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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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LAST weekend I had the privilege of meeting and sharing the stage with some of the best of Fil-Am artists in Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, New Jersey and New York at the Independence Day Weekend celebrations in Falls Church, VA and Towson, MD.
These bands, The Moonbugs, P.I., Circled Sin, Earplug, Nerojoc, The 3rd Element, Rubberband, and The Kuwagos have been around the Fil-Am indie circuit for a while now and have perfected their crafts and have amassed quite a steady following of their own.
But what really struck me while at the two-day fest was the brotherhood among all of us. The feeling of meeting all of them was like the sensation of being in your first ever high school reunion after 25 years.
We were sharing stories of the struggles of being an indie artist, the joys of playing original music, and the inexplicable fun of being in a band. Though I have met some of these artists before casually during some NYC gigs, the two-gigs last weekend was definitely the barrier-breaker. It was as if, all inhibitions were dropped and everyone decided, “what the hell, these are all brothers and sisters in the struggle, might as well let it all hang out”.
This sudden tightness in the Fil-Am music scene may have been brought about by the Fil-Am music community at www.poptimesmagazine.com. Before the forum was established, most of the bands know of each other, but never really hang out with each other. Now, almost all the Fil-Am bands in the US are virtually hanging out with each other inside the forum/community of the online Fil-Am music magazine. There, the bands interact with one another as if it is their classroom during recess. Photos are being shared, jokes are being cracked, drummers hooking up with fellow drummers, and bands socializing with their fans. The forum was able to eliminate the inhibitions among the artists and fans and allowed them to freely connect with everyone.
No need to outsource
While everyone has having a blast at the Karaoke Idol in Falls Church, VA, I noticed that most of the people in the crowd were either friends or families of the artists performing that night. There were no ‘walk-ins’ to watch their local bands do their thing.
So I asked Jojo Valenzuela, the guitarist of PI and the show producer why most of the Filipino or Fil-Ams in the community there did not come out and he said that Vina Morales was also performing that night in DC.
So, it turned out to be Vina Morales vs. local bands that night, and it was clear that Vina got more bodies on her show than the one featuring six local bands at KI.
This reality is sad but true. Most Fil-Ams here would prefer spending more money to watch Philippine-based acts like Vina than their local artists. Of course, Vina is a ‘star’. She appears ion TV, she’s on the cover of Pinoy magazines, and her songs are on Pinoy airwaves.
But still, I think that it is time to give our local Fil-Am artists a break. Why the need to outsource entertainment when we have a gigantic pool of talents here? Why do we look elsewhere – Manila, for stars when the next big band is just a few doors away? Why not support your local artist and make them the stars.
This unexplainable mentality always brings back my terrible experience with a well-known Filipino store in Jersey.
When Bleud’s album came out, I went to this Pinoy store that sells Filipino CDs and DVDs asking them to support the album and have them sell the band’s CD on their shelves. The store owner looked at the CD, asked who the artist was, to which I replied, ‘BLEUD is a local Pinoy band in Jersey City’ And without breaking an eyelash, the guy shook his head and handed the CD back to my sweaty hands. “Sorry boy, hindi kasi nagtitinda nang hindi kilala. Hindi kasi nabibili, saying lang yung space sa shelf”.
Special thanks
Special thanks to Jojo Valenzuela for inviting us to play at KI in Virginia and Marco Galsim of the 3rd Element for inviting as to rock out at Towson, MD’s Independence Day fest. In addition, big love to all our brothers and sisters down there who gave us their warm hospitality. You know who you are. Mabuhay ang Fil-Am Music!
Shameless plug
The Leyte Benefit CD is out now. You can help the victims of the Leyte landslide by buying this one-of-a kind CD featuring the best of Fil-Am music from all over the US. Log on to www.leytecd.org to purchase.
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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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HE holds my hand. I pat his back gently. I hug him back as he hugs me tightly. And when he looks at me with pride, I think to myself, I am the most beautiful girl in the world.
That is how my father makes me feel.
Growing up, I recalled that between my mom and my dad, it was actually my dad who was more expressive with his feelings. He is the one that tells us in words often how he loves us and is not afraid to show his emotions. A grown-up man with a big heart and kind spirit to match.
Even when he was busy at work, he made sure that he spent quality time with us. Sunday was always a favorite day for it was truly a family day. We would go to church in the morning, and off to Luneta Park to spend the rest of the day.
I remembered him being awake until the wee hours in the morning drawing a map of our neighborhood so I will have something to show to the class for a presentation.
He always made us laugh but he could be stern too if the situation calls for it. At times when my siblings and I did something out of the ordinary, it is from him that we tried to hide from.
It was particularly difficult for my father to see us pack our bags, leave the house and start our own journey in life, my mother often said that it is my Tatay who feels the most impact of an “empty nest syndrome”.
