Sept. 3 is the last day students, regardless of immigration status, can apply for financial aid
AS the cost of higher education rises across the country, community leaders in California are urging students to take advantage of state and federal aid this academic year.
The deadline to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CDAA) is Tuesday, Sept. 3 for community college students.
In an Aug. 15 press briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services, education experts shared that despite the large sum of available funds for college students, many of the nearly 2 million students attending the 116 community colleges across the state aren’t taking advantage of it.
Students who submit their application
Kamala Harris accepts Democratic
LOS ANGELES – Certain immigrant spouses and stepchildren of US citizens can now apply for temporary legal status without leaving the United States.
The application process for the Biden administration’s “Keeping Families Together” immigration program kicked off on Monday, August 19.
Before the program, many undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. illegally had to move back to their country of origin and stay there for years before they could return to the U.S. legally.
“This program offers a vital opportunity for undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens who are currently residing in the United States,” said immigration lawyer Arnedo Valera, executive director of the Washington DCbased Global Migrant Heritage Foundation.
“Unlike traditional immigration processes that often require individuals to exit the
MANILA — United States Security Adviser
Jake Sullivan recently called his Philippine counterpart to denounce last Monday’s (August 19) ramming of two Filipino coast guard vessels by the Chinese around Escoda Shoal and discuss additional security cooperation in support of international law.
A White House statement released on Friday. August 23 said Sullivan also reassured National Security Adviser Eduardo Año of U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.
US court rules in favor of Pacquiao in case vs sports management rm
by RALPH EDWIN VILLANUEVA Philstar.com
MANILA — A California court has ruled as “void” the contract entered by Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and a sports management company, ending a three-year legal battle between the two sides. In a decision dated August 12, 2024, Superior Court of the State of California judge Walter Schwarm said that the contracts entered by Pacquiao and Paradigm Sports Management are “illegal,” a year after the attorneys of the eight-division champion filed a motion stating that Paradigm was not properly
licensed as a manager under California law.
The decision said that Paradigm chief executive officer Audie Attar “testified he did not believe he had a manager’s license for boxers in the State of California in 2019, and he did not recall if he had such a license in 2020 and 2021.”
“Mr. Attar did not believe anyone at Paradigm had a manager’s license in 2019.
Mr. Attar testified that he did not personally have and that no one at Paradigm had a promoter’s license in 2019, 2020 and 2021,” it added.
Citing a certificate of non-licensure dated April 18, 2023, the decision also
“Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Año discussed how this additional security assistance can bolster U.S.-Philippines cooperation in support of international maritime law in the South China Sea,” the statement read.
The incident in Escoda Shoal involving the BRP Cape Engaño and the BRP Bagacay of the Philippine Coast Guard prompted Sullivan to review Manila’s and Washington’s current alliance, further bolstered by the recent announcement of $500 million in U.S. Foreign Military Financing to the Philippines.
The two PCG vessels were on their way
by GABRIEL PABICO LALU Inquirer.net
grave accusations of Leopoldo Tan, who is currently in jail for the killing of Chu Kin Tung, Jackson Lee, and Peter Wang inside the Davao Penal and Prison Farm.
“In this light of these very serious and sensitive developments, may I move – in the interest of fairness
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte’s ouster will not make him her successor, Senate President Francis “Chiz” clarified on Thursday, August 22.
Escudero said this when asked in a radio interview if he would assume Duterte’s post should an alleged impeachment bid against her succeed.
“Hindi (No),” the Senate chief answered when asked over Radyo 630.
“Sang-ayon sa Saligang Batas, kung may mangyari, magbibitiw o kung ano man ang mangyari sa ikalawang pangulo tulad
ng kasaysayan natin, yung ikalawang pangulo, si GMA, umakyat bilang pangulo kaya nabakante yung vice president,” Escudero recalled.
(According to the Constitution, if something happens to the vice president, as in our history, Vice President GMA, ascended to the presidency. That’s why the position of vice president became vacant.)
He was referring to former president and now Pampanga Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who ascended to the presidency when then President Joseph Estrada was ousted during the second
Manny Pacquiao File photo
Kamala Harris accepts Democratic...
forward" for the country and to be a "president for all Americans."
“Our nation, with this election, has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism and divisive battles of the past, a chance to chart a new way forward – not as members of any one party or faction, but as Americans," Harris said.
She made a pitch to those outside of her political party to support her campaign against Trump.
"I know there are people of various political views watching tonight. And I want you to know: I promise to be a president for all Americans," she said.
Harris — the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants
— would make history if elected, as the first woman, first Black woman and first Asian American woman to serve as president. Harris as the Democratic
nominee comes a month after President Joe Biden ended his re-election bid and backed her as his successor.
Harris began her pivotal address by sharing her family's background and her motivations for becoming a prosecutor, before being elected to California attorney general, senator, and vice president since 2020.
“My entire career I’ve only had one client: the people," she said, while contrasting against her opponent whose interests have been for “the only client he has ever had: himself.”
Trump responded to Harris' speech during a Fox News interview by asking, “Why didn’t she do the things that she’s complaining about?”
“It was a lot of complaining. She didn’t talk about China. She didn’t talk about fracking. She didn’t talk about crime,” Trump said, adding, “Other than that it was a nice-looking room.”
As a presidential candidate,
Harris outlined her stance on national security — in favor of strengthening U.S. alliances, continuing its support of Ukraine in its conflict against Russia, and ending Israel's war against Hamas and stabilizing the Middle East.
“I will never waver in defense of America’s security and ideals, because in the enduring struggle between democracy and tyranny, I know where I stand and I know where the United States belongs,” she said.
Dozens of Filipino Americans, who formed "Filipino Americans for Harris-Walz" (FAFHW), from around the country joined the week-long DNC. "FAFHW remains committed to mobilizing the Filipino American community and ensuring their voices play a decisive role in electing Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States and Tim Walz as vice president," the group said in a statement.
Duterte’s presence in House probe...
– may I move to invite the former president to hear his side on this matter. I rest my case Mr. Chairman,” Gonzales said in his motion.
“There is a motion to invite the former president to shed light on the issue raised before this committee in the spirit of fairness. Is there any second?
Duly seconded and hearing no objections, the motion is carried,” said Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, presider of the quadcommittee hearing.
Gonzales made the motion after he asked Tan to repeat the statements he uttered, as stated in his affidavit. According to Tan, he and Fernando Magdadaro were hired to kill the three jailed Chinese nationals. Tan and Magdadaro are currently detained at the Philippine Military Academy’s Support Company.
Tan also claimed that Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) official
Supt. Gerardo Padilla talked to a “person” over the phone after the alleged kill order was carried out, and the person even congratulated the jail officer.
Tan identified the person who congratulated Padilla as former President Duterte.
“While we were walking to the Investigation Section, Supt. Padilla’s phone rang. I saw that he pressed his cellphone. I heard the person who called Supt. Padilla say ‘Congrats Supt. Padilla, job well done. But what was done was brutal, they turned it into blood soup’,” Tan said, reading his sworn affidavit before the quad-committee.
“I knew that Supt. Padilla was talking to President Duterte because his voice is familiar.
After the call, Supt. Padilla told his colleagues: ‘The president called, he congratulated me.’
Because of what Supt. Padilla said, I was even more convinced that it was President Duterte who called,” he added.
Tan said they were promised money and freedom in exchange for killing the three Chinese nationals. Tan and Magdadaro were already inmates when allegedly hired to kill the foreigners.
INQUIRER.net has sought former President Duterte’s exofficials – former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea
and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque – for the former state leader’s side.
Only Roque has responded, noting that hearings in Congress have no probative value.
Res inter alios acta […] No probative value,” he said.
This is not the first time that a Duterte was named in the quadcommittee hearings.
During the first quadcommittee hearing on Aug. 16, former Bureau of Customs (BOC) intelligence officer Jimmy Guban claimed that undersecretary Benny Antiporda sent emissaries in 2018 to warn him that he would die if he tags Davao City 1st District Rep. Duterte, Atty. Manases Carpio – husband of incumbent Vice President Sara Duterte, and former economic adviser Michael Yang in the shipment of illegal drugs in 2018. Rep. Duterte and Antiporda have separately denied Guban’s accusations. According to Rep. Duterte, he has never met Guban, adding that the ex-BOC official cannot be treated as a star witness as he is not credible, having been cited for contempt for lying at the Senate blue ribbon committee.
US security adviser condemns ‘deliberate...
to Patag and Lawak islands to deliver supplies before dawn last Monday when they ran into Chinese coast guard ships which rammed them.
The collision damaged the two PCG vessels.
“Mr. Sullivan reiterated the ironclad U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels or aircraft – to include those of its Coast Guard – anywhere in the South China Sea,” the U.S. statement said.
The two officials also discussed how the $500 million in U.S. Foreign Military Financing to the Philippines would help modernize the Armed Forces and the Coast Guard.
Meanwhile, top U.S. and Philippine defense and security officials are scheduled to meet next week to discuss various matters of mutual concern, including preparations for next year’s joint military training exercises.
The meeting between the AFP and the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is part of the annual Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB).
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the meeting “serves as a crucial venue to discuss and establish mutually agreed-upon policy directions on defense and security issues.”
“It also facilitates the approval of the Activity Lists for Calendar Year 2025,” she said, referring to annual joint military events involving Filipino and American troops, including the Balikatan exercises.
