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COVER STORY
Interview by Freida Policarpio
A spectacular epic, a product of genius in concept, execution, and production revealed in distinct and relatable characters, has hit the international GMA screens. GMA proudly presents its most ambitious, most extravagant and magnificent series – AMAYA. The story is set in 16th century Central Visayas and it revolves around the Princess Amaya who lives her life from outcast to slave to princess to warrior. Her peaks and falls are influenced by the culture she is immersed in and the various characters she encounters. As she develops into a woman of strength and substance, she paves the way for the freedom of those who are unrightfully treated. The princess-warrior Amaya is fittingly played by GMA’s primetime queen Marian Rivera. Given her extreme popularity and undeniable star power, Marian has been flying high on Philippine showbiz as one of the country’s hottest, most desired, and sought-after actresses whose acting caliber and irresistible onscreen charisma make for the phenomenal success of the numerous programs tucked under her belt including Marimar, Dyesebel, Ang Babaeng Hinugot Sa Aking Tadyang, Darna, and Endless Love, among others. On an interview with the star, revelations between the character and the portrayer are wonderfully discovered.
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GMAI:
Sino si Amaya?
Marian: Tatlo ang pagkatao ni Amaya – prinsesa, alipin, at warrior. GMAI:
Alin sa mga pagkataong ito ni Amaya ang kapareho ni Marian?
Marian: Si Amaya ay isang prinsesang malaki ang respeto sa kanyang pamilya. Dito kami magkatulad. Pinapahalagahan kong talaga ang pagmamahal sa pamilya at sa mga taong malapit sa puso ko. Yung pagiging warrior, pareho kami ni Amaya na palaban lalo na pag alam kong tama ako. GMAI:
E yung pagiging alipin?
Marian: Ah. Siguro alipin lang ako sa pagluluto! (laughs) Pagluluto kasi, yan ang relaxation ko. GMAI:
Anu-ano ang preparations mo for this demanding role at paano ito naiiba sa role mo bilang heroine?
Marian: Sa Darna wushu ang style ng fighting at dito naman sa Amaya, arnis kaya nag-aral ako ng arnis. Ito ang first soap opera na original ang istorya kaya talagang puspusan ang preparasyon ng lahat. At yung script ni Amaya bilang prinsesa talagang pinag-aralan namin nang mabuti. Ang pinaka kakaiba sa role ko sa Amaya, wala siyang kapangyarihan ‘di gaya ng lahat ng previous heroine roles ko. GMAI:
Kumusta naman ang taping so far?
Marian: Masaya! Enjoy kami sa taping. Masarap at magaan katrabaho lahat ng co-stars ko. GMAI:
Hindi ka ba napre-pressure sa pag-launch ng Amaya?
Marian: Kasama talaga yan e. Hindi naman maganda pag walang thrill. I treat this as a challenge and as a blessing. GMAI:
Any last words sa mga nag-aabang sa Amaya?
Marian: Una sa lahat, nagpapasalamat ako sa GMA network, nakakataba sa puso ang suportang binibigay nila. Kaya naman binibigay namin ang lahat para mapaganda o mapaghusay itong soap. Malapit sa puso nating mga Pilipino ang kwento ng Amaya. Isa itong pagbibigay-diin sa kahalagahan ng pakikipaglaban para sa ating kalayaan at ang bunga ng tagumpay sa laban na ito. Kaya dapat abangan ninyo itong Amaya kasi para sa inyo ito. Regalo namin ito para mapasaya kayo!
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More Career Milestones for Peabody Winner JESSICA SOHO In 2011, the country’s most awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho marks two more milestones in her illustrious career. She takes on two significant reports adventures - her first ever news anchoring post at the helm of GMA News TV’s flagship primetime newscast, STATE OF THE NATION WITH JESSICA SOHO, and her take on the legacy of the late great Louie Beltran in the new BRIGADA! Interesting. Analytical. In-Depth. These are the kinds of reporting to be expected in GMA News TV’s flagship newscast. “Jessica Soho’s thorough interviews with the biggest local and international newsmakers is something to look forward to,” says GMA News TV Senior Program Manager Ella EvangelistaMartelino. STATE OF THE NATION is one of the station’s proud products of its commitment to deliver “serbisyong totoo.” Trust and credibility are two other aspects of STATE OF THE NATIONS’ prestigious host, proven and apparent once again in its roster of guests. On its first week, Mar Roxas, who has evaded media since after the elections last year, came out for the first time in a live interview with Soho. Embattled Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez also appeared, in fighting form. Sen. Bongbong Marcos willingly gave in to pressing questions on allegations of corruption and human rights abuses during his father’s administration. Other noteworthy parts of STATE OF THE NATION are “Assignment Pilipinas” which takes viewers to the streets and into the lives of the common people and the issues that matter most to every Juan; and “GMA News Investigates” which uncovers the truths behind some of the biggest anomalies and controversies in the country.
