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Philippine film paves ‘Road’ to Hollywood via horror thriller
A horror thriller will be screened in the U.S. and Canada this May, paving the way for a Philippine-made film to enjoy a commercial release in North America. GMA Films, through a distribution agreement with Hollywood-based Freestyle Releasing, will screen “The Road” in mainstream American and Canadian markets beginning May 11. “The Road” revisits a […]
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Great entertainment at Martin-Pops concert, but why did Ai-Ai walk out?
By Elton Lugay Ludi de Asis Hughes, possibly the most prominent Filipina political fundraiser in New Jersey, was at front row clapping to the rhythm, tapping her feet and laughing at every campy joke dished out by Ai-Ai de las Alas. She and thousands others turned out for the April 29 Martin Nievera-Pops Fernandez concert […]
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It’s all about the Lin
By Elton Lugay New York Knicks’ point guard Jeremy Lin may be Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential, but to the Chinese media covering the gala, he’s nothing but a “snob.” “I felt discriminated,” a Taiwanese journalist was steaming at the red carpet arrivals for the press. “I cannot believe he went straight to the center […]
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Toasting the Tribeca Three
Filmmakers, actors, moviegoers and writers packed the Kalayaan Hall’s cocktail reception for three Filipino filmmakers exhibiting at the Tribeca Film Festival. “This is the first time we’ve seen the Kalayaan Hall this full,” noted Deputy Consul General Tess Dizon de Vega. “This is almost a fire hazard.” It was clear as day who the star […]
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Arnel Pineda will be with Journey ‘for as long as they want me’
By Elton Lugay “It’s such a raw film. They were able to show my emotions.” Arnel Pineda was talking to The FilAm about his biopic, “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey,” directed by Ramona Diaz. The movie, which screens April 19 at the Tribeca Film Festival, chronicles his rise from a hard-luck pizza joint singer to […]
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It’s magic: Apollo Riego to have his own TV show
By Maricar CP Hampton At age 4, Apollo Riego’s parents hired a magician to entertain at his birthday party. A year later, he was doing tricks with cups and balls. Today at 25, this popular Coney Island dancing magician is about to host his own TV show aimed at mesmerizing American audiences with his own […]
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Conspiracy theories surround ‘American Idol’ voting
By Elton Lugay Filipinos around the globe are up in arms: Jessica Sanchez was nearly ousted from “American Idol.” And whoever said we Filipinos are not a united people? This obsession with Jessica on Idol is fueling a united front never before seen since the Edsa Revolt of 1986. The outcry ranges from vote manipulation […]
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‘Idol’ cast-off says Jessica Sanchez ‘deserves to win’
By Elton Lugay Aspiring singer Heejun Han may have been recently bumped off “American Idol,” but his budding friendship with Jessica Sanchez is something he will always remember. “She’s an amazing woman, a great artist, a star you guys should really be proud of,” the Korean American from Flushing, Queens said. Han was working […]
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So you think you can dance – and pay the bills?
By Roberto Villanueva Many times I have found myself in situations where I am informing people who have limited knowledge of the dance world that I am a concert dance artist and not a commercial dance artist. Without hesitation, they would immediately ask, “What is the difference?” In order to make a simple and clear […]