This might not be the typical expat blog, written by a German expat, living in the Philippines since 1999. It's different. In English and in German. Check it out! Enjoy reading!
Dies mag' nun wirklich nicht der typische Auswandererblog eines Deutschen auf den Philippinen sein. Er soll etwas anders sein. In Englisch und in Deutsch! Viel Spass beim Lesen!
You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?
There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!
Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!
Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!
Showing posts with label Giselle Sanchez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Giselle Sanchez. Show all posts
With over 44 films on her resume as an actress, Vega’s top three most memorable films are General Commander, Metro Manila, and No Way Out
WINNERS: From left: Caroline Jacquis, of Sacramento, California, 2nd runner-up; Krissy Mccarthy, Toronto, Canada, 4th runner-up; Swimsuit USA International Dr. Angel Bathal, Edmonton, Canada; actress-judge Althea Vega; Lauren Denton, Scottsdale, Arizona, 1st runner-up; and Delaney Pricilla, Panama City, Panama, 3rd runner-up.
One of the biggest annual events in Mexico is the Swimsuit USA International Model Search World Finals. Last year, Althea Vega received the Director’s Choice Award at the 2023 Swimsuit USA International Model Search.
This year, I got an overseas call from the award-winning indie actress, and she told me the good news that the competition directors chose her to judge this year’s event, the now New York-based actress and model told Gossip Girl.
“As a candidate last year, I did my best despite the pressure and challenges. At the same time, I saw it as an opportunity to push myself to greatness to the best of my capabilities and to thrive even more. I was grateful for the support I got from fans, family, and friends; though they were not with me physically, their support and encouragement helped me keep going. But now that I am a judge, it is much different as a judge when tasked with choosing and contributing. People rely on their extensive experience and expertise in worldwide modeling, beauty pageants, fitness, and the show business industry. I feel honored to have been invited to serve as one of the esteemed Judges for the 2024 World Finals of Swimsuit USA International. It is flattering when people recognize my characteristics of being responsible, punctual, helpful, and always having a positive attitude, demonstrating my keen eye and ability to evaluate.”
I asked the female star of the award-winning indie film Metro Manila what the criteria for judging and what quality she was looking for from candidates.
“Joining beauty pageants and judging beauty pageants is not new to me. I am looking for the whole package: stage presence, charisma, intelligence, personality, and advocacy. Still, I also follow, apply, and respect whatever rules the beauty pageant organization gives. Most candidates who join the Swimsuit USA International competitions are aspiring models, women who want to enhance their confidence, or those who want to experience sisterhood. But among these women, there will always be someone who will excel above the rest. I have an eye to spot that queen.”
With over 44 films on her resume as an actress, Vega’s top three most memorable films are General Commander, Metro Manila, and No Way Out. You can check the rest on imdb.com.
I could play catch-up with the stars that graced the fast-rising buffet restaurant chain opening in Metro Manila.
From left: Ryza Cenon, Giselle Sanchez, Andrea del Rosario, and Regine Tolentino
Ryza Cenon, Rocco Nacino, Regine Tolentino, Andrea del Rosario, Enzo Pineda, Michelle Vito, and I grace the opening of Illo’s Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong.
Located at Lancaster Hotel, the legendary Chef Niño Rodillos of Illo’s Party Trays opened three huge halls providing an events place for up to 200 guests plus delicious food.
I could play catch-up with the stars that graced the fast-rising buffet restaurant chain opening in Metro Manila.
Rocco Nacino, Melissa Gohing, Giselle Sanchez, Chef N, Cong Gus Tambunting, and Maq Agapito
Ryza Cenon
I was particularly impressed with Ryza’s semi-bald look. Only Ryza Cenon can pull off such a hairstyle and still look stunning.
The TV5 actress tells Gossip Girl why she is sporting that look, “My character Christine Maceda in Lumuhod Ka Sa Lupa demands such a hairstyle. She’s a bad-ass. You should watch her Mondays thru Fridays at 7:30 pm on TV5.”
