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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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UBUNTU: LESSONS FROM THE CELTICS
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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)
UBUNTU is a humanist Philosophy that teaches the value of togetherness/selflessness as opposed to individuality/ selfishness– “I am because we are.”
Bishop Desmond Tutu said: “A person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed.”
Ubuntu treasures the whole rather than the part; the we rather than the I. Ubuntu as a concept was exhibited in the recently concluded NBA finals, which the Boston Celtics won in spectacular fashion. The Celtics blew away the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that has arguably the best individual player today– Kobe Bryant.
At the beginning of the season, the Celtics acquired two great all-star players, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett to join their resident superstar Paul Pierce. Immediately questions arose about their efficiency as a team, having three superstars with huge egos playing for one team. Celtics coach Doc Rivers quelled all questions by introducing Ubuntu. The team always chanted Ubuntu before games, reminding themselves to play as a team– work as a whole.
The three Celtics superstars and the other members of the team lived the philosophy all throughout the season, never thinking of their individual gifts and instead thought about the whole team. In doing so, these all stars sacrificed their individual stats for the good of the whole team. They were never concerned of their own greatness– they were focused on winning it all as a team. It was Ubuntu at work.
The series against the Lakers was a classic battle between Ubuntu and its opposite philosophy– individualism. Kobe Bryant once scored 81 points and single handedly broke down every team that got in his way. He was and still is the poster boy of individualism. Then Bryant faced the Boston Celtics. Ubuntu annihilated Bryant and the Lakers. The Celtics were a complete team from reserves to starters, all contributing to defeat the almighty one. It was all against one, and one was obliterated. Ubuntu triumphed.
We believe in Ubuntu. We believe in the concept of community and team. We believe that an individual can only accomplish so much, but a team working together can accomplish the impossible.
This Labor Day Weekend, we all have a chance to show Ubuntu.
We can show everyone that our community of artists in North America live on this philosophy. We can show everyone that no individual can single-handedly elevate our scene without the support of the community. We show the world, again, that we are one.
So to us here in New Jersey all the Filipino artists from, Illinois, Canada, Washington DC, New Jersey, California, Georgia, and Maryland, that are converging in New York for Rock in the Box weekend, on August 29 and 30, let the power of Ubuntu live our hearts.
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Talent manager of actress- endorser Lorna Tolentino (also known as LT), ‘Manay’ Lolit Solis clarified reports that there is a move for the actress to transfer to ABS-CBN.
In an interview, Solis clarified that her ward’s contract with GMA-7 is on a per program basis only. She said that Tolentino does not have an exclusive artist contract with GMA, so she is free to do a project with other networks. Solis also said that if there is a good offer from ABSCBN, they will consider accepting it, and only if Tolentino is ready to work again.
The controversial manager confirmed that there really was an offer made by ABSCBN for the actress to do a television series. However, they still cannot decide on whether to accept the project since Tolentino’s plan is to start working again in August.
LT closes her heart to other men
Meanwhile, Tolentino said she will not entertain the idea of getting into another romantic affair after her husband actor Rudy "Daboy" Fernandez passed away, after a two-year battle with periampullary cancer on June 7th.
Solis confirmed the report, saying that her ward told her that she is closing her heart to other men. (MNS)
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MANILA -- Star of ABSCBN's upcoming television series "Betty La Fea," actress Bea Alonzo reacted to reports that she is the newfound love of actor Jake Cuenca. In an interview, Alonzo said that she just wants to stay away from the issue since it is not really a big deal. She appealed to members of the entertainment media not to blow up these reports.
She also said that she does not want to make things complicated to avoid having another problem with actress Roxanne Guinoo. Guinoo is Cuenca's former girlfriend who reportedly had a rift with Alonzo years ago after a heated argument inside a dressing room.
In a previous interview with Alonzo's long-time on screen partner actor John Lloyd Cruz, the actor said he has nothing against actor Jake Cuenca, if reports are indeed true that he is Alonzo's new love. Cruz was the love team partner of the actress for several years, before the onscreen tandem split up to venture into other roles and projects. Cruz said that Cuenca and Alonzo are a perfect match.
"Let's say bagay sila. Ayaw kong ibuking si Bea pero dati ko ng naririnig na-- halimbawa noong sa teleserye ng "Maging Sino Ka Man", siyempre nasa set kami, minsan may TV makikita niya si Palos- -sasabihin niya ang gwapo talaga ni Jake. 'Yun pala 'yon ang pupuntahan noon," Cruz said.
He also said that his approval or disapproval on the matter is irrelevant.
"Sino naman ako... kung doon siya masaya, huwag lang siya ma-agrabyado doon ako. Alam mo ang usapan diyan ay yung happiness ng tao wala kang karapatan na kumontra, kumbaga basta kung masaya siya I will be more than happy for her," he said.
