The Sad State Of Philippine Cinema

When was the last time you watched a Filipino movie? I must confess, I can't remember either. That just about sums up the state of Philippine cinema.

I was once a fan of Filipino movies. It was quite a long, long time ago. I was just a little girl swooning for Susan Roces and Fernando Poe Jr. It turns out, that was the golden age of Philippine movies. Filipino filmmaking, which can be dated back to as early as 1919 with Jose Nepumuceno's Dalagang Bukid (Country Maiden) was already starting to flourish when the second world war virtually halted filmmaking aside from Japanese propaganda. The end of the war saw a revival which peaked in the 1950's. Bolstered by improvements in cinematic techniques, the Big Four (Sampaguita Pictures, LVN, Premier and Lebran studios) were churning out movie after movie, to the delight of moviegoers. Local and international film awards were established. In 1953, the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) , the Philippines' answer to the United States' Academy Awards was established. With this, the Philippines set a trend in Asian cinema since FAMAS was the first film industry award-giving body in Asia. Filipino films were recognized in international circles. Manuel Conde's Genghis Khan (1952) was accepted for screening at the Venice Film Festival. Gerardo de Leon's Ifugao (1954) and Lamberto Avellana's Anak Dalita (The Ruins, 1956) garnered international awards, establishing the Philippines as a major filmmaking center in Asia. Avellana's Kandelerong Pilak (Silver Candlesticks, 1954) was the first filipino film to be shown at the Cannes International Film Festival.

The 1960's, however, saw the decline of Philippine cinema. The Big Four studios closed because of labor disputes. Film production was focused mainly on making money. Most movies were cheap imitations of foreign films, featuring Filipino cowboys and secret agents, martial art practitioners and and the so-called bomba queens, purveyors of soft-core pornography. This must have been the time I lost interest in Filipino movies.

The 1970's and 1980's were turbulent years, under martial law and film censorship. Nevertheless, young directors started to show their talent like Ishmael Bernal, Celso Ad Castillo, and Mike de Leon. Lino Brocka directed Maynila sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag (Manila in the Claws of Light), 1975 which critics considered the best Filipino film ever produced. His recognition went beyond the local film awards. His first entry to Cannes International Film Festival was Insiang (1978) .Two of his films were later nominated for the Palm d'Oro award, The Jaguar in 1980 and Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim in 1984. The Director's Fortnight featured his films Bona,1981 and Orapronobis.

In 1977, an unknown director named Kidlat Tahimik won the International Critic's Prize at the Berlin Film Festival for his work Mababangong Bangungot (Perfumed Nightmare). This heralded the arrival of alternative cinema. Out of short film festivals sponsored by the University of the Philippines Film Center and by the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines, other young filmmakers made movies that defined mainstream cinema's commercial approach to filmmaking and focused on works that "probe deeper into the human being and into society". Nick Deocampo's Oliver (1983) and Raymond Red's Ang Magpakailanman (The Eternal, 1983) received attention in international festivals. Probably the most important filmmaker of today is Lav Diaz, who has been called the heir to Lino Brocka.

As mainstream filmmakers become constrained by rising production costs, including exorbitant taxation, and competition from high-budget foreign films, the industry faces a dwindling number of filipino films. The industry turned it's hope on independent filmmakers.

To encourage young filmmakers, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, together with the Film Development of the Philippines (FDCP) and the University of the Philippines Film Institute organized the first Cinemalaya Film Festival in 2005. Combined with a film exhibition is a competition which was open to filmmakers who have not directed any commercially released film. Ten finalists in two categories, short and full-length feature, were given grants to help in production.

Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros (The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros), a story about a gay teen who is torn between his loyalty to his love for a young a cop garnered a Special Jury award for director Aureus Solito as well as a Special Citation and best production design at the first Cinemalaya festival. It eventually went on to win several international film awards, a nomination for the Grand Jury Prize at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival and was chosen as the Philippine entry to the Best Foreign Language Film at the 2007 Oscars. Another indie film, Foster Child by Brillante Mendoza was featured at the Director's Fortnight , an independent section running in parallel to the Cannes International Film Festival.

