On the set of ‘Philippine Idol’ Oct. 8, 2006 No contender was booted out on ‘Philippine idol’ last weekend because of the problems in telephone lines and mobile phone signals caused by super typhoon ‘Milenyo.’ The votes the reality-TV show collected last week will be carried over to the votes tally this weekend. However, two contenders will be booted out tonight (Oct. 8/9 p.m./Manila time). It dawned upon me that this weekend would be my last chance to catch the 12 finalists in one piece at SM Megamall Cinema 4. So I fixed show tickets with my bosses Audie Gemora and Carlo Orosa and made time to cover last night for my column on Carousel Pinoy US. 'Philippine Idol' stage mounted at SM Megamall Cinema 4 We got in ‘Philippine Idol’ live performance studio a few minutes before the show went on air last night. We said hello to friends in the biz ‘Philippine Idol’ host Ryan Agoncillo, ‘Philippine Idol’ judges Ryan Cayabyab and Pilita Corrales, actor Patrick dela Rosa, ABC 5 big boss Tony Boy Cojuangco and lovely partner Gretchen Barretto. We were also able to gesture our presence to our friends in the final 12 Gian Magdangal and Reymond Sajor just right before they stepped on stage for the show’s opening number. 'Philippine Idol' host Ryan Agoncillo We were in for a night of soul and R&B music, which was the theme of last night’s performances. “No more second chances this weekend,” said host Ryan Agoncillo. On that note, the competition zoomed in to the finalists’ soul and R&B performances accompanied by musical director Mel Villena and his band against a very imposing multi-leveled set design heightened with installed multiple video projection screens. Mau Marcelo, a veteran in singing competitions, tried to do well with a Beyonce Knowles’ dance hit “Crazy in Love” but her dancing proved to be limiting. Her vocal prowess did not match well with her very small stage movements. Australia-based Ken Dingle turned in a more confident performance last night in his version of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” But he would need to work on his stage movements as well. Finalist Apple Chiu Apple Chiu, University of Santo Tomas alumna, gave her best performance so far in her very original rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Natural Woman.” Such case is the exact opposite that of finalist Arms Cruz, whose cloned version of another Aretha Franklin big number “Respect,” was rather tiring with all her barking vocal calisthenics. Ryan Agoncillo and finalist Steph Lazaro Another Australia-based finalist Steph Lazaro showed off much less of Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary.” She would need to work on the crustiness of her lyrics, especially that she is used to sing out raspy vocals. Male finalist Jan Kurt Nieto also needed to learn how to move well with his dancing shoes. His goofy-executed version of The Spinners’ “Could It Be I’m Falling In Love” was quite uncomfortable to watch. Finalist Reymond Sajor Theater actor Reymond Sajor played it safe with his Luther Van Dross number “I’d Rather.” He had superb and crispy vocals last night, which has always been his strength as a performer. He has to immensely improve on his fashion sense though. Lounge singer Jelli Mateo sounded more pop than R&B in her version of Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby.” Jelli’s beautiful face and stage presence make her a standout among the female contestants. Finalist Gian Magdangal Former boy band vocalist Gian Magdangal delivered a complete performance in his song and dance number “I Feel Good” popularized by James Brown. “Philippine Idol” judge Ryan Cayabyab found his version quite theatrical though. Finalist Miguel Mendoza Youngest finalist 17-year old Miguel Mendoza made quite a mess with Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together.” He has great fashion sense though, but he would need to train further. Hmm, advance vocal class in Trumpets Playshop Alabang is not a bad idea at all. Finalist Pow Chavez Tomboyish contender Pow Chavez lost her angelic, crystal-clear singing voice in her reinvention of Usher’s “You Got It Bad.” Well at least she was able to show off her terpsichorean skills this time around to the great delight of the studio audience. Ryan Agoncillo and finalist Drae Ybanez Christian artist Drae Ybañez delivered a heartfelt performance of Tower of Power’s “You’re Still a Young Man.” But he has this tendency to dish out tunes nasally. He must start to be wary about this. “Philippine Idol” finalists Apple Chiu, Reymond Sajor, Gian Magdangal and Drae Ybañez got our votes for their performances last night. We hope they continue on with the next performance challenges. But basing on the radical trends on “Philippine Idol” in the past months or so, we are in to expect the unexpected. Finalist Arms Cruz So we are bound to tune in to the results