Jose Mari Chan not happy with 'Father of Filipino Christmas Songs' tag

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

  

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Jose Mari Chan (Facebook) 

Becoming a staple name and a meme during the holiday season, OPM icon Jose Mari Chan opens up about how he feels about being a Philippine Christmas icon. 

During the media conference for "YuleStars Christmas Concert Series" at the Philippine Air Force Museum in Pasay City on Nov. 3, Chan mentioned that he does not want to be called the "Father of Filipino Christmas Songs." 

"Again, let me repeat. I don't want to be called the Father of Filipino Christmas Songs because I'm not," he said. 

Jose Mari Chan, Roselle Nava, and Christian Bautista (Carissa Alcantara) 

Chan further explained that the reason why he didn't like the term was because long before he was born, other Pinoy singers had done a lot of Christmas songs in the past. 

Although he does not want the name the Father of Filipino Christmas Songs, Jose shared that the younger generation calls him "Chantaclaus." 

"Long before I was born, there were already many Christmas songs composed by Filipino artists. You know, some kids now don't want to call me Christmas King; they call me "Chantaclaus," he added. 

With his new name, Chan also mentioned that more and more kids are asking for "pamasko" from him.  

"Yes, a lot of kids now are asking for pamasko. But for me, I like sharing my blessings with people, especially during holiday season," he said. 

Chan earned the title of Father of Filipino Christmas Songs following the massive success of his holiday album "Christas In Our Hearts" released under Universal Records on Nov. 17, 1990.  

Another Christmas album?

From doing a lot of commercials, endorsements, and concerts, one thing keeps the fans curious: will Chan record another holiday album? 

With the success of his album Christmas in Our Hearts, Chan dropped another holiday album entitled "Going Home to Christmas" in 2012. 

Chan revealed during the media conference that he wanted to record more albums, but due to the constant changing of musical platforms, he would say that "Going Home to Christmas" is his last one. 

"Well, I would like to come up with more albums, except that the platform has changed. Now, nobody buys CDs anymore. Tower Records is gone. They go to YouTube, they download the songs for free, and what I get from YouTube is enough to buy a cup of coffee," he said. 

Music lovers will experience the holiday season three times merrier as Chan, Christian Bautista, and Roselle Nava serenade music lovers with classic Yuletide carols and OPM hits on Day 2 of the "YuleStars Christmas Concert Series" to be held on Dec. 1, 2023, 8:30 pm at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati.

The event will be significant, especially for the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. (PMAAAI), which is the beneficiary of the entire YuleStars Christmas Concert Series.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said the concert series is aimed at raising funds for poor members of PMAAI. "(It is)... to raise funds for PMAAI's less fortunate members, their dependents and families, and for other corporate social governance projects that the association's leadership has in mind."

Nava commended the PMAAI for the endeavor. She said, "I truly admire their desire and efforts to help people in need through their charitable projects. More power to the PMAAA!!"

Bautista said he is happy to be among YuleStars' lineup of top caliber artists that also includes Joey G. and Angeline Quinto (performing on the Nov. 30, 2023 show of YuleStars) and Ogie Alcasid and Nina (performing on Dec. 2, 2023). Ice Seguerra will be the special guest at both shows.

"We are thankful that the PMAAAI invited us to be part of this wonderful charity project," said Bautista. Addressing the concertgoers, Asia's Romantic Balladeeer said, "We hope the people will be inspired to give more this Christmas."

The YuleStars Christmas Concert is indeed a perfect showcase for Chan or Joe Mari, as he is fondly called, who, last year, was described by Time Magazine as the "face and voice of the holiday season in the Philippines." 

A live band will accompany Chan, Bautista, and Nava. An added treat: the singer-songwriter will be singing several of his songs that he has not performed live for some time.

Karen Davila appointed as first United Nations Women Philippines Goodwill Ambassador

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

Sep 26, 2023 06:29 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Karen has joined the ranks of other celebrity goodwill ambassadors such as Emma Watson, Anne Hathaway, Nicole Kidman, and Danai Gurira.

