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Who was that? : Bretman Rock throws shade anew at Vanessa Hudgens
Content creator Bretman Rock took another dig at actress Vanessa Hudgens while showering praise for fellow Filipino-American celebrity Olivia Rodrigo......»»
Chris Evans says he married Alba Baptista twice
Chris Evans has confirmed that he is happily married to “Warrior Nun” star Alba Baptista, not once but twice. Evans, who made an appearance at the New York Comic Con last Saturday, Oct. 14, spoke about his marital bliss a month after they reportedly tied the knot at a private ceremony in Massachusetts. “I got married,” he said, per American media outlet Entertainment Tonight. “It was really, really great. We kind of had two ceremonies on the East Coast. We did one in Portugal. My wife is Portuguese. They were wonderful and beautiful.” The actor appeared to be blissfully happy as a married man, as seen in photos by the US-based media outlet, where he was seen wearing his gold wedding band. While Evans admitted that planning for a wedding “takes a lot out of you,” he shared that he and Baptista are “enjoying” their life together. “It’s a lot planning for a wedding. For those of you who are married, it takes a lot out of you. But now we’re through that, we’ve kinda just been enjoying life, gearing up for autumn. It’s the best time of year right now. Now we’re just relaxing and enjoying life and reflecting,” he said. The celebrity couple tied the knot at a “locked down tight” ceremony in Boston, Massachusetts, which was first reported by Page Six last September. Among their guests include Evans’ Marvel co-stars Robert Downey Jr. and his wife Susan Downey, Jeremy Renner, Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky, as well as John Krasinski and Emily Blunt. Evans and Baptista then flew to Portugal days later where Baptista’s family witnessed the couple saying “I do,” per Page Six. The couple’s romance was first reported in November 2022, and they went Instagram official in January 2023. Prior to the confirmation, they were suggested to be in a relationship “for over a year.” RELATED STORIES Chris Evans says he’s looking for a life partner Chris Evans named People magazine’s ‘sexiest man alive’ Chris Evans may not return as Captain America.....»»
REVIEW: ‘HAMILTON’ — Astonishing stagecraft
“Hamilton,” Lin-Manuel Miranda’s rap musical about the eponymous Founding Father, has finally landed in Manila — the first stop of a new international tour that replicates the exact production currently running on Broadway and London’s West End. This is, in other words, essentially the same production that’s won every major theater award conceivable in the West, and whose live stage recording released on Disney+ three years ago was a global success among Covid-captive home viewers. You wouldn’t immediately know all that, however, just from watching this production: Even as it brims with dazzling theatricality and refreshing erudition, it also feels surprisingly small, rid of its status as a phenomenon, pared down to human size. It’s a show that’s almost oblivious to its own celebrity, even as entrance applause (erupting to diminishing returns) dotted the first 15 minutes of its 21 September gala performance at The Theatre at Solaire. Instead, it knows when to build up to the big musical moments, which are few and far between, and does so organically and therefore quite satisfyingly. The logical progression of the narrative and individual character drama — the musical’s unassailable structural precision — are rendered very clear; put bluntly, it is a storytelling apologist’s wettest dream. Never mind that the musical itself — evidently a product of modern-day liberalism, the politics of the American Dream made manifest through the eyes of 21st-century immigrants — is by now indivisible from the very valid criticisms it has received from many corners of American scholarly thought. For the uninitiated, Hamilton tells through rap the rise of the Founding Fathers, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, as they built America in the latter half of the 18th century. Admittedly, given what we know now and what we’ve been through since the musical premiered in New York in 2015, it feels weird, to say the least, to be watching a show that hero-worships to varying degrees the likes of Washington, Jefferson and Hamilton — all products of and complicit to the sins of their time. Moreover, the way the musical intentionally casts non-white actors to play these historically white figures (and slavers) can, depending on how one looks at it, come across as a stroke of meta subversion or “revisionist and insulting nonsense,” to quote one critic. Unique brilliance Again — all valid criticisms, which some have suggested are actually part of the musical’s unique brilliance. Watching the musical (through this particular production) in Manila, however, you entertain those thoughts mainly in retrospect. Inside the theater, it’s all those aforementioned merits — and more! — that surround you: a show that’s so technically precise in ways that highlight the material’s inventiveness, a feast of astonishing stagecraft, a display of just how good musical theater can get when given vast resources. [caption id="attachment_187901" align="aligncenter" width="1148"] DeAundre’ Woods as Aaron Burr. | photograph courtesy of IG/dre_woods[/caption] Despite the title, the crux of this production is DeAundre’ Woods’ Aaron Burr (Hamilton’s archrival, if you will). It’s a performance for which the phrase “no notes” seems to have been coined. Whenever Woods disappears from the stage, you look for him. But, more importantly, the genius of Woods’ performance is in how it becomes the anchor through which the musical itself can be better understood: as a story of wanting and longing, a warning against the folly of ambition, a morality tale run parallel to the uncertainty and messiness of nation-building. When Woods sings (and brings down the house with) Burr’s first big solo “Wait for It,” you instantly comprehend the song — and, for