Here's the extended version of my first interview with Darren Criss (I also had a short chat with him at the Globes).
It's become so popular (almost 16 thousand views - thank you, Darren Criss fans!) that it's now one of my most-viewed videos, along with my interviews with Kris Allen, Venus Raj, Adam Lambert, Harry Shum, Jr., and Piolo Pascual.
Showing posts with label Fantastic Filipino. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fantastic Filipino. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
My Oscars reports
This past awards season I covered the three major awards: The Emmys, the Golden Globes, and the Oscars.
I was the first Filipina TV reporter to cover all three in one year so it's been a humbling and pinch-me-please-unbelievable experience.
I grew up in a small barrio in Batangas where I had to beg neighbors to open their window so I can watch with them when Hollywood awards aired. While at the Emmys and the Globes interviewing big stars, I had an "Am I really here?"moment of panic. I had to get over it quickly because stars were coming and I had a job to do.
People only see the glamourous side of it, but covering an awards show, especially these big ones, involves a lot of painstaking hard work and preparation behind the scenes. But it is fun, I'm not gonna lie.
ABS-CBN.com doesn't allow video embedding so please go to these links to watch my report on Fil-Am producers whose short film won an Oscar, plus Fil-Am nominees Matthew Libatique and Hailee Steinfeld:
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/entertainment/02/28/11/fil-ams-sweep-oscars-best-short-film
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/02/28/11/shell-be-oscars-one-day-pinay-winners-dad
And here's the report I did for Balitang America. Go to the beginning part of this video to see my report. It's weirdly set at the end:
I was the first Filipina TV reporter to cover all three in one year so it's been a humbling and pinch-me-please-unbelievable experience.
I grew up in a small barrio in Batangas where I had to beg neighbors to open their window so I can watch with them when Hollywood awards aired. While at the Emmys and the Globes interviewing big stars, I had an "Am I really here?"moment of panic. I had to get over it quickly because stars were coming and I had a job to do.
People only see the glamourous side of it, but covering an awards show, especially these big ones, involves a lot of painstaking hard work and preparation behind the scenes. But it is fun, I'm not gonna lie.
ABS-CBN.com doesn't allow video embedding so please go to these links to watch my report on Fil-Am producers whose short film won an Oscar, plus Fil-Am nominees Matthew Libatique and Hailee Steinfeld:
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/entertainment/02/28/11/fil-ams-sweep-oscars-best-short-film
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/02/28/11/shell-be-oscars-one-day-pinay-winners-dad
And here's the report I did for Balitang America. Go to the beginning part of this video to see my report. It's weirdly set at the end:
(Photo credit: Benjie Uy)
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Filipino talents, generous spirit shine at the Golden Globes
A "Global" Coup
Filipino talents, generous spirit shine at the Golden Globes
By Yong Chavez
www.FilipinOnline.com
Millions of television viewers worldwide were once again treated to the glitz and glamour of the Golden Globes. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) throws the glitziest, most fun party during the awards season. Every year, every star and their agent clamor to get the coveted Globe invite.
HFPA is an elite group of foreign journalists reporting from Hollywood.
Ruben and Janet Nepales, veteran journalists, are its only Filipino members.
They play big roles during the Golden Globe award ceremonies, but they say the most challenging work happens before the awards night: dealing with celebrity demands.
Though the day's tasks can be daunting, they admit that working with the biggest stars to stage one of the biggest nights in Hollywood is a nice job perk.
They also get to observe these A-listers, warts and all, behind the scenes.
The husband-and-wife team, well-known in the Los Angeles Fil-Am circle, generously shared the rare experience of mingling with the stars with community members.
Through their work with the Golden Globes, they also promote Filipino talents such as fashion designers Carlyn Nuyda-Calloway, Alan del Rosario, and Oliver Tolentino. The three joined Monique Lhuillier in the elite list of Fil-Am designers whose creations were worn by Golden Globes attendees. Amber Riley. Glee actress, wore a stunning Oliver Tolentino gown while Alan del Rosario, a 2009 Oscars Designers Challenge contender, custom-created the dress of a former Miss Universe.
Filipino talents, generous spirit shine at the Golden Globes
By Yong Chavez
www.FilipinOnline.com
Millions of television viewers worldwide were once again treated to the glitz and glamour of the Golden Globes. The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) throws the glitziest, most fun party during the awards season. Every year, every star and their agent clamor to get the coveted Globe invite.