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UN Women Asia Pacific Regional director Alia El-Yassir and Karen Davila (Image courtesy of Instagram) 

Known for her work in broadcast journalism, Karen Davila is a woman of many hats. She is the first Filipino appointed as UN Women Asia Pacific Goodwill Ambassador for the Philippines.

Karen has joined the ranks of other celebrity goodwill ambassadors such as Emma Watson, Anne Hathaway, Nicole Kidman, and Danai Gurira.

On her Instagram post, Karen took the time to make her announcement and thanked UN Women Asia Pacific Regional Director Alia El-Yassir for giving her a welcome.

"THE UN FAMILY 🇺🇳 Yesterday, I was officially welcomed by UN Women Asia Pacific Regional Director Alia El-Yassir as the first UN Women Philippines Goodwill Ambassador serving the country & the region.

"I honestly didn’t know what to expect but was so surprised with how warm, and welcoming everybody was at the UN Women Asia Pacific office!" Karen wrote.

"In the series of photos she uploaded, Karen is seen having a conversation with some of the UN Women regional office staff in Bangkok. 

Karen Davila with the staff of UN Women Asia Pacific office

"She expressed her passion for women empowerment by stating that the international organization covers topics that are important to her, such as climate change, ending violence against women (VAW), women’s economic empowerment, women’s role in governance, peace & security (WPS), and unpaid care.

"Many of the issues felt familiar as in my 30 years as a broadcast journalist, I have done stories, docus, and advocated for women & girls rights. I always say the best investment one can make to lift a family out of poverty is educating a girl and empowering a mother," she added.

Playing her duties as the newly selected UN Women Asia Pacific goodwill ambassador, she promised to work closely "with many UN Women champions and advocates back home to help bring about change in mindsets, behaviour and hopefully, in the everyday lives of women & girls thru projects, we will be involved in."

At the end of her post, Karen embarked on this momentum as her first journey towards to many projects and campaigns in the future as a goodwill ambassador.

"This is the first step of the journey. The final meet is this October at the UN HQ in New York. And siyempre, PROUDLY FILIPINA po tayo 🇵🇭", she wrote.

Damot shares her pageant journey

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "Well I really cannot promise, kasi I'm no Pia naman and Catriona, but I am Arlene, so I will do my best and I believe I'm unique naman," she said.

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Mrs. Universe Philippines 2023 Arlene Cris Damot (Image courtesy of Instagram) 

After winning the title of Mrs. Universe Philippines 2023 last June 18, Arlene Cruz Damot, mother of two kids, is a remarkable woman of many talents and titles.

During her media conference at the Seda Hotel Vertis in Quezon City last Sept. 21, Arlene stated what encouraged her to join pageant.

"When I was young I was bullied because of my appearance, I was chubby and my skin tone was morena, so I just wanna show to everyone that if you set your heart and mind to it, you can be anything that you want to be," Arlene said. 

(When I was young I was bullied because of my appearance, I was chubby and my skin tone was morena, so I just wanna show to everyone that if you set your heart and mind to it, you can be anything that you want to be)

She also believed that another reason she joined the pageant was because she shared the same values with the competition.

Mrs. Universe Philippines 2023 Arlene Cris Damot (Image courtesy of Instagram) 

"I think kaya ko napili sumali dito sa Mrs. Universe, kasi I think that we share the same values and I love being a mom. Mrs. Universe the requirements are actually like if you're married or widowed," Arlene added.

(I think that's why I chose to join Mrs. Universe because I think that we share the same values ​​and I love being a mom. Mrs. Universe, the requirements are actually like if you're married or widowed) 

Despite being the CEO of an aesthetic clinic, training in pageant, and becoming a mom, Arlene added that it's all about time management to make her work easier.

"Time management talaga, of course, family first muna, that's my priority and then for being an entrepreneur, and then a mom, and then a beauty queen as well, time management talaga is very important," she added.

