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Feel-good book launch goes from classy to campy
How is it that people who attended the May 30 launch of Ruben Nepales’ “My Filipino Connection: The Philippines in Hollywood” went from being moved to tears to foot-tapping to the beat of “Ocho Ocho?” Because Broadway actress Ali Ewoldt was there, and her soul-stirring rendition of West Side Story’s “Somewhere” gave the crowd goose […]
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Piolo, Angelica romantic comedy screens in Jersey theaters June 1-7
“Every Breath U Take” is the latest pairing of popular Philippine stars Piolo Pascual and Angelica Panganiban. The theme is contemporary. The superstitious Majoy’s (Panganiban) biological clock is ticking, but the sun signs are leading her to a career playboy (Pascual) for whom love is mere recreation. Can two people with different agenda live happily […]
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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 […]