Imelda Papin unveils her biopic

Philippine Jukebox Queen and politician Imelda Papin (center) flanked by Claudine Barretto, who portrays her in the biopic (right), and Alice Dixon who was cast as former first lady Imelda Marcos.

By Tessa Mauricio-Arriola

December 6, 2023 20

Congratulations are due Philippine Jukebox Queen Imelda Papin for the successful premiere of her biographic film, "Loyalista: The Untold Story of Imelda Papin."

Three entire cinemas were filled to capacity at SM Megamall in Pasig City with Papin's decades-long fans, friends, family and media eager to fill in certain gaps in the singer-turned-politician's life story.

Her biopic is titled "Loyalista" because it doesn't just follow her rise to fame from a humble fisherfolk family in Bicol, but also chronicles her support for the Marcos family, even after former strongman Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. was exiled to Hawaii in 1986.

Claudine Barretto was cast to portray Papin, alongside Gary Estrada as her husband Bong Carrion, ER Ejercito as Marcos, Sr., Alice Dixon as former first lady Imelda Marcos, and the singer's daughter Maffi Papin as herself.

The film was specially made to celebrate Papin's 45th year in the industry and took a year to make because of the research the project involved.

"All of the depictions here are true and not just speculation. They are drawn from my mother's childhood, development, and strong sense of loyalty, along her friendship with President Ferdinand Marcos and his thge First Lady all the way in Hawaii where we followed them in the '80s."

The movie revealed how Papin's life was endangered after the Marcoses left for Malacanang, given her widely known support for the political family. She lived in Hawaii for some time for her safety, where she continued to nurture her closeness with the former first couple and how they served as her inspiration to serve the Filipino people.

It has yet to be announced when "Loyalista: The Untold Story of Imelda Papin" will hold its commercial screening.

PH Pop Rock Royalty named Academy of Rock Global Ambassador

Yeng Constantino, music teacher

By Tessa Mauricio-Arriola, Manila Times

It takes one to know one — and to mentor one. This is the eager conviction of Filipina singer-songwriter genius and Pop Rock Royalty Yeng Constantino as she takes on a brand-new role for the award-winning Singapore-based music school Academy of Rock (AOR).

As global ambassador of the Singaporean music school, which is franchised in several countries across Asia, Yeng Constantino looks forward to mentoring student-artists here and abroad.

As global ambassador of the Singaporean music school, which is franchised in several countries across Asia, Yeng Constantino looks forward to mentoring student-artists here and abroad.

In 2013, the brand opened its doors in the Philippines when Yeng was named national ambassador. Now, 10 years to the day, she has agreed to represent AOR in a broader capacity as global ambassador, which she announced will include mentoring student-artists whenever she can.

"Am I a patient person?" the multi-platinum recording artist wondered at loud when The Manila Times Entertainment asked her if she has this essential quality of teachers. "Malalaman po natin," she joked gamely.

More seriously, the voice behind the now classic OPM hit "Hawak Kamay," humbly says she believes she will do well in mentoring young musicians because she is familiar, first of all, with an artist's temperament.

"I think mas magkakaintindihan po kami kasi sabi nga nila ang artists may mga crazy sides yan. And sometimes the crazier the ideas [among artists], may mas magandang kinakalabasan," Yeng explained.

Moreover, she believes her experience as a young girl who only dreamed of becoming a singer-songwriter will be her greatest tool in becoming an effective mentor.

"Nanggaling din po kasi ako dyan kung nasaan sila ngayon," she said, adding that the time for her to give back and make others' dreams come true is now.

Yeng's sincerity in everything she said was proven by AOR's Singaporean founder Priscila Teo, who was in Manila for the signing of the global ambassadorship contract.

"The reason why I chose Yeng to be our ambassadress years ago was because of her authentic and genuine artistry, as well as her exceptional attitude that serves as a wonderful role model for our students," she said.