And in 2008, Brillante Mendoza's movie Serbis was nominated for the Palm d'Or award at the Cannes Film Festival. The scathing reviews it received were probably not quite what the director would have wanted. Now Showing by Raya Martin was featured in the Director's Fortnight. Donsol, the first film by writer-director Adolfo Alix Jr. was chosen to be the Philippine entry to the Best Foreign-Language Film at the 80th Academy Awards.

The so, the independents are on their way to save Philippine cinema.

References:
Cinemalaya: Discover, honor, encourage new filmmakers
Exposing the Culture of Philippine Cinema. BCHeights.com
History of Philippine Cinema. Onlineessays.com

Slow Jam King

Slow Jam King (2004) is the feature debut of musician and filmmaker Steven Mallorca, winner of Asian Cinevision's Emerging Director Award.

Synopsis:
JoJo Enriquez, a Filipino-American, poseur gangsta-pimp, thinks he hears his call to the streets and carjacks Vance, a mysterious traveling perfume salesman. In tow is Devaun, JoJo's best friend, who tries desperately to protect Vance from JoJo, and JoJo from the law. But no one is safe from JoJo's impulses, as the motley trio hits the road to Nashville, and slowly succumb to an escapist adventure that takes them further away from JoJo's reality, but closer to Vance's reality. When JoJo discovers the truth about his reluctant road companion, the trip takes a turn that leads the three of them to truth, love, and the dirty underbelly of the Nashville country music scene, where they encounter the militant Black country music star, Buck Garvey.
.....................................Slow Jam King - official release

Get in on DVD now.

David Maquiling - first fil-am to receive national distribution in the US

The son of a surgeon from Placer, Surigao del Norte (Dr. Renerito Maquiling, graduate of Siliman University and UST who immigrated to the US in the 60's) and an American nurse, David Maquiling grew up in Holmdel, NJ, which was then fairly isolated from the Filipino and other Asian culture. His father being a avid story-teller, David grew up listening to Juan Tamad and Maria Makiling. He would later credit such story telling as a major influence in his filmmaking career.

When he went to school in NYU, he started exploring his heritage. He was exposed to Asian filmmakers and was profoundly affected by Lino Brocka's Macho Dancer, the first Filipino film he ever saw.

With his parents' encouragement, he entered the film program and later graduated magna cum laude from New York University's Tisch School of Arts. He has directed plays and has received numerous awards for his short films (Nine Feet Tall, Grand Jury Prize at the USA Film Festival, and Old English Cal, Best Short Film of the Providence Film Festival) and feature-length scripts (The Little Blue Man, Asian American Film Society's Prize).

His first full-length feature Too Much Sleep started filming in 1995 and was shown on international film festivals in 1997. His story of a sleep-deprived night security guard, whose search for his missing gun takes him on a quirky odyssey through suburbia, was praised by critics. In October, 2000, Angelika Entertainment presented a limited run at New York's Anthology Film Archives to rave reviews and sell-out audiences. The film was selected to be a part of the Shooting Gallery Loews Cineplex Entertainment Film Series joining a list of acclaimed independent films shown at Loews Multiplex theaters in 16 U.S. cities, including New York and Los Angeles. As such, David became the first fil-am to receive national distribution in the U.S.

David was nominated for the 2002 Independent Spirit Awards "Somebody to Watch" Prize and was awarded the 2002 IFP Project Involve: New York Fellowship Grant. For several years, he served as the Festival Director of NewFilmmakers, the weekly film series hosted at Anthology Film Archives, and was the Co-Festival Director for the 25th Anniversary of the Asian American International Film Festival in July 2002.

His next feature film is currently in production. Whereas Too Much Sleep was criticized by some groups for not having any Asian character, Another Deep Breath will explore the struggling marriage of a Filipino American husband and wife. Will this be the film that will introduce the Filipino to the American movie audience?


References:
Director's Feature Debut First Film by Fil-am to Receive National U.S. Distribution
David Maquiling at zoominfo

Ramona Diaz - Director/Producer

Ramona Diaz grew up in Manila and studied documentary filmmaking at Stanford.

