Showing posts with label entertainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label entertainment. Show all posts
Actor Johnny Delgado dies of lymphoma
Philippine veteran TV and movie actor Johnny Delgado succumb to malignant lymphoma, a form of lymph node cancer on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the age of 61. Two days before his death, he was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital suffering from complications of the disease and chemotherapy.
The entertainment celebrity was popular in his many film and TV appearances which spanned for four decades. In the 1980’s he was a regular actor in “Goin’ Bananas.” He played a role in “Tanging Yaman,” a drama which gained him a FAMAS Award as the 2000 best actor. Johnny was the husband of Laurice Guillen and father of Ben Feleo---both film-makers by profession.
A devout Catholic Christian, Johnny’s remains was brought to New Manila, Quezon City at our Lady of Mount Carmel Shrine for viewing prior to the burial at the Loyola Memorial Park on November 24, 2009. (Photo Credit: Weiss08) =0=
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Lea Salonga helps raise P9.3 million for Filipino flood victims in Hawaii
In the last days that she assumed a role in Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables in New York City, I waited outside in a chilly evening to come close to Lea Salonga--- just to greet her and be thankful for the intense beauty of her performance. Among the lauding fans, I was there to shake her hands, watching her engage the crowd. I noticed the Broadway star was serenely polite --- her winsome smile was part of her persona which was endearing to her admirers.
In Hawaii, Philippine officials thanked the talented songstress for helping raise P9.3 million for the calamity victims--- 2,000 of them died as a result of the horrible floods brought by typhoons Ondoy and Peping. In her kind-heartedness, Lea gave a portion of the ticket sales in her sold-out November 10 concert in Blaisdell Arena. She joined the organizers in asking help for those who suffered the brunt of the wicked storms.
Such act of generosity should not remain unnoticed and must be commended. Along with volunteers and supporters the world-famous musical artist again brought an inspiring example to her kababayans. Thank you so much Lea Salonga! (Photo Credit: last.fm) =0=
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Pacquiao faces Cotto in MGM Grand Las Vegas match
In a few hours, on Saturday, November 14, 2009, pound for pound best prizefighter Manny Pacquiao faces welterweight champ Miguel Cotto in a boxing match at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fans have been waiting for this bout---the most exciting of the year (HBO, 9 PM, E.T.)
Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao
49 (37) – 3 – 2
Height: 5′6″ Reach: 67″
Current Pound for Pound Champion
Last 5 fights: 5-0 with 3 knockouts against Ricky Hatton, Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and Marco Antonio Barrera, spanning four weight classes from super featherweight to welterweight
Miguel Cotto
34 (27) – 1
Height: 5′7″ Reach: 67″
Current WBO Welterweight Champion
Last 5 fights: 4-1 with 2 knockouts against Joshua Clottey, Michael Jennings Alfonso Gomez and Shane Mosley with the defeat coming against Antonio Margarito.
Who will prevail in this fight? Better known and popular Filipino Manny Pacquaio, 29, boasts of his speed. Miguel Cotto, 29. the pride of Puerto Rico is bigger than Manny on the boxing platform--- even if Miguel has to cut his weight down to 145 lbs.
The two professional fighters have the sports world in attention. They need to bring their best for the fans to know if their prediction of who will win is right. Source: lasvegasenews.com (Photo Credit: AFP/ Getty Images/ Miller, E.) =0=
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Michael Jackson’s posthumous movie rakes in more than $200 million in 2 weeks.
In two weeks that Michael Jackson’s movie “This is it” hit the theatres, the King of Pop’s film grossed more than $200 million ----$61 million in North America and $140 million in other parts of the world.
"Moviegoers and film critics everywhere have truly embraced this celebration of Michael Jackson and his music," Jeff Blake, Chairman of Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution said.