“The regular convening of the MDB-SEB underscores the long-standing relationship between the Philippine and U.S. militaries, concluding a year of bilateral planning and training
between the allied forces,” Padilla pointed out.
“The MDB-SEB further strengthens the cooperation between the Philippines and the United States, reaffirming both nations’ shared commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and the joint pursuit of a free and open IndoPacific region against the backdrop of a rulesbased international order,” she said.
COMBATTING DENGUE. The Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office conducts fogging
Aug. 23.
Last chance for California caregivers to get paid training
by SELEN OZTURK Ethnic Media Services
AS California grows older than ever, the demand for caregivers is growing too.
Caregivers statewide have through the end of August to earn up to $6,000 to learn and use caregiving skills through CalGrows. The program, run by the California Department of Aging, offers free online and in-person classes through September 30, but unlicensed caregivers, home health aides and certified nursing assistants have until August 31 to enroll to get paid for the training.
CalGrows
By 2030, over 10.8 million Californians — a quarter of the state’s population — will be over the age of 60.
California is already facing a shortage of up to 3.2 million caregivers, with serious consequences like long wait times and social isolation for older adults who are most in need of care.
Despite this great demand for care, “The program is tied to state funding that is expiring, so jump on this opportunity now,” said Connie Nakano, assistant director of the CDA Office of Communications. “Time is of the essence … You’re not only advancing your career, but also positively impact the lives of countless people in your community.
The program has over 600 courses in nine languages, varying in lengths from five minute units to five hour series; varying in formats from inperson, online, live and selfpaced; and varying in topics including CPR, dementia care, older adult nutrition and older adult mental health.
About 14,000 caregivers statewide have already taken a collective 89,000 courses, and been paid about $7 million.
The program is uniquely lucrative for an often undercompensated part of the health care sector. Direct care workers in California earn an average annual salary of $20,000, with one in four workers falling below the federal poverty line.
California’s nearly five million
caregivers spend about four billion collective hours helping their family and friends each year. This time is valued at $63 billion annually.
“Caregiving isn’t onedimensional, it isn’t just in a nursing facility or in-home. There’s care for all aspects of how people choose to age,” said Nakano. “That’s the purpose of CalGrows, to have a trained support system for everyone to choose how they’d like to age in place.”
Caregiver experiences
“CalGrows taught me, medically, what’s happening inside the seniors that cross my path, and how it affects their needs in daily life,” said Lidia Mawalu, a Fijiian CalGrows graduate working as a live-in caregiver for Corrina Rucka, an older adult in Monterey County.
“It helped me with practical, physical preventive care at home — for example, nutrition, not falling, preparing blood pressure medication and cleaning catheters,” she continued. “I understood what I need to do to help the person’s life enjoyable, which is different with each person, even each day.”
“Back in Fiji, we grow up in extended families, so we fit caregiving into our school days and weekends. It’s an inbuilt thing in us, that as our population ages, we bring home to them, because the time given to them is so precious until the end of life,” Mawalu explained.
“My previous client used to tell me, ‘Do not grow old.’ and I’d say ‘Is there any other way out of old age?’ It was her funny way of telling me, ‘Let’s keep going in a positive way.’ And these courses have made me love the work of doing that for our elderly people,” she added. “’Bula’ in our language means ‘life’, and in the mornings Corrina and I call to each other, ‘bula,’ ‘bula’ — ‘life,’ ‘life.’”
“’If I didn’t have Lydia there in the mornings, It would be very difficult, because as soon as I wake up, she’s there, and she’s asking me if I need anything, and she’s excellent. She’s very aware of my needs,” said Rucka. “She’ll ask and gauge how I’m feeling, and suggest things to do that day depending on that.”
“I put myself in her shoes,” added Mawalu. “We remind each other, ‘Have you drunk your water?’ Care is a mutual relationship, helping each other through life. We do it together.”
“Often, patients — especially those new to the illnesses they experience, or who don’t understand the doctors’ language — just need someone to be there and explain, step by step, everything they need to have the best quality of life that they can,” said Carmen Contreras, a CalGrows Home Health Aide (HHA) graduate caring for her father in Ventura County.
“My father recently suffered a stroke, and with all the care and joy our family has given him, he’s about 90% recovered,” she continued. “Going through it together, our relationship of care changed. Now he depends on me a little more versus me always depending on him to move forward … With graduating, I feel more prepared to help him now.”
CalGrows graduates can receive a HHA or Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certificate to renew with continuing education.
This professional advancement is crucial given that caregiver retention in California remains low. Over 21% of caregivers leave the field each year, with 40% transitioning out of the workforce and around 22% being unemployed when they leave.
As a certificate graduate, Contreras explained, “Now you can work in a hospital, maybe as a radiologist or phlebotomist, or as the requirement for Licensed Vocational Nurse or Registered Nurse programs. It opens up so many life-changing career paths to touch so many lives.”
“Working in a community setting, one class that really stuck with me was about symptoms in the process of aging, because not everyone ages the same or has the same needs in their life stages,” said Sean Hidalgo, classes manager at ACC Senior Services, a CalGrows course host grantee in Sacramento. He said that as the CalGrows program approaches its end, PAGE A5
NaFFAA announces Ryan Namata as new national president
DETROIT — The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) proudly announces the election of Ryan Namata as the organization’s new national president, following a pivotal election held on the afternoon of Saturday, August 17, 2024, during the 15th National Empowerment Conference in Detroit. This historic moment marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for NaFFAA, as Namata, a visionary leader deeply rooted in the Filipino American community, takes the helm with a commitment to steering the organization toward unprecedented growth and impact.
Ryan Namata’s association with NaFFAA began in 2016, driven by a passion for effecting meaningful change within the Filipino American community. Over the years, he has risen through the ranks, initially serving as the Director of Human Capital and later as the leader of the organization’s national operations. His dynamic leadership has been crucial in shaping NaFFAA’s trajectory, including the recruitment of key staff members, organizing significant national conferences,
and championing the organization’s mission. Namata’s dedication is evident in his hands-on approach – whether coordinating logistics or fostering camaraderie through activities like karaoke, he embodies NaFFAA’s spirit of unity and service.
Professionally, Namata serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer at the Center for American Progress, a prominent think-tank based in Washington, D.C. With nearly 25 years of experience in human capital management, he has led both domestic and
Ryan Namata, newly-elected NaFFAA national president Photo courtesy of NaFFAA
international teams across various sectors, including finance, cybersecurity, and nonprofit organizations. Namata’s
‘No,’ I won’t be VP: Escudero tells why he...
EDSA revolution in 2001.
Arroyo picked then-Senator Teofisto Guingona as her vice president under the law, according to Escudero.
The Senate chief explained that under the charter, Arroyo was allowed to choose her vice president from the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
By a majority of the vote, Congress confirmed Guingona’s appointment as the second highest official of the land, Escudero further explained.
The Senate leader also cited the 1987 Constitution, which provides for the line of presidential succession in case of death, permanent
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All proposals must be received on or before 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Bids@Metro.net , sent to the attention of Tracy Truong. Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected. For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https:// business.metro.net or for further information email Tracy Truong at truongt3@ metro.net.
8/24/24 CNS-3844239# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
disability, removal from office, or resignation of the top two officials of the country. Under the Constitution, the president of the Senate or, in case of his inability, the speaker of the House of Representatives, will act as president “until a president or a vice-president shall have been chosen and qualified.”
Duterte said last Tuesday, August 20 that an impeachment bid against her is openly discussed in the House.
Escudero refused to comment on the issue, as he might be a member of the jury in case such an impeachment complaint reaches the Senate.
But further pressed about the recent exchange between Duterte and Sen. Risa Hontiveros during a budget hearing, Escudero said the vice president’s remarks could not be considered an impeachable offense.
“Yung sinabi nyang yun sa hearing patungkol kay Senator Risa, hindi naman po impeachable yun at nag komentaryo na rin yata si Sen. Risa kaugnay nun,” he said. (What he said in the hearing about Senator Risa is not impeachable, and I think Senator Risa has also commented on it.)
“Okay lang po yung ganun dahil patungkol naman yun sa partikular na insidenteng naganap nung pinagdedebatehan nila yung budget,” Escudero said.
(It’s okay because it pertains to a specific incident that occurred during the debate on the budget.)
Duterte accused Hontiveros of “politicizing” government funds after the latter asked about a P10 million budget of the Office of the Vice President for the distribution of a children’s book authored by the VP herself.
Immigrant spouses, stepchildren of US...
country and face uncertain reentry, the program allows eligible applicants to stay with their families while their status is adjusted.”
Valera said this change is “not just a policy update – it’s a beacon of hope for those who have lived in the shadows for too long.”
However, Valera said it’s important to take note that not everybody who is married to a U.S. citizen is eligible for this program.
“Families need to double check to make sure they qualify for this program,” he said.
Noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens are eligible if:
• They’ve lived continuously in the country since at least June 17, 2014
• They were married on or before June 17, 2024
Noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens are eligible if:
• They’ve lived continuously in the country since June 17, 2024
• They were under the age of 21 and not married on June 17, 2024
• They have a noncitizen parent who married a U.S. citizen on or before June 17, 2024, or before their 18th birthday Applicants must have no disqualifying criminal history and must not be considered a threat to public safety, national security or border security. They also must be in the U.S. without admission or parole. Applicants must submit biometrics and undergo background checks.
(Inquirer.net)
Financial aid deadline looms for CA...
by Sept. 3 are eligible to receive all scholarships and grants that are available in California.