Her first film, Spirits Rising is an hour-long documentary about women's role in the 1986 People Power revolution in the Philippines. Spirits Rising received a Student Academy Award, the Ida Lupino Director's Guild of America Award, a Golden Gate Award from the San Francisco International Film Festival, a Gold Apple from the National Educational Media Network and a Certificate of Merit from the International Documentary Association. It has been screened internationally and broadcast on public television stations in the United States and Australia.

In 1993, Diaz first interviewed Imelda Marcos for the film Spirits Rising. From the interview came the idea to make a documentary about the former first lady. In 1998, after raising money for the product, mostly from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, she went back to Mrs. Marcos to film her for the documentary. Shot in 16mm film by cinematographer Ferne Pearlstein, Imelda won the Excellence in Cinematography Award at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004. Amidst the initial protest from Mrs. Marcos, the film had a very successful showing in the Philippines, becoming the first documentary to be distributed nationwide.

Her current project is The Learning which investigates the Baltimore city school system's experience with teachers from the Philippines.

Prior to pursuing a career as an independent filmmaker, Diaz was an associate producer for Cadillac Desert, a major PBS documentary series about the quest for water in the American West. She also line produced and edited an award-winning, 24-part television documentary series in the Philippines about the immigrant experiences of Filipinos residing in Europe and America entitled Apple Pie, Patis, Paté, atbp. Diaz has also worked in Los Angeles as a writer's assistant for Mary Tyler Moore Productions and as a producer's assistant for Lorimar Productions. She is a graduate of Emerson College and holds an M.A. in communication from Stanford University.

Pia Clemente - first Fil-Am Oscar nominee

Pia Clemente was born in the Philippines but her family emigrated to the United States when she was 3 years old. She grew up in New Jersey but has been in LA for the past 10 years.

She attended Lehigh, then transferred to Barnard College(1990), Columbia University where she was an English major with a minor in theater and creative writing. In 1993, while a senior at Barnard, she directed her first film. Four years later, she produced another short film, Christmas in NY. The film won an Academy Award for Dramatic Short Student Film for best director for Mark Millhorne who was a graduate student at the time.

Clemente received M.F.A. at the American Film Institute in 1997 and worked in theater for two years. In 2000, she was staff producer at Orbit Productions, a commercial production company. Later, she became a freelancer producer working for commercial companies like Villains, the Artist’s Company, BOB Industries and Subliminal Pictures. She worked on commercial campaigns for Volkswagen, Sears, Carl's Jr, Mandalay Bay.

Among her film credits is the independent Filipino-American film The Debut. In 2004, she line - produced Our Time is Up which received an Oscar nomination for Best Live Action Short Film at the 78th academy awards (2006). She got the distinction of being the first Fil-Am to be nominated for an Oscar. She also became the first filipina-american to be elected to the academy of motion picture arts and sciences.

Film Credits:
Whoo-Ya, 2008 - producer
Our Time is Up -2004- producer
The Debut - 2000 - line producer
Baby Geniuses - 1999- production assistant
The Daytrippers - 1996 - production assistant (2nd unit)
The Awakening Fire -2008 - producer

References:
Ivy Women in Sports: Pia Clemente
Clemente '93 is First Filipino-American Woman Nominee in Academy History

FilAm films at the Asian American International Film Festival, NY 2008

AAIFF 2008 continues the tradition of showcasing the best in Asian and Asian American cinema. Held on July 10-19, the series include 13 dramatic features, nine documentaries, and 10 shorts.

This year's list include.....


Giving Care: Director Clarissa de los Reyes' short film about an undocumented Filipino worker who must choose between staying in America as the family breadwinner or going back to the Philippines for her father’s funeral.


God Only Knows. Mark Reyes, Director. Nominated for AAIFF08 Excellence in Short Filmmaking Award. A woman decides to give up her son in hopes of a better life for him. However, his future does not seem much brighter. Click here to watch the trailer.


My Mother Said. In this 5 min film, directed by Jessica Sison, a grandmother looks back on her life and the legacy she will leave as she approaches her 100th birthday.


Santa Mesa, Ron Morales' feature film debut, winner of the Jury Award at the 26th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (March 2008). This is a beautifully filmed coming-of-age tale of a young Filipino American who must return “home” after the death of a loved one.


