051524 - Southern California Midweek Edition

FILIPINO American investigative jour-

nalist Nicole Dungca has been recognized as one of the outstanding finalists in the 2024 Pulitzer Prizes, the highest recognition for journalistic excellence in the U.S. Dungca is no stranger to doing impactful work. As part of a team from “The Washington Post,” including journalists Claire Healy and Davao visual artist Ren Galeno, the journalist is a finalist in the “Illustrated Reporting and Commentary” category for their collaborative effort on the story titled “Searching for Maura.”

This investigative piece tackles the narrative surrounding Maura and her role in uncovering racial injustices within the Smithsonian’s brain collection, demonstrating the power of storytelling to ignite change.

In an Instagram post, the visual artist shared, “I am endlessly grateful to the incredible team at the Washington Post, whose infectious passion and drive transcends oceans.”

“[Healy], [Dungca], thank you for your fearless reporting. You’ve helped bring

AS California’s population ages, the burden of Alzheimer’s is increasingly falling on women. In response, the state has launched a new initiative aimed at raising public awareness about the disease and promoting early detection.

Two-thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s nationwide are women, data shows, with many experiencing social isolation, misdiagnosis and stigma. Women also account for 60% of those caring for an Alzheimer’s patient, which can bring adverse personal, professional and mental health consequences due to unpaid and informal caregiving responsibilities.

At an Ethnic Media Services briefing, practitioners and caregivers discussed why Alzheimer’s hits women the hardest, what can be done to ease this burden, and how caregivers are helping those with the disease.

California taking on Alzheimer’s “In 2019, Governor Newsom announced the creation of the groundbreaking task force responsible for submitting

Marcos forms special body on human rights

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued Administrative Order No. 22 creating what the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) described as an interagency “super body” tasked to “enhance [government] mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines.” Critics, however, called the move an attempt by his administration to evade accountability for and window-dress the country’s human rights situation.

“A Special Committee on Human Rights Coordination is hereby created under the (Presidential Human Rights Committee)… [which] shall be in charge of sustaining initiatives and accomplishments of the (United Nations Joint Program on Human Rights) in the areas of law enforcement, criminal justice, and policy-making,” Marcos said in the order signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on May 8, which will take effect immediately upon its publication. The issuance of AO 22 came just as Malacañang said it had given the Department of Justice (DOJ)

MANILA — China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned the Philippine government against expelling its diplomats in Manila, saying that "any hasty action" could "potentially harm" the Philippines amid tensions over territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

Lin Jian, spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry, issued the statement on Friday, May 10 after Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to expel the Chinese diplomat who illegally recorded a phone

call with the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command. This action, if proven, could have severe diplomatic and legal implications.

"The Philippines' response shows precisely their guilty conscience in the face of facts and evidence and how exasperated and desperate they have become. We ask the Philippines to ensure that Chinese diplomats can carry out their duty normally and to stop provocations and infringements," said Lin in a press conference.

He emphasized that the Philippines must refrain from making "reckless moves," which could only "backfire" on the

Pacquiao eyes Senate comeback

MANILA — Manny Pacquiao wants another shot at being a senator.

The retired boxing icon, who served the Senate for six years before running for president in 2022, on Friday, May 10 confirmed in an ambush interview by ABS-CBN that he’s joining next year’s senatorial race.

The 45-year-old Pacquiao, who retired from professional boxing in 2021, gave the thumbs-up sign when asked if he’s running under President

Marcos’ party – Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).

“Yes, yes,” said Pacquiao. “Under PFP.”

The sportsman/politician from General Santos City remains a strong, viable candidate in next year’s midterm elections. He placed sixth in a recent survey by Pulse Asia Research Inc. for senatorial candidates.

The former congressman from Sarangani (2010 to 2016) placed sixth in the Pulse Asia survey released last month, behind Rep. Erwin Tulfo, former senator Tito Sotto, former president Rodrigo Duterte, Sen.

instructions to prepare a legal brief to list the legal options the President may take once the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues an arrest warrant on former President Rodrigo Duterte and others who played a key role in the past administration’s drug war.

The PCO later clarified that the preparation of a legal brief did not mean the government was changing its stand on its refusal to recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction to investigate Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity over the drug war killings.

PAGE 2

MANILA — Parties in the opposition are divided in terms of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s latest order, which created a special committee that will task government agencies to enhance mechanisms for the protection of human rights in the country.

Former Senator Leila De Lima on Monday, May 13, said Marcos’ move to create a human rights body is a correct move, and shows the intention of the administration to prioritize the protection of Filipinos’ rights.

One thing that the Marcos administration must ensure though, according to De Lima, is to ensure that the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and other non-government organizations involved in the protection of human rights to be involved — so that it will not be a mere echo chamber.

“BBM’s creation of a human rights coordinating body is a step in the right direction. It shows that his administration is prioritizing human rights and intends

MANILA — Excessive maritime claims advanced by China and two other claimants in the South China Sea (SCS) were the most operationally challenged by United States forces under the Freedom of Navigation program, according to the latest annual U.S. Department of Defense FON report. The defense department

released on Thursday, May 9 its annual FON Report for fiscal year 2023. During the period from Oct. 1, 2022 through Sept. 30, 2023, U.S. forces operationally challenged 29 different excessive maritime claims advanced by 17 different claimants throughout the world. Excessive maritime claims are unlawful attempts by coastal states to restrict the rights and freedoms of navigation and overflight and

Marcos forms special body...

According to PCO Secretary Cheloy Garafil, the legal brief is part of “standard procedure” to ensure “that our administration remains prepared for any scenario.”

Under AO 22, the special committee will be composed of Bersamin as chair and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as cochair, with Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos as members.

Described by the PCO as a “super body,” the committee is also mandated to “strengthen existing mechanisms for the protection and promotion of human rights.” Committee’s functions

The new body will cover matters like “investigation and accountability,” “data-gathering on alleged human rights violations by law enforcement agencies,” and “expanding civic space and engagement with [the] private sector.”

It will also tackle matters involving “national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up” and a “human rights-based approach toward drug control.”

“For this purpose, the special committee may, whenever necessary, invite as member and/or observer such other government agencies, including the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Dangerous Drugs Board and Anti-Terrorism Council-Program Management Center,” Marcos said in AO 22.

According to him, the super body is also tasked to “facilitate access to redress mechanism by victims of human rights violations.”

“[The committee shall] monitor and ensure effective implementation of government policies and programs aimed at upholding and protecting human rights of persons deprived of liberty, particularly in guaranteeing that no one is subjected to torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment,” he said.

The PCO did not reply to queries about concerns that the “special committee” usurps or duplicates the functions of the

CHR.

But in issuing the order, the President cited the significance of maintaining and intensifying the accomplishments of the United Nations for the Joint Program on Human Rights (UNJP).

He said the imminent expiration of the UNJP on July 31 raised the need for the government to “[institutionalize] a strong and healthy multistakeholder process for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines.”

The country is a state party to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Its state-party involvement led to the creation of the Presidential Human Rights Committee (PHRC) to comply with the Philippines’ obligations to international human rights groups.

The PHRC is also tasked with formulating a National Human Rights Action Plan.

Critics weigh in For Carlos Conde, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch’s Asia division, the committee’s lack of an accountability mechanism and independence from government influence was a cause for concern.

“On paper, the special committee’s aim are laudable. God knows institutionalizing respect for and protection of human rights in the Philippines is of utmost concern,” Conde told the Inquirer. “However, I view the creation of this committee with some concern… [The] committee will function mainly as a propaganda tool of the government to respond to criticism of the government’s dismal human rights record.”

He also noted that the special committee did not have UN or civil society participation.

“Even the CHR is not included and will only be optional. The committee is composed of government agencies that have a poor record when it comes to accountability for human rights abuses,” Conde said.

“The human rights situation under Marcos demands accountability. That is the

key need of the moment. If Marcos really wants to ensure accountability, he needs to keep the CHR independent and give it all the resources it needs,” he added.

Bayan Muna executive vice president Carlos Isagani Zarate echoed a similar sentiment, saying that there was “nothing special regarding this committee as it is just another bureaucratic layer to make the Marcos Jr. administration acceptable in the community of nations where human rights is of paramount concern.”

“If Marcos Jr. is truly sincere in the promotion and protection of human rights, his administration should start by abolishing the [National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict], the main government machinery created by his disgraced predecessor that promotes and enables the massive and grave violation of human rights in the country these past years and until now,” Zarate said.

Human rights group Karapatan called the committee “a desperate attempt to window-dress the grave human rights situation in the country.”

“With its premise of addressing human rights issues through mere ‘coordination,’ one cannot expect much from this ‘special committee,’” Karapatan said in a statement. “It will go the way of the Inter-Agency Committee created under Administrative Order No. 35 tasked to resolve extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and other grave violations of human rights, which has a pitiful record.”

Amnesty International, in a statement, said: “The government doesn’t need a ‘super body’ to champion human rights. What it needs to do is accept and implement the recommendations of the UNHRC, the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Opinion and get serious about returning to the ICC. What the President needs to do is to walk the talk — address and resolve human rights violations by leaning in on the proposals presented by Amnesty International in its annual report and human rights legislative agenda.” g

China warns PH against expelling...

Philippines.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila, on May7, shared a phone call recording between an individual claiming to be the "AFP WesCom chief" and a Chinese diplomat with selected media organizations.

They reportedly agreed on four points under a "new model" for managing disputes in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). However, the authenticity of the recording has not been confirmed.

Teodoro strongly urged the DFA to initiate a thorough investigation into the alleged

recording, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need for swift action.

