FILIPINO American Democrats and Republicans have condemned the shooting, calling it an attack on democracy
NEW YORK CITY — Just two days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, a horrific incident took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. On Saturday afternoon, during a campaign rally for Donald Trump, gunfire was aimed at the former president in what the FBI described as an assassination attempt.
Reports indicate that the shooter was neutralized, and Trump, who survived the shooting, is safe and looking forward to attending the convention.
“This is a very sad day for our nation,”
Ron Falconi, the Fil-Am mayor of Brunswick, Ohio, told Inquirer.net USA. “My prayers go out to President Trump and his family. We should also pray for the rally-goer who was killed, as well as those who were injured in the assassination attempt.”
Marcos on Trump assassination attempt: ‘We
FOR the over six million Californians aged 65 and over, and the over seven and a half million with a disability, getting the care they need has not always been easy.
To help these Californians live healthier lives in their own communities, Medi-Cal — California’s version of Medicaid — has new programs including integration with Medicare; elimination of asset limits restricting eligibility; enhanced care management; and expanded community services like housing aid and healthy meals.
At a Wednesday, July 10 Ethnic Media Services briefing, Department of Health Care Services officials and community health care providers explained what new programs are available to older and disabled Californians, how they’re implemented on the ground and how these programs are changing lives.
An overview
Nearly 6 million Californians, or 15% of the state’s population, were aged 65 and
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is intensifying its efforts to locate and arrest persons wanted in the case involving Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy and four others.
“Our search for the remaining wanted persons in the case of Quiboloy and his associates is ongoing,” PNP spokesperson
Col. Jean Fajardo said during a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday, July 15.
Fajardo added that the recent arrest of Pauline Canada, a co-accused in the case, is a positive development that indicates the PNP is receiving the right information.
“Our hotline is very active and we are getting numerous tips, though we need to
vet this information carefully. Some may be accurate, but others might be intended to mislead us,” Fajardo said. She urged the public to cooperate by providing any information, giving assurance that their identity and security would be protected.
“We are not limited to their (Quiboloy and co-accused) known addresses. We are also investigating other potential areas where they might be staying or visiting,” Fajardo said.
On Canada’s custody, Fajardo said the PNP is still waiting for a court order, noting that the warrant of arrest was already returned to the Pasig Regional Trial Court.
In the meantime, Canada remains in the custody of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.
MANILA — It may have been a slip of the tongue. The cat, nevertheless, is out of the bag, so to speak.
By mentioning the Netflix series “Designated Survivor,” Vice President Sara Duterte has revealed – wittingly or unwittingly – that she really wants the presidency this early, or four years away from the next presidential elections,
according to a lawmaker.
“Now, the true intentions and personality of VP Duterte are becoming clearer to us,”
House Deputy Speaker David Suarez said.
“Offhand, the VP’s statements are not what we expected from someone holding the second highest office in the land,” Suarez added.
At the same time, the representative of the second district of Quezon province also
MANILA — After major clashes between Chinese and Filipino vessels, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been trying to marshal support from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to take a more active role and lead diplomatic proceedings to ease tensions in the region.
The president has so far been consistent in invoking "ASEAN centrality," suggesting the regional bloc be the primary driver of negotiations and conflict resolution among countries with competing territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Countries in ASEAN, in Marcos' words, must "resoundingly [reject] misguided interpretations that paint our region as a mere theater of geopolitical rivalries," according to his speech delivered at the last Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier defense summit.
Meanwhile, ASEAN has remained largely muted about the 2016 Hague ruling that rejected China’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea as having no basis in international law, choosing instead to call for peace,
security and stability with respect to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
What is keeping the 10-member bloc of Southeast Asian nations silent, and what does this mean for the Marcos administration's plan to tap more regional allies to counter Chinese intimidation?
ASEAN members' economic interests
Out of the 26 governments that have publicly called for the 2016 ruling to be respected, the Philippines is the only Southeast Asian nation among them, according to the latest tracker of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative as of November 2023.
"ASEAN naturally has a hard time making a collective stand on the SCS issue because member states have divergent interests and economic dependence on China," Justin Baquisal, a geopolitical analyst for FACTS Asia told Philstar. com. Some ASEAN members have chosen to prioritize their relationship with China, making them hesitant to challenge Beijing's intimidation to protect their own national interests, he added. Not all ASEAN members, moreover, have a stake in South
Marcos on Trump assassination...
violence. The voice of the people must always remain supreme,” he added.
According to media reports, the 78-year-old former president was rushed off stage with blood streaked across his face after the shooting, while the gunman and a bystander were killed and two spectators were critically injured.
U.S. President Joe Biden said the attack was “sick,” adding that “no place in America for this kind of violence.”
Biden is set to face Trump in the election this November. g
Vice President Sara Duterte showing her...
noted that Duterte’s comment “seems to reinforce a growing belief that her past display of unity with President Marcos was merely superficial.”
Duterte was Marcos’ running mate in the May 9, 2022 presidential election under the UniTeam party.
Another administration stalwart, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, reminded the vice president that as a lawyer herself, she should know that she has no power to appoint herself, or anybody for that matter, much less as the so-called designated survivor.
“To begin with, nowhere in our 1987 Constitution is it stated that the vice president has the authority or power to appoint herself, or anyone else, for that matter. Furthermore, the term ‘designated survivor’ is not found in any of our statutes,” Dalipe emphasized.
Asked about her plans on Marcos’ third State of the Nation Address in a chance interview with reporters last week, Duterte remarked: “No, I will not attend the SONA. I’m appointing myself as the designated survivor.”
“The authority to appoint is exclusively vested in our president, who makes appointments ranging from Cabinet members to directors of government agencies,” Dalipe pointed out.
Under the Constitution,
the line of succession among the country’s highest elected officials is likewise unequivocal and clearly stipulated.
Article VII, Section 8 of the 1987 Constitution states that the vice president ascends to the presidency in the event of the president’s death, incapacity, resignation or removal, serving the unexpired term, as exemplified by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s succession following Joseph Estrada’s ousting in January 2001.
This line of succession proceeds from the Senate president to the speaker of the House.
Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. also reminded Duterte that there is “no such thing as a designated survivor in the Philippines.”
“Is she spending too much time watching Netflix? She better read our Constitution. It’s as clear as sunlight. Is she really serious?” Gonzales asked, recalling that Duterte even joked previously that all members of her family – from her father to her two brothers, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte and Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte –will run for senator in the May 2025 midterm elections.
There was also a time when the vice president said that she would seek reelection as mayor in Davao City.
“I mean, which is which really? We don’t even know
if we can still trust her now. Whatever happened to some decency or at least being forthright in public service?
A career in government is not something anybody can play with. We’re dealing with people’s money and public resources,” he said.
Fond of joking After resigning from her government positions, Duterte has become fond of making jokes, according to Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III.
In an interview with dzBB radio on Sunday, July 14, Pimentel said he was “not really” scared when he heard that Duterte would not attend the SONA and proclaimed herself as the “designated survivor.”
“ It seems like the vice president (has) become fond of making jokes lately,” Pimentel added.
Asked whether joking as the “designated survivor” is a bad or good joke, Pimentel said: “Maybe (she becomes fond of telling jokes) after she resigned. Although it is still effective on July 19, she has been like that since she resigned from the Cabinet and from all her other government positions, except being vice president.”
“It’s like she’s feeling informal. That’s why the vice president is joking. Well, it’s not just good in the context of SONA,” he said. g
PNP intensifies hunt for Quiboloy...
Addressing concerns about Quiboloy’s loyal supporters potentially obstructing law enforcement efforts, Fajardo explained that the PNP “anticipated the potential interference.”
Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos on Monday clarified that the P10-million bounty being offered for the arrest of Quiboloy is still in the hands of the sponsors of the reward money.
“I do not have the money, just to be clear on that. It is in the possession of people who are offering the bounty. It was not given to me,” Abalos said in a chance interview at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Ferdinand Topacio, Quiboloy’s lead lawyer, earlier said the P10million reward being offered by Abalos violates Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for government officials and employees.
But Abalos countered, saying that in 2017 Topacio also raised a reward.
“For those (more donors) who want to help, I told them to personally announce to avoid
controversy. But the best help will be the information (to locate Quiboloy),” Abalos said.
He defended the decision of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to allow donations for the reward against Quiboloy, saying funding from the government can be used for other purposes.
“We can source it (reward) from our budget, but we can use the money for other uses and operations within the government,” Abalos said.
He noted that the DILG and PNP have received information on the possible location of Quiboloy.
“There were already sightings on his possible location,” he said, refusing to disclose where this is exactly. He added that the tips need to be filtered as some are meant to mislead.
“One thing is certain, there is a lot of information, many are working. The police and military are working together, so all of the things (on Quiboloy’s possible whereabouts), all of these are being checked even way before. The world is getting smaller for Quiboloy as sooner or later he will be located and he will have
to face the court that issued the warrant of arrest,” Abalos noted. Abalos also said it is possible that Quiboloy has already left the country.
“Anything is possible. It is not impossible when one is hiding. It can be far or near but we verify all of these. One thing I could assure those who are listening, despite the criticisms, we are just doing our jobs since there is a warrant of arrest. We need to serve the warrant. It’s as simple as that,” he stressed. g
ENROLLMENT. Parents enroll their children at Magallanes Elementary School in Davao City on
Niñal Jr.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang file photo
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy Philstar.com file photo
FOR hours, John Pernorio repeatedly mashed the call button at his bedside in the Heritage Hills nursing home in Rhode Island. A retired truck driver, he had injured his spine in a fall on the job decades earlier and could no longer walk. The antibiotics he was taking made him need to go to the bathroom frequently. But he could get there only if someone helped him into his wheelchair. By the time an aide finally responded, he’d been lying in soiled briefs for hours, he said. It happened time and again.
“It was degrading,” said Pernorio, 79. “I spent 21 hours a day in bed.”
Payroll records show that during his stay at Heritage Hills, daily aide staffing levels were 25% below the minimums under state law. The nursing home said it provided high-quality care to all residents. Regardless, it wasn’t in trouble with the state, because Rhode Island does not enforce its staffing rule.
An acute shortage of nurses and aides in the nation’s nearly 15,000 nursing homes is at the root of many of the most disturbing shortfalls in care for the 1.2 million Americans who live in them, including many of the nation’s frailest old people. They get festering bedsores because they aren’t turned. They lie in feces because no one comes to attend to them. They have devastating falls because no one helps them get around. They are subjected to chemical and physical restraints to sedate and pacify them.
California, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island have sought to improve nursing home quality by mandating the highest minimum hours of care per resident among states. But an examination of records in those states revealed that putting a law on the books was no guarantee of better staffing. Instead, many nursing homes operated with fewer workers than required, often with the permission of regulators or with no consequences at all.
“Just setting a number doesn’t mean anything if you’re not going to enforce it,” said Mark Miller, former president of the national organization of long-term care ombudsmen, advocates in each
state who help residents resolve problems in their nursing homes.
“What’s the point?”
Now the Biden administration is trying to guarantee adequate staffing the same way states have, unsuccessfully, for years: with tougher standards. Federal rules issued in April are expected to require 4 out of 5 homes to boost staffing.
The administration’s plan also has some of the same weaknesses that have hampered states. It relies on underfunded health inspectors for enforcement, lacks explicit penalties for violations, and offers broad exemptions for nursing homes in areas with labor shortages. And the administration isn’t providing more money for homes that can’t afford additional employees.
Serious health violations have become more widespread since COVID-19 swept through nursing homes, killing more than 170,000 residents and driving employees out the door.
Pay remains so low — nursing assistants earn $19 an hour on average — that homes frequently lose workers to retail stores and fast-food restaurants that pay as well or better and offer jobs that are far less grueling. Average turnover in nursing homes is extraordinarily high: Federal records show half of employees leave their jobs each year.
Even the most passionate nurses and aides are burning out in shortstaffed homes because they are stretched too thin to provide the quality care they believe residents deserve. “It was impossible,” said Shirley Lomba, a medication aide from Providence, Rhode Island. She left her job at a nursing home that paid $18.50 an hour for one at an assisted living facility that paid $4 more per hour and involved residents with fewer needs.
The mostly for-profit nursing home industry argues that staffing problems stem from low rates of reimbursement by Medicaid, the program funded by states and the federal government that covers most people in nursing homes. Yet a growing body of research and court evidence shows that owners and investors often extract hefty profits that could be used for care.