that matter, the musical. Arguably, Burr is the central and meatiest role here. Next to Woods’ interpretation, however, the smallness and silliness inherent to the story Hamilton tells become all the more coherent. You grasp how Hamilton and his posse were essentially just kids bumbling their way through a revolution. It’s all very grand on paper, but it’s also a journey chockfull of pettiness and foolishness — and on that stage, a history lesson that revels in its occasionally juvenile, highly accessible nature. [caption id="attachment_187903" align="aligncenter" width="1432"] JASON Arrow as Alexander Hamilton. | photograph courtesy of ig/jason arrow[/caption] Three other male performances stand out in the process: Jason Arrow’s Hamilton, who convincingly pulls off the title character’s transformation from “young, scrappy, and hungry” to world-weary; Darnell Abraham’s Washington giving gospel-preacher-showdown realness; and Brent Hill’s King George literally putting the “mad” to delectably comic effect in his interpretation of the famed mad king. [caption id="attachment_187906" align="aligncenter" width="1512"] DARNELL Abraham as George Washington. | photographs courtesy of ig/darnell abraham[/caption] [caption id="attachment_187900" align="aligncenter" width="1348"] BRENT Hill as King George. | photographs courtesy of ig/darnell abraham[/caption] Dreamcasting Elsewhere, this is a production that’s supplied with all the right parts — but, on a local stage as technologically impressive as the Theatre at Solaire (the best acoustics in Metro Manila, hands down), it also invites “dreamcasting” — permitting you to imagine in real time how certain Filipino theater performers cast in certain roles would, without a doubt, totally slay those parts. No matter: As it is, this Hamilton is one that lives up to the hype surrounding its supposed brilliance — while simultaneously earning that reputation before a live audience night after night. Among others spots of pure artistry, it has a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it onstage costume change involving the terrific ensemble early in Act I, a historical battle conjured through frenzied dance, and entire scene changes and moments evoked simply through the deliberate arrangement of performers’ bodies (that climactic bullet scene, anyone?). In lieu of an arduous and expensive trip to New York or London, this production more than does the job. Hamilton runs at the Theatre at Solaire, Pasay City, until 26 November. The post REVIEW: ‘HAMILTON’ — Astonishing stagecraft appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NSYNC to release first new song in decades for ‘Trolls’ movie
American boy band NSYNC has reunited for their first new song in over 20 years, which will be featured in the upcoming movie "Trolls Band Together." "Back in the Studio. Better Place out 9/29," the group posted on social media Thursday, alongside a video of all five members recording their vocals. The last studio album released by turn-of-the-millennium heartthrobs Justin Timberlake, Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, Lance Bass and Chris Kirkpatrick was 2001's "Celebrity." "If we do this song it's a love letter to our fans," Timberlake said in the video posted to X. "Wait, that's the first NSYNC song finished in 23 years," Bass added. Timberlake voices a lead character in the "Trolls" film trilogy, with the third installment coming to US theaters in November. The new movie features a boy band storyline. NSYNC's members reunited onstage this week for the first time in a decade to present Taylor Swift with the Best Pop award at the MTV Video Music Awards. The post NSYNC to release first new song in decades for ‘Trolls’ movie appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Colombia extradites celebrity designer to US over illegal leathers
Colombia has extradited to the United States a celebrity fashion designer wanted for the alleged smuggling of protected animal skin purses, police in the South American country said Wednesday. Nancy Gonzalez's purses, clutches, and wallets sell for thousands of US dollars apiece, have appeared on catwalks and TV shows, and grace the shelves of high-end shops around the globe. But the Colombian, 78, was arrested in July 2022 in the city of Cali on accusations related to more than 200 of the caiman- and python-skin products that were allegedly imported illegally and sold in the United States. Individuals were allegedly paid to bring the bags from Colombia to New York on commercial flights and coached to lie about the provenance of the goods if asked. Some of the skins were allegedly from species that were either protected or in danger of extinction, police official Jose Luis Ramirez said in a video sent to media. Gonzalez was sent to the United States along with her business partner Diego Mauricio Rodriguez, the police said, without specifying when. The pair are wanted in the Southern District of Florida. She risks a 25-year prison term. According to her website, Gonzalez's bags are handcrafted in her native Cali by a team of artisans. The site says her bags are sold at over 300 luxury retailers, including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Harrod’s, and Tsum. Her designs were also featured in an exhibition by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Among Gonzalez's famous clients are Salma Hayek, Britney Spears, and Victoria Beckham. The post Colombia extradites celebrity designer to US over illegal leathers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Michelle Madrigal kumpirmadong ‘single’, hiwalay na sa dyowang afam na si Kyle
MAKALIPAS ang ilang buwan, kinumpirma na ng celebrity mom na si Michelle Madrigal na nagkahiwalay na sila ng American boyfriend na si Kyle. Inamin ‘yan mismo ni Michelle sa pamamagitan ng Instagram video. Nasabi pa nga niya sa naturang post na tuluyan na siyang naka-move on at kasalukuyan na siyang masaya. “I’m 34. Divorced. Single. […] The post Michelle Madrigal kumpirmadong ‘single’, hiwalay na sa dyowang afam na si Kyle appeared first on Bandera......»»
