ArcaMax

Growing up in Stockton, California, Amielynn Abellera didn’t see herself reflected in the mainstream media. “The only Filipino actors I remember during my childhood were Dante Basco as Rufio in the film, ‘Hook,’ Tia Carrera in ‘Wayne's World’ and Lea Salonga in ‘Miss Saigon,’” said Abellera, who is one of the stars of Noah Wyle...Read more

With an acting career spanning more than five decades, Margaret Avery’s latest role is on the Netflix comedy, “A Man on the Inside,” which has been renewed for a second season. “My character, Florence, has accepted the passing of her husband and has discovered a love for poetry to aid in her grieving process,” said Avery, who was ...Read more

For musician Ginny Luke, her childhood trips instilled in her a love of travel, while reinforcing her interest in music. “I took a trip to New York with my brother, Wes, when I was 12,” said Luke, who is promoting her latest album “Devil at My Heels” (https://ginnyluke.lnk.to/...Read more

Stephanie Koenig currently stars as Gwen Sanders on the FX series “English Teacher.” The well-traveled writer, producer and actress said that if she had to pick one destination as a favorite, she’d select somewhere in Greece. “There are so many beautiful places to visit,” said Koenig, 37. “We traveled to Greece right after the ...Read more

In her latest novel “ How My Neighbor Stole Christmas,” bestselling author Meghan Quinn sets up a holiday romance that takes place in fictional Kringletown. “Kringletown is not really based off of any town,” said Quinn, 38. “I wrote a book called ‘The Romantic Pact’ that takes place in Germany. The couple travels down the Romantic ...Read more

Born in Frankfurt, Germany, and raised in Birmingham, Alabama – where he currently resides – Ruben Studdard won the second season of “American Idol” when he was just 21 years old. Now 46, the Grammy-nominated recording artist – who’s also known for his critically-acclaimed portrayal of Fats Waller in the musical revue “Ain’t ...Read more

Born and raised in Oahu, Hualālai Chung has a pivotal role in the new animated film, “Moana 2.” “Moni is everyone's best friend [and] is the most fun-loving, whimsical, warm-hearted person you will ever meet,” the Hawaiian actor said. “He is completely infatuated with the stories and legends of the Pacific, always wanting to follow in...Read more

After Wonho completed his 18-month mandatory military duty in South Korea this past September, the pop star had intended on taking some time off before making his “comeback” – K-pop parlance for releasing new music. But when the opportunity came up to be a part of the iHeart Jingle Ball lineup – which includes a Dec. 9 concert at the ...Read more

Kim Suhyun’s bestselling book “I Decided to Live as Me” (Penguin Life) reminds readers about the importance of self-care and self-love. The Seoul-based writer said that reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations piqued reader interest. And she also credits BTS member, Jungkook, for spiking interest in her book after the pop star was spotted...Read more

Eloise Mumford (“50 Shades of Grey,” “The Right Stuff,” “Standing Up, Falling Down”) is based out of Los Angeles, but the actress said most of her year is spent filming on location in other cities. “Between filming and traveling, I mostly just go home to water my plants and check on my avocado tree,” said Mumford, who will next ...Read more

On her latest album “soft winds and roses,” two-time Juno winner Diana Panton offers her interpretation of classic songs like the Beatles’ “Here, There and Everywhere,” Elton John’s “Your Song” and Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.” Showcasing her beautiful, evocative vocals, the artist said her Scottish father’s record ...Read more

From playing a doctor on “Chicago Med” to starring opposite Harrison Ford and Michael Urie in the Apple TV+ series “Shrinking,” Devin Kawaoka is in his element bringing diverse characters to life. He’s particularly fond of Charlie, the fictional character he portrays in “Shrinking.” “Charlie is the kindest, most level-headed, ...Read more

For Sung J. Woo (“Everything Asian,” “Love Love,” “Skin Deep”), favorite locations often make appearances in his books. His upcoming novel “Lines” – which deftly weaves a story of love, loss and forgotten possibilities – is set in suburban New Jersey, downtown Manhattan, Waimea (Hawaii), Portland and Breitenbush (Oregon). “...Read more

For Chiara Aurelia (“Luckiest Girl Alive,” “Cruel Summer”), getting to travel is a major perk of her job. “I was recently filming a project that had to take an unexpected hiatus, which provided me with the perfect opportunity to take the European summer adventure I've always dreamed of,” said the New York-based actress. “Within a ...Read more

With a career spanning some 60 years and more than 50 albums, Iain Matthews is a veteran of touring and recording. Now based out of Horst aan de Maas in the Netherlands, the former frontman for the folk rock band, Fairport Convention, said he is looking forward to hitting the road to promote his Oct. 25 solo album, “How Much is Enough?” (...Read more

Born in the United Kingdom to Indian parents from East Africa, multi-instrumentalist Radhika Vekaria now resides in the United States – Los Angeles to be exact. Her multicultural upbringing speaking several languages at home is evident on her latest album, “Warriors of Light,” which offers dreamy vocals in English, Tamil, Sanskrit and ...Read more

Becoming an astronaut was a no-brainer for Kellie Gerardi, who was born in Jupiter … Florida, that is. “I’ve always been fascinated with space, but I definitely think growing up in Jupiter with a view of the Space Coast gave me invaluable exposure to human spaceflight,” said Gerardi. “I quite literally had front-row seats to the final ...Read more