(Time management really, of course, family first, that's my priority and then for being an entrepreneur, and then a mom, and then a beauty queen as well, time management is really very important)

Embarking on her first pageant, Arlene made sure to prepare her well-being from physical to mental health and the other pageant matters.

"For the preparations, of course, you need to be healthy and fit, so I go to the gym, and I also go to the spa. So I will be mentally and physically healthy. Secondly for Pasarela naman, I am being trained by Ian Mendajar, and for the gowns naman we have collaborated with different designers," Arlene said. 

(For the preparations, of course, you need to be healthy and fit, so I go to the gym, and I also go to the spa. So I will be mentally and physically healthy. Secondly for Pasarela, I am being trained by Ian Mendajar, and for the gowns, we have collaborated with different designers)

Competing against a hundred candidates from different countries. Arlene mentioned that she may not be Catriona Grey or Pia Wurtzbach, but she will do her best to get the title.

"Well I really cannot promise, kasi I'm no Pia naman and Catriona, but I am Arlene, so I will do my best and I believe I'm unique naman," she said.

(Well I really cannot promise, because I'm no Pia and Catriona, but I am Arlene, so I will do my best and I believe I'm unique)

Witness the beauty and elegance as the candidates of the 46th Mrs. Universe 2023 compete for the crown on Oct. 8, at 6PM in Newport Performing Arts Theater, Newport Resorts World in Pasay City.

Alessandra de Rossi shares inspiration for latest movie 'What If?'

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

Sep 15, 2023 07:55 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• From the beginning of the shoot until post-production, Alessandra was involved as the main character and producer.

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Alessandra de Rossi as Billie in the film 'What If?' (Images courtesy of Netflix) 

Aside from working as an actress in various films and TV series and receiving recognition from award-giving bodies, Alessandra De Rossi takes on her producer/actress side as she stars in a new movie, "What If," with JM De Guzman, now streaming on Netflix.

During an exclusive roundtable interview with Alessandra last Sept. 6, Alessandra explained how she came up with the story during the pandemic.

"During the pandemic naka-isip ako ng what if siguro nakalock sa bahay, tapos, minsan dun mo lang malaman yung ugali ng isang tao, so naisip ko paano yung couple na hindi masyadong nagsama and then nalock kayo on your honeymoon, parang interesting yun," Alessandra said. 

(During the pandemic, I wondered if you were locked in the house; you only get to know someone's behavior occasionally. So what about the couple who didn't get along well and were locked out during your honeymoon? That sounds interesting)

From the beginning of the shoot until post-production, Alessandra was involved as the main character and producer.

"As a producer, talagang hanggang post production nandun ako, from the heart na yung trabaho ko kasi gusto ko syempre bantayan lahat and alagaan si JM ng tama and alagaan ang itsura ko," she said.

(As a producer, I was there until post-production. My work is from the heart because I want to watch over everything, care for JM properly, and care for my appearance.) 

Aside from her current film, she also co-produced previous projects, such as "Through Night and Day" with Paolo Contis (co-written by Noreen Capili) and "My Amanda," with Piolo Pascual, which was her directorial debut.

JM de Guzman (Jecs) and Alessandra de Rossi (Billie) team-up in 'What If?' 

"What If?" is directed by Emmanuel Quindo Palo. The movie follows the story of newlywed musicians Billie and Jecs who get trapped in a storm on their honeymoon island. They must face difficult truths that could tear their marriage apart.

Teaming up again after their first film, "Lucid," in 2019, the award-winning actress compliments JM's presence while doing the film together.

"Nagustuhan ko yung presence niya, yung parang uy okay pala katrabaho ito, walang arte, masarap ka chika ganyan, kaya one thing na nadiscover ko kay JM is hindi siya makabitaw agad, pero ang maganda kay JM kahit lines anong ibato mo sa kanya kaya niyang saluhin," she added.

(I liked his presence. I was like, he's an excellent actor to work with, he has many stories to tell, etc. One thing I discovered about JM is that he can't let go immediately, but the good thing about JM is that any lines you give him, he will deliver.)