LeBron James says family ‘safe, healthy’ after son suffers cardiac arrest
NBA superstar LeBron James said on Thursday his family was "together, safe and healthy" four days after his eldest son suffered cardiac arrest during practice with his college basketball team. "I want to thank the countless people sending my family love and prayers," the four-time NBA champion said in a social media post, his first since 18-year-old Bronny James collapsed on court while training with his University of Southern California teammates on Monday in Los Angeles. "We feel you and I’m so grateful," James wrote. "Everyone doing great. We have our family together, safe and healthy, and we feel your love. Will have more to say when we’re ready but I wanted to tell everyone how much your support has meant to all of us!" James's comments marked the first statement from the family since Tuesday, when they confirmed that Bronny James had been treated by medical staff on scene, hospitalized and moved from the Intensive Care Unit in "stable" condition. No new details emerged Wednesday, although LeBron James was spotted by photographers entering Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The TMZ.com celebrity news website reported that James was unconscious before being rushed to hospital following the cardiac incident. According to the American Heart Association, only about 1 in 10 people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, which occurs when the heart stops abruptly with little or no warning. James' cardiac arrest came just over a year after another USC basketball player, Vince Iwuchukwu, suffered heart failure and collapsed during an informal practice. Iwuchukwu subsequently made a full recovery. Bronny James committed to playing for the USC Trojans in May after becoming one of the top prospects in US high school basketball. He capped a stellar senior year campaign at the exclusive Sierra Canyon school in Los Angeles with 15 points in an all-star game of top college candidates, sinking five 3-pointers. His famous father -- the NBA's all-time leading scorer as well as a four-time NBA champion and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player -- has long spoken of his desire to extend his career in order to play in the league with his son. The post LeBron James says family ‘safe, healthy’ after son suffers cardiac arrest appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Blythe and Sabrina had a moment to dunk on Ricci, maybe
There's something about Andrea "Blythe" Brillantes that stands out even in crowded concert arenas, as she was once again singled out, this time, by American singer-songwriter Sabrina Carpenter. Andrea began to tell her how she relates to Sabrina Carpenter's songs and mentioned a certain someone "ruining her reputation". When the crowd reacted, Sabrina seemed surprised that everybody was in on it, oblivious to Blythe's celebrity status. "Do you all know this guy?" The crowd bellowed "Yeeeeees!" and all she could say was, "Well, he's got bad taste." Andrea Brillantes recently broke up with her boyfriend Ricci Rivero, a collegiate basketball player, implying various instances of his infidelity. The post Blythe and Sabrina had a moment to dunk on Ricci, maybe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
An ‘artist’s’15 minutes of fame
A question of freedom of expression or outright blasphemy? Social media and its ardent followers recently engaged in animated commentary, some amusing, others vitriolic, when drag queen Pura Luka Vega, dressed up to imitate Jesus Christ, performed before a noisy and possibly inebriated audience that sang along with the “star,” a pop version of the church hymn “Ama Namin” in a crowded venue that appeared to be a bar. The engagement drew a flurry of protests, principally from the country’s Catholic faithful. But what did Vega expect? The Philippines is, after all, a country with about 78.8 percent of the population identifying themselves as Roman Catholics based on the 2020 census. While some sectors proclaiming themselves as vanguards of the arts expressed their support for Vega, a participant in a contest featuring drag queens, the majority of the comments, some of them from those who are not even Catholic or “religious,” condemned the act and demanded an apology from the person at the center of the controversy. Many said what he did was “blasphemous, offensive, disrespectful.” Several senators openly denounced his act, with one saying the performer could face criminal charges. Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri said Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code punishes “those who offend any race or religion in the performance of obscene or indecent plays, scenes, acts or shows in theaters, fairs, or any other place.” The law imposes a jail term and/or a fine on violators. “As a woman of faith, I admit I find this regrettable. However, I also caution against the use of this incident to deny rights and protections to a community that has long been marginalized and excluded,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros. said For his part, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III said Vega “should think of some other way to make himself known and not resort to gimmickry.” On the other hand, Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, the first Filipino transgender lawmaker, warned Vega not to use the gender card in his defense. “Do we really need this kind of provocation? What is the contribution of this to LGBT rights?” Roman said. She added that invoking the performance as a constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression is not absolute. She even dared the artist to do what he did to other religions with less tolerant views to see how far he could go. Pope Francis, the first pope, has criticized laws that criminalize homosexuality as “unjust” and advised Catholic priests to welcome LGBTQ people into the Church. My take on the gender issue is probably not as magnanimous as that of the pope. I am a conservative Catholic, meaning I am quite rigid in interpreting/differentiating the male from the female. For me, there are no “in-betweens.” But it does not mean that I do not respect our fellowmen who identify themselves with a gender that is not what they were born with. I respect them so much and would protect them as I would protect my children. But mind you, respect is a two-way street, so let us leave it at that. Meanwhile, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said it was not inclined to press charges against the artist, adding that it was enough that he got the message that what he did was wrong. Although Vega said he apologized “to those who were offended by his performance,” it didn’t sound like he meant it because he added that he would not stop expressing his art, and it was his way of practicing his faith as a Catholic, and it was a form of worship anyway. In a bar before people obviously having a good time? At the same time, he said it was some healing process for him for having experienced exclusion from the Church because he is gay. Huh? The logic escapes me. Vega’s imitation of Christ also drew the ire of local government officials in Gen. Santos City, who recently declared him “persona non grata,” meaning there’s no welcome mat waiting for him in the city. Plucked from obscurity, Vega has become an instant celebrity of sorts and apparently basks in the spotlight. A concept introduced by the late American visual artist Andy Warhol who said, “Everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes,” it implied the fleeting nature of being a “celebrity.” We see this phenomenon now with the surge of bloggers and vloggers flooding all social media platforms, from taho vendors to movie stars to various hangers-on, retired police officers, etc. All one needs is a cellphone with a decent camera. Soon enough, your video becomes viral. Meanwhile, let Vega enjoy his 15 minutes of fame while he can. The post An ‘artist’s’15 minutes of fame appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cool, Chic and Comfortable Fashion
