032324 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

ONE year after the multilingual CA vs Hate reporting hotline was launched, how has it answered hate?

At a Friday, March 15 Ethnic Media Services briefing, CA vs Hate staff, civil rights state organizers and community organizations on the ground discussed hate crime trends throughout California, and how the hotline connects those experiencing hate with local resources including mental health support, legal aid and financial help.

The hotline

Since the CA vs Hate line was launched in May 2023, “we have received 823 reports of hate across 79% of the counties in California,” said Chantel Bermudez, senior manager of the hotline.

The protected status reported most often is race, ethnicity, country of origin; then religion; sexual orientation; and gender identity. “66% of those who reported hate accepted care services,” she added, the

the South China Sea.

He also said he would not allow the use of military bases in the country for offensives against China, saying the Philippines has "no interest" in attacking China or any country.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Marcos said the U.S. has been very supportive and has shown that it was taking the agreements with the Philippines seriously, but Manila would not run to Washington

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration unexpectedly yanked its support from a sweeping proposal that would have protected millions of California’s indoor workers from dangerous heat, saying it can’t endorse it without knowing the projected costs to the state.

But the board that oversees worker safety immediately defied the administration Thursday, March 21 by unanimously approving new standards intended to protect people who work in poorly ventilated warehouses, steamy restaurant kitchens, and other indoor job sites.

The showdown represents a setback to the state’s climate and labor policy goals, and throws the fate of the rules into unknown territory. They had been expected to take effect by summer.

The move by the Democratic administration angered board members, who called it a “last-

OFFICIALS of the Philippines and TimorLeste are working out the details for bringing home expelled Congressman Arnolfo Teves, who was arrested in the Timorese capital of Dili on Thursday, March 21.

The Timorese police have taken custody of Teves, who was arrested while playing golf at a driving range in Dili.

"The meeting between Philippine and Timor-Leste government officials is still ongoing," said Department of Justice (DoJ) spokesman Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano on Friday, March 22.

"What they are discussing is how Teves will be returned to the Philippines," Clavano

said several options are being considered, including extradition and deportation.

"We will have to see what is the most feasible, fastest and safest way," he said.

Clavano said deportation is the most expeditious process, since Teves is already considered an undesirable alien following the cancellation of his passport.

He is also an undocumented alien, which means he has violated Timor-Leste's immigration laws.

Extradition appears highly unlikely since the Philippines and Timor-Leste have no extradition treaty.

 PAGE A4

"when something goes wrong."

"That's not the way we treat it. We do this for ourselves. We do this because we feel that we have to do it. And it's not at the behest of the United States," he said. Asked how confident he was that the U.S. would go to war with China over the dispute in the South  PAGE A2

MANILA — The United States should not instigate trouble in the South China Sea or take sides on the issue, the Chinese embassy said on Wednesday, March 20.

The embassy issued the statement as it opposed the “thinly veiled threat” of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to invoke the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the Philippines and defend its ally in the face of any aggression in the South China Sea.

“We firmly oppose the groundless accusations made by Secretary Blinken about China’s legitimate and lawful actions in the South China Sea and his thinly veiled threat to invoke the so-called MDT obligations,” the embassy said, referring to the U.S. treaty with the Philippines as a “vestige of the Cold War.”

“The military cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines should not undermine China’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests in the South China

MANILA — The revocation of the legislative franchise of Sonshine Media Network Inc. (SMNI) by the House of Representatives would have to be approved by the Senate first before it can take effect –in accordance with the usual legislative route, lawmakers said on Thursday, March 21.

The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading on Wednesday, March 20, House Bill 9710 nullifying the franchise of Swara Sug Media Corp., which operates SMNI.

The House decision stemmed from accusations of red-tagging and spreading of falsehoods leveled against the broadcast network arm of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) sect of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. The Senate is awaiting the transmittal of HB 9710, which it would forward to the public services committee chaired by Sen. Grace Poe.

“The appropriate manner of effecting revocation is through a repeal of the franchise law. Thus, the repealing statute must undergo the same legislative process as when a bill is passed into law,” Poe said in a statement on Thursday.

She said she is deferring to the Senate leadership if it would decide to list the bill as priority measure for speedy approval.

“The committee shall seek the consensus of the body on this. No franchise bill has ever been listed as a priority so I defer to the leadership as to the pace of its disposition,” Poe said. She said it was “the first instance that a proposal for a franchise revocation has made significant progress in Congress.”

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, a member of the public services committee, said the bill revoking SMNI’s franchise would be treated like any other bill.

In a phone interview with Senate reporters, Dela Rosa said he does not want to be perceived as blocking the passage of the bill just because he is friends with Quiboloy, who is also facing a Senate investigation on alleged sexual abuses in KOJC.

Dela Rosa also took offense at reports that came out on  PAGE A4

“We should subject this to utmost study and scrutiny as this shall set a precedent for future legislative franchises,” she added. Her committee, she stressed, would be “guided by the principle that a franchise is a privilege, and that grantees should always abide by the tenets of fairness and public welfare.”

MANILA — Pork barrel scam mastermind Janet LimNapoles and former Masbate Rep. Rizalina Seachon-Lanete have been allowed to post bail after the Supreme Court (SC) dismissed a case related to the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

In a 22-page resolution issued in October 2023, the high court junked the petition filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) of the Office of the Ombudsman assailing the Sandiganbayan’s resolution granting Napoles and Lanete’s

application for bail.

“Verily, the Court concludes that the OSP failed to prove that there exists evident guilt or a great presumption of guilt that would warrant the denial of Napoles and Lanete’s right to bail,” the decision read.

However, despite the SC’s ruling allowing her to post bail, Napoles remains in detention as she is serving jail time for her other PDAF cases where she was found guilty.

The SC said that the OSP did not sufficiently demonstrate evident guilt or a strong presumption of guilt to justify denying Napoles and Lanete’s

‘Philippines not poking...

PAGE A1

China Sea, Marcos said, "To take a step back from that question, that is precisely what we want to avoid."

"We want to do everything we possibly can together with our partners and our allies to avoid that situation. This is not poking the bear. We are trying to do quite the opposite. We are trying to keep things at a manageable level, to continue the dialogues, at every level," the president said.

"And we have initiated many of those dialogues, we have dialogues at the sub-ministerial level, at the ministerial level and at the executive level. And so, I think that's what we hope to continue because there [is much volatility] in the area," he added.

The president said he would only invoke the country's Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the U.S. if China's actions in the West Philippine Sea become "an existential threat" to the Philippines.

"When we think about peace [and] the national interest, it does not serve any purpose to heighten tensions. To say, okay, I am invoking now the mutual defense treaty. I don't think anyone wants that," Marcos said.

"Unless the effects are such that it will become an existential threat to the country, then, I think, it's very easy to say that would trigger the mutual defense treaty, the agreement between the United States and the Philippines," he added.

Signed by the Philippines and the U.S. in 1951, the MDT is a defense pact that unites the two allies to help defend each other from aggression.

Marcos said the Philippines would pursue a peaceful resolution of the maritime disputes with China, stressing the importance of upholding international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).

"Since the threat has grown, we must do more to defend our territory. And so maybe... that's what people are seeing, [there is] a more robust defense of our territorial rights as recognized by the international community, through international law,

through the Unclos," he said.

"We have not instigated any kind of conflict; we have not instigated any kind of confrontation," the president added.

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told the Philippines to stop using the South China Sea issue to instigate disputes and count on external forces to undermine peace and stability in the region.

This, after Marcos, following his meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on March 12, said that "we (the Philippines) have not rejected any proposal that China made to us, and what is unacceptable is Beijing basing its expansive claim on its '10-dash line,' which is not recognized by any country, any international body."

The Chinese official, however, insisted that China has territorial sovereignty and historic maritime rights and interests in the South China Sea and its islands or Nanhai Zhudao.

China claims sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, pointing to a line on its maps that cuts into the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague said China's claims had no legal basis. China has rejected that ruling.

In the same Bloomberg interview, Marcos again defended his decision to allow a larger American military presence in the country under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the US.

"We have no interest in attacking anything or anyone. That is the furthest thing from our mind. No, we would not allow that," the president said when asked if he maintained his stance that Philippine military bases would not be used for attacks against China.

"Unless we are at war, perhaps, but that's why we want to keep away from that situation ... Maybe you could describe it as an uneasy peace, but it's peace nonetheless," he added.

Since coming to office, Marcos has deepened traditional security ties with the U.S., granting its treaty ally access to four new military bases.

China has criticized the move, saying it would escalate tensions and endanger peace and stability in the region.

The Marcos administration's decision to grant American forces expanded access to Philippine bases under the EDCA has also sparked domestic criticism from Filipinos, who worry this could drag their country into a war between the U.S. and China over Taiwan.

But the president has repeatedly said that the moves were meant to bolster the country's defenses.

Signed in 2014, EDCA allows Philippine and American militaries to train together and respond to natural and humanitarian crises.

Since the signing, nine military bases have been identified as EDCA sites, which include sites in Cagayan, Isabela and Palawan that offer greater U.S. access to the West Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea and Taiwan.

The EDCA sites can also accommodate a large number of logistical assets with the upcoming Philippine-U.S.

Balikatan exercise in April.

This will take place after the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Manila, where among the key issues discussed was maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Blinken arrived in Manila for an official visit amid the heightened tensions between the Philippines and China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

The U.S. official also told his counterpart, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, that keeping the South China Sea free and open is critical to the world, noting that China's continuing cycle of aggressive actions in the strategic and busy waterway is a threat to global peace, security and freedom of navigation.

The visit came ahead of the scheduled first three-way summit of U.S. President Joe Biden, Marcos, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on April 11 in Washington, D.C. 

Sea,” it added. The embassy again denied that China provoked the recent tense situation in the South China Sea.

Turning to the U.S., it accused Washington of “going out of their way and far to the doorsteps of China to bluff and stir up the situation.”

“The recent tension in the South China Sea would not have occurred without the U.S. egging on the Philippines. Indeed, the U.S. admits to banding together a small number of countries to offer verbal support to the Philippines,” the Chinese embassy said.

On Tuesday, March 19, Blinken underscored the U.S. stand against “provocative” actions in the South China Sea as he reaffirmed his country’s “ironclad” commitment to defend the Philippines.

Article IV of the treaty, he said, extends to any armed attacks on Filipino armed forces, on public vessels, on aircraft, including its coast guard and “and that would also be anywhere in the South China Sea.”

