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Jessica Sanchez defends ‘American Idol,’ says protest ‘not necessary’
By Elton Lugay Washington, D.C.— “It was completely fair. Phil deserved to win.” With those words, “American Idol” finalist Jessica Sanchez brushed aside a protest by a FilAm community group. Migrant Heritage Commission, which is based here in D.C., is asking Fox TV to disclose “in the interest of transparency” how the voting was counted […]
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No regrets, Jessica Sanchez
By Elton Lugay On May 21, I stuck my neck out for Jessica Sanchez. I proclaimed in a rather self-indulgent essay – that was widely published and reposted – that the 16-year-old Filipina-Mexican-American would be the new American Idol. Why did I do that? As a long-time viewer of the show, I was secure in […]
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MoMA screens ‘Ang Babae sa Septic Tank’ till May 28
Catch “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank,” screening at The Museum of Modern Art from May 25 to 28. The film premiered in New York on May 24 as part of MoMA’s annual ContemporAsian series showcasing independent Asian cinema. The 87-minute movie stars Eugene Domingo in what is billed as a film within a film. Protagonists […]
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When ‘American Idol’ becomes the American Dream
By Elton Lugay Up until last week, “American Idol” was like a Benetton ad. Three finalists remained in competition: Joshua Ledet (black), Philip Philips (white) and Jessica Sanchez (Asian/Latina). Ledet gave an incredible performance but not strong enough to keep him in the running. This week, the Idol trophy is a matter of vocal jousting […]
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Journalist mines Hollywood for Filipino A-listers, artists
Once you get hold of the book, “My Filipino Connection: The Philippines in Hollywood,” it’s easy to understand why Ruben Nepales is not your run-of-the mill entertainment journalist. He asks questions many celebrities dread most: the difficult ones. And asks them without trepidation and with great fondness for his sources. To Michael Caine, he asked […]
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2 filmmakers and their uplifting stories
Two filmmakers are telling stories in different ways: Gerry Balasta through comedy and Lea Dizon via the futuristic narrative — both incorporating entertainment and a social message. Gerry, whose first film, “The Mountain Thief,” has won honors in festivals in San Francisco and France, has a quick follow-through in “The Solar Champion,” a comedy about […]
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Dindi Gallardo: ‘I wanted to live normal, breathe some air’
By Cristina DC Pastor No matter how she tried to submerge her fame, former actress Dindi Gallardo will remain a recognizable face. At a festival she attended with her boss, Filipinos reached out and asked for her autograph. Her boss, an artist who had no clue who his assistant was, gasped, “Who are you?” Dindi […]
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Lea Salonga sings Lady Gaga, Cee Lo
By Elton Lugay I must have followed Lea Salonga’s every concert in New York, and nothing sends me to Dreamland faster than her bluesy opening number, “How About You.” I listen with my eyes closed, knowing the best is yet to come. On May 4 at the packed Town Hall theater on Broadway, Lea did […]
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Droll humor, special effects make ‘Avengers’ Marvel-ously enjoyable
By Daniel de la Rosa Menlo Park Mall in Edison, New Jersey is a bandbox of a shopping center with a refurbished moviehouse where the seats swallow you and the arm rest is as big enough to plant your corn shrimp, fries and humongous Diet soda. Drove there on a warm Friday evening that had […]