Jazz great Ellis Marsalis dies aged 85 after virus 'complications'

Jazz great Ellis Marsalis died Wednesday at the age of 85 after contracting the coronavirus, his son Branford said.

The acclaimed American pianist and teacher -- who featured on dozens of records over a musical career spanning several decades -- was the father of trumpeter Wynton and saxophonist Branford.

"It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Ellis Marsalis Jr., as a result of complications from the coronavirus," Branford said in a statement published on his website, adding he was admitted to hospital on Saturday.

"My dad was a giant of a musician and teacher, but an even greater father," Branford said. "He poured everything he had into making us the best of what we could be."

Wynton posted photographs of him with his father on Twitter alongside a brief statement: "Ellis Marsalis, 1934 -- 2020. He went out the way he lived: embracing reality."

Born in New Orleans -- the epicenter of the jazz world -- in November 1934, Ellis recorded with heavyweights such as Cannonball and Nat Adderley, Marcus Roberts and Courtney Pine.

As well as mentoring his sons Wynton and Branford to becoming two of the world's most famous musicians, he was a leading figure at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, the University of New Orleans, and the Xavier University of Louisiana.

Ellis was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2018.

New York's Jazz at Lincoln Center, where Wynton is managing and artistic director, said: "With sadness and a heavy heart, Jazz at Lincoln Center says goodbye to Ellis Marsalis, one of the most renowned artists and music educators in his time—or any time.



"Ellis' profound impact on the lineage of the music is embodied by the many musicians whose lives he has informed, inspired, and educated."

2020 Agence France-Presse

Small in numbers, Thai Catholics preserve centuries-old traditions

BANGKOK - The last time Vararunee Khonchanath was in the presence of a Pope was before she was born just over 35 years ago, but when Pope Francis visits Bangkok later this week to bless Thailand's tiny Catholic minority, she will be singing in the choir.

A sixth-generation Catholic of Portuguese-Thai ancestry, Vararunee lives in a 250-year-old community that is as old as the Thai capital itself. During the previous papal visit, back in 1984, Vararunee's pregnant mother was among the congregation.

"I was in my mum's tummy as she attended the mass when His Holiness John Paul II visited Thailand the last time," Vararunee said, adding how honored she felt to be in the choir this time, when Pope Francis offers mass at the National Stadium.

During his visit from Nov. 20 to 23, Pope Francis will also celebrate mass at Assumption Cathedral in central Bangkok.

In overwhelmingly Buddhist Thailand, Catholics number just a little more than 380,000 in a country of more than 65 million.

MISSIONARIES, TRADERS

Historians say more than 70 percent of Catholics in Thailand, like Vararunee, have foreign ancestry.

Catholicism first arrived in Siam, the old name for Thailand, in the mid-1500s with Portuguese missionaries and traders.

The Vatican formally established its "Mission de Siam" 350 years ago during the reign of King Narai, an anniversary that coincides with the visit of Pope Francis that begins on Wednesday.

While missionaries failed to achieve mass conversions, they were largely tolerated by the Buddhist majority and particularly the royal court.

"In the past, many Catholics from places like Japan and Vietnam, migrated to this land to escape religious persecution," said Puttipong Puttansri, a historian at the Archdiocese of Bangkok Historical Archive.

Catholics have over the years built schools and hospitals, some of which are still well known and respected today.

"For many Thais, Catholicism is synonymous with schools," Puttipong said.

MARTYRDOM

There were also spells of religious persecutions. In the late 1600s, Catholic priests were arrested and some killed out of suspicion they were working with France to colonize the country.

Similar hostility stirred in the 1940s when a nationalistic Thai government was at war with France in Indochina.

The tension resulted in the closing down of schools, confiscation of properties and the arrest of some clergy.

In 1940, seven Catholics, including three teenage girls, were killed by Thai police in the northeastern province of Nakhon Phanom. Pope John Paul II later declared them martyrs.

PEACE AND PASTRIES

In the modern era, Thailand remains largely tolerant to Catholics.

Catholics in Bangkok's historic Kudi Chin community along the Chao Praya River have mostly lived peacefully while maintaining their unique traditions and beliefs.

The district is known locally not only for Santa Cruz Church, which is the focal point for its Catholic community, but for the traditional Portuguese-influenced cupcake that is still baked there.

For the faithful such as Vararunee, the papal visit casts a light on their community and faith.

"I am very proud that we manage to hold on to our roots," Vararunee said. 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Taylor Swift says will re-record songs to regain control of catalog

NEW YORK - Ahead of Friday's release of her album "Lover" pop star Taylor Swift is floating plans to re-record her early albums to have the last word in a rights dispute over her music.

The news reignites Swift's battle with industry mogul Scooter Braun -- who recently purchased Big Machine Label Group through his company Ithaca Holdings in a reported $300 million deal -- thereby obtaining majority ownership of Swift's master recordings.

The owner of coveted masters -- one-of-a-kind source material used to create vinyls, CDs and digital copies -- is able to dictate how songs are re-produced and sold.