He emphasized the waterways are critical to the Philippines, its security and economy and also to the interests of the region, the U.S. and the world. The U.S., according to Blinken, has been “very clear and very consistent” about its defense commitments to the Philippines. Blinken and President Marcos emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Philippine alliance to security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and underscored their shared commitment to upholding international law in the South China Sea.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo thanked his counterpart for the U.S. government’s consistent support, especially with regard to recent incidents in the South China Sea. Blinken’s visit took place ahead of the first trilateral leaders’ summit between the U.S., the Philippines and Japan, to be held on April 11 at the White House.

U.S. President Joe Biden will host Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in the first trilateral summit. 

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and President Marcos emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Philippine alliance to security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and underscored their shared commitment to upholding international law in the South China Sea. Malacañang photo

PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

Fil-Am artists present diverse perspectives on Filipino culture Talks under way on Teves’...

The Forest Lawn Museum exhibit showcases Filipino heritage and its influence on California’s cultural tapestry

GLENDALE — Seven Filipino American contemporary artists are set to showcase Philippine heritage and its influence on California’s cultural tapestry in an upcoming exhibit at the Forest Lawn Museum in Glendale.

The artists featured in “Filipino

California: Art and the Filipino Diaspora” include Eliseo Art Silva, Allison Hueman, Anthony Francisco, Maryrose Cobarrubias Mendoza, Christine Morla, Maria Villote and Junn Roca.

Working across various styles and formats, these artists address issues related to Filipino culture and the Filipino-American experience.

“It is a rare privilege to exhibit with fellow Filipino American artists, as it enables us to explore the shared and diverse perspectives of our Philippine heritage and our influence on California’s cultural tapestry,” said Silva, who is among the most visible Fil-Am artists in the U.S.

Silva said Filipinos have had a significant presence in California since Oct. 18, 1587, which marks the first arrival of Filipinos in the continental United States, in Morro Bay, California, “contributing to the state’s development as one of the earliest Asian founding families (pobladores) in Los Angeles.”

One of Silva’s major public art projects in Los Angeles is “Talang Gabay: Our Guiding Star,” the gateway arch in Historic Filipinotown.

Silva was born in Manila and migrated to the U.S. when he was 17 years old. He now has studios in both the U.S. and the Philippines. His art incorporates elements of surrealism and is charged with political meaning that examines his experiences as an immigrant and honors the sacrifices and contributions of Filipinos in America.

Allison Hueman is an Oaklandbased artist whose diverse portfolio includes outdoor murals, fine art painting and immersive installations.

Hueman first gained prominence with her street art, and she is recognized for her distinct style, which she calls “etherealism.” Her artwork has a

dreamlike quality that combines human figures with abstract elements and gauzy layers. Hueman has collaborated with some of the world’s top brands, including Nike, Sony Music and the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. Her new paintings include one inspired by “The Mystery of Life,” a sculpture at Forest Lawn created in 1928 by Italian artist Ernesto Gazzeri. Anthony Francisco is a creator, director, illustrator and concept artist who has worked on a range of creative projects, including more than 20 films.

For nine years, he worked as a senior visual development artist for Marvel Studios, where he designed iconic characters such as Baby Groot (Guardians of the Galaxy), Loki (Thor) and the Dora Milaje warriors (Black Panther). Throughout his career, Francisco has used inspiration and influences from Filipino culture when designing new characters. He is currently developing multiple projects,

including an animated series on Filipino folklore and a vast science-fiction universe called “Creature Chronicles.”

Christine Morla is a multidisciplinary artist best known for her installations that examine color, texture and scale.

Inspired by the Philippine banig, handwoven mats used for sleeping and sitting, Morla creates labor-intensive installations with hundreds of pieces of painted paper, found materials and smaller weavings. Her work explores the complexities of contemporary identity, with each element of her installations contributing to vibrant works that investigate cultural signifiers within and outside of her own inspirations and influences.

Maryrose Cobarrubias Mendoza is a multidisciplinary artist who examines the impact of history, memory and nostalgia on individual experience. She was raised in Manila before  PAGE A7

"However, there may be a way to still request for extradition because of the (United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime)," Clavano said. In the absence of a treaty, an extradition request can be sought, but it will take a bit of documentation, he said.

Clavano said the DoJ's priority right now is the safety and security of Teves.

"We know that this is a huge case for us, and we just want to make sure that he is here to stand trial safe and sound, so whatever the concerns of the Teves camp are, they are gone because that is the government's top priority," he said.

Teves is being accused of masterminding the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo on March 4, 2023. Five other people were killed when gunmen burst into the Degamo compound.

Teves also faces multiple murder charges in Negros Oriental in connection with a

series of murders in the province in 2019. He was labeled a terrorist in August 2023 by the AntiTerrorism Council (ATC).

Clavano said the DoJ has yet to receive the official Timorese report on Teves' arrest. He said it was not the Philippine delegation that made the arrest, but the Timor-Leste police and the National Central Bureau (NCB). National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Medardo de Lemos will head a team that will escort Teves back to the Philippines.

The trip is being arranged by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) and the Philippine Embassy in Dili.

Clavano said how fast Teves will be flown back to Manila will depend on the Timorese government.

On Thursday night, March 21, the widow of Degamo, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, welcomed the arrest of Teves.

"Words cannot express how

it feels to finally see the man who terrorized our province and brutally murdered my husband surrounded by police," Degamo said on a Facebook post.

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV, in a post on his X handle on Friday, explained how Teves' arrest could also impact on the efforts to arrest former President Rodrigo Duterte.

"The arrest of Teves with the help of the Interpol and the East Timorese police force is an example of how Duterte will be arrested once his International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant of arrest is released and if this goes through Interpol's process," Trillanes wrote in Filipino.

"This is the obligation of Interpol member states like the Philippines," he said. "Just like what they did to Teves, when Interpol gave the 'red notice' or an international warrant of arrest to the East Timorese police, they did not question the validity of the red notice and arrested Teves right away." 

Senate concurrence needed to revoke...

Thursday quoting him as saying he would be willing to serve as Quiboloy’s security once the pastor is detained at the Senate.

House: No political color

With Quiboloy perceived to have supporters in the Senate, the House can do nothing if senators refuse to concur with the revocation of the franchise, according to the vice chairman of the House committee on legislative franchises, Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel.

The bill can be refiled in the next Congress, Pimentel told “Storycon” on One News on Thursday.

He denied that there was any “political color” in the revocation, which is perceived to have emanated from the feud between the Dutertes and Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Asked if the House would be willing to let go of its power to issue broadcast franchises, Pimentel told Storycon: “That would be a problem because under the Constitution, Congress has the power to grant, revoke or amend a franchise.”

Taking away this power from Congress would require amending the Constitution,

Pimentel pointed out. Senate women and children committee chairperson Risa Hontiveros earlier ordered Quiboloy’s arrest for contempt for snubbing her investigation on the rape allegations against him.

Dela Rosa at a press briefing on Wednesday, March 20 said he would be willing to secure Quiboloy in the Senate detention area or be a negotiator for the Senate sergeant-at-arms in the serving of the warrant against the sect leader.

“I was asked if I would be willing to serve as Quiboloy’s security, and I only said yes out of goodwill. Then news came out portraying me in a bad light. The context was removed just to suit their desire,” he said.

Rep. Jude Acidre of party-list Tingog said they expect senators to deliberate on HB 9710 fairly.

“Well, we cannot tell the Senate what to do, but we’re hoping that they will look at it objectively. They have to look at the evidence. We hope that this will be handled with objectivity and impartiality,” Acidre, a deputy majority leader, said at a briefing.

Parañaque second district Rep. Gus Tambunting, chairman of the House committee on legislative franchises, earlier said HB 9710

would take the usual legislative mill.

“It still has to pass through the Senate, this will pass through the regular process. It should be read in the House plenary, second and third reading, then we send it to the Senate,” he said.

Bad precedent

Acidre said Quiboloy’s defiance in the face of summons for him to attend hearings on SMNI’s franchise should not serve as precedent in the conduct of future hearings. “It cannot be the precedent. We have to act decisively,” he explained.

Romualdez on Wednesday evening defended the revocation of SMNI’s franchise, calling it a “decisive action” that “underscores our commitment to uphold the integrity of broadcasting standards and the public’s trust.”

SMNI openly admitted to transitioning from a non-stock, non-profit corporation to a sole corporation under Quiboloy in 2006. Later, in 2023, the controlling stake was transferred to Marlon Acobo, with both transactions taking place without obtaining congressional approval, records show.

Section 10 of RA 11422

Inang Kayumanggi ng California (The Brown Madonna of California) by Eliseo Art Silva, 2022. Acrylic on canvas, 25 x 30 inches.

Photo courtesy of Eliseo Art Silva

SC upholds decision granting Napoles bail...

- No person charged with a capital offense, or an offense punishable by reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment, shall be admitted to bail when evidence of guilt is strong, regardless of the stage of the criminal prosecution.

In this instance, the Sandiganbayan determined that the OSP did not establish evident guilt or a significant presumption of guilt regarding Napoles and Lanete. The anti-graft court granted the pair’s application for bail the lack of any direct evidence to show that Lanete had personal dealings with Napoles, and the failure to show that the amassed ill-gotten wealth reached the threshold amount of P50 million.

Initially, Napoles was accused of embezzling P64 million. However, the anti-graft court dismissed several daily disbursement records, deeming them irrelevant or inadequately identified and presented as

evidence.

According to Republic Act No. 7080, there should be an amount of at least P50 million worth of ill-gotten wealth which shall be proven amassed, accumulated or acquired by an individual for a crime to be considered plunder.

Napoles was convicted of plunder for her involvement in the misappropriation of Sen. Bong Revilla’s PDAF in 2018.

In January 2024, Napoles and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada were acquitted of plunder for the misuse of PDAF worth P10 billion. However, she was found guilty of five and two counts of corruption of public officials by direct and indirect bribery, respectively and is facing imprisonment of 62 years.

The PDAF scam is a multimillion peso scandal related to the discretionary funds which involved several lawmakers, which included Estrada, Revilla and former Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile. 

Senate concurrence needed to revoke...

PAGE A4

The

Vice President Sara Duterte advised the SMNI to study all legal options regarding its franchise.

“What I would suggest to SMNI is to consult their lawyers on what legal options they have with regard to their franchise,” Duterte said.

Duterte earlier said that revoking the franchise of SMNI could be tantamount to suppression of media freedom.

It was under the term of Duterte’s father that the franchise of media giant ABS-CBN Corp. was revoked for supposed failure to pay the right taxes, an allegation that officials from the Bureau of Internal Revenue repeatedly belied before the House of Representatives. 