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Soho is backed by the full force of GMA News reporters and producers, who are some of the most trusted and respected in the industry. Aside from their daily reports, they also come up with features that will speak to the heart and mind of the ordinary Filipino. Evangelista-Martelino adds, “Without a doubt our anchor, Jessica Soho, is what makes STATE OF THE NATION different from other newscasts. She puts her 25 years of unparalleled career in journalism forward so that viewers may know the real state of our country – and the world – with carefullyresearched reports visually presented with actual cases to better illustrate the issues we face today.” BRIGADA takes off from multi-awarded trimedia journalist Louie Beltran’s Brigada Siete. Launched in 1993, Brigada Siete produced the most trusted broadcast journalists of today, including its 2011 host, Jessica Soho. “A lot of the faces and big names that we see on Philippine TV now, as far as news reporting is concerned, mga produkto ng Brigada Siete,” Soho says. These Kapuso journalists include GMA News pillar Arnold Clavio, Peabody winners Jay Taruc and Kara David, and Jiggy Manicad, Susan Enriquez, and Cesar Apolinario. “We want to continue the legacy of Brigada Siete, which, we would like to believe, started a lot of good things in the GMA News and Public affairs team,” adds Soho who will be shown in the program holding a brief discussion with the reporters on how they developed more detailed, longer reports. Soho explains, “Yung mga hindi nila naisama dun sa one to two minute reports nila sa newscasts, now they will have more airtime to include them and
include context to show more angles to the news stories that they covered.” Soho will act as the informal judge – inquiring, assessing and then giving her verdict or insights on the reports at the end of every episode. Now, almost two decades after Brigada Siete first aired and as she recently celebrated her 25th year as a broadcast journalist, Soho comes full circle as she mentors the new generation of reporters with BRIGADA. She also forges ahead as she takes on the daunting task of anchoring a newscast that aims to be in-depth, interesting and insightful as it speaks to the hearts and minds of Juan dela Cruz. Asked what lessons she learned from her mentor, Louie Beltran, that she in turn would like to impart to the new generation of reporters, Soho says, “He used to tell our journalism class in UP to climb the fence if they shut the door on you.” To her BRIGADA reporters, Soho imparts this advice - “Never take no for an answer especially if the story is important. Leave no stone unturned. And be the best journalist that you can possibly be.” Watch out for the international premiere of STATE OF THE NATION!
In 2009, BALITANGHALI was recognized as the Best News Program in the first Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) Awards. On its 6th year, it continues to be the hefty lunchtime serving of the hottest and latest news, on-the-spot reports, headlines, sports, features, and showbiz happenings. Now airing from its new home in GMA Network’s Studio 2, the all-new BALITANGHALI boasts of a brand-new, high-tech and bigger set, a new OBB and new graphics templates using the state-of-the-art VizRT graphics engine. Host Pia Arcangel promises “more comprehensive and updated news gathering, complemented with modern visuals in news presentation.” Pia adds, “Touchscreen visual aids are now used in delivering the news. Breaking news has always been the strength of BALITANGHALI.” Co host Raffy Tima shares, “We will continue to be at the forefront of the latest breaking news coverage.”