JM also shared that working in a film for the second time with Alessandra was good because it's like working with a friend. 

"Si Alex ay isang mabuting kaibigan and katrabaho, kasi kahit anong problema ko mapawork or personal si Alex ready na siya makinig, kaya I'm very happy that I get to work with her again on this film," JM shared.

(Alex is a good friend and co-worker because no matter what problem I have at work or personally, Alex is ready to listen, so I'm delighted that I get to work with her again on this film.)

Carly Rae Jepsen releases new album 'The Loveliest Time'

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

Jul 31, 2023 03:38 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "I drove home thinking – that’s the type of artist I want to be for people. Or rather the type of experience I want to create. Music has always been to me this beautiful invitation saying ‘you’re invited to feel all of it safely.’ It’s therapeutic. It’s joyful and healing!”

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Carly Rae Jepsen drops new album 'The Loveliest Time'

The loveliest time indeed as award-winning singer Carly Rae Jepsen gave her fans an early holiday gift after launching her newest album.

The 37-year-old pop singer revealed the news on her Twitter post. She shared that making the album was inspired by another singer James Taylor.

"I drove home thinking – that’s the type of artist I want to be for people. Or rather the type of experience I want to create. Music has always been to me this beautiful invitation saying ‘you’re invited to feel all of it safely.’ It’s therapeutic. It’s joyful and healing!”

“It turns out I was gifted all of that and more while writing for these sister projects. The Loneliest Time and The Loveliest Time. A few pages from my life to yours.”

“So here is to all of us climbing up on the roof one night soon and feeling the weight of the world slip away…I want that for you with this album. Have The Loveliest Time indeed,” she wrote in post.

Just her any album, "The Loveliest Time" is the side b version of her album "The Loneliest Time" which was released on October 2022.

Who is Lara Maigue? Get to know the artist who will sing the Philippine national anthem at SONA 2023

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA 

Lara Maigue (Images courtesy of Facebook)

Lara Maigue became the star of the news after her sensational video of casually singing Mozart's "Queen of The Night" went viral. She has just been announced as the unexpected performer who will grace the State of the Nation Address (SONA) with her rendition of the national anthem on July 24.

During an interview on Teleradyo, House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco said that they had seen Lara's viral video on YouTube.

"Ang balita namin there will be a singer ng Pambansang Awit natin. Ang pangalan niya ay Lara Maigue. Tinignan namin yun sa YouTube. Very famous pala siya," Velasco said. 

(Our news is there will be a singer of our National Anthem. Her name is Lara Maigue. We looked it up on YouTube. She is very famous)

After announcing her as the surprise performer, HeaAccording to Ahwel Paz, Ngayon's entertainment correspondent, Lara was surprised upon discovering that she would be performing at the event.

"Humingi kami ng panayam galing kay Lara kung anong reaksyon na siya ang surpresang kakanta, pero siya mismo ay nasurpresa na napangalanan na pala siya kaninang umaga," Ahwel said.

(We asked for an interview from Lara about her reaction to being the surprise singer, but she was also surprised that she was named this morning) .

Being a child of Filipino composer Professor Rayben Maigue, and soprano, Nanette Moscardon. Lara has always been surrounded by music. In fact, her mom Nanette became her first classical mentor during the early days. 

Lara is a graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Music, majoring in Voice. Fides Cuyugan-Asension trained her during her time there. 

Throughout her music career, she was recognized by the Aliw (Entertainment) Awards Foundation as Best Female Classical Performer for 2017 and Best Female Crossover Artist for 2018.

In 2014, she appeared in her first musical teleserye entitled "Trenderas" with Isabelle de Leon and Katrina Velarde.

Here are some facts you may need to learn about these multi-talented artists. 

