'One of my favorite things about myself is being half-Filipino': Darren Criss and his roots

The Filipino runs in his blood. 

Born to a mother from Cebu who loves music and performing, Darren Criss has lived a life dedicated to the spotlight, swaying to the rhythms that would eventually earn him an Emmy -- the first Filipino-American to do so. 

His "drive" to become a star, he attributed to his mom who, along with his "sneak attack musician" (a person who has musical talent but refuses to play instruments, he explained) dad, made sure that he grew up surrounded by singing and dancing. 

This upbringing meant that pursuing a career in Hollywood was inevitable; in fact, he is still best known for his role in the award-winning musical series "Glee." 

Now, Criss holds the distinction of becoming the first actor with Pinoy roots to win an Emmy -- perhaps the highest honor in TV. 

He won for his role in "The Assassination of Gianni Versace" as Andrew Cunanan, the half-Filipino serial killer notorious for murdering five men, including famous fashion designer Gianni Versace, in 1997. 

In an interview back when was promoting the drama, he revealed that he celebrated getting the part with a trip to his favorite Filipino restaurant in Los Angeles -- an example of just how proud Criss is of his connection to the Philippines. 

However, this association faced scrutiny last March, when he was perceived to have renounced his Pinoy roots. 

Speaking with Vulture, he said that it would "be unfair" to have identify himself as Asian-American, likening it to "reaching for the minority card on a college application." 

He did clarify this by writing on Twitter: "One of my favorite things about myself is that I'm half Filipino. PERIOD."

"I happen to not look like it, but that face is not what I like. I like the fact that most people don't know it's an ace up my sleeve, an ace I'm very proud of, regardless of what I look like." 

That love for his Pinoy side shone through when he helped raise funds for survivors of super typhoon Yolanda in 2013. 

Recently, he also took the time out to send his love for those affected by typhoon Ompong. 

"Stay safe. My thoughts are with you. There’s only so much we could do for this side except send love and as many good vibes I can. Look out for each other out there," he said.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Fil-Am wins first runner-up in Miss World USA

Filipina beauty queen Maureen Montagne won first runner-up over the weekend at America’s Miss World 2017 beauty pageant held in Orlando, Florida.

This is the second time for the Filipina to represent her home state of Arizona nationally. She was first crowned Miss Arizona USA in 2015 and landed in the top 15 finalists for the Miss USA crown.

She recently did a commercial ad on TV for Massage Envy, a print ad for Talking Stick Resort, and has graced magazine covers.

“After Miss Arizona, I focused on school. Now that I finished with a degree from Arizona State University, I’ve been focusing on modeling. And I’m looking into getting a job in marketing,” she said.

Every time Montagne competes, she always highlights her Filipino roots. Her advocacy benefits some Fil-Am children in the valley.

Montagne immerses herself as well with the Abaka Foundation, which promotes Filipino culture, language, and arts. In return, she learns to speak a few Tagalog words and becomes an inspiration for young kids.

“Personally, I wasn’t able to engage with my culture until college, until I found a Filipino club at Arizona State University. Having these venues for the kids to learn is amazing,” she said.

Montagne said that this will be her last time to compete in a beauty pageant and will hereon pursue a career in modeling and marketing while continuing her advocacies to help the Fil-Am community.

Meanwhile, Miss World 2017 Miss Clarissa Bowers from Florida will compete at the Miss World competition in China this September.

Read more on Balitang America:

source: news.abs-cbn.com

2 girls with Pinoy roots sing for votes on 'Idol'

MANILA – Malaya Watson and Marialle Sellars, the two girls with Filipinos roots who made it to the 13th season of “American Idol,” were among the contestants chosen by the judges for Rush Week.

Along with eight other girls, Watson and Sellars were given the chance to perform for America’s votes on Tuesday (Wednesday morning in Manila).

Performing sixth for the night, Sellars sang Katy Perry’s “Roar” which the judges thought did not showcase her real talent.

“Your voice and your ability to perform is better than that. I don’t think that was the best song for you. I don’t think that was the tempo for you. I feel like it all came off too karaoke,” said judge Keith Urban.

“Intonation, singing in tune is big. Try to stay more in tune. Sing in the pocket. The first time I saw you, I was so impressed. I didn’t see that superstar which I think you are,” said judge Harry Connick Jr.

While lauding the contestant's poise after she nearly tripped over her high heels at the end of her performance, judge Jennifer Lopez thought Sellars should have played the guitar just like what she did when she auditioned.

“I would love to see you come out and do that in your guitar so people would see what we saw in you. This is not the best showcase of who you are. But the tremendous point in the end was crazy. You won my heart in that,” she said.

Last but not the least

With only one spot left in the top 10, the six remaining girls in the “chamber” were already feeling the pressure.

Amid the tense atmosphere, the judges said they are picking Watson to take the 10th spot, citing her powerful vocals.

Known as the tuba player from the Southfield High School in Michigan, Watson performed “Hard Times” by Ray Charles which earned the judges’ nods.

“Welcome to the top 10. The stress for everyone has been so great. I just want to give you a big ol' donut. We all know how talented you are. I look forward to seeing you settling into a space,” Connick said.

“You make glasses and braces seem so cool. It’s confidence, you can make it work. If America votes you through, I can’t wait to hear what you’ll sing next,” added Urban.

Lopez, meantime, described Watson’s performance as “epic.”

“There is no doubt that you are one of the big powerhouses of this competition. Every time you get up there, for me it’s just epic… I just want to say that you did a great job tonight. I have to say you’re amazing and I really hope we have you around for a long time,” she said.

The other female contestants who were also picked by the judges to perform were:

    Majesty York – “Happy” by Pharrell Wiliams
    Kristen O'Connor – “Turning Tables” by Adele
    Briana Oakley – “Warrior” by Demi Lovato
    Jena Irene Asciutto – “Paint it Black” by Rolling Stones
    Bria Anai Johnson – “Wrong Side of a Love Song” by Melanie Fiona
    Jessica Meuse – “Drink A Beer” by Luke Bryan
    Emily Piriz – “Paris” by Grace Potter and The Nocturnals
    M.K. Nobilette – “All of Me” by John Legend

On Wednesday (Thursday in Manila), 10 boys will also get to perform for America’s votes. Results will be revealed on Thursday (Friday in Manila).

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com