Año also said that the Chinese officials may have violated Philippine laws, particularly the Anti-Wire Tapping Act, and breached diplomatic protocols and conventions. g

Fil-Am journalists among finalists in...

this dark chapter of our history into the light. It’s been an honor to work with you,” the artist added.

Notably, Dungca’s dedication to investigative journalism extends beyond this prestigious nomination. As the co-host of the investigative podcast “Broken Doors,” she played an integral role in the podcast’s recognition with the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for Radio.

Furthermore, her previous nomination as a finalist in the Audio Reporting category of the Pulitzer Prizes in 2023 speaks volumes about her consistent

commitment to excellence in impactful journalistic endeavors.

In addition to her journalistic pursuits, Dungca currently serves as the president of the Asian American Journalists Association.

Alongside her, two other Filipinas, photographer Hannah Reyes Morales and Galeno, have also secured their places among the finalists.

Morales has been acknowledged as a finalist in the “Feature Photography” category for her photographic work featured in the New York Times story titled “How the Youth Boom in Africa Will Change the World.”

Expressing her gratitude at the news of her nomination, Morales took to her Instagram page to reflect on the profound impact of her work and the invaluable contributions of those she had the privilege to photograph. “I’m still in a daze since that call, overwhelmed and grateful for the chance to have worked on this story, written by @declanwalsh. Thank you to everyone we photographed – it was not the easiest assignment but those we photographed helped us understand, bit by bit, what it means to be young and reshaping Africa, and the world.” (Hans Carbonilla/Inquirer.net)

Governor Newsom’s cuts to the Equitable

Building Decarbonization program will harm low-income communities

by AJPress

LAST week, Gov. Gavin Newsom released an updated state budget proposal that cuts $283 million in funding from the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program (EBD) — a 30% reduction. The proposed cuts could deny access to no-cost clean energy upgrades for tens of thousands of low-income households who otherwise would be eligible for the program.

The EBD program is designed to support low-income households with energy-saving home upgrades, like weatherization and zero-emission heat pumps, at no cost to the resident. Studies have found heat pumps to be more efficient than air conditioner units, and they can also provide space heating more efficiently than gas furnaces, saving customers money on their utility bills.

In addition, the EBD program is critical for public health and safety amid rising temperatures. Currently, about a quarterof Californians lack access to cooling in their homes, while extreme heat events are growing in severity and frequency. Extreme heat is dangerous for vulnerable populations like children, seniors, and the disabled and puts lowincome and communities of color at an elevated risk. The EBD Program can mitigate the impact of extreme heat by keeping our homes cool and comfortable.

The EBD Program can also help improve air quality in California by reducing climate emissions and other pollutants caused by gaspowered appliances. This is critical because the American Lung Association’s most recent “State of the Air” report found that over 9 in 10 people in California live in a community impacted by unhealthy levels of ozone and/or particle pollution. A major culprit of the unhealthy indoor and outdoor air quality is gas-burning appliances in our homes, which emit four times more nitrogen oxide pollution than the state’s gas power plants. Likewise, homes and buildings are the second leading contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in the state.

In response to these proposed cuts, a coalition of climate and environmental justice advocates are calling on the governor to restore funding to the EBD program, and bolster it with an additional $400 million in a climate bond that will go before voters on the November ballot. And while California is facing higher than expected revenue deficits, advocates argue that the state cannot afford to delay its critical climate

and clean energy goals.

Despite its perceived climate leadership, California is projected to miss 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets by seventeen years. Cuts to the EBD Program will undermine the state’s goal of creating 3 million climate-ready homes equipped with heat pumps by 2030 and 7 million by 2035. This goal includes a target of deploying 6 million heat pumps by 2030. To date, there are only 1.5 million heat pumps installed in about 800,000 homes — and to meet this target, California would need to more than triple its rate of heat pump adoption.

Legislative budget hearings on the revised budget will begin this week and provide the public an opportunity to learn more about the proposals. The public should contact legislators directly to let them know their views on the governor’s proposals. With so much at stake, the state budget will be a key indicator of the administration’s ability to stick to its commitments on climate and clean energy. While low-income communities are most impacted by climate change and pollution, they are the least able to afford solutions. Maintaining funding for programs like the EBD Program is critical to protect our most vulnerable communities and stay on track to meet California’s ambitious climate goals. g

Pacquiao eyes Senate...

Bong Go and Sen. Pia Cayetano.

Trailing Pacquiao in the survey were Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, Sen. Imee Marcos, former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, broadcaster Ben

Tulfo, Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. and Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay. Pacquiao ran for senator in 2016 and placed seventh with over 16 million votes. In the 2022 presidential elections,

the only boxer in history to win world titles in seven weight divisions placed third under the PROMDI banner with 3,663,113 votes behind Marcos (31,629,783) and Leni Robredo (15,035,773). g

CARES. The

South China Sea has most excessive...

other lawful uses of the sea.

These are inconsistent with international law as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They include a variety of restrictions on the exercise of navigation and overflight rights and other freedoms and lawful uses of the seas.

“If left unchallenged, excessive maritime claims could permanently infringe upon the freedom of the seas enjoyed by all nations,” the department said.

The Annual Freedom of Navigation Report 2023 identified excessive maritime claims in the South China Sea by China, Vietnam and Taiwan that were challenged by U.S. FON Program.

Challenged were China’s straight baselines not drawn in conformance with international law or the Chinese government’s Declaration on the Baselines of the Territorial Sea; requiring prior approval for military survey activities in the exclusive economic zone; restrictions on foreign aircraft flying through an Air Defense Identification Zone without the intent to enter national airspace; requiring prior permission for innocent passage of foreign military ships through the territorial sea; and Beijing’s claims of “historic rights” in the South China Sea.

Also challenged were Taiwan requiring prior notice for foreign military vessels to conduct innocent passage in the territorial sea and Vietnam’s straight baselines that do not conform

with UNCLOS and imposing prior notification for foreign warships to enter the territorial sea.

The U.S. rejected unlawful and sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea that pose a serious threat to the freedom of the seas, including the freedoms of navigation and overflight, free trade and unimpeded commerce, and freedom of economic opportunity for South China Sea littoral nations.

According to the U.S. Navy, China, Vietnam and Taiwan “purport to require either permission or advance notification before a foreign military vessel engages in ‘innocent passage’ through the territorial sea.”

U.S. forces also challenged excessive maritime claims by Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand; Colombia (Caribbean Sea), Croatia (Adriatic Sea); Dominican Republic; Iran (Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman); Japan (vicinity of Tsushima Strait and Senkaku Islands); Latvia (Baltic Sea); Maldives; Malta (Mediterranean Sea); Oman (Strait of Hormuz); Russia (Bering Strait); Thailand (Andaman Sea); United Arab Emirates (Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman), and Yemen (Bab elMandep Strait).

“Unlawful and sweeping excessive maritime claims – or incoherent legal theories or maritime entitlement – pose a threat to the legal foundation of the rules-based international order,” according to the report.

The defense department said the U.S. is committed to confronting this threat by challenging

excessive maritime claims.

“As long as some countries continue to assert limits on maritime rights and freedoms that exceed coastal state authorities nested under customary international law, the United States will continue to challenge such unlawful claim,” it said.

‘Only Philippines can create island in Escoda’ The Philippines is the only country that can create an artificial island on Escoda Shoal, an island within the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), according to former Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio on Saturday, May 11.

“(Escoda Shoal) is part of the 200 nautical mile EEZ of the Philippines. As such, only the Philippines can create an artificial island on Escoda Shoal,” Carpio told The STAR in a text message.

“Any structure or artificial island erected by China on Escoda Shoal is illegal under international law,” he added.

In such instances that China constructs an artificial island or any structure in Escoda Shoal, Carpio said the Philippines can seek legal options, such as filing a case for damage to the marine environment for the destruction of the coral reef.

“The case will be filed with an UNCLOS tribunal,” he added.

Carpio also pointed out that the purpose of China in creating an artificial island is to create a military outpost that would “prevent the Philippines from getting the gas in Reed Bank and in other nearby areas.” g

California Gov. Gavin Newsom File photo/www.gov.ca.gov

Easing the toll of Alzheimer’s on...

recommendations on how California can prevent and prepare for the increase in Alzheimer’s and other diseases causing dementia,” said Dr. Wynnelena C. Canio, an appointee to the task force and the chief of geriatrics at Kaiser Permanente San Rafael and Petaluma.

There were 660,000 Californians living with Alzheimer’s in 2019; this is expected to more than double to nearly 1.5 million in 2040.

While the state’s population is projected to grow in that time by 16%, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s is projected to grow by 127%, not including unreported cases.

“Never has this issue been more important,” said Canio. “The task force’s final report included 10 major recommendations included in the state’s Master Plan for Aging, one of them being the creation of a multilingual, multicultural, and intergenerational Alzheimer’s education campaign.”

Alzheimer’s education helps no single population more than it does women, who at age 45, face a one in five lifetime risk for the disease, compared to one in 10 for men.

Overall, Californians who live to be 65 or older have a one in six chance of developing Alzheimer’s, and a one in five chance of developing any kind of dementia.

“These numbers represent real people,” said Canio. “My own grandmother was diagnosed with dementia … as she was losing her ability to cook, move independently and shower on her own, our family took turns caring for her.

“One day as I was helping her with bathing, she cried and said ‘Why are you helping me?

I bathe you,’” Canio continued.

“I responded, ‘You’re right, you did. So now it’s my turn.’ … The experience I had caring for her and thousands of Californians living with dementia inspired me to help this population often unable to speak for themselves.”