night on ABC 5 TV Network at 9 p.m. to know how the others have judged our final 12’s performances last night. Ryan Agoncillo with first 'Philippine Idol' 12 finalists All in all, our first “Philippine Idol” finalists pitched in their performances in whatever musical genre set by the talent search. Thus, reassuring one and all, time and again, that Filipino talents never waver given whatever challenges. You may reach the writer at email add. stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph For www.carouselpinoy.com ‘Imahe Nasyon’: 20 filmmakers, 20 short films about the Philippines 20 years after EDSA People Power Revolt Oct. 6, 2006 Newly formed Philippine Independent Filmmakers Multipurpose Cooperative (IFC) recently launched its first major omnibus film project “Imahe Nasyon: Portrait of a Nation after 1986,” spearheaded by line producers Jon Red and wife Carol Bunuan Red. “Imahe Nasyon” is conceptualized to commemorate the 20th anniversary of EDSA People Power Revolt as seen in the lens of our very own independent filmmakers. It comprises 20 short films from up-and-coming digital filmmakers as well as from more seasoned filmmakers Lav Diaz, Robert Cabral, Raymond Red, among others. Quite interestingly, these 20 stories are interlaced to one another by featuring fast-rising independent film actor Ping Medina, son of character actor Pen Medina, in all the films. He often portrays leads don in various characters or provides voice over narrations in some features with commendable results. “This idea is not entirely new. There were others who thought of doing this before. The only difference is that “Imahe Nasyon” pulled through. Firstly, because there is a producer (Digital Viva’s Vincent del Rosario III) brave enough to finance it. Secondly, there are 20 directors who committed to the project,” said Jon Red at the film’s press preview at Robinsons Galleria Cinema 1. Here is a list of the 20 films featured in “Imahe Nasyon”. The whole collection runs for only about two hours. ‘Nang Matapos ang Ulan’ by Lav Diaz. One of Asia’s acclaimed filmmakers Lav Diaz lends his unique style in a film about family, emptiness and country. ‘Mistulang Kamera Obskura’ by Raymond Red. Philippines’ only Cannes winner Raymond Red presents a film about self-imprisonment and image perception. ‘La Pula’ by Roxlee. Independent film pioneer Roxlee weaves a witty film on when and how the country’s sense of oppression has begun. ‘Biyaheng EDSA’ by Neil Daza. Popular cinematographer and documentarist Neil Daza presents a poetic piece underscoring social injustice through the eyes of a dying thief. ‘Speci Men’ by Ellen Ramos. Ramos, the only female filmmaker in this collection, makes a surreal beauty parlor environ where men are subjects of extreme make-overs.] ‘Barado’ by Robert Quebral. Music video pioneer Robert Quebral shoots through time in this amusing film about two generations sharing the same political situations. ‘One Shot’ by Paolo Villaluna. Multi-awarded filmmaker Paolo Villaluna interweaves real time shooting across three decades of political history. ‘Tsinelas’ by Mes de Guzman. Urian awardee Mes De Guzman shows a day in a life of a lowly Metro Aide worker. ‘Ang Manunulat’ by Topel Lee. Music video director Topel Lee tells a surreal tale of political media silencing using the horror genre. ‘Imagining EDSA’ by Emmanuel dela Cruz. ‘Sarong Banggi’ writer and director Emmanuel dela Cruz presents how the youth views the EDSA revolt. ‘Dibuho’ by Lyle Sacris. Music video director Lyle Sacris morphs different Filipino faces and journeys. ‘Lugaw’ by Milo Alto Paz. Award-winning documentarist Milo Alto Paz presents a haunting portrayal of a filmmaker and an unwilling subject. ‘Public Service Announcement’ by RA Rivera. Music video director RA Rivera encapsulates an era of political oppression in a multi-layered musical piece on human rights violation. ‘Aksyon Star’ by Sigfreid Barros-Sanchez. ‘Anak ni Brocka’ director humorously look at the past four administrations through a music video. ‘Local Unit’ by Tad Ermitaño. Extremist short filmmaker Tad Ermitaño looks into the future with a horrifying tale of a third world country trying to keep pace with the world’s technological advances. ‘5 Minutes’ by Ogi Sugatan. Palanca winner and cinematographer Ogi Sugatan challenges the audience with issues about patriotism and sleeping habits. ‘Between Intersections’ by Poklong Anading. Video artist Poklong Anading juxtaposes street scenes and creates a multi-screen representation of the Nation’s reversed direction. ‘Talahib’ by EJ Salcedo. New filmmaker EJ Salcedo recollects his playful childhood vis-à-vis growing up in highly volatile economic scenarios. ‘Bwahaha’ by Dennis Empalmado. Renowned filmmaker Dennis Empalmado presents a satire on poverty, glamour, childhood and contraceptives. ‘Silid’ by Yeye Calderon. Painter and