Slingshot. Shot on handheld digital video, director Brillante Mendoza's tale follows a series of characters in a Manila slum. Mendoza made history recently when his latest film, Serbis, became only the second movie from the Philippines to be nominated for the much-coveted Palm d’Or at the Cannes. Lino Brocka’s Jaguar was the first.

FilAm films at the 26th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival

The San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (March 13 – 23, 2008), presented by the Center for Asian American Media, had an estimated attendance of 30,000, including over 225 filmmakers, actors and industry guests. It featured 113 including eight world premieres, three North American premieres and four U.S. premieres.


Santa Mesa, the feature debut of New York based filmmaker Ron Morales won the Special Jury Award in a tie with John Kwon's Always Be Boyz. This is the coming-of-age tale of a young Filipino American who must return “home” after the death of a loved one.

Other Fil-Am entries include...


Foster Child (John John), 98 mins. In English, Tagalog with English subtitles. Directed by Brillante Mendoza. Foster Child shows how stability can thrive amid the littered dirt alleys and ramshackle buildings of Manila’s slums. But stability does not preclude heartbreak. The film, which lingers on the rituals of a foster mother and son during their final day together, is buoyed by Cherry Pie Picache’s gorgeous performance.


Giving Care. Directed by Clarissa De Los Reyes. 11 mins. In English, Tagalog with English subtitles.
While taking care of an elderly man, a young Filipina receives devastating news from home. Torn between her life in the U.S. and family in the Philippines, she realizes how difficult it is to leave her economic and social circumstances.



Glory Boy Days. 100 mins. Directed and written by: Paul Justin Encinas.
Outfitted with a cast of characters as fresh as their wardrobe, Glory Boy Days follows a day in the life of a misfit crew through three interconnected stories.


God Only Knows. 17 mins. In Tagalog with English subtitles
Directed By: Mark V. Reyes.
Living in the squalor of a vast Manila shantytown, Maria has only one blessing: her son. As she walks him out of the slum and on a journey that may secure his future, she must consider the sacrifice she must bear. Only God knows how high the cost truly is.



Nagpapanggap. 20 mins. In Tagalog with English subtitles.
Directed By: Debbie Formoso.
Among a coterie of affluent women in the Philippines during the halcyon ‘60s, Lourdes believes she has one possession superior to all of her friends’ baubles: an honest husband. But when the fog of denial begins to lift, she must appraise the true value of her marriage, and decide whether to write it off or see what divi­dends it may yet pay.


Slingshot. 86 mins. In Tagalog with English subtitles
Directed By: Brillante Mendoza.
Shot on hand-held video camera, Slingshot follows characters in a Manila slum as they lie, cheat and steal- capturing their desperation with a documentary-like intensity.

Music Videos:
1) Embarcadeo Blues—Goh Nakamura. 3mins Video. Directed by Dino Ignacio.


2) Keep Up - P.I.C.. Steven mallorca, director.

Street Fair

Philippine Independence Day Celebration
New York City, June 1, 2008

The street fair grounds was packed with people checking out the vendors and mobbing the food stands like they've never had Filipino food before. There was face painting, balloon sculpture, and magic shows.








Go back to: Fil-Am Pride:Philippine Independence Day Celebration

UPMASA NJ-NY-CT Chapter

At the Philippine Independence Day celebration, NYC
June 1, 2008

This tri-state chapter started 25 years ago as the pioneer chapter of the University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Society in America (UPMASA). Since it's inception and in keeping with one of its major goals, it has donated to the the UP College of Medicine and the Philippine General Hospital textbooks, journals, medical equipment, research awards and aid in the infrastructure development. In 1995, it spearheaded medical missions and has continued to serve the indigent population of the Philippines yearly since then. As an extension of its mission to help the needy Filipinos, in 2007, it partnered with DAMAYAN Migrant Workers Association to offer free health screening at the New York City Philippine Independence Day Parade.

And it has done so again this year.



Click the screen above for bigger pictures.


Go back to: Fil-Am Pride:Philippine Independence Day Celebration

Philippine Declaration of Independence

On June 12, 1898, in front of a huge crowd at the home of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, the Philippine Declaration of Independence was read by Senior Ambrosio Rianzares Bautista proclaiming the sovereignty and independence of the Philippine Islands from the rule of Spain. The flag of the Philippines which was made in Hongkong by Mrs. Marcela Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo and Delfina Herboza was unfurled and the Philippine National Anthem (Marcha Filipina Magdalo) composed by Julian Felipe was played by the San Francisco de Malabon Marching band.