When news of the deal broke in June Swift, 29, said it "stripped me of my life's work."

Now the chart-topper says she's going to regain control: asked about the possibility of recording her first six multi-platinum albums in an interview with CBS to air Sunday morning, Swift said the option was likely.

Asked "might you do that?," she replied, "Oh, yeah," in a teaser of the interview.

"That's a plan?" the interview follows up, to which Swift says, "Yeah, absolutely." 

The dramatic move could be complicated by time restrictions in her early contracts -- she first signed with Big Machine Label Group in 2005, when she was still a teenager -- but not impossible.

Swift is credited as a lead writer for essentially all of her back catalog, meaning she could record covers of sorts without needing access to the masters.

Her previous contracts aren't public, but typical time restrictions prevent artists from putting out re-recorded work for three to five years from its initial release. Swift's eponymous debut came out in 2006, while her last album with the Nashville-based label dropped in 2017.

Last year, the superstar signed a new deal with Republic Records and Universal Music Group.

Swift's astronomic wealth and deep network in the music industry would also help, as she would need support from her past collaborators on songs to make them competitive with her original versions.

Earlier this summer, singer Kelly Clarkson urged Swift to re-record songs whose masters she doesn't own, tweeting that she should "put brand new art & some kind of incentive so fans will no longer buy the old versions."

"I'd buy all of the new versions just to prove a point," Clarkson said.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Hippies young and old keep the 'real Woodstock' flame alive

BETHEL, New York -- The Woodstock name has become more brand than spirit for many hippies, but people spanning the generations continue to seek its aura, looking for more "authentic" ways to pay homage to the spot where it all began.

People like visual artist and activist Christopher Peter Vanderessen shun "commercial" events like those held at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, where the grounds that hosted the 1969 Woodstock stage are located and a handful of veteran acts like Santana are playing for the 50th anniversary weekend.

The 45-year-old is among those in a generation too young to reminisce about that 1969's weekend of peace, love and music, but who value the ideals that Woodstock came to symbolize enough to carry them on.

Wielding a walking staff etched with beaver teeth marks and wearing a long black cloak emblazoned with neon paint, he journeys each year to the forest behind the old Yasgur farmstead -- also part of the sprawling original grounds that were lent to Woodstock organizers by a benevolent farmer in 1969.

Scores of people camp out annually there to honor what they consider to be the original festival's spirit.

Children run wild as people of all ages dance, paint and relax in hammocks among the tall pine trees, and a number of local bands play for the crowd.

A muddy path flanked by greenery snakes among dozens of makeshift stands proffering crystals, pipes, tapestries and tie-dye T-shirts with slogans like "Make America Grateful Again" -- a reference to the quintessential 1960s rockers The Grateful Dead mashed with US President Donald Trump's slogan.

"This is a little different than all the other Woodstock things," the 45-year-old told AFP as the sun crept through the clouds, casting glimmers of light on the colorful yarn he threaded among trees at his campsite to create an intricate web.

"This is more of a family reunion. It's not the commercial stuff," he said. "What they don't get about Woodstock, was that it was meant to be this big commercial."

But facing a crush of people and lack of barriers the original Woodstock became free, Vanderessen recalled, "so for most of us it's a pilgrimage to come here. It's not about, 'Who is on the lineup.'"

"It's just that we need to be here."

Living the Woodstock story

Those gathered in the woods behind Yasgur's farm are decidedly younger than the crowd convened at the Bethel center, where the beer comes from a sponsored tent rather than a new friend's cooler.

Mick and Amanda Jenkins, Pennsylvania natives who are respectively 37 and 34, subscribe to the hippie lifestyle -- what they call "ideas of non-showy simplicity" -- they say their parents imparted on them.

For Amanda, it's important to thread hippie principles of peace through the generations as part of preserving "a legacy and a story that needs to be told."

"If somebody is not there to tell this story, then the story dies," said the high school teacher, flower crown like a halo atop her wavy blonde locks and crystals including an amethyst, a healing stone, in hand.

Perched against a tree nearby Michael Mahana, a three-year-old with a blonde bob, plays in the mud with sticks, far from the tech-rich environments of his peers.

His mother, Californian Shronnie Jean Miller, 42, says she grew up living on the road as a "deadhead" -- a groupie of the Grateful Dead who follows the band's tours -- and that camping out in the woods is "like my Ritz."

A local who goes by the name "Teach" came over to give her son a child's size poncho in case the rains sweep in.

"It's all peace and love and a good vibe," she said. "We're all just at home in the woods."

For New York state resident Vanderessen, who in addition to web building specializes in painting people's clothes while they're still wearing them, being a hippie is simply "being aware of social change, and being a part of the change rather than... complaining about what other people are doing. 

As he's done for three decades he'll be back next year to this hippie enclave, not for nostalgia for what was but rather what he believes could be -- a more relaxed, more inclusive society.

"It's about respecting what was there but also showing how we're evolving and changing," the psychedelic trance music fan who sports long dark hair said. "That's what Woodstock is about."

