a slot in the Top 10 list of senatorial bets.
The other senatorial bets from team Unity have been very supportive of him. They have offered a portion of their campaign funds so Cesar would have his own TV ads. On his own, according to Cesar, he cannot afford TV ads. A TV spot is very expensive and yet it is from the TV ad where voters get to learn about a candidate.
Once, while helping in the campaign, Cesar’s talent manager, Norma Japitana, was asked by someone who received a poster if the actor is making a movie titled “Para sa Senado.”
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AFTER Shaina Magdayao and Rayver Cruz in “Happy Hearts,” Mother Lily is launching Maja Salvador to stardom in “My Kuya’s Wedding,” based on the script of Alan Tijamo (of “Blue Moon”) and directed by Topel Lee (“Yaya” episode of “Shake Rattle & Roll 8”).
Maja, who just won as best movie actress in the Golden Screen Awards for “Sukob,” formally signed the contract with Regal and it also served as the film’s first presscon.
“I’m really thankful to Mother Lily for giving me the chance to appear in her company,” she says. “I will play the younger sister of Ryan Agoncillo who’s so possessive and overprotective sa kanya, kaya I terrorize his bride nang mag-decide silang pakasal na, si Jennylyn Mercado. Orphans kasi kami rito and it’s my Kuya who took care of me kaya sobrang close ako sa kanya.’.
We thought would be Jolina Magdangal who’d play the bride. What happened? “Her schedule got in the way as she’s also doing ‘Ouija’ with Judy Ann Santos,” says Roselle Monteverde-Teo. “Also, she’d be busy campaigning for her boyfriend (Bebong Muñoz), who’s running in the election. This movie is slated for a June playdate so we have to shoot right away.”
Ryan feels lucky to be part of the cast. “After ‘Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo,’ here I am doing another movie about a wedding. Natutuwa nga ako kasi ako ang magiging oldest member of the cast. Paired with Maja is Jason Abalos, na halos ka-age lang niya. I haven’t felt this old since I was in ‘Breakfast’ na puro bata ang co-hosts ko. I also look forward to working with Jennylyn as she’s a Kapuso at lahat kami nina Maja and Jason, Kapamilya. First time for us to be working together. This is also a challenge for me as I have no sister in real life.”
We heard Roselle’s original choice as Maja’s leading man was John Wayne Sace. “Pero hindi pinahiram at si Jason ang ibinigay sa amin.”
Too bad, since we feel Maja’s chemistry with John Wayne is much better, as seen when they were paired in the soap, “Sa Piling Mo”.
How does Topel Lee feel directing a romantic comedy like this when he gained fame directing horror films, including the forthcoming “Ouija”? He started with indie films but is definitely now a mainstream director.
“It’s a big challenge and I intend to watch a lot of romantic films about weddings to study them. Nami-miss ko nga ang mga kasama ko sa indie circuit. I’m supposed to go with them to Singapore for ‘Imahe-nasyon’ but I wasn’t able to as I’m now busy directing one full length film after another.” (MNS)
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RUFFA Gutierrez wants to make it clear that she didn’t snatch the hosting job in “The Buzz” from Ai Ai de las Alas.
“I heard she’s shocked daw na akong nakuha. I wish hindi sumama ang loob niya sa ‘kin kasi hindi naman ako nagprisinta,” she says. “It was the ABS management who chose me. I care for Ai Ai kasi in 1989, when Carmina Villarroel, Aiko Melendez and I did the TV show ’13, 14, 15,’ she played our yaya, so I was very happy when she became such a big star. Kahit hindi napunta sa kanya ang ‘The Buzz,’ I’m sure may iba pang magandang projects na darating sa kanya. Now, nagustuhan daw ng management ang hosting ko so I’d be co-hosting with Boy Abunda and Cristy Fermin until April 8.”
Cristy was sued by her mom for libel and her mom won. Is the animosity between them now forgotten? “You know, before the show started last Sunday, she went to my dressing room to greet me and hug me. It’s the first time nagkaharap kami uli since 1995 and I appreciate the fact that she reached out to me. Everyone naman deserves a second chance. I now call her Tita Cristy.”
It’s good Solar and RPN-9 allowed her to do “The Buzz” when she’s hosting “Philippines’ Next Top Model” (PNTM) for them? “I’m not under exclusive contract with any network naman. Okay lang sa RPN-9 as long as it’s not the same kind of show. Reality search naman ang PNTM and showbiz ang ‘The Buzz,’ so okay lang.”
A lot of people noticed that while hosting ‘The Buzz’ last Sunday, she kept on reading her cellphone and texting people. “I was so overwhelmed kasi sobrang dami palang nanonood ng ‘The Buzz’ and my friends keep on texting me, like Donita Rose. They kept on giving me feedback even on what I was wearing on the show. I told them not to text me anymore while I’m on the air.”
What’s the reaction of Kris Aquino who she replaced on the show? “She texted me to say I look nice and I did well daw. So I texted her back to thank her for her kind words kahit alam kong hindi ako ang original choice niya to substitute for her. I even said take care of herself and her baby. Hosting ‘The Buzz’ made my sked complicated. From March 22 to 28, I’m supposed to accompany the remaining models in PNTM to Hong Kong. On March 25, Sunday, I have to return to Manila in the morning for ‘The Buzz’ then return right away to Hong Kong after the show. Sabi nga ng husband ko, why am I punishing myself like this when I need not do this at all. It’s because showbiz is my passion, and not because I’m a deprived wife like someone wrote. Yilmaz is very generous and he really requested me when we got married to make our family my priority. I did that naman for four years. But now that our kids are bigger, how can I refuse it when offers for shows and endorsements come my way? Kita naman niyang happy ako with what I do, kaya hindi na rin siya tumututol. At hindi naman lahat, tinatanggap ko. Pini-pili ko lang ang gusto kong gawin. But definitely, I’m not doing this just for the money. Magkano lang ba naman ang binabayad sa ‘kin compared to what my husband can give me? I’m doing this for my own self fulfillment.”
Next week, she’ll be launched as the endorser of Kisses & Co., a new clothing brand. Around May, she’ll put up a fashion show for the benefit of some charitable institutions, Rampa for A Cause, featuring young designers and new models.
How about acting jobs? “There are offers but I can’t accept them kasi magdamagan ang taping. Yilmaz requires me to be home by 9 p.m. Talagang he calls me up at 9 to check and talk to me then the kids. He’s giving me only five years to do showbiz work. After that, he believes wala nang kukuha sa’kin dahil gurang na ko. But my God, I’d just be 37 then, which is just the age of Gretchen (Barretto) now.” (MNS)
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