By Jocelyn Valle and Ann Jenireene Gomez Ralph Lauren is easily one of the most mispronounced designer labels around. For the record, this American icon of fashion is pronounced this way: “Ralf LO-ren,” according to Martin Elmer Santos, the manager of Ralph Lauren’s Polo brand boutique at Greenbelt 5. That’s right, not the French-sounding “Ralf Lo-Rahn.” [caption id="attachment_160185" align="aligncenter" width="853"] AUBREY Miles and Troy Montero.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_160186" align="aligncenter" width="1703"] Kieza Garra and Jeanette Ong.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_160188" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] (FROM left) SSI Group Inc. president Anton Huang, Maricel and Donny Pangilinan, Nikki Huang, Ella and Anthony Pangilinan.PHOTOGRAPHS courtesy of Polo Ralph Lauren[/caption] Santos spoke to Daily Tribune at the store’s recent opening. “We have the different collections here,” he said. Aside from its signature Polo Shirt, which has been around since 1972, Polo Ralph Lauren Men’s line presents several collections to check out in Spring/Summer 2023. There’s the timeless collection called Heritage Icons, as inspired by The Hamptons’ preppy fashion. Another one, The Curator, is a refined sportswear merged with Manhattan’s Gallery tastemakers’ sophisticated gallery look. The Summit collection reinvigorates the Active line with archival styles and technical performance, while the Key West line displays a relaxed island lifestyle. Lastly, a diverse collection of vibrant seasonal fashion is showcased in the South America range. It suits perfectly in warm weather and blends well with exotic adventure vibes. Polo Ralph Lauren Women’s line, on the other hand, has a Spring/Summer 2023 collection that covers Mediterranean, California Modern and Laurel Canyon themes of undeniably timeless and classic style. Likewise not to be missed is the Polo ID collection, which showcases handbags, footwear and other leather goods that embody elegance and comfort. Star-studded affair The opening of the Greenbelt branch (the first at Shangri-La mall and soon at Rustan’s Makati and Solaire), was attended by some of the notable celebrities in the fields of fashion, beauty pageants and show business. They looked cool, chic and comfortable in Polo Ralph Lauren fashion pieces. Actor Maricel Laxa turned up with her husband Anthony Pangilinan, a media practitioner and management consultant, along with their daughter Ella Pangilinan and, later on, with their son, matinee idol Donny Pangilinan. “I want something comfortable and easy to carry. I don’t want anything elaborate. I’m a little bit stylish now because I have kids who are more exposed to fashion.” Aubrey Miles, also an actress and entrepreneur, came at the event with her husband and fellow celebrity Troy Montero. She had this to say on dressing up: “As long as it looks good on me and it flatters my body, I go for that. I’m more stylish when I go out alone. When I’m with Troy, I’m more on the sexy side. With our kids, just a long dress with pockets or with a sling bag.” For his part, Montero said, “I just always want to be comfortable. I think my fashion sense changed over the years. I’m definitely more into comfort than anything else. Once you feel good and comfortable, you can be confident walking around. Nothing makes you more uncomfortable and less confident if it’s not fitted. I like to keep up with the trends and things like that. Like today, I’m wearing this Polo shirt, and I kinda went for the one with a little bit non-traditional.” More actors talked to us about their fashion sense. Max Collins described her fashion sense as “laidback chic.” She explained, “I always wear something that I can move in, but at the same time it’s classic and simple. I love neutral colors as well.” Sofia Andres said she goes for “classic, simple and chic at the same time,” even when she's with her three-year-old daughter. “I only wear pants, shirts, sometimes a coat, blazer, that’s it. That looks amazing.” Young star Kyline Alcantara admitted letting her moods dictate her fashion choices. “Sometimes I’m into street style. Sometimes I’m into classy, simple. It really depends on my mood. I feel that’s what fashion is. It’s art also, how you describe yourself, what makes you feel confident.” Celeste Cortesi, who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines in 2022, declared, “I like wearing anything, depends on where I go. I just want to be comfortable and chic at the same time.” Fashion model-turned-actress and host Phoemela Baranda noted that having a baby (her second in 20 years) has changed her body type and she works around that. “I try to look whatever suits my body type now and I’m comfortable with. So, I’m comfortable with long dresses. But of course a little updated naman. I update with accessories or a body.” Myrza Sison, former top model and now a speaker, host, journalist and certified executive coach had this to say about her fashion sense: “Minimal effort for maximum impact. “So I believe in style, rather than fashion, and I think the more you know yourself, the more you can have personal style. Otherwise, you’re just gonna try every trend and you won’t really present a strong image to the world.” The post Cool, Chic and Comfortable Fashion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NBA star Curry makes hole-in-one at celebrity golf event
NBA superstar Stephen Curry made a hole-in-one on Saturday in the second round of a celebrity golf tournament and ran to the green in celebration of the feat. Curry, a four-time NBA champion guard for the Golden State Warriors, is known as an avid golfer, having even played in a 2017 developmental tour event. The two-time NBA scoring champion and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player made his ace at the par-3 seventh hole at the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe South Course in Stateline, Nevada. Curry's tee shot took one bounce and went into the hole, prompting a cheer from the crowd. Curry began running to the green, taking off his cap and waving a "No. 1" right finger into the air. He raised both arms, threw the glove off his left hand to the fans, and leaped into the air as he reached the green. After that, he smacked the flagstick with his left hand, ran around the entire green, and finally fell back onto the ground under the shade of a tree with a huge smile on his face. "That was 140 yards and not 94 feet," Curry said, comparing the length of the hole to that of an NBA court. "But wow. Wow. I'll be out of breath for the rest of the day -- for a good reason, though." Curry, who began golfing at age 10, had made only one prior ace. "That was my second one ever," Curry said. "I'm locked in right down, but to do it on this hole is unbelievable. Wow. Wow." The ace gave him 43 points in the three-day celebrity competition, stretching his lead over US tennis player Mardy Fish. The post NBA star Curry makes hole-in-one at celebrity golf event appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Spacey denies ‘aggressive’ behavior in UK sex assault trial
Kevin Spacey said Thursday he was a "big flirt" but denied any "aggressive" behavior as the Hollywood actor entered the witness box of his sexual assault trial in south London. The Southwark Crown Court has earlier heard the testimony of four men, who cannot be named for legal reasons, accusing Spacey of sexual offenses between 2001 and 2013. One complainant alleged the actor assaulted him multiple times and, in particular, grabbed him while he was driving Spacey to a party, nearly causing him to "come off the road". Spacey in his testimony admitted to having touched the man but said "it didn't happen in a violent, aggressive, painful way". "It was gentle... and it was, in my mind, romantic," Spacey, wearing a dark suit and glasses, told the jury. Spacey claimed there was a mutually flirtatious relationship between them and described himself as a "big flirt". But the alleged victim "made it clear that he did not want to go any further," the 63-year-old actor added. Spacey said he felt "crushed" after the allegations were made against him, saying it was like a "stab in the back". Asked about the testimony of another alleged victim, who accused Spacey of making crude remarks at a celebrity event before grabbing his crotch, Spacey described them as "madness". "I never said any of the things that he claims I said to him and wouldn't and never have to anyone in my life," Spacey said. He also claimed he didn't recognize the complainant when shown a photo of him. Spacey, an Academy Award winner for "The Usual Suspects" and "American Beauty", was the artistic director of London's Old Vic theatre from 2004 to 2015. He has denied three counts of indecent assault, seven counts of sexual assault, and one of causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent. He has also pleaded not guilty to one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent. The trial continues. The post Spacey denies ‘aggressive’ behavior in UK sex assault trial appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Coco Lee suffers depression, dies at 48
Pop diva Coco Lee battled with depression and died at the age of 48 after deciding to take her own life. The news was confirmed by the celebrity's family on social media. "With great sadness, we are here to break the most devastating news: Coco had been suffering from depression for a few years but her condition deteriorated drastically over the last few months.", they said. "Although Coco sought professional help and did her best to fight depression, sadly that demon inside of her took the better of her Despite the best efforts of the hospital team to rescue and treat her from her coma, she finally passed away on Wednesday", her sisters added. The Chinese-American singer-songwriter started her career in Hongkong before expanding to Taiwan to release her debut album in 1994. She charmed her way to the hearts of many through her bubbly image, slick dance moves, and undoubtedly powerful vocals. Lee gained the title "Mariah Carey of Asia" because of her wide vocal range, spanning three octaves. Rest in peace Coco Lee. If you are suffering from depression, know that you are not alone and help and support are always available. Feel free to contact the mental health helplines below: HOPELINE: (02) 8804-4673 In Touch- Crisis Line: +63 2 8893 7603 NCMH Crisis Hotline: +639 086392672 Child Helpline 1-6-3: 163 The post Coco Lee suffers depression, dies at 48 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Why haven’t we gotten our ‘pangarap na Oscar’?