Women at higher risk

“Why are women more at risk of Alzheimer’s? Genetics, biology, environment,” said Dr. Mirella Diaz-Santos, UCLA assistant professor-in-residence of neurology, and the equity director for the Latino Healthy Aging Lab at UCLA. “Research

indicates genes associated with women that increase longevity,” thereby increasing risk. “Some research also indicates that beta amyloid,” a protein associated with Alzheimer’s, “accumulates more in the brains of women.”

“There’s also inflammation,” she continued. “Think about all the chronic stressors that we endure, day in and day out — environmental stressors, workforce, the nuances that come with gender roles and the role of women in family … chronic stress from discrimination also plays a role in how different communities are at risk for Alzheimer’s at different levels.”

Black Americans, for instance, are twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia compared to whites, while Hispanic Americans are one and a half times more likely.

“To answer these questions of why women are at higher risk, we need to be having conversations with communities suffering in silence because they’re afraid a dementia diagnosis will label them as crazy,” said DiazSantos. “The moment you share your story, we all have a story.”

Women as caregivers

“Even as we’ve seen Alzheimer’s rise, our community members often treat it like a mental illness,” said Anni Chung, president and CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly. “In fact, the Chinese word for Alzheimer’s is translated as ‘crazy,’ so those taking care of a loved one with dementia try to hide it, which means that they don’t seek resources or education, and the situation gets worse.”

“To address Alzheimer’s, we need to address this association of shame through educating caregivers about the disease,” she continued, adding that alongside residential and day care programs, “we help professional and family caregivers spot the symptoms and stages of Alzheimer’s to avoid frustration and shame when there’s loss of verbal communication or memory.”

“It’s usually the daughters who have to quit their jobs and move to care for their parents full-time. They often feel guilty hiring outside help, but they get burned out,” Chung said. Over a third of U.S. dementia caregivers overall are daughters, while 19% of women

Alzheimer’s caregivers have had to quit their job due to their caregiving duties.

“We run bi-weekly support groups for caregivers not only for training but to offer help, counseling, community resources, or even a lunch outing so they know they’re not alone,” she explained. “But my deepest concern is that we’re not attracting enough younger professional caregivers … We have to elevate the status of a caregiver. We ask them to care for our loved ones, but we don’t compensate them accordingly.”

Caregiving ingrained in our DNA

“Though caregivers enjoy the work, it still takes a toll,” said Mereani Ikanivere, founder of Prestige Care, an agency coordinating the work of over 100 caregivers — mostly Fijian — in Marin and Sonoma Counties. “To prep them to handle each day’s challenges means helping them recognize changing levels of ability and patterns of behavior as Alzheimer’s progresses.”

Even caregivers themselves are not exempt: “We’ve seen that those who have been caregivers for many years can show signs of cognitive decline as well,” she explained, adding that Pacific Islanders have twice as high a risk of Alzheimer’s as white Americans.

Some 65% of caregivers at Prestige Care look after someone with Alzheimer’s, Ikanivere said, “and I’ve noticed a continuous increase over the last four years.” “Caregiving is ingrained in many Fijians’ DNA” as they are often “used to taking care of loved ones since childhood.”

Luckily, the close-knit nature of many Fijiian communities also offers “great avenues to share caregiving concerns, and to avoid stress, burnout, frustration and depression as a result of long hours,” she continued. “We have sport events, reminders to take a break and visit relatives, church groups and lunch groups to talk about how we can help each other.”

“I couldn’t agree more with California’s response to Alzheimer’s,” Ikanivere added, given that in 2020, 12% of Californians 65 and over — approximately 720,000 people — had the disease. “That number is huge … As it grows, supporting the caregivers helping their loved ones is crucial.” (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)

Fil-Ams join rally to demand child care support for working moms

The rally is part of a nationwide campaign called ‘A Day Without Child Care’

NORTHRIDGE — Working moms struggling to find quality, affordable child care held a rally in Northridge Monday to call attention to the challenges they face raising families.

Part of a nationwide campaign called A Day Without Child Care, the rally was held at Dignity Health – Northridge Hospital Medical Center the day after Mother’s Day, when all moms were celebrated.

Working moms were the focus of efforts to call attention to the burdens they bear from lack of child care and demand “thriving wages for childcare providers, affordable care for families, a childcare system built on racial and gender justice, and an expanded, inclusive tax credit,” according to organizers.

Among those who joined the rally were Filipino American child care providers and advocates, including Lourdes Duarte, a provider from Mar Vista, California.

“Child care providers ensure that parents can go to work knowing their child is in a safe, nurturing and educational environment. Our work is important to the economy of our city, our state and our country, Duarte said.

“Yet, most providers earn low wages and struggle to keep their doors open. That is why we are coming together to urge (California) Governor Gavin Newsom to respect our profession and make sure that we earn a livable wage that reflects the

true cost of the care we provide.”

Also attending the rally were Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman, other child care providers, working parents – including health care workers who require child care – child care advocates and representatives from the Child Care Resource Center.

Mothers miss more work or work fewer hours than fathers to care for children, according to reports from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The rally participants asked Gov. Newsom to address the challenges working moms face, including lack of child care, long waiting lists for child care facilities, low wages for providers and the high cost of care.

The governor’s revised budget proposal contains cuts to child care services and programs provided by the state. One proposal is a cut to Cal WORKs which provides eligible families child care subsidies.

“We are one of the only rich countries in the entire world that expects families to carry this burden all on their own … and to me that is shameful,” Raman said at the morning event, organized by Service Employees International Union Local 99.

Rally organizers said in Los Angeles, there are only enough licensed child care spots to serve 4 percent of the city’s infant and toddler population and more than 60 percent of families in Los Angeles live in child care “deserts,” communities without proper child care. (Inquirer.net)

Opposition, allies split on Marcos’ special...

to engage the issue at a higher and more focused level,” De Lima, a former CHR chairperson who is currently spokesperson of the Liberal Party (LP), said in a statement.

Feedback, consultation from the CHR

“However, the body should institutionalize feedback and consultation from the CHR and human rights NGOs so as not to become an echo chamber of government propaganda of its human rights record. The body has a lot of work to do. It should start working ASAP but first it should set the right direction,” she added.

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Marcos has issued Administrative Order (AO) No. 22 creating a so-called inter-agency “super body” which will require government agencies to boost and promote universal human rights protection.

The special committee will be headed by the executive secretary and co-chaired by the Justice secretary, with the heads of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Interior and Local Government as members.

“It is imperative to sustain and enhance the accomplishments under the UNJP, which is set to expire on July 31, 2024, through the institutionalization of a robust multi-stakeholder process for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines,” Marcos stated in the AO.

Nothing special

But another opposition figure in former Bayan Muna Rep.

Carlos Zarate believes there is nothing special about AO No. 22, saying that Marcos could show his commitment to human rights by first abolishing the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac).

“Nothing special regarding this committee as it is just another bureaucratic layer to make the Marcos Jr. administration acceptable in the community of nations where human rights is of paramount concern,” Zarate said in a separate statement.

“If Marcos Jr. is truly sincere in the promotion and protection of human rights, his administration should start by abolishing the NTF-Elcac, the main government machinery created by his disgraced predecessor that promotes and enables the massive and grave violation of human rights in the country these past years and until now,” he added.

Zarate and other members of progressive have consistently called for NTF-Elcac’s abolition, especially after United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan said that the task force must be stopped because the conditions for which it was created are already outdated.

No duplication of mandate

At least two members of the House of Representatives’ Majority bloc — Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon and La Union 1st District Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega — said that the AO No. 22 will allow for a better coordination between stakeholders in the human rights sector.

Bongalon also believes this

is not a duplication of CHR’s mandate.

“We welcome this as a positive development and I do not see it as a duplication with the independent body, which is the [CHR]. We have to remember that the Philippines as a country has also an obligation in the international community, and as a matter of fact we are party to various treaties wherein we uphold the human rights as part of unit of declaration of human rights,” Bongalon said.

“Our country has been a party to treaties and and having said that, we see this as a a coordinating procedure. And when we speak of coordination, we would implement new measures. It starts with coordination. So, this body will serve as a bridge, they can complement the functions of the CHR and so that we can come up with the best solution on how we can protect and solve human rights violation in our country,” he added.

Ortega meanwhile said that while he supports the President’s initiatives, there may be laws or regulations that have to be crafted for the ‘super body’ to function.

“It is being done by the local government, international governments, all of these are accompanied by policy, accompanied by, an appropriate IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations). So, if they would build that, they might need legislation, or additional processes, then we will have to see on the side of the House because these can be referred to committees, then we will move on from there,” he said. g

working

Dateline PhiliPPines

Marcos wants ‘stronger’ air force

by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, May 13 said he wanted a "stronger" Philippine Air Force (PAF)

"as it defends the country's sovereignty, territory and development."

The president spoke during a command conference with the military's top brass at the PAF headquarters in Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

"The president was briefed on the recent activities, plans and proposed projects of the Philippine Air Force,"

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a text message to reporters.

Garafil did not give other details on what was discussed during the meeting and only said that Marcos "gave his guidance and instructions on some of the proposed programs" of the Air Force to help boost its capabilities as the country's first line of defense against threats as well as enhancing its efficiency for disaster response.

It was not also mentioned if the president and military leaders, led by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen.

Romeo Brawner Jr., discussed the supposed involvement of retired and active military and police officers in an attempt to remove him from power.

In a separate statement, the PAF said its senior commanders, led by PAF chief Lt. Gen Stephen Parreño, briefed Marcos, senior Malacañang officials and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on its recent activities and plans.