I have often asked myself this question, “How can I show gratitude to my father who knows everything about me —my failures, my weaknesses and still loves me? For being essentially himself, loving and forgiving? I have realized that in my own small way, I can.
My father wants me and my siblings to have strength and be more strong-willed. To respect others and be more respectful. To love ourselves and share that love with others unconditionally.
My siblings and I are all grown-ups now but I still see my father treating us like little kids. I guess in the eyes of our parents, we will always remain as their little children.
Particularly for me, since I am the “bunso”, letting go and accepting the fact that I have my own life now will always be met with a bit of resistance. Nevertheless, I have learned to meet my parents’ views halfway and I have always tried to assure them that they raised me well enough to handle life’s challenges. Since Father’s Day is just around the corner, there is a story that I read in Readers Digest one time that I want to share with you for it never fails to remind me of how a father’s love is and will always be for their children.
The story is entitled “Daddy’s Little Girl”.
“I took my month-old son to my parent’s house for a visit. During the first night back in my childhood bedroom, I heard my father get up and start down the hall. Then I listened to my mother say to him, “It’s cold, make sure the baby is covered”. Pretending to be asleep so I could observe the new grandfather in action, I soon learned that I would always be Daddy’s little girl. When he came in the room, he didn’t go near the baby’s crib. But he made sure I was tucked in before he shuffled back down the hall.”
Happy Father’s Day!
Postscript: Thank you for all your emails. I love hearing from all of you. Keep those letters coming!
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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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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IT’S OFFICIAL. Jericho Rosales has joined Manila Genesis “to pursue his music career,” according to Angeli Pangilinan and Gina Martinez, who run the entertainment and management company.
Panglinan said Rosales’ management contract with Star Magic, ABS-CBN’s talent center, expired on April 24.
Rosales joined Star Magic in 1997.
The talent center gave no comment. Rikka Dylim, Star Magic PR manager, said, “We cannot confirm the negotiations.” It was earlier speculated that the actor would join his girlfriend Heart Evangelista, who signed up with Genesis last January.
Martinez insisted, “They’re not a package deal.”
Pangilinan added, “We didn’t pirate them.”
“As of today, Heart and Echo are still with ABS-CBN, the network (as talents, not contract stars),” Martinez told Inquirer Entertainment on Tuesday. “We are handling only his music career.”
Rosales is promoting “Pacquiao the Movie,” a co-production between FLT Films and Star Cinema, ABS-CBN’s movie arm. Evangelista is hosting “Close Up to Fame 2” and is a veejay on MYX, ABS-CBN’s music video channel.
The two have received other offers from the network, said Pangilinan. “I had a meeting with Cory Vidanes (senior vice president for TV production). She said they’re thinking of a soap opera for them. I’m meeting with Malou Santos (Star Cinema managing director) for Heart.”
According to Pangilinan, Rosales “is very grateful to ABS-CBN ... but wants to focus on his music [for now]. It’s therapy for him.”
Rosales and his band, Jeans, have inked a deal with EMI. Their debut album, “Loose Fit,” is set for release all over Asia, Martinez said.
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GRETCHEN Barretto is raring to do a movie again. She might just accept an offer from OctoArts Films to do one of the three episodes in the said outfit’s entry in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). What makes the movie interesting for her is that it will have director Joey Reyes at the helm.
“He has been consistently good in his work as a director, ‘di ba? Kaya siguro for my comeback movie, magandang siya ang magdirek,” Gretchen said.
The film will mark her first appearance in a horror movie. She asked us her opinion is she can do it.
“Well, the role, if ever, will prove a challenge to you. It will be her chance, to prove if you can equal, or even, surpass, Claudine (Barretto, her younger sister) as a performer,” we told her. Claudine, too, is starring in a suspense-horror movie, “Sukob,” her first co-starring role with Kris Aquino. “Sukob” has Chito Roño at the helm and is produced by Star Cinema.
“In fairness to Claudine I take my hat off to her as an actress. Magaling siya, no doubt about it,” she said. “Isa pa, I am not staging a comeback in films because I want to compete with anyone. Ang gusto ko lang ay ang magbalik-pelikula.
“It is good na I have Tony Boy’s (Cojuangco, her partner) blessings.”
We asked Gretchen how she would rate “Kapag Tumibok ang Puso, Not Once But Twice”? She watched its premiere at the Cinema 3 of the Mall of Asia. The role of Precious Lara Quigaman in the movie was first assigned to her. She voluntarily gave it up, though, when she learned that Lani Mercado, the wife of its lead star, Senator Bong Revilla, felt uncomfortable allowing Gretchen and Bong do a movie together. Senator Bong and Gretchen were linked to each other before.
To our question, Gretchen answered: “Maganda ang movie. Nakatatawa. Aliw na aliw ako habang pinanonood ang pelikula.”