“That deadline is a lifeline for students and for California’s ability to continue as a national leader in higher education for mixed-status families and immigrant students,” said Daisy Gonzales, executive director for the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
Gonzales shared that there is about $383 million available in aid, but that many students haven’t applied for financial assistance.
Any student whose household annual income is below $40,000 is qualified for financial aid, which can be used to cover key expenses like rent, food, books, school materials, transportation, and childcare, said Gonzales.
She added that financial aid is open to all students, regardless of immigration status.
Nancy Jodaitis, director of higher education with the non-profit Immigrants Rising, said that financial aid is not a public charge. Those who are undocumented or with undocumented family members will not have their
status be affected by any applications to financial aid.
“Regardless of what happens at a national level— not that it won’t impact us, not that fear is present—California will continue to stand with immigrants, who have been such an integral part of our community and our state,” Jodaitis said.
Melany Vardalo, a Filipino American college student, said that without FAFSA, she wouldn’t have started her college journey last year.
“I work full-time but tuition is still so expensive, even for community college, so I’m thankful to have the option to get financial aid to help students like me, students that struggle with paying the bills,” Vardalo, 20, told the Asian Journal in a phone interview. Vardalo is a secondgeneration Filipino American and the daughter of immigrants from Manila. She said that her family always planned for her to go to college but that their financial woes made that seem like an impossible goal.
“If I didn’t have FAFSA, I probably wouldn’t have been able to attend college right after high school,” said Vardalo, who submitted her FAFSA application on Aug. 21 while preparing for her
second year at Los Angeles Valley College.
Another Filipino student named Daniel Medina—who starts his freshman year at Cypress College in Orange County on Aug. 26—said that applying to FAFSA was difficult as the website has been experiencing glitches and delays.
Medina, 19, told the Asian Journal that he tried applying in late July but the FAFSA application itself has gone through changes, with new language and forms that have slowed many students down.
“My older sister [who received FAFSA in the past] tried helping me but the new system has made it difficult for us, with the website glitching,” he said. “I finally got [my application] submitted but I would advise students to always apply as early as possible to avoid things like this.”
Gonzales said that CASC can help students walk through the new FAFSA forms and that students have been able to get through the application within a couple of hours with their help. (Students and families and can seek support from CASC via their Student Support.) (Klarize Medenilla/ AJPress)
Inquirer.net photo
US court rules in favor of Pacquiao in case...
stated that the California State Athletic Commission certified that Attar was licensed as a manager from April 14, 2016 to April 30, 2017, but his “license expired after he did not complete the required annual renewal.”
“The court finds for Mr. Pacquiao on the declaratory relief cause of action and declares the contract void due to illegality,” the decision read.
Pacquiao’s lawyer, Atty. Jason Aniel, said that their camp is “pleased” with the decision.
to the tentative decision, the court decided the contract that Paradigm sought to enforce Mr. Pacquiao was illegal as Paradigm was not properly licensed,” he said in a statement.
“This decision negates the jury’s findings back in May of 2023. We thank the court’s time and effort in this matter. Mr. Pacquiao thanks his fans for their patience while the court fully resolved all the legal issues,” he added.
MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons, for his part, also lauded the decision.
“Manny Pacquiao has finally proven innocent. He did nothing
wrong as the Superior Court of California has already announced its final statement of decision declaring that the contract offered by Paradigm was void due to illegality.”
the past few weeks at ACC have seen “a huge influx of people signing up for classes, whereas before I was the one registering everybody.
We’ve been doing outreach to boost numbers, mainly with in-person presentations
at other community centers and distributing flyers throughout the city in different languages.”
“What stands out to me the most is how flexible and accessible classes are, given the amount of skills you can learn for free and the money
Last year, a U.S. jury ordered Pacquiao to pay $5.1 million to Paradigm — $3.3 million for Pacquiao’s alleged breach of contract and $1.8 million for breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
But after a couple of weeks, the camp of the boxer filed a motion stating that PSM was not properly licensed as a manager under California law.
Last chance for California caregivers to... NaFFAA announces Ryan Namata as new...
expertise in organizational development, leadership coaching, and diversity, equity, and inclusion has made him a respected voice in the field.
As he steps into his new role as National President of NaFFAA, Namata is focused on two key priorities: empowering the youth and fostering an inclusive environment for all Filipinos.
“NaFFAA must get younger,” Namata emphasized. “We need to inspire and motivate the next generation of leaders, ensuring that our organization remains vibrant and relevant for years to come.”
He envisions NaFFAA as a central hub for education and dialogue, where Filipinos can connect with their heritage, culture, and the power of unity.
The election also saw the appointment of other key officers, including Chris Rivera as vice president, Giselle Rushford as secretary, Rod Mercado as treasurer, and Mariela Fletcher as national chair. This leadership team, under Namata’s guidance, is poised to lead NaFFAA into a new era of growth and engagement.
Outgoing NaFFAA national
president Mariela Fletcher expressed her full confidence in Namata’s leadership, stating, “Ryan Namata is the right leader at the right time for NaFFAA. His experience, vision, and unwavering commitment to our community make him uniquely qualified to guide our organization forward. I am confident that under his leadership, NaFFAA will reach new heights and continue to make a profound impact on the lives of Filipino Americans across the nation.”
As NaFFAA embarks on this new journey, Namata is determined to build upon the strong foundation laid by his predecessors and lead the organization toward an even brighter future. He is committed to ensuring that NaFFAA remains a vital and dynamic force within the Filipino American community and beyond.
Ryan Namata shared his thoughts on the privilege of serving as NaFFAA’s national president: “It is a profound honor to lead NaFFAA at this crucial moment in our history. The opportunity to serve and empower the Filipino American community is both
you can earn for it, and the fact that you’re able to better serve your loved ones as a result,” he added.
Caregivers can sign up for the program online at CalGROWS. org, by phone at (888) 991-7234 or by email at help@calgrows. org.
a privilege and a responsibility that I embrace wholeheartedly. Together, we will continue to elevate our voices, celebrate our heritage, and build a future where every Filipino American feels connected, supported, and empowered.”
With Namata’s election, NaFFAA stands poised to enter a new era of leadership, unity, and empowerment — ensuring that the voices of Filipino Americans are heard, valued, and acted upon across the nation.
The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is the largest national organization advocating for the interests and well-being of nearly 4.2 million Filipino Americans in the United States. Established in 1997, NaFFAA promotes the active participation of Filipino Americans in civic, political, and social affairs, and works to build coalitions that advance the aspirations of Filipino Americans in the broader society. NaFFAA is committed to fostering leadership development, civic engagement, and cultural preservation within the Filipino American community. For more information, visit www.naffaa. org.
by FAITH ARGOSINO Inquirer.net
MANILA — The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has reversed its decision convicting Senator Jinggoy Estrada of one count of direct bribery and two counts of indirect bribery in connection with the pork barrel scam.
In its 26-page resolution dated August 22, the court granted Estrada’s motion for reconsideration, which seeks to reverse his conviction.
To recall, Estrada and businesswoman Janet LimNapoles were acquitted of plunder last Jan. 19.
The court “partially reconsiders” the conviction of Napoles for one count of corruption of public officials in relation to one count of direct bribery against Estrada, which was already reversed.
However, the court upheld her conviction for four counts of corruption of public officials, which violates Article 212 concerning Article 210, paragraph 2, of the Revised Penal Code.
“She is hereby sentenced to suffer the indeterminate penalty
of imprisonment of eight years of prison mayor, as minimum, to 10 years and eight months of prison mayor, as maximum, for each count and is ordered to pay a fine of P29,625,000,” the resolution reads.
“The imposition of civil liability in the amount of P262,034,000 with interest of 6 percent per annum is likewise MAINTAINED,” it adds.
Civil liability is a legal obligation that requires a party to pay for damages or to follow other court-enforcements in a lawsuit.
According to the resolution, Estrada insisted that the prosecution “failed to establish his guilt beyond reasonable doubt for the lesser offenses.”
“For direct bribery, he argues that a judgment of conviction must be supported by evidence of actual delivery of the bribe and that in this case, there was no proof of money changing hands personally involving him,” it said.
Estrada also said that his former deputy chief-of-staff Pauline Therese Mary Labayen’s receipt of kickbacks does not mean he received the same.
Meanwhile, Napoles failed
to refute the corroborating testimonies about her control over whistleblower Benhur Luy and others, the proceeds of Estrada’s Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), the non-government organizations (NGOs) and their bank accounts, and her overall participation in the scheme. The plunder case against Estrada, Napoles, and others stemmed from transferring Estrada’s PDAF, or pork barrel, to bogus NGOs owned by Napoles. Estrada was charged with plunder for allegedly receiving kickbacks worth P55.79 million from Napoles. The prosecution accused Estrada of accumulating illgotten wealth after he allegedly gained P55.79 million from the scheme, aside from being “an active participant in the conspiracy to commit plunder.”
Eventually, the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division allowed Estrada and Napoles to file a demurrer to evidence or seek outright dismissal of the cases against them. But these were denied in June 2019 as it was established that he approved the transfer of his PDAF to Napoles’ NGOs.
PAYING HOMAGE. Family, friends, and supporters of the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. visit his mausoleum at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque on Wednesday, Aug. 21. They were commemorating his 41st death anniversary. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
OPINION FEATURES
The Philippines in Wonderland
THE saga of Alice Guo, or Guo Hua Ping, or whatever her real name and nationality might be, keeps getting curiouser and curiouser. If law enforcement authorities are correct, Guo easily faked her Philippine identity and nationality, became mayor of a town in Tarlac and protected a lucrative scam hub with a torture chamber in a sprawling property that she co-owned. When she was found out, she easily slipped out of the country.