Outside of North America, the film has performed best in Japan where it has earned $27.2 million, followed by Britain ($14.3 million), Germany ($12.1 million), France ($12.1 million) and Australia ($7.2 million).”----AFP/ Inquirer (11/13/09)
“This is it” is the first film after the popular singer died unexpectedly on July 25, 2009 at age 50 from drug overdose of prescription medicines. Enjoyed by fans, Michael's celebrated movie shows behind-the-scene footages of Michael’s rehearsals as he prepared for a comeback in sold-out marathon concerts in London. (Photo Credit: Reuters/ Sony Pictures) =0=
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Anthony Matthew Martires wins in Southern California Ballroom Competition
A young Phil-Am has brought pride and honor at the Southern California Ballroom Competition held at Castaways in Burbank this year.
Anthony Matthew Martires (center), 11 years old, bagged the Top Male Performer during the competition. In a dazzling performance, he won 1st Places for all 4 entries of dancing including the Tango, Waltz, Cha-cha and Rumba with dance teacher Hadas Fisher (right). Also with the young dance champ in the picture is competition judge Dmitry Chaplin (left) of “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Dancing With The Stars” TV shows. (Photo Credit: Bicol Mail)
"More than 50 male and female students from 5 dance studios in Southern California; Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties participated in the said contest. Matthew was the youngest contestant...
"The 7th grader from St. Ignatius de Loyola School in Pasadena not only joins dance competitions, he also gets invited to perform in community ballroom blitzes like the one in Alex Theater in Glendale which was a production of Christian Perry, renowned choreographer for “Dancing with the Stars” and in December ’08 Matthew was part of the dance ensemble that performed in the opening act of “Dancing with the Stars on Tour” at the Staples Center [home of the LA Lakers] in Los Angeles." ---Bicol Mail (11/05/09, Imperial, S.)
The talented son of Tony and Yeye Martires of Baao, Camarines Sur and California started dancing lessons with his mom Yeye at Arthur Murray Dance School in Pasadena at age 9. Matthew had been thinking of returning to Bicol and take his high school at the Ateneo de Naga University, in Naga City Philippines. (Photo Credit: Bicol Mail) =0=
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“This is it” ---Michael Jackson and his adoring fans
If only to prove that he is really the King of Pop, thousands of enthusiastic fans and admirers attended the initial presentation of “This is It,” raking in millions to make Michael Jackson right on top of the box office.
The documentary film was culled from about a hundred hours of footages during Jackson’s rehearsals for his comeback concert which was cut short by his untimely death due to drug overdose in June at the age of 50.
The movie was artistically put together by Kenny Ortega who brought life to the hours of behind-the-scene actions as Michael prepared his magical best for that sold-out performance that could have been shown (if not for the tragedy) in London O2 Arena in July this year.
“Thoughout the rehearsals in the movie, Jackson imagines how live audiences will be lured in or dazzled by some bit of unexpected wonder yet to come: an onstage bulldozer in "Earth Song," a 3-D effect in "Thriller" or the sight of Michael himself doing what he calls "sizzling" -- stopping the music just to wait for the audience's love to wash over him. “---Good Morning America (10/28/09, Downe, H; Connelly, C.)
By the looks of the public reaction to the film’s global introduction in Nokia Theater in Los Angeles last Tuesday (October 27, 2009,) the movie is easy to capture the hearts of adoring fans all over the world.
Breitbart.com reports the initial screening of “This is it” has so far captured $20.1 million worldwide----from audience that wanted to get an early view of the unusual film released after the pop singer’s death.
Celebrities like Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, Mickey Rooney, Paula Abdul, Paris Hilton, Sugar Ray Leonard, Barry Gordy and others were among those who attended the premier, joining fans to celebrate the art and music of the legendary musical star. (Photo Credits: Netallica.yahoo co jp; Reuters/ Sony Pictures)=0=
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Mary Travers of Peter Paul Mary fame dies at 72
The highly successful Peter, Paul & Mary lost the only lady of the group Mary Travers who died of leukemia, an illness she suffered since 2004. The tall blonde singer who battled the disease with acceptance and bravery died on September 16, 2009 at the Danbury Hospital in Connecticut from complications of treatment. She received a bone marrow transplant.