Alonzo was first seen as a young nerd who transformed into a 20-year old lawyer in ABS-CBN's "Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay." At the age of 15, she was nominated for Best Actress by the PMPC Awards. This made her the youngest nominee for the category.
Presently, she is busy working for ABS-CBN's Pinoy version of "Betty La Fea" with actor-comedy Vhong Navarro as her best friend and confidante. (MNS)
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MANILA -- Actress and newest ABS-CBN contract star Cristine Reyes confirmed a rift between her and her sister actress Ara Mina. Reyes, pointed out, that she wanted to end the problem with her sibling.
"Sana huwag niyo na po masyadong intrigahin kasi lalo pang lumalaki. Sana ay maayos na sa aming dalawa," Reyes said.
She also denied reports that her relationship with actor Dennis Trillo is the cause of the rift.
"Hindi kami ‘on’ lumalabas lang kami," she said.
The actress also said that up to now she has not had the chance to talk to her sister and settle the problem.
"Mahirap namang pilitin," Reyes said.
The actress said she already asked the help of their mother Frances to mediate.
"Sinabi ko na sa mommy ko. Ang alam ko kakausapin niya si Ate," she said.
Meanwhile, Ara Mina sent her reply to The Buzz via text messages.
"Well if you notice, bihira akong magpa-interview lately, especially kapag ang topic ang sister ko, dahil ayoko nang lumaki ito. And for sure naman darating din yung time na magkakaayos kami," she said.
"She can easily get in touch with me pero di na ako nag-expect na gagawa siya ng move or anything. At ayoko rin na pilitin kaming pag-ayusin especially na may dahilan lang kung bakit kailangang makipag- ayos sa akin.
“Mahal ko ang kapatid ko pero sinusunod ko lang ang gusto niyang mangyari," said Ara Mina.
She added, "I don't want to elaborate anymore kasi masyadong maselan ang pinagsimulan nito. I'll be honest sobra akong nasaktan sa mga tinext niya. That's why I decided na manahimik muna but if she thinks na simple lang ‘yung nangyari for me it's not.
"Kaya nga lagi kong sinasabi sa kanya isipin niya muna kung may masasaktan siya. I’m proud of her pag sinasabi
na ang galing ng kapatid mo, kahit may gap kami. Sana ay huwag na itong palakihin ng media. Wish her all the best na lang. Goodluck."
Eva Fonda
Reyes is now busy taping her debut television series on ABS-CBN, the remake of the film "Eva Fonda, 16." The original version of that film was released in 1976 by Sampaguita Pictures. It was the movie that launched the career of then upcoming star Alma Moreno.
It is also said that the movie contributed to the popularity of "bomba" (sexy) films in the country. (MNS)
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MANILA -- CAMILLE PRATS enjoys being a working mom. “I tried breastfeeding para makapag-bonding kami husto ng son ko, si Nathan,” she says.
“Kasi lahat kaming magkakapatid, breastfed ng mommy ko. Mahirap at masakit at the start ang magpasuso, pero tiniis ko. I did it for two months, then gumamit na ako ng breast pump at siya naman, nag-bottle feeding na. I became busy na rin kasi sa pre-school that I put up in our village in Cainta. At heto, balik acting na rin ako in ‘Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan.’ Very thankful nga ako that my husband Anthony allowed me to make a comeback kasi alam naman niyang fulfilled talaga ako sa pag-arte at mahal ko ang trabahong ito. But siempre, I promised to him na priority ko pa rin ang family namin. Buti na lang, katulong ko’ng mommy ko sa pag-aalaga sa baby. We had our house in Cainta extended so that Anthony and I will have our own place with the baby. My parents kasi also like it na lumaking malapit sa kanila si Nathan. Pag weekends naman, nandun kami sa family ni Anthony in Ayala Alabang.”
She has a kissing scene with Marvin Agustin in “Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan.” How does Anthony feel about this?
“Tanggap naman niyang part ’yun ng job ko as an actress. I’m happy nga na first role ko after I give birth, maganda at unang ginampanan ng isang Vilma Santos. Also, parang kuya ko naman si Marvin. Child actress pa lang ako sa ABS-CBN, napapanood ko na ang love team nila ni Jolina Magdangal 10 years ago. Ngayon, heto’t kami na ang magkapareha.”MNS)
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MANILA -- Actress, singer and TV host Toni Gonzaga and director Paul Soriano have been an item for only a year, but they're already setting their sights on settling down-- not soon, but eventually. Both Toni and Paul expressed their desire for their present relationship to culminate in marriage, even as they revealed the gifts they exchanged to mark their first year anniversary.