Gretchen had with her Tony Boy and daughter Dominique when she watched the “Kapag Tumibok’” premiere. (MNS)
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MANILA–It’s confirmed. Miriam Quiambao, 1999 Miss Universe 1st runner-up, has confessed she broke up with Italian husband Claudio Rondinelli. They were married in Boracay in January 2003.
‘Our relationship just didn’t work,’ she says. ‘There’s no third party involved. I knew we’d separate as we’re already having problems soon after the wedding. Eventually, he told me na hindi raw pala siya ang marrying type.’ Claudio gave her money to put up her own business. ‘But money can’t buy happiness. I have bouts of depression so I even consulted a psychiatrist.’
Eventually, she decided to file for divorce and now that they’re separated, they more friendly to each other. “Mas naging totoo na kami sa isa’t isa kasi alam na naming wala nang infatuation existing between us. We’re now on our own. But I don’t regret the experience. I got to know myself more because I found out I must be true to my purpose in life by living out my own passion, which is to connect with myself and others, to commit to my own personal growth.”
We knew Miriam’s first boyfriend even before she joined the Bb. Pilipinas pageant, Martin Bernardo. She chose to break up with him when she joined showbiz. He’s a good guy and we feel Miriam would have been happier with him.
Another actress who confesses her marriage has gone kaput is Anna Roces. Her businessman husband, Greg Montenegro, is the brother of Angela, wife of Mikee Arroyo. Greg prefers Ana to stay at home with their kid but she chose to go back to showbiz as she says “sayang ang career.”
But a female movie writer quips: “Ano naman ang masasayang sa career niya, e she never naman became a really big star? I’ve seen a lot of marriages na nasira dahil ang misis, pilit pang nagbabalik sa showbiz. Itong mga aktres na ito, masuwerte na nga sila at nakatagpo sila ng partners na well off naman, hindi na lang manahimik at gawing priority ang marriage at family nila.”. (MNS)
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SHE is the only septuagenarian with a glamour billboard along EDSA, but actress Gloria Romero remains as self-effacing as ever.
She demurs that credit for the billboard exposure goes entirely to beauty salon chain owner Ricky Reyes.
“Imagine, getting a 72-year-old woman to model for him? I was so happy and grateful to him. I can truly say that I’ve done everything in my career.”
Including ride a motorcycle, play a drunk, a mob boss and Alzheimer’s victim.
Indeed, one of her most famous movie line goes: “Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.”
Gloria is currently enjoying a career resurgence of sorts. Again.
She is co-starring with fellow Sampaguita Pictures graduate Eddie Garcia in “I Wanna Be Happy”—the new Seiko family comedy-drama directed by Jose Javier Reyes.
Two scripts submitted to the Metro Manila Film Festival—“Habang May Pangarap” and “No Other Love”—also propose the Gloria-Eddie tandem in the lead. It’s like they’re the love team to beat.
“That’s only because no one our age is still around,” she quips, laughing.
Seriously, she is thankful to producer Robbie Tan for the meaty role in this new movie.
“These days I get only small roles. This is the biggest I’ve had in a while. The story centers on the couple, but everyone in the movie has his or her moment.”
Chemistry
She plays an oppressed housewife who abandons her controlling husband on the eve of their 50th wedding anniversary—to the consternation of their children played by Cherry Pie Picache, Joey Marquez and Diana Zubiri.
“It’s an ensemble film,” she points out. The chemistry between Romero and Garcia is unmistakable, director Reyes agrees.
“I really made it a point to anchor the story on the old couple,” Reyes says.
Garcia explains the ease between himself and Romero: “We’ve been working together for ages. Glo is such a lady—always pleasant, patient, professional.”
Garcia was the contravida in her early Sampaguita movies like “Señorita” and “Dalagang Ilokana” in the 1950s. The latter gave Romero her first Best Actress trophy from Famas in 1954.
Three decades later, they played husband and wife in Lino Brocka’s “Miguelito” and Laurice Guillen’s “Kung Mahawi Man ang Ulap.”
“I’ve also worked with him as my director,” Romero says.
2nd award
“The first time I directed her was in the [Ferdinand] Marcos election movie, ’Pinagbuklod ng Langit,’ in 1969,” Garcia recounts.
“Eddie gave me my next acting award after a 34-year gap,” Romero says, “for ’Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-Ibig’ (Best Supporting Actress) in 1988.”
A trouper, she has never stopped acting since she made her screen debut in 1950 as a bit player in movies like “Dugong Bughaw” and “Bernardo Carpio.”
“I would stop for just two to three months at a time,” she says. Not even the passing of husband Juancho Gutierrez distracted her.
“It has been eight months,” she says, turning wistful. “Losing a husband is not easy. We had been separated, but we were not enemies.” (INQ)
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