“Travers and her fellow band mates, Peter Yarrow and Noel "Paul" Stookey, burst onto the American folk music scene in 1961 with an influential style punctuated by rich three-part harmonies and activist politics.”---AFP/; Inbquirer (09/17/09,)
Travers was the inspiring ballad singer and activist who sang with the group Peter and Paul and popularized songs like “If I had a Hammer,” “Lemon Tree," “Don’t Think Twice, It’s alright,” “Cruel War,” "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?." "Puff the Magic Dragon," and the hit song “Leaving on a Jet Plane”
Through her singing, in the 1960’s, Mary and her group were a significant voice in the civil rights and antiwar movement. In a rally-march in 1963 in Washington, they sang “Blowin’ in the Wind,” a song originally attributed to Bob Dylan. In pursuit of solo careers, the trio broke in the 1970’s, but teamed together later in concert tours which were interrupted when Mary got sick. (Photo Credit: www.grose.us) =0=
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Cebu Inmates Dance to the Tune of MJ’s “Dangerous” as Tribute to the King of Pop
Expressing their continuing facination to their fallen idol, the deceased mega- performer Michael Jackson, inmates of the Cebu Penitentiary who found attention in their group dances, wiggled at the tune of "Dangerous." Clad in black and orange garbs, the dancing inmates added another dimension to their rehabilitation while serving time in jail.
Serving like a “therapy,” dancing has a calming effect on the Filipino prisoners. Their performances after practice have attracted the attention of approving spectators throughout the world. You Tube displayed their hilarious and entertaining presentations which had become popular in the internet.
In their earlier repertoire was Michael Jackson’s famous "Thriller" which brought 10 million hits since it became available in cyberspace. Another was a reenactment of scenes and songs from the movie Sister Act.
The 1,500 inmates thankfully attributed their fame to the phenomenal King of Pop whom they idolize. Boredom and trouble in their jail quarters had been low since they started dancing. (Photo Credit: Huffington Post/ Byron Garcia) =0=
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Michael Jackson touches the hearts of Filipinos
In these two faded photographs, Michael Jackson, the recently deceased phenomenal King of Pop, visited the Philippines in the '70s. In a noontime show "Student Canteen" hosted by Eddie Ilarde, Jackson and company woowed his audience with his electric presence and a song. The photos were sent to me in an egroup. (Photo Credit: Karan Mae Gutierrez) =0=
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Baao, Camarines Sur & its Grand Pintakasi
ABANGAN!
“But alas! You'll get there, oh flow'rs,
Perhaps you'll retain your colors;
But far from your native, heroic land
To which you owe your life,
You'll lose your fragrant odours;
'Cause aroma's the soul, and ne'er leaves the sky,
Nor forgets, that saw at birth its light.”
---To the Flowers of Heidelberg, by JP Rizal, (trans. Alzona, E.)
As the feast of St. Bartholomew in August draws near, the people of Baao, Camarines Sur in Bicol are preparing for the traditional revelry that marks the celebration!
Miles away from home, in the West Coast of continental US, Baaoenos are eager to do the same. Watch out for a commemorative piece about Baao and its Pintakasi, an interesting town fiesta by people with a strong sense of community, fondness for neighbor, and love for wholesome fun. =0=
"Baao, sa kanakong kalipungawan, ngowan na aldow, di ta ika maling’wan."
RELATED BLOG: News from UP Ibalon Bicol and Friends Posted by mesiamd at 5/17/2009
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“But alas! You'll get there, oh flow'rs,
Perhaps you'll retain your colors;
But far from your native, heroic land
To which you owe your life,
You'll lose your fragrant odours;
'Cause aroma's the soul, and ne'er leaves the sky,
Nor forgets, that saw at birth its light.”
