Justin Bieber fever still burns in Philippines; Remembering Rebecca on her 5th death anniversary

•Justin Bieber fever still burns in Philippines 

•Remembering Rebecca on her 5th death anniversary

 

Wake-uppers:

Scene: On March 8, Boholano award-winning director Maryo J. delos Reyes will be bestowed the Ulirang Alagad ng Pelikula sa Likod ng Kamera Lifetime Achievement Award at the 31st Star Awards for Movies, as organized by the Philippine Movie Press Club, Inc. at the Solaire Casino and Resort in Parañaque . At the moment, direk Maryo is directing “Pari Koy,” a new series on GMA-7  that stars Dingdong Dantes.

 

Scene: March 9 is the 10th anniversary of the Mabini Food Poisoning. The incident killed 27 schoolkids and 100 were hospitalized.

 

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The Justin Bieber Fever remains strong as the Canadian pop star turned 21 on March 1.

The Bieber Fever had an outbreak in 2009 and then remains.

 

Alexis Calipusan (2^nd from left) and Cyril Cailing (extreme right)
after her performance on GMA Cebu’s Buena Mano.
 With them are (from left) Yuri, Cherryl Pelayo-Dacua, Alan Domingo,
 Lou-anne Mae Rondina and Fr. Dan Domingo delos Angeles. 
Courtesy: Jude Montejo

Obviously, Justin Bieber has millions of fans, but there’s one we know pretty well who might be one of the biggest fans of all-Jenali Alexis Calipusan! The voice-a-like of Justin Bieber just guested on dyrd’s Rampa Showbiz (hosted by veteran broadcaster Ped Bolanio and Glee Orcullo), Kiss FM (hosted by Robert James) and dyTR’s Showbiz Chikka (hosted by Inday Charity). But that doesn’t stop her from being a major voice-a-like of Justin Bieber when she had a head-turning guest appearance on GMA Cebu’s Buena Mano last Friday. She also guested on Barangay 99.5RT (hosted by Papa Marco) and on dyLA (hosted by Sanden Anadia). Alexis had to drop some appearances in Cebu due to a limited time.

 

Host Yuri said that Alexis is really 100% voice-a-like of Justin. “I have a Bieber Fever all over again!”

 

 “It was so much fun. Everybody there was so helpful, it was so humbling to be around them,” said Alexis.

 

JAM-C: Alexis Calipusan and Cyril Cailing

In her interview with Buena Mano, Alexis (together with partner guitarists Cyril Cailing) couldn't stop talking about Justin, saying, "Justin's is my idol since 2009!”

Alexis remains a Bieliber even Justin was landing in hot water a time or two because of controversies and had singing voice drop a good octave.

 

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Friends and fans remember Rebecca del Rio on 5th death anniversary

Since her death five years ago, Rebecca del Rio’s fans and friends have said how they will remember her, how she meant in their lives, and the legacy she leaves behind.

 

Before Cheri Gil, the famous glamorous kontrabida today, there was Rebecca del Rio-Tushinsky who was from Sierra-Bullones town. Because she hit her peak in the ’50s, Rebecca del Rio may be a darling to baby boomers but perhaps a bit of a "stranger" to the new generation of movie lovers.

 

In 2008, Rebecca attended the wedding of her niece Demia Tallo-Salarda held in Baclayon Church. It was also a reunion of the Buslon family. Then in January 2010, she came home to distribute her vast landholdings in Bohol to her relatives and tenants in Pilar.  

 

Boholano actress Rebecca Del Rio
was the first Filipina to win the Asia’s best actress award.

Here are some trivia that should serve as introduction to Rebecca whose movies are, I’m sure, became very popular during her time:

 

•Rebecca del Rio was born Rebecca Buslon on January 31, 1929.

•She was the daughter of Judge Teofilo Buslon, former congressman (of the third district of Bohol) and Demeteria Buslon, a nurse, who was the first elected woman mayor in the Philippines. She was the sister of the late provincial lawmaker Socorro Buslon-Tallo.

• Friends and family relatives called Rebecca as Nang Nena.

• Rebecca was the aunt of fashion mogul Maximiel.

• Rebecca graduated at Holy Spirit School and she went to the Philippine Women’s University in Manila to study. She was discovered by Sampaguita Pictures.

• Rebecca del Rio was the first Boholano to become a star.

• She was typecasted as a glamorous kontrabida (villain) in movies and perhaps the most loved villain.

• Rebecca was the first Filipina to win the 1958 Asian Film Festival best supporting actress in the film Malvarosa. She also won the best supporting actress in FAMAS in 1958.