Move to protect CA’s indoor workers from...

minute stunt” that undermines their regulatory process. It also sparked a protest by warehouse workers, who temporarily shut down the meeting as they waved signs declaring that “Heat Kills!” and loudly chanted, “What do we want? Heat protection! When do we want it? Now!”

“We got blindsided today, and I don’t think it was fair,” said David Thomas, chair of the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board, who became visibly upset several times during the meeting. “They hung our ass out to dry.”

The rules to protect indoor workers had been years in the making, but Newsom’s Department of Finance informed board staffers the night before the vote that it couldn’t sign off. They told us “the potential fiscal impacts on public sector entities haven’t been fully analyzed,” Eric Berg, deputy chief of health and research and standards at California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, reported to the board.

Newsom spokesperson Omar Rodriguez declined to comment.

But Department of Finance spokesperson H.D. Palmer disputed the characterization of the administration’s concerns as “last-minute.” He said the administration has held meetings with board staffers for weeks to discuss estimates for how much it would cost the state to implement the rules in its own buildings. They provided the most recent estimates to Palmer’s department in February.

By law, the Department of Finance is required to approve a fiscal review for any regulation that would have significant economic impacts.

For example, the indoor heat standard proposal could cost the state billions of dollars just to keep its prisons cool enough for workers and inmates, Palmer said, based on the board’s estimate.

“We need to evaluate that. Is it too high? Is it on point?” he said. “This is not a decision made in an arbitrary manner or concerning policy. We did not have the time to do due

diligence.” Palmer would not comment on how much longer it would take to analyze the cost of the rule.

The deadline to keep the proposal on track is March 30. Otherwise the years-long regulatory process may have to start from scratch. But this is unknown territory, and board members said at the March 21 meeting they are not sure how to proceed. Some suggested they could adopt emergency regulations — but even that would take time. The state has had heat standards on the books for outdoor workers since 2005, and indoor workplaces were supposed to be next. The proposed standard would require work sites to be cooled below 87 degrees Fahrenheit when employees are present and below 82 degrees in places where workers wear protective clothing or are exposed to radiant heat, such as furnaces. Buildings could be cooled with air conditioning, fans, misters, and other methods.

For businesses that couldn’t cool their workplaces sufficiently, such as laundries or restaurant kitchens, where commercial boilers, ovens, and fryers operate, the rule would offer them the option of giving workers cooldown areas and other relief.

Some businesses have expressed fear that they won’t be able to meet the requirements if they are enacted, even with the flexibility the regulation offers. Providing a place for a kitchen worker to cool down in a small restaurant, for example, might not be feasible, according to the California Restaurant Association.

But workers and labor advocates demanded at the March 21 meeting that the board take action, saying employers must protect workers and adapt to a warming climate.

“How many workers have to end up hospitalized or, even worse, end up dying because of heat illness, because there’s no protections put in place?”

Yesenia Barrera, an organizer with the Warehouse Worker

Looking at California’s hate reporting...

top

The resource is open between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday by phone at 833-8-NO-HATE or 833-8664283, or anytime online at cavshate.org, for California residents to privately report and get support in over 200 languages for non-emergency hate crimes and incidents for free, regardless of immigration status, and anonymously if they choose.

Community organizations partnered with the hotline provide hate response services statewide through weekly case conferences with state civil rights agents, said CA Civil Rights Department CommunityBased Organization Manager James Williams, Jr.

“This is one of the largest efforts of its kind by the sheer size of our state, and many states are looking at how we implement it by working together to help those in need of support,” he added. “As California goes, so goes much of the nation.”

Stopping hate on the ground

The CA vs Hate network includes 13 call centers and five direct victim support organizations statewide.

“When someone calls the line, we provide an interpreter in their preferred language, and referrals to the type of resources they want. Someone trained to take reports writes a description of what bias motivations and words or actions the hate act included,” said Yolie Anguiano, CA vs Hate director for 211LA, the state hotline’s lead agency, which has provided a similar 24-hour LA vs Hate service for a third of Californians since 2019.

“You don’t have to be the targeted person— you can also report as an advocate or a witness,” she added.

“How can we ensure that we’re not only responding to hate, but preventing it? Hate is on the rise statewide, and comes in many forms,” said Cynthia Choi, co-founder of hotline partner Stop AAPI Hate and co-executive director of Chinese for Affirmative Action. “To only treat criminal

incidents as serious is a disservice to our community that furthers a sense of distrust and hopelessness that nothing can be done.”

“We learned very quickly from those who called us that even the fact that somebody on the other end is believing, listening to and caring about what they share with us — that there is, who cares to listen — has a healing effect,” Choi added.

Even among criminal incidents, hate is skyrocketing.

The latest available FBI data, from 2022, shows that reported hate crimes soared statewide for nearly every demographic group in California. There were a total of 2,120 reported crimes — a 20.2% jump from the previous year.

1,300 of these reports were of suspected racial, ethnic or national origin bias, while half of these targeted Black Californians — 27.1% more than the prior year.

Furthermore, Black students in about 6% of California public schools report experiencing hate.

“The highest-reported situations our units statewide get are school violence situations specifically targeted at Black students,” said Connie Alexander-Boaitey, president of hotline partner NAACP Santa Barbara. “Unfortunately, most of this hate towards black students is being perpetrated by Latinx students … and we’re struggling in the communication between these communities. How do you focus on school when you’re being traumatized every day?”

To address this school hate, NAACP Santa Barbara and the California Civil Rights Department kicked off an ongoing series of intercommunity dialogues between the Latino and Black communities on February 26.

“You can report and report hate, but if we don’t encourage communities to talk to each other, we can’t get to the source and help our students thrive at school,” said AlexanderBoaitey.

LGBT+ hate crimes are also on the rise, with 391 motivated by sexual orientation bias in California in 2022 — 29% more than the previous year.

Furthermore, these are only reported crimes; the U.S.

National Crime Victimization Survey estimates that at least 40% to 50% of all hate crimes are unreported to law enforcement.

Overall, LGBT+ people are nine times more likely to be victims of a hate crime than non-LGBT individuals.

“Since the CA vs Hate line kicked off, we’ve definitely seen an increase in people seeking services against discrimination, especially legal housing and mental health support,” said Ariel Bustamante, senior manager of capacity building at hotline partner LA LGBT Center.

“From a small business owner being gunned down for visible support of the community, to a terrified parent calling us about their elementary school child who was assaulted on campus by another student after being targeted for their sexual orientation, to a transgender woman struggling to remain housed due to a violent neighbor and negligent landlord, to even Senator Weiner being targeted, these incidents highlight the urgent need to not only respond to hate, but ensure it doesn’t happen,” she continued.

“These acts of hate are interconnected — when we see increases in one area, we often see increases across the board, and understandably, people sometimes feel reluctance or distrust in reporting it,” said Becky Monroe, deputy director of strategic initiatives for the California Civil Rights Department.

“This is why it’s so important to encourage people to report or get help through their community organization if they don’t feel safe coming directly to us,” she added. “When it comes to stopping hate, there should be no wrong door.” (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

Resource Center, asked board members.

Heat stress can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, cardiac arrest, and kidney failure. In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,600 heat-related deaths, which is likely an undercount because health care providers are not required to report them. It’s not clear how many of these deaths are related to work, either indoors or outdoors.

In California, 20 workers died from heat between 2010 and 2017, seven of them because of indoor heat, according to the Rand Corp., which analyzed the state’s proposed indoor heat rules.

Only two other states, Minnesota and Oregon, have adopted heat rules for indoor workers, according to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Nationally, legislation has stalled in Congress, and even though the Biden administration has initiated the long process of establishing national heat standards for outdoor and indoor work, the rules are likely to take years to finalize.

California regulators have crafted the indoor rules to complement the state’s protections for outdoor workers. Those say that when temperatures exceed 80 degrees, employers must provide shade and observe workers for signs of heat illness. At or above 95 degrees, they must come up with ways to prevent heat illness, such as reducing work hours or providing additional breaks. Colorado, Oregon, and Washington also have rules for outdoor workers. (Samantha Young/KFF Health News)

This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

CURRENCY TALK. Old currency notes and coins are on display at the lobby of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Mindanao Regional Office in Davao City on Thursday, March 21. The BSP held a media information session on financial consumer protection and how to protect their rights. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Liabilities and Net Worth for 2023. In emphasizing the importance of submitting SALNs, CSC Chairman Karlo Nograles said, “As civil servants, it is our duty to complete this task truthfully to promote transparency and uphold the public’s trust in both us and the bureaucracy.”

Editorial

Martires

stopped the long-standing practice of making available to the public the SALNs of top public officials. Since Martires’ appointment during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, the SALNs of the president, the vice president and members of Congress, which used to be routinely released to the press, can be obtained only under conditions at par with those for state secrets.

Martires is a former member of the Supreme Court, where SALN discrepancies contributed to the ouster of two chief justices. The SC is now leading by example along with the ombudsman in keeping SALNs away from nosy journalists and the public.

The CSC, in its reminder to “all government workers, whether regular or under temporary status” to file their SALNs, cited the 1987 Constitution and Republic Act 6713, the Code of

Sketches

WITH dynasty-building reaching shameless proportions, the Supreme Court has finally been asked to step in and mandate Congress to carry out a task set out in the Constitution: to define and prohibit political dynasties.

How this petition will fare will have far-reaching implications – mostly positive for the nation, if we consider the pernicious consequences of having a single clan occupying all the key government positions in a particular area, with the positions passed on to the next generations like a birthright.

Dynasts used to be chided for being greedy for power.

These days they even flaunt it, displaying photos of all the family members occupying government posts on giant billboards that pollute public space. Hail, hail, the gang’s all here; the more members in public office, the prouder they are.

Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Section 8 of RA 6713 states that public officials and employees “have an obligation” to submit the SALNs, “and the public has the right to know…” Section 8 also allows journalists access to the SALNs. The provision on “prohibited acts” declares that it “shall be unlawful for any person to obtain or use” the SALN under two circumstances. One is for “any purpose contrary to morals or public policy.”

The second prohibition covers “any commercial purpose other than by news and communications media for dissemination to the general public.”

And yet the SALNs of the nation’s top officials are now withheld from “news and communications media for dissemination to the general public,” unless there is consent from the officials concerned. Only a handful of officials, such as Leni Robredo when she was the vice president, continued to make their SALNs public after the ombudsman kept the statements under lock and key. Where is the promotion of transparency? (Philstar.com)

From the local level and on up, dynasty-building has shortcircuited the system of checks and balances in our weak republic.