---To the Flowers of Heidelberg, by JP Rizal, (trans. Alzona, E.)
As the feast of St. Bartholomew in August draws near, the people of Baao, Camarines Sur in Bicol are preparing for the traditional revelry that marks the celebration!
Miles away from home, in the West Coast of continental US, Baaoenos are eager to do the same. Watch out for a commemorative piece about Baao and its Pintakasi, an interesting town fiesta by people with a strong sense of community, fondness for neighbor, and love for wholesome fun. =0=
"Baao, sa kanakong kalipungawan, ngowan na aldow, di ta ika maling’wan."
RELATED BLOG: News from UP Ibalon Bicol and Friends Posted by mesiamd at 5/17/2009
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Susan Boyle & her "wonderful time with fame"
After coming second in a nerve-wracking talent show in British TV, Susan Boyle, the Scottish songbird with frumpy looks appeared as a guest in “Today’s Show” with Meredith Vieira.
In an interview, the beaming Susan who became world famous for her impeccable voice complementing her “incongruous” persona said she was having a good time wrestling with her unexpected popularity.
"I don't want it to end. It’s just incredible. It's indescribable, really," she remarked during the interview.
Much improved with her facial make-over since she first sang in “Britain’s Got Talent,” and visibly propped up wearing a purple dress, the middle-aged lady who suffered learning disability, thinks she has adjusted well with the help of people who show her a way to tune her life from obscurity to fame. (Photo Credit: Newslicious) =0=
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Reactions to Michael Jackson’s Passing
“For so great a talent, his death is too soon. He has been taxed all his life. The guy of great fame has been under extreme pressure to keep an extraordinary life going. A wonderful human being that generations all over the world will remember.”---AFM, UP Ibalon-Bicol (06/26/09)
"I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels. Words fail me."---Lisa Marie Presley, ex-wife of Michael Jackson. http://www.mtv.com (06/26/09, Vena, J)
"It's horrible news, so unexpected. The world has lost an icon and music has lost treasures. He wrote songs that generations of yesterday, today and tomorrow will all keep on singing. What he wrote was amazing."---Sophia Loren, Italian Actress. AP (06/26/09, Katz, J.)
"A friend of Michael's for the last 35 years, I call on people around the world to pray for him and his family in the hour. I have known Michael since we were both teens, worked with him, marched for him, hosted him at our House of Justice headquarters in New York, and we joined together to eulogize our mutual idol, James Brown. I have known him at his high moments and his low moments and I know he would want us to pray for his family."---Rev. Al Sharpton, http://www.wcbstv.com/ (06/26/09, Dow J.)
"It's so sad and shocking…I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones." ---Sir Paul McCartney, Former Beatles. Telegraph,co.uk (06/26/09, Swain, J; Moore, M.)
“My son is 8 years old, and… he’s listening to this song, brand new, from him. Like, I’m rediscovering Michael Jackson again. It feels like when Kennedy died, when Elvis Presley died.”---Celine Dion, recording artist. New York Times (06/26/09, Paredes, J; Sisario, B; Stelter, B; Barnes, B.)
“I can’t stop crying over the sad news…I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless.”---Madonna, singer. US Post Today (06/26/09)
“I talked to him about it this morning. He said to me that obviously Michael Jackson was a spectacular performer and a music icon and I think everybody remembers hearing his songs and watching him moonwalk on television during Motown’s 25th anniversary. But the president also said aspects of his life were sad and tragic…His condolences went out to the Jackson family and to fans that mourned his loss.”---- White House Press Sec. Robert Gibbs about Pres. Barack Obama’s reaction. The Christian Science Monitor (06/26/09, Orr. J.)
"Everyone’s sad... Malaki talaga si Michael Jackson sa programa namin. Kung ‘di dahil sa kantang ‘Thriller’ ‘di magkakaroon ng global recognition ang mga inmates ng Cebu." ---Byron Garcia, provincial security consultant of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) Philippines. GMANews.TV (06/27/09, Ubalde J. H.)