In Jules Katanyag’s raunchy horror-comedy Ang Pangarap Kong Oskars, from Mavx productions (now showing in cinemas), the eccentric director DMZ (Joross Gamboa) screams, “I want actors, not celebrities!” He and producer friend Bobby B (Paolo Contis) are gunning for the elusive Oscar trophy, or “Oskar,” via their dream movie project. Unable to fund their film, they get someone to produce it — but they have to compromise. The daughter of the producer, who is terrible at acting, has to be in it. They also want a big-budget movie that involves aswangs (special effects would cost gazillions), but they get “lucky” because Bobby B manages to hire actual local aswangs — mananganggal et al. The advanced screening held last 23 June was followed by a mediacon where Contis was in a fight-or-flight mode all throughout, with some press members squeezing into the conversation the controversies surrounding the prolific actor. But it was boring the lights out of me. Not much discussion on the film itself: the creative process, the craft. It’s all personality-based. An ingrown nail is more fascinating to me than Contis’ love life and his Eat Bulaga stint. But this is showbiz, the Internet is a vulture preying on rumors and controversies and a celebrity’s life is converted into views, comments, likes and shares. [caption id="attachment_152144" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] PAOLO Contis’ ‘Eat Bulaga!’ co-hosts Kokoy De Santos, Buboy Villar, Cassy Legaspi, Alexa Miro, Kimpoy de Leon and Mavy Legaspi attended the movie’s premiere last week.[/caption] Big event But at least the Oscars was discussed a bit. Since we started submitting to the Oscars in 1953, why haven’t we even been shortlisted? Katanyag’s directorial debut triggered thoughts in me about the Oscar dream. Sure, a subset of Filipino film professionals and critics spit at the Oscars as if it is the worst thing in the world. Still, no one can deny it’s a big event and it has some pretty great movies on its nominations list. The Oscars is an international media magnet. Imagine a Pinoy filmmaker going up the stage — for the first time in history — to take home the Best International Film award (or Best Director award), catapulting them to global fame and putting our country on the map of quality cinema. At the mediacon, someone asked the two actors about the possibility of an Oscar for the country. “Yes, possible… Naniniwala ako na kailangan ng buong suporta ng buong bansa. Una sa lahat, funding para sa mismong pelikula, magandang-magandang proyekto, at, again, kailangan ng campaign. So kailangan ng budget,” Contis said. “Actually, maganda maisabatas ‘yung support sa industry… Parang katulad sa ibang bansa, suportado talaga ng government. Kaya talaga napo-promote eh. Kasama napo-promote ang country,” said Gamboa. [caption id="attachment_152145" align="aligncenter" width="590"] PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF mavx productions(FROM left) Joross Gamboa, Paolo Contis and Kate Alejandrino in a scene from ‘Ang Pangarap Kong Oskars.’[/caption] Dark side Personally, I believe it is the dark side of the Filipino mentality that hinders us from getting the elusive Oscar. Great stories need no huge budget. Asghar Farhadi’s A Separation cost roughly $800,000. Nomadland, Moonlight and Call Me By Your Name are also some of the small-budget films that took home the Oscars. The “palakasan” system, the politics, corruption and chika play a major contribution. The Filipino crab mentality, deeply embedded in our culture, is also to blame. If it happens in your office or organization, of course it also happens in the film industry. There are plenty of untapped talents — promising filmmakers and creatives who never get an iota of a chance in a dog-eat-dog industry. The big people would rather pick their “tropa” or “bata” even if said people are untalented. Then, there are award-giving bodies driven by political agenda, granting awards to butt-ugly films to fight for their personal cause. Plus, Pinoys are celebrity-obsessed. Filipino moviegoers will watch Pinoy movies only if their idols are in them. Movies with unknown actors? These are snubbed. Most resort to Koreanovelas because they love the content and the storytelling — bonus is the fact that most Pinoys find Koreans attractive. We also lack originality and a real cinematic identity. Mainstream fare is heavily influenced by Hollywood, or we adapt Korean plots. Others even downright copy plots and dialogue from American films. Where are the unique stories? They are mostly found in indie fests, in Cinemalaya, where the best of the best can be found. Politics has also split the Filipino film industry. A movie will be bashed even before its release because it features actors or directors who campaigned for a politician the critics oppose. Then there are budget constraints, forcing productions to shoot in a matter of days, so everything is rushed. The result? Crude high school projects. What also irks me is how the industry almost demands or begs “support” (i.e. buy tickets to local movies). A ticket price, which is P500 average, is equivalent to a minimum-wage earner’s daily salary. We do not part with our money just because you said so. Show me an impressive trailer first. Jaded audience The Filipino audience is now jaded given the same old crappy local content — especially after being exposed to content worldwide through affordable streaming subscriptions. Where do you think Pinoys would spend their hard-earned cash if they desperately need entertainment? On a locally produced theatrical release that has a plot that they have seen a thousand times? Or a subscription to a streamer with more content to choose from? They can also get the cheapest: internet data for unlimited short-form entertainment in TikTok and social media. Also, this industry hates honest criticism. They feel that negative reviews are personal attacks on filmmakers. This mindset is not progressive at all. I believe in the talent of the Filipino creative. It’s just that if this toxic culture continues and the obsession with personalities versus the art of cinema continues, we will be left behind in the film arena. This is no longer just about winning the Oscars, or at least getting nominated. This is about acknowledging our dirt and learning to triumph over self-interest, politics and envy for the sake of Philippine cinema. But I guess, that’s a dream that is never going to happen soon. It’s already in our DNA. The post Why haven’t we gotten our ‘pangarap na Oscar’? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
KaladKaren’s historic feat: First transwoman anchor in local TV news