Regine Tolentino
I recently visited Regine Tolentino Atelier to rent a sexy casino-royale-inspired dress and hosted an event with that theme. I was surprised to see beautiful gowns and event dresses aside from the usual costumes she rents for themed parties. I was in awe and told Regine how significant the expansion of her business was. The actress-businesswoman told me a secret, “Never stop innovating, never stop expanding. Resting on your laurels will stagnate any business. Continue working hard to excite your customers so they will always return.”
Andrea del Rosario
When Andrea was a councilor in Calatagan, Batangas, I heard from constituents that she did a fantastic job with her projects to help the people's economic livelihood. I was surprised she did not run again with her impeccable work for the town: "I have to be a mom first. My daughter will undergo her third surgery. Please pray for her.”
Beatrice Anne is the daughter of the award-winning actress. Bea is currently suffering from a rare congenital disease called Jejunal Atresia, which is a rare type of obstruction of the small bowel.
From left: Regine Tolentino, Cong Gus Tambunting, Enzo Pineda, Chef Nino Rodillos, Michelle Vito, Maq Agapito, and Lancaster Hotel owner Ronald Lim
Illo’s Home Buffet Shaw
And finally, the main star of the night – Illo’s Shaw. The New Illo’s Home Buffet is at Lancaster Hotel, 622 Shaw Blvd. You can check out their website, www.illoshome.com. They have three event venues for weddings, corporate parties, and baptisms. Illo’s party trays still deliver food to your doorstep, especially this Christmas; you can check out their menu on their website www.illospartytrays.com, and for larger catering needs, there is Illo’s prive (www.illosprive.com)
Bayang Barrios is one of the Philippines’ most iconic folk musicians. She is known for her commitment to preserving indigenous culture and giving a voice to the Lumad, a collective term for indigenous groups in Mindanao.
Bayang Barrios
Ateneo de Davao University recently recognized singer Bayang Barrios as its 2024 recipient of the Fr. Theodore Daigler Award for Culture and Arts for her music and advocacies.
Gossip Girl was able to talk to Bayang, a Manobo Triber from Bunawan, Agusan del Sur, “It was a real surprise for me, and it’s an honor I’ll take with me forever. Mindanao Culture is in everything that I do. Our rights, particularly those of the indigenous tribespeople in the south, have always informed my craft.”
Bayang Barrios is one of the Philippines’ most iconic folk musicians. She is known for her commitment to preserving indigenous culture and giving a voice to the Lumad, a collective term for indigenous groups in Mindanao. Her music, which blends modern folk with traditional Indigenous sounds, is a celebration of the country’s diverse cultural heritage and a call for justice and recognition for marginalized communities. Bayang grew up in a region where traditions were deeply rooted in the daily lives of her people; she was immersed in the rich oral and musical traditions of the Manobo tribe. These early influences and her exposure to mainstream Filipino music would shape her distinct sound as an artist. Her family’s experience as part of a marginalized indigenous group deeply affected her worldview, and it became a defining force behind her music. She sought to create music that entertained and educated people about indigenous Filipinos' struggles and contributions. From my interview with Bayang, I was particularly struck with these powerful words from the arad-winning singer, “I am so lucky to have these opportunities, as they allow me to share not just my music, but the music of our Indigenous Peoples, their cultures and their significance to our national fabric, through my songs. I fervently hope that a New Morning dawns on every one of us, regardless of how dire a situation we may find ourselves in. We need to realize that the sun rises every day, and it is a gift of renewal that should never be taken for granted.”
This major opportunity she is mentioning is not only her new award but also that she is back in the concert arena as she stages her second solo show, “Bagong Umaga,” at the Music Museum on Oct. 26.