It said it looks forward to the president's "continuous support in our modernization efforts to become a truly capable, credible, and sustainable Air Force that our nation needs and deserves." g

Bam Aquino gears up for political comeback in 2025 midterm polls

by Cristina Chi Philstar.com

MANILA — Former Sen. Bam

Aquino — who abandoned his Senate bid in 2022 to run Leni Robredo's presidential campaign and earlier failed to get reelected in the 2019 elections that bludgeoned Otso Diretso — is staging his political comeback in the 2025 midterm polls with a familiar banner of championing youth leadership.

Vowing to address people's "real concerns" amid the ruling parties' feud, the former Liberal Party stalwart now leads the country's "youngest political party" Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KANP), as chairperson, Aquino said in a television interview.

"People don't feel like they are being heard. Parties are fighting, while the issue of inflation is not being addressed," Aquino said in an interview with ANC on Tuesday.

"I think more people who want to bring back the issues to people's needs must engage and be part of the political process," the former senator added.

The KANP chairperson declared that he is "ready to return to politics" after around half a decade since his term as senator from 2013 to 2019 ended.

"We are ready and we are

preparing for it," Aquino said. Aquino said he left the Liberal Party in 2019. "Since I was a private citizen, we didn't release the information to the public," he said.

The former senator then created the KNP to bolster the presidential bid of Robredo, who ended up running as an independent candidate, Aquino added.

After Robredo's loss, KNP members agreed to keep the party alive after the flood of support during the campaign trail.

"We may have lost, but people came out and expressed their desire for better (sic)... We saw that and did not want to take

it for granted. So now we're running for 2025," Aquino said. Aquino said in a press release that KANP "will present itself as a viable alternative for Filipinos weary of traditional politics and politicians."

While no longer formally part of LP, Aquino's former LP party mates, such as LP President Edcel Lagman, LP Spokesperson Leila de Lima and former Sen. Kiko Pangilinan also expressed their support for Aquino.

The KANP is also ready to "endorse like-minded potential candidates and form alliances with political parties with similar principles in preparation for the midterm elections in 2025," its press release read. g

Marcos’ 2021 negative drug test result brought up in Senate ‘PDEA leaks’ hearing

MANILA — Representatives of the hospital that administered the drug test of then-presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2021 assured senators there was nothing irregular with how the test, which produced negative results, was conducted.

Two representatives from St. Luke's Medical Center - Global City's (SLMC-BGC) told a Senate hearing on Tuesday that Marcos did test negative for cocaine and that there was nothing unusual with the three minutes it took to see the results after the test was administered.

The Senate dangerous drugs and public order committee is currently leading a probe into supposed documents by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) linking Marcos to illegal drug use.

Senate panel chair Sen. Ronald dela Rosa said that he stands by the legitimacy of the documents in question even as the PDEA itself has denied its authenticity.

Cecilia Lim, head of the SLMCBGC drug testing laboratory, said that Marcos' drug test results came out in two minutes and 54 seconds, which is within the maximum waiting time of five minutes.

Meanwhile, Geresza Reyes, the drug analyst of the SLMC-BGC who signed the drug test report, said that the drug test kit produced a line that showed Marcos tested negative for cocaine.

"As for the analysis, a line appeared. In our drug test kit, there's a control line and a line for the drug analyte. In the result, a line indeed appeared indicating

negative," Reyes said in Filipino.

Asked by senators to clarify whether Marcos tested negative for all drugs, Fernandez said that Marcos only requested to be tested for cocaine.

This made Sen. Chiz Escudero comment that drug tests should test for all substances, not just cocaine but also shabu and marijuana, which he said were "poor man's drugs."

"That reveals a loophole in so far as drug testing is concerned in (law enforcement agencies)," Escudero said, adding that he will ask the Dangerous Drugs Board to come up with guidelines related to the matter.

During his presentation, Francis del Valle, head of PDEA's legal division, said that the two documents that former PDEA agent Jonathan Morales claims to be true are "purely fabricated."

Speaking on behalf of PDEA, Del Valle pointed out that the alleged "pre-operation report" and "authority to operate" documents do not have PDEA control numbers, which indicate that these were never submitted to the PDEA. The documents are also "incomplete and marred with redactions," according to the drug enforcement agency.

Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada asked Del Valle: "If an agent prepares a pre-operation report and does not submit it, let's say he hesitated or perhaps he was scared or paid off... And as you testified, it's not in your records. Is that document confidential? Is that document part of official records?"

Del Valle said that the

documents would not be part of PDEA's official record. "It may be just the personal files of the resource person," he added. The PDEA official added that Morales did not follow standard procedure by failing to bring up the findings of his alleged inteview with a confidential informant to his direct supervisor.

Dela Rosa said in his opening statement that he believes some of Morales' testimonies, while there are other testimonies he doubts. "I am putting my life on the line for this hearing as far as objectivity and neutrality is concerned," the senator added. (Philstar.com)

Former Senator Bam Aquino Philstar.com file photo

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang file photo

OPINION FEATURES

Abusing visa powers

WILL anomalies never end in the Bureau of Immigration? On Nov. 9, 2020 while the COVID pandemic was raging with no vaccine available, Rodrigo Duterte summoned over 40 BI employees to Malacañang to berate them over the socalled pastillas scam. This referred to the anomalous entry of foreigners mostly from China who ended up working in Philippine offshore gaming operator or POGO firms. The cash payments for facilitating the entry were reportedly handed over to BI personnel in rolled-up bundles resembling pastillas or local milk pastry.

Duterte did not carry out his threat to make the BI employees eat paper rolled up like pastillas, which supposedly contained cash. The BI employees were already suspended at the time over the scam. In June 2022, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed 45 of them from the service.

Editorial

You’d think BI personnel would have learned their lesson from that scandal. Yet here we are again, with the House of Representatives investigating reports that unscrupulous BI personnel are abusing for a fee the bureau’s authority to convert tourist visas into student visas.

The authority is given to the BI under Executive Order 285, issued in 2000 during the presidency of Joseph Estrada. EO 285 also created an interagency committee on foreign students, chaired by the Commission on Higher Education. The

Go Negosyo

Pilipinas Angat Lahat!

I HAVE said it time and again, and I will not tire of saying it: the Philippines has so much to offer the traveler. There is so much potential in Philippine tourism: it’s a real goldmine. That is why we had again our annual Tourism Summit at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay. This year’s Tourism Summit got a boost with the presence of First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, who has been very supportive of our MSMEs by making it a point to grace our events.

Of course, Department of Tourism Sec. Christina Garcia Frasco was with us, and personally congratulated the winners for this year’s Inspiring Tourism Entrepreneurs Awards. She was also with us at our Tourism Summit last year in Cebu, and I was glad for the opportunity to travel again to this city.

I travel a lot. Mostly for work and, when time allows it, for leisure. For my work with the ASEAN, I go on short trips throughout Southeast Asia; I also enjoy visiting Japan and Hong Kong. Here in the Philippines, every year I get on the boat and sail around our beautiful islands. I also visit Baguio almost regularly for our RFM meetings, and last year I had the opportunity

IT is time we understand that the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the increasing tension in the Taiwan Strait caused by China and the increasing pressure on the Philippines regarding the illegal possession of Philippine sovereign territory are interconnected and not isolated events.

The China-Russia coalition has now become the premier alliance of authoritarian regimes. This now includes Iran and North Korea. The world’s democracies are trying to respond with their own alliances to counteract the intent of the authoritarian powers to divide the democratic world.

In Europe, there is the NATO composed primarily of European countries plus the United States and Canada.

In Asia, there are two alliances.

committee members are the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Education, National Bureau of Investigation and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency. With questions raised about a reported influx of Chinese students in Cagayan, a House committee has learned that in 2023, the BI granted student visas to 16,200 Chinese nationals. It’s unclear if most of the 16,200 initially entered the Philippines on tourist visas. But Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers is urging Malacañang to scrap EO 285, and to instead transfer to the DFA the authority to convert tourist visas to student visas.

Barbers has acknowledged that under normal circumstances, the influx of foreign students should not be a problem, but the country’s dispute with China over maritime issues as well as peace

and order problems associated with POGOs give a national security dimension to the entry of Chinese citizens. The DFA itself is

The goldmine that is Philippine tourism

to visit some provinces where we conducted our nationwide mentoring and national events. For leisure, my travel mode of choice is by water. It is the best way to see what I believe are the Philippines’ greatest travel assets: its islands. Although I stopped diving years ago and just snorkel nowadays, it is still quite an enjoyable experience hopping from island to island in the southern corridors.

Close to Manila is the BatangasMindoro corridor. If you’re a diving enthusiast like me, you could ease into the trip starting with Anilao and Puerto Galera. Apo Reef in Mindoro offers one of the best diving in these parts. This also is a convenient entry point to my favorite travel destination, Palawan. I especially enjoy sailing around the islands in this area, which are unlike anything else on the planet. Coron, Linapacan and El Nido – one could stay for days here, living on the boat and diving when the time is best to see the corals and the marine life, or just relax along the spectacular white sand beaches like the one on Balabac Island. The nice thing about the strait of Coron to Linapacan is the long stretch of islands up to El Nido. From there, you can go all the way to Puerto Princesa.

It can be possible to sail for a whole month, maybe even two, exploring the Visayas corridor. Start in Cebu and trace the famous sailing triangle there; going down

to Malapascua to see the tiger sharks, passing the night on the beaches around the tiny island of Calanggaman. And on the way back you can go through Cabilao, maybe do a side trip to Bohol to sail beside (or even swim with) the dolphins there. Or maybe sail through Balicasag and all the way to Oslob, where the whale sharks are, and then to Siquijor to spend a few days exploring their whitesand beaches and reefs teeming with marine life.

