Words of the year

by Ronald Constantino

ENGLISH & FILIPINO – Collins Dictionary has selected “fake news” as the word of the year. It’s defined as “false,often sensational, information disseminated under the guise of news reporting.”

US President Donald Trump accuses his critics of spreading fake news.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque threatens people behind fake news ( the yellow brigade?) with hollow blocks and adobes being thrown at them. He said that in front of President Duterte’s ardent supporter Mocha Uson ,who’s accused of being the source of some fake news. Which the lady denied vehemently.

In Filipino, Highspeed considers two as possible words of the year: lodi (idol) and petmalu (malupit). Coco Martin is the current lodi, while Regine Velasquez’s recent concert was petmalu, meaning awesome and dazzling.

Juggling words isn’t really new. Erap is pare. Think ermat, erpat, nosibalasi, hayba.

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‘FALLBACK’ – Rhian Ramos meets Zanjoe Marudo in “Fallback,” billed as romantic chick-flick about having a, well , fallback in a love affair.

Rhian plays a location manager who’s caught in a relationship on the verge of falling-out. With the advice of colleagues to look for a second option in case the relationship ends, she considers an ex-boyfriend, Zanjoe, as a fallback.

Yes, a “Fallback.” In case Plan A doesn’t work, there’s always Plan B to fall back on. But will it work?

Co-starring Ricky Davao, Daniel Matsunaga, Mario Mortel, Cai Cortez, and Ms. Tetchie Agbayani. Directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, who megged the sleeper “100 Tula Para Kay Stella.” Produced by Cineko and distributed by Star Cinema.

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SPEEDY NOTES – Alex de Rossi is admirable. Imagine saying no to big money (as in millions) because of principles. Other throw away principles when offered cash and other benefits. Alex is going steady with Marc Abaya…Like Rico J. Puno, the ageless Pilita Corales is both idol and icon. What a beauty inside and out… After JC Santos and Christian Bables, who are willing to do frontal nudity? JC de Vera, Christian Vasquez, Ricky Davao, Jake Cuenca, Polo Ravales? Well, a long time ago Christopher de Leon has done it in “Iwahig,” directed by Joey Romero. Ditto Alan Paule in “Ang Lalake sa Buhay ni Selya,” directed by Carlitos Siguion Reyna.