Nursing home trade groups have complained about the tougher state standards and have sued to block the new federal standards, which they say are unworkable given how much
trouble nursing homes already have filling jobs. “It’s a really tough business right now,” said Mark Parkinson, president and chief executive of one trade group, the American Health Care Association.
And federal enforcement of those rules is still years off. Nursing homes have as long as five years to comply with the new regulations; for some, that means enforcement would fully kick in only at the tail end of a second Biden administration, if the president wins reelection. Former President Donald Trump’s campaign declined to comment on what Trump would do if elected.
Persistent shortages
Nursing home payroll records submitted to the federal government for the most recent quarter available, October to December 2023, and state regulatory records show that homes in states with tougher standards frequently did not meet them.
In more than two-thirds of nursing homes in New York and more than half of those in Massachusetts, staffing was below the state’s required minimums.
Even California, which passed the nation’s first minimum staffing law two decades ago, has not achieved universal compliance with its requirements: at least 3½ hours of care for the average resident each day, including two hours and 24 minutes of care from nursing assistants, who help residents eat and get to the bathroom.
During inspections since 2021, state regulators cited a third of California homes — more than 400 of them — for inadequate staffing. Regulators also granted waivers to 236 homes that said workforce shortages prevented them from recruiting enough nurse aides to meet the state minimum, exempting them from fines as high as $50,000.
In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul declared an acute labor shortage, which allows homes to petition for reduced or waived fines. The state health department said it had cited more than 400 of the state’s 600-odd homes for understaffing but declined to say how many of them had appealed for leniency.
In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation in 2022 to loosen the staffing rules for all homes. The law allows homes to PAGE 4
Fil-Am pushed into BART train in SF honored at
Corazon Dandan, who planned to retire in the Philippines, will be buried at Manila Memorial Park by Jun nucum Inquirer.net
SAN FRANCISCO – The elderly Filipino American who was killed after she was pushed into the BART train in San Francisco earlier this month was honored by her family and friends, and hailed by community leaders as the face of hardworking immigrants who supported their families.
The Newall Chapel at the Cypress Lawn Funeral Home in Colma was packed with people whose lives were touched by 76-year-old Corazon Dandan, who died on July 2 after she was pushed into the path of a Millbrae-bound train. The suspect – Trevor Belmont, 49, also known as Hoak Taing – has been charged with murder and elder abuse. Dandan, who fell onto the platform and sustained severe head injuries, was rushed to the hospital, where she later died.
“Life will never be the same,” the victim’s nephew, Dr. Alvin Dandan, told Inquirer.net USA, as he broke into tears. “I will remember her as my mom.”
Dr. Dandan said his Tita Cora helped raise him and put him through medical school.
He said his childhood was filled with memories of her aunt taking him to the Philippine Plaza (later renamed Sofitel) where she worked before migrating to the United States.
“I would run around the hotel together with the other kids and play. Going back to work, she would take me (then) bring me back to my parents. She (had) always been a second mom,” Dr. Dandan recalled.
She opened her home in Daly City to relatives and friends who needed a place to stay as newly arrived immigrants.
One of those relatives was Corazon’s niece, Elena Dandan.
“We used to live with her. She was our mother when we first got here. She generously helped us establish our lives,” Elena said.
“She settled here by herself and was a big help to many relatives and friends. She was an inspiration to many.”
Elena also remembers her Tita Cora instantly lighting up any room she entered. “She was a happy person and a ‘cowboy,’ easy to get along with,” she recalled. “Her smile, her sweetness was very contagious. We will never forget her.”
Consul General Neil Ferrer, who attended the viewing Thursday, paid tribute to Dandan as an exemplary immigrant who worked hard to support her family.
“As we learned from her family, she was someone, like many OFWs, who migrated to the US, who worked very hard but at the same time did not forget their families,” Ferrer said. “She helped her siblings, nieces and nephews. She (was) really wellloved. We are saddened by her departure.”
The consul general also cited her sense of community and generosity to her friends and neighbors even during the pandemic. “She had a big heart
for others,” he said.
Juslyn Manalo, the Fil-Am mayor of Daly City – where Dandan lived for about 30 years – called her a “bayani (hero),” an immigrant who touched many lives at her workplace and in the community.
“She touched many by how giving she was,” Manalo said. “Corazon really embodied what her name is.”
Dandan will be buried at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque, said Dr. Dandan, who thanked the consulate for assisting with bringing her aunt’s remains to the Philippines.
“(Tita Cora) wanted to retire in the Philippines. I guess she’s getting what she wished for,” he said as he wiped his tears.
Dandan is survived by six siblings: Renato, Carmelita Esguerra, Ricardo, Danilo, Nicanor and Reynaldo. She is preceded by her oldest sister, Leticia Hernandez and parents, Ildefonso and Prudencia. g
This photo of Corazon Dandan was displayed during the memorial service. Contributed photo
From left: Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Officer Bernice Santayana, Consul General Neil Ferrer and Consul Jed Llona outside the Newall Chapel at Cypress Lawn Funeral Home in Colma, California. The consulate is assisting the family with bringing Corazon Dandan’s remains to the Philippines. Inquirer.net photo by Jun Nucum
How Medi-Cal is helping California’s growing...
older as of 2021 according to the U.S. Census — a number projected to grow to over 8.7 million, or 20% of the state, by 2030.
The CDC reports that over 7.6 million Californians have a disability.
Dana Durham, DHCS Managed Care Quality and Monitoring Division chief], said Medi-Cal is helping older and disabled Californians through Community Supports and Enhanced Care Management (ECM), programs that “meet social drivers of health” — like housing, healthy food, language access, and preventative health care — “in people’s communities so they can stay in the least restrictive setting possible.”
Community Supports include medically tailored meals, transportation to and from appointments, in-home care, home accessibility modifications, long-term care transition assistance, mental health care, substance abuse disorder treatment and housing aid.
“Historically, the healthcare system has been difficult to navigate,” particularly isolating seniors and people with disabilities, Durham continued.
With ECM, introduced in January 2022, high-risk members or those with complex needs — for example, overlapping issues of dementia, mental health, and daily living — are assigned a lead care manager to help them navigate the system and access MediCal services. These care leads can travel to meet the member if need be; for instance, the patient is homeless, disabled or isolated.
For Californians eligible for both Medi-Cal and Medicare, the federal insurance program for seniors and some younger people with disabilities, there are also now dual Medi-Medi Plans in 12 counties that cover copays and services across b oth programs, said Anastasia Dodson, DHCS deputy director of the Office of Medicare Innovation and Integration.
In 2026, Medi-Medi will be available statewide.
Currently, of the 6.6 million Californians on Medicare, 1.6 million are also on Medi-Cal. Dodson added that in January 2024, Medi-Cal eliminated
asset limits, meaning that bank accounts, property or a second car won’t affect eligibility; now, only income and household size count.
Community perspectives
Since this expansion of Medi-Cal began in 2022, “We went from three counties to nine statewide where we provide ECM and connection to community supports like doctors, caregivers, meals, transportation, residential care away from nursing homes, home accessibility modifications, housing navigation and rent aid,” said Jenna LaPlante, senior director of care management programs at the Institute on Aging, which serves about 1,000 Medi-Cal members.
“It’s more than we’ve ever served, and we’re in talks with health plans to expand more,” she continued. “Hiring bilingual, bicultural staff from the communities we serve has been key to reaching communities who weren’t historically engaging with our services.”
“For example, we hired a Vietnamese-speaking care manager who went to community centers in San Jose and Santa Clara counties where there’s a large population. We got a huge influx, and could hire more VIetnamese-speaking staff, which increased referrals even more,” LaPlante explained. “We’re now doing the same thing in Merced County, posting jobs for Spanish-speaking staff.”
“This recent expansion to use Medicaid dollars for social determinants of health, like first month’s rent and a security deposit, is incredibly novel. I don’t see it anywhere else,” she added. “Each state can apply to waive how they use federal dollars for more than just medical services. Some do and some don’t … but here in California, we’re at the forefront.”
With older and disabled Californians, health risks often overlap across many areas of life, not just physical health concerns — for instance, if “they’re homeless with no income, no food, and they need a wheelchair,” said Carrie Madden, program director of Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Central and South LA (ADRC), a social service counseling and referral organization.
“What’s really been helpful is being able to coordinate and refer them to services that address these different areas,” she continued. “We have no wrong door. People who call us will get some kind of referral … and we follow up to make sure they get the services they need to live out of nursing homes and treatment facilities, back in the community they came from … With the Medi-Cal change now, we’re seeing individuals get this help much faster.”
ADRC is partnered with Communities Actively Living Independent and Free (CALIF), one of 28 independent living centers in California.
Keith Miller, executive director of CALIF, said “Recently we entered a contract with an insurance provider to provide these new MediCal programs like housing navigation or retention, assistive technology and ongoing case management,” particularly for people frequently entering emergency rooms.”
At CALIF, where “51% of our staff are people with disabilities,” this transformation of MediCal crucially helped “keep our clients out of institutions and nursing homes,” he added.
Lilly Sanchez, case manager at CALIF, shared the story of how this transformation changed the life of one highrisk client who was often in the ER and about to enter a nursing home before he was referred to CALIF, which helped him enroll in Medi-Cal and stay in his community over the course of three months.
“When he came to us, he didn’t have in-home support, no California ID, couldn’t transport himself to and from the services he needed,” she explained. “We were able to do the paperwork for him and coordinate our social services with medical care through the insurance plan.”
“Because of that coordination of care, he is currently housed, he has in-home support, he has food nurtures him to stop needing the emergency room as much as he was before,” Sanchez continued.
“This speaks to how important it is not only to have medical care available but to coordinate it with all the other social services people need to be healthy,” she added. “Medi-Cal is making that coordination possible.” (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)
Fil-Am leaders condemn Trump assassination...
According to Mayor Falconi, the attacks against Donald Trump are unparalleled in American history.
“He has faced relentless media scrutiny since announcing his candidacy for the 2016 presidential election. Consider this: He has been impeached twice, and his political opponents have used the courts to entangle him legally, hindering his campaign efforts. He has been convicted of 34 felonies, with more legal battles still ahead. He is looking at the possibility of jail time. Now, he has become the target of an assassination attempt! When will this end? It is painfully obvious that his adversaries will stop at nothing to defeat him. This is why Trump’s followers look up to him. It seems like he is willing to take a bullet for us. He was trying to make a political speech, and someone wanted to kill him for it.”
Trump issued the following statement after the incident:
“I want to thank the United States Secret Service and all of Law Enforcement for their rapid response to the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania. Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed and to the family of another person who was badly injured. It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong when I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
‘Sympathy is power’
“Today’s assassination attempt on former President Trump and current Republican Presidential nominee is a criminal act that must be condemned by every American, regardless of political affiliation,” said a cancer survivor and co-founder of Filipino American Cancer Care based in
Virginia. Maria Luna Orth, a Fil-Am Republican from Seattle, criticized the security at the rally. “The security at the rally was not properly secured and verified. They were one inch away from a bullet through his brain. Now they have made President Trump a martyr. And no one can beat a martyr. That was a total of eight rounds of gunshots! Even people who were on the fence about Trump now sympathize with him. Sympathy is power! Trump will win in red waves. Thank God President Trump was not killed. This country would never be the same if Trump was killed today! July 13th will be remembered for thanking God for saving Trump’s life!” she said.
The Filipino American Democratic Club of New York issued a statement condemning the political violence in Pennsylvania.
“FADCNY strongly condemns the act of political violence that took place in Pennsylvania today. We stand firmly against all forms of violence and wish for former President Trump’s full recovery,” the statement said.
No place in our democracy
Gina Ortiz Jones, former U.S. undersecretary of the Air Force, expressed her relief, stating, “I am encouraged to hear former President Trump is doing well following today’s awful events. Political violence must always be condemned because it has absolutely no place in our democracy.”
Assemblymember Steven Raga of Queens’ District 30 called on everyone to unite in light of the horrific incident. “Today, we must unite as a nation to unequivocally condemn all forms of political violence, especially in light of the recent incident involving former President Trump,” he said. “I wish former President Trump a swift and full recovery.”