From my experience, the best time to explore the islands is from April to May, two months that ensure calm waters and smooth inter-island sailing. This could maybe stretch until June, but after that, the habagat (southwest monsoon) might make for rough waters.

But there’s more to the sights. I’ve been on guided tours in Palawan that give you the real island experience. One such tour operator took us on a backpacker type of adventure on the islands around Palawan, but of course sparing us the rougher parts because, I suppose, that is part of the service.

I find that travel allows you to step back and discover new concepts and, more importantly, to challenge your own ideas. I remember it was through travel that I got the idea for Kettle Korn. I saw something similar in the U.S. and I was so inspired by it that, once I got back to the Philippines, I registered the new business

right away and set out to create something a little different from the other brands that were already here.

Travel is so important for anyone who’s in business; you have to know what is out there: either to find out what you can improve or what unique product you can offer. It’s an opportunity to see what the competition is up to. I realized this during my recent trip to Laos to attend meetings for the ASEAN. The rail systems that are coming up and connecting cities in Southeast Asia, for example, could change the game drastically. I can imagine how easy it will be to travel from the

cosmopolitan city of Bangkok to rural Luang Prabang, eliminating for travelers the hassle of booking separate trips and giving the tourism business of these two countries a tremendous boost. The small entrepreneurs I’ve spoken to find that travel is a gift that keeps on giving. Some of these young travel entrepreneurs told me that they build their own travel experiences in order to enhance the products and services they offer their customers. They discover small, hidden places or exciting experiences and weave these into the customized packages they create.

Travel content creators and influencers, meanwhile, mine

their experiences for content that can bring them not just advertising revenues but also potential brand deals and affiliate marketing opportunities. This is an example of how digitalization has created an industry that has become more inclusive and exciting, where small tourism operators have an equal footing with the giants. And with a gem like the Philippines, who knows how much farther we can take Philippine tourism. (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.

Defending the Philippines via alliances

The first one is the QUAD composed of India, Australia, Japan and the United States. This is a response to Chinese military and economic power. This particular alliance, however, does not provide for a mutual defense agreement. The newly formed trilateral mutual pact of the United States, Japan and the Philippines has gone a step further and includes a mutual defense agreement. China has recently been increasing its support of Russia, including military support for its war in Ukraine. It has also displayed strong interest in reshaping the geopolitical landscape in Europe.

stated that he was against giving aid to Ukraine in its fight against Russian invasion. The next and final stop was Slovakia, which has adopted a pro-Russian policy.

In Asia, China has been attempting to make the question of Taiwan a purely local issue. This severely underestimates the consequence of China’s invasion of Taiwan.

carry shipping containers pass through the Taiwan Strait.

Preserving the status quo in the Taiwan Strait is vital to maintaining the U.S. alliance system and the regional balance of power. This potential takeover of Taiwan would shift the advantage in Asia to China and encourage its authoritarian expansionism. If China succeeds in Taiwan, its next obvious target would be the Philippines.

the Philippines, freedom of expression and human rights have become more accepted by the government.

The strongest opposition to the government’s policy to resist China’s aggression comes from the camp of former president Rodrigo Duterte. During his term, Duterte was openly pro-China and Russia and was publicly antiwest.

sending troops to Ukraine.

The American response to Beijing’s threat to its Asian allies has been to threaten China with sanctions. However, this has proven ineffective, especially since even its European allies seek to increase trade and investments in China.

Recently, Xi Jinping went on a state visit to Europe, his first after five years. The main purpose was supposed to be trade and investment. However, his choice of countries displayed an intention to try and divide the democratic world. His first stop was France, whose President Macron has been advocating for an independent European policy. His next stop was Hungary. Its Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been publicly advocating an anti-Western political stance and has publicly

According to Bloomberg Economics, a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would cause the global economy around $10 trillion. This is the equivalent to nearly 10 percent of global GDP. This would even dwarf the combined impacts of the war in Ukraine, the Covid-19 pandemic and the global financial crisis of 2008-09.

A Chinese blockade of Taiwan, it is said, will result in less immediate distraction but would still cost the global economy around $5 trillion.

Again, Bloomberg Economics says the reason for this global catastrophe is that over 90 percent of advanced chips are produced in Taiwan and approximately half of the global fleet of ships that

China and Russia must strengthen its coalition to advance the interest of authoritarian regimes. The democratic alliance is composed of countries that believe in democracy and also countries that are not necessarily democratic but are under threat by Chinese expansionism. The Philippines belongs to the latter category.

However, ever since the Philippines’ open public policy to align with democratic countries, the Philippines has noticeably taken a few initial steps towards becoming a more democratic country. Although it has not yet become fully democractic, it should be noticed that in

I anticipate that the Philippine foreign policy will be a major issue in the coming presidential elections if, as expected, Sara Duterte runs for president against the Marcos candidate.

China under Xi Jinping has also increased its nuclear capability.

According to Pentagon estimates, Beijing started with 200 nuclear warheads in 2019 and is estimated to have amassed 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2013.

This may not mean that China intends to start a nuclear war but its plan for nuclear expansion is to establish a geopolitical leverage in Asia. Perhaps it has learned its lesson from Russia, which threatens nuclear war to dissuade western countries from

Recently, there was news that Australia and New Zealand felt threatened by China’s attempt to increase its economic and political influence in the island states in the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. For example, in 2019, Solomon Islands severed its diplomatic relations with Taiwan and signed a security pact with China. In the Maldives, a pro-China government is in place.

The Philippines has formed an alliance with countries that will hopefully help protect its interests against Chinese aggression and expansionism. (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.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco kicked off a series of panel discussions on Monday, May 13, formally launching Go Negosyo’s Tourism Summit for the current year at the Ayala Malls By the Bay venue. DOT photo

The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE

Wednesday MAY 15, 2024

SOME thirty professional golfers from the different echelons of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LGPA) competed at the 17th Annual CM Pro-Am held at the beautiful Journey at Pechanga golf course in Temecula, California on April 9, 2024.

Prominent golfers, including Ashley Lau (234th in Rolex Ranking as of March 25, 2024), Robyn Choi (284th in Rolex Ranking), college standout and now professional golfer Jennifer Chang, Soo Bin Joo (376th in Rolex Ranking) and 2014 Asian Games silver medalist Ssu-Chia Cheng (390th in Rolex Ranking), were on hand to compete for the Pro-Am cup and other prizes. Joining Lau, Choi, Chang, Joo and Cheng were other LPGA stars like Abegail Arevalo, Amelia Garvey, Amy Lee, Annika Borrelli, Brianna Do, Gabriella Then, Gigi Stoll, Greta Voelker, ILHee Lee, Jenny Rosenberg, Jillian Hollis, Kaley In, Karen Chung, Louise Ridderström, Malia Nam, Min-G Kim, Mo Martin, Olivia Schmidt, Rebecca LeeBentham, Jenny Coleman, Savannah Grewal, Selena Costabile, Sydnee Michaels, Tisha Alyn, and Vicky Hurst.

The event started with the long-drive competition, pairing an LPGA star with a local golfer before groups of foursomes took to the course. Brianna Do was the big winner in this year’s CM Pro-Am, taking home three awards – her foursome won the tournament, she and partner Josh Levitt bagged the longest drive competition with a combined score of 556 yards, and Do also made a Hole-in-One.

In between the longest drive challenge and golf pro-am, Pechanga Resort Casino executives, led by Pechanga Development Corporation 2nd Vice President John Palinkas, Pechanga Resort Casino General Manager Tjeerd Brink and Pechanga Resort Casino Chief Marketing Officer Bill Anderson, had the opportunity to speak to media and those present, and welcome the LPGA golfers and sponsors who took the time to participate in the event. Palinkas, Brink and Anderson were also joined by Journey at Pechanga Director of Golf Scott Mallory, Director of Sales & Catering Sutisa Spellman, Vice President of Hotel Operations Thomas Mueller, Character Media Publisher James Ryu and SC Global Enterprise and iGraphix Advertising CEO/ President Wade Lai.

In an interview with Filipino media, LPGA golfers Abegail Arevalo, Tisha Alyn and Greta Voelker all expressed enthusiasm with

the pro-am event. Alyn and Voelker have participated in the event for a few years, while this was Arevalo’s first time to join the CM Pro-Am. Greta Voelker, who is from Germany, expressed delight at how the LPGA has become a home to many international players, which she started to see when she came to the United States and competed for her college.

The CM Pro-Am, although it may seem as a more relaxed event, still fires up the competitive juices of the golfers, Voelker told the Asian Journal. She includes it in her schedule when she makes it at the start of the year. “I love this event so much so it’s always on my schedule,” she said. “It’s a perfect time… you finish on a Sunday, come here on a Monday and the pro-am is on Tuesday. Afterwards, you can leave for the next tournament, so it fits perfectly.”

Filipina Abegail Arevalo, who is currently playing on the Epson Tour, dreams of getting into the main tour in the LPGA. Originally from Parañaque, Arevalo learned the sport from her father when she was five

LGPA stars compete in 17th Annual CM Pro-Am at Journey at Pechanga

football or soccer… as long as you can take the sun, you can go out there and train.”

Alyn added that you can train up to 8 hours a day. When she was playing professionally, she would hit golf balls for two hours, practice putting and short game for an hour, and go play which takes about four hours or so. Then she would go back and do some more putting, and work out and eat meals in between. It also helps to have a team behind you, which may include mentors, a swing coach, a mental coach, a physio, a physical trainer, an agent and a public relations team.

“If you think that you’re doing enough, there’s someone out there doing one step more. If you can push yourself, give it all you’ve got because there’s someone out there who wants it just as bad or more than you,” she added.