ABS-CBN takes pride in being the manager of transwoman star KaladKaren, who has been making waves in the TV industry. She is now the first transwoman news anchor in the Philippines, as co-host of TV 5’s Frontline Pilipinas evening newscast. She joined Gretchen Ho, Jes delos Santos, Justin Quirino and Mikee Reyes as news presenters on 12 June. There are gays and transwomen who are hosts of talk shows and variety shows on TV, such as Boy Abunda, Vice Ganda and Allan K, but KaladKaren is really the first to read out showbiz, lifestyle and cultural reports on a straight news program. In April, she emerged as the first transwoman to win best supporting actress at the Metro Manila Film Festival, specifically at the first-ever summer edition of the festival. She won for her hilarious turn in the film Here Comes the Groom. As an anchorwoman, she is billed as KaladKaren, a made-up name close to the Tagalog word “kaladkarin,” which refers to someone who is easy to drag along for any decent or indecent occasion. She started using “KaladKaren” as a performer in UP Mass Communication productions on campus. Her real name is Jervi Li. [caption id="attachment_151722" align="aligncenter" width="446"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF IG/KALaDKAREN | JERVI Li aka KaladKaren.[/caption] At her contract-signing recently at ABS-CBN, the celebrity impersonator was asked by a tabloid editor how exactly her name should be spelled and pronounced. The graduate of the University of the Philippines-Diliman stressed that her professional showbiz name should be spelled as one word, with the second “K” capitalized and the last syllable spelled with an “e”, not “i”, to emphasize “Karen,” the first name of the woman she famously impersonates: ABS-CBN broadcast journo Karen Davila. Corporate and news executives of TV 5 obviously find the pedestrian name “KaladKaren” good enough for a news presenter. On camera, her colleagues address her simply as “Karen.” KaladKaren is directly managed by Star Magic, the division for talent recruitment and development headed by Laurenti Dyogi, who is also ABS-CBN head of Television. Dyogi was present at the contract signing along with other Star Magic executives. KaladKaren said she will also be part of an upcoming series, a reality show and a movie. The country is actually late in giving transwomen a shot at news anchoring. The US and other countries have been doing so as far back as 2015. In February 2015, reporter and former TV news helicopter pilot Zoey Tur joined US television program Inside Edition as a special correspondent, becoming America’s first transgender TV reporter. Tur, formerly known as “Chopper Bob,” rose to fame for the live helicopter coverage of the 1994 police chase on Los Angeles freeways of fugitive American football star O.J. Simpson, who was charged with the murder of his ex-wife and her friend. In March 2018, Marvia Malik became Pakistan’s first transgender news presenter at Kohenoor TV. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Malik said she had to work hard to break taboos and finally be accepted by a society that discriminates against transgender people. In February this year, Malik survived a gun attack outside her residence in Lahore. According to NDTV, Malik was returning from a pharmacy when two gunmen opened fire on her. Bangladeshi activist Tashnuva Anan likewise broke barriers by becoming the first transgender news anchor in her home country in 2021. Anan moved to New York from Bangladesh about a year and a half ago to pursue her acting career. She made her off-Broadway debut in Public Obscenities at SoHo Rep in May 2023. India Willoughby is the first transgender TV news reporter in the United Kingdom. In 2017, she joined 5News on Channel 5, where she read the lunchtime and evening updates. She was a familiar face to millions of viewers in her former life as Jonathon, a contestant in Celebrity Big Brother. Nora Reichardt, who has worked at Local News 5 in Des Moines since July 2021, said she gradually came into her identity as a transgender woman over the course of several years and began a medical transition process. And Diana Zurco, 40, recalled her youthful rebellion ahead of her debut as the country’s first transgender newscaster in Argentina’s public TV station, a milestone for an excluded community that is often the target of violence and has a life expectancy roughly half that of the rest of the population. The post KaladKaren’s historic feat: First transwoman anchor in local TV news appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biggest-ever airliner order marks first day of Paris Air Show
European aircraft maker Airbus got the Paris Air Show off to a soaring start on Monday with the announcement of the biggest-ever order for civil aircraft, as the French president joined a big crowd for the event's return after a four-year Covid hiatus. The 500-plane deal with low-cost Indian carrier IndiGo kicked off what organizers have billed as the "recovery airshow" after the coronavirus ravaged the sector and the biennial trade fair was canceled in 2021. Fighter jets and civilian aircraft streaked across the sky while suited and uniformed delegations, including Ukrainian military officials and President Emmanuel Macron, toured the stands. This year's airshow has a new focus on defence following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as the industry's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, with French President Emmanuel Macron arriving in a helicopter partly using sustainable aviation fuel. Macron called for "restraint" to protect the environment but said measures for aviation should be "reasonable" rather than "punitive", adding that the world shouldn't "give up on growth". Huge traffic jams around Le Bourget airport outside Paris were a testament to the interest in this year's show, as aircraft makers field hundreds of orders and airlines brace for a near-record number of passengers this year. The Ukraine conflict has also prompted countries to boost military spending, which could benefit aerospace defense firms. While Russia has been excluded from the event, Ukrainian military officials toured the huge exhibition space at Paris-Le Bourget airport, some taking photos of missiles on display. Passion for air hasn't disappeared Macron announced that Belgium is to be admitted as an observer to the French-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System program, which is seeking to develop the next generation of air combat technology. Macron, closing a ministerial conference on European air defense, called it a " major development". The FCAS is due to come into service by 2040 but has already suffered numerous delays. Also on the military front, Macron said that France, Estonia, Hungary, Belgium, and Cyprus are to jointly purchase Mistral short-range surface-to-air missiles. "This is a very fine example of sovereign cooperation between Europeans on a range that is entirely relevant and that was not sufficiently covered", the