Vice President Kamala Harris said she and her husband, Doug, are relieved that Trump is not seriously injured. “We are praying for him, his family and
all those who have been injured and impacted by this senseless shooting,” she said. We are grateful to the United States Secret Service, first responders and local authorities for their immediate action. Violence such as this has no place in our nation. We must all condemn this abhorrent act and do our part to ensure that it does not lead to more violence.”
President Joe Biden is also grateful to hear that Trump is safe and doing well. “I’m praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information,” he said. “Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There’s no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it.” New York City Mayor Eric Adams described the events that unfolded at Saturday’s rally in Pennsylvania as horrific. “No matter our disagreements, we must all agree that violence of any kind is unacceptable,” he said. “I am praying for the safety of former President Trump and anyone else who may have been injured in the attack today.”
Skepticism Meanwhile, amid the widespread condemnation and calls for unity, skepticism and conspiracy theories have begun to emerge. Some Filipino Americans, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed doubts about the authenticity of the shooting incident.
They speculated that the event might have been staged to elicit sympathy from non-GOP voters, suggesting that Trump is desperate to secure re-election in the upcoming November elections.
“How did the assassin miss?” asked one Fil-Am Democrat.
But a police officer, who identified as neither Republican nor Democrat, dismissed the doubt as “fake news.” He argued, “Trump was trailing Biden by 10 points this morning. One spectator is dead, and another is critically
States set minimum staffing levels for nursing...
count almost any employee who engages with residents, instead of just nurses and aides, toward their overall staffing. Florida also reduced the daily minimum of nurse aide time for each resident by 30 minutes, to two hours.
Now only 1 in 20 Florida nursing homes are staffed below the minimum — but if the former, more rigorous rules were still in place, 4 in 5 homes would not meet them, an analysis of payroll records shows.
“Staffing is the most important part of providing high-quality nursing home care,” said David Stevenson, chair of the health policy department at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “It comes down to political will to enforce staffing.”
The human toll
There is a yawning gap between law and practice in Rhode Island.
In the last three months of 2023, only 12 of 74 homes met the state’s minimum of three hours and 49 minutes of care per resident, including at least two hours and 36 minutes of care from certified nursing assistants, payroll records show. One of the homes below the minimum was Heritage Hills Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Smithfield, where Pernorio, president of the Rhode Island Alliance for Retired Americans, went last October after a stint in a hospital.
“From the minute the ambulance took me in there, it was downhill,” he said in an interview.
Sometimes, after waiting an hour, he would telephone the home’s main office for help. A nurse would come, turn off his call light, and walk right back out, and he would push the button again, Pernorio reported in his weekly e-newsletter.
While he praised some workers’ dedication, he said others frequently did not show up for their shifts. He said staff members told him they could earn more flipping hamburgers at McDonald’s than they could cleaning soiled patients in a nursing home.
In a written statement, Heritage Hills did not dispute that its staffing, while higher than that of many homes, was below the minimum under state law.
Heritage Hills said that after Pernorio complained, state inspectors visited the home and did not cite it for violations. “We take every resident concern seriously,” it said in the statement. Pernorio said inspectors never interviewed him after he called in his complaint.
In interviews, residents of other nursing homes in the state and their relatives reported neglect by overwhelmed nurses and aides.
Jason Travers said his 87-yearold father, George, fell on the way to the bathroom because no one answered his call button.
“I think the lunch crew finally
came in and saw him on the floor and put him in the bed,” Travers said. His father died in April 2023, four months after he entered the home. Relatives of Mary DiBiasio, 92, who had a hip fracture, said they once found her sitting on the toilet unattended, hanging on to the grab bar with both hands. “I don’t need to be a medical professional to know you don’t leave somebody hanging off the toilet with a hip fracture,” said her granddaughter Keri Rossi-D’entremont.
When DiBiasio died in January 2022, Rhode Island was preparing to enact a law with nurse and aide staffing requirements higher than anywhere else in the country except Washington, D.C. But Gov. Daniel McKee suspended enforcement, saying the industry was in poor financial shape and nursing homes couldn’t even fill existing jobs. The governor’s executive order noted that several homes had closed because of problems finding workers.
Yet Rhode Island inspectors continue to find serious problems with care. Since January 2023, regulators have found deficiencies of the highest severity, known as immediate jeopardy, at 23 of the state’s 74 nursing homes.
Homes have been cited for failing to get a dialysis patient to treatment and for giving one resident a roommate’s methadone, causing an overdose. They have also been cited for violent behavior by unsupervised residents, including one who shoved pillow stuffing into a resident’s mouth and another who turned a roommate’s oxygen off because it was too noisy. Both the resident who was attacked and the one who lost oxygen died.
Bottom lines
Even some of the nonprofit nursing homes, which don’t have to pay investors, are having trouble meeting the state minimums — or simply staying open.
Rick Gamache, chief executive of the nonprofit Aldersbridge Communities, which owns Linn Health & Rehabilitation in East Providence, said Rhode Island’s Medicaid program paid too little for the home to keep operating — about $292 per bed, when the daily cost was $411. Aldersbridge closed Linn this summer and converted it into an assisted living facility.
“We’re seeing the collapse of post-acute care in America,” Gamache said.
Many nursing homes are owned by for-profit chains, and some researchers, lawyers, and state authorities argue that they could reinvest more of the money they make into their facilities.
Bannister Center, a Providence nursing home that payroll records show is staffed 10% below the state minimum, is part of Centers Health Care, a New Yorkbased private chain that owns or operates 31 skilled nursing
homes, according to Medicare records. Bannister lost $430,524 in 2021, according to a financial statement it filed with Rhode Island regulators. Last year, the New York attorney general sued the chain’s owners and investors and their relatives, accusing them of improperly siphoning $83 million in Medicaid funds out of their New York nursing homes by paying salaries for “no-show” jobs, profits above what state law allowed, and inflated rents and fees to other companies they owned. For instance, one of those companies, which purported to provide staff to the homes, paid $5 million to the wife of Kenny Rozenberg, the chain’s chief executive, from 2019 to 2021, the lawsuit said.
The defendants argued in court papers that the payments to investors and owners were legal and that the state could not prove they were Medicaid funds. They have asked for much of the lawsuit to be dismissed.
Jeff Jacomowitz, a Centers Health Care spokesperson, declined to answer questions about Bannister, Centers’ operations, or the chain’s owners. Miller, the District of Columbia’s long-term care ombudsman, said many nursing home owners could pay better wages if they didn’t demand such high profits. In D.C., 7 in 10 nursing homes meet minimum standards, payroll records show.
“There’s no staffing shortage — there’s a shortage of good-paying jobs,” he said.
“I’ve been doing this since 1984 and they’ve been going broke all the time. If it really is that bad of an investment, there wouldn’t be any nursing homes left.”
The new federal rules call for a minimum of three hours and 29 minutes of care each day per resident, including two hours and 27 minutes from nurse aides and 33 minutes from registered nurses, and an RN on-site at all times. Homes in areas with worker shortages can apply to be exempted from the rules. Dora Hughes, acting chief medical officer for the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said in a statement that those waivers would be “time-limited” and that having a clear national staffing minimum “will facilitate strengthened oversight and enforcement.”
David Grabowski, a health policy professor at Harvard Medical School, said federal health authorities have a “terrible” track record of policing nursing homes.
“If they don’t enforce this,” he said, “I don’t imagine it’s going to really move the needle
Support for Biden declines among Asian...
share an answer.
The survey—which polled just under 2,500 registered voters by phone and online—was released Wednesday, July 10 by AAPI
Data, APIAVote, Asian Americans Advancing Justice and the AARP.
The survey aims to guage the voting attitudes and behaviors among the Asian American voting bloc’s largest communities: Indian, Filipino, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese.
For Filipino American voters, 40% would have voted for Biden — among the lowest percentages of the surveyed groups — and 33% would have voted for Trump.
Although Asian American voters still prefer Biden over former President Donald Trump, support for Biden dropped from 2020, when 54% of Asian American voters planned to vote for Biden.
When it comes to favorability, 44% of Asian American voters view Biden either “very” or “somewhat” unfavorably while 62% view Trump either “very” or “somewhat” unfavorably.
Voting trends for other key congressional races remain the same with a majority of Asian Americans preferring Democratic candidates (51% for Democratic House candidates, 50% for Democratic Senate candidates) over Republicans (30% for GOP House and Senate candidates, each).
The survey also found that 86% of Asian American voters say that the job market and the economy are a top policy priority, and tied for second, were inflation and health care. Moreover, 85% of
voters say that these issues were either “extremely” or “very” important factors in how they decide to vote.
Although the Asian American Voter Survey took place months before the infamous CNN debate between Biden and Trump, the survey shows that waning interest in Biden precludes recent instances of the president’s verbal stumbles.
“Even before the June presidential debate, President Biden had lost confidence among many Asian American voters,” Karthick Ramakrishnan, executive director of AAPI Data, said to Axios. “The diminished enthusiasm American Asian American Democrats and Independents could spell trouble for Biden in critical swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, and Georgia.”
The survey was released at a time when Biden’s cognitive welfare has become a central focus of this race. Suggesting a declining lack of enthusiasm for Biden, the survey emphasizes the trouble that the Biden campaign is currently embroiled in.
Historically, polls overestimate voter turnout overall, according to Janelle Wong, senior researcher at AAPI Data, who said that the results of this survey could represent problems for Biden going forward.
“Although we are not seeing a mass movement toward Trump in our community, we are seeing a potentially problematic trend for the Biden campaign among this fairly loyal bloc of Democraticleaning voters,” Wong said. Harris, AANHPI leaders addresses voters in Philly
As previously reported in the Asian Journal, speculation over whether Vice President Kamala Harris may be a better fit as the Democratic candidate continue to percolate.
The survey found that 44% of Asian American voters have either a very favorable or somewhat favorable opinion of Harris, who has been making more appearances.
The Biden-Harris administration earlier this month rolled out Asian Americans Native Hawaiians Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) for BidenHarris campaign to court the vast voting bloc months ahead of the election.
At the Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) Presidential Town Hall in Philadelphia on Saturday, July 13, Harris — who is of Indian descent and is the first Asian American to serve as vice president—affirmed her confidence in the current administration.
Last week, Biden reinforced his intent to keep running — despite pressure from Democrats. At Saturday’s town hall, Harris continued to boost the BidenHarris ticket for November.
“We always knew this election would be tough, and the past few days have been a reminder that running for President of the United States is never easy, nor should it be,” Harris said in her keynote address. “But one thing we know about our President, Joe Biden, he is a fighter, and he is the first to say, when you get knocked down, you get right back up. So we will continue to fight, we will continue to organize, and in November, we will win.” g
Fil-Am leaders condemn Trump assassination...
injured. Trump was two inches away from a headshot from a sniper rifle 200 feet away in an adjacent building that the Secret Service would have secured. There aren’t many buildings in that area to secure, unlike Manhattan. The Democrats need the sympathy, not Trump. They need to worry about a president who will soon be replaced. We have all been saying Biden (is showing) early signs of Parkinson’s and dementia. But Democrats have been lying all along, claiming that behind closed doors he’s energetic and on the ball. Lies! Biden called Zelensky ‘Putin,’ called Trump ‘vice president,’ and called Kamala
‘president.’ It’s the Democrats who need the sympathy, not the GOP. That was an attack on our freedom of speech; freedom to assemble and freedom to support any candidate.”
The shooting incident has not only shaken the political landscape but also raised serious concerns about security at political events. Many are questioning how a shooter could get so close to a former president and current presidential nominee. Security experts and law enforcement agencies are expected to conduct thorough reviews and implement enhanced measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Despite differing opinions
and conspiracy theories, the overarching sentiment across the political spectrum is one of condemnation of violence and a call for unity. Leaders and organizations are urging Americans to come together and reject any form of political violence. This incident has underscored the deep divisions within the country, but it has also highlighted the resilience of its democratic values. As the nation moves forward, the hope is that this tragic event will serve as a catalyst for greater unity and a reaffirmation of the commitment to peaceful and democratic processes. (Elton Lugay/Inquirer.net)
Why ASEAN stays silent on South China Sea ruling...
China Sea's legal issues. Of the 10 ASEAN members, only four are official claimants against China, namely the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.
Julio Amador III, FACTS founder and the head of a geopolitical consultancy, said the Philippines' decision to downplay the arbitral ruling under then-President Rodrigo Duterte has contributed to ASEAN's subdued response.