Bayang Barrios tells me that she is so blessed to be able to feature her brand of music in the 2024 concert scene, “World Music and especially Filipino music has its place in pop culture, and I am so happy to see many new bands and artists infuse their music with elements that are 'sariling atin'! I hope many of your readers of the Manila Bulletin will come to see the show. Mike and I are very proud of the music we have prepared for it, some re-imaginings of my songs, also of classic OPM, and new material we wrote for a new album we’re releasing later this year.” Mike Villegas is the better half of Bayang Barrios. The Rizal Underground guitarist who popularized the songs 'Sabado Nights' and 'Bilanggo' has married Bayang Barrios for 22 years, “Mike and I have known each other for so long. We were boyfriend and girlfriend off and on for 11 years before tying the knot back in 2002. Bandmates, we wrote many songs together, such as 'Bagong Umaga,' which made it to the 1996 Metropop. Although it didn’t place, it has shone like a beacon all these years for us, with its many shared triumphs in chorale competitions worldwide. When we got married in 2002, it was the same year I won the 2002 Metropop with my entry, “Malayo Man Malapit Din”, while Mike placed 2nd with 'Pretend That I Don’t Love You!' We’ve co-produced many albums since, under my record label, which incidentally bears the name of our one and only child, our daughter Mayumi. She was diagnosed with mild autism, but she’s coping, and she was blessed with perfect pitch! She is a real blessing, a beautiful symbol of God’s love for Mike and myself.”
Throughout her career, Bayang Barrios has used her platform to advocate for indigenous people's rights and raise awareness of their plight. The Lumad, in particular, have faced displacement and violence due to ongoing conflicts over land in Mindanao. Through her music, Bayang Barrios has highlighted their struggles, often singing in her native dialect to emphasize the importance of cultural preservation. Truly, Bayang Barrios is a champion of the indigenous rights of Mindanao tribes and environmental activism.
I was fortunate to break bread with Jenine over a birthday lunch for our friend Evie Berroya. I have always been a fan of Jenine since she got the role of Kim in Miss Saigon.
Jude, Janella, Jenine and Russel
Suppose you have tinnitus or ringing of the ears, vertigo, or hearing crickets when you wake up and sleep while nobody else hears it. In that case, this is all part of a nasty virus going around, and I am glad to say that it will all go away after a few weeks.
Sultry singer and actress Jenine Desiderio recently had one but was scheduled to play the celebrity game show Rainbow Rumble hosted by Rumble Master Luis Manzano.
I was fortunate to break bread with Jenine over a birthday lunch for our friend Evie Berroya. I have always been a fan of Jenine since she got the role of Kim in Miss Saigon.
Fun fact: did you know that she played Kim 700 times in London’s West End? Thank you, Jenine, for bringing honor to our country. The international singer-actress shared the deets of her experience playing Rainbow Rumble while under the nasty virus.
“I was struggling during the game. First, the tension to be pitted against my fellow actors of Miss Saigon - Jamie Rivera, Franco Laurel, Isay Alvarez, and Bituin Escalante. To top it all, half of my senses were not functioning. I could only see through my right eye because my friend Jamie accidentally lent me the wrong eye drops. Instead of a contact lens lubricant, she lent me a sticky antibiotic so my left eye was cloudy. My ears were ringing because of tinnitus; I was dizzy because of vertigo. Luis Manzano even asked me if I was okay because he saw me struggling during the Rally to the Top elimination round. Jamie, Bituin, Isay, Franco, and I had to battle to outwit each other and answer the questions of the Rumble Master.
Jenine Desiderio wins Rainbow Rumble Round with half of her senses out of commission due to a virus that gives you vertigo and tinnitus (ringing of the ears)
"The goal is to reach the tri-colored tile first. In spite of all that, I emerged as the lucky rumbler because I reached the top first and proceeded to the jackpot round called Rainbow Reveal. I did not win the 1 million pesos jackpot because that requires a lot of luck already. I must get all six different dice colors in six die roller machines in 60 seconds to win the P1 million.”