HFPA is an elite group of foreign journalists reporting from Hollywood.
Ruben and Janet Nepales, veteran journalists, are its only Filipino members.
They play big roles during the Golden Globe award ceremonies, but they say the most challenging work happens before the awards night: dealing with celebrity demands.
Though the day's tasks can be daunting, they admit that working with the biggest stars to stage one of the biggest nights in Hollywood is a nice job perk.
They also get to observe these A-listers, warts and all, behind the scenes.
The husband-and-wife team, well-known in the Los Angeles Fil-Am circle, generously shared the rare experience of mingling with the stars with community members.
Through their work with the Golden Globes, they also promote Filipino talents such as fashion designers Carlyn Nuyda-Calloway, Alan del Rosario, and Oliver Tolentino. The three joined Monique Lhuillier in the elite list of Fil-Am designers whose creations were worn by Golden Globes attendees. Amber Riley. Glee actress, wore a stunning Oliver Tolentino gown while Alan del Rosario, a 2009 Oscars Designers Challenge contender, custom-created the dress of a former Miss Universe.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Fil-Ams at the Oscars
Five or six years ago, I did a story for Philippine News, wherein Hollywood insider and Fil-Am talent supporter Winston Emano talked about the possibility of one day seeing Filipinos take the Oscar trophy.
Well, that day appears to be nearer than ever. Here's my TV Patrol report on this exciting news. ABS-CBN videos don't allow embedding (sorry, I hate that, too) but here's the link: Yong Chavez reports: Fil-Ams kasama sa mga nominado sa Oscars: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/entertainment/01/26/11/half-pinoys-among-academy-awards-nominees
Well, that day appears to be nearer than ever. Here's my TV Patrol report on this exciting news. ABS-CBN videos don't allow embedding (sorry, I hate that, too) but here's the link: Yong Chavez reports: Fil-Ams kasama sa mga nominado sa Oscars: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/entertainment/01/26/11/half-pinoys-among-academy-awards-nominees
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Filipino fashion designer is an Oscar winner
By Yong B. Chavez
No, he didn't bring home one of those golden trophies - Alexis Monsanto's Oscars triumph has to do with the fabulous gown he made for Kimberly Roberts, the subject of the Oscar-nominated documentary "Trouble the Water". The Katrina disaster docu-film was produced by Danny Glover.
On Oscar day, we were with the charming designer inside the Beverly Hills Four Seasons hotel room as he was dressing Roberts. An NBC crew was also in the room documenting the preparations of the group. It was a tad chaotic, but Monsanto was all-smiles.
His sunny attitude helped him when he got the call that he was to make the dress in three days.
"It wasn't a problem - I thrive on challenges," he said. True enough, there was no trace of rush in the final product, a queenly silk-chiffon and French lace gown in gunmetal gray.
"I'm so happy with my dress...I wouldn't let anyone else do my Oscars dress but Alexis," Roberts said.
Later on, Monsanto's creation graced the red carpet when Kimberly and Scott Roberts and Danny Glover were at the TV Guide post:
Back at the hotel, Monsanto, a former medicine student, said that making an Oscars dress was an impossible dream for him when he was growing up in Cebu. Nonetheless, he never gave up on it. When he moved to Los Angeles 15 years ago, he met so many challenges ("You have no idea. It was tough."), but he persevered.
Slowly, he worked his way up and now he has become well-known in celeb fashion circles, scoring design jobs for the likes of Drew Barrymore and Felicity Huffman.
Last year, his label, Alexis Monsanto/Los Angeles had a major show called "Ano XV" which celebrated his success thus far.
With his dress gracing the Oscars red carpet, he got the cherry on top of his sweet life:
"The dream has come true right now," he said. "But this is just the beginning."
On Oscar day, we were with the charming designer inside the Beverly Hills Four Seasons hotel room as he was dressing Roberts. An NBC crew was also in the room documenting the preparations of the group. It was a tad chaotic, but Monsanto was all-smiles.
His sunny attitude helped him when he got the call that he was to make the dress in three days.
"It wasn't a problem - I thrive on challenges," he said. True enough, there was no trace of rush in the final product, a queenly silk-chiffon and French lace gown in gunmetal gray.
"I'm so happy with my dress...I wouldn't let anyone else do my Oscars dress but Alexis," Roberts said.