The Asian Journal also had a brief opportunity to catch up with a member of Pechanga’s executive casino host Filipino team.

Gerald Anderson approves Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia reunion movie

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA actor Gerald Anderson approved the reunion movie of girlfriend Julia Barretto with her ex-boyfriend Joshua Garcia.

In his interview with Cinema One, Gerald said that the reunion project of the two will bring joy to their loyal fans.

“It’s exciting, it’s exciting para sa mga fan nila. I’m not sure ilang years ago sila huling nagkasama, but I’ve been in that situation,” Gerald said.

Alam ko na marami silang mapapasaya na mga fan nila They’re both great actors so alam natin na magiging quality ‘yung ipapalabas nilang proyekto,” he added.

Julia and Joshua are set to reunite in the film “Un/Happy For You” which will be released in cinemas this year.

Joshua said he never hesitated to reunite with his ex-girlfriend. Nu’ng nalaman ko ‘yung project, sabi ko yes agad kasi ang tagal na rin kasi nu’ng agwat nu’ng panahon na nag-work kami before kasi mga teenager kami,” he said.

“Ngayon, I can say nag-mature na rin kami, lumaki na kami, literal. Exciting lang, nagkanya-kanya kaming journey parang ngayon magbabalikan kami sa pelikula,” he added.

For Julia, the movie came at the right time.

“Over the years, there were several attempts to coming together. At some point, when a good material comes along and a great team, of course, being reunited with Josh is such an exciting idea,” the actress said.

years old. Her dad was a caddie in Intramuros, Manila, and it was through golf that her dad earned his opportunities to establish a business and make a living. In turn, he encouraged family members to take up the sport.

Abegail is a San Jose State University alumna where she majored in Psychology and minored in Human Systems Integration. She currently lives in San Francisco, CA.

Arevalo has represented the Philippines, notably winning gold as part of the country’s team in the Southeast Asian Games in 2019. It is one of Abegail’s top goals to be able to represent the country in the Olympics someday.

According to Arevalo, the best part of her game is her mental game. “It’s not common for people to say that, but I’m okay with driving, I’m okay with putting and chipping… but at the end of the day, it’s such a mental sport, and I think that’s really my strength… And I work with a mental coach, too. It’s my favorite thing to talk about… I’m proud of my mental work.”

This being her first year at the pro-am, Arevalo stated that looks forward to playing the course at Journey at Pechanga, which she described as beautiful and spectacular.

As for her advice to young golfers, Abegail stated: “Follow your dreams, and dream big!”

For Fil-Am Tisha Alyn, who has hung up her clubs professionally, the event is a time for her to reunite with fellow golfers, catch up with sponsors and just enjoy herself.

Alyn is a multi-hyphenate nowadays, as she caters to her clients’ needs – she can be a model, broadcaster, trick shot artist, speaker, fitness trainer or content creator, among other things. “It’s like golf entertainment in a different way,” she told the Asian Journal.

Asked about preparations or training that young, aspiring kababayan golfers can include in their regimen as they shore up their games, Tisha responded: “I think that one thing about golf that’s different from other sports is that it takes a lot of time. It’s not as strenuous as other sports like

Senior executive casino host Vhergie Bermejo, who has worked at Pechanga for 20 years, revealed that she is very happy doing her job and lauded the support that the entire company, including management and the tribal leadership, extends to employees like her. “This has been my longest employment,” she said, “and I think I would retire here.”

Bermejo revealed that Filipino Americans are among the highest-tenured employees at Pechanga Resort Casino and she believes that it is a great opportunity for her fellow kababayans to join the team in the resort-casino.

“We’re closer than [Las] Vegas and it’s a very friendly environment… pang-pamilya (caters to families), I would say. We have everything… concerts, the spa, our beautiful golf course, the hotel, the pool area, dining… we have a lot to offer and are continually developing,” she answered when asked what makes Pechanga a good place to visit.

Bermejo added that Pechanga has catered many activities to the Filipino community, including bringing in celebrated Filipino singers and performers to hold shows at the property’s concert venue. With regard to the proam, Vhergie hopes that more Filipina golfers will participate in the event in the future, owing to the explosion of the sport internationally.

As every year shows, the CM Pro-Am Golf Tournament celebrates the camaraderie and sportsmanship among professional golfers, sponsors, the Pechanga Resort Casino team and attendees. It is one of the annual memorable events that players and golf enthusiasts look forward to when springtime comes to Temecula.

[Journey at Pechanga championship golf course, one of the many high-end amenities at Pechanga Resort Casino, is consistently rated among the top public courses in California. When golfers partner their rounds with a luxury stay at the adjacent resort, the value of the experience rises. Visit Pechanga.com or call (877) 711-2946 to for more information or to book your next stay at Pechanga Resort Casino.] Advertising Supplement

“It almost felt like maybe it was already the right time, it’s the right material, we’re both in a good place in our life. I’m happy na magkakatrabaho tayo uli,” she added.

Julia and Joshua starred in the hit movies “Vince and Kath and James” in 2016, “Love You to the Stars and Back” in 2017, “I Love You, Hater” in 2018 and “Block Z” in 2020.

Priscilla Meirelles admires Janice de Belen for reaching out in trying times

By anne PaSaJol Inquirer.net

PRISCILLA Meirelles

disclosed that while she doesn’t share a close relationship with Janice de Belen, she admires and appreciates the actress for reaching out to her during the former’s “trying moments” in 2023.

Meirelles spoke about her relationship with de Belen, the former wife of her actor husband John Estrada, in an interview in “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” on Monday, May 13.

“When it comes [to] Ms. Janice, never kami naging close pero na-appreciate ko siya nang sobra kasi last year, actually, nag-reach out siya sa akin—and I hope it’s okay to share,” she said. “Woman-to-woman, she was very kind and I appreciate that.”

It can be recalled that it was last year when Meirelles and Estrada went through a rough patch in their marriage. Meirelles, however, opted not to share more details about her interaction with de Belen.

“We’re never close; we did work before together but of course, I’m married to her ex. Although I’m not the reason why they separated—let’s make this clear,” she stressed. “‘Yung pagpasok ko sa buhay ni John, they were already annulled [for many years].”

“But woman-to-woman, I think she can feel me and I think she understands where I’m coming from,” she continued.

“And I think she appreciates the fact that I’m good to her kids [Inah, Moira, Kaila and Yuan], and they love me and I love them.”

Abunda then underscored, “For someone to reach out to you during your trying moments, it means a lot.”

Meirelles nodded in agreement, “That means a lot, and that means it shows who she is as a person. I admire her for that and I thank her. She’s a wonderful woman.”

Rough patch

Speaking about the learnings she had after her rough patch with Estrada, Meirelles said, “Ang dami kong natutunan tungkol [sa] sarili ko I’m very easygoing [but] lahat ng tao may limit. Dumating ako sa limit ko.”

[Do’n] sa nangyari, ang natutunan ko [ay at] the end of the day, ‘yung pinakaimportanteng bagay sa buhay natin is peace of mind,” she continued, adding that without peace she cannot function because she is unhappy. Meirelles then underscored that she will fight for Estrada and their marriage for as long as she deems it’s “worth it.”

Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto

ABS-CBN photo

Professional golfers (from left) Tisha Alyn, Greta Voelker and Abegail Arevalo spoke to media about the sport and the pro-am event.

Pechanga Resort Casino executives led by Pechanga Development Corporation 2nd Vice President John Palinkas, Pechanga Resort Casino

General Manager Tjeerd Brink and Pechanga Resort Casino Chief Marketing Officer Bill Anderson pose with the professional golfers from the LPGA ranks. Photos by Joseph L. Peralta/AJPress

Executive casino hosts were on hand to assist media and the players during the event. Photo above shows (from left) Filipino senior executive casino host Vhergie Bermejo, Assistant Director of Asian Marketing Anna Tran, Korean executive casino host Cecilia Vadeboncoeur, Thai executive casino host Jen DeSanti, Chinese executive casino host Gabriel Tang and Vietnamese senior executive casino host Khai Tran.

Thirty LPGA golfers took part in the 17th staging of the Character Media Pro-Am at Journey at Pechanga. A female golfer takes

ball during the long drive competition.

Janice de Belen and Priscilla Meirelles Photos from Instagram/@super_janice, YouTube/GMA Network

Piolo Pascual, Dingdong Dantes win Film Actor of the Year award

By Jan milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA star Piolo

Pascual and Kapuso Star

Dingdong Dantes won the Film Actor of the Year award for their performances in “Mallari” and “Rewind” respectively at the recent Box Office Entertainment Awards presented by the Guillermo Mendoza Memorial Scholarship Foundation (GMMSF), Inc.

This marks Piolo’s second Best Actor recognition, following his victory at the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) last January, held in Hollywood, USA.

Vilma Santos was named as the Film Actress of the Year.

Piolo, accompanied by Mentorque producer John Bryan Diamante aka Bryan Dy, executive producer Rona Banaag, Clever Minds co-owner and supervising producer Omar Sortijas, director Derick Cabrido, along with his Mallaris co-stars Janella Salvador and Ron Angeles, personally accepted the prestigious award.

“Mallari,” an official entry to the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), is a chilling cinematic journey into the depths of Fr. Juan Severino Mallari’s psyche, the Philippines’ sole documented serial killer from the 19th century. This meticulously crafted and the first-ever Filipino film to be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures intertwines historical accuracy with psychological horror. Three major characters

were brought to life by Piolo.

The film’s impact extended far beyond domestic borders, becoming an official part of the inaugural MIFF, a visionary project launched by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority/ MMFF Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes. Mallari’s overwhelming success and positive reception have opened doors for numerous collaborations, much to the delight of the budding producer.