1. In 2015, Lara became one of the top 12 finalists in Philpop with her entry, "Nasaan."
2. Her family runs "Maigue Music Studio," where they teach dance, piano, guitar, trumpet, and art classes for all ages. Where she is a managing partner and vocal coach. 
3. She is currently in a relationship with another multi-talented actor and singer Gian Magdangal. 
4. Since 2011, Lara has traveled to different countries, including Florence, Italy; Canberra and Sydney, Australia; Singapore and New Delhi, India, to promote Filipino music.
5. Lara was also one of the finalists at the Singapore Lyric Opera ASEAN Vocal Competition in 2018. 
6. Lara is currently training under Filipino-American tenor Arthur Espiritu.
7. She attended the masterclass for a South Korean soprano Sumi Jo and was praised by the Grammy Award-winning soprano for her "supernatural high notes."
8. Lara signed under Star Music and released her first original composition entitled "Kung Puwede Lang Naman" 
9. She portrayed the role of "Ligaya Paraiso" on the n the award-winning movie turned into a musical "Maynila Sa Mga Kuko ng Liwanag" directed by Joel Lamangan.
10. Lara became a segment host of Sagisag Kultura TV, a culture, arts, and travel program by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts on PTV channel 4.

Gwy Saludes on Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla: 'Sila po talaga yung dream ko makawork in the future'

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

Jun 21, 2023 04:26 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Making waves with her university series, Gwy started writing her stories on Wattpad when she was 12. Since then her fans got a glimpse of different stories of love, heartbreak, and friendship through her words. 

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Gwy Saludes (Instagram)

Gwy Saludes, the author of "The Rain in España", can't help but smile as she told her dream of working with one of the most well-known love teams in the industry: Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. 

During her intimate press conference at the Limbaga 77 Restaurant in Quezon City on June 14, Gwy shared that KathNiel has always been a huge part of her inspiration since she started writing. 

"Before po kasi yung mga sinusulat ko po is puro Kathniel fanfiction po lahat yun, before the university series po Kathniel po lahat ng stories ko," Gwy said. 

(Before when I started to write all of Kathniel fanfiction, before the university series my stories were all about Kathniel) 

Gwy Saludes answers questions during an intimate presscon at Limbaga 77 Restaurant in Quezon City (Carissa Alcantara)

The 22-year-old writer said that she dreams of working with KathNiel in the future with one of her book adaptations. 

"Yung Twitterserye ko po na 'Along in España,' Kathniel din po yun, so sila po talaga yung dream ko na makawork in the future, kung mangangarap po talaga ako Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla po talaga," she added. 

(My Twitter series, Along in España, is also inspired by Kathniel, so they are the ones that I dream of working with in the future. If I had that dream, it would really be Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla

Gwy also said that during the time that she was making her Twitterserye, Kathryn had read it from start to finish, she even sent her a video message after reading the story.

"Binasa po ni Kath yung Along in España kasi sila po yung portrayer ko dun, and nakarating po sa kanya and after that po nagbigay po siya ng video greet sa akin," Gwy said. 

(Kath read Along in España because they are my portrayers there, and it reached her and after that, she gave me a video greeting) 

Being a big fan of Kathniel, Gwy and the couple met for the first time during the Guillermo Awards in 2019. 

Young writer 

Making waves with her university series, Gwy started writing her stories on Wattpad when she was 12. Since then her fans got a glimpse of different stories of love, heartbreak, and friendship through her words. 

Now 22, Gwy also mentioned that pressure still reels in whenever she writes a new story. 

"Happy po ako pero at the same time nandun yung pressure kasi syempre maraming nagaabang, maraming nagbabasa and maraming expectations sa akin, kunwari nagboom itong story na to tapos yung susunod, merong pressure na kailangan ko isurpass yung reads nung nauna," she said. 

(I'm happy but at the same time there's pressure because of course there are a lot of people waiting, reading, and a lot of expectations for me. For example, this story blows up and on the next one, there's pressure on me that I have to surpass the viewers of the first story).

But despite the pressure on her writing, Gyw continues to keep her passion going and create stories that the readers can relate to. 

Aside from becoming a writer, Gwy is now a graduate of Legal Management at the Ateneo De Manila University. According she plans on taking law school to fulfill her dream of becoming a Lawyer.