The Philippine Independence was however, not recognized by the United States until July 4, 1946. Since then, independence day was celebrated on that day. On Aug. 4, 1964, the Philippine R.A. 1466 was passed which changed the date of the Philippine Independence Day to June 12. July 4 was declared the Philippine Republic Day.

Philippine Independence is widely celebrated by Filipinos in the United States, the biggest event occurring in New York City on the first Sunday of June. On this 110th year of the declaration of independence, the theme of the celebration is: Tribute to Filipino Excellence: Likas na Karunungan, Kakayahan, at Kahusayan.

Go back to: Fil-Am Pride:Philippine Independence Day Celebration

Charise

A biography and more...

Charise has released her debut album "Charise" under the label of Star Records.
This is her first official music video.



Charise (Charmaine Charise Relucio Pempengco), the You Tube sensation from Gulod, Cabuyao, Laguna was born on May 10, 1993. She started singing at age 4, inspired and guided by her mom Raquel. She joined and won many singing contests. Little did she she know that her entry to ABS-CBN's Little Big Star would be her ticket to success.

Although she only placed third, her powerful rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" during the May 2006 finals captivated the audience. A long-time fan of hers, nursing student Dave Duenas under the pseudonym FalseVoice posted a video on YouTube which became an instant hit. The face-off video between Charise and America's Got Talent winner Bianca Ryan brought her to the attention of Ten Songs Production, a recording company based in Sweden. In June 2007, she went to Stockholm and recorded 7 songs (3 cover songs and 4 originals), which have not yet been released.

A broadcasting system in Seoul, South Korea was so impressed by her video that she was invited to perform at the talent show Star King on Oct. 13, 2007. Her rendition of And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going was hailed as "the best performance on Star King". Her duet with Kyu Hyun, a member of the popular Super Junior especially endeared her with the audience. The performance was caught by E!'s The Daily Ten TV network and replayed with the headline "A Star is Born". The same performance was also featured on the Ellen Degeneres Show where she eventually performed on Dec. 19, 2007 followed by an encore appearance on Star King on Dec. 29, 2007.

More tv appearances followed, including one at the Paul O'Grady show in London on April 10, a special taping of the popular Filipino game show Wowowee in Hawaii and her "dream- come- true" guest performance at Oprah on May 12, 2008. She was also at the opening concert for MGM Grand at Foxwood.

This young diva has come a long way from Cabuyao, Laguna. And nothing can stop her now.

Go back to: Fil-Am Pride

References:
An Interview with False Voice
Rated K Interview (in Tagalog)

Go back to: Fil-Am Pride:Philippine Independence Day Celebration

Jaryd and Cara

The little dancing sensation:



Jaryd, 10 years old, a 4th grader at Our Lady of Peace in Woodbridge, is the son of Drs. Cayetano and Armie Falcon, both dentists from Princeton, NJ. He has been taking ballet lessons since he was 3 1/2 and continues to study lyrical, gymnastics, jazz and tap at the American Ballet Academy in Dayton, NJ. He is a member of the Vision Dance Team and is the youngest member of FR3SH Jrs., a hip hop dance company representing the tri-state area. He holds a 1st degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and is also an accomplished figure skater.

Cara, 8 years of age, a 2nd grader at St. Clare Catholic School in Clifton, NJ, is the daughter of Walden and Irene Campos of Nutley, NJ.

Jaryd and Cara met 15 months ago at a talent showcase in Elizabeth NJ organized by a group of mothers in the Filipino community. Since then, they have been dancing together under the tutelage of Spencer Nyemchek. In August, 2007, they competed at the USA Dance National Championship and placed first in the Amateur Pre-Teen II Silver Latin division. They also placed 2nd in the Gold Latin division. USA Dance is a nationwide non-profit organization which is the United States National Governing Body for DanceSport, the competitive version of ballroom dancing.

They have been featured at the Maury Show (Nov. 15, 2007) and have won Maury's Most Talented Kids contest. They also competed on the same show for The Best Kid Dance Award. Last December, 2007, they appeared on NBC's TODAY show.