"My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael."---Brooke Shields, actress. People (06/26/09, freeman, M.)
"Michael Jackson enriched our lives, made us happy. The accusations, the persecution caused him so much financial and mental anguish. He was vindicated in court, but the battle took his life. There is probably a lesson here for all of us."---Imelda Marcos, widow of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos. AP/ GMANews TV (06/26/09)
“We lost a great entertainer and a pop icon. My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Jackson's family, friends and fans.”--- Arnold Schwarzenegger. California Governor. TMZ (06/25/09)
“Michael Jackson will be remembered, most likely, as a shattered icon, a pop genius who wound up a mutant of fame. That's not who I will remember, however. His mixture of mystery, isolation, indulgence, overwhelming global fame, and personal loneliness was intimately known to me. For twenty years I observed every aspect, and as easy as it was to love Michael -- and to want to protect him -- his sudden death yesterday seemed almost fated.” ---Deepak Chopra, author. The Huffington Post (06/26/09) (Photo Credits:AP/ Getty Images; AP/ Lefteris Pitarakis; AP/ Michael Mariant; AP/ Ibrahim Usta)
RELATED BLOG: "King of Pop Michael Jackson is dead" Posted by mesiamd at 6/26/2009
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Charlie’s Angel Farrah Fawcett succumbs to cancer
Popular American movie and TV star Farrah Fawcett died at the age of 62 after a lingering battle with malignancy. The long-time companion of actor Ryan O’Neal had been diagnosed and treated for anal carcinoma for about 3 years until the disease recurred and spread to multiple organs of her body.
“After a long and brave battle with cancer, our beloved Farrah has passed away. Although this is an extremely difficult time for her family and friends, we take comfort in the beautiful times that we shared with Farrah over the years and the knowledge that her life brought joy to so many people around the world."---Ryan O’Neal. AP (06/25/09, Thomas, B.)
Prior to her demise, the famous Hollywood celebrity known for her signature fluffy blonde hair appeared in a TV documentary entitled “Farrah’s Story” which chronicled her personal brave fight against a vicious disease. She sought cures in Germany and United States until cancer advanced to overcome her frail body. The story was viewed by about 9 million fans in television.
Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, Farrah, who was most known for her appearances in the TV hit “Charlies Angels” was a fantasy girl in Hollywood and for many people worldwide. Her marriage to Lee Majors in 1973 ended in a divorce. She was survived by 24 year-old son Redmond and long time friend, Ryan O’Neal. Farrah and Ryan to marry was overtaken by her untimely death. (Photo Credit: AP/ O' Meara, Chris) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Actress Farrah Fawcett hospitalized for cancer" Posted by mesiamd at 4/07/2009
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King of Pop Michael Jackson is dead
King of pop Michael Jackson, 50, suffered cardiac arrest this afternoon June 25, 2009. Rushed to UCLA Medical Center in California in deep coma, he died at 3:15 PM PT in spite of heroic application of emergency measures.
Paramedics responded to a 911 call from the Jackson home and went to assist Michael whose heart stopped and was not breathing. All resuscitative measures failed.
The popular celebrity with prodigious talent and monumental fame started out as a child star in a band called “The Jackson 5” in the ‘70s catapulting him to full stardom. He was slated to have a series of 50 shows this year, all sold-out, starting this month in England.
“Jackson had been due to start a series of comeback concerts in London on July 13 running until March 2010. The singer, whose hits include "Thriller" and "Billie Jean," had been rehearsing in the Los Angeles area for the past two months.”----OMG (06/25/09).
His grieving fans and supporters in California and elsewhere are starting to gather as the news of his untimely death is known. A man of contrasts, the pop star with a generous heart and astounding worldwide following left three children----Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, and Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II.