"It shouldn't be a concert, it should be a worldwide holiday."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Millions in India gather for world's largest religious event

ALLAHABAD, India - The largest religious gathering anywhere on earth gets under way Tuesday, with tens of millions of Hindu pilgrims congregating in India to bathe in sacred rivers for the Kumbh Mela.

Organizers are expecting the enormous spiritual festival in Allahabad to attract more than 100 million devotees over the next 48 days, with seas of pilgrims camped by the riverside.

The ancient city in northern Uttar Pradesh state rises alongside the banks of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers. 

The confluence of the three -- known as Sangam -- is considered especially holy and Hindus believe bathing there during the Kumbh helps cleanse sins and brings salvation.

"This pilgrimage gives me peace of mind and an opportunity to reflect on my life," said Sangeeta Gangotri, a pilgrim who traveled 650 kilometers (403 miles) from Nagpur in western Maharashtra state to Allahabad.

The riverbank has transformed into a riot of noise and color. 

Naked, dread-locked holy men smeared in ash and sadhus clad in saffron robes wander the crowds, offering blessings to pilgrims who have traveled from every corner of India for the ritual dip.

"All the Gods descend on this sacred place during this period. This is the most auspicious event for any human being," said Chandhans Pandey, a 60-year-old devotee.

"I have been planning to attend (for) many years."

The last major gathering in Allahabad in 2013 drew 120 million devotees, organizers said -- with 30 million plunging into the holy waters on a single auspicious day.

Nearly 30,000 police have been deployed to oversee crowds for the huge undertaking, and prevent stampedes that have marred previous gatherings.

A tent city with restaurants, roads and marketplaces has sprung up along the river, with pilgrims camped out across a sprawling 45-square kilometer zone specially earmarked for the Kumbh.

"More people are drawn to the Kumbh now," Ganeshanand Bharamachari, a 78-year-old pilgrim from nearby Varanasi and a Kumbh veteran, told AFP.

"People, mostly from cities, are becoming increasingly religious because the western life they were living has not led them anywhere."

The Uttar Pradesh state government, led by a firebrand Hindu priest, has heavily promoted this year's Kumbh, which comes as India prepares for a general election in April and May.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party is in power in Uttar Pradesh, visited Allahabad in December to inaugurate a high-tech command center to manage the Kumbh.

The historic city was even renamed Prayagraj in October by the state's conservative government, stripping its centuries-old Muslim moniker and replacing it with an ancient Hindu title.

But the city is still widely known as Allahabad, the name given by Islamic rulers that reigned over India hundreds of years ago.

The Mela, which runs until March 4, was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2017. 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Arthur Mitchell, trail-blazing black American ballet dancer, dead at 84

NEW YORK - Arthur Mitchell, a pioneering black American ballet dancer, died Wednesday at the age of 84, the Dance Theater of Harlem troupe which he co-founded announced. 

Born and raised in New York's Harlem, Mitchell joined the New York City Ballet in 1955, after being spotted in the Truman Capote musical "House of Flowers."

In an interview with the New York Times in January, he recalled the often hostile reactions from audiences when he was given his first starring role in the 1955-56 season.

"There happened to be a bald-headed guy sitting right behind the conductor," he told local news channel Fox5 in a February interview. "He said: 'My god! They've got a nigger in the company!'"

"By the end, I got a standing ovation," he said, smiling. "I danced myself into their hearts."

In 1957, he was offered the principal role in "Agon" by the Russian-origin dancer and choreographer George Balanchine, where he would perform opposite white dancer Diana Adams -- unheard of at the time.

"Everybody was against him," Mitchell said in his New York Times interview about Balanchine. "He knew what he was going against, and he said, 'You know my dear, this has got to be perfect.'"

Blessed with a natural elegance and plenty of charisma to boot, Mitchell eschewed media attention for many years and refused to be typecast as the first black dancer to find a place in the upper echelons of the traditionally white, upper-class art form.

"Let me get in the company and whatever I get will be on my hard work and my talent," he said, explaining the spirit of the time in his Fox5 interview.

Asked by the Times what he considered his crowning achievement, he said: "That I actually bucked society, and an art form that was three, four hundred years old, and brought black people into it."

A supporter of the civil rights movement, he co-founded the Dance Theatre of Harlem in 1969 along with Karel Shook. The troupe started out giving lessons in an old car park in 152nd street -- 50 years later it is New York institution.

In June 2015, sixty years after Mitchell first broke the barrier at the New York City Ballet, Misty Copeland became the first black woman to be promoted to principal dancer.

"Thank you Mr. Mitchell for helping to change the classical ballet world for our community! Your impact will never fade," she posted on Instagram. 

"@dancetheatreofharlem gave black and brown children, not only a home and future, but the ability to dream. I love you with all my heart and will miss you dearly."

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Saudi king launches building of entertainment mega-park

RIYADH - Saudi Arabia's King Salman has launched construction of an "entertainment city" near Riyadh, part of a series of multi-billion dollar projects aimed at helping the oil-dependent kingdom diversify its economy.