Their biggest national exposure came when they were selected to compete at the Kid's competition segment of ABC's widely popular Dancing With the Stars. They were among 55 youths from across the country originally scouted by USA Dance for the competition. This was then narrowed down to 6 couples who appeared at the show. Jaryd and Cara captured the 10 year and under category after dancing the cha-cha. Their final dance, the samba, gained praises from the judges. "The perfect blend of entertainment and technique" Carrie Ann Inaba. "Fantastic!" said Len Goodman. "Completely adorable and totally entertaining" said Bruno Tonioli who had earlier called them "the cutest little gremlins".

They were at the Phil-US Expo '08 (May 17-18) held at the NJ National Guard Armory in Jersey City. During the gala night, they were presented an award for "Young Performing Artists".

They are scheduled to perform at the Philippine Independence Day celebration in New York on June 1.

Go back to: Fil-Am Pride

References:
Star Ledger: Small feet cha-cha their way to the stars
Good News Pilipinas
Filipino Express
2007 USA Dance National Championship results
Phil-US Expo '08: awards

Go back to: Fil-Am Pride:Philippine Independence Day Celebration

Vincent Bueno

A biography and more...

Vincent was born in Vienna on Dec. 10, 1985 of Filipino parents, Cora (nurse)and Tony Bueno.

Vincent has a Bachelor in Music and Theater Arts from the Vienna Conservatory of Music. His interest in music started early, no doubt influenced by his father who was a former vocalist and lead guitarist of a local 1970 band.

Vinz, as he is fondly called by his friends and family, started dancing when he was 4 years old. By the time he was 11, he could already play 4 instruments (piano, guitar, drums, bass guitar). Growing up in Austria in a close-knit family, he did not lose tracK of his Filipino roots and can speak Tagalog fluently. He was very supportive of the Filipino community in Vienna. He would sing gratis at gatherings and assist children's dance groups. In June, 2007, he sang at the Vienna concert of Sarah Geronimo, known as the Filipino "PopStar Princess" and considered the biggest singing superstar of this generation.

His first appearance at the Musical! Die Show was on Nov. 23, 2007 during the first round of elimination, where he impressed the crowd with his interpretation of Hair. He was the only Asian among the 10 finalists. His subsequent performances included Music of the Night (Phantom of the Opera) I Wanna Be Like You (from The Jungle Book), Superstar (Jesus Christ Superstar), Why God Why (Miss Saigon), Singing in the Rain and the German version of Supercalifragilisticexpialidosius (Mary Poppins).

During the finals, Vinz did Grease Lightning (Grease) and an encore performance of Music of the Night. He then sang a duet with the other finalist, Eva Klikovics, the Boote in der Nacht from Elisabeth. He was declared grand champion following a landslide victory, garnering 67% of televotes, winning the grand prize of 50,000 EUR.

Vincent Bueno is certainly headed for the big time. He has already released his first single Sex Appeal which comes in vintage mix, dance, swing and instrumental versions. On May 17, he is among those who will open the ceremony of Life Ball 2008, Europe's most spectacular annual charity event dedicated to fighting HIV and AIDS. Expected to attend are Sharon Stone and Kate Moss. On May 25, 2008, he and his band Convince will play for the Filipino community at Don Bosco. He calls the event MABUHAY TAYO (Long Live) . And more to come.

Go back to: Fil-Am Pride



References:

Wikipedia.org
Online Interview with Vincent Bueno
Filipino singer sweeps Europe off its feet
The official website of Vincent Bueno

Life Ball

Arnel Pineda

A biography and more...

Arnel Pineda was born on Sept. 5, 1967 in Sampaloc, Manila. He started singing when he was 5 years old, his parents encouraging him to enter amateur singing contents. His family came into hard times when his 35-year old mother died of a prolonged illness which plunged them into serious debt. His father took his 3 younger brothers to live with relatives while 12-year old Arnel had to quit school and live in the streets or in some relative's house. He would collect scrap metal, bottles and newspapers at the pier in Manila to earn money. But he never delved on self-pity and kept on believing that "things will get better".