The cause of his death is yet to be determined. But there are persistent rumors that Michael's health has not been good. He has been under extreme pressure lately because of his upcoming stage performances. His death is confirmed by TMZ.com, LA Times, AP and Fox News. (Photo Credit: http://www.jacksonmichael.net) =0=
RELATED BLOG: "Michael Jackson's white sequined glove for sale" Posted by mesiamd at 12/15/2008; "April yard sale of Michael Jackson’s glitzy memorabilia in Beverly Hills faces lawsuit" Posted by mesiamd at 3/25/2009
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David Letterman vs. Gov. Sarah Palin: Jokes in bad taste and an "epidemic" of (in)sincere apologies?
When Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo was caught in an foul phone call in the “Hello Garci” case, she had no choice but to apologize to the Filipino people. When the seemingly straight arrow US Senator Tom Daschle was found to have evaded taxes during a background check, he apologized to the Americans.
Many followed through with their own mea culpas for certain wrong-doings. Bernard Madoff did so for defrauding his trusting clients of $65 billion in his Ponzi scheme. Dr. Hayden Kho was “remorseful” for spreading his scandalous sex videos which humiliated his girl friends and insulted the medical profession.
Now it’s late-night comedian David Letterman’s turn to apologize for making fun of Gov. Sarah Palin and her family. Letterman, the 62 year-old ageing laughbag who should know better, made some sexual jokes on Willow, one of Palin’s underaged chidren of having to fend off Eliot Spitzer (a sexual problem) and getting raped by Yankees sportsman Alex Rodriguez during a New York visit.
The joke relates to the hateful and long-standing rough handling of Palin who espouses conservative beliefs on pre-marital sex---obviously her freedom to do so being in America.
After offending people, which of these public apologies are real? Where is the sincerity? In spite of the outrage from tolerant people, why is the mainstream media, TV, and cause-oriented groups silent of the mockery of the Palins?
The conservative family from Alaska was offended and issued a statement which was quickly answered with a lot of back-hand humor by Letterman to the delight of his fans. Had Gov. Sarah Palin never run for vice-president during the last election, her family could have been left alone. For her conservative views, the governor of Alaska had been a target of unfair "minding" by secular individuals who don't agree with her opinion.
It looks like USA is degenerating into a warped society whose beneficient culture is going down the drain. At the expense fairness and in the guise of humor, some people like Letterman have become insensitive. Mockery seems in vogue for certain people, but off-limits to others like Pres. Barack Obama's children.
Political correctness takes a double standard. For those who watched Letterman “apologize” in camera, many are struck by the (in)sincerity and appalled by the hideousness of his jokes. (Photo Credit: gettyimages/ Fame/ Extracomposite; http: extratv.warnerbros.) =0=
UPDATE: June 16, 2009--- Amidst vociferous protests and criticisms versus David Letterman, the late night comedian apologized to Gov. Sarah Palin and her family. Letterman said for a joke that was wrong. Gov. Palin who protested that such joke was degrading to women----encouraged disrespect and exploitation of to certain group of people, accepted the apology.
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Teary-eyed, Imelda Marcos swears on poverty anew
In a tragi-comic declaration, Imelda R. Marcos, the ageing widow of strong-man dictator Ferdinand Marcos asked the Sandiganbayan to spare her from “persecution” citing she is old and poor. The well-known extravagant lady complains of having to pay a P750,000 travel bond in her recent trip abroad.
Insisting on her innocence and protesting the sluggishness of the judicial rulings on the corruption charges she was accused of since the 1980’s, the 79 year-old pompous former first lady, said,
"Why is this taking so long? When they filed these cases in 1986, I was only 56 years old. In three weeks I will be 80! Justice delayed is justice denied. Ano bang kasalanan ko? Maawa naman kayo sa akin… I did so many projects … Heart Center, Lung Center, Kidney Center… and I am being punished for it.