A city or municipal council, for example, is supposed to provide the checks and balances to the mayor. The council is chaired by the vice mayor. If the mayor and vice mayor are close relatives, they will cover each other’s backs instead of watching out for any anomalous utilization of public funds or abuse of power.

It gets worse when relatives occupy all key positions from governor and congressman all the way down to the barangay captain. The checks and balances will be non-existent in that situation, which is becoming increasingly common across the country. * * *

A clan that monopolizes local government posts also controls pillars of the criminal justice system, with clan members endorsing appointments, promotions and assignments to local posts in the police,

prosecution service and the judiciary. In our society where there is a twisted sense of gratitude, repaying such political favors has undermined the rule of law.

This kind of control breeds impunity. Journalists, critics and political rivals are murdered, and the clan often gets away with it. Land classifications and environmental rules are set aside to make way for the clan’s businesses, all of which are spared from red tape.

Political patronage has weakened governance and made it tough to develop a merit-based society. Advancement in life is based not on competence but on one’s surname or connections. Even incompetent, lazy and venal members of a clan are assured of a job in government in their turf.

Occasionally, political rivalries expose clan members’ questionable activities and emasculate them. We are seeing this in Davao where the Dutertes’ feud with Speaker Martin Romualdez has led to the loss of P650 million in confidential funds for Vice President and Education

Secretary Sara Duterte, plus another P500 million in local funding for Davao City where her brothers sit as mayor and congressman.

The Dutertes’ staunch supporter Apollo Quiboloy, once an untouchable evangelist, faces arrest on orders of Congress and possible extradition to the United States where he is wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on multiple serious offenses. His Sonshine Media Network International could lose its franchise – if senators go along with the House, although this might not happen.

The Ampatuans of Maguindanao were just the worst examples of the impunity bred by dynasty building.

Dynasts like to say that they can always be voted out of office if they perform badly. But the majority of voters are from lowincome households who are vulnerable to patronage politics, and can be easily harassed and threatened with armed violence in case a challenger to the clan’s stranglehold on power emerges. Serious challengers can also end

up dead, along with witnesses to the killing, and the ruling clan will get away with murder. * * *

The petition to compel Congress to pass a law defining and prohibiting political dynasties was filed with the Supreme Court last Tuesday by lawyers Rico Domingo, Caesar Oracion, Jorge Cabildo and Wilfredo Trinidad. Domingo is a former president of the Philippine Bar Association.

They noted that after 37 years, lawmakers have yet to carry out their duty as defined in Article II, Section 26 of the Constitution, which provides that “the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”

In legislation, the lawyers argue that the word “shall” – as opposed to “may” – means the task is mandatory and not subject to the discretion of Congress. They cited a testimony of one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution, the late Fr. Joaquin Bernas: “The establishment of political dynasties is an effective

way of monopolizing and perpetuating power.”

Another option is to make the anti-dynasty provision in the Constitution self-executory. But this will require amending the Charter beyond the economic provisions. Those who distrust politicians fear political Charter change will open a Pandora’s box.

Rico Domingo, in a statement, declared: “By the inaction, refusal, or sheer neglect to pass the law that it is mandated by the 1987 Constitution to enact, the Filipino people are denied and deprived of the benefits envisioned” in the constitutional provision against dynasties.

Will the high tribunal agree?

Someone has to put the brakes on dynasty building. If it’s mission impossible for a Congress controlled by dynasties, perhaps the Supreme Court can do it. (Philstar.com) * * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. keeps on repeating an erroneous argument about the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate potential crimes against humanity committed in our country during the previous administration.

During his state visit in Australia last February, he declared that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines because we have a functioning judiciary. In his more recent visit in Germany this March, he repeated his assertion that we “have a working judicial system” so the ICC has no jurisdiction. He has been making the same argument, in fact, as early as 2022 when he assumed the presidency. The president’s assertion is wrong on multiple fronts.

First, what triggers the ICC’s exercise of complementary jurisdiction is the inability or unwillingness of our entire state (Republic of the Philippines) to prosecute crimes against humanity (CAH). This means not only our courts, but our entire justice system. And what

are the other offices of our justice system, aside from our courts? These are the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), National Prosecution Service (NPS), Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of the Ombudsman, among others. Our courts are passive actors in the dispensation of justice. They have to wait for cases to be filed, before they can exercise jurisdiction. We may have functioning courts, but if the PNP, NBI, NPS, DOJ, and Ombudsman fail or refuse to file CAH cases in our courts, there will still be inability or unwillingness of our state that will trigger the ICC to step in. And since virtually all of these public offices are part of the executive branch (except for the Ombudsman), it is the failure and refusal of the executive branch— now headed by Mr. Marcos himself—that has triggered the ICC to exercise jurisdiction. The failure and refusal started during President Rodrigo Duterte’s term and it has been continued by Mr. Marcos himself. It’s the executive branch that has held hostage and prevented any CAH investigation in our country.

Second, the PNP, NBI, NPS, DOJ, and Ombudsman cannot wash their hands and say that they have nothing to investigate

because victims’ families have not filed complaints in their offices. This is a lame and shameless excuse. Crimes are committed against the Filipino people. Any criminal case is prosecuted in the name of the “People of the Philippines.”

It’s the responsibility of the executive branch, not victims’ families, to investigate and file criminal complaints. Unlike our passive courts, our executive branch justice offices (and the Ombudsman) have the obligation to proactively investigate crimes.

Besides, what evidence are the police and prosecutors waiting for, when all the evidence are gathering dust in their offices?

More than 6,000 deaths in the socalled drug war were admittedly committed by police operatives.

All the police officers involved, and all the investigation files (or more importantly, the lack or inadequacy of investigation) are at their disposal. They need nothing more from the victims’ families who can only testify on civil damages.

Moreover, a CAH investigation requires piecing together evidence of thousands of deaths scattered all over the country. This is beyond the capacity of any private victim or even groups of them. So many

victims’ families cannot even access the police records of the deaths of their loved ones, and the government expects them to have access to thousands of death records? And how can we demand courage from ordinary victims’ families when a recent criminal complaint filed by no less than a lawmaker (ACT party list Rep. France Castro) for a death threat publicly made against her by former President Duterte, was summarily dismissed by prosecutors? Only the government has the capacity, and access to evidence, to investigate and prosecute any CAH.

Third, the inability or unwillingness of a state refers only to the investigation and prosecution of CAH. Our justice system offices may be functioning effectively with respect to all other crimes. They may be filing criminal cases for corruption and abuse of powers against top public officials. They may even be rendering decisions annulling actions and issuances of the president and Congress. However, if they selectively turn a blind eye to CAH, there will still be inability or unwillingness that will justify the ICC’s exercise of jurisdiction. There are many top caliber lawyers presumably advising the president (who is not a lawyer, unlike his father) on the ICC issue. There are his presidential legal counsel, the DOJ secretary, the solicitor general, the prosecutor general, and his executive secretary. What advice are they giving the president?

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang photo

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * * Comments to fleamarketofideas@gmail. com

One wonders if the president is being misled by his lawyers, or if the president himself is intentionally misleading his own people. (Inquirer.net)

‘Rising

by GABRIEL PABICO LALU Inquirer.net

MANILA — Former Health

Secretary and Iloilo 1st District

Rep. Janette Garin blamed low vaccination rates for the rise in pertussis or whooping cough cases across the country, as she urged the public to take necessary precautions.

In a statement on Friday, March 22, Garin said the increase in pertussis cases is alarming but can be prevented through vaccination and good hygiene.

“This is alarming but we can prevent the spread of this disease through vaccination and observing proper hygiene,” Garin said.

“One of its causes is the recent decline in vaccine uptake brought about by fake news and infodemic has also affected the uptake of DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus). Vaccination saves lives hence we need to catch up,” she added.

On Thursday, March 21,

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte declared a pertussis outbreak

Comelec:

as the local government’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Division logged 23 cases since the start of the year up to March 20.

Earlier, it was reported that in Western Visayas, a 100-percent rise in cases of pertussis was recorded in early March.

The Department of Health (DOH) said that all in all, 453 cases of pertussis have been reported in just the first 10 weeks of 2024 — noting that it is a high increase compared to the 27 cases during the same period in 2019; 27 in 2020; seven in 2021; two in 2022; and 23 in 2023.

Garin urged parents to monitor their children, especially young ones who are more susceptible to this ailment. “This disease is contagious especially for kids and infants. Because they are young, they do not know where they can be infected, that’s why it’s a huge responsibility for parents to protect their children from this ailment,” she added. Garin has been critical about

misinformation regarding vaccines’ efficacy, especially during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several health experts have attributed the low vaccine confidence among Filipinos to the anti-dengue vaccines, where individuals inoculated with Sanofi Pasteur’s Dengvaxia allegedly experienced worse symptoms when they contracted dengue. Some even claimed that vaccinated patients died after getting infected with dengue, leading to lawsuits against Department of Health (DOH) officials.

DOH previously admitted that the measles outbreaks recorded in the past few years were due to low vaccine confidence brought by Dengvaxia. Garin, who was DOH chief when the Dengvaxia vaccines were distributed, maintained that the vaccines were safe and have been proven effective, noting that other countries who used the same exact vials did not encounter problems raised by the Public Attorney’s Office. 

Premature campaigning ban includes celebrities

MANILA — Movie and television personalities who are would-be public servants will not be allowed to appear on television, films, and social media once the Commission on Elections (Comelec) implements the ban on premature campaigning for the May 2025 midterm polls.

"The Comelec will stand firm that those who will file their Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) this October will immediately be considered as candidates. Whatever are the prohibitions, it will be applicable to all," Comelec chairperson Erwin Garcia said in a media briefing on Friday, March 22.

MANILA — Environment

Secretary Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said on Friday, March 22 all illegal structures built in the iconic Chocolate Hills in Bohol, which has been declared a protected area, must be removed.

Loyzaga said this in an interview over a radio program after an aerial inspection she conducted with Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos. She said that aside from the Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort, which has gone viral on social media and received negative comments from netizens, they discovered similar structures illegally built within the protected area.

“Sa palagay ko, sa nakita ko, yes po, kailangan, ito yung ginagawa namin ngayon, ang tawag namin ay mitigation approach sa mga gawaing ganito (From what I saw, I think, yes, we need to do it. This is what we are doing right now We call this the mitigation approach on activities like these),” Loyzaga said when asked if these structures should be demolished.

minimize man, kung hindi maminimize kailangan i-remedyo, remedyuhin, kung hindi maremedyo kailangan magbayad, ang tawag natin, offset or compensation sa ginawa (The first step is we need to avoid this disturbance, if not, we have to minimize. If this could not be done, we have to remedy or correct, and if still not, they have to pay. We call this offset or compensation for what they have done),” she said.