At age 15, he became the lead singer of a Filipino band and subsequently had a fairly successful career. He and whatever band he was in at the time would perform at different clubs in different cities in the Philippines. In 1991, he moved to Hongkong where he worked until 2006, only temporarily interrupted by an illness where he almost lost his voice.

In the meantime, he did some recordings: an album with the band Amo -Ang Tunay na Amo (The Real Master) in 1990 ; a solo album entitled Arnel Pineda in 1991; Looking Glass, a song in the South Band's album The Way We Do and the theme song of a Filipino radio show named Dayo.

In 2006, encouraged by Filipino talent manager and TV director, Bert de Leon, Arnel moved back to the Philippines and formed Zoo, and signed on with de Leon's company, Sundance Entertainment Corporation. Zoo performed several nights a week at clubs in Manila and Olongapo during 2006 and 2007. Zoo’s first album “Zoology” was released by MCA Universal in September 2007 featuring 13 original tracks, five of which were written by Pineda, and another was co-written by Pineda and Mark Valliente.

Starting February, 2007, videos of Zoo performing began appearing on You Tube many of which were uploaded by Arnel's friend Noel Gomez. When Neal Schon was scouting for the lead singer for his band, he came upon Arnel's video and knew he found what he was looking for. But Arnel initially dismissed his email thinking it was a hoax. It was only through Noel's prodding that Arnel finally answered Neal and the rest is history. On Dec. 5, 2007, it was announced that Arnel Pineda is the new lead singer of the band Journey.

Arnel debuted as the lead singer of Journey on Feb. 21, 2008 at the Vina del Mar International Song Festival in Chile and has performed in Santiago, and in Las Vegas. He has been called "a winner", "phenomenal". "the future of the franchise". Journey has already recorded a new album Revelation which will be released on June 3, 2008. Promotional tours will follow, starting in Europe, US, then later Japan, Australia and the Philippines.

When he is not on tour, Arnel lives in Quezon City (Philippines) with his girlfriend Cherry and their 2 yr old son Cherub. He has two other sons, Matthew (19 yrs) and Angelo (13 yrs).

So now, things are much better for Arnel. Don't Stop Believing.



Go back to: Fil-Am Pride

Source:
Wikipedia.org

More You Tube Videos:
US embassy interview
Young Arnel singing Open Arms
Arnel Pineda singing Open Arms with Journey, Las Vegas 08
Arnel Pineda/Steve Perry - Faithfully

Charlie Green

A biography....

Charlie Green, a 10-year old Filipino-British from Droitwich, Worcestershire wowed the audience and the judges during the live audition of Britain's Got Talent. His rendition of Frank Sinatra's Summer Wind has landed him in the semi-finals.

Charlie was born on Feb. 16, 1997 of British Roger Green and Filipina Cecilia Sumargo originally from Dumanjug, Cebu. From the very young age of 2, he was already entertaining his friends and families. He entered a talent show on the cruise ship Ocean Majesty when he was only 3 years old. He has since performed in several cruise ships, concerts and variety shows. In 2002, he sang at the Royal Opera House in York and when he was 8, at a concert at St. James' Palace. He was also presented to her Royal Highness, Princess Anne.

He first opened the annual Black and White Minstrel Reunion in 2003 and was invited back in 2004 and 2007. No doubt it was his talent that earned him that honor rather than the mere fact that his father was once a part of that popular, later controversial variety show.

He has already recorded a Christmas song "Hands Around the World" to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign for a friend who has duchenne muscular dystrophy.

This young singer is no doubt headed to become a great singer, as is his goal.

Go back to: Fil-Am Pride

Sources:
abs-cbn news
Daily Mail

Madonna Decena

A biography..

Madonna Decena, a 32 year old Filipina singer who has recently gained recognition by becoming a semi-finalist at the show Britain's Got Talent.

She started singing at age 3, and started her musical training at age 7. Since she was 11, she has been in singing competitions and was already a professional singer at age 16

As a high school student, she worked at McDonald's and was doing musical theater in college (Musical Theater Phils, Trumpets, etc). She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Arts from Miriam College. But she never wanted to have an office job so she pursued her musical career.

She was part of several bands, and sang in hotels and bars in the Philippines. Her first singing stint abroad was in Singapore, at the Hard Rock Cafe and Club Momo.

