Davao singer enters ‘The Voice US’ Top 24
Nearly five decades since starting her career in show business, actor-director Laurice Guillen will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards tonight at the Meralco Theater.
Getting the same honor with Laurice are director Marilou Diaz-Abaya (posthumous award) and actor Charo Santos. The three women were picked by scriptwriter Ricky Lee who heads the FAMAS jury.
“I was dumbfounded,” Laurice said, recalling the time she learned about it.
“It’s a Lifetime Achievement Award. It’s no joke to receive one. I’m honored to have been chosen for the recognition.”
But it does not end there. Laurice said to receive the award alongside two other women who’ve contributed much to the industry is an honor in itself.
“This time around, FAMAS focuses on what the women have done. I know them both personally, and I know the courage
Fthey took to do what they did,” she said.
Marilou was known for classic films about women as “Moral,” “Brutal,” and
ilipino singer Jej Vinson has earned a slot in the Top 24 of “The Voice US” over his impressive rendition of “Versace On The Floor.” Vinson, who is with Team Kelly Clarkson, nailed the Bruno Mars hit with his skillful vocal acrobatics and groove. He performed it at the Cross Battle round, where he faced off against a member of Adam Levine’s team, LB Crew.
The singer from Davao was revealed to be part of final 24 contestants in the Wednesday episode of the show. His inclusion was determined by public votes.
On Instagram, Vinson expressed happiness over his success. He uploaded a photo that shows him hugging Clarkson.
“TOP 24!! Wtheck guys!! Thank you so much to everyone who supported me so far in this incredible journey. Words can’t even express how grateful I am. @kellyclarkson you’re incredible. Thank you for believing in me. I’m excited to learn more from you. Excited for next week! Again, thank you for “Karnal.” She also did movies about social injustice, class struggle, religious differences, and child labor namely “Jose Rizal,” all the support. Love you all,” he wrote.
Vinson’s journey in “The Voice US” began when he earned a rare four-chair turn in the blind auditions. He impressed the coaches with his acoustic rendition of Drake’s “Passion Fruit.”
In fact, no less than Blake Shelton predicted the Filipino singer could become the winner of the show’s 16th season.
“I think everybody here is probably a little bit nervous talking to you right now because we all feel like we’re looking at the winner of The Voice this season,” said country singer. Vinson ultimately picked pop singer-song
Laurice’s passion to tell stories or breathe life into a character hasn’t stopped. Next month, she releases the Mother’s Day offering “Man And Wife.”
The movie revives the well-loved writer Clarkson as his coach.
“Jej is someone that I hope is on the radio someday because we need it. There aren’t singers like that,” she said.
He then battled on stage with Beth Griffith-Manley and performed their rendition of the song “Jealous” by Labrinth. Coach Clarkson chose the Pinoy to advance to the next round.
Vinson received congratulatory “Muro Ami,” “Sa Pusod Ng Dagat,” “Milagros,” and “Bagong Buwan,” among others. Charo did the films “Itim,” “Tisoy,” “Kisapmata,” “Kakabakaba Ka Ba?,” “Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak,” “Hindi Mo Ako Kayang Tapakan,” and “Ang Babaeng Humayo,” to name a few. Then later, she tried her hand at producing films that defined the Second Golden Age of Philippine Cinema, among them “Himala” and “Oro Plata Mata.” Laurice made waves in the local film scene with her unforgettable award-winning performances in “Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang,” “Moral,” and “Sister Stella L.” She also directed several movies, including “Salome,” “Init Sa Magdamag,” “The Dolzura Cortez Story,” and “Tanging Yaman.”
She is one of the founders of the Directors Guild of the Philippines, and President of Cinemalaya Foundation.
Not a remake
messages from his
“You are making all Filipinos here in the States proud! I am such a fan!”
“Thank you America for believing in Jej.”
“Congratulations Jej! Thank you for giving us a gift your amazing voice!”
The next “The Voice USA” episode is on Monday, April 29. characters of 1949’s radio drama series-turned-television series “Gulong Ng Palad.” They are the couple Luisa Santos-Medel and Ricardo “Carding” Medel, and even Philomena “Menang” Medel as well as Mimi Sandoval.
The 72-year-old actor-director shared that it’s not a remake of “Gulong Ng Palad” but “in a way, it’s a continuation” of the story.
“But it’s a ‘What if Carding and Luisa eloped and escaped from their problem?’What if they decide to run away to fulfill their love and marry because they love each other,’” she said.
“Gulong Ng Palad” is about forbidden love between Carding and Luisa, each coming from different world.
In “Man And Wife,” Carding and Luisa are played by Gabby Concepcion and Jodi Sta. Maria, respectively.
Carding’s family, led by his mother and mayor of the town, Menang (Liza Lorena), permits abusive mining companies to operate in their place affecting the agricultural lands, including the one run by Luisa’s sibling, Totoy (EA Guzman).
As the couple tries to stick together amid the rift between their families, they realize that the process is more complicated than they anticipated – Carding comes in conflict with his mother; Luisa with Totoy and other siblings. This makes them question their decision of building their own family.
“Man And Wife,” produced by Cineko films and distributed by Cinescreen, opens in cinemas on May 8.
Doting
Laurice has simple prayer at this point.
“I hope I will be able to live long enough for me to be able to see my future grandchildren. You know the usual grandparents’ dreams. Where I could spend more time with them, enjoy and savor each moments, and just helping my kids raised my grandchildren. Just to be part of their lives,” she said.
She’s excited to introduce so many things to them, and pass on what she had learned throughout her journey.
“I wish nothing but good health and long life.”