Loyzaga said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is in close coordination with Abalos and with Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco on measures to be done to keep the area protected.

In a joint statement issued by the DENR, DILG, and DOT signed by Loyzaga, Abalos, and Frasco, the three officials said the recent issue in Bohol underscored the importance of responsible development in protected areas.

the statement read.

Illegal structures Meanwhile, Loyzaga said during the inspection, they saw several other resorts that tore portions of the hills so they could build their structures.

“Ang daming mga similar na resorts na nakita namin. Meron pa yung isa, itong Sagbayan Peak, tinapyas yung pinaka tuktok ng Chocolate hill upang mailagay ang isang konkreto na plataporma, yun, inaalam namin lahat yan ngayon (We saw similar resorts. There is one, the Sagbayan Peak, (they) demolished the peak of the Chocolate Hill so they could build a concrete platform on top. We are now investigating all of them),” she said.

Proclamation No. 1037 issued by the late President Fidel V. Ramos on July 1, 1997, declared the Chocolate Hills as a protected area.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) also declared Chocolate Hills as a world heritage site.

"We will presume all those, who filed their COCs, as engaged in premature campaigning when it's done prior to the campaign period," he added. The poll body chief is hoping that nobody will question their move, just like when they implemented the same in the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

applicable to a candidate shall be in effect only upon the start of the campaign period." (PNA)

“The first one is talagang i-avoid, kailangan nating maavoid itong disturbance. Kung hindi man ma-avoid, ma-

It said harnessing the economic benefits of the country’s natural resources must be done responsibly and the integrity of these protected areas for future generations must always be maintained.

“The preservation of our natural heritage is paramount,”

These hills, located in the towns of Carmen, Batuan, and Sagbayan in Bohol, consist of 1,776 mounds of the same general shape, which, according to Loyzaga, should not be touched. (PNA)

"When we imposed it during the BSKE, nobody went to the Supreme Court to question the Comelec. Hopefully, with the support of the people, nobody will question us (this time)," he said. Under the Poll Automation Law, “any person who files his certificate of candidacy shall only be considered as a candidate at the start of the campaign period”, and that “unlawful acts

Fil-Am artists present diverse...

migrating to Los Angeles as a young child. Her artwork comes out of her experience as part of the Filipino diaspora. Mendoza plays with scale, material and perspective to transform existing images and objects into new artworks.

Her work is intended as an act of decolonization that asks viewers to reconsider the history, context and value of these objects and experiences.

Among her many accolades, Mendoza was awarded the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship in Fine Arts in 2019.

Maria Villote was born in Manila and migrated to the United States at the age of 10. Her artwork explores important topics around diasporic identities including assimilation and cultural alienation.

Many of her pieces use recognizable objects in unexpected ways. Villote aims to highlight the cultural amalgamation that occurs when two worlds collide, drawing analogies between cultures while exploring similarities and differences.

Above all, she wants her artwork to encourage viewers to reflect on their own cultural identity, shed light on the challenges faced by immigrants and create connections that bridge gaps between different cultures.

For over 40 years, Junn Roca has worked in both fine art and commercial art. He was born and raised in the Philippines, where he apprenticed for noted Filipino painter Felix Gonzales.

After moving to the U.S. in 1979, Roca began a successful career in the animation industry, working as a background artist and earning two Emmy Awards.

Today Roca works primarily as a plein air painter, and the

exhibition features works that show scenes ranging from rustic villages in the Philippines to iconic California landscapes.

“We are thrilled to showcase this group of artists and their expressions of Filipino culture across genres and styles,” said museum director James Fishburne, PhD, who curated the exhibition.

“From Anthony Francisco’s contributions to popular culture, to Allison Hueman’s influence in the realms of street art and studio painting, the artists in this exhibition offer us a better understanding of Filipino culture and its impact on contemporary society.”

Silva said Filipinos have been in California for centuries and continue to shape the state. “It’s an honor to exhibit alongside other Filipino-American artists and explore the commonalities and variations among our perspectives on the culture of the Philippines and the impact we have made on the culture of California,” he added.

The exhibition will be on view at Forest Lawn Museum from April 20 to Sept. 8, 2024. There will be an opening reception on Saturday, April 20, from 5 p.m.–7 p.m. at Forest Lawn Museum, 1712 S. Glendale Avenue, Glendale, CA 91205. The event will include live music and complimentary Filipino food and drinks. The event will also feature the presentation of a $500 Forest Lawn Museum Arts Fellowship to rising Fil-Am artist Edmund Arevalo. The free, family-friendly event includes free parking and is open to the public, ADA compliant and wheelchair accessible. Guests are invited to RSVP at https://tinyurl. com/Filipino-California-RSVP. If you have questions, email museum@forestlawn.com or call 323-340-4782. 

Asian Journal WKND

THEY’ll be fine.”

This was how John Prats and wife Isabel “Liv” Oli described the current situation of John’s best friend Sam Milby and fiancée Catriona Gray. The two are reportedly going through a rough patch in their relationship a year after they announced their engagement in February 2023.

“They’ve been together for five years now. Misunderstandings

Philippine shores 24 years ago when Lea Salonga reprised her West End and Broadway role of Kim, which won her an Olivier and Tony Award.

Other Filipinas who have portrayed Kim all around the world include Joanna Ampil, Eva Noblezada, Ma-Anne Dionisio, Jamie Rivera, Monique Wilson, Joan Almedilla, Deedee Magno Hall and Jennifer Paz. Abigail will be the first since Lea to play her in the Philippines.

“It’s such an honor to be able to say that I’m a part of this legacy of Kim and I’m so grateful that they have been able to be inspirations for me,” Abigail said in a press conference held outside the Theatre at Solaire

Recipe for a green card: The journey...

mall. Life was still hard, and Jonas struggled.

One day, Jonas saw a “Now Hiring Cooks” sign outside the Gerry’s Grill branch at the mall where he worked. He applied and prepared pinakbet when he was asked to show his cooking skills. He was hired right away and was asked to start the next day.

Jonas kept improving his kitchen skills and eventually he became Cook in Charge of the branch in Batangas. In 2016 and 2017, Jonas became the champion of the company’s annual cooking competition. It was then that Gerry’s Grill owner, Gerry Apolinario, put Jonas in the short list of his staff who would be sent to the U.S. to run the branch in Houston, Texas.

Gerry hired leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel to work on Jonas’ petition as Senior Line Cook, and in less than two years, Jonas acquired his green card.

It has been 20 years since Jonas was hired by Gerry’s back in Pampanga, and even now, he cannot believe how dramatically different his life has been from the days he was struggling in Bacolod, when he could hardly put food on the table, to the present, where he is able to provide food, shelter, and a better life for his family.

Watch this success story on an encore episode

A flex at 48: Chito Miranda shows off fitness progress

By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

CHITO Miranda proudly showed the progress in his body after he shifted to a healthier lifestyle, engaging more in exercising instead of smoking and drinking.

The 48-year-old Parokya ni Edgar frontman spoke about his fitness journey, showing an old photo of himself with a beer

belly through his Instagram page on Thursday, March 21. “Gym muna bago mag-gig. Medyo labas pa rin yung ribs ko sa dibdib, pero at least dahandahan nang nawawala ‘yung tiyan ko,” he said. (Going to the gym before a gig. My ribs are still visible on my chest but at least my beer belly is slowly getting smaller.)

“Alam ko po na madami pa akong bigas na kakainin (which

is funny kasi hindi naman na ako nagra-rice), pero proud ako sa progress ko, at masaya ako now with how I look, and more importantly, with how I feel,” he added.

(I know that I still have to eat lots of rice—which is funny because I no longer eat rice— but I’m proud of my progress, and I’m happy with how I look, and more importantly, with how I feel.)

Miranda also noted that his cholesterol, blood sugar, uric acid and blood pressure have all improved and are now down to normal.

“Para sa isang 48-year-old dude na dating malakas magyosi at uminom, na nag-simula magrakenrol lifestyle at the age of 12, I think that is something worth flexing,” he stated.

(For a 48-year-old dude who smoked and drank too much before, and whose rock and roll lifestyle started when he was 12, I think that is something worth flexing.)

Miranda then received compliments from fans and fellow celebrities who cheered for him via the comments section. g

Cristine Reyes says unreadiness to be parents caused split with Ali Khatibi

By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

CRISTINE Reyes opened up about her separation from former husband Ali Khatibi, saying their marriage did not work out because they were “not mature enough” to handle their responsibilities as parents to their daughter Amarah.

“Are you on good terms with Amarah’s dad?” broadcaster Karen Davila asked the actress in an interview, as seen on the former’s YouTube vlog on

Thursday, March 21.

“Casual,” Reyes answered. “I don’t want to always put my guard down kasi I don’t want to get hurt; that’s why my guards are up.”

Further asked on how their relationship fell apart, Reyes admitted, “It didn’t work out because we’re not mature enough to handle the responsibility of being mom and dad, and being in a marriage. [We were] both not ready.”

Reyes then noted that she is still not ready for another

marriage now, but “sometime soon.”

Delving more into the topic of settling down, Reyes said that while she’s happy in the company of her actor boyfriend Marco Gumabao, it is still too early for them to tie the knot.

“Sinabi ko na mas gusto ko sana na non-showbiz na [‘yung partner] ko, but it’s unexpected that we developed into something, into partnership, into love,” she said of their relationship.

‘Big Slaysian energy’: Abigail Adriano...

where “Miss Saigon” will be staged.

In terms of making Kim “unapologetically her own interpretation,” Abigail recalled her encounter with producer Cameron Mackintosh during their first-ever rehearsals.

“He literally held my face and said, ‘Abby, when you do Kim, I just want to see you,’” Abigail shared. “And thanks to that, I can definitely say when you watch the show, you will see reflections of myself in Kim.”

Abigail acknowledged there have been many interpretations of Kim in the past, which is why she feels a sense of duty to bring justice to the character and the story she tells. She noted, however, that she wants to be true to herself and to be honest about what she and Kim would

feel in the moment.

Meanwhile, Seann plans to bring in “Big Slaysian energy” to the production, pointing out that majority of the cast either have Filipino heritage or are partAsian. According to the Urban Dictionary, the term “Slaysian” refers to an Asian who is attractive and socially accepted.

The actor said their favorite part of “Miss Saigon” is a scene their Engineer shares with Kim at the end of the first act, adding they also always enjoy the show’s beginning.