Now it turns out that two persons believed to be her siblings also faked their identities and Philippine citizenship. One of them, Sheila Leal Guo, has the same fingerprints as Chinese national Zhang Mier, based on the files of the Bureau of Immigration, according to the National Bureau of Investigation. Zhang was intercepted this week by authorities in Indonesia and turned over to the Philippines along with Cassandra Li Ong, an incorporator of the Philippine offshore gaming operator hub that was raided in Bamban.
Editorial
Alice Guo is reportedly still in Indonesia together with another person believed to be her brother, whose name in the Philippines is Wesley Leal Guo.
This national embarrassment could have only happened through a combination of corruption, inefficiency, neglect and weak governance capabilities. The Bureau of Immigration, which seems to have had an epiphany about its
THERE are clear indications that illegal gambling operators have been, and continue to be, used extensively for the infiltration of Chinese nationals that are engaged in criminal activities and as such, pose serious national security concerns.
I spoke with several Philippine congressmen who are now visiting in Washington, D.C. and they told me that they are extremely alarmed at how serious the situation has become based on the disturbing information they have been able to unearth from the series of congressional inquiries that various committees have been conducting.
Major scrutiny regarding the connection between illegal gambling and criminality came about when authorities raided a 10-hectare Chinese complex in Bamban, Tarlac last March over reports that it was engaged in human trafficking and was being used as a hub for scamming, espionage and cyberattacks against government agencies.
The raid resulted in the discovery of hundreds of foreign workers –most of them Chinese – who have no valid work permits. Also seized were SIM cards, mobile phones and other gadgets that are used for online scamming activities.
The raiding team also found
On The Way
THE country is now gearing up for the next political fiesta—the midterm and senatorial elections in May 2025. There is a sense of frustrating déjà vu, as we have seen this all before—the early actions of coalition-building by political parties focusing on persons but not ideals or goals, investigations in Congress to generate and control the narratives and optics that will register with the electorate in the run-up to the elections, the blowby-blow daily political analysis in the social and mainstream mass media. Is there a way to jolt the country toward a collective perspective of the alternative pathways to the future of the country? Well, here is an attempt to identify possible Philippine scenarios to widen and lengthen the field of vision of politicians and voters alike.
responsibilities, said there is no record of Sheila Guo leaving the Philippines, but there is a record of her entry through Sabah.
Last month, the NBI uncovered up to 1,200 cases of Chinese nationals obtaining fake Philippine birth certificates through late birth registration in the town of Sta. Cruz in Davao del Sur. Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said each fake certificate was issued reportedly in exchange for an average of P300,000. Civil registrars, who are under the Philippine Statistics Authority, reportedly operate independently from the local government.
The NBI said the civil registrar of Sta. Cruz town since 1994, Mario Tizon, has been suspended amid the scandal over fake birth certificates.
It seems that in this country, every government transaction offers an opportunity for graft.
Authorities are still trying to find out how the Guo family managed to slip out of the country at the height of a high-profile congressional investigation.
Illegal Chinese syndicates: A serious security threat
high powered firearms, torture chambers and vaults containing passports and documents that indicated a possible link between Alice Guo and the illegal gambling hub that was located just behind the Bamban municipal office.
The subsequent Senate hearing put the spotlight on the seeming mystery behind the identity of Alice Guo, whose nationality came into question after the Philippine Statistics Authority flagged “discrepancies” in Guo’s birth certificate, with the National Bureau of Investigation also revealing that her fingerprints matched that of a Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping who entered the country in 2003 through a Special Investor’s Resident Visa.
Despite her denials, authorities have been able to uncover the connection between Guo and the Tarlac gaming complex, with billions of pesos channeled into her 36 bank accounts that are allegedly being used to finance illegal gambling activities – a “clear case of money laundering,” according to Senator Win Gatchalian, who pointed out that the profits reported in the Guo family corporations’ income statements were just about P100,000 to P200,000.
According to the congressmen I spoke with, what is really worrisome is that a syndicate seems to be facilitating the issuance of birth certificates, passports, driver’s licenses and other government-issued identification papers for Chinese
nationals posing as Filipinos. Reports say that the going rate for obtaining the whole package – a birth certificate, passport and driver’s license – can range from P300,000 to as much as P500,000, obviously through a syndicate that facilitates the process.
Just last month, the National Bureau of Investigation disclosed that since 2016, more than 1,200 individuals believed to be Chinese nationals were able to obtain Philippine birth certificates through “late registration” – just like what Alice Guo did – from a municipality in Davao del Sur. It’s not farfetched that certain local government employees, in particular those working at the local civil registry, may be part of the syndicate since they are the ones transmitting documents to the Philippine Statistics Authority that issues official birth certificates.
Intelligence sources clearly show that the Bureau of Immigration is the root cause of the problem, with allegations that corrupt members of the BI are responsible for the influx of Chinese nationals who were then able to obtain Filipino birth certificates and IDs. People still remember the “ pastillas bribery scam” that was exposed in 2020, with corrupt BI officials allowing entry to Chinese and other foreigners without going through screening at the airports for a measly P10,000.
Just imagine – illegal aliens can just go to any obscure town
or municipality, file for late registration of birth to obtain (fake) Philippine citizenship that would enable them to purchase property and put up businesses anywhere in the country. Interestingly, a lot of illegal gambling hubs seem to be located in areas near military facilities. The gambling complex in Bamban, Tarlac, for instance, is very near the Clark International Airport in Angeles City where a Philippine Air Force facility is located. In Quezon City, reports say that there are Chinese casinos and gambling hubs near the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo and the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame. As early as December last year, Surigao del Norte Congressman Ace Barbers had sounded the alarm about Chinese nationals buying up vast tracts of land across the country allegedly for their drug trafficking activities. He also said a lot of the properties purchased were near EDCA sites and major air and seaports, possibly with the connivance of Filipino “enablers.”
Barbers, who chairs the House committee on dangerous drugs, described illegal gambling hubs as the “worst curse” to ever befall the government system. While legal gambling operators were allowed to operate because of the revenue they were supposed to bring in, unmitigated illegal operators have become “a monster almost overnight” – linked to spying, hacking, cybercrimes, murders,
torture, human and drug trafficking, money laundering and other unspeakable crimes. Obviously, the money from these gambling activities makes it easy for these syndicates to corrupt officials and “buy influence in government” or, in the case of Alice Guo, even become part of government themselves by becoming elected officials, raising suspicion about the presence of sleeper cells and Trojan horses that seek to undermine the government.
As Congressman Barbers said, it’s like a “creeping invasion”
– which is why concerned government agencies must work together to accomplish the President’s order to cease illegal gambling operations immediately – and get rid of these syndicates that have become a serious security threat to our country and our way of life. (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.
* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com
Scenarios of the Philippine Future 2050
Strong republic scenario: This optimistic scenario envisions the Philippines achieving sustained high economic growth, reduced poverty and inequality, improved governance, and strengthened institutions. It involves successful diversification of the economy, investments in education and infrastructure, and effective implementation of anti-corruption measures. The drivers of this scenario are strong leadership, sound economic policies, technological advancements, favorable global conditions, and active citizen participation. The “strong republic” brand was used by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Unfortunately, it was sullied by the Garci and ZTN controversies. Business-as-usual scenario: This scenario projects a continuation of current trends, with moderate economic growth, persistent poverty and inequality, and ongoing challenges in governance and corruption. The drivers of this scenario are a lack
of significant reforms, political gridlock, slow infrastructure development, and external shocks like natural disasters or global economic downturns. This BAU scenario was characterized by Paul Hutchcroft as the Philippines being “a changeless land.”
Fragmented archipelago scenario: This pessimistic scenario envisions the Philippines becoming increasingly fragmented due to social unrest, political instability, and widening regional disparities. It could involve a weakening of central authority, rising crime rates, and increased social polarization. The drivers of this scenario are worsening inequality, failure to address social grievances, political turmoil, and the inability to adapt to global challenges.
Tiger cub economy scenario: This scenario envisions the Philippines rapidly catching up with its more developed Asian neighbors, becoming a major economic power in the region. It involves leveraging its
demographic dividend, investing in human capital, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The drivers for this scenario are the successful implementation of structural reforms, massive investments in education and technology, and strong regional and global integration. This scenario is often premised on the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals, young and growing workforce, and potential for increased investment and trade.
Green archipelago scenario: This scenario sees the Philippines transitioning toward a sustainable and resilient economy, prioritizing environmental protection and climate action. It involves investing in renewable energy, promoting sustainable agriculture and tourism, and building resilient infrastructure. The drivers of this scenario are a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, effective policies and regulations, technological innovation, and international cooperation. The
productive use and husbanding of the Philippine vast marine environment is integral to this scenario.
Digital leapfrog nation scenario: This scenario examines the potential of digital technologies to transform various sectors of the economy and society, driving innovation and inclusive growth. The Philippines successfully leverages digital technologies to modernize its governance, economy, and society. E-governance initiatives streamline public services and reduce corruption. Investments in digital infrastructure enable widespread internet access and digital literacy. The economy thrives with a flourishing tech sector and increased digital inclusion. The Philippines becomes a regional leader in digital innovation and enjoys sustainable growth. The drivers for this scenario are effective governance and high digital transformation.