In 2021, Duterte undermined the Philippines' legal win against China in an attempt to court more Chinese loans and investments, calling the Hague ruling a mere "piece of paper" he can "throw away."
"Since the Philippines was not going to be loud about it, the ASEAN member-states may have decided that it was not in their best interest to be more robust on the topic if the Philippines was not going to do so," Amador told Philstar.com.
"If you look at the joint communiques and [statements] by the chairperson, there were some vague references to international law, and UNCLOS occasionally," he added.
Sending China a message
But the Philippines is not isolated in its attempts to stand up against China's increasing encroachment on its maritime areas.
Baquisal said: "Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam have repeatedly asserted the need for a rules-based resolution of disputes; like the Philippines, Vietnam has asserted the primacy of UNCLOS, which is the basis for the 2016 arbitration ruling."
During the Shangri-La Dialogue, where Marcos expressed his intent to continue working with ASEAN and China towards a code of conduct anchored in the UNCLOS, other Southeast Asian countries also "affirmed the need to be governed by UNCLOS."
"Obviously such an affirmation may be perceived by the Philippines as too noncommittal and evades the issue of China's violations of UNCLOS. Still, even if ASEAN countries do not directly support the Philippines, I think the regional climate now has more awareness about UNCLOS," Baquisal said. "It will take time - possibly years - for the region to slowly make
assertions consistent with UNCLOS and the 2016 ruling."
The analyst also cited Vietnam as an example of a country that may not directly condemn China for its actions, but remains open to engaging in maritime delimitation talks with Philippines for a diplomatic solution to their competing claims in the contested waters.
"So even if Vietnam does not actively confront China, the fact that it is willing to use UNCLOS to amicably settle with the Philippines is a victory for the Philippines too — that Southeast Asia understands that there is no way to go forward but with rule of law rather than coercion," he said. "There is a normative statement there, and it's a message for China."
Way forward While Southeast Asian nations have varying economic and political interests to protect, Amador said the arbitral award stands to benefit all ASEAN member-states by invalidating China's invisible nine-dash line.
Nowadays, the Philippines has to work doubly hard to ensure that the arbitration will be included in the ASEAN's joint communiques and statements issued by the chairperson, Amador said.
Fresh from its legal victory, the Philippines in 2016 tried to push for the arbitration ruling to be included in the ASEAN's joint communique against China's territorial expansion in the region. In the end, the ruling was left out of the joint communique after Cambodia, a staunch ally of Beijing, rejected its wording. This led the Philippines to back down from the effort.
Baquisal said that China is banking on a "divide-andconquer approach" with ASEAN members, who are expected to agree on the lowest common denominator on any issue. This is "hard to achieve for contentious issues like the South China Sea maritime disputes," the analyst added.
Amador said the Philippines should take a more active role in promoting awareness of the 2016 arbitral ruling within ASEAN through public diplomacy efforts such as forums and workshops.
For Baquisal, the Philippines can also explore avenues for cooperation with other ASEAN members like Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, while being "realistic
of the limits of partnership."
"For example Indonesia and Vietnam have foreign policies of non-alignment, so realistically they will never become a military partner like what the United States is to the Philippines," the analyst said. "But it's worth exploring avenues where we can productively grow the relationship with them." g
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7/17/24 CNS-3832732# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
OPINION FEATURES
Dereliction of duty
LAST week the Supreme Court clarified that contrary to a published report, it had yet to rule on petitions urging the tribunal to compel Congress to pass a law against political dynasties. The clarification inevitably led to people asking when the SC might rule on the petitions, which cite the constitutional prohibition on dynasties as may be defined by law.
That law has yet to be passed by Congress, where dynasty building has reached shameless proportions and may get even worse in the 2025 midterm elections. There’s no end in sight to the appalling growth of clans wanting to control all aspects of governance in their fiefdoms, from barangays to local governments to national posts.
Editorial
Isn’t this inability or unwillingness to pass the enabling law a dereliction of duty on the part of Congress? Dynasty building has short-circuited the system of checks and balances needed for a functioning democracy where transparency, accountability and good governance ensure the efficient delivery of basic services and judicious use of public funds.
Dynasty building has also doomed the creation of a merit-based society, which is needed for national
AMERICAN politics has been careening towards the abyss of political violence. The attempted assassination on candidate Donald Trump underscores this.
In the immediate aftermath of this horror that saw Trump sightly wounded, the assassin and a spectator killed and two other critically wounded, both parties are engrossed blaming each other for the outbreak of political violence. The shooter has been identified as a 20-yearold nursing aide wielding an AR15 semi-automatic assault rifle. He is a registered Republican. Investigators are still plowing through all available information to establish a motive for this assassination attempt. From all the early indications, it seems the young shooter likely acted alone and was probably emotionally imbalanced. There are calls for inquiries into the failings of the Secret
THOMAS Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pa., is the man the FBI has identified as the shooter at the Butler, Pa. Trump rally, in what law enforcement is calling an “assassination attempt.”
Some news organizations will choose not to say the name of the rally shooter, thinking that doing so would only glorify the now deceased suspect. But Thomas Matthew Crooks is a major part of what happened on Saturday.
To keep him anonymous is to censor a key fact.
It was Thomas Matthew Crooks’ shocking actions that may be the thing that finally sobers up America.
We’ve been drunk with ideology and divided by politics for too long.
Crooks was a registered Republican, according to voter records. Three years ago, he made a $15 donation to ActBlue, a political action committee that supports Democratic politicians.
The extent of his political activity isn’t known as I write. But from his high school photo, he appeared to be a clean-cut white kid from a Pittsburgh suburb, not some radical activist. As to his mental state, nothing yet has been revealed.
We do know Crooks had a car full of explosives and an AR-15 type weapon. He was a reckless
competitiveness and survival in a highly competitive globalized environment. Between the political clans and influence-peddling special interest groups that hold sway in nearly all aspects of national life, personal advancement is an uphill battle for ordinary Filipinos. Little wonder that the Filipino Dream is to leave the country for other lands where a person’s worth is measured based on capability rather than surnames or connections. Dynasts have argued that if people are unhappy with their clans, they can always be voted out of office. Many clans, however, have a stranglehold on nearly all the government resources for dispensing dole-outs and carrying out tax-funded projects in their fiefdoms, leaving little room for outsiders to challenge their political control. Dynasty building also undermines the criminal justice system, with clans controlling the police, prosecution, judiciary
Vicious
Service platoon assigned to physically protect Trump. All the video evidence suggests numerous lapses, the most important of which is the failure to stop a man with a rifle perched on a rooftop with clear line-ofsight to the stage where Trump stood.
Establishing the dead assassin’s motive and correcting all the operational weaknesses of the Secret Service are important. But they are not as important as examining the context of political hate and the epidemic of lax firearms regulations afflicting American politics. They make political violence nearly inevitable.
Trump bears an inordinate share of responsibility for poisoning American political discourse. In Trump’s version of political contestation, respect plays no role. He built a constituency on the basis of exaggerated grievance. He habitually caricatures his political rivals and, recently, seemed to be threatening partisan violence should he lose next November’s elections.
Recall that Trump did call out his most fanatical followers to assault the U.S. Capitol in order to overturn the results of the last elections. In the process, he unleashed a lynching mob on his own vice president who refused to play along with what was in fact a coup attempt. Trump faces charges relating to the Jan. 6 riots.
Completely unversed in the nuances of the policy questions of the day, Trump has mounted an electoral campaign driven by vilification and fueled by lies. This is a campaign abetted by the obscurantism of Christian nationalists and the menacing marches of armed right-wing militia groups. His campaign commissioned an extremely conservative think-tank to produce what is called Plan 2025, a truly disturbing program for replacing democracy with fascism.
In the face of adverse public reaction to Plan 2025, Trump tried to distance himself from it. But the manifesto was put together by dozens of individuals closely associated with Trump. It
and jail facilities in their turfs. This has engendered impunity, as the nation has seen in so many brazen political killings. The dynasty-dominated Congress cannot be
essentially puts into programatic form the policy implications of all the things Trump has uttered during his public rallies.
We will not repeat here all the stupendous conspiracy theories that invariably proliferate after a shocking event such as last Saturday’s assassination attempt. Most of these conspiracy theories emanate from partisan echo chambers and circulate rapidly through the magic of social media. It is not productive repeating them or even refuting them.
Hours after the shooting, President Joe Biden addressed his nation. He called for unity and for cooling the heated rhetoric.
Partisan hate has indeed poisoned the political well. This expands the possibility for political violence to happen. It crowds out a serious national discourse on the policy options open for the electorate.
For his part, Donald Trump went out to play golf the morning after he was shot at. He had no inspiring things to tell an anxious public – although he did promise to rework his speech for the Republican National Convention that is underway from today.
The shot that grazed Trump’s ear and was only a millimeter away from a truly tragic outcome ought to have put the question of gun regulations at the front and center of public debate. But the Republican Party is not likely to budge from its Wild, Wild West attitude towards casual gun ownership.
With more guns in private hands than the size of its population, the US has been experiencing a nearly daily incidence of random mass shootings. These mass shootings take an appalling toll on children in schools. The Republican Party’s preferred response to this problem is to arm school teachers. This is totally insane. More imminent than the threat of organized right-wing militia going on a rampage should they disagree with electoral outcomes, there is the persistent danger of lone wolves pulling off armed attacks inspired by some warped understanding of the world. The young person who shot at Trump last Saturday fit the profile of solitary and alienated characters pulling off random mass shootings.
American society is increasingly inhabited by
solitary, disoriented and disillusioned individuals. Each of them has easy access to guns, including powerful assault rifles capable of inflicting mass casualties. The peril this poses will not be abated by improving the protection skills of the Secret Service.
Even if Trump echoes Biden’s call for cooling the partisan rhetoric, American politics is still careening towards the abyss of political violence. It is too late to reverse course.
Last Monday, July 15, I listened intently to an American political scientist expound on his theory that his country’s institutions, checks-and-balances and all, are intended to divide rather than unite. The present campaigns that feature vicious personal attacks merely heighten what is institutionally designed.
More than its American equivalent, Filipino political institutions incline our politics to personal attacks rather than policy discussion. (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.
Will an assassination attempt change politics in America?
The images of a bloodied Trump and the flag shouldn’t be politicized to unite one group of Americans against another
and irresponsible firearms owner (shooting into a crowd?) and not very skilled. His shots grazed the former president’s ear, killed one person, wounded at least two others and stunned everyone around the nation no matter what your political beliefs.
This isn’t supposed to happen in America. In our country, the Constitution affords us a path to solve our differences. The First Amendment gives us free speech and the right to gather and express ourselves, which leads to debate.
It should not lead to gunfire. Not in a land where politics is decided by the vote, and our voices are heard loudly by our ballots, not our bullets. Soon after the shots were fired, the FBI reported that Crooks had been “neutralized.”
That’s the euphemism used to indicate Crooks was killed and the threat was abated. Gone. But was it?
The shooter may have been neutralized, but was America freed from its acrid sense of hate?
A chance to bring the country together?
Our politics has been so toxic, Saturday’s horrific event should be seen as an opportunity for all of us to turn down the rhetoric
– by a lot.
For a while on Saturday, it seems everyone was civil.
Democrats were praying for Trump to live. Republicans were just shocked. All the cable news analysts were praying for Trump. That’s unity.
Is that our cue? This is the chance to condemn the shooter and stand up as one country, neutralized from our own divisive politics and united against the senseless use of gun violence as any kind of arbiter.
Politics can be a matter of life and death, but that isn’t supposed to be literal.
After the Saturday shooting, everyone was rooting for Trump, and why not? He’s an American, after all, and a human being just like all the rest of us.
Wouldn’t he do the same for us? Likely not. But I would hope so, if he truly wants to be president. We disagree on many fundamental points. And we will stay opposed on practically all policies. But we are not enemies. Or are we?
President Biden said it best at his news briefing Saturday night. Both the president and Trump reportedly spoke to each other after the shooting for the first time since their June 27 debate.
“There’s no place in America for this kind of violence, it’s sick, it’s sick,” said President Biden at
a post-shooting news briefing.
“It’s one of the reasons we have to unite this country. We cannot allow for this to be happening. We cannot be like this, we cannot condone this.”
Later in an address to the nation on Sunday, the president asked “every American to recommit to what makes America” so special.