Bakit hanggang ngayon kinakastigo ako. Ganito ba talaga ang judicial system sa ating bansa? Bakit ako ginaganito? Ano ba ang naging kasalanan ko? Minahal ko kayong lahat," she said. Malaya (06/12/09, Tabingo, P.)
It's unclear whether her audience is taking her seriously.
In April 6, 2009, GMANews.TV reported that Imelda came out in Newsweek magazine's most greedy people of all time along with Marcus Licinius Crassus, Genghis Khan, Pope Sixtus IV, William Vanderbilt, Willam Tweed, Empress Dowager Cixi, Charles Ponzi, Ivan Boesky, Dennis Kozlowski, and Bernard Madoff.
The flamboyant lady traveled to Singapore last June 2, 2009 for eye treatment. She appeared in Sandiganbayan to comply with the stipulations of her travel permit that she presents herself before the Clerk of Court within five days of her return. She said her travel was paid for by her children. (Photo Credit: ReikoChan) =0=
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Looking into the eyes of Michelle Obama and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy
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"Take back the beauty and wit you bestow upon me; leave me my own mediocrity of agreeableness and genius, but leave me also my sincerity, my constancy, and my plain dealing; 'tis all I have to recommend me to the esteem either of others or myself."---Lady Mary Wortley Montagu. English Aristocrat and Writer (1689 – 1762)
Many have been written about the beauty, kindness, and power of these two ladies---US First Lady Michelle Obama and France's First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy. Both pensive and introspective, they are shown gracing the commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the D-Day military assault by World War II heroes in Normandy at Colleville-sur-Mer cemetery on June 6, 2009.
What might be in their minds? Look. If you could, try to decipher their thoughts.(Photo Credit: Reuters; Philippe Wojazer (France Politics Anniversary) =0=
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Susan Boyle comes in second in the Britain Got Talent competition
After weeks of exhausting public scrutiny, Susan Boyle, the singing phenomenon that was the favorite to win the finals of Britain Got Talent, came second to the dance group called Diversity. Third place was awarded to saxophone player Julian Smith.
Boyle’s better rendition of Les Miserables’ I dreamed a dream did not give her enough points to win the talent contest, but nonetheless, it was received with rousing appreciation from the judges and the audience alike. Her “debut” as a singer brought 100 million hits in You Tube prompting music promoter and contest judge Simon Cowell to say: “Its the biggest phenomenon I’ve ever seen out of any of my shows.”
Soon after her Saturday performance, Boyle received a glowing endorsement from Judge Piers Morgan who said it was the "greatest performance I've seen on the history of Britain's Got Talent.” Amanda Holden, the other judge was impressed by her powerful voice.
The 48 year-old Scottish songbird with an angelic voice who lives alone with her cat in Blackburn, gamely accepted her defeat acceding that the best people win. Wearing a dark blue sequined long gown during the finals, she expressed her thanks to the people who supported her.
Having gone through a lot during the competition, including the news that she almost withdrew from the finals because of pressure, Boyle’s meteoric international fame is likely to open new opportunities to the celebrated singer. Among them, an album is what her fans are eagerly expecting. (Photo Credit: Pascal Turcotte) =0=
UPDATE: Susan Boyle was taken to a hospital Sunday, May 31, 2009, to recover from emotional and physical exhaustion brought about by her instant fame. Upon the advise of her private physician, Boyle voluntarily went to the hospital after she lost to a dance group during the finals of Britain Got Talent.
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Filipino film director Dante Mendoza bags the Cannes Best Director Award
It’s with a sense of pride that Filipinos learned of Brillante (Dante) Mendoza, an upcoming film director who won the prestigious Best Director Award in the 62nd Cannes Film Festival in France. His socially charged movie Kinatay received mixed reviews during the 2009 international film festival, but nonetheless got the best director prize. “The coveted Palme d’Or went to Austrian director Michael Haneke for his austere but powerful The White Ribbon, which addresses repression and cruelty among a small Protestant community in northern Germany in the months before the first World War. “----IrishTimes.com (05/25/09, Dwyer, M)
French director Jacques Audiard was bestowed the Grand Prix du Jury Award for his film “A Prophet” which portrays the failure of the French penal system as a place of rehabilitation for criminals.
