The MFFC (Markham Federation Filipino Canadians) just marked its 30th anniversary last Nov 1st. Did you say 30 years?! Yes, three decades. Sounds ancient? But naaah, it is the definition of being rock solid. In a place peopled by varied races, here’s an org that seems to marinate in constant stimulation of achievements. The respected group is gifted with the proper dosage of gravitas, a powerful proven ingredient that makes an outstanding community to flourish. Thanks to the MFFC crew who always approaches its tasks with effervescent zeal.
’Twas a jampacked gala room at Crystal Fountain that witnessed this cultural event with plenty of pomp-and- glitter, where everyone came in Black and White. A grand unified celebration of Filipino-Canadians in their adopted home of Markham, Ontario. Highlighting the anniversary affair was the participation of the youth and the seniors through song and dance numbers. A brief astounding and seamless display of entertainment indeed. Nonstop dancing followed – everyone gyrated to hits from the 60s to present, staying alive and upbeat.
Indeed, we are so proud of the 30 years of distinct participation of Pinoy community service.
As Mayor Frank Scarpitti said, “Our diversity is our strength, we are united by our shared values of democracy, equality and respect for all and grateful to the Filipinos who work tirelessly to enrich the lives of many in our community.”
Congratulations to the entire roster led by Yolanda Ladines and Arthur Canseco. Not to be ignored are the pillars and founders (hats off to our publisher Tess Cusipag who’s among the original officers) led by former Councilor Alex Chiu and his better-half Alice. The last remarkable accomplishment was the recent creation of the Markham Plaza for our national hero Jose Rizal whose monument now stands as an awe-inspiring reminder of his greatness.
We thank everyone who made this celebrarion a big success including our Consul General, Ron Castro who honored us with his presence. Am grateful to Myrna de Leon for inviting me to be a participant.
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The tenth season of the CBS police procedural drama series Hawaii Five-0 premiered on September 27, 2019 for the 2019–20 television season. CBS has renewed the series for a tenth season in May 2019.
The Hawaii Five-0 fans gave a big mahalo to CBS because it has renewed the long-running drama for Season 10. The show’s headliners, Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan (son of veteran actor James Caan), of course have returned as Steve McGarrett and Danny “Danno” Williams. But some viewers would still want to know the real score why Grace Park and Daniel Dae Kim left the show? Was it because of a salary dispute?
It was revealed that Park and co-star Kim were reportedly getting paid 10-15% less than Hawaii Five-0’s Scott Caan and Alex O’Loughlin, with CBS not relenting on discussing more lucrative contract negotiations in Park and Kim’s favor. In fact, the network claimed that the two actors had been given “large and significant” raises previously, but those claims were thrown into question in the aftermath of Park and Kim leaving the show.
But wait – our very good friend DAVID FARMER who is once more guesting in Five-0 promised to give us the scoop. David, who is an attorney in real life, is the President of the Screen Actors Guild in Hawaii and has just finished filming a recent episode which is to be shown this coming Nov 22, Friday at 8pm on CBS. The story will show Five-0 investigating the murder of a beloved philanthropist and the theft of his ultra-valuable koa tree.
HAWAII FIVE-0 is a contemporary take on the classic series about an elite federalized task force whose mission is to wipe out the crime that washes up on the islands’ sun-drenched beaches. Detective Steve McGarrett, a decorated Naval officer turned cop, returned to Oahu after Hawaii’s former governor persuaded him to head up the new team: his rules, no red tape and full blanket authority to hunt down the biggest “game” in town.
If you my peers remember, the old HawaII Five-0 starred JACK LORD and James Mac Arthur as McGarrett and Danno.
Jack Lord had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for at least seven years before his death. He died of congestive heart failure at his home in Honolulu, on January 21, 1998, at age 77. James Mac Arthur died of cancer on October 28 2010. (James’ Mom was Helen Hayes, an American actress whose career spanned 80 years and eventually received the nickname “First Lady of American Theatre”.)
What’s the latest survey in the popularity of the rebooted Five-0? The ratings are typically the best indication of a show’s likelihood of staying on the air. Five-0 is among the top 10 most watched on CBS.
Back to David Farmer, is he going to do more shows for Five-0? “It depends,” he says. “Maybe by early Spring.” Meanwhile, DAVID is preparing to pack his stuff for his vacation in Pinas soon with Pinay wife Loren Karunungan. Did we hear that he will again participate in a tv drama series megged by Bibeth Orteza or hubby Carlitos Siguion-Reyna? “I will let you know, am excited to hear the story.”
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Speaking of Carlitos (Carlos Siguion-Reyna), I caught him online and we had a lively chat.
(1) Now that you are in PROBINSYANO, do you mind being identified more as an actor than a director?
It hasn’t happened. But if it does, I expect it would be the younger viewers to know me more as an actor, at least until they see or read about restored versions of films I directed (through film festival, cable, or online screenings). Or until they see or hear about works I’ve been directing for theater. Either way, I don’t mind: I enjoy both acting and directing.
(2) What makes your performance in Probinsyano different?
I’ve played the bitter pain of a husband deserted by his wife (A Doll’s House, Part 2), the frustration of an unsuccessful man living with his wife and a possessive father-in-law (Lovingly Yours, Helen), the cluelessness of an irresponsible son (Larawan II, later known as Larawan ng Pilipino Bilang Artista), among other featured roles. In FPJ’s Ang Probinsiyano, I play a middleman involved in the drug trade – a scheming, two-faced character, hopefully with some quirky humor thrown in. It’s fun to play. Also, unlike the other parts I’ve performed, I don’t know how my character will end up—this being an open-ended serial. That makes the experience both strange and exciting.
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Guess who PMed me as I was approaching deadline – my “nephew-in-law” Rap Fernandez (the Mom of his kid TORI is Leana Yaptinchay-Go, my niece; we all know Rap is the son of Lorna T and Rudy F). After guesting in Probinsyano, Rap got busy preparing his new projects. “I am going to pitch three concepts to
iWantTV very soon, maybe before November ends. Last night (we were chatting
on Nov 12) was Tori’s birthday party – we kept it small, intimate lang. Then I went to another get-together – it was the birthday of my mentor and friend Cesar Hernando (who was identified with Mike de Leon’s films) who passed away this year – his friends and I drank and communed in his memory.”
By Dec. 15 Rap will be producing alongside Secret Fresh by BigBoy Cheng a new line of Daboy shirts and hoodies. “Should be good honoring Papa who I miss everyday these past 11 years. Two years ago we did Daboy x Secret Fresh shirts and hoodies and it was a hit. Now we’ll do a new run – we just finished selecting new designs for the new batch.”
See you next ish, we’re awaiting scoops – and they’re not all about the Barrettos ha ha ha. Oh yes, I want an exclusive from Sarah Geronimo about her coming wedding.