“Here in America, everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and hate should have no safe harbor,” President Biden said on nationwide TV. “We need to get out of our silos where we only listen to those with whom we agree; where misinformation is rampant; where foreign actors fan the flames of our division to shape the outcomes consistent with their interests not ours.”
And, of course, there was an appeal that competing visions of the campaign “always be resolved peacefully.”
“Stand up for our Constitution and the rule of law,” the president said. “Call for action at the ballot. Not for violence on our streets. That’s how democracy should work.”
But we are already too close to the edge. We don’t have to go back to the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan in 1981 to see how real a problem domestic political violence is in this country.
Think about the right-wing
intruder who, on Oct. 28, 2022, went after Democratic Speaker emerita Nancy Pelosi, then used a hammer to nearly kill her husband Paul Pelosi.
David De Pape was convicted on assault and attempted kidnapping charges and sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Political violence? We certainly saw it on Jan. 6, 2021 with the insurrection of the capital, which, ironically, was instigated by Donald Trump.
You might say this makes an assassination attempt on Trump just days before the Republican National Convention something Joe Biden might call an “inflection point.”
It would be if we could put the nasty politics aside, eschew our divisiveness, and realize what a massive step forward we could make as a country together.
Naive? Some think democracy is naive.
My optimism
Me, I want to hang on to that sliver of hope and optimism I noticed when good people saw the news on Saturday and just thought about the future of our country – and not about winning an election.
The unfortunate assassination attempt should be seen as a signal that it’s time to end the hyper-partisanship that ails us and to heal our open wounds.
It is time to reach out, work
together. To see each other not as die-hard enemies but as members of the same team. Asian Americans know what it’s like to be seen as enemies and foreigners by our fellow Americans. From the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII to the scapegoating of Asians during the pandemic, we have stood up to the hate. Now all America must stand together and dare to be united as Americans for our democracy. We must quickly condemn all those who will use this as an opportunity to fan the flames of division. Already on social media, Sen. J.D. Vance, a leading candidate to be Trump’s veep, is pointing fingers at Biden.
“The central premise of the Biden campaign is that Donald Trump is an authoritarian fascist who must be stopped at all costs,” Vance wrote on X.
“That rhetoric led directly to President Trump’s attempted assassination.”’
That’s just false and irresponsible. Have you seen the right’s Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation doc that is written by more than 100 Trump staffers and advocates such things as rounding up undocumented people and placing them in camps?
It’s been a part of Trump’s
expected to change a system that has made politics a major family enterprise in this country. It’s up to the Supreme Court to open the doors to the longdelayed reforms. (Philstar.com)
Dateline PhiliPPines
PH, US now gearing up for much larger Balikatan exercises in 2025
by John Eric MEndoza Inquirer.net
MANILA — The Philippines and the United States are now gearing up for much larger bilateral war games next year, the military spokesperson said on Tuesday, July 16.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the early preparation for Balikatan is partly why U.S. General Charles Brown Jr., chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, visited the military headquarters on Tuesday, July 16. Brown met AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
“After Balikatan we are already on the works with our planning, so I guess this [meeting] will have more details how the Balikatan exercises will be pushing forward,” Padilla
said in a regular AFP press briefing in Philippine Air Force headquarters when asked what kind of message does Brown’s visit bring.
Teodoro previously said that the Balikatan 2025 will see a “full scale battle simulation.”
“Our Balikatan exercises are on the works because if [this year’s] Balikatan is one of the biggest, it’s gonna be bigger by next year,” Padilla said.
As highlight of this year’s Balikatan, the former BRP Lake Caliraya, a discarded “made in China” oil tanker, was also submerged during the sinking exercise held in the shores of Laoag City, one of the country’s northernmost areas near Taiwan that also faces the West Philippine Sea.
The same coastal city also saw both forces’ simulation in foiling an invasion attempt by a foreign country through the use of howitzers in live fire drills.
In an unprecedented development for Balikatan, the Philippines and the United States were joined by France in conducting joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea, which saw the presence of four Chinese warships throughout their sail.
Beijing’s presence there is based on its assertion of sovereignty in almost the entire South China Sea, including most of the exclusive economic zone of the country’s western section, even if such a claim has been effectively invalidated by the arbitral award issued in July 2016.
The latest and the 39th iteration of Balikatan was joined by over 16,000 personnel including contingents from the Australian Defence Force, the French Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, becoming one of the biggest-ever war games between Manila and Washington in terms of personnel. g
Philippines losing P99.52 billion yearly due
MANILA — The Department of Finance (DOF) doubled down on its stance to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), saying that allowing the gaming hubs to continue operations is costing the country P99.52 billion a year.
The Senate Committee on Ways and Means deliberated on Tuesday over two bills: one proposing to ban online gaming and another to tax POGOs.
During the hearing, DOF Assistant Secretary Karlo Adriano, who heads the agency’s Fiscal Policy and Monitoring Group, presented a cost-benefit analysis of POGOs.
“Our estimates show that the net cost of POGO operation is around P99.52 billion annually.
The estimated total economic benefits of POGOs amount to P166.49 billion annually while the estimated total economic costs amount to P265.74 billion,” Adriano said.
The economic benefits
comprised both direct and indirect benefits. Adriano explained that direct economic benefits include tax revenues, gaming revenues, private consumption spending, real estate and other consumptions.
Indirect economic benefits are economic and fiscal multiplier effects.
Meanwhile, the direct economic costs include lost investment opportunities, additional costs of law enforcement and the impact to tourism. Adriano also cited the social costs of allowing POGOs to operate, saying that their analysis does not account for the loss of life and other injuries brought by illegal POGOs.
“If ever there will be a ban of POGOs, but that can be compensated if there will be more investment that will be coming in because of the ban,” he said.
Grey market During the hearing, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) chief Alejandro Tengco
said there was a grey market for online gaming and POGOs. Grey markets indicate that the platforms are not registered and operating illegally.
“Up to 2024, I believe there is still about anywhere between 30% to 40% of the business being controlled by the grey market,” said Tengco.
The PAGCOR chuef estimated the unregulated industry to be worth around P200 billion.
“There is about a P200 billion market now per annum in the online gaming platform, only in the Philippines, more or less. If you will ask me where am I getting data, we’re just putting together all the numbers that we have seen and we are also in consultation with out consultants,” he said.
According to the PAGCOR chief, the agency’s gross gaming revenue has been steadily increasing throughout the years, going from P28 billion in 2022 up to P56 billion in 2023. (Philstar.com)
by Bernadette e tamayo ManilaTimes.net
SEN. Robinhood Padilla on
Monday, July 15 filed Senate Bill (SB) 2730 that seeks to fulfill the 1987 Constitution's mandate to prohibit political dynasties.
The senator, chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, said it was "time to break the barriers that prevent the best and the brightest from serving the Filipino people."
"Given that this measure complies with the legislature's mandate to enact an antipolitical dynasty law and is a step towards leveling the playing field in politics and governance, the passage thereof is earnestly sought," Padilla said.
"Political dynasties, in effect, have exhausted resources to attain economic and political dominance while at the same time compromising political competition and undermining accountability," he said.
Under SB 2730, "No spouse or person related within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, whether legitimate or illegitimate, full or half blood, to an incumbent elective official seeking re-election, shall be allowed to hold or run for any elective office in the same city and/or province, or any party list
in the same election."
It provides that if the constituency of the incumbent elective official is national in character, such relatives should be disqualified from running only within the same province where the former is domiciled or in any, including the same, national position.
No person with "a political dynasty relationship to the incumbent shall immediately succeed to the position of the latter," the bill stated.
The bill requires any person running for any elective public office to file a sworn statement with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that he or she does not have a political dynasty relationship with any incumbent public official running for an elective public office in the same city and/or province other than the position earlier mentioned.
A petition to disqualify a candidate on grounds of political dynasty may be filed before the Comelec, which should conduct summary proceedings. The Comelec should deny due course to any certificate of candidacy filed in violation of the antipolitical dynasty act.
While the votes for a respondent should be counted if the Comelec cannot decide on the petition before the completion of the canvass, his or her proclamation
should be suspended if the basis for disqualification is strong, the bill said. If the disqualified candidate has been proclaimed, the candidate should forfeit the right to assume the office, the bill added.
Padilla cited a Harvard Academy research study in 2011 that showed how political dynasties stem from the tendency of elites to "persist and reproduce their power over time, undermining the effectiveness of institutional reforms in the process."
He said that Philippine local elections from 1988 to 2019 showed the number of governors with at least one relative in office increased by almost 39 percent, from 41 percent in 1988 to 80 percent in 2019. The dynasty proportion of vice governors rose from 18 percent in 1988 to 68 percent in 2019, he said. The percentage of mayors in the dynasty increased gradually from 26 percent in 1988 to 53 percent in 2019.
Another study by Tusalem and Pe-Aguirre in 2013 noted that congressional funds are higher in areas with more political dynasties, but these provinces also have higher rates of crime and poor governance, as well as lower spending on employment, infrastructure, and health care, he said. g
Will an assassination attempt change...
hate-inducing rhetoric for so long. Who else says immigrants “are poisoning the blood of our country?”
That’s Trump talk. Now here’s an opening for change on all sides.
This should be a unifying moment to lift everyone, not just Trump’s base. The emotionally charged remnants of Saturday, like the images of a bloodied Trump and the flag, shouldn’t be politicized to unite one group of Americans against another. That would only feed the Trump base with notions of anger and vengeance and be a monumental misuse of this moment.
Instead, this is the reminder our politics could use a little of
what my Hawaiian friends call aloha.
(Inquirer.net)
* * * 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.
* * * Emil Guillermo is a journalist and commentator. He writes a column for Inquirer. net’s U.S. Channel. See him on YouTube.com/@ emilamok1 Contact him at www.amok.com.
Going into the Republican convention week, the assassination should be a call to unite us all. But admittedly, the angry raised fist from Trump as he made his bloody exit only diminishes hope, especially if people follow their cult leader blindly. Still, we shouldn’t squander a chance to try to end – or at least greatly reduce – the toxic rhetoric that has divided America. Keep your focus on 20-yearold Thomas Michael Crooks, the shooter. In the name of our great country, we condemn his actions, as Americans, together. If we don’t reject it now, we will miss a chance to stem a greater threat to our democracy than Donald Trump – the further growth of violence as political vengeance in America. A failure to do so will only further normalize Trump and his followers, who truly believe that dividing the country is the best way to take over America.
Wednesday JULY 17, 2024
The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE
Sharon Cuneta declares: ‘I love my Kiko now more than ever’
By anne PaSaJol Inquirer.net
AFTER overcoming a recent hurdle in their marriage, Sharon Cuneta said she loves Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, her husband of 28 long years, now more than ever.
Cuneta made her declaration of love for the former senator by sharing a reminder from American author Lewis Howes, through her Instagram Stories on Monday, July 15.
“When you choose a life partner, you’re choosing your eating companion for about 20,000 meals, your travelmate for 100 vacations, your retirement friend, your career cheerleader, and someone whose day you’ll hear about 18,000 times. Choose wisely,” Howes’ post read.
Cuneta then captioned it,
“God helped me to choose really well! I love my Kiko now more than ever before.”
In December 2023, speculations of Cuneta and Pangilinan’s marriage being on the rocks surfaced after the actress-singer made cryptic posts on social media, including a family photo of them that was cropped to remove Kiko’s face and quotes about loyalty and “sidechicks.”
Weeks later, Cuneta
admitted that she had parted ways with Pangilinan briefly over a misunderstanding but that they had since gotten back together.
Cuneta then underscored on their 28th anniversary last April that while “it hasn’t always been easy being married to each other,” their marriage is worth fighting for.
Bea Alonzo, Boy Abunda reconcile following Dominic Roque fiasco
By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com
KAPUSO host Boy Abunda and Kapuso actress Bea Alonzo are now okay.
It can be recalled that Bea blasted Boy after he announced the breakup of the actress and influencer-actor Dominic Roque without their consent.
“Unfortunately some even confirmed our breakup without our consent,” Bea’s statement said back then.
At the recent “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” show, Boy said he didn’t expect that Bea would agree to become his guest again.
“This is the interview that people thought would never happen,” Boy said.
“So let me start by saying that may I have consent to hug you?” he added.
Tito Boy, ang hug, hindi na pinagpapaalam,” Bea replied.
“Maraming salamat, Bea,” Boy said.