Mendoza's Kinatay (Slaughter) depicted the life a young rookie Manila policeman in a world of sordid violence. It showed the gruesome abduction, torture, rape, and killing of a prostitute by corrupt men of the police force. The severed body parts of the woman were disposed of in various places of Manila.
The first Filipino to ever been awarded the Best Director prize in Cannes, Mendoza shares the honor of past respected movie makers who won the coveted prize. Counted among them are Martin Scorsese, Ingmar Bergman, Francois Truffaut, Luis Buñuel, Robert Bresson, Costa Gavras, and Werner Herzog---Inquirer (05/25/09, Nepales, R.)
Winners of the 2009 Cannes Film Festival
MAIN CATEGORIES
PALME D’OR - The White Ribbon , directed by Austrian Michael Haneke. A small village is rocked by a series of mysterious and cruel crimes. A group of young children are among the suspects.
GRAND PRIX (runner-up) - A Prophet directed by France’s Jacques Audiard.
SPECIAL CAREER PRIZE - Veteran French director Alain Resnais. This year he presented Wild Grass .
BEST ACTOR - Austrian Christoph Waltz for his role as a Nazi officer in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds .
BEST ACTRESS - Charlotte Gainsbourg for Antichrist, directed by Denmark’s Lars Von Trier.
BEST DIRECTOR - Kinatay , directed by Filipino Brillante Mendoza. Peping, a criminology student, joins his friend on a mission to earn some cash but regrets his decision as events turn sour.
BEST SCREENPLAY - Mei Feng for his script on Spring Fever, directed by China’s Lou Ye.
JURY PRIZE (shared) - Fish Tank directed by Britain’s Andrea Arnold, and Thirst directed by South Korean Park Chan-Wook.
CAMERA D’OR (for debut film) - Samson and Delilah directed by Australia’s Warwick Thornton.
BEST SHORT FILM - Arena directed by Portuguese director Joao Salaviza. – (Reuters) Photo Credit: Paolo Feliciano) =0=
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Susan Boyle moves ahead in her bid to win in Britain’s Got Talent contest
The 47 year-old singing sensation who wowed the audience of Britain’s Got Talent last month has qualified for the next round in the talent contest. Susan Boyle whose stunning performance brought 60 million viewers to watch her sing in You Tube will compete on Sunday in a field of 40 contestants---- her bid to win in the final contest on May 30, 2009.
Boyle drew attention when she sang Les Miserables’ “I dreamed a dream” which charmed the TV judges and viewers alike. The plump middle-aged lady with a salt and pepper hair caught the attention of the incredulous audience because of the disparity between her appearance and her angelic voice.
"The youngest of nine children, Boyle grew up in Blackburn, a community of 4,750 people 20 miles (32 kilometers) west of Edinburgh, in Scotland — a district blighted by unemployment and crime. Boyle had learning difficulties as a child and was bullied by other children. As an adult, she's struggled for work but had been a regular on her local karaoke circuit and performed in church choirs."---AP (05/23/09, Stringer D)
For the instant attention and phenomenal fame she received, Oprah Winfrey invited her to guest in her show. Boyle who enjoys global popularity had been a favorite to win the contest which is the counterpart of the American Idol in USA. (Photo Credit: Conceptmail.net) =0=
Boyle Advances to the Final Round
UPDATE: May 24, 2009---Susan Boyle once again electrified her fans with a spectacular rendition of "Memory." a song popularized in the musicale Cats. For her commanding performance she is chosen to move ahead to the finals among 8 contestants in the TV show "Britain Got Talent" on May 30. 2009.
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