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CELEBRITY
It may seem that becoming one of the country’s most sought-after models and celebrities was effortless for Solenn Heussaff. With a goddess-like beauty plus an incredibly sexy physique, who would think that this young lady had to work hard to look exactly how she does now, and that she fought the battle of low self-confidence? Having been born of a Filipina Bayanihan dancer and a French businessman, good genes may well have been the biggest factor for her gorgeous looks. But it will take most people some convincing that Solenn Heusaff was called “Free Willy” - alluding to that famous whale movie - back in her teenage years. “When I was younger, I got really big. It was more like baby fat at first, but then I got really bigger - I was terribly overweight. Until the age of 13 or 14, kids in school called me ‘Free Willy’”, shares Solenn. “That really put me down and it deeply affected my confidence. There were times I was afraid to attend classes.” Soon, Solenn wised up and came to the realization that she can choose not to be affected by the situation. “In the beginning, I would take the insults to heart and cry. But I realized that the more I cried, the more they insulted me. One day, I decided not to let them get away with their rudeness by ignoring them. They stopped eventually.” With the bullying past her and with the help of her family and closest friends, Solenn was fueled into getting her low self-esteem back on track. She started dieting, but she did it wrong at first. “I started eating just an apple for the whole day. My parents didn’t know that I was crash dieting until I got sick. I was hospitalized for a few days. My parents got mad at me because of that. They advised me to eat healthier meals and exercise a lot and that’s exactly what I did. I didn’t do it for the people who put me down, I did it because I wanted to experience change. When I achieved my goal, I felt very good and I slowly gained my confidence back.” Solenn’s experiential wisdom combined with her edgy fashion style brought her straight into the sights of GMA Network’s makeover reality program FASHBOOK (shown locally on GMA News TV). The program aims to empower individuals not just by changing the way they look on the outside, but by helping them appreciate their inner beauty as well. Face and hair master Jigs Mayuga, style diva Eric Poliquit, and life coach Miss A join Solenn in this life-changing mission. “The show is an ‘inside and out’ beauty makeover. And it’s good that way because I believe that what’s inside a person is as important as what’s on the outside. It’s a must that you feel good inside first, and then it will reflect on “to outside,” explains Solenn. In Fashbook, each subject is started off with a dialogue with life coach Miss A, giving the whole team an in-depth look and evaluation of the beauty that they see on the surface. As they help the subject bring forth his or her beauty from within, “We teach them proper makeup, the right skin care, plus different clothing styles that fit them.” “I feel blessed, I never asked for all these, but now I’m given the chance to do hosting too!” tells Solenn about her stint in Fashbook. “This is my dream show, being a big fan of makeover programs. I only hope to give my best and be the best that I can be.” Solenn’s fame started with Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown. She is a professional make-up artist, a promising painter, and a fashion designer for Lulu Tan Gan. She also plays avid news reporter Jana on GMA Pinoy TV’s Captain Barbell, and is a regular in Party Pilipinas. At the beginning of the year, Solenn also became a recording artist. Solenn appeared in the GMA Films and Regal Entertainment-produced February offering, My Valentine Girls. Soon she will be seen in the remake of the classic 80’s movie Temptation Island, also presented by GMA Films and Regal Entertainment.
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EVENTS
By Faye Nalicat
Close to 3,000 Filipinos yelling “Oo!” “Hindi!” “Pwede!” in complete and absolute unison was a gargantuan moment at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Saturday, April 23, 2011. For the first time, the longest-running variety show Eat Bulaga brings its unique kind of entertainment to Pinoys in Vancouver, Canada! It was a beautiful sunny Tuesday afternoon, April 19th, when Western Canada’s GMA Pinoy TV Team landed via the Vancouver International Airport. Donning black uniforms with the GMA Pinoy TV logo and pins that say “Proud to be Kapuso”, one holding a video camera, another a microphone, and another a TV camera, the team was all set to go. As the full force of Eat Bulaga Dabarkads led by Vic “Bossing” Sotto and Pia Guanio appeared, the first of a string of excitements begin. The throngs of Pinoys at the airport excitingly took their cellphones out and took pictures. One lady who just finished her work shift at the airport pushed her way to the front just to get a handshake from each of the stars. The rest of the Dabarkads’ visit was a spectacle of welcoming, loving, highly-excited Pinoys and the willing stars who gave their all in the spirit of fun, Kapuso, and Kababayan.