Those who missed her episode in Rainbow Rumbler may watch it on YouTube. Rainbow Rumbler is shown every Saturday, 7:15 p.m., and Sunday, 8:15 p.m. on the Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, A2Z, and TV5.
Of course, my interview would not be complete without asking about Janella Salvador. “We're very okay. I celebrated my birthday with Janella, my apo Jude and my son Russel. Now that Janella is a mother, she understands why rules should be observed in a home. Janella now gets my being over-protective. It is a mother’s instinct. When you are a kid, you will not understand these things, but when you mature as a mother, everything is put in the proper places. I had to go through hell getting bashed by her fans while disciplining her. But what is important for a mother like me is to see my children in a good place …and now she is," Jenine tells Gossip Girl.
Currently, Jenine is busy doing singing gigs and working with her halo-halo business, MatTeau’s, located in Greenhills V-mall. Should you wish to order her delicious halo-halo, MatTeau’s halo-halo V-mall Greenhills is available in Food Panda and Grab Food. You can follow her on her Instagram account @j9desire.
“Tugtugan Pamorningan” by Susan Claire Agabayani chronicles the Philippine music scene from 1990 to 1999.
The author at the backstage of the Electric Fun concert of the Eraserheads in March 1996. (Photo by Eddie Boy Escudero)
Nothing will ever beat the band scene back in the 1990s. If you are a fan of the Eraserheads, Parokya ni Edgar, Razorback, Intorvoyz, Wolfgang, After Image, The Dawn, or even solo musicians like Francis M, Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Nonoy Zuñiga, Basil Valdez, and Lani Misalucha, you need to buy this book, which chronicles every band and musician during the ‘90s. “Tugtugan Pamorningan” by Susan Claire Agbayani chronicles the Philippine music scene from 1990 to 1999.
The title is befitting of the era where both me and Agbayani would be rocking out in the audience in Club Dredd - Agbayani as the head of the public relations of most bands during the nineties….and me as the official and only approved “groupie” (I did the approving as well) of my husband Emil Buencamino, who was the drummer of Aftermath (an alternative band he shared with Rommel Sanchez, now the fifth member of Eraserheads. Aftermath’s career was short-lived.)
The author is flanked by Gary Valenciano and Martin Nievera in mid-1990s.
I asked Agbayani what her main goal was in documenting the Philippine music scene of the 1990s. “I wanted to push forward the truth that the 1990s was one of the golden ages of Philippine music or OPM. There was so much musical production and consumption during this decade or era. Hataw rin ang live music.” As a “dalagang ‘90s," I totally agree with the author!
Agbayani’s research process was long and tedious, with many challenges. Agbayani tells Gossip Girl, “I wrote the book one story at a time, from 1990-1999. All 68 stories. More stories should be part of this collection, but we couldn't find them during the production of the book….stories that couldn't be seen because they were never digitized; some publishing firms where I wrote didn't have the vision to archive their publications; the sad fact that the internet is not forever as many of my archive stories are now lost.
The author with Wency Cornejo, the energetic vocalist of Afterimage in mid-1990s at Chatterbox
I crowdsourced stories and pictures, but the villains were: anay, baha (Ondoy) and sunog. Lastly, the back and forth with the record labels took two months. I asked permission to publish album covers, sleeve jackets, and pictures. It was challenging work to chronicle everything. My advice to aspiring writers who want to document cultural history, particularly in music, is to see the big picture and see what the gaps are. What needs to be written about? Or what needs to be written about more. Doing so indirectly contributes to nation-building by investigating who we are through our culture and music history.”