Baron Geisler, a totally changed man
AS relayed to this writer by a colleaguefriend many years ago, these half-serious yet threatening words once came out from an actor he’s friends with, “I think I wanna finish off anybody.”
For the record, their friendship goes a long way. That actor happened to be Baron Geisler. It was a night-out at a popular hub somewhere in Quezon City with just the two of them.
At first, everything seemed normal until an already inebriated Baron spoke those words. Gripped with fear, my colleague-friend signaled to the waiter to prepare the check.
After footing the bill, my friend politely excused himself and left in a jiffy.
This must have been the period within which Baron was struggling with alcoholism. I just couldn’t ascertain if with excessive booze came use of drugs, or which one came first.
The important thing is Baron, thankfully, is a totally changed man.
He has likewise rekindled his passion for what he does and loves best: acting.
Of late, the 42-year-old actor of GermanAmerican descent takes pride in what can be the “first” ever milestone spanning his how many years in the biz.
Not one to brag about his mundane possessions (unlike most celebrities whose assets are splashed all over social media), Baron cannot contain his excitement over a (long overdue) house he’s having built in Cebu where he currently stays. Not one to brag about his mundane possessions (unlike most celebrities whose
assets are splashed all over social media), Baron cannot contain his excitement over a (long overdue) house he’s having built in
where he currently stays. And not only does Baron need to have one for himself and wife Jamie Evangelista.
“That house is primarily for our daughter Talitha. At least, when the time comes na we’re no longer here, we got something we can bequeath to her.”
Baron can only look back how his life had miserably been. Back then, he confesses that profligacy got the better of him.
“When I had so much money before, I wouldn’t think twice if I wanted to get myself a brand-new motorcycle. Of course, I wanted to look smart!” he gushed. In the vernacular, the actor would consider himself as “galit sa pera.” Worse, his “one day millionaire” extravagance was consistent with his predilection for illegal substance.
“Back then, when I had P1 million on hand, I’d spend it on cocaine up to the last centavo! But look where it got me?” came his realization.
Aside from seeing his Cebu house brought to fruition, Baron also intends to have an apartment built for steady income most especially if acting assignments become scarce.
To pamper himself, he swears that also in his agenda is owning and maintaining a ranch somewhere in Mindanao. His equine love very well explains it. Why all these build-and-own plans, is Baron contemplating slipping into early retirement?
Taking from where he stumbled for messing up with his life himself: “It’s good I’m now getting things done right.”
Who are we to deny Baron that “one millionpeso chance”?
Kathryn Bernardo: I’m open to change and transformation
By CharMie Joy Pagulong Philstar.com
FOLLOWING her fiery, steamy dance performance at the Century Tuna’s Superbods 2024 Awards Night held last Tuesday at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay, brand ambassador Kathryn Bernardo shared the preparations she took to execute the muchtalked-about act.
“Actually, I started preparing for that prod I think last week but then G-Force headed by Ritz, he was preparing for it I think for like a month,” the Kapamilya star recalled when asked during the event hosted by Robi Domingo and Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel.
“And they were very patient. So I’d like to thank Teacher Georcelle and G-Force for being so supportive. And of course, the preparation for the body, (it took) months of preparation. Ever since I did the TVC (television commercial), I continued working out with my trainor, who is Mauro Lumba,” continued Kathryn and introduced the Superbods 2014 winner, who was among the crowd. “He’s been very patient as well, so shoutout to my trainor.”
She reiterated her gratitude to G-Force for the dance prod and Mauro for her body preparations, adding that she also did a lot of activities and maintained a healthy and balanced diet. “I know what to eat na, everything is ready and I’ll just reward myself after this.”
The canned tuna brand campaign this year is “Best You Ever,” an advocacy that promotes self-love and selfimprovement. It also celebrates the journeys, personal growth, and overall wellness of Filipinos as they become the best versions of themselves.
For Kathryn, being the best version of one’s self comes with growth. “And ang galing because the campaign of Century Tuna is just so empowering (and) to be part of a movement like this (is also empowering). And for me, as long as you have awareness and you have the willingness to grow every day, I think that itself is like being the best version of yourself already.”
She also expressed that she believes in the “one percent
better” concept. “I don’t know if you’re familiar with that. Like every day, you try to be one percent better. I just keep it in mind every day that you can’t do anything overnight. So one percent progress, little wins, it will progress and to give yourself a few months and maybe a few years or maybe a year and then you see a huge difference. You have to keep in mind that it won’t happen overnight. Just baby steps.”
So is Kathryn the best version of herself at this point in her life?
“To be honest, I think I’m a work in progress. Not yet. But I tried to be better every day… And I feel like andaming pang mangyayari and I’m just open to change and transformation.”
It has always been a dream for Kathryn to be part of the Century Tuna brand’s family and now that she is in, she couldn’t be more grateful. As she elaborated, “My 2024 started doing a campaign with them. And it was so special and then now, we are here in the finals and it took months and months of preparation. And all I can say is that I’m very, very grateful.”
She, as well, extended her congratulations to all the participants of Superbods 2024. “They’ve been working so hard. Some of them, I’ve talked to before, they have been preparing for months, some of them for years, just for tonight. And all of them are (already) winners. You can see their dedication and they inspired me as well. So congratulations
to all our contestants. You all look beautiful and sexy tonight. And yeah, I’m just happy to be part of this movement.”
Filipino fitness influencer and Mister Tourism World Philippines Jether Palomo and Miss Tourism World 2022 first runner-up, beauty queen and fitness enthusiast Justine Felizarta were named Male Superbods Grand Winner and Female Superbods Grand Winner, respectively. Jether and Justine will take home P500,000, taxfree each, as prize money. Patrick Patawaran and Jessica Marasigan were also declared as Superbods runners-up.
Other special awards were also given to the following candidates: Slay the Runway, awarded by Jojo Bragais, to Jether and Jessica; Super Stunner Award (Photogenic) to Aaron Davis and Jessica; Perfect Smile Award (Urban Smiles) to Jether and Jessica; People’s Choice Award to Jether and Inka Magnaye; Bench Active Lifestyle Icon Award to Aaron and Hazel Ortiz; Superdad and Supermom Award to Carlo Adorador, Imelda Schweighart, Enzo Bonoan and Julia SucgangBonoan; Anytime Fitness’s Unstoppable Award to Carlo Adorador and Jasmin Ariola; Ageless Award to Derick Hibaler and Miaow Ayesa; Masflex’s Flex Like a Superbod Award to Jether and Brooke Barredo; Garmin’s Best Yesterday Award to Jether and Inka; Fitness Breakthrough Award to Angel Mallari and Keylyn Trajano; Belo Skincare Sensation Award to Aaron and Jessica; and E-commerce Superstar Award to Jether. The celebrity judges who formed the panel committee during the competition were Miss Universe 2015 and Century Tuna Endorser Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey, Primetime and Box Office Queen and Supermom Marian Rivera-Dantes, Aga Muhlach, and Richard Gomez. They were joined by PC&V Communications, Inc. president Carol San Pedro, Century Pacific Food, Inc. vice president and general manager for branded tuna division Carlo Endaya, and Century Pacific Food, Inc. executive vice president and chief operating officer Greg Banzon.
By Jerry Donato Philstar.com
IT’S been a roller-coaster ride.”
That was Yassi Pressman describing her experience playing the one-and-the same Bane and Vanessa characters in “Black Rider” during a recent virtual press conference.
The reliable actress initially captured the hearts of viewers as the street smart Bane, who survived a life-altering red wedding that left her suffering from amnesia. The character has taken on a new name, Vanessa, and a new identity as the daughter of Pres. William Romero (Roi Vinzon), transforming into a sophisticated and strong woman. She is made to believe that Elias (Ruru Madrid) was behind the unfortunate event.
“To my ‘Black Rider’ family, many, many thanks for the opportunity and welcoming me to the show and allowing me to become Bane and Vanessa 2.0,” added she to the inquiry from The STAR
“It’s really, really fun, especially in the beginning as Bane. It’s one character that I haven’t portrayed before. Napaka-tapang niya po talaga at mahal na mahal niya ang pamilya niya (she’s very courageous and loves her family dearly). Ipaglalaban niya po hanggang sa suntukan yung mga taong mahal niya sa buhay (she’ll fight for them even if it means getting into a fistfight).”
With such a transformation, which encompasses ties being left behind and ties being forged, Bane and Vanessa are entangled in a complex web of relationships and “shocking revelations.”
“It’s been very fun. There’s just so much emotion for someone who has amnesia, which I haven’t portrayed before,” said she. “Nahinahanap niya po kung sino siya at kung ano yung mga experiences niya, yung mga tao
na mahal niya, bakit din nararamdaman niya (yun) sa puso niya (someone who is finding who she is, her experiences, the people she loves, and why she has such a feeling in her heart).” Besides all this, Vanessa has been brainwashed by the people around her, said Yassi, adding that “there have been so many ups and downs (in
Bea Alonzo Photo from Instagram/@beaalonzo
Yassi Pressman is lucky to have played a meaty role in the full action series, ‘Black Rider.’ She initially took on the simple, street smart Bane and eventually turned heads as the sophisticated, strong Vanessa. Her character’s transformation is beyond physical. Yassi handles a character with a complex story well. GMA photo
Kathryn Bernardo Photo from Instagram/@bernardokath
Baron Geisler and wife Jamie Evangelista
Photo from Instagram/@baron.geisler
Kiko Pangilinan, Sharon Cuneta
Photo from Instagram/@kiko.pangilinan
By ronnie CarraSCo ManilaTimes.net
Cebu
John Estrada confirms ‘mutual break’ with Priscilla Meirelles
By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
JOHN Estrada has finally set the record straight on the status of his marriage with Priscilla Meirelles, saying they “mutually agreed” to take a break while denying any romantic involvement with Lily Hallman.
Estrada took to his Instagram Story on Tuesday, July 16 to address the breakup rumors hounding him and Meirelles, where he said they’re on a mutual break “for quite some time now.”
“Priscilla and I have mutually agreed to take a break for quite some time now. There’s more to the story but the last thing I want to do is hurt the people I love,” he wrote.
The actor dispelled the allegations that he’s in a relationship with Lily Hallman “or any other woman.” Estrada was recently hit by cheating allegations after Meirelles accused him of being with Hallman in one of his Instagram posts. “I want to make it clear that I am not in a relationship with Lily Hallman or any other
woman for that matter. I just met her in Boracay,” he said. In his statement, Estrada then urged the public to respect his privacy as he wanted to keep his marital woes with Meirelles between them. He clarified that he is on a “short break from work” as well.
“I had a short break from work and felt the need to take a breather. This is a private family matter that’s why I ask for privacy as we deal with this. Thank you,” he said. The actor, however, didn’t clarify if he and his wife decided to end their marriage for good in his post. Meanwhile, Meirelles
has yet to address Estrada’s statement, as of this writing.
Rumors of Estrada and Meirelles’ marriage going south made rounds after the former beauty queen made a cryptic remark on the actor’s Instagram post, where she said that he “looks very divorced.” She also accused him of being with Hallman in Boracay.
Meirelles then admitted she “had enough” in a Facebook video without disclosing anything about their marriage in particular. She is currently in Brazil for some time off.
Estrada and Meirelles tied the knot in 2011, and have one daughter named Sammanta Anechka.
Cedrick Juan feels ‘pressure’ of success, but keeps feet on the ground
By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
SINCE portraying the role of Padre Jose Burgos in “GomBurZa,” Cedrick Juan has been on a constant rise. But while he considers his breakout role as a blessing, he maintains that he wants to stay true to his goals as an actor. “Ang pressure nandyan siya lagi, hindi siya nawawala (The pressure will always be there. It won’t go away),” he told reporters on the sidelines of the Cinemalaya 2024 press conference, when asked if he feels pressured to take on bigger roles after “GomBurZa.” “Ang gusto ko lang ma-reiterate na kahit nakakuha ka ng award, pwede ka pa ring gumawa ng mga bagay na hindi ka magiging magaling. Gan’un kami bilang aktor,” he continued. “Kahit nabibigyan kami ng preparation kasi nakakabaliw maging aktor. Hindi mo masasabi na kahit manalo ka, magiging successful ka sa mga susunod mo.” (I just want to reiterate that even if you won an
the people around me. I’m very, very lucky to have all my tentmates and castmates, who are very loving and welcoming. We’ll always cherish those moments.” Yassi gave a nod to the idea that Bane and Vanessa are part of her list of the Top 3 characters that have shown her mettle in acting. “I would say, opo, siyempre po kasi Vanessa has gone through a lot in life (and has experienced) different situations). I’m very grateful for that opportunity,” said she. Her ability to portray the one-and-the-same characters
A trip down memory lane with ‘80s and ‘90s hitmakers
By Patricia P. EstEvEs Philstar.com
MANILA — What could make time-travel possible and let you be transported to the joyful days of your youth? It’s when you watch your favorite musicians from the past sing their wildest hits in one arena? It’s nostalgia and a trip down memory lane.