The project is part of a sweeping reform and investment program dubbed "Vision 2030", the brainchild of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also attended the launch ceremony at the site on Saturday evening.

Authorities have touted the 334-square kilometer project in Qiddiya, southwest of the capital, as the kingdom's answer to Disneyland.

Its first phase, which includes high-end theme parks, motor sport facilities and a safari area, is expected to be completed in 2022, officials say.

They hope the park will draw in foreign investment and attract 17 million visitors by 2030.

The kingdom this month hosted its first public film screening in over 35 years, having lifted a decades-long ban on cinemas last year.

In February, Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority said it would stage more than 5,000 festivals and concerts in 2018, double last year's figure, and pump $64 billion (53 billion euros) into the sector in the coming decade.

Saudis currently splurge billions of dollars annually to see films and visit amusement parks in neighbouring tourist hubs like Dubai and Bahrain.

The kingdom has also sought to court investors with three hi-tech "giga projects", funded in part by its sovereign wealth fund. 

Aside from Qiddiya, the kingdom has unveiled blueprints for NEOM -- billed as a regional Silicon Valley to be built from scratch -- and a reef-fringed resort destination on the Red Sea. 

Skeptics have questioned the viability of the projects, worth hundreds of billions of dollars, in an era of cheap oil. 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Venerating the past, traditional costume fever grips Thailand

BANGKOK - Business is booming for Siri Seatea's traditional dress shop in Bangkok.

"Out of the 30 years I've been running this shop, this is the peak for us," 53-year-old Siri told Reuters as she stitched a Thai sarong for a client.

History fever is gripping Thailand and a growing number of Thais are wearing traditional dress, a phenomenon encouraged by the junta and the palace, and fuelled by a popular television soap opera.

But the trend, which began with a 'winter fair' initiated by King Maha Vajiralongkorn in February, has also been criticized by some as an attempt to glorify an era of absolute monarchy and gloss over the junta's shortcomings nearly 4 years after it took power.

"History has long been used by the elite to maintain their status in politics," said Anusorn Unno, Dean of the Faculty of Sociology and Anthropology at Thammasat University.

"Right now the junta is facing new challenges from a new generation of people so they have retreated to history to say that the past is better and more suitable for Thailand."

Among the popular costumes are those worn during the reign of former King Chulalongkorn, known as Rama V, who ruled from 1868 to 1910 and is credited with saving Thailand from Western colonialism.

Television has also played a part.

"Love Destiny", a soap opera set during the 1656 to 1688 reign of King Narai the Great, has taken Thailand by storm.

Many Thais are visiting the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, north of Bangkok, where scenes from "Love Destiny" take place. They pose for "selfies" dressed in traditional garb against the backdrop of the ruins.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha met with cast members this week at Government House and hailed the series as an example of the government's longstanding policy of promoting 'Thai-ness'.

Prayuth's own cabinet has held some recent meetings in the traditional dress of a 19th century elite. He dressed in a buttoned up silk jacket, breeches and a wide sash.

A coup led by Prayuth in 2014 followed months of unrest as demonstrators supporting the urban middle class and military-backed elite demanded the resignation of then-Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, whose biggest following was among the rural poor.

That long-standing division shows little sign of having disappeared despite four years of military rule.

Although the junta has now promised elections for February 2019, signs of frustration over repeated delays to the ballot have prompted protests in recent weeks.

'COSTUME FEVER'

In Ayutthaya, 80 km (50 miles) north of Bangkok, visitor numbers have nearly tripled since "Love Destiny" began, according to officials quoted by local media.

"It was booming since the winter fair held by our king and then this soap opera fueled the Thai costume fever," said Chutima Wongchiangkwang, 55, a costume vendor.

Wearing traditional clothes can get you a discount at the cinema. The country's Major Cineplex Group announced this week a buy 1, get 1 free promotion.

Flight attendants for national carrier Thai Airways International are also dressing up in national costumes from the reign of King Rama V this month to mark the Thai New Year festival known as Songkran.

This weekend, Thais flocked to an event initiated by the king ahead of the Thai new year festival of Songkran - which for many has become a rowdy water-soaked affair.

The palace event, over 3 days, aims to revive a more sedate vision of Thailand's culture with tribute being paid to past kings, Buddhist rites and displays of folklore.

"The public is encouraged to dress in traditional Thai period costume, wear Thai clothing or polite smart casual attire," the Thai tourist authority's news website said. "Water guns and baby powder pasting are discouraged."

Back at the Siriroong Ruang shop, Maneejan Srilert, 23, an employee at the Stock Exchange of Thailand, eyed a gold and red traditional skirt to wear to an office party.

"I don't think of it as a political thing," she told Reuters. "For me it's just fashion." 

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Winwyn Marquez wins Reina Hispanoamericana 2017

MANILA – Winwyn Marquez was crowned Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 on Saturday night in Bolivia (Sunday morning in Manila), making her the very first Filipina to compete and win in the said beauty pageant.

Marquez bested 26 other beauties in the competition, which celebrates the Hispanic heritage and culture. She succeeded Maria Camila Soleibe from Colombia.

