By Victoria Chin
Gong Li in theaters nationwide, the Black Eyed Peas speaking Tagalog, an almost Asian Miss Universe, and talent, At Last! All this and more in the latest edition of News Bites.
‘At Last' Got Talent
So we all know that At Last, the band of four Asian-American singers that has appeared on NBC's America's Got Talent, can sing. But just how well can they sing? On July 19, At Last made it through the semifinals with the most votes out of all the performers in the competition. The group is based in Los Angeles, but its members come from a variety of backgrounds -- Chinese, Korean, and Cambodian. Few know that the band has also appeared alongside Justin Timberlake, Destiny's Child, and Boyz II Men in concert. Right now, the band is getting ready for the Finals of America's Got Talent. Also advancing to the finals is Natasha Le, eight-year-old piano virtuoso.
Catch At Last on the Finals of America's Got Talent on Wednesday, August 16, at 8PM/7C on NBC!
To view an At Last performance, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmrIXT1L6a4&search=at%20last%20america%27s%20got%20talent
For more information, visit: http://atlastmusic.com
Gong Li in Miami Vice
Miami Vice opened with a bang in theaters across the country this past weekend, raking in $25.2 million, and finally beating out Pirates of the Caribbean II. The film stars Colin Farrell, Jamie Foxx, Naomie Harris, and you guessed it, Gong Li. Gong plays Isabella, the lover of a Cuban crime lord, while Farrell, as undercover detective Sonny Crockett, has an affair with her. Though reviews of Gong's performance haven't been the best, her appearance on the silver screen alongside A-list Hollywood actors is something to talk about. Reviews say that her English is lacking, but her steamy scenes with heartthrob Farrell should more than make up for it.
To view a trailer of Miami Vice, visit: http://miamivice.com
For more information, visit: http://cnn.com
The Black Eyed Peas Have Filipino Pride
The Black Eyed Peas just shot the video for their funky dance song “Bebot” in Los Angeles, off their 2005 album Monkey Business. The song is written and rapped in the Filipino language Tagalog, and has special meaning for founding member Apl.de.Ap, who is also a self-appointed Philippines cultural ambassador. Though the production had a very tight budget, former American Idol star Jasmine Trias also makes an appearance. “Bebot” means ‘hot chick' in Tagalog; the song has a smooth melody and catchy beat, which makes up for the fact that most fans won't be able to understand the words, according to Apl. The video was directed by Patricio Ginelsa, who also directed “The Apl Song” off their 2003 album Elephunk. Watch out for "Bebot" on MTV, because even if you don't speak Tagalog, music is the universal language.
For more information, visit: http://mtv.com
Almost Miss Universe
On Sunday, July 23, Zuleyka Rivera Mendoza of Puerto Rico was crowned Miss Universe 2006. First runner-up was 24-year-old Kurara Chibana of Japan, whose samurai suit of armor (complete with the sword) won her the award for Best National Costume. The stunning Chibana names Christine Amanpour and her parents as her role models, and hopes to become a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commission Refugees. Chibana was born and raised in Okinawa, speaks four languages, and graduated from Sophia University in Japan. With looks like hers and a brain to boot, this beauty is sure to have a promising future ahead of her.
To view Kurara Chibana's blog, visit: http://blog.arekao.jp/muj_kurara/
For more information, visit: http://missuniverse.com
Bruce Lee on the Big Screen
A new movie about Bruce Lee is reportedly in the works, with a variety of stars interested in the role. Keanu Reeves and Stephen Chow have both expressed interest in the part, but sources say that Chinese actor Donnie Yen is the current favorite. Yen has said that he thinks of Lee as an idol, someone who has had a significant influence on his career as a martial artist and actor. The film will be based on a biography written by Robert Lee, Bruce's younger brother. Lee's family says that the film will show another side of him, including his childhood, his secrets, and his philosophy. Shooting is scheduled to start in January 2007, and producers are hoping for a release in 2008, just in time for the 35th anniversary of Lee's mysterious death.
For more information, visit: http://people.monstersandcritics.com
USC Football Twins and Steroids?
Twin brothers Ryan and Brandon Ting unexpectedly left the USC football team last week to focus their attention on admission to medical school, according to a news source at the university. However, the Los Angeles Times just reported that Brandon tested positive for steroids. This report shocked teammates, friends, and family, as the half-Chinese and half-Japanese twins not only possessed impressive athletic abilities, but also maintained 3.8 GPAs. They graduated in the top 1% of their high school classes and were offered admission to Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. When the brothers announced their decision to leave the team, an interview reported that they wanted to be remembered for their hard work and good relationships. Unfortunately, they may now be remembered for something else.
For more information, visit: http://latimes.com
Published: Thursday, August 3, 2006