China’s backyard scenario: This scenario refers to the
geopolitical situation where the Philippines, due to various pressures and influences, increasingly falls within China’s sphere of influence, particularly in the context of the broader Asia-Pacific region. This scenario has empirical referents— countries so beholden to China politically and economically they are sovereign only in name. The drivers of this scenario are political subservience, economic dependence, and geopolitical and military domination. The political contest between the Marcoses and the Dutertes, the ongoing controversies surrounding the electoral system, and the broader issues affecting the overall health of the political system are interconnected theaters. Addressing these challenges will require a longterm view of the possible futures, and backcasting to determine what decisions are needed to get to the future Filipinos seek. (Inquirer.net)
doyromero@gmail.com
ManilaTimes.net photo
The biggest concern at this point is how many other Alice Guos / Guo Hua Pings are still out there, exploiting a crooked and compromised system, and getting away with it. The government must move quickly to plug all the loopholes that created Alice Guo. (Philstar.com)
Babe’s Eye View
BABE ROMUALDEZ
The subsequent Senate hearing put the spotlight on the seeming mystery behind the identity of Bamban, Tarlac
INMATES TESTIFY BEFORE THE HOUSE ‘Duterte ordered killings’
by REINA TOLENTINO AND CATHERINE VALENTE ManilaTimes.net
TWO inmates who testified before a House panel on Thursday, August 22 said they killed three Chinese drug convicts in the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in 2016 on the orders of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Fernando Magdadaro and Leopoldo Tan Jr. said that police officers had asked them to kill the three Chinese drug convicts who were also detained in the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in exchange for P1 million and their freedom.
Tan said he was told the killings had the blessing from the top. He said that after he and Magdadaro did the killing, he overheard a call that Supt. Gerardo Padilla, who was in charge of the penal farm. Then Padilla told his companions, "The President called and congratulated me."
"I knew that Superintendent Padilla was talking to President Duterte because I was familiar with his voice," he said in Filipino.
The so-called quad committee — composed of the committees of Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Safety, Human Rights, and Public Accounts — later agreed to invite the former president to testify before the panel "in the spirit of fairness."
The committee also agreed to invite Padilla to its probe.
Bureau of Corrections (BuCor)
Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said during the hearing that Padilla was still in the service.
"He's assigned with the BuCor and he's the director for reformation," Catapang Jr. said.
Catapang Jr. told journalists they will present Padilla in the next hearing.
Earlier in the hearing, Magdadaro said that Tan had approached him for help to do the killings.
He said Tan told him they were on the side of the government, and were promised freedom and some money.
But Tan said neither of them were freed, although their wives received P1 million each.
The committee also decided to invite Arthur Narsolis, whom Tan said had recruited him to do the killings.
When asked during the hearing whether Narsolis told him who ordered the killing, Tan said only that it had the blessings of the higher-ups. He said he understood this to mean that the go-ahead came from the top of the Duterte administration.
Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in a Facebook post on Thursday, Res inter alios acta. Confessions bind only confessants and not third parties. No probative value as to third parties such as FPRRD."
Former Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo dismissed as a mere "demolition job" the claim of two inmates linking Duterte to the 2016 killings of three convicted Chinese drug lords.
"The demolition job on the Dutertes is in full swing. The enemies of FPRRD (former President Rodrigo Duterte) are using convicted felons of murders and drug trafficking to link him to the murders of the three Chinese detainees of which they were the perpetrators on the basis of their bare allegations," Panelo said in a statement.
Panelo, who served as Duterte's chief presidential legal counsel, questioned the credibility of "those convicts," whom, he said, "have nothing to lose since they are jailed for life."
When Duterte was in power, however, his officials used a similar approach — getting convicts to testify against one of his harshest critics, former senator Leila de Lima, who was detained for years before all the charges against her were dropped.
Thursday was not the first time that a Duterte was named in the quad-committee hearings.
During the first quadcommittee hearing on August 16, former Bureau of Customs intelligence officer Jimmy Guban said Undersecretary Benny Antiporda sent emissaries in 2018 to warn him that he will die if he tags Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, lawyer Manases Carpio — husband of Vice President Sara Duterte — and former economic adviser
Quiboloy has not left PH – Abalos
by ROMINA CABRERA Philstar.com
MANILA — Fugitive alleged human trafficker and sex offender pastor Apollo Quiboloy is still in the country, according to Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos.
“Based on our intelligence reports, he is still here. We will do everything we can to prevent another Alice Guo,” Abalos said, referring to the dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor who was able to leave the country despite an outstanding warrant for her arrest by the Senate.
Abalos said they are continuing operations to arrest the fugitive pastor and founder
of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ religious group.
Quiboloy is also wanted by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation for sex abuse and human trafficking. The head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government urged Quiboloy to come out of hiding and face the slew of charges against him. They include qualified human trafficking, sexual abuse of minors and maltreatment charges.
“He is deemed to be innocent until his guilt is proven. It’s best that he surrender, show up and clear everything because these are very serious allegations,” Abalos said.
PBBM hosts another ceremony for Filipino Olympic gymnasts, golfer
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday, August 22 held another ceremony to honor Filipino athletes who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Marcos met with Dottie Ardina (golf), Aleah Finnegan (gymnastics), Emma Malabuyo (gymnastics), and Levi JungRuivivar (gymnastics) in a meet-and-greet in Malacañang.
The four Olympians, along with golfer Bianca Pagdanganan, who is currently training overseas, missed the heroes welcome for the Philippine delegation in the 2024 Paris Olympics last Aug. 13.
Marcos, in a short media interview, said the second ceremony was meant to ensure that all the athletes who donned the country’s colors in the Olympics will be given their much-deserved recognition.
Michael Yang in the shipment of illegal drugs in 2018. Representative Duterte and Antiporda have separately denied Guban's allegations.
Former president Duterte and other top officials of his administration are being investigated by the International Criminal Court in connection with alleged crimes against humanity for the death of thousands of drug suspects in police operations during his tenure.
The five Olympians, according to the president, were unable to attend the first ceremony due to prior commitments and a “mix up” in communication.
“Nung nagpa-reception kami dito, wala sila dito; nagbibiyahe, at nagkamix up, huli na ‘yung pagkasabi sa kanila, hindi na sila nakauwi (When we held the first reception, they were not here; they were traveling and there’s a mix up in communication so they were not informed in time).
“Kaya’t sabi namin, pareho naman yung kanilang
pinaghirapan, so dapat andun din sila... Sayang lang hindi nila napuntahan yung parada, pero at least everything else ay nagawa (So, I said they should be here too, their sacrifices were the same. It's too bad they weren’t unable to join the parade, but at least we’re able to do something for them).
We’re happy, we were able to do something extra for those that did not make it to the first round,” he added.
Also present in the ceremony at the Palace were the athletes’ relatives.
Like the other non-medalists, the athletes will receive PHP2
million each from the Office of the President and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
After handing out their incentives, the president even took the time to have a chat with the athletes.
On August 13, 17 of the 22-strong Philippine Team returned to Manila and were greeted with a heroes’ welcome.
The next day, they were given a parade around the streets of Manila where thousands of fans joined them in celebrating the country’s best performance in the Olympics. (PNA)
Leopoldo Untalan Tan Jr. (2nd from left) answers lawmakers’ questions during the hearing at the House of Representatives on Aug. 22. ManilaTimes.net photo by John Orven Verdote
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with golfer Dottie Ardina (2nd from right), and gymnasts Aleah Finnegan (far right), Emma Malabuyo (3rd from right), and Levi Jung Ruivivar (2nd from left) in a meet-and-greet in Malacañang on Thursday, Aug. 22.
PNA Photo by Darryl John Esguerra
LOS ANGELES
Gayle’s inspiring journey to a new life: A success story on Citizen Pinoy
petitions for their residency. Unfortunately, their happiness was short-lived. The marriage did not work out, and he abandoned Gayle and Sofia. Left to fend for herself, Gayle took caregiving jobs, eventually finding a supportive Italian family who treated her as one of their own. Though the elderly parents she cared for passed away, their son Ernie continued to support Gayle. Facing insurmountable obstacles to obtaining permanent residency, Gayle sought the help of leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel after seeing an announcement on TFC for inperson consultations in Chicago. Atty. Gurfinkel provided hope by advising Gayle on pursuing her
Nora Aunor laments how she lost her singing voice after botched surgery
by HANNAH MALLORCA Inquirer.net
UP to now, superstar Nora Aunor still feels regret after losing her golden singing voice when she underwent a cosmetic surgery in Japan 14 years ago, claiming it felt like the botched job was done “on purpose” to ruin her voice.
Despite being the most awarded Filipina actress in the country, Aunor stressed that singing remained to be her greatest love and it hurt her that she cannot sing anymore.
“Ang pinaka love ko talaga ‘yung pag-awit kasi kung hindi dahil sa pag-kanta ay hindi ako makakatulong sa pamilya at hindi rin ako makikilala ng mga tao, kaya nung masira ang boses ko, sinira nila eh, para bang sinadya. Hanggang ngayon,
hindi ako nakakakanta,” she told Maricel Soriano in a recent interview.
(What I really love most is singing because if it wasn’t for singing, I wouldn’t be able to help my family and people wouldn’t recognize me, so when my voice broke, they broke it as if it’s intentional. Until now, I can’t sing.)