The Theatre at Solaire on Thursday became some sort of time machine when ‘80s and ‘90s Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artists such as MYMP, Lloyd Umali, Neocolours, Geneva Cruz, Wency Cornejo and Rivermaya performed their greatest hits for a solid three hours and a half, in a concert dubbed “All the Hits: Just The Way You Want It,” produced by Ticket1.
In an era where there was no Spotify, no YouTube or definitely AI yet, playlists were created on cassette recorders. It was in this era too that some of the most heartfelt songs about love, unrequited love, heartbreak, misery, dreams and life goals were written by underrated but genus singer-songwriters like Neocolours, Umali, Cornejo and Rivermaya that contributed to the growth of Original Pilipino Music.
The concert featured the best of OPM music that night. But first, a raffle was held for the audience and plane tickets from dream destinations in Asia were given to lucky winners.
After the raffle, MYMP opened the show, with their hits Especially for You and A Little Bit. The band, which became popular in the early 2000s, was formed by Juris and Chin Alcantara. Alcantara maintained the band when Juris left and went solo.
Today, two young women with soaring voices replaced Juris and continued to do shows around the country.
MYMP then sang a new composition titled Di Mo Lang Alam. It also rendered their moststreamed music, according to Alcantara, the heartwarming Tell Me Where It Hurts, followed by a cover song Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us.
The next performer was crooner Lloyd Umali, who popularized the hit song Bakit Kung Sino Pa? in the ‘90s.
Umali, now in his 50s and few pounds heavier, sang a medley of James Ingram songs, starting with the ‘80s hit Just Once and There’s No Easy
Way to Break Somebody’s Heart. Known as a biritero, Umali navigated through the highs and lows of the songs, his voice not as stellar as before, but still fine. He acknowledged his age as a factor in slowing down. Right after singing, he immediately asked for water and was visibly panting.
For his last song, he sang his hit Bakit Kung Sino Pa, and dedicated it to the broken-hearted. He said many people can still relate to this song because of its universal theme.
Bakit kung sino pa ang syang marunong magmahal ay syang madalas maiwan ng hindi alam ang dahilan,” the song’s chorus says.
He spoke a bit to the audience and recalled that he wrote the song when he was just 21 years old.
Para sa mga sawi sa pag-ibig, yung mga pinaglaruan lang, at ginawang parang jackstone,” Umali joked to the audience, before crooning the song.
One of the most awaited performers that night was the ‘80s band Neocolours.
Vocalist Ito Rapadas and Jimmy Antiporda are two of the original members of the group, who are still holding concerts up to this time.
Rapadas sang Kasalanan Ko ba, and after that talked briefly about the ‘80s when there was no Spotify, no YouTube and everyone was recording their playlist through a cassette recorder or recording and writing their songs through a cassette. It was this time, in 1989, when they wrote and launched their huge hit Maybe. It was their second song for the night, when everyone sang along through the lyrics.
Neocolours’ songs are some of the most romantic and profoundly-written ballads that until now resonate to the younger generation. These are “Mapanakit” songs, aptly termed by my entertainment editor Nathalie Tomada.
Then Rapadas sang a ballad that they composed for Ogie Alcasid called Sa Kanya. The crowd sang along with the Neocolours.
Unknown to many, Neocolours also composed songs for various artists during the ‘80s and ‘90s. Antiporda wrote songs for the late rapper Francis M. During the concert, Antiporda did a cover of Cold Summer Nights and the patriotic Mga Kababayan Ko, complete with rapping.
Continued on Page 11
award, you could still do things that would not be as great, even if we’re given time for preparation. Being an actor is quite daunting. You can’t say that if you win an award, your succeeding projects will necessarily be as successful.)
It’s been months since “GomBurZa” became one of the top films at the Metro Manila Film Festival, but Juan remains grateful not only for its box-office success but also the critical acclaim it received.
“Hindi namin lubos maisip na malayo [ang tatahakin] ng ‘GomBurZa,’ Nagsimula kami last year na gustong ibalik ang pagmamahal sa ating bansa, history at kapuwa nating Pilipino. Kapag merong ginagawang something more than yourself, may balik talaga ang universe. D’un kami pinaka-natutuwa,” he said.
(We didn’t expect that “GomBurZa” would reach that far. We embarked on a project last year to bring back the love for our country, history and fellow Filipinos. If you do something more than yourself, the universe gives back in return. That’s what makes us happy.)
Onward to Cinemalaya
After his award-winning performance in “GomBurZa,” one of Juan’s next projects is the Cinemalaya 2024 film entry “Gulay Lang, Manong,” which tells the story of a farmer who joins forces with the police to uncover a marijuana cartel. This eventually leads to the farmer being swept up by cannabis as well.
“It is about the struggle of our farmers. At the same time, ‘yung maling pananaw when it comes to cannabis na masyadong nasa dark side,” said Juan. “Pwede siyang pag-aralan at pwedeng maging open ang mga tao about it.”
(It is about the struggle of our farmers. At the same time, it is about the wrong beliefs when it comes to cannabis which is leading towards the dark side. You can learn about this topic, which could lead to more people being open.)
This film, according to Juan, is meant to challenge the viewer’s “moral compass” when it
Continued on Page 11
well can also be attributed to good scriptwriting as well as other dramatis personae that make “Black Rider” entertaining and engaging. “We have family. Aside from action, we have love, friendship. If one compares it in real life, one can say it’s very colorful,” said she of what “Black Rider” has offered, genre-and-theme wise.
As for working with the show’s male lead star, Ruru Madrid, also her leading man in the film, “Video City,” Yassi had this to say: “I’ve always loved working with Ruru. Isa po siya sa mga tao and actors na napaka-giving, generous (he’s
one of those people and actors who are giving and generous). Masarap pong maka-eksena kasi nararamdaman mong totoo yung emotions and feelings na binibigay po (it’s enjoyable to work with him because you can feel the real emotions and feelings he is giving).” Since the show’s finale is fast approaching, what’s next after Yassi’s stint in the fullaction series?
“Hindi pa po pwedeng sabihin (I’m not in the position to give you details),” shared she, who will keep herself busy doing new projects this year and early next year. “I’m very excited.”
(From left) John Estrada and Priscilla Meirelles Photo courtesy of Nice Print Photography
Geneva Cruz, Wency Cornejo, Lloyd Umali and Jon Santos
Photo courtesy of Ticket1
INFORMATIONAL
IMPORTING
RIGHT WAY. Pictured are the speakers and presenters of the “Back to Basics Importing The Right Way Informational Summit” held recently at Marriott Hotel, Long Beach. From left: John Pennypacker, VP of Sales & Marketing of Deep Cognition Corporation; keynote speaker Eric C. Elnar, Trade Commissioner of the Los Angeles Consulate Office; moderator Eddie C. Ferrer, CEO of E.C Ferrer CHB, Inc.; George Recinos, Logistics Manager of E.C. Ferrer CHB, Inc.; Jacqueline M. Ferrer, General Manager of
E.C. Ferrer CHB, Inc.; Anna Benevente, Senior Regulatory Specialist on FDA of Registrar Corporation; Christine F. Celestine, Compliance Manager of E.C. Ferrer CHB,
Cedrick Juan Photo from Instagram/@cedrickgjuan
Inland Empire MegaMix Expo set to revolutionize business networking and community building
ONTARIO – The Inland Empire MegaMix Expo is proud to announce its heightened focus on diversity and inclusion at this year’s event, taking place on August 7-8 at the Ontario Convention Center. Known for fostering growth opportunities across Southern California, this annual business exhibition brings together diverse industries and offers an exceptional platform for businesses to network, collaborate, and drive innovation.
“Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the forefront of this year’s MegaMix Expo,” said Tony Chi Su Gutierrez, one of the visionary leaders behind the expo. “We believe that fostering an inclusive environment is critical for the success and growth of our local business community.”
Event highlights include:
Interactive Workshops: Led by industry experts, these sessions will cover a range of topics including AI in small business, personal growth strategies, and much more.
Innovation showcases: Discover cutting-edge products and services
that are revolutionizing various industries.
Networking sessions:
Meet decision-makers and potential partners to expand your business network.
Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Special initiatives and discussions aimed at promoting DEI within the business community.
“The MegaMix Expo provides a unique opportunity for businesses in the Inland Empire region to come together and learn from each other,” added Alexis Salamanca. “We are excited to spotlight the importance of DEI and offer resources that can help businesses thrive in today’s competitive landscape.”
The Inland Empire MegaMix Expo has become a staple event for business owners and entrepreneurs in Southern California. It continues to offer invaluable insights and opportunities for growth, making it a mustattend event.
For more information or to register for the event, please contact Alexis at alexis@ megamixexpo.com.
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R’Bonney Gabriel wants to shine global spotlight on Filipino fashion
By Armin P. AdinA Inquirer.net
FILIPINA American sustainable fashion designer and 71st Miss Universe winner R’Bonney Gabriel has been in the Philippines for months now, taking on hosting jobs and exploring the country’s fashion and culture. And she has gained new skills along the way, one of which is weaving indigenous fabrics.
The beauty queen tried using two different hand looms at the Pinas Sadya pop-up store in Rockwell Center in Makati City when it opened on July 15 — one machine was a conventional type with pedals, while the other one was designed for individuals with disabilities and had handoperated levers instead.
“You know it was easy to learn. I know I only did it a little bit, but I can definitely see it being very therapeutic. Because when I’m at home, sometimes I’m just sewing, and I just listen to music. I could do that for hours and hours. And I think the same with a hand loom,” Gabriel told INQUIRER.net.
She will bring her finished fabric back to the United States to incorporate it into her design, but there is another thing that she wants to take home, the hand loom itself. “I would love to have one one day. I think it’s really cool. I’ve tried it before, but I learned a new technique today,” Gabriel shared. The Texas-based beauty said there were several ideas coming to her mind already, and she could use the woven piece in a handbag or combine it with another fabric. “I love denim. So I would love to do something like that. But yeah, I could go on and on about different ideas,” she said.
“As a fashion designer, I think the design aspect and the craftsmanship should really be highlighted on the global stage. And I think it’s definitely possible. I hope I can help in doing that,” Gabriel said when asked about her thoughts on Filipino fashion pieces.
“Sustainable fashion design is more than just recycling materials. It’s also being purposeful and intentional with clothing. It’s not just making
clothing because they’re beautiful. And all the designers here are really supporting communities, in communities where you came from as well. And these are slow techniques that can’t be made extremely fast and in big production, so they’re very special. And for me, I love seeing it,” she added.
The store showcases the contemporary weave of Soari, binakol by the Tinguian tribe of Abra, Manobo weave of Agusan del Sur, abaca weave of Sibagat, hand embroidery in Lake Sebu, inaul of Maguindanao, balud langkat of Marawi, t’nalak weave of South Cotabato, tangkulo of the Bagobo tribe, yakan of Zamboanga, pis syabit of Sulu’s Tausug tribe, leather tannery of Bulacan, metal works of Cebu, contemporary weave of Kabangkalan, kantarines of Isabela, barong embroidery of Lumban, silk cocoon and piña of Aklan, beadworks of Bulacan and bag artistry of Marikina.
“I’m going crazy. I love stores like this, they’re just so unique. I mean, all of the pieces really tell a story without even saying anything. You can look at the mixture of the patterns. And for me as a Filipino-American, I grew up in America, and one of my goals coming here was to learn more about Filipino culture, and a store like this is doing just that,” said Gabriel of the Pinas Sadya store, which also carries curated pieces from Vesti and Wear Your Culture.
She said she has discovered a lot about Filipino fashion and cites abaca as her “newest obsession.” She has also observed that each region of the Philippines has different embroidery patterns and techniques, “so it’s so diverse as well.”
