StarBulletin.com

Isle woman gaining fame in Philippines


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POSTED: Friday, December 05, 2008

You may not have heard of Sheena Joy Malbog, but the 2004 St. Francis School graduate is making a name for herself in the Philippines. She's completed two movies there; her next one revolves around a 16th-century Filipino hero and starts shooting next summer. Though she understands Tagalog (the language her parents spoke when they were upset with her), fluency continues to elude her.

“;I still have the accent but it's OK,”; the 21-year-old said. “;Hopefully one day I'll get it.”; Something she has mastered, however, is American Sign Language.

Malbog, who earned a degree in psychology from HPU, supplements her acting by working for her father's construction firm in Honolulu, where she lives when she's not involved in a project in the Philippines. She also hosts a radio talk show for teens and young adults (and parents) on 101.5. Since the majority of her audience is Filipino, Malbog says she is able to provide a young person's unique perspective on issues of concern. It airs from 4 to 5 p.m. on Mondays and 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. Eventually, she hopes to develop a television talk show in the Philippines.

But entertainment is secondary to her humanitarian efforts, inspired by visits to poverty-stricken areas in the Philippines. When Malbog completed an internship with HUGS (Help, Understanding, and Group Support) at Kapiolani Hospital, she spent time with kids suffering from cancer. This inspired her to start a similar program in the Philippines, especially in hospitals lacking resources and unable to give children their own beds. Aside from her desire to make a difference in the world, her primary reason for pursuing acting is simple: “;It's a passion ...”;

More “;Lost”; news! “;The Complete Fourth Season: The Expanded Experience”; is available on DVD and Blu-ray disc beginning Tuesday, with just enough time to review the entire season before the next one begins Jan. 21. The five-disc compilation of 14 one-hour episodes is just the beginning. There's a long list of bonus features, including bloopers, audio commentaries and deleted scenes.

You'll also go behind the scenes on location with the cast and get the back-story on the bizarre Freighter Folk. Hawaii gets some attention with the Honolulu Symphony's performance of composer Michael Giacchino's music, and a section describing how the crew transforms parts of Oahu into locations all over the world. Retail price is $59.99, but you can pre-order now on Amazon (and it's cheaper!) ...

Another local girl is making an impact in the entertainment world. After appearing in “;Flight 29 Down,”; the Discovery Kids show shot in Hawaii, actress B.K. Cannon landed a guest-starring role on “;House, M.D.,”; set to air Tuesday on Fox.

Born and raised in Hawaii, the 18-year-old Mid-Pacific Institute graduate attends Mount St. Mary's College in Los Angeles. In addition, she stars in a new feature film titled “;The Inner Circle”; with Mariette Hartley. (Remember her? She guest-starred on nearly every major series in the '60s, '70s and '80s.) The film is completed and waiting for a release date.