“With all my fierce and gorgeous girls, we take the stage in all our fierceness and fabulosity,” Seann described their take on “The Heat is On in Saigon.” Seann compares the number’s intense vibe to the music they blast in their room, to which

Abigail confirms after quipping she does not need a speaker because being Seann’s neighbor allows her to listen in on Ariana Grande tracks and the like.

The actor added that their take on the character, originated by Jonathan Pryce, is now the “Engin-queer,” a portrayal that earned praise from Cameron himself.

“It really is a testament to Cameron for bringing new people, new voices, bakla energy, which is fantastic!” Seann ended. “I’m up here not just for myself but for my queer and bakla audience out there. If I can do it, you can mother f****ng do it too!”

“Miss Saigon” also stars Nigel Huckle as Chris, FilipinoKiwi actor Laurence Mossman and homegrown actress Kiara Dario.g

The main cast of the ‘Miss Saigon’ 2024 Philippine run during the press conference held in The Theatre at Solaire in Parañaque City on Thursday, March 21. Philstar.com photo

Chito Miranda Photos from Instagram/@chitomirandajr

Real-life BFFs Jerald and Nicco ful ll dream of working together on screen

By CHARMIE JOY PAGULONG Philstar.com

REAL-LIFE friends Jerald Napoles and Nicco Manalo were elated to have filmed “Pagpag 24/7” under Viva Films. They play BFFs and comedic duo in the movie directed by JR Reyes. Both previously starred in the 2014 thriller “The Janitor,” but they didn’t have scenes together.

Pagpag 24/7” marks the first time they’ve worked together in a film.

The horror-comedy tells the story of how a friendship, forged by a strong bond and brotherhood, can withstand anything, even the horrors of encountering vengeful spirits.

Jerald’s Mitoy, Nicco’s Boying, and other characters get stranded at the same convenience store, haunted by ghosts that bring nightmares to the main characters’ lives.

Pagpag” is now showing in cinemas nationwide.

In a press conference at the Viva Café in Araneta City, Nicco said that the best part about the project was collaborating with his long-time friend, Jerald, and sharing it with the viewers. The two also recalled their

modest beginnings during their theaters days and how they had each other’s back through the years until they got cast as a duo in one project together.

The first time they met was in 2007 through Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Pilipino. “Sabay kaming humiga sa carpet ng CCP kahit bawal

dun,” recounted Nicco. “We were just dreaming about the things we are doing now (acting). We would eat together in a cafeteria na hati kami ng ulam lang. We really started (from there).”

“So, to be able to do this with him, that’s the best part of this,

Cristine Reyes says unreadiness to be...

PAGE

(I have said before that I wanted to have someone who is not from show biz, but it’s unexpected that we developed into something, into partnership, into love.)

“Tsaka na lang natin pagusapan [ang marriage]. Masyado pa kasing maaga,” she stated. (Let’s save the marriage talks for later. It is still too early for that.)

Reyes also quipped that her fans should just “relax” as the actor has not popped the question yet.

“Aside from my daughter who gives color to my life, Marco gives ‘yung ngiti. [‘Yung puso ko] nakangiti (Marco [is the reason behind my] smiles. My heart is smiling),” the actress added.

Reyes and Khatibi welcomed Amara in 2015, then wed a year later. The actress confirmed their

Real-life friends Jerald Napoles (left) and Nicco Manalo get to play BFFs and comedic duo in

Viva Films’ ‘Pagpag 24/7,’ directed by JR Reyes. Photos courtesy of Viva Films

Cristine Reyes, her former husband Ali Khatibi and their daughter Amarah. Photos from Instagram/@cristinereyes

separation in 2019, then revealed in a February 2024 interview that they had been annulled for over a year.

Meanwhile, Reyes and Gumabao’s relationship was confirmed to the public in April 2023. 

Lovi Poe joins ‘Prison Break’ director’s upcoming Hollywood film

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

ACTRESS Lovi Poe has joined the cast of an upcoming Hollywood movie with Canadian actor Adam Beach about Native American fire captain Paul Fullerton.

In her Instagram account, Lovi confirmed her involvement in the film by posting a screenshot of the Deadline report announcing her casting.

“Couldn’t be happier to share this with you guys,” she wrote. “Really grateful for the opportunity to work with such amazing filmmakers and be part of the inspiring true story of Paul and Marie Fullerton.”

The film will be produced and helmed by “Prison Break” and Marvel’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” series director Garry A. Brown.

According to Deadline, the movie is due to shoot in Dallas, Texas later this year.

“It is based on the true story

of Paul Fullerton, a decorated Native American fire captain whose life is turned upside down when a career-ending accident

draws him into marijuana and a collision course with the local district attorney and his small group of rogue police.” g

Angel, Elle and Lexi want to inspire fellow women to love themselves

By Jerry Donato Philstar.com

ANGEL Guardian, Elle

Villanueva, and Lexi Gonzales are three of the 10 Kapuso stars that form the collective called Sparkle 10. They are “all empowered, intelligent, and beautiful,” as described by their publicity team.

The Sparkle 10 women also stand for diversity in beauty and talents, as well as independence, and inclusivity.

Completing the group are Faith Da Silva, Shuvee Etrata, Liezel Lopez, Rabiya Mateo, Ashley Ortega, Kate Valdez, and Lianne Valentin.

“I think it’s different and new,” said Angel when The STAR asked her, Elle, and Lexi to share their thoughts about the all-female group. “I think what we’re trying to imply or project to people is (the idea of) being comfortable in your own body and loving yourself. I think we’re all beautiful, and (we have)

different (body) shapes, but we’re all beautiful. It just has to come from within you.”

Elle, for her part, shared, “We are diverse. So, we highlight the uniqueness of our physicality and personality. So, hindi kami pareparehas. We’re all unique. We would like to inspire women to be their own selves, (that there are no) beauty standards. We’re all beautiful.”

On being part of Sparkle 10, Lexi said, “We’re here to showcase our talents. This is a chance for us because GMA and Sparkle (GMA Artist Center, the talent management agency) have given us the spotlight.”

It’s a privilege for them to be considered “bold, brave, and beautiful” women, as a teaser for Sparkle 10 goes.

That’s why Angel’s reaction upon learning of the good news was surprise.

“Nagulat ako (I was surprised),” said she. “(I was thinking) ‘Wait. What did they see in me to be

included in Sparkle 10?’ But then, when I got to know or learn about the other Sparkle 10 (members), I realized that we share the same strength. We’re different, but perhaps they see something common in us. That’s why we have become part of it.” “I’m all about empowerment. I’m all about feminism,” shared Elle. “I love (the fact that) now feminism is being highlighted. It’s very timely, it’s very relevant right now, because it’s about time that women and men have equal rights and opportunities.”

Yes, it’s the true meaning of gender equality, as one may put it.

So, what’s in the pipeline for the women of Sparkle 10?

“To be honest, I don’t know yet. But I’m excited, kasi kakaiba ito, eh (because it’s different),” said Angel. From what Elle was privy to, she said the people behind the group are planning particular

John Prats, Isabel Oli’s advice to...

are normal at this stage in their relationship,” said Liv during a recent interview with Inquirer Entertainment. “What’s important is that they’re both OK. Actually, we can’t tolerate them sometimes when they do PDA (public display of affection) in front of us,” added John, laughing.

Liv agreed, but added: “No matter how sweet they are to each other, they still fight, like normal couples do. At the end of the day, they both choose to be with each other and learn to forgive each other.”

John is assuming that the situations faced by Sam and Catriona, as well as their reactions, are often “magnified” because they are celebrities. Sam is one of ABS-CBN’s top actors while Catriona is Miss Universe 2018.

Communication

“We also fight, but why is it that nobody bothers to gossip about us?” asked John, turning to Liv.

“Also, because since there have been a lot of famous couples breaking up since last year, people are watching them closely. We can see that they’re OK. We’re confident about that,” declared Liv, adding that communication is an important element in preserving a relationship. “Men in general need to practice this. They tend to be passive. They only talk when they’re already about to explode. That’s why a lot of issues don’t get addressed. John used to be so timid. I’ve seen how much he has improved through the years.”

Calmness, composure

John said he realized that the shift from quiet to expressive was the right thing to do. “I guess the more you hide your emotions, the angrier you get. One good way to handle this is to make sure both of you are already calm and composed before you resume communicating your thoughts on issues,” advised John, who has been married to Liv for almost nine years now.

The couple has three kids: Lilly Feather, Daniel Freedom and Lilla Forest.

When asked to share what their wish for Sam and Catriona would be, John said: “I always tell them that a relationship is not just about love, but also about commitment. When we were still planning our wedding, all our energy was focused on the ceremony. Our pastor told us, ‘Don’t work on that because the actual work will start after you say ‘I do.’’ That’s what I told Sam.”

“And even though they don’t ask for advice, they can see this in my marriage with John. They will go through similar struggles eventually,” added Liv.

John also said that every couple goes through

several “journeys” in their relationship. “Once they have children, the journey they are on now will change. There will come a time when Sam, as a man, will feel jealous of the attention Catriona will give to their child. They will have to work on this. The man has to make the extra effort to be caring and sweet to his wife, especially when she begins to assume the role of a mother. You may think this is too insignificant, but this actually affects the marriage,” John observed.

“What we teach them are the things that we’ve also learned,” added Liv. “All the mistakes we’ve committed, we would share with them so that they will know what to avoid. We always tell them that, no matter what happens, they should choose each other.” We asked the couple whether or not they miss acting. Liv, who has not had a regular acting project for almost eight years now, said she had to lie low when she got pregnant with Feather. John, on the other hand, was last seen in the defunct series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” and has been busy as a concert director.

“I miss acting. I’ve had TV guestings throughout those eight years. I am actually having a hard time adjusting because a lot has changed, especially after the pandemic,” Liv said. “It’s only been two years since ‘Probinsyano,’ but I have been working nonstop for 18 years,” John began. “Also, this journey I have as a director has given me a new sense of purpose. Lately, there’s an overflow of excitement in me. I’m enjoying everything, even though I only started doing this in 2018. This is why I can’t imagine myself packing up to resume going to tapings.”

Different high

He continued: “As a director, I don’t mind having a work schedule that’s hectic compared to being an actor, going to a set, then spending almost half of my day waiting for my turn to face the camera. I don’t think I’m up for that kind of ‘journey’ anymore. I now prefer working on live events, where audience reaction is direct and instantaneous. This gives me a different kind of high.”