Paul said he gave Toni a Tempur-pillow--it's a pillow made from high-tech "memory foam" that was once developed by NASA for its astronauts. Basically, pillows and mattresses made from memory foam mould themselves to the shape of the body or object placed on it. As a result, there's less pressure to the user who will sleep very well on the memory foam. He must really want Toni to have very sound sleep wherever she goes--after all, she's one of the busiest ABSCBN talents with tapings and shows that last well into the early morning hours.
Toni on the other hand gave Paul a scrapbook filled with magazine clippings and other odds and ends that are souvenirs of the most memorable moments of their relationship in the past year.
The lovers only had good words about each other during their interviews. Toni described Paul as 'sweet. "Marami syang ginagawa na unexpected".
Paul on the other hand said that he appreciates Toni's efforts to see him despite her busy schedule. "She finds ways to make time for me, for dinner, coffee, hang out," he said.
Paul also said that their shared Christian faith is a big help in keeping their relationship strong, despite the issues and intrigues local showbiz throws at them. Remember when rumors spread about how Paul was supposedly one of the "suspects" who fathered the child of actress Camille Pratts? That proved to be false after the Pratts family announced that the father is Camille's childhood sweetheart, Anthony Linsangan. Toni hasn't been spared: some very nasty remarks and accusations by still unidentified people were posted on her own Multiply blog.
Paul also said that he would want his relationship with Toni to go on for a lifetime. (MNS)
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MANILA -- Actor-host Luis Manzano said he is really happy to be with his rumored girlfriend actress-endorser Angel Locsin.
"Definitely (I'm happy) dati ko pa sinasabi na dati ko pa siya nakikita ay hinahangaan ko na siya. So, now na nakilala ko siya and we got to spend time I’m definitely happy about that, " Manzano said.
The actor said that he got the chance to know Locsin better when he met her in London almost a year ago.
Manzano also described Locsin as his "angel," a very humble person and beautiful woman inside and out.
“She’s my angel. Very, very down to earth. Besides her physical beauty iyong inner beauty niya radiates so much more than her physical beauty," Manzano said.
But the actor kept mum on admitting the real status of his relationship with Locsin. Manzano refused to share more on his affair with the actress to avoid any unnecessary comments from others.
"Nagsalita na ako once pero madami ang nag-react this time I will keep my mouth shut," Manzano said.
When asked if they are exclusively dating, he replied, "Iyon na iyon bahala na kayo. Ika nga niyo balato na lang sa amin iyon."
“I learned from my mistakes na I talked about it once, mas maganda kasi mas hindi na papakiaalaman," he said.
When asked what his life would be without Angel, Manzano replied, "Ako ay nasa hell."
Luis Manzano (full name: Luis Philippe Santos Manzano) is the son of "Star for All Seasons" and incumbent Batangas provincial governor Vilma Santos by actor, TV host and Optical Media Board Chairman Edu Manzano.
He co-hosted the recently concluded reality show "Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition Plus". He is now busy with his upcoming television series on ABS-CBN entitled "Dyosa" with his showbiz friend Anne Curtis. He is also set to do a movie under ABS-CBN's movie outfit Star Cinema soon. (MNS)
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MANILA -- DIANA ZUBIRI has done many love scenes in the sexy films she did with Seiko Films before. But it’s the first time she felt icky when she did a love scene with Marvin Agustin in the TV remake of “Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan.”
“Parang nailang ako, na hindi ko inisip mangyayari kasi good friend ko si Marvin,” she says. “Sa story, ako ’yung aggressive as I did everything so Marvin will break up with Camille Prats and marry me. I keep on seducing him to make love to me, kasi I want to have a baby na nga. So ako ang humahalik sa kanya, kinakarinyo ko sa tenga, hindi niya raw kinakaya as he finds it ticklish kaya lagi siyang natatawa. Umabot sa point na hindi kami makapagshoot dahil tawanan kami nang tawanan kaya ayun, na-take four kami. Sa wedding scene namin, nung halikan niya ako after ‘You may kiss the bride’, ang tagal-tagal pero hindi pa niya inaalis ang lips niya. Pati si Direk Gil Tejada, hindi rin sumisigaw ng Cut. Ang feeling ko nga, napagsamantalahan at inabuso niya ako. Lima raw ang love scenes na gagawin pa namin. Nakakaloka, di ba?”
So she doesn’t enjoy doing such scenes with Marvin?
“You ask him, siyang nag-enjoy. Feel na feel niya.”
“Hoy, ikaw ang nangabuso sa’kin,” Marvin butts in. “Don’t listen to her dahil binabaligtad lang niya ang story.”
Both Diana and Marvin admit that their roles in “Gaano Kadalas” are very challenging.
“Kasi they were originally played by Hilda Koronel and Dindo Fernando,” says Diana. “Alangan naman nating pareho silang magaling, so dapat galingan din namin lagi ni Marvin ang performance namin. (MNS)
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