During the pageant’s question-and-answer portion, Marquez was asked how she would promote the Hispanic-American culture with the great difficulty or barrier of language.

Marquez answered: “Language can be learned but the will and determination to contribute to the organization cannot. It has to come from the heart. It has to be natural. I believe that kindness is a universal language that if you treat people with tolerance, patience and love, you will understand each other.”

“The Hispanic culture is not about language only. It’s about love for God, love for country, love for history and culture and love for family. As a Filipina with a unique heritage, I have instilled that. I am ready to promote the Hispanic culture not just in Asia but in the whole world. It is time to celebrate the Hispanic culture. It is meant to be celebrated,” she added.

Before she went to Bolivia, Marquez vowed to do her best to make the whole nation proud despite the little time that she had to prepare for the competition.

The Philippines, which was a colony of Spain for over three centuries, is the first Asian country to compete in the pageant.

Prior to the coronation night, Marquez said through an Instagram post that she is “enjoying every minute” of her stay in Bolivia for the beauty competition.

She also thanked her fellow candidates for helping translate the questions – which are primarily in Spanish – during their interviews.

During the pre-pageant activities, Marquez won several special awards.

Marquez is the daughter of screen veterans Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno, and the niece of former Miss International Melanie Marquez.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

PH bet Kylie Verzosa crowned 2016 Miss International

MANILA – Philippine bet Kylie Verzosa was named 2016 Miss International in the coronation held at Tokyo Dome City Hall in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday.

Contestants from Australia, Indonesia, Nicaragua and United States finished first, second, third and fourth runners-up, respectively.

In her speech after the announcement of the top 15 finalists, Verzosa said that should she win the title, she wants to focus on cultural and international understanding.

"If I become Miss International 2016, I will devote myself to cultural understanding and international understanding because I believe that it is in developing in each of us sensitivity to other cultures that we expand our horizons, tolerate difference and appreciate diversity," she said.

In her speech after she was announced as winner, Verzosa thanked all those who joined her in her journey.

"I cannot believe this moment right now, and I am ecstatic and happy. Thank you so much to my family, to the Philippines, to everyone who supported me. I did not go through this journey alone, but I had a lot of help from the people who love me. I deeply appreciate this. This moment has only happened in my dreams. Thank you so much, Japan. Thank you, Miss International," she said.

Aside from the big winners, other contestants also received special awards:

Miss International ASIA - Hong Kong
Miss International EUROPE - Netherlands
Miss International AMERICA - Ecuador
Miss International AFRICA - Sierra Leone
Miss International OCEANIA - Hawaii

Meanwhile, the candidates who made the Top 15 were: Finland, Mexico, Japan, El Salvador, Canada, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Russia, Thailand and Poland.

Miss Nicaragua also won for her national costume, while Miss Indonesia got the Miss Best Dresser award. The Miss Perfect Body award went to the contestant from Moldova.

Meanwhile, Binibining Pilipinas took to Facebook to congratulate Verzosa.


Designer Rajo Laurel also congratuled Versoza for winning the title.

BRAVO! @KylieVerzosa we're all so very proud of you!!! MABUHAY!!! pic.twitter.com/LHp0xuYq1Y

— Rajo Laurel (@rajolaurel) October 27, 2016

Verzosa is the sixth Filipina to bring home the Miss International crown for the Philippines.

Gemma Cruz was the country's first Miss International winner when she took the crown back in 1964, followed by Aurora Pijuan in 1970. Model-actress Melanie Marquez won the title in 1979.

After a long wait, Precious Lara Quigaman won in 2005, while Bea Rose Santiago won in 2013.

Last year’s representative to the pageant, Janicel Lubina, made it to the Top 10 and was given the Best Dresser special award.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

LOOK: APEC Ministers' spouses get a taste of PH food, culture

MANILA - The spouses of ministers who attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministerial Meetings (AMM) were treated to a day of Philippine food and culture.

They participated in the AMM Spouses' Program hosted by Gretchen del Rosario, the wife of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, and Rowena Domingo, wife of Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo.

The group toured the Ayala Museum and visited the Diorama Experience. The exhibition, featuring 60 dioramas, tells a comprehensive visual story of Philippine history.

Mrs. del Rosario and Mrs. Domingo also treated the group to a luncheon where local dishes such as chicken binakol, buko pandan, and sampaguita ice cream were served to the guests.

The luncheon was complemented by a cultural presentation with Triple Fret and Kontri Gapi providing music, and a fashion show featuring four collections: tribal, floral, black and white, and traditional.

The spouses and guests then went to visit the Kultura Filipino store at the SM Aura where they were welcomed by staff members with a dance called maglalatik.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

WATCH: Lawson tries Pinoy food in Pasig carinderia

It's not every day that we get approached by a record label and asked to bring one of their talents to eat, Pinoy-style, in a carinderia. So when we got a call from MCA Music a few days ago, we grabbed the chance to give Andy Brown, Adam Pitts, Joel Peat and Ryan Fletcher — from British pop rock band Lawson — something to write home about.