Meanwhile, Liv recently appeared in the series “Lilet Matias: Attorney at Large,” and said “I really want to try again.” Only last December, Liv joined the talent management group Cornerstone Entertainment, which also manages John’s career. “I signed up with them because I know how they take care of their talents. They are very transparent as to how they manage John’s career. We signed up our children with them, too, to help us manage them in relation to endorsements.” g

Lovi Poe

Photo from Instagram/@lovipoe

As Kapuso artists, Angel Guardian, Elle Villanueva, and Lexi Gonzales entertain viewers through their portrayal of diverse roles. As Sparkle 10 women, the three encourage and remind women to embrace their unique qualities and celebrate their individuality.

GMA photos

atty.

YOU

Dealing with assets omitted in a divorce case

have not been previously adjudicated by a judgment in the proceeding.” California Family Code §2556. Even if the parties did not expressly reserve jurisdiction on that piece of asset, the Court retains the power to divide a specific property if there is a community interest in it.

The Court’s “continuing jurisdiction” over omitted community estate assets or debts is invoked by filing a post judgment Motion, or Request for Order in the divorce case.

postjudgment under family code §2566. Community Property adjudicated under § 2556 shall be divided equally “unless the court finds upon good cause shown that the interests of justice require an unequal division of the asset or liability.”

Family Code §2556

* * *

Hosanna to our King!

Pastor’s Notes

ReveRend

Rodel G. BalaGtas

Sunday, or Palm

is finally entered by the Court and you get a sigh of relief. Later you discovery that “Oops!,” your ex-spouse had community asset and/or debt that was left out of the divorce judgment. This may be a pension, retirement account, a hidden bank account, or a piece of real estate property which was not divided in the judgment. What is one to do in this situation? The answer can be found in California Family Code §2556.

California Family Code §2556 provides “In a proceeding for dissolution of marriage, for nullity of marriage, or for legal separation of the parties, the court has continuing jurisdiction to award community estate assets or community estate liabilities to the parties that

Family Code §2556 provides “A party may file a postjudgment motion or request for order in the proceeding in order to obtain adjudication of any community estate asset or liability omitted or not adjudicated by the judgment.” The postjudgment partition of the unadjudicated community estate claims is properly entertained by the court even absent an express reservation of jurisdiction in its prior judgment. Marriage of Moore & Ferrie (1993) 14 CA4th 1472, 1483, 18 CR2d 543, 549, fn. 9. The postjudgment motion is available to any omitted asset or debt not adjudicated by the divorce judgment. However, Family Code §2556 does not extend to division and adjudication of any separate property. Marriage of Klug (2005) 130 CA4th 1389, 1396, 31 CR3d 327, 331–332

If an asset was partially omitted, the Court can still divide and adjudicate the portion that has been omitted

Real-life BFFs...

na magawa namin ‘to together and to share this with you. Most of the scenes that you will see here are how we are in real life. The personalities of our characters here, baka baliktad. But most of it, parang kami lang.

So, it wasn’t that hard (to do this movie),” added the son of comedian-host Jose Manalo.

There were also times, particularly during their early years in the industry, when they had to encourage each other because things didn’t go as planned.

“It’s normal for an actor to say, ‘Ay, ayoko na yata,’” stated Nicco. “But when we, our group, were together, we would lift each other up. We would say, ‘Meron pa yan. Congrats, you did this.’

Even if it’s a small thing, it’s a step for us to get there… We had each other. We were there to build each other up.”

Jerald remembered the day he met Nicco during the second edition of The Virgin Labfest.

“We were still young (at that time). We just want(ed) to join (any project) even it was just a small role. We would go through auditions where you go there, line up, and if you’re

not accepted, they will say it right away. There was no e-mail at that time. They would say immediately, ‘Maybe in the next project na lang.’

“So naabutan namin na… hopeful ka, you go to that place, when you’re there, rejected, you’re hopeless, so you go to another audition. You have to lift yourself up like, ‘Sige, next time. Next tayo. Walang problema,’” continued Jerald. It was the kind of mindset that they carried with them until they started bagging major acting roles. “We would remind each other in every small or big thing that we are still here (in the industry), (we’ve been here) since 2007. So, this is such a reflection, I think, realization of our dreams before, now that we are together in this film.”

Pagpag” also stars Wilbert Ross as the resentful ghost Jimboy, Nikko Natividad as one of the trapped customers Pio, and Danita Paner as Leah, who is trapped alongside Pio and also Mitoy’s long-time crush.

Joining them are Dindo Arroyo as the ruthless Mang Kanor, Janet Dancalan, Butchoy Ubaldo, Cherry Malvar, and Jyra De Guzman. g

Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.  The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.  This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.  The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you.  This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC.  This article is not a solicitation.

* * *

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University

Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH

REYES, APC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010.

Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail

FRIENDS, we’ve journeyed through Lent, and now we are approaching Holy Week. I hope that your Lenten journey has uplifted and inspired you to draw closer to God and that it has strengthened and nourished your faith. I pray that your response to His love, mercy, and presence in your life will lead to greater engagement in your Christian   Catholic faith. I also pray that more families will become actively involved in church life.

As we gather on this Passion

Sunday (March 24), to shout out hosannas to Jesus and commemorate His entry into Jerusalem before His crucifixion, it’s important to note that ‘Hosanna’ is often perceived as a shout of praise, akin to ‘Hallelujah,’ but it is, in fact, a plea for salvation. The Hebrew root words, found in Psalm 118:25 which says, ‘Save us, we pray, O LORD!’ (ESV), combine the words ‘yasha’ (meaning ‘deliver’ or ‘save’) and ‘anna’ (meaning ‘beg’ or ‘beseech’) to form the word ‘hosanna.’ Literally, hosanna means ‘I beg you to save!’ or ‘Please deliver us!’

During this Holy Week, our prayer is “hosanna,” especially in light of the current troubles facing the world. We cry out for deliverance from wars and conflicts, we beg for peace in our country and globally. We

pray that world leaders will have the wisdom, courage, compassion, humility, and faith needed to resolve political conflicts both in our nation and worldwide.

We affirm our loyalty to Jesus, our Savior, whose teachings, life, death, and resurrection hold the keys to a joyous, meaningful, and hopeful life.

May our observance of Holy Week transform our hearts and relationships within our families, our community, and our nation. Amen.

* * *

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * * Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.

Dennis Trillo to play villain to Alden Richards in ‘Pulang Araw’

But suffice it to say, Trillo is excited to take on the role of antagonist, as this has been a role that the actor admitted he’s long been waiting to take.

“Matagal ko na rin ‘tong hinihintay. Matagal ko nang

FROM playing the lead role in the last GMA primetime series “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” Dennis Trillo will return in yet another period drama, but this time, he will play villain opposite Alden Richards in “Pulang Araw.” Trillo’s casting was confirmed by GMA, where he is set to By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net portray the role of a Japanese soldier during World War II. As of this writing, further details about his character name and arc are yet to be disclosed.

hinihintay ang ganitong klaseng project — ganitong kabigat ang character. Ngayon naman as a kontrabida, may konting pressure pero mas nand’un ako sa pagkakaroon ng challenge bilang artista,” he said.

(I’ve been waiting for a role like this for a long time. I’ve been waiting for this type of project for quite some time —

Filing bankruptcy again? What you need to know

have not been able to pay their bills.

I’ve been asked by a lot of people lately about how often you can get bankruptcy relief, so I decided to write this article. If you have filed bankruptcy before, you may be wondering whether it’s possible to do it again. Generally, the answer is that you can file bankruptcy as often as needed BUT subject to some limitations such as the following. I will try to simplify but here are the general rules:

• Consecutive same Chapter filings: If you are filing under the same bankruptcy “chapter” (7 or 13), the timing is critical. If you are trying to file a Chapter 7 after you’ve already filed another Chapter 7 in the past, you need to wait 8 years from the date your last case was filed. For consecutive Chapter 13 filings –If you received a prior discharge in Chapter 13, you cannot receive a second discharge in any Chapter 13 case that is filed within 2 years from the date that your last case was filed.

• Chapter 13, then Chapter 7: If you obtained a prior discharge (i.e., a “debt wipe out”) under Chapter 13, you will not be allowed a second discharge in a subsequent Chapter 7 filing

unless 6 years have passed from the filing of the Chapter 13 to the filing of your Chapter 7 case.

There is however an exception to this rule: You will be allowed a discharge in your current Chapter 7 case if you either paid all unsecured creditors in your past Chapter 13 case or you paid at least 70% of the unsecured claims and the plan represented your “best effort” and proposed in “good faith.”

• Chapter 7, then Chapter

13: If you discharged your debts in a prior Chapter 7, you cannot obtain another discharge in a subsequent Chapter 13 filing unless four years have passed since your Chapter 7 filing date. This doesn’t mean, however, that you cannot file a Chapter 13 if your intention is to pay creditors the best you can. It only means that since there is no discharge available, whatever is not paid through your Chapter 13 plan will still be your liability.

Now you may ask, “Why file a Chapter 13 then if a discharge is not available under these circumstances?” The answer is that it depends on what your goals are in filing the current Chapter 13. For example, one reason for filing may be to get court protection while

consolidating non-dischargeable debts such as IRS taxes. Or it may be to stop a foreclosure and pay back the arrears through a 3- to 5-year payment plan. There are other “tricky” rules you need to know about that apply to dismissals and conversions from one chapter to another, but I could just imagine how your head may be spinning by now trying to make sense of all these rules. The best thing to do if you are in a situation where you may need to file bankruptcy again (although you’ve already done so in the past) is to consult with a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney who can analyze your case and provide correct guidance.

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author

Franki Russell appointed Miss Universe New Zealand 2024, country’s first in 5 years

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

the recent launch of XPedition Magazine, owned by Dubaibased Filipino businessman Josh Yugen, who owns the Miss Universe franchise in New Zealand as well as in Bahrain, Pakistan and Egypt.

The newly-appointed Miss Universe New Zealand 2024 will banner efforts against cyberbullying as her platform in the upcoming pageant to be held in Mexico City.

The 29-year-old Russell previously attempted to compete at the Miss Universe United Arab Emirates pageant in 2021, finishing in the Top 30. After competing in “Pinoy Big Brother,” Russell went on to appear in projects like “Ang Probinsyano,” “Laruan,” “Summer,” “Pabuya” and “Martyr or Murderer,” the latter two with ex-partner Diego Loyzaga.

Since joining Miss Universe in 1954, New Zealand has won the crown just once, with the coronation of Lorraine Downes in 1983.

Apart from this sole win, New Zealand has reached the semifinal round four times and placed once. Delyse Nottle was the 2nd runner-up and won Miss Photogenic in 1980.

