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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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MANILA --- Aga Muhlach was in his element when he distributed gifts to children from the depressed areas in Metro Manila. The gift-giving was in line with the formal turnover of gifts he and Jollibee collected through their yearly toy and book drive, “MaAGA ang Pasko,” which is now on its 10th year.
The ceremony was held at the gym of St. Paul’s College in Pasig. More than 200 children were present.
According to a Jollibee insider, they collected more than 200,000 donations this year. “Kaya, tiyak, maraming batang magiging recipients ng mga regalong ito,” our source said.
Aga suggested that part of the collected books and toys be given to the kids in Quezon province, especially those from Real, Infanta and Nakar. He wants to see them smile again because he believes that toys can make even a depressed child smile.
The rest of the gifts will be distributed to some charitable institutions for children. (MNS)
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MANILA --- In her 18th birthday last year, Anne Curtis promised herself that she would work hard to fulfill her dreams.
Anne’s contract with ABS-CBN resulted to a lot of projects, including her role in “Hiram” (where she forms part of a love triangle with Geoff Eigenmann and Heart Evangelist) and a semi-regular hosting stint in “ASAP Mania.”
Very soon, Anne will be in yet another ABS-CBN show, where she will be introduced as its newest segment host. However, since the deal is still being finalized, Anne says she can’t bare an the details yet.
Recently, the new Ginebra San Miguel (GSM) Blue commercial starring Anne also started airing on TV. The commercial, which featyres her as a teenager having fun in a bar with GSM Blue - is just one of the breaks that came to Anne after she moved to her new home network.
“I’m very happy [moving to ABS-CBN], because I finally got the chance to do drama, which I’ve always wanted,” says Anne, who is getting good reviews for her performance as Stephanie in “Hiram.”
Anne also fulfilled what she describes as her biggest dream - to have a house of her own. The Victorian-style house, located in ParaÒaque, has three floors, three bedrooms and a spacious garage.
The house was financed solely from her showbiz earnings. “Since I started in showbiz, I always dreamt to have a house of my own.”
Anne says that because of the house, she has learned to be more judicious with her money.
With her biggest dream now a reality, Anne is setting her sights on another aspiration, which is to win an acting award. It would be a great way to celebrate the next big milestone in her life when she turns 20 in February next year.
With the support of Viva and her manager Veronique del Rosario, Anne believes she will reach her second dream sooner, rather than later.
With her looks, talent and the backing that Viva’s been giving her, Anne Curtis might just be the next young superstar. (MNS)
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MANILA --- Charlene Gonzales was absolutely shocked by the death of KC de Venecia, whom was like her younger sister. She was shattered by the news of the teener’s untimely death and up to now, thinking about KC brings tears to Charlene’s eyes.
Charlene is very close to the De Venecias and is related to the Vera Perezes. KC’s mom, Gina Vera Perez-De Venecia is Charlene’s aunt and the speaker has always been “Tito Joe” to her.
Charlene saw KC grow up. She remembered the young girl as loving, gentle, thoughtful and always full of life. There was absolutely no dull moment with her. “Kaya masaya siyang kausap, kasama, though 16 years old lang siya,” she recalled.
Charlene and husband Aga Muhlach rushed to the De Venecia’s residence in DasmariÒas Village, Makati when they learned of the fire on Dec. 16. They were witnesses to the scene when KC’s body was being brought down from the house.
“Sari-saring emotions ang masasaksihan mo. Sari-saring reaction na punong-puno ng kalungkutan. Ako, sa aking sarili, ewan kung makakalimutan ko pa ang gabing iyon,” related Aga.
Aga and Charlene, together with some friends, were also at the wake of Fernando Poe Jr. at the Sto. Domingo Church. Charlene appeared with Ronnie in the movie, “The Epimaco Velasco Story.” Aga appeared in a guest role in FPJ Productions’ “Ikaw ang Mahal Ko,” which paired Ronnie with Vilma Santos.
Aga refused to accept any payment for his appearance in the movie. So Ronnie gifted Aga with a signature suit which, he revealed he still wears up to now.
Aga’s relationship with Ronnie goes beyond having him as a ninong sa kasal. The movie king was always “Tito Ronnie” to Aga, someone who he could always count on. (MNS)
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MANILA --- The Vilma Santos- Christopher de Leon love team is one of the most enduring tandems in local cinema. They were first paired in 1975 in Celso Ad. Castillo’s “Tag-ulan sa Tag-araw,” as first cousins who fall in love with each other.
This was followed by “Masarap, Masakit ang Umibig,” “Nakawin Natin ang Bawat Sandali,” “Ikaw ay Akin” (with Nora Aunor, directed by the late Ishmael Bernal), “Pinay, American Style” (shot in the US), “Disco Fever,” “Magkaribal,” “Gusto Kita, Mahal Mo Siya” (with Romeo Vasquez), “Pakawalan Mo Ako,” “Karma,” “Sinasamba Kita,” “Relasyon,” “Haplos,” “Broken Marriage,” “Paano Ba ang Mangarap,” “Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan,” “Imortal,” “Ipagpatawad Mo,” “Dahil Mahal Kita, Dolzura Cortez Story,” “Nag-iisang Bituin” (with Aga Muhlach), “Hanggang Ngayon Ika’y Minamahal,” and “Dekada ‘70.” “Mano Po 3, My Love” is Vilma’s 23rd film with Boyet and her 190th major movie in her filmography. She also did guest appearances for friendship’s shake in films like Roderick Paulate’s “Charot,” Kuya Germs’ “Payaso” and Jinggoy Estrada’s “Erpat Kong Astig.”
What is the secret of her successful team up with Boyet? “You know, it’s amazing because we’ve never been linked to each other and yet the public loves seeing our movies together. Siguro it’s because we have this unbelievable chemistry. We know each other so well that tinginan lang on screen, we already know what to do to make a take very good.”
Ate Vi turned 51 on November and it’s to her credit that she can manage to look half her age. What is her secret?
“I exercise everyday. If I don’t, I’d get sick. When I feel down or I’m angry about something, I exercise and it makes me feel better. As a mayor, I get invited to a lot of dinners and they’d feel slighted if I don’t honor their invitation. So can you imagine what would happen to me kung kain ako nang kain and I don’t exercise? Also, I never abuse myself. Wala naman akong vices like drugs or alcohol. Clean living. I also have a positive attitude in life. I don’t dwell on negative things as it’s not healthy.”
Did she have a hard time playing the role of a Chinese woman in “Mano Po 3”? “You know, I did a movie before, ‘Baby Tsina,’ but I wasn’t really Chinese there. In ‘Mano Po 3,’ I play Lilia Chong-Yang, a socially conscious anti-crime crusader and I get to know more about Chinese culture. We were even taught how to speak Fookien Chinese by a private tutor.”
How is it being directed by Joel Lamangan, who got more identified with Nora Aunor after such award-winning films as “Flor Contemplacion Story” and “Bakit May Kahapon Pa”?
“We got along well. He’s very considerate because my schedule allows me to shoot only during weekends. ‘Mano Po 3’ is one film I can be proud of.” (MNS)
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