Later on, Monsanto's creation graced the red carpet when Kimberly and Scott Roberts and Danny Glover were at the TV Guide post:
Back at the hotel, Monsanto, a former medicine student, said that making an Oscars dress was an impossible dream for him when he was growing up in Cebu. Nonetheless, he never gave up on it. When he moved to Los Angeles 15 years ago, he met so many challenges ("You have no idea. It was tough."), but he persevered.
Slowly, he worked his way up and now he has become well-known in celeb fashion circles, scoring design jobs for the likes of Drew Barrymore and Felicity Huffman.
Last year, his label, Alexis Monsanto/Los Angeles had a major show called "Ano XV" which celebrated his success thus far.
With his dress gracing the Oscars red carpet, he got the cherry on top of his sweet life:
"The dream has come true right now," he said. "But this is just the beginning."
====================================================
All rights reserved. No duplication without author's permission.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
FILIPINO ANIMATOR JESS ESPANOLA WINS AN EMMY
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Jess Española, first Filipino to win an Emmy Award
By DAVID CASUCO
By DAVID CASUCO
LOS ANGELES — Multi-awarded animator Jess Espanola put the Philippines in view during the 60th annual Creative Arts Emmy Awards last week, bagging one Emmy trophy for his work as Assistant Director for the The Simpsons' "Eternal Moonshine of the Simpson Mind," which was named "Outstanding Animated Program (for programming less than one hour)."
Also given recognitions, along with Jess, are the top executives of Fox Gracie Films and Starz Film Roman, namely: James L. Brooks, Matt Groening (the creator of "The Simpsons"), Al Jean, Ian Maxton-Graham, Matt Selman, and Tim Long, executive producers; John Frink, Kevin Curran, Michael Price, Bill Odenkirk, Marc Wilmore, Joel H. Cohen, Ron Hauge, and Rob Lazebnik, co-executive producers; Lurie Biermacki, and Rick Polizzi, animation producers; J. Steward Burns, writer; Chuck Sheetz, director; Mark Kirkland, supervising director; Patricia Shinagawa, animation timer.
"The Simpsons" (FOX, Gracie Films in association with 20th Century Fox), bested four top nominees, namely: Creature Comforts America "Don’t Choke To Death, Please " CBS, Aardman Animations production in association with The Gotham Group; King Of The Hill "Death Picks Cotton " FOX, 20th Century Fox Television in association with 3 Arts Entertainment, Deedle-Dee Productions & Judgemental Films; Robot Chicken "Robot Chicken: Star Wars" Cartoon Network, ShadowMachine Films, and SpongeBob SquarePants "Inmates of Summer / Two Faces of Squidward" Nickelodeon, Nickelodeon with United Plankton Pictures, Inc.
Jess, who graduated with a fine arts degree from the University of the Philippines, is the first ever Filipino to receive an Emmy award. Although some long-time Filipino residents in Los Angeles are ambivalent on the distinction heaped on him, saying someone else — a Filipino-American engineer — set the milestone in the early 80s, a claim that remains unsubstantiated as of this writing.
Meanwhile, Jess is riding on a crest of mainstream accolade, a feat that validates the common knowledge that Filipino animators are among the best in Hollywood.
"That's correct, a lot of Filipino artists are in the cutting edge of the animation industry. I guess I am lucky that I worked with "The Simpsons," said Jess.
Actually, this is the second time that Jess got involved in an animation project that won an Emmy. He was also an assistant director for "Futurama," an animated show that won the Emmy in 2002. Unfortunately, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences did not include the assistant director in the nomination process then.
How does he feel rubbing elbows with the prime movers of the American entertainment industry?
"It was cool. All of us nominees had a party on August 26 at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences where everybody was given the certificate of honor, but the announcement of winners were set a couple of weeks later on Sept. 13 at the Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles where the formal announcement was done. During that day, all of us from the studio anxiously waited. And when the final reckoning came, the master of ceremonies called out, 'and the Emmy goes to... The Simpsons!' I thought I punched the air and hollered yeah! It was a surreal experience for me. The excitement was just so overwhelming at that moment," Jess told this writer in an exclusive interview.
Jess, who was given permanent U.S. residency status as a "person with exceptional ability," has an equally compelling life story. Raised by a single mother in a depressed area in Central Luzon, Jess used his artistic talent to survive when he came face to face with hunger.