The 2022 National Artist for film and broadcast arts claimed that she was enticed to endorse a facial clinic in Japan. But after the procedure, she noticed that she was no longer able to recover her voice.
“Nasa States ako non may nagpunta sakin, dadalhin daw ako sa Japan kasi kukunin ako mag-eendorso ng isang [facial]. Pag dating ko doon, pinahiga ako, pinatulog, pag-gising ko wala na akong boses, ‘ayun ang
totoong nangyari doon,” she recalled.
(I was in the States and someone came to me; they said they would take me to Japan because they would get me to endorse a [facial]. When I got there, they put me to bed, put me to sleep, and when I woke up, my voice was gone; that’s what really happened there.)
Aunor said that they tried to sue the people who were accountable for the surgery but she did not disclose what happened to the lawsuit now. She said she had undergone another surgery to bring back her original voice but that, too, failed.
In February 2010, Aunor went back to the Philippines and appeared in a TV interview with a normal speaking voice. In May
Gratitude, passion lead Jericho Rosales back to TV series
by CHRISTINA ALPAD ManilaTimes.net
answered. To begin with, it was Rosales who first admitted that he and Janine Gutierrez — who play husband-and-wife in a complex relationship for the upcoming Dreamscape production — are more than just co-stars at the moment. “We’re getting to know each other, we’re dating,” the 44-year-old actor revealed. Rosales and Gutierrez sparked dating rumors when they were spotted visiting the National Museum in Manila last July. “I was the one who asked Janine to go to the National Museum because I haven’t been,” he detailed.
GAYLE’S
Gratitude, passion lead Jericho...
Rosales was a first hesitant to share their real status and insisted that as a gentleman, he can’t speak for the 34-yearold actress.
“Just ask Janine,” he teased.
But when pressed for the real score, Rosales eventually gave in, “I’ve known her for a period of time, she’s a very sweet person, loving, family oriented and loves her work.”
He added that he is in such a good position right now that even answering a personal question seems to comes off easily for him.
“I’m in a really good moment in my life. I wish everyone can experience this cooperation that I’m receiving from God, the universe and everything, with work, with my personal life.”
This particular approach to answering showbiz questions was a refreshing shift for Rosales, who previously either evaded questions or gave out answers that could potentially bite him back.
One of them was his declaration that he is never going to sign up for teleseryes ( TV series ) again.
Addressing this statement, he said during the recent interview: “I ate my word, masarap siya [ it’s delicious ].” Rosales was last seen in the 2018 drama, “ Halik ” together with Yam Concepcion, Yen Santos and Sam Milby.
Recalling this phase in life, he said, “I was angry, I complained about soap operas,
about the industry, the hours, directors, co-actors. I was complaining nonstop because I got burnout.”
So, Rosales took a step back and worked on himself. He particularly recalled going to New York and meeting his
acting coach who helped him realize that acting is an integral part of him, “I was crying. I said sorry to myself for turning my back on acting.”
“One of my realizations in this period is you have to
Gayle’s inspiring journey to a new life...
PAGE B1
husband’s original petition despite his abandonment. Through Atty. Gurfinkel’s dedicated efforts, Gayle’s adjustment of status as the spouse of a U.S. citizen was approved eventually, and she received her green card, ensuring a stable and promising future for her and Sofia.
Watch this success story on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, August 25 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)
Martin Nievera: I’m still not out of the game
by Leah SaLterio Philstar.com
MARTIN Nievera’s “Concert King” title started 42 years ago when an entertainment editor refused to label him as such.
“He was calling me ‘Concert King’ kuno,” Martin shared. “But he meant it sarcastically because he didn’t want to really call me that. Somehow, the title stuck.”
Although Martin ever got used to the “Concert King” title because he never believed it. “Because if you believed you’re king, I don’t think we would be having this conversation and you wouldn’t like me too much,” Martin admitted.
“Maybe the people believed because I was the first guinea pig of the big concert venues. Remember ‘Martin’s Rage’ at the Ultra Football Field with 55,000 people? That was huge. The construction of the Ultra basketball court was also rushed for my first concert, ‘On the Right Track’.”
Martin’s Araneta Coliseum concert on Sept. 27, “The King 4Ever,” was Ogie Alcasid’s idea.
“Ogie told me, I think it’s about time I have a major concert in a big venue,” Martin said. “He and Cacai (Velasquez) came together.” They were the ones who masterminded Araneta.
“I have my Theatre at Solaire and I’m happy there,” Martin allowed. “I didn’t think I have to go back in a big venue. There was a time all you need was my name and people were there. Let’s see if all of them are still alive.
“The kids today in ‘ASAP Natin ‘To ,’ I always tell them, ‘Don’t brag about your fans. Because my fans made your fans.”
Not too long ago, when Martin, Ogie and Regine Velasquez were doing brisk walking with Martin in Los Angeles, where “ASAP Natin ‘To ” happened, Martin asked Ogie why the latter decided to produce a concert in a big venue for him.
Ogie simply answered, “Gary was not available” and laughed.
“But it was the Christmas special of ABS-CBN last year, when I asked Martin what was he doing for his concert,” Ogie said. “I broached the idea of producing his concert at Araneta Coliseum. So he said, ‘It’s up to you.’ He didn’t think I was serious. This is a dream-cometrue for me. He was my idol back in high school. In fact, my audition song at Kundirana was
director of my 42nd year concert. See how times have changed? There’s true love, there’s family. It’s very important that my friends from the press know it’s true love and they are all sincere to help.” Martin refuses to be at the top even after 42 years in the business. “I don’t want to be at the top. I want to be the one reaching for the top. That is nicer. I want people to constantly see what I’m doing.
“I think it is better to strive to be on top, rather than being on top. To be on top, the only other way is down. I want to strive to be on top without having to step on anyone, without having to worry about what people think. I’m 42 years in the business and that shouldn’t matter to me anymore.”
Neither does Martin contemplate about retirement.
his song, How Could You Be So Blind? We were aping his voice.”
They never even talked about the talent fee of Martin after he seriously gave his nod. They also never consulted Martin’s manager, Joy Alonzo
experience this cooperation that I’m receiving from God, the universe and everything, with work, with my personal life.’ Photo from Instagram/@jerichorosales of the same year, she performed at a concert in Canada with actor Juan Rodrigo, with whom she formed a special friendship. At that time, Aunor was accused of lip-synching her songs during the concert, but Rodrigo then came to her
“So when we put it together, I asked Cacai to join us in our family,” Ogie said. “She produced Regine’s concerts and some for me.”
Ever since Cacai was young, she has been a big fan of Martin.
“I knew a lot of his songs,” she said. “It wasn’t hard for me to decide to produce his concert.”
Surprisingly, for the producers, all the artists volunteered to guest in the concert and support Martin. From Ogie and Regine to Gary Valenciano, even the vocal quartet, The CompanY joined the lineup. Gary was one of the first artists to clear his schedule.
“I told them if you want to come, just surprise me,” Martin said. “I never mentioned their names. But these artists want the people to know that they support me and they will be there for me.”
Pops Fernandez will be in the concert and their son, Robin Nievera, will fly in from the U.S. to join them with his baby. Martin’s godson, Paolo Valenciano, will be the concert director, while Frank Lloyd Mamaril will be the TV director.
“In ‘ASAP, we don’t envy each other,” Martin said. “When Jed Madela had his concert (at the Music Museum last July), the three of us, OMG (Ogie, Martin, Gary), volunteered to work with the production.
“Now, Paolo Valenciano is the
“A singer will never really end his career,” he said. “He may stop for a while, slow down, lower some of his songs, but for me, there’s really no such thing as a small show or a small venue.
“Everything is equally big. Nothing is a step down or a sign of retirement. That’s why I’m again doing a show in a big venue. That’s so tiring. You all know how I can fill up a big venue, three or four shows in a year.
“That doesn’t happen anymore but that doesn’t bother me. I know I’m still not out of the game or out of the loop, I’m still around and still very much interested in the industry. I still want to make it better and leave a lasting legacy so that people will follow my footsteps and have a nice path to follow their dreams.”
Sure, he still has dreams, at this point in his career. “What’s nice about my dreams is that they’re no longer mine,” said Martin. “It’s about the industry. As I get older, I think about my children, where they will be. Will I live long enough to see my children realize their dreams?
“You all know I have a special son (Santino). He’s turning 18 in October. He’s be turning 21 in a couple of years and will be an adult. What is he going to do? That is the biggest challenge that a special child will do when he turns into an adult.”
At 42 years in the industry, Martin feels it’s time for him to do what he wants. “I did so many different things to please all of you,” he said. “Or what I think you missed. I started changing genres. I realized doing rock was not my thing.”
to be her last,
it
In 2023, the National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts attempted to
again in the movie “Pieta.”
PAGE B1
Nora Aunor
concert in Toronto was going
which
was.
sing
Martin’s Araneta Coliseum on Sept. 27, ‘The King 4Ever,’ was the idea of Ogie Alcasid. ‘Ogie told me, I think it’s about time I have a major concert in a big venue,’ Martin says. ‘He and Cacai (Velasquez) came together.’ They were the ones who masterminded Araneta. Philstar. com photo
Nora Aunor (left) and Maricel Soriano
Photo screengrabed from YouTube/Maricel Soriano
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California Coastal Cleanup Day celebrates 40th anniversary as state’s largest volunteer event
SAN FRANCISCO – California
Coastal Cleanup Day turns 40 this year on Saturday, Sept. 21. The state’s largest volunteer event is expected to draw more than 50,000 people across hundreds of locations from the sea to the Sierra Nevada. Winter rains in California can flush trash and other debris through stormwater channels, creeks, and rivers from inland areas hundreds of miles away from the ocean. That means that even volunteers participating in places such as Sacramento, Riverside or Julian are helping to protect the state’s iconic shoreline.
