...the Fil-Ams in Hollywood

Fil-Am performers soar in Hollywood

 

By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ

August 31, 2011

Manila Bulletin

 

 

Anna Maria Perez De Tagle is one of the stars of ‘Hannah Montana;’

MANILA, Philippines – Filipina-American Anna Maria Perez De Tagle is set to cross over from TV to theater as she marks her Broadway debut via the revival of rock musical “Godspell.”

The young Disney star, best known for her role as Ashley Dewitt on “Hannah Montana,” revealed her new project through a series of tweets last Aug. 30, which collectively read, “I am so honored... to be a part of.... the revival cast of GODSPELL on BROADWAY!!!www.godspell.com @BwayGodspell :)”

Her inclusion to the cast was also announced through the “Godspell” official website.

Notable personalities congratulated Perez De Tagle, namely internationally acclaimed Filipina thespian Lea Salonga, whom the former considers as her “all time Broadway inspiration,” and the Jonas Brothers.

“Congrats, @AnnaMariaPdT!!! Guys, she'll be making her Broadway debut in GODSPELL!!!” Salonga tweeted on Monday.

The JoBros, meanwhile, said, “So excited for our good friend @annamariapdt! Congrats on @BwayGodspell.”

She then thanked the artists for their greetings in her succeeding tweets, saying she hopes they would watch the show.

Perez De Tagle, the granddaughter of esteemed performer Sylvia La Torre, has performed in the regional theater productions of “Cinderella,” “Bugsy Malone,” “The Wiz” and “The King and I,” as stated on BroadwayWorld.com. Last year, the 20-year-old singer-actress toured North and South America with the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato.

“Godspell” will begin its preview performances next month, while its opening night will be on Nov. 7.

Meanwhile, a former child star who left the Philippines at 13, is making a name for himself as a DJ in America: Tom Taus.

The “Ang TV” kid and star of films “Cedie” and “Anak ng Bulkan” is now known in the US club circuit as “DJ Tommy T,” reported “TV Patrol” on Aug. 30.

"I guess I just wanted a change. I wanted to experience something new in my life,” said the now-25-year-old Taus in his interview on “Patrol.”

Taus got into DJ-ing after his elder sister, former singer-actress Antoinette Taus, introduced him to her DJ-friend five years ago, the report added.

The younger Taus hopes to showcase his DJ-ing skills in other popular foreign clubs and even in his home country Philippines.

"[I want to] put a stamp in America for the Filipino people again, like Manny (Pacquiao), like Apl [.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas], like the many other talented Filipinos who have done great work,” said he.