The Halloween Party organized by Claire Agbayani for 70s Bistro in 1995. With the author is Put3Ska vocalist Myra Ruaro (now Skarlet), Vikki Cayago; and Ronnie Vivar of GASI
Agbayani shares several personal memories, experiences, and anecdotes in the book, especially with Eraserheads, as she dedicated an entire chapter to them. I asked why dedicate a whole chapter for E-heads when in other chapters, five bands have to share a chapter in her book. Agbayani answers, “Why not? The Eraserheads made the most significant impact on the Philippine music scene during the ‘90s. In the preface, I explained that in 1994, record labels went on a signing frenzy in their bid to duplicate the success of Eraserheads. In early 1994, 7 songs of Eheads (from the ultraelectromagneticpop! album) were being requested and played on radio stations.
The author unboxes the Eraserheads' 'The Head Set' memorabilia from Sony BMG executives with a family friend in January 2012
I wanted to pick Agbayani’s brain all day. Still, my editor would kill me if I hoarded all the space of Manila Bulletin for my column, so my closing question was, 'What was the most rewarding part of writing Tugtugan Pamorninga?' She answered: “The moral support the literary and academic community gave me? I did not expect such love, warmth, and support! Ricky Lee, the National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, wrote my foreword. How amazing is that! The support of established literary writers, professors, historians, and photographers is humbling! Some professors asked me for copies of the manuscript before the book was published because they wanted to use the contents for their classes! What was unexpected was that those who vetted the grant the book received from UP Likhaan Institute of Creative Writing (funded by the UP Diliman Chancellor's Office) recognized the importance of such a book. Also totally expected was the warm reception and patronage the book received from the reading public. The book goes out of stock in Lazada or Shopee. Those who rate it give it a 5. Talaga lang ha?!” Aside from Lazada or Shopee, Tugtugan Pamorningan is also available in the UP Press online store.
The concert was a star-studded affair, with an impressive lineup of guests and performers who added to the magic of the night.
Ara Mina
Thirty years ago, I remember a teenager named Hazel Reyes. She was knocking on my door. The shy newbie wanted to borrow my boots because she was going to audition in an ABS-CBN afternoon program in the 90s entitled “Ang TV,” directed by Johnny Manahan.
A young woman asked me for tips on how to get on a TV show because I was already a part of the program. She never made it to Ang TV because she fainted from anxiety. Fast-forward 30 years, and she is now Ara Mina, an award-winning actress and singer who recently celebrated her 30-year career with a grand concert titled "All of Me" at the Newport Performing Arts Theater on July 11.
With Martin Nievera
The event was momentous, highlighting Ara's remarkable career and contributions to the entertainment industry. No longer does she need my boots. I am thinking of borrowing her emerald green gown although I am sure her cup size won’t fit me. I’m a cup B, and Ara… world cup! Just kidding!
With Sen. Bong Revilla Jr.
The concert was a star-studded affair, with an impressive lineup of guests and performers who added to the magic of the night. The stage was graced by the presence of notable personalities such as Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcacid, Brod Pete, Senator Bong Revilla, her sister Christine Reyes, Ara’s daughter Mandy, and her husband Dave Almarinez. Their performances added an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the already electrifying event.
With daughter Mandy
Throughout the concert, Ara mesmerized the audience with her flawless vocals, captivating stage presence, and heartfelt performances. Her journey in show business was not just a series of musical numbers, dance performances, and heartfelt speeches. It was a deeply emotional narrative, showcasing the highs and lows of her three-decade long career, and inviting the audience to share in her triumphs and struggles.
The concert not only served as a celebration of Ara's achievements but also as a testament to her enduring passion for music and performance. It was a night filled with nostalgia, laughter, and heartfelt moments that reminded everyone of the indelible mark Ara has made in the entertainment industry. Her unwavering dedication and love for her craft continue to inspire and command respect.
With Ogie Alcasid
As the final notes echoed through the theater and the applause filled the air, Ara stood on stage, overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. "All of Me" was not just a concert but a tribute to a remarkable artist who has touched the hearts of many and continues to inspire with her talent and dedication.
In conclusion, Ara's "All of Me" concert was a resounding success, a fitting tribute to her illustrious career, and a night to remember for all fortunate enough to witness her talent shine on stage.