Since the event’s launch in 1985, about 1.8 million volunteers have helped remove more than 27 million pounds of trash from thousands of miles of California’s beaches and inland shorelines. The most common items include cigarette filters, food wrappers, plastic straws, and other utensils.
The event is organized by the California Coastal Commission, with help from the California State Parks Foundation and Ocean Conservancy, as well as hundreds of other government and nonprofit agencies throughout the state.
“The support that Californians have demonstrated for our coast over these past decades has been incredible,” said Coastal Commission executive director Kate Huckelbridge. “It’s amazing that volunteers who turned out to the earliest cleanups are now bringing their children or even their grandchildren out to participate.”
The cleanup event has proven so successful that the Coastal Commission introduced a selfguided program in 2020 to allow participation across the entire month of September. Last year, more than 45,000 volunteers turned out over the course of September, including at over 600 cleanup sites on Coastal Cleanup Day itself.
“It’s a testament to the strength of the cleanup movement that it has thrived for so long,” Huckelbridge said. “We can see the impact year-round. Thank
you California for protecting our coast for the next generation!”
To find the closest cleanup event near you, visit coastalcleanupday.org.
Publicity posters and t-shirts are also available at the website.
Follow statewide efforts on social media at facebook.com/ CaliforniaCoast, twitter.com/ TheCACoast and instagram.com/ thecaliforniacoast/. Please share your cleanup experience on social media using the hashtag #coastalcleanupday.
Fund, Nordic Naturals, and GreenPolly. This year’s artwork was created and generously donated by Barrett Hofherr.
The Coastal Commission is committed to protecting and enhancing California’s coast and ocean for present and future generations. It does so through careful planning and regulation of environmentally sustainable development, strong public participation, education and effective intergovernmental coordination. The Coastal Cleanup Day Program is part of its effort to raise public awareness of marine and coastal resources and promote coastal stewardship.
(CA Coastal Commission Release)
TFC celebrates 30 years with a massive concert
FILIPINO singer, songwriter, TV host and entertainer Jed Madela celebrated his birthday and 20th year anniversary in the entertainment industry with a concert aptly named “Welcome to My World” at Ovation in Hollywood on Saturday, July 27. Jed came back to L.A. with an arsenal of carefully curated songs that have inspired him and have been the soundtrack of his personal life.
Tucked away in a corner of the Ovation on Hollywood and Highland, The Kookaburra Lounge, which is an Art Deco lounge bar with a 350-seating capacity, was the perfect setting for Jed’s intimate musical performance. It provided the audience a close-to-insider’s look into the vocalist’s musical journey.
Jed Madela was the first Filipino to win a title in the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA). This native of Iloilo shared that it took a long time for him to get noticed having performed numerous times at bars and lounges around Metro Manila before getting discovered.
The award-winning balladeer opened the show with uplifting original songs, and then took a more introspective look into his journey as a musician with a burgeoning career. Just like Gene Wilder in the movie “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” Jed invited the audience to take a look into his world beginning with the song “Pure Imagination.”
The first Filipino artist to be inducted into the Hall of Fame of WCOPA took the audience on a nostalgic tour with his selection of “classic” songs. It was as if the audience was reliving Jed’s humble beginnings in the music industry with Jed singing classics such as James Ingram’s “Whatever We Imagine.”
Jed recalls he was called various monikers such as “The Voice” and “The Singer’s
Singer.” He quipped that all he did was sing covers during the early days of his career so much so that people referred to him as “The Past” for his rendition of the song of the same name. Fil-Am Prince of Pop Garth Garcia, one of the producers of the concert,
joined
him on stage for a special performance of the song he was initially known for.
Aside from American classics from the ‘60s through ’90s, the balladeer beautifully rendered theme songs from American PAGE B4
Fil-Am Prince of Pop and Star In A Million Finalist Garth Garcia singing “Maging Sino Ka Man,” originally by Rey Valera, the theme song of the blockbuster hit teleserye of the same name. Photos by Tony Garcia Megastar Sharon Cuneta
From left: Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Sharon Cuneta and Martin Nievera. Photo by Katie Ortiz
Heartthrob Piolo Pascual
Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano
‘Ipso Facto’ at ArtistSpace, ‘RSVP’ wins
best short film in NY int’l film festival
My P.E.P. (People, Events,Places)
Rogelio Constantino Medina
MANY thanks to the Sovereign Seal of Business Triumphs and Remarkable Achievers award for the recognition as Remarkable Columnist of 2024 to be held on August 28 at Dusit Thani Manila’s Mayuree Ballroom. Other awardees include Salvacion Paparon, Wej Cudiamat, Annabelle Surara, Shirley Belangel, Dennis Antenor Jr., Braggy Braganza, Lae Manego-Franzani, Miller Daniolco, Carmela Betonio, Bon Jheo Exconde, Janice Delima, Dr. Elva Evasco-Auza, Mel Marty Macasil, Merjohn Lagaya, Vern Kaye, Nicole Hyala, Chis Tsuper, Tanya Chinita, Queen Dura, Pete Gatela, Carlos Parsons, JP Catering Services, Sheanne Roll Up Door Construction Services, Intele Builders and Development Corp., Lucky GHL Advertising, JFBV, 97.9 Home Radio, Aliw Channel 23, DWIZ-AM, Chef Chateau, Rise and Shine Pilipinas, The Metropolista, Media House Express, Lagniappe Printshop, Studio45k, Eyeleen Hair and Make-up by Aileen Sebua, Gown and Events Management by Touting, Jam Lim Enterprises, Alegre de Pilipinas, Light TV, JL Photoworks, Links Digital, RTU Himig Rizalia, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, TAGM Marketing Solutions Inc, and Fil-Global Immigration Services Corporation. * * *
“Ipso Facto” is the 8th solo exhibit by Jose Ferdinand Rojas II. It opened at ArtistSpace on August 18, 2024 — with an artist’s reception scheduled on September 1 — located at the Ground Level, Ayala Museum Annex, Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street in Makati City (across Greenbelt 5 ground floor entrance).
The exhibition is presented by Joy Rojas, jfrii Studio, and The Saturday Group of Artists. It will be on view until September
3. Gallery hours is from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. * * * A 1981 graduate of the famous Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California, Luz Amandolina Cruz Navasero, or simply Mandy, has a gone a long way since her public relations work at Bank of America in the early 1970s. Her first break as a photojournalist came in 1976 when the late Levi Marcelo, Philippine Panorama magazine’s editor, asked her to do cover photos for the Sunday magazine of the Manila Bulletin.
“Chelo Banal was very proud that there was now a woman photographer. At that time, the world of photography was dominated by men,” said Mandy, an AB English degree holder from the Philippine Women’s University. She also has an MA in English Literature at the Ateneo de Manila University.
She was a photojournalist of Mr. & Ms. Magazine, courageously taking the first shot in the rallies. “I’ve balls in my chest. During the EDSA
revolt, we faced the tank. We did this because we love our country. It’s nice to be a Filipino.
At that time in our history, together with the religious, we did pray with sincerity in our hearts. I prayed, ‘Hail Mary, have mercy on us.’ It’s great and you can really be proud to the world to be a Filipino,” she added.
* * * Los Angeles-based Sunita M. Mukhi was my schoolmate at De La Salle University-Manila. Her sister, Sujata, is my former classmate. I am happy that the film “RSVP” where she appeared won best short film in the recent New York International Women Film Festival.
“RSVP” is an exploration on the ways “we grieve the loss of a complicated significant other… a disappointing hubby, a near absent father, a lost childhood. The guilt for not loving enough – so much drama and intensity. And most importantly, the love between a mother and a daughter – the grievances and the forgiveness.”
TFC celebrates 30 years with...
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films as well as Filipino movies he was most identified with. WCOPA alumni and residents of Southern California Cristiani Rebada, Kevin Hermogenes, Jeremy Layug and Garth Garcia joined Jed on stage for a showstopping impromptu performance of a Boyz II Men medley.
An array of some of the most talented singers in Los Angeles such as Ysabella Loyola, Savannah Blandino, Janine De Los Reyes, Michael Jurolan and Kenneth Laurente completed the lineup of special guests and amazing performers.
Jed Madela who has been mentoring aspiring artists thanked the producers of this show, MADD, RST Entertainment, Legacy Entertainment and Starlink Promotions and its sponsors as he invited this special guest performers to join him on stage.
Roused, fired up and stimulated attendees quickly filled the front of the stage and danced to a medley of ’70s funk and disco chart toppers, ‘80s new wave and ‘90s House dance hits — an electrifying rare performance from one of the best singers the
Clockwise, from lower left: Fe Zamora (partially hidden), Mandy Navasero, JP Feniz, Philippine Daily Inquirer editor-in-chief Letty JimenezMagsanoc, and Francoise Joaquin (center). Photos courtesy of Rogelio Medina
Sisters Sujata and Sunita Mukhi
(From left) Jackie Aquino, Anna Ylagan and Ding Mercado in Greenfield District’s The Hub.
From left: Lino Gonzales, Rogelio Medina and John Paulino.