New Zealand’s last delegate

was Diamond Langi at Miss Universe 2019, where Catriona Gray crowned South Africa’s Zozibini Tunzi as her successor.

The Philippines is also gearing up to crown its 2024

Janella Salvador ‘reimagines’ her music

By Christina alPad ManilaTimes.net

JANELLA Salvador might be known as a pop singer when she’s not slaying her acting roles in TV series and movies. But on Thursday, March 21, the 25-year-old returned to her first love with a new sound.

“I always loved jazz, it’s something that I’m always attracted to even as a child. I feel like in my past life I was probably a jazz bar singer because it really speaks to me,” Salvador said at the launch of her new single, “headtone.”

Headtone is a sultry single about the tension of waiting for a passionate rendezvous with one’s lover.

“I wish I could say I wrote this song, but this was from the brilliant Kiko Salazar. When I first heard this song, I fell in love with it instantly because it’s the vibe I’m looking for,” Salvador added.

The latest Star Music release comes a month before Salvador’s first major concert.

“Janella Reimagined: The 10th Anniversary Concert” is set on April 19 at the New Frontier Theater. Salvador will have special guests Martin Nievera, Jane De Leon, Marlo Mortel, Darren, Jenine Desiderio, Arizona Brandy, Brigiding, Lady Morgana and Miss Jade So.

The Kapamilya actress-singer is thrilled for the chance to showcase her evolution as an artist in the show.

“Even if I’ve been singing since I was young, many people still don’t know that I’m a singer. Many people know me as an actress and I feel like there are so many sides to me that people haven’t seen. This is why we named the concert ‘Reimagined,’” Salvador shared. With the release of “headtone,” her upcoming single “Karma” and her anniversary concert in April, Salvador is more than grateful to finally have a hand in her music career.

“I’m excited [with my new music] because for the first time, this is the kind of music that I really want to put out. It’s not that I don’t like my previous songs, but I was only 16 years old when I released my first album. I wasn’t really in control of the things that I would want to put out.

“I’m grateful to be able to assert myself in my music today and do more of jazz, R&B and chill music.” g

representative with over 50 women vying to succeed Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee, compete against Russell, and succeed reigning Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua. g

Call her Janella Salvador, the jazz diva. Photo from Instagram/@superjanella

Franki Russell

Photo from Philstar

Dennis Trillo to play...

this heavy character. Now, as a villain, there’s pressure but I’m looking forward to the challenge as an actor.)

“Sa dami ng nagawa ko, kailangan ko ng isang mabigat na role na mag-iisip at pagiisipan ko — bawat kilos, bawat galaw, at bawat dialogue.

Excited ako,” he said.

(I’ve done so many projects that I was looking for a heavy role that requires me to think and be thought about — every move, gesture, and dialogue. I’m excited.)

During the interview, Trillo said he’s “excited” to share the spotlight with Richards, and be reunited with his “Maria Clara at Ibarra” co-stars Barbie Forteza and David Licauco, as well as his “Cain at Abel” leading lady Sanya Lopez.

“Excited ako magkaroon ng eksena kasama si Alden. Siya ‘yung hindi ko pa nakakaeksena. Nakakatrabaho ko [pa lang] siya sa variety shows.

Excited din akong mag-reunite with David and Barbie, at kay Sanya na nakatrabaho ko dati,” he said.

(I’m excited to be in a scene with Alden. I haven’t exchanged lines with him onscreen yet, we only worked together in variety shows. I’m also excited to reunite with David, Barbie, and Sanya whom I’ve worked with before.)

The challenge here, Trillo said, was to level-up his acting and give a convincing performance as a villain out to make life hard for Richard’s character. Pulang Araw” marks Trillo’s second time to be working on a project set during the Japanese Occupation in the Philippines. He previously starred as a trans woman Igna in the 2004 film “Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita. Apart from the leads, details about the upcoming series’ premiere date and synopsis are yet to be revealed. g

‘KimPau’ on workplace romance, being ‘right’ for each other

By Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

“IT feels weird, but thank you,” said actress Kim Chiu in reaction to comments from netizens trying to match her romantically with onscreen partner Paulo Avelino, especially now that they’re promoting their new series “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?”

The series, directed by Chad Vidanes, is a local adaptation of the Korean hit with the same title. It will start streaming on Viu on March 18.

“Sometimes, we would read stuff about us on X. It’s a happy feeling that, even at our age, people are still trying to ‘ship’ us. To prove their point, they would say things about us that we would just laugh at, but we’re very thankful for their support,” Kim told reporters during a grand media gathering over the weekend. The two first worked together in the dramatic thriller “Linlang.”

At one point in the press con, the duo, collectively known as “KimPau,” were asked to talk about what is “right” about each other, as a play on the show’s title. To this, Paulo said: “What’s right about Kim? Everything. Things are going well for her, career-wise. There’s only one aspect that’s not right,” said the actor, who is most likely referring to Kim’s current lack of romantic relationship since she just broke up with longtime boyfriend Xian Lim.

“I think she knows this. She just has to be more positive about her outlook. Everything’s right with her. She’s beautiful and has a wonderful career, as well.”

“Paulo is perfect—that’s what his character in this series would often describe himself. He’s very professional and is now very funny. He is being himself—that’s what makes him right,” Kim said. Kim and Paulo were also asked to reveal the unusual things they’ve done for love. Kim jokingly asked Paulo: “What’s love, anyway? I’ve already forgotten. Are you going to remind me?”

Because of love

“Can my answer be something I did for a friend or coworker? I guess agreeing to do ‘Secretary Kim’ is the most unusual thing I did for my love for Kim. This is to repay her

for everything she has given us in ‘Linlang.’ As a way to give back to her, I’m here in this series,” he replied.

Kim would later explain that it was a challenge for Paulo, whose forte is heavy drama, to be part of a romantic comedy series. “He is so funny in this show. You will not see the usual Paulo Avelino,” Kim declared. “I think if this was offered to me and Kim [was not the leading lady], I would have had second thoughts. This is because of Kim and Sir Deo (Endrinal, the late business unit head of Dreamscape Entertainment),” said Paulo.

Kim said she has done so many “unusual things” as a way to show her love to people she cares about that she no longer considers them unusual. “I’m such a giving person— it’s my nature. I don’t want anyone feeling left out. I give as long as I can give. I will keep doing things for people because of love.”

They were also asked to reveal what they love about each other. Paulo was the first to answer. “When I was new at ABS-CBN, I already wanted to work with Kim. I was just not given the opportunity until last year when we did ‘Linlang.’ I wanted to work with her not just because Kim is a star, but also because I like working with people who work fast and know what they are doing. We never had any problems on the set.”

Same passion Kim added: “Pau knows his work as an actor. He is very consistent. We share the same passion when it comes to work. We

want the same things. It’s nice to have finally found my boy counterpart. We would both say, ‘Let’s work fast, but work well.’”

“I’m her low-batt version,” Paulo interjected.

“Yes, I’m the high-energy version. I was amazed that he agreed to do a rom-com project with me. I admire him because of that,” said Kim. “Now we know that, as an actor, he can do everything. You will be surprised with what he gave us for this show.”

On the other hand, Paulo said he was amazed by Kim’s ability to set the mood on set. “What I noticed when I first worked with her was that when Kim is sad, the set would also be somber and gloomy. If she’s in high energy, the set would be energized, as well. It’s only now that I’ve met a person who is able to set the energy level of an entire set,” Paulo declared.

Professional

The Korean version starred Park Seo-Joon and Park Min-Young. The series is about a workaholic and narcissistic boss, who falls in love with his competent and driven secretary. He eventually asks for Secretary Kim’s hand in marriage but she rejects him repeatedly. This ultimately challenges the overly confident boss.

Asked to give their opinion on office or workplace romance, Paulo said: “It’s always better to be professional. I always want to be professional on the set or when I’m working, but I understand that this happens, especially if you work with the same person everyday, eight hours a day. I guess, one just has to choose the appropriate setting.”

Kim agreed with Paulo, but added: “I know that in some cases this can’t be helped, especially if you work together for long hours everyday. For me, a good work output is more important, because that’s what I signed up for. Ending up with a love life is just a bonus. You don’t want to be accused of failing to concentrate while in the office if you prioritize your heart over your head.”

The series also features Janice De Belen, Romnick Sarmenta, Angeline Quinto, Pepe Herrera, Franco Laurel, JC Alcantara, Kaori Oinuma, Gillian Vicencio, Yves Flores, Cai Cortez, Phi Palmos, Kat Galang and Brian Sy, with the special participation of Kim Wonshik. g

Angel, Elle and Lexi want to inspire fellow women to love...

projects and branding for the members.

“I think it’s very aligned with our liking, (although nothing specific has been given) about it (yet).”

“A lot, I think,” added Lexi. “They’re planning to give us campaigns, photo shoots with magazines, events, and at the same time, you can expect to see us in big projects by GMA.”

As actresses, they have their hands full. “I’m training for (‘Encantadia

Chronicles:) Sang’gre,’ and getting ready,” said Angel, who has scored the lead role of Deia, the keeper and protector of Brilyante ng Hangin (Air Gem). “I continue to train. I just came back from Korea, so, I need to keep up, kasi medyo hindi ako nakapag-training doon.” With Elle, she is happy playing the role of Amira in the now airing GMA afternoon prime revenge drama “Makiling.”

“I wanna continue that. I wanna

play characters that are strong, bold, and show vulnerability. I hope maging consistent duon. I wanna be flexible (in playing characters),” said she. Lexi, on the other hand, had her taping for “Running Man Philippines Season Two” in South Korea. That’s why she’s on “strengthening myself” mode and spends time with her family. “I miss them so much. I’ve started to read a new book, and I went back to vlogging, and I’m also working on the brands I have both (on) Instagram and outside,” shared she.

Speaking of “Running Man Philippines,” Angel is the winner of its debut season, whose stint in the show played a part in boosting her career.

“I know it did open doors (of opportunity, and led) projects for me. Through it, people have gotten to know me. Now, I have ‘Sang’gre.’ Nakakatuwa I’m just grateful,” said she, who hopes to do more action projects and wishes to become an action star.

Aside from acting, Lexi also finds

joy working as a courtside reporter for NCAA Philippines. “It’s something different and a really new challenge for me. It’s outside acting, and I interview coaches and star players on the spot.”

Lexi counts it as one of her career feats.

As Angel, Elle, and Lexi make a name for themselves in the entertainment industry, the three will carry on to inspire fellow women to embrace their beauty and love themselves. g

Scene from “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?”

Photo

Dennis Trillo

GMA photo