filmmaker Yeye Calderon tells the story of a passionate artist in a contained environment. The proponents behind “Imahe Nasyon” initially plan to tour Philippine colleges and universities to show the films. A DVD version of the collection will eventually be made available. You may reach the writer at email add. stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph Christian Bautista and Sam Concepcion hold free birthday concert Oct. 3, 2006 Asia’s Pop Idol Christian Bautista and “Little Big Star” grand prize winner Sam Concepcion will hold a free back-to-back birthday concert on October 15, Sunday, 6 p.m. at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, Pasay City, Manila. Christian and Sam dedicate this free concert to fans who have been very supportive to their respective show biz endeavors since day one and more especially in the past few months. “This will be the perfect venue to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the fans who never fail to amaze us with their love and energy and who continuously inspire us to become better performers and role models,” says Christian. October birthday boys Christian and Sam certainly have so much reason to celebrate with their avid followers. Christian’s international sophomore album titled “Completely,” under Warner Music Philippines, recently reached platinum status in the Philippines and Indonesia. His signature song, “The Way You Look At Me,” has hit the airwaves in Singapore. A live concert at Fort Canning Stadium in the Lion City is set by end of October. Moreover, Christian recently inked endorsement deals with San Miguel Corporation and St. Augustine School of Nursing. He’s also currently shooting his mainstream movie debut in Regal Films’ “Mano Po 5,” an official entry to the 2006 Metro Manila Film Festival. His original single “My Heart Has A Mind of His Own” has been adapted as the movie’s theme song. Sam also has his own share of exceptional feats like his Kuya Christian. After winning the highly coveted “Brightest Star” title in ABS CBN’s “Little Big Star” Season One competition, he clinched the “Pinoy Wannabe” Award at the 2006 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards. “Miko,” a short film written and directed by Paolo Dy, featuring Sam and his real life father, won at the 2006 Bogen Film and Video Shorts Competition in New York. Sam’s regular appearance as “Boy Bawang” in ABS CBN’s fantaserye “Super Inggo” has endeared him further among his rapidly growing fan base. He’s also currently waxing his debut album with Universal Records. Christian and Sam’s free birthday concert dubbed “Back2Back Birthday Bash” will feature songs their fans would want to hear from their singing idols. Asian heartthrob Christian will serenade his fans with his romantic hits while “Tween Idol” Sam will dish out popular dance tunes. Playshop Kids’ Tippy dos Santos will be one of the special guests. Audie Gemora directs. Manila slowly recovers from onslaught of typhoon “Milenyo” Oct. 1, 2006 I just got wired after two days devoid of electricity, telephone lines (both PLDT and Bayantel), Internet connection and cellular communication brought about by the onslaught of typhoon “Milenyo,” the strongest storm ever to whip Manila in 11 years. It was a rather normal Thursday morning. I just got up from bed. I popped in the new CD of The Dawn on my CD player to start the day. By the time the rock band’s re-recorded “Enveloped Ideas” was about to play, the lights in the whole house went out. Then I got a text message from STAGES saying “no work” that day because of typhoon “Milenyo.” “Hmm okay,” I told myself. I turned on my iBook and drained the rest of its power by checking my e-mails and online news on the Internet hoping that electricity will be back any time soon. Things became worse after that. “Milenyo” was a colossal howler, which placed Manila’s residents in a difficult situation. All I could hear inside my bedroom were assiduous downpour, really strong winds, and relentless woofs from my Labrador retriever. It took around all four hours until the storm subsided. I went out of the house the day after the storm to monitor the morning dailies. Manila was a like a jungle after “Milenyo.” Fallen trees were all over. Tarpaulins on billboards were ripped off their scaffoldings. McDonald’s store marquees were torn down. Electricity, telecommunications and the Internet were not at all accessible. “Milenyo” literally shut down Manila. As of this writing, life goes on for the Manileños. Full restoration of electricity and telephone lines is expected by October 3, a full-five working days after the “typhoon of the millennium.” President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is becoming impatient and the rest of Manila as well. You may reach the writer at email: stages_pr@i-manila.com.ph or blog site: http://oliverpublicist.blogspot.com