Meanwhile, Mentorque Productions, in partnership with Project 8 Projects, owned by directors Dan Villegas and Antoinette Jadaone, is set to make waves at the 2024 Cinemalaya Film Festival this August.

The recently completed shooting of “Kono Basho” in Japan was proudly announced by Mentorque’s President and CEO on his Facebook account, featuring an image of two women adorned in black kimonos.

Recent sightings of Bryan with Angkas President George Royeca and directors Dolly Dulu and Ivan Andrew Payawal also suggest a potential collaboration with Angkas in an upcoming project.

Additionally, a post featuring Bryan alongside TEN17P producer director Paul Soriano, his wife Toni GonzagaSoriano, and the couple Mikee Morada and Alex GonzagaMorada, owners of TinCan Productions, hints at further

exciting partnerships.

Amid these developments, the Mentorque producer is laser-focused on his entry for the 50th Metro Manila Film Festival, the fantasy-drama “Biringan.”

Bryan’s joy is further amplified by the 14 out of 18 nominations garnered by “Mallari” at the upcoming FAMAS Awards night on May 26, 7 p.m., in the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel.

The nominations include Best Actor (Piolo Pascual), Best Picture (Mentorque Productions/Clever Minds), Best Director (Derick Cabrido), Best Screenplay (Enrico C. Santos), Best Cinematography (Pao Orendain), Best Child Actor (Kian Co), Best Supporting Actress (Gloria Diaz), Best Supporting Actor (JC Santos), Best Editing (Noah Tonga), Best Sound (Immanuel Verona and Nerikka Salim), Best Production Design (Marielle Hizon), Best Visual Effects (Gaspar Mangarin), Best Theme Song (“Pag-ibig na Sumpa” by JK Labajo), and Best Musical Score (Von De Guzman).

“Mallari” previously bagged Best Supporting Actor, Best Musical Score, Best Visual Effects, and Third Best Picture at the Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 Gabi ng Parangal. Months have passed but efforts to put up such a huge film project are still reaping success.

The film makes its highly anticipated debut on Netflix on June 21.

Dina Bonnevie reveals she almost became Mel Gibson’s leading lady

By Kathleen a llemit Philstar.com

DINA Bonnevie could have been one of the Philippines’ most notable Hollywood stars today if only she accepted the leading lady role offered to her opposite Mel Gibson.

Dina said she was not joking when she said it as she elicited laughter from the people on the set of “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda,” where her guesting was aired last Friday, May 10.

Renowned host Boy asked her what she had not become because of her children. Dina is mother to Danica Sotto-Pingris and Oyo Boy Sotto, both of whom are parents themselves.

“I didn’t become the leading lady of Mel Gibson in ‘East of Eden.’ No, it’s not a joke,” Dina said.

She continued, “I was offered to star in ‘East of Eden’ with Mel Gibson after I did ‘A Dangerous Life’ by Hal McElroy.”

Dina joined the cast of the 1988 television film about a foreign journalist covering the last days of Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship.

The actress, who currently stars on the afternoon drama “Abot Kamay na Pangarap,” said she was offered to live in Australia and start an acting career there.

“I was offered to live in Australia and be an actress there and eventually be in Hollywood, HBO. Eh ‘di dapat Hollywood actress na ako ngayon and I’m slaying it in the Met Gala. Hitsura ni Tyla, oh, ‘di ba?’,” she quipped.

She turned serious when she explained why she turned

down the role.

“I didn’t become that because I chose my kids kasi at that time na nagpaalam ako kay Vic [Sotto, her exhusband], sabi ko, kukunin ko ‘yung mga bata. Pupunta kami ng Australia and I’m gonna live there. Vic said, ‘If you do that, you will never see your kids again’,” the actress said. On the other hand, her children made her a tougher person. She and Vic separated when she was only 23, after six years together. She was a young mother to two toddlers. Dina gave birth to Danica when she was 20 and, two years later, gave birth to Oyo. Her situation prompted her to look for ways and means to provide for her children.

“I became an entrepreneur.

I had to look for ways and means to make money aside from being an actress and a talk show host. I put up businesses and I became a successful businesswoman because of my inspiration, my kids. I wanted my kids to have a good life,” she said.

Apart from being smart with her money, Dina said her children also taught her to forgive and stop being judgmental.

“I became a forgiver and I stopped being judgmental kasi before I was so judgmental e. Masyado akong feelingera noon. Parang feeling ko, palagi akong tama. But then you realize you’re not always right. Marami ka ring mali,” she said.

Priscilla Meirelles admires Janice de Belen...

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She further noted that Estrada vowed to do his best after their misunderstanding, and that she believes in him.

“But again, tao lang tayo.

I’m in a situation right now where—of course, we’re married pa rin and we were just laughing and having a great time on Tuesday, May 13. But

I’m not gonna take anything of

what I already took up to this point,” she clarified.

“Alam niya na nasa limit na ako so whatever happens from this point on, it’s on him. I’ve done my part,” she said.

Actress Dina Bonnevie

Photo from Instagram/@dinabonnevie

Piolo, accompanied by Mentorque producer John Bryan Diamante aka Bryan Dy, executive producer Rona Banaag, Clever Minds co-owner and supervising producer Omar Sortijas, director Derick Cabrido, along with his Mallaris co-stars Janella Salvador and Ron Angeles, personally accepted the prestigious award. Photo from Instagram/@mentorque

Rosanna Roces wants dear friend Ai Ai back

By ronnie carrasco ManilaTimes.net

true soon after Rosanna — in a recent vlog interview by Aiko

Melendez — expressed her desire to rebuild her friendship with the comedienne that had remained strained for 20 years.

To be honest, I found her peace offering to be very “un-Rosanna” — certainly not the typical Osang (her pet name) I’ve known her to be. For Rosanna to have allowed 20 long years to slip by makes me think she wouldn’t mind it all even if she and Ai Ai remain hostile to each other thy kingdom come.

Why wait that long when she could have offered an olive branch, say, five or 10 years after their falling out? That would have been a more sincere gesture.

In the same vein, why did it have to take a vlog by a colleague-friend when Rosanna could have resorted to non-social media means like mainstream outlets way ahead of its advent?

But whatever Rosanna’s reason for it is no longer as weighty as seeing her shattered friendship with Ai Ai restored to how it was two decades ago.

Asked to label what their sisterly closeness looked like, Rosanna told the Quezon City councilor, “’Yung sa amin kasi ni Ai Ai, sobrang totoo. Masarap siyang kasama (Ours was genuine friendship. Ai Ai was so much fun to be with).”

Could Rosanna take us back during those happy times together? What made them — or either — fall out when as far as I could remember, neither was there any trade of negative issues between them?

Rosanna recalled their enmity reared its ugly head sometime in 2004.

“We were like picking apples that time because we were in demand in provincial gigs. Ai Ai was supposed to have a show in Dagupan. Prior to that, she had a show there with Ara Mina but it was a flop. Still, the show producer went right ahead promoting ours, but the producer took Ai Ai’s picture down off the poster.

Continued on Page 11

Heart Evangelista reveals 4th miscarriage

By iza iglesias ManilaTimes.net

ACTRESS Heart Evangelista revealed on Sunday, May 12, Mother’s Day, that she has experienced another miscarriage.

The 39-year-old shared on her Instagram post a handwritten letter dedicated to her son with Sen. Francis Escudero, whom they also named Francis.

“A few days ago our baby boy’s heart stopped beating [dove emoji] this will be our 4th angel. and although this could be one of my biggest heartbreaks ... thank YOU for still... trying to be with me and for making me feel so much love already. Love and hope that this world could never give,” Evangelista said.

“I love you “francisKo” I shall keep my heart intact while you find your way back to us. To all the mothers, fur moms, mothers to friends, thank you for your heart and all the women like me ... going through same struggle ... Happy Mothers Day. ( FrancisKo, my Francis I love you anak ),” she added.

“My son FrancisKo.” her letter began.

“I was sure to meet you soon. I had prepared a few things you may like but for some reason your beating heart lost its way to us. I don’t blame you for being scared — it is a scary world but I would like to let you know I was prepared for you. Even if I am heartbroken I will keep my heart intact while you find your way back to us. Your beating heart has healed me in so many ways. I love you anak...I’ll be waiting for you. Mama Heart.”

It wasn’t until the March 16, 2024 airing of “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” that Evangelista disclosed her last miscarriage, which occurred in February. During the interview, she

disclosed that she and Escudero had chosen the name Sophia Heart for their unborn child. In September 2022, Evangelista opened up about her experience with in vitro fertilization (IVF), describing it as “one of the toughest, challenging” periods of her life. In 2018, Evangelista experienced her first miscarriage. Initially announcing her pregnancy with her and Escudero’s first child, she later disclosed that she was carrying twins but lost them successively.

Evangelista and Escudero married in Balesin Island on Feb. 15, 2015. The couple renewed their wedding vows also in the same place after nine years.

Karla Estrada hopes son Daniel Padilla learns from his ‘mistakes,’ be a better person

By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

KARLA Estrada said she will always stand by her son Daniel Padilla even as she hoped that he would learn from his mistakes and the challenges that would come his way.

In a sit-down interview with broadcast journalist Bernadette Sembrano on Saturday, May 11, Estrada said that while challenges are part of life, it wouldn’t stop her from guiding Padilla and offering him a listening ear.

“‘Yung anak ko, pinagusapan ng buong daigdig. I always pray he will be okay but at the end of the day, ‘yung question na kamusta si Daniel, si Daniel lang ang tanging makakasagot nang buo n’un,” she said. “As a mother, I always pray for the best for my son [at] para sa mga anak ko. Hindi lang kay Daniel and I always pray na maging better sila.”