French leader said. There was star turns for the Rafale fighter made by France's Dassault and the American F-35 jet, with hundreds of visitors turning their phone cameras skyward and some plugging their ears against the deafening flypasts. Le Bourget offers a forum to announce deals with some 2,500 firms lining up to show off their latest planes, drones, helicopters and prototypes such as flying taxis. With 125,000 square meters (1,350,000 square feet) of exhibition space -- the equivalent of nearly 18 football pitches -- around 320,000 visitors are expected during the week-long event. "Passion for the air hasn't disappeared, that's good news," said Bertrand Godinot, easyJet's Netherlands and France director. Big deals Along with the Farnborough airshow in England, which takes place in even-numbered years, Le Bourget is a key sales event for the civil and defence industries. Airbus and rival Boeing compete fiercely in announcing orders for aircraft running into the billions of dollars. Monday's IndiGo-Airbus deal covers A320 family planes at a list price of $55 billion. Although closely held actual sale prices are usually lower, it marks the largest ever civil aviation order by volume, hailed by Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury as "an enormous milestone". Airbus and Boeing are also battling to solidify supply chains as they increase production to meet growing demand. The United States has a strong presence with 425 exhibitors, while firms from 46 other nations are present. China, which lifted Covid restrictions only at the beginning of this year, is also represented. However, Beijing is not displaying its first homegrown medium-haul passenger jet, the C919, built to compete with the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX. Flying taxis The airshow also hopes to open a window into the future as projects for flying taxis and other vertical take-off aircraft abound. Several prototypes will be on display as part of a "Paris Air Mobility" exhibition to showcase the latest innovations that developers hope will change how people travel. Macron arrived aboard Airbus' latest helicopter, the H160, in a flight fuelled with 30 percent sustainable aviation fuel before visiting the European group's stand where it laid out its net-zero-by-2050 plan. Macron had on Friday announced $2.2 billion to help develop technologies to reduce aircraft emissions. Air travel accounts for nearly three percent of global CO2 emissions but serves only a small minority of the world's population. With the industry targeting net zero emissions by mid-century, firms are turbocharging efforts to achieve it. The initial focus is on SAF, made from sources such as municipal waste and agricultural waste. But companies are also working to develop battery- and hydrogen-powered aircraft. The post Biggest-ever airliner order marks first day of Paris Air Show appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
British writer Martin Amis dies aged 73
Renowned and influential British writer Martin Amis has died aged 73 at his home in Lake Worth, Florida, the Booker Prizes said Saturday. Amis was "one of the most acclaimed and discussed writers of the past 50 years and the author of 14 novels," said the website of Booker Prizes, the leading literary awards for fiction in the United Kingdom. His wife, Isabel Fonseca, told media that the author of searing and insightful works such as "Money: A Suicide Note," "London Fields" and "Time's Arrow" died on Friday after a bout with esophageal cancer. His death was announced on the same day as the Cannes Festival showing of a film based on his 2014 book "The Zone of Interest". Set in Auschwitz, the novel tells the story of a Nazi officer who fell in love with the wife of the extermination camp commander. Amis, the son of renowned comic novelist Kingsley Amis, equaled and even surpassed his father in fame with novels filled with savage humor. "The novel is an incredibly intimate portrait of a writer," the younger Amis once told the BBC, reflecting on his career. "Although I don't write an autobiography, I am everywhere in my books." In 2008, the Times of London named him one of the 50 greatest British writers since 1945. Born in 1949 in Wales, Amis rose to literary celebrity amid the hip 1980s British fiction boom that included fellow novelists Salman Rushdie, Julian Barnes, Kazuo Ishiguro, and Ian McEwan. Amis graduated from Oxford University in 1971 with a degree in English and worked as an editor before publishing his first novel, "The Rachel Papers," in 1973. It was with "Money," published in 1984 with a comic take on consumerism, that Amis burst more broadly onto the literary scene. In addition to his novels, Amis published two collections of stories and eight works of nonfiction. His book on the September 11, 2001 attacks, titled "The Second Plane," includes articles, short stories, and essays. In recent decades, Amis became a public intellectual, frequently appearing on television, sometimes alongside his long-time friend Christopher Hitchens, a British-American writer and renowned atheist who died in 2011. He was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1991 and long-listed in 2003, the website noted. The 1990s marked the peak of his literary career, even though he was accused of misogyny and, later, Islamophobia -- accusations he firmly rejected. Publisher Vintage Books said it was "devastated" by the death of Amis. "He leaves a towering legacy and an indelible mark on the British cultural landscape, and will be missed enormously," Vintage said on its Twitter account. The post British writer Martin Amis dies aged 73 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Diane von Furstenberg: From Brussels to the big time in the States
Diane von Furstenberg is a US fashion icon. But she never forgot her Belgian roots -- as evidenced by a return to Brussels, the city of her birth, to celebrate a half-century of her glamorous career. "I really lived an American dream as a young European and it was fascinating," the 76-year-old told AFP in an interview as the Belgian capital puts on an exhibition of her work. The show, at Brussels' Fashion and Lace Museum, is the first exhibition in Europe dedicated to the Belgian-American designer, organizers said. Naturally, pride of place goes to von Furstenberg's signature wrap dress, which made her famous as soon as it went on sale in 1973, three years after she made New York her home. Sought after for its simplicity and practicality, the soft jersey wrap dress has been made in several dozen iterations in bright colors, making it an enduring feature in celebrity wardrobes. "It makes a woman confident. And if you are confident, you are beautiful," von Furstenberg said with a wide smile. "The jersey: very practical. Doesn't crinkle. You put in a print that moves and moves with your body. That all of a sudden makes beautiful curves in your body. The shape: very simple." At age 25, von Furstenberg was making 25,000 dresses a week to keep up with demand. Her star never dimmed, enabling her to go into philanthropy and support her view of herself as "a big feminist". That's a theme informing the Brussels exhibition, which is titled "Woman Before Fashion". "What is most important to me is to use my voice, my experience, my knowledge, my resources, my connections in order to help other women to be the women they want to be," she said. 