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COPING WITH CULTURE SHOCK I’ve lived in a number of places and I know how difficult it is to adjust to staying in a foreign land. The beginning is always exciting there are new sights to see, places to go, things to do. Called ‘the Honeymoon stage,’ there are “oohs’”and “aaahs” at the things we don’t see in our country and are delighted by the novelty of our experience. Unfortunately, at a certain point, the novelty wears off. Because we are creatures of habit, we begin to crave the things that are familiar – people, food, language, and sights. We may begin to complain about the way things are and why people behave the way the do. We may begin to start counting the days before return home. Some may feel homesick, lonely, helpless, angry, frustrated or even depressed. There are those who experience physical symptoms– changes in eating and sleeping patterns, or even illnesses. At the most extreme, some may even want to abruptly leave. All these are symptoms of ‘Culture Shock.’ However, as we adjust and learn how to navigate our new world, we begin the next phase of adjustment - ‘Recovery.’ You know you have adjusted when you are more comfortable with your surroundings, start interacting with locals, develop a greater tolerance for the differences, and embrace the new culture. The movement from culture shock to recovery can last anywhere from one to six months. How long it takes one to adjust actually depends on what one does to help himself. Here are some tips for the Recovery Phase: 1. Read as much as you can about your country of destination even before you are there – its history, important people, events, and customs. This will make it easier for you to socialize with locals. 2. Make friends with locals and ask questions. The tendency of many Filipinos is to socialize with fellow Filipinos. The problem with this is that one loses out on learning about the new culture firsthand. Befriend locals and ask them questions so you can understand your new environment. 3. Learn the local language. Trying to speak their language is always appreciated by locals. Learning their language is also lifesaving in cases of emergency. 4. Observe social rituals. Take note of how people greet each other and the do’s and don’ts of interactions. In Indonesia, I learned to beso on both cheeks. In Thailand I learned to bow with hands together. In the US, I learned that “Hi, how are you?’ is the norm. Knowing the do’s and don’ts can help you blend in and avoid offenses. 5. Explore. See as much of the country you are visiting as you can. Doing this will give you a greater appreciation of the country. 6. Talk to other OFWs or expats. They would know the common problems of newcomers and how to cope. They can also give you tips on where to shop and where the churches are. They can also be a great support group. 7. Keep busy. The antidote to loneliness is to do something or divert one’s focus to other activities. Participate in community activities or join local organizations. Engage in volunteer work. Take up a hobby. Learn a new skill. 8. Get some exercise. It is true that exercise releases endorphins that make one happy. So walk, jog, bike, take up a sport – keep your spirits up and get healthy! 9. Care for your soul. Prayer, meditation, and silence are calming to the heart and nurturing to the soul. 10. Write. Keeping a journal or writing a blog may help. It’s a way of documenting experiences. This can even be cathartic! 11. Keep connections with home. The world is smaller thanks to technology. It’s important to maintain contact and get support from the people you love. Set regular dates for calls or chats so there is something to look forward to. 12. Seek help. When you feel unable to cope – you should consider talking to a professional – a counselor, social worker, or a churchworker perhaps. The Ateneo de Manila University Department of Psychology has a free online counseling services for OFWs and their families (ofwonline@gmail. com, www.ofwonline.net;). It is important to remember that you are not alone and help is available!
Ma. Regina M. Hechanova, Ph. D.
Director, Center for Organization Research and Development
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EVENTS Asian Filipino Bowlers Friendship Games 2011 (AFBFG 2011)
-A Resounding Success!!
