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Diane Paragas, H.P. Mendoza win Cinematografo filmmaking grant
The Cinematografo Originals Contest unveiled the two filmmakers and their works which topped the search that started in January. They are “Yellow Rose” by Diane Paragas, a story about a 15-year-old Filipino girl who dreams of being a country music star despite the ridicule of everyone around her; and “Bitter Melon” by H.P. Mendoza, a […]
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Comedian Ai-ai delas Alas wins Best Actress in Queens filmfest for role as prostitute at crossroads
“Area,” a drama about aging prostitutes coping with social and economic challenges, screened this month at the 7th Queen’s World Film Festival and won for actress Ai-Ai delas Alas, a comedian, the best female actor award. “Area” was one of 130 films from around the world which screened at the 7th edition of the festival […]
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The FilAm at 6: Growing, continuing to explore the community, and asking a lot of questions
By Cristina DC Pastor The FilAm online magazine maintains its standing among the ranks of independent ethnic media publications in the New York area. We couldn’t be prouder. We would like to report a surge in readership (‘views’ in digital jargon) in the past year. I, as Founding Editor, was thrilled beyond all expectation. In […]
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Excellent history-as-entertainment drama in ‘Hidden Figures’
By Wendell Gaa This year’s Oscar season has reflected a commemoration of Black History Month with the Best Picture nominee “Hidden Figures,” the story of three African-American female mathematicians who played a crucial role in the development of the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA). Like many moviegoers, I was amazed at how “Hidden Figures” was […]
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Fans eagerly await Apr. 12 AlDub concert: ‘It’s about time’
By Cristina DC Pastor I can just imagine fans across the Northeast snapping up tickets, gathering friends, and planning a schlep to Brooklyn on April 12. It’s been announced that Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza – known throughout their enamored universe as the AlDub love team – will be in NYC for performances. “Super excited […]
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After 25 years, ‘Miss Saigon’ returns with another Filipina Kim
By Lindy Rosales A quarter century after it debuted in London’s West End, the tragic romance between a Vietnamese bar girl and an American serviceman is returning to Broadway on March 1. “Miss Saigon,” where Lea Salonga made theater history for a Filipino by winning the Laurence Olivier Award in 1989/90 for Outstanding Performance of […]
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‘Lion:’ When the human spirit never gives up
By Wendell Gaa In the film drama “Lion,” the predicament of homeless street children in India is given focus, but sadly their struggles could be said the same for thousands of orphans globally, including the Philippines. While tragedy does have a place in “Lion,” ultimately, it is a story about hope, love and the unrelenting […]
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‘Vampariah’ as subversive ‘aswang’ film
By Joel David In contrast with politics, the consensus among Filipinos is that 2016 has been an unqualified triumph for their cinema. Not only did we have a second major prize at the Cannes Film Festival, we also won major prizes at A-list European and Asian filmfests, topped by the Golden Lion at the Venice […]
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For child star Frenie Acoba, it’s hello 2017, goodbye ‘Matilda’
Fifteen-year-old singer-actress Frenie Acoba ushered in the new year by saying goodbye to “Matilda the Musical” and the role of Lavender she has played for more than three years. “I am beyond grateful for being a part of this wonderful show,” Frenie wrote on her Facebook page. The musical, based on Roald Dahl’s story of […]