(My son was talked about by the whole world. I always pray he will be okay but at the end of the day, the question of how Daniel is, only Daniel can answer fully. As a mother, I always pray for the best for my son and children. Not only Daniel but also to my children to be better.)

“Sana kapag dumadaan sila ng mga pagsubok, sana maganda ang lesson. Kailangan mong magkamali para may matutunan ka, at para maging mas maayos ka at mabuting tao. Nandito lang ako lagi sa likod ni DJ if

ever tawagan niya ako, gusto niya akong makausap,” she said, addressing her son using his nickname. (I hope it will serve as a good lesson for them when they undergo challenges. You need to make mistakes to learn from them and be a better person. I’m here for DJ whenever he needs me and someone to talk to.)

Touching on the topic of mistakes, Estrada considers it an “exercise” for her children while pointing out that it’s a reminder for them to “keep going” because life goes on. She also hoped they would learn how to forgive.

“Tinuro ko sa mga anak ko, pwede kayong madapa and then just learn kasi hindi pwedeng tumigil ang buhay,” she said. “Bago ka matulog, magpatawad ka at humingi ka ng tawad. Ipagdasal mo ‘yung mga taong nagagalit sa’yo. Every time may pagsubok ‘yung mga anak ko, I make sure na ako ‘yung pader na pwede nilang sandalan.” (I taught my children that it’s okay to fall since it reminds you to learn. Life doesn’t stop. Before sleeping, forgive and ask for forgiveness. Pray for those who are angry at you. Every time my children go through hard times, I make sure they can rely on me.)

Estrada stated during Padilla’s contract renewal with ABS-CBN’s Star Magic in February 2024 that she will always root for him in “whatever path [he’ll] take” and dedicate his endeavors to God.

Nino Muhlach sells FAMAS trophy to Boss Toyo

FORMER child actor and entrepreneur Nino Muhlach sold one of his trophies from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) to Boss Toyo P500,000, but the latter said the trophy is “priceless”

Boss Toyo said he plans to display Muhlach’s FAMAS trophy at a museum he’s planning to put up.

In an episode of Pinoy Pawnstars last Monday, Boss Toyo haggled with Muhlach, who visited the content creator’s shop in Quezon City to personally hand over one of the five Best Child Performer trophies.

“Aalagaan mo yan, irerestore mo yan [Take care of that, restore it] ,” Muhlach told Boss Toyo.

Boss Toyo said that he wants to restore the trophy — one of Muhlach’s five FAMAS awards — to its former glory and showcase it in his planned museum alongside the award that Jiro Manio, another former child actor, sold to him a few months ago. Muhlach said that it was Toyo who personally inquired

(From left) Karla Estrada and Daniel Padilla Photo from YouTube/Bernadette Sembrano, Instagram/@supremo_dp

buddies Ai Ai delas Alas and Rosanna Roces back in each other’s oasis. This is especially

Heart Evangelista

Photo from Instagram/@iamhearte

In an episode of Pinoy Pawnstars last Monday, Boss Toyo haggled with Muhlach, who visited the content creator’s shop in Quezon City to personally hand over one of the five Best Child Performer trophies. Photo screengrabbed from Youtube/Boss Toyo Production

Nino Muhlach sells...

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it in his museum because I never take care of it. That’s our deal] ,” Muhlach said.

Boss Toyo said that Muhlach’s FAMAS award is one of his dream items, noting how the former child actor changed Filipino entertainment through his movies with legends like Fernando Poe Jr. and Dolphy.

“Ikaw ang barometer, pag sinabing ‘child actor’, tandaan natin, wala pa akong nakitang

nakadaig sayo as a child actor [You are the barometer of a ‘child actor’ because we have to remember nobody does it better than you] ,” Toyo said. Apart from the award, Muhlach gave Boss Toyo some of the theater lobby cards from the movies he starred in and produced. Aside from acting, Muhlach runs several business outfits, including his El Nino Apartments and Muhlach Ensaymada. (Philstar.com)

Rosanna Roces...

From Page 10

Maybe Ai Ai thought I had a hand in it but I was totally clueless. She took it against me. But it was a case of misunderstanding,” Rosanna recounted.

Unlike many other showbiz alliances gone awry Rosanna said theirs was different as not even once did they badmouth each other.

Rosanna misses that particular bond she shared with Ai Ai, and she longs to rekindle that connection.

For sure, as this writer’s Tuesday opinion piece comes out — Rosanna and Ai Ai must have already met up to thresh things out. “I don’t mind meeting up with her wherever she may be, that is, if she’s also willing to patch things up,” Rosanna said.

If I may serve as Ai Ai’s mouthpiece, the comedienne is in fact welcoming of their reconciliation more so if she feels there’s sincerity in Rosanna’s “bati-na-tayo” gesture.

It’s the strange kind of reconciliation where there abounds more “halakhakan” than “sumbatan,” more smiling than frowning faces, more touching moments of rekindled sisterly love than intense, blood-shedding confrontations.

Rosanna who projects a brash, cocky image humbling herself? Why not?

Remember that she has already made amends with “Batang Quiapo” co-star Lorna Tolentino last year over a forgotten past.

After LT and Ai Ai, we can only keep guessing who else does Rosanna have a bone to pick with.

Could it possibly be either her former manager Lolit Solis or then-close ally Cristy Fermin — or both?

We never can tell’ can we? Take it from Julia Barretto on her 2021 issue with Bea Alonzo: “The world is healing.”

community

Navigating the child custody move away process in California

Barrister’s Corner

THE high cost of living in California and over regulation has made a lot of parents evaluate whether to move out of state. The most common states that people move to are Texas, Arizona, Nevada, or Florida where the cost of living is lower and taxes are less or nonexistent. However, if a parent with shared custody wants to move away with the children, they must follow a specific legal process to ensure the move is in the child’s best interests. The move has to be allowed by the court through a court order because it will affect the non-moving parent’s custody/ visitation rights. A parent cannot simply decide to move with the children without a court order. With the distance between the parents, the existing custody and visitation orders will no longer work out. If a child custody order is in effect, the moving parent must notify the other parent that they intend to move, and oftentimes, they must often bring a request to modify the child custody and visitation order to court.

The parent planning to move must provide written notice to the other parent at least 45 days before the intended move date. The notice should include the new address and contact information, the reason for the move, the proposed new custody and visitation arrangements. The parents can try to reach an agreement on the move and the new custody/ visitation schedule can be tuned into a court order by signing a stipulation and order for the move away containing the new custody/visitation orders. This would be the best case scenario where the parents are working

together on deciding whether the child gets to move with the other parent and what the new custody schedule is going to be.

If the parents cannot agree, the moving parent must file a Request for Order (RFO) to relocate with the court. The RFO should explain the reasons for the move and how it is in the child’s best interests. The Court will set a hearing on the move away request. Often, the Family Court in Los Angeles would order a Parenting Plan Assessment (PPA2) in which a custody evaluator will evaluate

to be the public policy and law of this state. Moreover, under California child custody law the custodial parent does not have to show that the move is “necessary,” assuming the parent is moving in good faith. (See Marriage of Burgess (1996) 13 Cal.4th 25).

The non-custodial parent can then challenge the relocation by requesting a custody modification based on a showing of changed circumstances and detriment to the child. As discussed in Burgess, the non-custodial

If a child custody order is in effect, the moving parent must notify the other parent that they intend to move, and oftentimes, they must often bring a request to modify the child custody and visitation order to court.

the facts of your case and make a recommendation to the Court whether to allow the move away and what the new custody/ visitation order is going to be. The parties will have a chance to examine the evaluator in court and present their own witnesses. The legal analysis in a moveaway situation depend on the current custody arrangement.

A parent with sole physical custody of a child has the presumptive right to change the child’s residence, subject to the court’s ability to prevent a relocation that would “prejudice the rights or welfare” of the child, pursuant to Family Code 7501, which states: (a) A parent entitled to the custody of a child has a right to change the residence of the child, subject to the power of the court to restrain a removal that would prejudice the rights or welfare of the child. (b) It is the intent of the Legislature to affirm the decision in In re Marriage of Burgess (1996) 13 Cal.4th 25, and to declare that ruling

parent must show a substantial change in circumstances rendering it “essential or expedient for the welfare of the children” that there be a custody change. Family courts are given the widest discretion to fashion orders and make determinations under these circumstances because each case is unique and these orders determine where, and with whom, minor children will live based on the La Musga factors. The LaMusga Court provided California family judges with a roadmap for deciding whether to modify a custody order in light of a parent’s proposal to change the residence of the child. The following is a checklist of the LaMusga factors family courts will consider:

• The child’s interest in stability and continuity in the custodial arrangement.

• A significant change in circumstances.

• The distance of the move.

• The age of the child.

• The social impact of the move on the child.

• The impact on the child’s education.

• The child’s relationship with both parents.

• The relationship between parents.

• The wishes of the child.

• The reason for the move.

• The extent to which the parents are currently sharing custody.

Move-aways are generally “all or nothing” matters, since there is very little middle ground when one parent proposes to move the child to another state and the other parent is requesting the opposite. The distance becomes a real limitation in crafting a custody arrangement that would be in the best interest of the child. This process can be complicated thus parties are best served having experienced and highly skilled legal representation.

* * * Please note that

Rosanna Roces (left) expressed her desire to rebuild her friendship with Ai Ai delas Alas that remained strained for 20 years. Photos from Instagram/@therealrosannaroces, @msaiaidelasalas