The first Asian Filipino Bowlers Friendship Games 2011 (AFBFG 2011) was held last April 30 and May 1st. Bowlers from as far as Australia and Korea to nearby Manila and Malaysia pit their skills in bowling in a friendly competition during the two-day event. An estimated 130 bowlers exchanged bowling tips, shared bowling cultures, forged friendships, and set the blazing trail for a long-term networking. Major sponsors added to the vibrancy of both days - GMA Pinoy TV, Fusion Excel International, Philippine Airlines (PAL) and the Philippine National Bank (PNB). The Filipino Bowlers Club Singapore (FBCS)’s Founder and current President, Mr. Danny Casio expressed his satisfaction over the outcome of the Club’s major event to date, attributing its success to its partners in organizing the event - the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Embassy of the Philippines. The awarding ceremony was graced by Her Excellency, Ambassador Minda Cruz, and an Invocation was led by Father Cedrick Alimbuyong, a bowling Priest from the Korea contingent. Jingle Dela Rosa, a contingent from Tenpin Bowling Association of Makati (TBAM) who bagged 4th runner up in the Ladies Masters Event expressed her congratulatory message to the Club saying, “To the FBCS family, thank you for a very successful tournament. Kudos guys!”. The FBCS would like to thank all its sponsors, participants, and contingents - the Embassy of the Philippines, OWWAPOLO, its Management Committee, its members, and Mt Faber Superbowl for making this event a success!! TEAM Event:
SINGLES Event:
ALL Events:
ALL Events:
4th Runner Up: FBCS: Rolly Mallorca, Joel Maningas, Edgar Lacson, Celia Soh
Men:
Men:
Men:
Women:
Men:
3rd Runner Up: Bowling Association of Las Pinas (BALP): Paul Bagalay, Linda Bagalay, Ralph Ranil Lagrisola, Nida Lagrisola 2nd Runner Up: FBCS: Danny Casio, Jay Caparon, Ronnie Calderon Beth Mehaffey 1st Runner Up: FBCS: Ness Tayag, Eric Diwa, Ghil Celucia, Flor Roxas Champion: Team JOE (Singapore): Joe Padayao, Edwin Villaber, Russel Gucon, Ching Padayao
4th Runner Up: Karlo Guevarra 3rd Runner Up: Elmer Liamzon 2nd Runner Up: Gumer Bancale 1st Runner Up: Ralph Ranil Lagrisola Champion: Domeng Turiano
4th Runner Up: Nida Lagrisola 3rd Runner Up: Lydia Loubier 2nd Runner Up: Julie Bell 1st Runner Up: Marie Nanud Champion: Cora Galera
4th Runner Up: Ernie Luzano 3rd Runner Up: Pedro Almia 2nd Runner Up: Joe Padayao 1st Runner Up: Gumer Bancale Champion: Bien Lastra
4th Runner Up: Jingle Dela Rosa 3rd Runner Up: Dina Granada 2nd Runner Up: Joana Formento 1st Runner Up: Julie Bell Champion: Malu Fornari
4th Runner Up: Gumer Bancale 3rd Runner Up: Kenneth Dolotina 2nd Runner Up: Linda Bagalay 1st Runner Up: Jay Caparon Champion: Domeng Turiano
Over-All Champion: Singapore Contingent
(FBCS)
Bronzed and Bemedalled Bronze The Filipino Dragon Boat in the 5th Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival The Filipino Dragons raced in full power and might at the 2-day dragon boat races of the 5th Boracay International Dragon Boat Festival. After being scorched bronze by the blazing sun, we were awarded a matching bronze medal. Sweet poetry! We went back to Singapore proudly bringing with us a Bronze Medal and a Glass Trophy for winning 3rd Runner-up in the Mixed 22-Crew 300m Category. Our athletes were tired from the previous heats and semis, but despite all that and with our unwavering team spirit, we made it through the Finals by beating the Shangri-la Flying Foxes by 1.04 sec. We were the happiest dragon boat team in Boracay that time, feeling as if we had already won the Gold. The low tide prevented us from recording a nice timing from Lane 1 (closest to the shore) but nevertheless, it was a great honor to have raced with three of the best teams in the Philippines - Navy, Army and Boracay All-Stars. We partied the night away, our hearts filled with pride and joy from having been bronzed and bemedalled bronze. Our sincerest thanks to YOU – the paddlers, drummers, steersmen and our supporters, for your cooperation, patience and understanding and for behaving according to what was expected of you, hehehe. Miss Minchin’s presence was not felt this time around. Special mention goes to our Coach for sharing his winning skills on racing strategy and to the TrainingCom and ManCom for their support. Kudos to Karen S for securing sponsorship deals, to Barbs for feeding us during the 2 days and to Xtian R for esuring that our paddles are safe and our tents are clean and orderly. We have more races to come and as early as now, we’re already looking forward to Boracay 2012. Should you have suggestions, comments or reactions on the BIDBF 2011 manner of management, please let us know so that we can learn from our mistakes and improve in the way we serve you. Paddles up and see you again soon in Boracay 2012. Yiheeee! YOU oredi! Me Estuve Bronceado (Sun-Tanned and Bronzed), Lino Arboleda Team Manager, BIDBF 2011
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