It's the band's second time in Metro Manila and since they liked it so much the first time around, they've been begging the label to bring them back here. This time around, they were willing to go out of their comfort zones and experience a most authentic Filipino culture first-hand.

"Last time we played, the crowd in the Philippines was one of the best crowd and still remain as the best crowd we've ever played to," said Joel, the guitarist. "We were gonna go straight to Australia... we really wanted to go back here so we made it happen," Ryan, the bassist, echoed.

We took them to Caruz Eatery in Pasig, a not-so easy on the eyes eatery along Pasig Boulevard (something the Brits might call "charming") that's known for its beef caldereta and papaitan. We ordered those and threw in sinaing na tulingan and nilagang baka for good measure. We also showed the guys how to order Pinoy style, by pointing at the dish they want to eat (they chose ginataang puso ng saging).




“Where are the knives," vocalist Andy asked as he tucked into the caldereta — which turned out to be the band’s favorite ("like a very nice beef stew"). The tulingan reminded one member of mackerel, but it was the puso ng saging that got the most hilarious reaction ("I expected it to be banana!" "It tastes like vodka!" "My problem with it is that it's got an unexpected taste." )

The four-meal lunch, plus rice and soda, cost less than P800. “That’s like a tenner,” said Ryan, clearly impressed.

Caruz Eatery, 220 Hillcrest Drive, Bgy Oranbo, Pasig City; +63 2 6715277. Daily 24/7.

This story first appeared on Coconuts Manila.

LINK ON COCONUTS MANILA:

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Paul Bettany enjoying his place in 21st century mythology

Right before entering, the 6-foot-3 English actor then softly said to no one in particular, “This is amazing.”

The second act of Bettany’s career is in full swing. Not too long ago, Bettany, married with three children, sat on the curb along Sunset Boulevard wondering “how to put food on the table” as he put it. It wasn’t like Bettany was destitute, however, after being told one’s career was practically over cast a pall on the man who played key roles in films such as “A Knight’s Tale,” “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World,” “Wimbledon,” and “The Da Vinci Code."

Scarcely had Bettany sat down to mope when his cellphone rang — it was a call from Joss Whedon who offered the role of the Vision in "Avengers: Age of Ultron" -- that started a remarkable turnaround for an actor’s career. “It’s was nice to know that I was going to have a few more films in the bag,” as he later remarked that was tinged with equal parts glee and relief.


Bettany was in Manila last weekend for AsiaPop Comicon, the first international comics convention in the country. He was introduced during a special sneak preview of the upcoming "Captain America: Civil War" where he was received by a thunderous ovation (Bettany also appears in the film).

Kilometric lines snaked around the World Trade Center in Pasay City where thousands and thousands of fans came over for a four-day pop culture fest. And Bettany, was easily the star of the weekend.

“I am amazed and humbled by that thought,” he said during the hour-long interview. “Going to conventions has put people like me in touch with the fans so we have an idea if they love our work or not. Happily, it is the former.”

While Bettany wasn’t weaned on comic books like many American and Filipino kids, he had this passing knowledge about them. He also incredibly admitted to not having seen his wife’s superhero genre films.

Bettany’s wife is American actress Jennifer Connelly who appeared in the 1991 film “The Rocketeer” and the Ang Lee-directed “Hulk” in 2003 where she played Eric Bana’s Hulk/Bruce Banner’s tortured girlfriend, Betty Ross.

“I haven’t seen her superhero films,” sheepishly admitted the English actor as the media heaved a collective sigh of shock at the revelation. “I’m not sure she’s seen mine,” he continued to stammer. "I haven’t seen many of the movies that I make. Jennifer’s seen even less of the movies that she’s in. My kids like them. She didn’t come to the premiere in Los Angeles (referring to 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'). I was alone and miserable in the room and at the mini bar."


Bettany previously appeared in the “Iron Man” and the first “Avengers” film as the voice of Jarvis, the semi-sentient program that runs many of the fictional Tony Stark’s programs and serves as his digital butler/sounding board, and ally. In “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Jarvis finds form as the Vision after the villainous killer android Ultron hopes to turn the program against his master.

Yet in spite of this, Bettany said he has a lot more respect for comics and the superhero genre today.


"These are some of the highest grossing films in the world. They are a modern-day mythology that has become popular the world over and I am happy to be a part of it. And to be appreciated everywhere especially here in Manila, it is wonderful and I am grateful. The response by Filipinos is phenomenal. I’d love to comeback here one day with my family — not on business — but to have a look around," he said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kenzo-Bailey relationship inside 'PBB' house explained

MANILA - "It's more about brotherly love, a deep friendship between two males."

With those words, the resident psychologist of this season's "Pinoy Big Brother" tried to explain the relationship between housemates Kenzo Gutierrez and Bailey May Thomas which had netizens abuzz.

Kenzo and Bailey recently made waves online after screen shots of the two holding hands and hugging had many speculating that there could be something more than friendship between them.

"Yung mga housemates they get lonely and they want to get the affection from each other para masuportahan nila ang isa't isa. So that's one reason why they become touchy and emotional," said Dr. Randy Dellosa.