Gabriel said she believes the world needs to see more of Filipino fashion. “I’m always speaking about it. I’m always trying to wear pieces that are locally made. And I love to tell the story behind them because these pieces are so special,” she said.
Ensuring child safety and best interests: The implications of California Family Code 3011
Barrister’s Corner
Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes
FAMILY Code 3011 represents a significant development in family law, specifically addressing cases where there are allegations of a history of abuse by one parent. When allegations of abuse have been brought to the attention of the court and the court makes an order for sole or joint custody o unsupervised visitation to that parent, Family Code 3011(a)(5) mandates that the court state its reasons, in writing or on the record, for determining that an order is in the best interest of the child and ensures the safety of both the child and the parties involved. This article explores the key aspects of Family Code 3011 and its implications for child custody cases. Child custody cases often involve complex considerations, particularly when allegations of abuse by one parent are present. In the past, courts may have struggled to adequately address these concerns and provide appropriate safeguards for the child’s well-being. Family Code 3011 seeks to address this issue by requiring the court to provide explicit reasoning for its decisions, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Family Code 3011 emphasizes the paramount importance of the child’s best interest in custody determinations. The court is now obligated to consider factors such as the child’s health, safety, welfare, and any
history of abuse or domestic violence when making custody decisions. In cases where there are allegations of a history of abuse by one parent, the court must prioritize the safety of the child and the parties involved. Family Code 3011 requires the court to consider the nature, severity, and frequency of any past abuse when evaluating the appropriateness of custody arrangements. A significant aspect of Family Code 3011 is the requirement for the court to provide a detailed statement of reasons for its custody orders. This includes a clear explanation of how the order serves the child’s best interest and protects the safety of the child and the parties involved. The purpose of this provision is to enhance transparency and enable meaningful review of custody decisions.
The introduction of Family Code 3011 brings several notable benefits to child custody cases involving allegations of abuse: 1. By explicitly considering the history of abuse and prioritizing the safety of the child, Family Code 3011 aims to provide greater protection for children who may be at risk in contentious custody disputes. 2. Requiring the court to articulate the reasons for its decisions promotes accountability and transparency in the judicial process. This allows parties involved to understand the court’s rationale and facilitates effective review of custody orders. 3. Family Code 3011 ensures that allegations of abuse are given due consideration and weight in custody determinations. This provision helps prevent potential biases and ensures a fair evaluation of the facts and circumstances of the case. The implementation of Family Code 3011 represents a significant step forward in ensuring child safety and best interests in custody cases involving allegations of abuse. By requiring the court to explicitly state its reasons for its custody orders, this legal provision promotes transparency, accountability, and fairness. It is crucial for legal professionals, parents, and other stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the implications of Family Code 3011 to navigate child custody cases effectively and safeguard the well-being of children involved.
Ivana Alawi’s manager explains actress’
exit from ‘Batang Quiapo’
By KAthleen A. llemit Philstar.com
MANILA — Ivana Alawi’s manager, Perry Lansigan, came to the defense of his ward who was rumored to have an “attitude problem” on the set of the Coco Martin starrer “Batang Quiapo.”
Alawi is co-managed by Lansigan’s PPL Entertainment and Star Magic, ABS-CBN’s talent arm.
Lansigan denied the alleged attitude problem of his content creator-turned-actress ward, which circulated on social media. Allegedly from an unnamed or unverified personal assistant of the actress, rumors said that the actress was often unavailable to tape for the show or it was difficult to request for an extension for taping hours.
The actress also allegedly does not mingle or socialize with the people on the set of the show.
The talent manager disclosed that Ivana had prior commitments before she joined the show in August 2023. Ivana joined the show when Coco’s previous leading lady, Lovi Poe, was busy preparing for her wedding with British producer Monty Blencowe.
“From the very start na
ininquire si Ivana Alawi ng ‘Batang Quiapo,’ three months lang dapat talaga ang kaniyang pag-iistay sa nasabing teleserye
Three months ang kanilang napag-kasunduan at um-okay si Ivana,” Lansigan explained to DJ Jhaiho, who read their exchange on his online radio showbiz show “Showbiz Sidelines.”
Ivana was cast as Bubbles, the female inmate from the correctional facility that is adjacent to the prison where Coco’s Tanggol is detained. Pero dahil nag-click ang tambalan ni Bubbles at ni Tanggol, na-extend nang naextend at nadagdagan pa ng maraming taping,” Lansigan told DJ Jhaiho.
“Hanggang sa hindi
na po kinaya ng schedule bilang meron din pong mga prior commitment si Ivana na na-oohan ng kanyang management. May mga shoots, vlogs and etc. Hindi na talaga kakayanin ni Ivana,” he added. The talent manager added that Ivana’s camp adjusted to the schedule as part of her responsibility as a cast member of the show. In fact, they notify the show and its production whenever Ivana had to attend to her prior commitments a month or three weeks in advance. Lansigan also said that coordination with regard to Ivana only happens between his management, Star Magic, ABSCBN executive Cory Vidanes and show director Coco.
R’Bonney Gabriel (right) learns new techniques with the hand loom from Saori Philippines weaving trainer Becky Santiago (second from right) as weaver Jo Bernabe (left) and Vesti Bags designer Martha Rodriguez look on. Inquirer.net photo by Armin P. Adina
Ivana Alawi and Coco Martin in a scene in ‘Batang Quiapo’ Screenshot from ‘Batang Quiapo’
A trip down...
From Page 9
For their last song, they sang the hugely inspirational “moving on” song Tuloy Pa Rin, in which the crowd got up to their feet and joined in a sing-along.
Antiporda also wrote for Geneva Cruz, her first solo song after Smokey Mountain, the environmental song, Anak ng Pasig.
He then called out the next performer Geneva Cruz, who performed the song. Clad in a short red tutu, and sexy top, Geneva sang the song with gusto and impressed the audience when she belted the song lying down the stage.
Geneva also sang her very first hit the yearning Kailan, when she was still part of Smokey Mountain in 1990.
“I was only 12 years old when I sang this song and I didn’t know about love, then I met Paco Arespacochaga and I have Heaven, and Paco and I are still friends,” Geneva said.
Then she changed costumes and sang a medley of Andrew E.’s Humanap ka ng Panget and Hataw Na, displaying her snappy dancing skills.
She then introduced the next performer, her good friend Wency Cornejo of After Image band in the mid-‘90s. Cornejo probably had the most strongest vocal in the concert.
Cornejo is a ‘90s musical singer-songwriter behind the hits Hanggang Kailan, Habang May Buhay and Next in Line.
Cornejo, the son of popular broadcaster Mel Tiangco, shared a little bit of his songwriting skills. When he was 19, he composed his original song Next In Line, which talks about creating your own destiny. He shared to the audience that when he earned his first million, he gave it to his mom. Later, he regretted doing it because he realized his mom is so rich.
He also joked about how he is not the oldest performer during the concert, citing the members of Neocolours.
Cornejo thanked the audience for supporting OPM. Nabubuhay ang musika natin dahil sa inyo,” Cornejo told the crowd. Truly impressive was Cornejo’s well-preserved voice, and his mellifluous voice floated in the air when he sang Hanggang Kailan and Mangarap Ka.
Then he performed the inspirational Next in Line. He shared a little bit of information about how his life is now. He stayed for a while in Italy to take up a culinary course on pizza making and now, he’s proud to say that he’s a chef and will open a pizzeria soon. He told the audience that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
The last performer at the concert was the iconic rock band Rivermaya. On vocals/ drums was Mark Escueta and on bass was Nathan Azarcon. They first performed the intro song Umaaraw, Umuulan.
Escueta, who did the vocals, told the crowd, “Sana hindi kayo maka-relate sa song na ito. Tungkol ito sa mga sawi sa pag-ibig, para sa mga sawi na ginamit lang. Eto yung nakita mo sa FB na may iba na kasama. Ang advice ko ay kantahin nyo ito, Ogie,” Escueta said, before singing O Giliw Ko, obviously joking.
And then he sang Kisapmata, one of Rivermaya’s early hits.
Escueta’s voice is fine and he was doing a great job both singing and pounding the drums during their performances. Azarcon, on the other hand, gyrated with enthusiasm while strumming the guitar during performances for Ulan and Elesi.
For the grand finale, Rapadas and the MYMP girls took to the stage once more, joining Rivermaya and sang Bongga Ka Day and Isayaw Mo both ‘70s OPM songs, bringing the audience to its feet and joyfully dancing.
Alden Richards greets ‘inspiration’ during ‘It’s Showtime’ visit
MANILA — Actor Alden Richards played along to the teasing of the “It’s Showtime” hosts to greet his current “inspiration.”
The actor appeared on the noontime variety show last July 13 to promote his upcoming project “Pulang Araw,” a drama set during the Japanese occupation in World War II. Alden surprised everyone after individually greeting the hosts by going around the studio to shake hands and take photos with members of the audience. Salamat sa meet and greet mo ah!” joked Ogie Alcasid, while Kim Chiu quipped, “’Yung mga bineso mo ayaw na maghilamos oh!”
He then confirmed he was on the show to promote “Pulang Araw” and would soon fly to Canada to shoot “Hello, Love, Again” with Kathryn Bernardo. After talking about the need to rest amid
all the work he’s currently doing, Kim suddenly teased Alden, “Pero parang may inspirasyon ka naman ngayon!”
All the other hosts chipped in particularly Vhong, “Para wala kang pagod ‘pag nakikita mo ang inspirasyon na ito!” Alden nearly stammered when asked to give a message to said “inspiration,” though Kim pointed out it could be parents or fans.
“Sa mga nagbibigay ng inspirasyon sa’kin, maraming salamat dahil kayo ang bumubuhay sa aking ginagawa,” Alden said. “Nage-enjoy naman ako, at least maging proud sa akin mga tao.” Alden has for a while been recently linked to Kathryn after being spotted several times with her in the weeks after her breakup with longtime partner Daniel Padilla. (Kristofer Purnell/Philstar. com)
Julia Montes headlining Filipino adaptation
Japanese series “Mother,” the 10th time the show will get an international version.
The original show sees Yasuko Matsuyuki as an elementary teacher who takes in one of her students after seeing they’re being abused, leading to a national manhunt.
“Mother,” Asia’s most exported scripted format, has been adapted in Turkey, South Korea, Ukraine, Thailand, China, France, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Mongolia.
The Philippine adaptation of the show will go by the name “Saving Grace.”
The chief operating officer of ABS-CBN Cory Vidanes noted this is the network’s first time adapting a series from
Nippon TV, which aired the original show.
“It’s a beautiful story that really centers around the importance of family and motherhood and promises to be a very emotionally engaging and heartwarming series that will deeply resonate with the Filipino audience and the nonFilipino audiences worldwide,” she added.
Content Business executives at Nippon TV offered their well wishes for the cast and crew of “Saving Grace,” which goes into production soon as it aims for a 2025 airing. Other cast members to join Julia will be announced at a later date.
Cedrick Juan feels ‘pressure’ of success, but keeps...
From Page 9
comes to the topic of “marijuana,” and how they can learn from it. When asked if taking on socially relevant roles is his goal as an actor, he said it has always been his “target” to do so.
As an artist, feeling ko ‘yun talaga ang trabaho. ‘Yung boses and craft namin ang pinakamahalaga. If nagkakaroon kami ng chance, ‘yun ang target ko lagi. Ang magkaroon ng boses ang mga oppressed,” he said.
(As an artist, I feel that this is my job. Our voice and craft are the most important thing we have. If we have the chance to take this kind of projects, that is always my target, to give voice to the oppressed.)
The actor also hopes there will come a time when mainstream media will be “freer” in giving a platform to stories that deserve to be heard by the public. “I would like that time to come na… maging independent ang mainstream media. With that, matutulungan nating
[magkaroon ng platform] ang mga storyang dapat malaman ng mga tao,” he said. “I think there’s nothing wrong with that, as long as fit ‘yung mga naha-hire ang artists and nakakatulong.” (I would like to think that a time will come when mainstream media will be independent. With this, we will help in giving a platform to stories that people should know. I think there’s nothing wrong with that, as long as the artists chosen to do so are fit enough.)
Host-actor Alden Richards Alden Richards via Instagram
Julia Montes
MANILA — Kapamilya
actress Julia Montes will lead the cast of the Philippine adaptation of the 2010