"I experienced real hunger while I was a boy. There was no food on the table most of the time. Sometimes I just imagine I already ate. It was a hard life," said Jess.
Amazingly, despite the great odds, Jess still remained on top of his class, and people started helping him out when they noticed that he was an exceptionally talented kid. He was among the high achieving students in high school that gained scholarships at the University of the Philippines.
When Hanna Barbera put up Fil-Cartoon Inc., a subsidiary outfit in Pasig, Metro Manila, Jess was hired as a team supervisor and lead animator. Jess's works were, and still are, considered standards of excellence in Philippine animation.
Jess and his family moved to Los Angeles in 1994.
Also given recognitions, along with Jess, are the top executives of Fox Gracie Films and Starz Film Roman, namely: James L. Brooks, Matt Groening (the creator of "The Simpsons"), Al Jean, Ian Maxton-Graham, Matt Selman, and Tim Long, executive producers; John Frink, Kevin Curran, Michael Price, Bill Odenkirk, Marc Wilmore, Joel H. Cohen, Ron Hauge, and Rob Lazebnik, co-executive producers; Lurie Biermacki, and Rick Polizzi, animation producers; J. Steward Burns, writer; Chuck Sheetz, director; Mark Kirkland, supervising director; Patricia Shinagawa, animation timer.
"The Simpsons" (FOX, Gracie Films in association with 20th Century Fox), bested four top nominees, namely: Creature Comforts America "Don’t Choke To Death, Please " CBS, Aardman Animations production in association with The Gotham Group; King Of The Hill "Death Picks Cotton " FOX, 20th Century Fox Television in association with 3 Arts Entertainment, Deedle-Dee Productions & Judgemental Films; Robot Chicken "Robot Chicken: Star Wars" Cartoon Network, ShadowMachine Films, and SpongeBob SquarePants "Inmates of Summer / Two Faces of Squidward" Nickelodeon, Nickelodeon with United Plankton Pictures, Inc.
Jess, who graduated with a fine arts degree from the University of the Philippines, is the first ever Filipino to receive an Emmy award. Although some long-time Filipino residents in Los Angeles are ambivalent on the distinction heaped on him, saying someone else — a Filipino-American engineer — set the milestone in the early 80s, a claim that remains unsubstantiated as of this writing.
Meanwhile, Jess is riding on a crest of mainstream accolade, a feat that validates the common knowledge that Filipino animators are among the best in Hollywood.
"That's correct, a lot of Filipino artists are in the cutting edge of the animation industry. I guess I am lucky that I worked with "The Simpsons," said Jess.
Actually, this is the second time that Jess got involved in an animation project that won an Emmy. He was also an assistant director for "Futurama," an animated show that won the Emmy in 2002. Unfortunately, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences did not include the assistant director in the nomination process then.
How does he feel rubbing elbows with the prime movers of the American entertainment industry?
"It was cool. All of us nominees had a party on August 26 at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences where everybody was given the certificate of honor, but the announcement of winners were set a couple of weeks later on Sept. 13 at the Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles where the formal announcement was done. During that day, all of us from the studio anxiously waited. And when the final reckoning came, the master of ceremonies called out, 'and the Emmy goes to... The Simpsons!' I thought I punched the air and hollered yeah! It was a surreal experience for me. The excitement was just so overwhelming at that moment," Jess told this writer in an exclusive interview.
Jess, who was given permanent U.S. residency status as a "person with exceptional ability," has an equally compelling life story. Raised by a single mother in a depressed area in Central Luzon, Jess used his artistic talent to survive when he came face to face with hunger.
"I experienced real hunger while I was a boy. There was no food on the table most of the time. Sometimes I just imagine I already ate. It was a hard life," said Jess.
Amazingly, despite the great odds, Jess still remained on top of his class, and people started helping him out when they noticed that he was an exceptionally talented kid. He was among the high achieving students in high school that gained scholarships at the University of the Philippines.
When Hanna Barbera put up Fil-Cartoon Inc., a subsidiary outfit in Pasig, Metro Manila, Jess was hired as a team supervisor and lead animator. Jess's works were, and still are, considered standards of excellence in Philippine animation.
Jess and his family moved to Los Angeles in 1994.
[photo: Jess, holding his Emmy, with The Simpsons' director Raymond Persi]
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