He added that being the only son of their respective families may have played a part. Dellosa said that both Kenzo and Bailey share a longing for a brother.

Dellosa also noted that the negative reaction the two have been receiving for their "bromance" might have been brought about by Filipinos not being exposed to shifting changes in "gender expectations."

"This is one way to educate na nagbabago ang gender expectations at gender roles sa culture natin ngayon. Kung dati eh ang lalaki dapat tough, rough at emotionless, ngayon we have to be in touch with both our male and female sides," he said.


Asked about the possible role of having an openly gay housemate with them inside the "PBB" house to how the boys interact with each other, Dellosa said that the other housemates are just trying "to make Ryan comfortable."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Famed Pinoy artist showcases paintings in Canada

NORTH YORK, Ontario – Renowned Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor is touring Canada to showcase his art as part of continuing celebrations of the 117th anniversary of Philippine independence.

Baldemor's art exhibit titled "Doon po sa Amin" official opened to the public at the North York Civic Centre.

His Canadian tour started in Ottawa, Montreal, followed by Toronto with Vancouver as last stop.

"I have to count my blessings. I want to connect. I want to share my visions about Philippines to the Filipinos overseas," he said.

Baldemor is best known as a folk artist, using simplified geometric colorful forms. His paintings depict day-to-day activities of rural life.

"The most important for me is the colors and forms. Everybody has a color signature," he said.

For years, his works have been in the production on UNICEF greeting cards and distributed worldwide.

"We are very happy to share the artworks of Mr. Baldemor. He captures in his canvass glimpses of rural life and in that way he helps in perpetuating Philippine culture and tradition," said Hon. Rosalita Prospero, Philippine Consul General in Toronto.

Baldemor was influenced by his hometown Laguna where locals are known for their wood carvings.

By his travel around the world, exposing him to new ideas, he was also chosen as an artist in residence in Chile, France, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland and Portugal.

"I'm like an archeologist. I want to learn everyday. I want to dig. I want to learn different cultures from different countries," Baldemor said.

Read more on Balitang America:

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Carlos Santana says he's moved by Pinoy spirit

OAKLAND, Calif. – Known as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, San Francisco native Carlos Santana wowed the crowd when he performed the National Anthem for Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

The music icon spoke with Ginger Conejero about his admiration for Filipino culture and for the People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao.

Read more on Balitang America.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

28 Pinoy heartthrobs according to BuzzFeed

MANILA - Viral entertainment giant BuzzFeed has included several Kapamilya actors in its list of "28 Filipino Heartthrobs Who Should Be Your Valentine This Year."

Among the "handsome, sweet and talented" men are Gerald Anderson, JC de Vera, Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby, Xian Lim, Coco Martin, Luis Manzano, John Lloyd Cruz and Zanjoe Marudo.

Matteo Guidicelli is also included, along with Enrique Gil, Daniel Matsunaga, JM de Guzman, James Reid, Robi Domingo, Jericho Rosales, Jake Cuenca and Diether Ocampo.

Completing the list are Tom Rodriguez, Dennis Trillo, Dingdong Dantes, Sid Lucero, Derek Ramsay, Mikael Daez, Alex Medina, Ping Medina, Albie Casino and Geoff Eigenmann.

The write-up assigned each actor with a "probable pick-up line" that alludes to Filipino culture, such as Ocampo's "Hey girl, are you a karaoke machine? 'Cause I can do you all night."

Rosales' was, "So I heard you like hotdogs on your spaghetti. You should try my, uh, recipe, then."

Domingo's: "Ang pagmamahal ko sayo ay parang pagtatanim—'di biro."

Guidicelli, meanwhile, was given: "Tara, let's go to EDSA. I wanna spend my forever with you kasi!"

Over the past year, BuzzFeed has regularly produced Philippines-related content, such as Americans tasting Filipino cuisine,"funny" aspects of being Filipino-American in the United States, and why Sam Milby is "The Dashing Pinoy Prince You Deserve."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Viral: Drawings that redefine female conventions

MANILA – A Brazilian illustrator has been creating drawings to remind women that they are free to be whoever they want to be.

Carol Rossetti has been getting a lot of attention on social media, blogs and online magazines for her powerful illustrations of multicultural women bucking cultural and social conventions.

Her empowering images, which touch upon issues such as racism, body image and sexism, are based on the experiences of Rossetti’s friends and relatives as well as stories that women have shared on the Internet.

One of the illustrations read: “Marina loves her striped dress, but the fashion magazines said horizontal stripes didn’t fit her body shape. Don’t you care about those magazines, Marina. The important thing is for you to wear what you like and to feel comfortable with your own body.”

In an interview with Mic.com, Rossetti said she has always been “bothered” by the way “the world attempts to control women’s bodies, behavior and identities.”

“It’s a kind of oppression so deeply entangled in our culture that most people don’t even see it’s there, and how cruel it can be,” she said.

Rossetti’s illustrations were originally in Portuguese, but the overwhelming response to her artwork prompted her to come out with English versions.