In 2006, following the advise of her high school friend Renz Santos, she went to the UK. With her student visa, she was only allowed to work 20 hours a week. The menial jobs at Subway and Choco Fruit outlet could barely support her. She got a job with Steve Jones Entertainment and was able to get a work permit.

Not being British, her chance of becoming the Britain's Got Talent champion may not be great but her performance would certainly boost her career. And would certainly help this single mother's immediate goal of reuniting with her two girls Ysl, 7, and Yra, 6, who are currently staying with her parents in Quezon City. And who knows, she could still win.

Go back to: Fil-Am Pride

Sources:
abs-cbn news
Philippine Daily Inquirer

FIl-Am American Idol Contestants

American Idol Contestants:

Jordan Segundo (season 2; top 32): Born Feb. 3, 1985 in Hawaii
Parents: Jordan Segundo, Jody Segundo

Guji Lorenzana (season 3): Born Gregory Mangindin Lorenzana Jr. on May 11, 1982 in Long Beach, CA.
Parents: Filipinos

Camille Velasco (season 3, 9th place finalist): Born Ciara-Camille Roger Velasco on Sept. 1, 1985 in Makati City, Philippines
Parents: William Velasco and Rennie Roque West

Jasmine Trias (season 3, 3rd place finalist):Born Nov. 3, 1986 in Honolulu, Hawaii
Parents: Rudy, a shipyard engineer originally from Cavite; Nora, a nurse originally from Zambales

Melinda Lira (season 4): 19 y.o. Born in Hanford CA

Jose Penala (season 5m semi-finalist): Born Jan. 23, 1978 in South San Francisco, CA
Parents: Filipinos

AJ Tabaldo (season 6): Born Jan. 3, 1985 in Sana Maria CA
Ethnicity: Filipino, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and French blood

Ramiele Malubay(season 7 finalist):Born Sept. 6, 1987 in Saudi Arabia
Parents: Filipinos

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Great Filipinos in US History`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

Pancho Villa: Born Francisco Guilledo, Aug. 1, 1901 in Iloilo, Philippines
Parents: Filipinos
Philippines' first world boxing champion; World Flyweight Champion, 1923-1925; Inducted to International Boxing Hall of Fame, 1994

Pedro Flores: Born in Ilocos Norte, Philippines
Moved to the US in 1915
First person to manufacture yo-yos in the U.S.

VictoriaManalo Davis: Born Dec. 31, 1924 in San Francisco, CA
Mother: English immigrant; Father: Filipino immigrant; musician
First woman to win 2 gold medals in diving on the same Olympics (1948, London; Springboard and platform diving)

Bobby Balcena: Born Robert Rudolph Balcena on August 1, 1925 in San Pedro, CA
Parents: Filipino immigrants; father Fred from Iloilo, mother Lazara from Cavite
Had long distinguished career with Seattle Rainiers in 1950s;
First player of Filipino ancestry to reach the major league baseball (Cincinatti Red Lights, 1956)

Roman Gabriel: Born Roman Ildonzo Gabriel Jr, on August 5, 1940 in Wilmington, NC
Filipino immigrant father; Irish-American mother
First Asian-American to start as an NFL quarterback;LA Rams-1962-72; Philadelphia Eagles - 1973-77

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The Invisible (?) Filipino-American

Michelle Malkin: Born on Oct. 20, 1970 in Philadelphia, PA, USA
Parents: Filipino immigrants, Dr. Apolo and Rafaela Maglalang
Profession: columnist, author,
blogger, political commentator

Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba: Born Oct. 31, 1950 in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines
Parents: Filipino
Moved to Hawaii at age 11
Career: Served in U.S. Army from 1972-2007
Became known for his 2004 report on the torture cases at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq

Benny Agbayani: Born Dec. 28, 1971 in Honolulu, Hawaii
Parents: Filipino
Career: professional baseball player

Ramiele Malubay:Born Sept. 6, 1987 in Saudi Arabia
Parents: Filipino
Hometown: Miramar, Florida
American Idol Constentant- Season 7

Veronica de la Cruz: CNN TV anchor

Billy Crawford: Born May 16, 1982 in Manila
Parents: Filipino mother - Mayette; American father - Jack
Career:

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