•She made numerous movies under Sampaguita (touted as the home of glamorous and debonair stars, Sampaguita Pictures, Inc. (SPI) was established in 1937 by then Rep. Pedro Vera and Judge Jose Vera with a circle of friends) and in 1955 she signed a contract to LVN Pictures and made her first movie Dinayang Pagmamahal aka Foolish Love, a Jaime de la Rosa and Charito Solis movie.

• Rebecca starred in some memorable movies such as Tres Muskiteros (1951), Mayamang Balo (1952), Hiram na Mukha (1952), Ang Ating Pag-ibig (1953), Cofradia (1953), Anak ng Espada (1953), Mister Kasintahan (1953), Vod-A-Vil (1953),  Musikong Bumbong (1954), Tres Muskiteras (1954), Pilya (1954), Milyonarya at Hampaslupa (1954), Dalagang Ilocana (1954), Sabungera (1954), Bondying  (1954), Kurdapya (1954), Lola Sinderella (1955), Bulaklak sa Parang (1955), Mariposa (1955), Dinayang Pagmamahal (1955), Talusaling (1955),  Luksang Tagumpay (1956),Laging Ikaw (1956), Cuatro Vidas (1957),Turista (1957), Rebelde (1958),Malvarosa (1958), Mr. Kuripot (1958); and Lollipops and Roses (1971).

•Rebecca married an American Sony executive Mr. Tushinsky and migrated to USA.

• She loved dogs. In the US, she had a dog named Hercules.

• Rebecca Buslon-Tushinsky passed away on March 11, 2010 in Canoga Park, California.

 

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Boholano teen becomes viral celebrity

Wake-uppers:

Scene: Bohol’s First Lady and Balilihan Vice Mayor Pureza Veloso-Chatto on the death of Loy Palapos: “Farewell Sir Loy! Loreto "Loy" Monceda Palapos safely returned to His Creator on the day of love, Valentine's Day, February 14, 2015. Among his many other community involvements, Sir Loy committed himself to dedicated service for decades in the Bohol Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He was BCCI President from 2001 to 2006. He was at the helm when BCCI first hosted the Visayas Area Business Conference which earned BCCI the recognition as Outstanding Chamber in the entire Visayas Region by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Sir Loy, our Outgoing BCCI President, having been reelected as such in 2013, had the chamber in his heart even in the remaining few days of his life. He was texting the BCCI Board of Trustees inspiring and encouraging each of us to maximise attendance and participation in the then forthcoming BCCI General Assembly. Little did we know that that would be his last text to us.  Thank you, Sir Loy! May you have eternal rest in the loving arms of your Creator.” On the other hand, Ariel Fullido of Centerstage Band, who worked with Loy for 20 years shared, “All through his busy life...a dedicated civic leader, educator/professor/teacher, PR man, media practitioner, writer/columnist, broadcaster, manager, a disciplinarian and perfectionist, a friend forever, and a loving family man.”

 

Scene: The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) also joined the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) in lamenting the death of radioman Engr. Maurito Lim. “The killing of Maurito Lim is a despicable and cowardly act of the highest order. The IFJ expresses its deepest sympathies to the family and colleagues of Maurito Lim,” said IFJ Asia Pacific acting director Jane Worthington. The NUJP said it had "run out of condemnation in the face of the murder of yet another colleague."  A P170,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the killer of Chairman Mau. The Bohol Provincial Police Office thru PSSupt Dennis Agustin announced the offer as it formed Task Force Mao to probe Lim's murder. see video

 

Scene: Showbiz reporter Chesca Litton and businessman Tyke Kalaw tied the knot at Eskaya Beach Resort in Bohol exactly on Valentine’s Day.

 

Scene: We Are All God’s Children: A Concert for a Cause is on March 20, 7:30 p.m. at the Bohol Cultural Center Tagbilaran City. It will feature inspirational diva Jamie Rivera and The Singing Priests of Tagbilaran with guest Jerome Sala, ABS-CBN’s Star in a Million champion. All proceeds from the concert will go towards St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Parish renovation fund.  Tickets are available at St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral Parish Office.

 

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As Jenali Alexis Mandin Calipusan meandered through the Island City Mall on Sunday, most of the hundreds of shoppers malling around didn't realize that a self-made, global social media phenomenon was in their midst.

 

But Shiela Mae Aquino knew.

 

Jenali Alexis Calipusan has become an Internet Belieber. –LPU

Alexis and friend Cyril Cailing passed her near the mall escalators. Her eyes widened. She nudged cousin Gia Aquino and mouthed the words, “That's Justin Bieber of Bohol!”

 

Alexis and Cyril made their way to the Activity Center to perform.

 

Other Holynamians who watched Sunday’s event at ICM went to see Alexis and Cyril and posed for pictures.

 

To hundreds of thousands of teens and students, Alexis has the voice of Justin Bieber, also an internet-born star.

 

They scream when they hear her singing Justin’s songs.