She has also done drawings with Hebrew, Spanish and Italian descriptions, which are all available on her Facebook page.


“I can’t change the world by myself...But I’d love to know that my work made people review their privileges and be more open to understanding and respecting one another,” Rossetti said.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Why this Canadian wants to become Pinoy

MANILA – It seems that he already tried it all. He climbed a coconut tree. He grated fresh coconut, drank sikwati, attended fiestas, tried the pedicab, jeepney and even sold balot in the streets.

But for Canadian Kyle Jennermann, he knows there's still more to experience before really becoming a Filipino.

Yes, that's his aim.

"A lot of people send this message to me 'Oh, you want to become Filipino? Just marry a Filipina'. For me love is love. If it happens, it happens. Don't get me wrong. I met so many beautiful, amazing, nice Filipinas but I'm just in love with their culture, these people, right now," he said.

Achieving this goal is no longer that difficult for this 26-year-old Canadian as he happily embraced Filipino culture.

In fact, he uses 'Kulas' as his local name. He lived in Cagayan de Oro for five months and now continues to explore what Mindanao has to offer. He also knows how to speak Bisaya.

"Ako si pangalan si Kyle pero Filipino pangalan Kulas. I could say 'Unya adto nako sa balay kaon mga udto pero kagabii inum gamay," he said.

Jennermann was a former outdoor consultant for an outdoor adventure company in Hong Kong. He visited the Philippines last year and came back to Cagayan de Oro. He also participated in the mission to help survivors of super typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban. It was that experience that further made him admire the resiliency of Filipinos.

"You know what? It's the ability to share happiness, to share positive things regardless of your status in life. Just the ability to still be resilient and share positive things with others," he said.

Now, Jennermann is spreading this happiness to other people as he encouraged them to see for themselves why it's more fun in the Philippines.

"I love Canada. I've been to 30 countries. I love all these countries I've been to. They're beautiful, they're amazing but here, it's the culture. I just said how people, they worked so hard sometimes, but they take moments to enjoy their lives. How people have so little are still giving," he said.

To further speed up his goal of becoming Filipino, Jennermann tapped social media and launched #BecomingFilipino on Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter and encouraged Filipinos to send ideas like what to eat and where to go that would really make him Filipino.

On his YouTube account, Jennermann said:

"I love the Philippines. I look up to, and am inspired by Filipino culture."

"But! I am not Filipino. If you are Filipino I need your HELP! I need your help in creating a cultural list. A list full of experiences, places, history, food, drink... Filipino things! What makes you Filipino!? What will help make me part Filipino!? Where should I go!? What should I do!?

A 100% Filipino made list that will help me in #BecomingFilipino."

-- report from Angielyn Siwagan, ABS-CBN News

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Make your own Havaianas event returns

Known for the samba and the most decorated national football team in the world, and home of the biggest and most festive street party in the world, Brazil is a cultural melting pot of ethnicities that has cultivated a very colorful and lively street culture.

To quote Vogue, “Brazilians have the ability to make a party out of nothing, and then make it the most exciting night you’ve ever had.”

While we all may not have the luxury of experiencing the streets of Brazil this summer, Havaianas brings Brazil to the Philippines through Make Your Own Havaianas 2014.

As the summer season hits full throttle, it’s that special time of the year when Havaianas gives us the creative license to decorate this season’s must-have accessory—flip-flops.

In its ninth year, Make Your Own Havaianas returns to its Brazilian roots. After all, flip-flops were made to perfectly complement the Brazilian vibrant lifestyle: vivacious, expressive, adventurous, and always the life of the party.

The thrill in this full-customization event comes in the ability to mix and match everything: from the soles and the straps, to color combinations inspired by street art, and to the fun limited edition pins – all exhibiting Brazil.

Inspired by a 200-year old tradition from Brazil, this year’s commemorative pair features colorful Bonfim wish ribbons that are worn for good luck. The print wishes every wearer Alegria, Diversao, Empolgacao, Euforia, and Felicidade or Joy, Amusement, Excitement, Euphoria and Bliss – true to the Havaianas always summer spirit.




Make Your Own Havaianas is the ultimate activity for self-expression and Havaianas encourages everyone to be as daring as the Brazilians when customizing their flip-flops. Brand Development Group Director Ammiel De Leon said, “Think of how the Brazilians would do it—always bold and fun in style and a natural stand out.”

“Brazilian culture is all about self expression, and not being ashamed of how vividly you express it.” Anne Gonzalez, Terry SA Managing Director said.

This year’s event is made even bigger and more accessible. At the heart of Makati, Make Your Own Havaianas 2014 will take place in its new home at the Glorietta Activity Center from May 8 to 11, open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. There will be no entrance fee so everyone is welcome to customize their own Havaianas and celebrate the streets of Brazil.

As you enter this year’s Make Your Own Havaianas Brazilian Carnavale, come in your most festive summer attires and allow the Brazilian roots of Havaianas to unleash the creativity in you. Then flaunt it, the Brazilian way.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com