'A miracle' With her second husband, US media billionaire Barry Diller, von Furstenberg runs a foundation that annually hands out awards to personalities seen as inspiring other women. For her own sources of inspiration, she cites first above all her mother, a survivor of the Nazi concentration camps who incarnated, for her, combativeness and a desire for freedom. Liliane Halfin, nee Nahmias, came from a Greek-Jewish family. She was deported to Auschwitz in Poland and then to the Ravensbrueck camp in Germany as a young bride in her 20s. When she was freed in 1945 she weighed less than 25 kilograms (55 pounds) and was in such poor condition that doctors recommended she postpone having children. "She was a skeleton amongst ashes. She went to concentration camps and she wasn't supposed to survive," von Furstenberg said, adding that her own birth 18 months later was "a miracle". After the end of World War II her parents settled in Brussels, where the future designer, then named Diane Halfin, lived until age 14 before going to boarding school in Switzerland and England. It was during her university studies that she met her first husband, a jet-setting European prince named Eduard Egon von Furstenberg, whose name she kept after their divorce. That name is now indelibly linked to the world of fashion. For the curator of the Brussels exhibition, Nicolas Lor, one of the keys to the success of the Diane von Furstenberg label was the combination of a dress of typically European style with material that offered comfortable wear. "She mixed the concept of the little dress that was thought up in the 1920s with the principles of sportswear and comfort that clearly defined apparel in the United States," explained Lor, a French fashion expert who has worked at Chanel and Christian Dior. "For me, she was American," he smiled. The exhibition runs to January next year. The post Diane von Furstenberg: From Brussels to the big time in the States appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Diane von Furstenberg: From Brussels to the big time in the States
Diane von Furstenberg is a US fashion icon. But she never forgot her Belgian roots -- as evidenced by a return to Brussels, the city of her birth, to celebrate a half-century of her glamorous career. "I really lived an American dream as a young European and it was fascinating," the 76-year-old told AFP in an interview as the Belgian capital puts on an exhibition of her work. The show, at Brussels' Fashion and Lace Museum, is the first exhibition in Europe dedicated to the Belgian-American designer, organizers said. Naturally, pride of place goes to von Furstenberg's signature wrap dress, which made her famous as soon as it went on sale in 1973, three years after she made New York her home. Sought after for its simplicity and practicality, the soft jersey wrap dress has been made in several dozen iterations in bright colors, making it an enduring feature in celebrity wardrobes. "It makes a woman confident. And if you are confident, you are beautiful," von Furstenberg said with a wide smile. "The jersey: very practical. Doesn't crinkle. You put in a print that moves and moves with your body. That all of a sudden makes beautiful curves in your body. The shape: very simple." At age 25, von Furstenberg was making 25,000 dresses a week to keep up with demand. Her star never dimmed, enabling her to go into philanthropy and support her view of herself as "a big feminist". That's a theme informing the Brussels exhibition, which is titled "Woman Before Fashion". "What is most important to me is to use my voice, my experience, my knowledge, my resources, my connections in order to help other women to be the women they want to be," she said. With her second husband, US media billionaire Barry Diller, von Furstenberg runs a foundation that annually hands out awards to personalities seen as inspiring other women. For her own sources of inspiration, she cites first above all her mother, a survivor of the Nazi concentration camps who incarnated, for her, combativeness and a desire for freedom. Liliane Halfin, nee Nahmias, came from a Greek-Jewish family. She was deported to Auschwitz in Poland and then to the Ravensbrueck camp in Germany as a young bride in her 20s. When she was freed in 1945 she weighed less than 25 kilograms (55 pounds) and was in such poor condition that doctors recommended she postpone having children. "She was a skeleton amongst ashes. She went to concentration camps and she wasn't supposed to survive," von Furstenberg said, adding that her own birth 18 months later was "a miracle". After the end of World War II her parents settled in Brussels, where the future designer, then named Diane Halfin, lived until age 14 before going to boarding school in Switzerland and England. It was during her university studies that she met her first husband, a jet-setting European prince named Eduard Egon von Furstenberg, whose name she kept after their divorce. That name is now indelibly linked to the world of fashion. For the curator of the Brussels exhibition, Nicolas Lor, one of the keys to the success of the Diane von Furstenberg label was the combination of a dress of typically European style with material that offered comfortable wear. "She mixed the concept of the little dress that was thought up in the 1920s with the principles of sportswear and comfort that clearly defined apparel in the United States," explained Lor, a French fashion expert who has worked at Chanel and Christian Dior. "For me, she was American," he smiled. The exhibition runs to January next year. The post Diane von Furstenberg: From Brussels to the big time in the States appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pacquiao binisita nina Jordan Clarkson at Apl.de.ap habang nagte-training sa Wild Card gym
NAKIPAG-BONDING sa Pambansang Kamao na si Sen. Manny Pacquiao ang dalawang sikat na sikat na Filipino-American celebrity habang nagte-training siya sa Amerika para sa laban nila ni Errol Spence, Jr.. Binisita nina NBA star na si Jordan Clarkson at international singer na si Apl.de.Ap ng Black Eyed Peas ang boxing champion sa Wild Card gym […] The post Pacquiao binisita nina Jordan Clarkson at Apl.de.ap habang nagte-training sa Wild Card gym appeared first on Bandera......»»