 

And more or less, she can be Justin’s lost twin if Alexis would clad in t-shirts and jeans and accessorized with sports hats or hoodies!

 

Since posting her first YouTube music video on Sept. 6, 2013 by a certain Ashley Uy, Alexis has become an Internet Belieber.   She has created a buzz that her YouTube video covering Justin Bieber's “U Smile” has 390,000 views. She is not lip-syncing but it is her real voice.

 

For Alexis, her rise to Internet stardom was a mix of the right song at the right time.

 

Jenali Alexis Calipusan as a member of the world-famous
 Loboc Children’s Choir.-Contributed.

“Shocked and blessed, it’s worth it... akong paghuwat,” said the 18-year-old Alexis.

 

Alexis has been posting several videos of her singing, most of which are tagged with "Justin Biber Voice-A-Like."

 

Alexis also shared her cover of Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud," which has garnered thousand views on YouTube and thousands shares on Facebook.

 

“I'm excited and happy,” said Alexis, clad in a black T-shirt and gray pants with hoodies. “I love music!”

 

Belieber

She sounds like Justin’s. Her voice is a replication of Justin’s and Alexis can dance as well. She does a lot of things that are very appealing.

 

A Belieber since 2009, Justin’s music inspired Alexis.

 

“He inspired me so much," said Alexis.

 

She chose U Smile, Catching Feelings and Believe as her favorite songs.

 

In 2013, Alexis who was a Criminology student at HNU met Cyril, an IT student, who is a guitarist. The two clicked on music and formed the group JAM-C.

 

Jenali Alexis Calipusan and Cyril Cailing
are making beautiful music together.- LPU

Alexis’ meteoric rise has taken the family by surprise.

 

Alexis’ family always knew she had a special spark to share. Now, thanks to her love of singing and a YouTube video gone viral, the world knows it too.

 

Apparently, Alexis is not new in singing. She was a member of the world-famous Loboc Children’s Choir. She had toured Europe, the USA and China together with the other members of the Loboc Children’s Choir.

 

Her mother, Jeniffer, noticed her talent in singing.

 

“We just support her,” Jeniffer said.

 

Alexis has stopped schooling. She helps her mother in their carenderia, the Tres Hermanas, in Poblacion, Loboc town.

 

The YouTube star has only one thing to say about reaching your dreams: Everything you need will come to you at the perfect time. You just have to be patient and wait for it.

 

Youtube Reactions

Youtube users were amazed by how Alexis’ voice resembled with that of Justin.

 

“This is awesome. I've been listening to your voice.. and damn you sreallly sound like justin bieber !! \m/ You must be in The Ellen show.. well, i'm way addicted to all of your covers..” said Roselle Carrera.

 

“kaboses talaga! Justin Bieber should watch this! or Scooter Braun,” said Irish Gasmen.

 

SCJ commented: “Woah i thought he was lip singing at first. He sounds just like justin! so cool…..but whats his name? It cant be lady alexis “

 

Another youtube user Firerose23 said, “You're really good and sounds like Justin Bieber! Keep it up :) +TheEllenShow you should see this!”

 

Meanwhile, some netizens forwarded Alexis’ video to Ellen Degeneres and requested her to invite her on her show. Although there is no response from Ellen, the TV host is known for inviting Pinoy singers to perform on her show.

 

ABS-CBN reported about Alexis on their news website. ABS-CBN's daily morning show Umagang Kay Ganda also featured Alexis on Feb. 16.

 

(Note: Catch Jenali Alexis Calipusan and her music tonight on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho on GMA 7.)

 

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Oscars 2015: Who will win? Who should win?

 

The 87th Academy Awards take place on February 22 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The stars will be out in full force for the ceremony, but who will take home the famous golden statuette?

 

Here’s my prediction of the wills, coulds and shoulds for Oscars 2015.

 

SUPPORTING ACTOR

Will Win: J.K. Simmons (Whiplash)

Could Win: Ethan Hawke (Boyhood)

Should Win: Mark Ruffalo (Foxcatcher)

 

SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Will Win: Patricia Arquette (Boyhood)

Could Win: Meryl Streep (Into the Woods)

Should Win:  LauraDern (Wild)

 

BEST ACTOR

Will Win:  Eddie Redmayne  (The Theory of Everything)

Could Win: Michael Keaton (Birdman)

Should Win: Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler).

 

BEST ACTRESS

Will Win: Julianne Moore (Still Alice)  

Could Win: Reese Witherspoon (Wild)

Should Win: Julianne Moore (Still Alice)  

 

BEST DIRECTOR 

Will Win:  RichardLinklater (Boyhood)

Could Win: Alejandro Inarritu (Birdman)

Should win:  RichardLinklater (Boyhood)

 

BEST PICTURE

Will Win: Birdman

Could Win: Birdman

Should Win: Boyhood 

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