Atty. Joy Mendoza Rojas (left) and Atty. Trisha Bunye with their dog TJ.
P-pop group BINI, who is also known as the “Pambansang Girl Group,” with TFC stars.
From left: Kim Chiu, Anne Curtis and Lovi Poe.
TFC’s popular love teams (from left) Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano, Josh Garcia, Anne Curtis, Paolo Avelino and Kim Chiu.
Can my children’s derivative social security benefits be offset against my monthly
Corner
child support obligation?
CALIFORNIA Family
Code section 4504 allows a noncustodial parent to be credited towards their child support obligation for the amount of federal government payments they are receiving on behalf of the child. The payments that qualify for this credit include:
• Social Security retirement or disability benefits
• Railroad Retirement benefits
• Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
To be eligible for the credit, the child must be potentially eligible for the benefits. This means that the child must meet the requirements for the benefits, such as being the child of a deceased or disabled worker.
The custodial parent or other child support obligee is responsible for applying for the benefits on behalf of the child. The noncustodial parent must cooperate with the custodial parent in making the application and providing any necessary information.
If the custodial parent
refuses to apply for the benefits or fails to cooperate with the appropriate federal agency, the noncustodial parent may be credited towards their child support obligation for the amount of benefits that the child would have received.
The noncustodial parent must provide evidence to the local child support agency indicating the amount of benefits the child would have received.
This credit is intended to help ensure that children receive the financial support they need from both parents, even if one parent is deceased or disabled. It can also help to reduce the financial burden on the custodial parent.
If you are a noncustodial parent who is receiving federal government payments on behalf of your child, you may be eligible for a credit towards your child support obligation. You should speak with an experienced family law attorney to discuss your specific case. Here are some additional things to keep in mind about California Family Code section 4504:
• The credit is not available for all types of federal government payments.
• The credit may not be available if the noncustodial parent is already receiving a credit for child support payments from another source.
• The amount of the credit may be limited. If you have any questions about California Family Code section 4504, you should speak with an experience family law specialist attorney.
* *
*
Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC. This article is not a solicitation. *
Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.
(Advertising Supplement)
Gratitude, passion lead Jericho...
choose a life that you will never want to run away from. So that even when things go south, you can choose to be happy.”
Having healed, the role of Tyrone — ‘an accountant by day and a gun smuggler in the dark,’ as Rosales would describe — came at the right time.
“He’s that kind of person who wanted power and experience the good life until he realized that somewhere in his heart, he wanted a simple life all along.”
On softening oneself
Pastor’s Notes
ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas
LATELY, I have been exercising a “softening” of myself as I confront anxieties to achieve peace of mind and heart. What do I mean by “softening” myself? It refers to not being “hard” on myself while striving to meet the high expectations of myself and others. It involves being kind and compassionate towards myself, acknowledging that I have accomplished enough in life, achieved success in my endeavors, and already demonstrated my abilities. It also means humbly accepting my limitations and allowing others to supplement the skills and talents that I may lack. This entails putting into practice the ability to delegate responsibilities to the right people.
A “softening of oneself” or being gentle with oneself means also taking time to relax more, allowing for downtime during the day, taking a nap, going for a walk on a pleasant morning or evening, enjoying a rejuvenating bath, or simply unwinding with
friends. For busy individuals, it involves intentionally carving out time during the day to be alone or to enjoy the company of a loved one. It could be spending quality time cuddling with one’s dog, listening to favorite music, and singing along.
In Christian life, softening oneself involves allowing the tenderness of God to transform us, helping us recognize our true worth and His love. It means letting go of our fears and contemplating Jesus embracing us with immense love and compassion.
One effective way to soften one’s heart and mind is to remain open to the transformative power of the Holy Scriptures. Reading, reflecting on, or listening to the comforting words of Jesus in the Gospel, as well as those of the prophets, psalmists, and apostles, can be incredibly beneficial. As Jesus tells us in this Sunday’s (August 25) Gospel (John 6:6069), “The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life.” Further on in the Gospel, Peter responds to Jesus, saying, “Master, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
The Word of God changes hearts, illuminates minds, and grants wisdom. When we contemplate Jesus inviting us to let go of our fears, to “lower our nets into the deep waters,” and to cast our burdens upon Him, we
experience comfort, consolation, courage, and serenity. This is a practice that I encourage you to engage in regularly. Find peace, joy, and hope in reading, listening to, and meditating on the Scriptures.
Consider practicing Lectio Divina, the monastic method of praying with the Scriptures. This involves reading the text three times and reflecting on a word or phrase that resonates with you after each reading. Then, take a moment to discern what the Scripture reading invites you to do or commit to fulfilling throughout the day.
In this Sunday’s Second Reading, Ephesians 5:2a, 25-32, Paul exhorts us to live in love as Christ loved us. We can only fulfill this mandate by maintaining a daily conversation with God, listening to Him through our daily Scripture devotion. The effects of this practice manifest in the loving, kind, respectful, and faithful ways we relate to our loved ones.
Have a blessed week!
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.
Mariel Rodriguez on Robin Padilla as a partner: He showed me respect, honor
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
SENATOR Robin Padilla‘s controversial remarks about marital rape cannot bring down his relationship with his wife, Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla, as they marked their 14th anniversary as a married couple.
When The Manila Times asked if he’s ready to be potentially hated because of Tyrone, Rosales elaborated, “Ready to be loved? Yes, sure. If I can extract these reactions from people then it’s a sign that I’m doing a good job.
“In the characters that I play, in the six months to a year that I’m going to do a project, it has to have something that people will learn from. I’m not here to show grayness or darkness, let’s add more color to every character,” he ended.
While others may see Tyrone as a departure from Rosales’ usual leading man roles, the actor said he is more than happy to introduce gray characters to the audience.
On Instagram, RodriguezPadilla looked back on some of her favorite memories with the action star-turned-politician, noting how her husband showed her “respect, honor, gallantry, tenderness, and love” throughout their marriage.
“It’s our anniversary! Throughout 14 years, this true gentleman has shown me nothing but respect, honor, gallantry, tenderness, and love,” she wrote.
The TV host said that giving opinions is “free,” but it shouldn’t be at the “expense of the truth.”
“Opinions are free to be formed, but not at the expense of the truth,”
Mariel Rodriguez-Padilla and Robin Padilla
Photo from Instagram/@marieltpadilla
Piolo Pascual is playing his part to keep the industry going
By MJ MARFORI Philstar.com
AFTER his theatrical comeback in “Ibarra,” and starring in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) box-office and highly awarded film “Mallari,” and the primetime hit “Pamilya Sagrado,” he graced the press preview for his upcoming film “Real Life Fiction,” alongside Jasmine Curtis-Smith.
We had the chance to catch up with him. He showed no trace of jet lag whatsoever, given that he just came from his successful “ASAP in LA” gig. Anyway, Jasmine and Piolo pair up in Black Cap Pictures’ intense drama thriller, directed by Paul Soriano and shot during the height of the pandemic three years ago. The movie delves into the abyss of an actor’s mind as he loses bits of his sense of self after years of being one of the most celebrated personalities in his time.
Not really far out from what an artist goes through in real life, Papa P, as we love to call him, plays Paco in “Real Life Fiction,” an actor with an illustrious career who decides to write, direct, and act in a film that will inevitably bring him closer to his own demise before revealing that his truth may be far from what he has become.
Paula (portrayed by Jasmine) comes into play as his on- and off-screen muse, blurring the lines between what’s real and what’s not. The movie sheds light on the psyche and the limits to which actors push themselves and the people around them to find brilliance in madness.
Along with Piolo and Jasmine, Epy Quizon also stars in “Real Life Fiction” as Paco’s stern yet considerate manager, with the special participation of filmmaker Lav Diaz (“Phantosmia”) as the owner of an eclectic pawnshop where Paco finds himself drawn to while searching for his true self. The press was surprised by how both actors were more confident in exposing more than what they are used to on screen. Piolo lightheartedly explained, “That was because of the pandemic! We were all excited to get back on track and work.”
But seriously, both actors
delivered brilliant performances as they fully committed themselves to the film. “We were on set the entire time, unable to leave due to lockdown restrictions, but it was an incredibly focused and rewarding experience,” said Piolo. When we asked how “Real Life Fiction” was different as compared to their real life as actors and how they blurred their lines of reality and work, he said, “You just have to keep busy and move onto the next project. You don’t have time to dwell when the project is over, you move from your character.”
Speaking of that, he is now about to wrap up “Pamilya Sagrado” and can’t help but be ecstatic about Coco Martin guest directing some of their mosttalked-about action episodes. “Sabi ko kay Coco, ‘Hindi mo ako gi-ni-guest sa show mo.’ Sabi niya nahihiya siya sa’kin. So, finally, when there was an opportunity for him to direct one day ng mga fight scenes ko, napakabait. Napaka-passionate, nakakatuwa si Cocs, pinapanuod ko lang siya, nakakatuwa dahil sobra respeto niya sa trabaho. He
had a lot of input,” he shared.
Another good friend of Piolo that he did touch base with was Bea Alonzo. Piolo recently shared a screenshot of them chatting and joking that they were not talking about ratings.
As we all know, “Pamilya Sagrado” on TV5 goes head-tohead with Bea’s “Widow’s War” on GMA.
“We were talking about dinner because long overdue na and sinabi nga namin oo nga magkatapat shows natin noh! Hanep ano? But that is it. There’s nothing, no rivalry whatsoever, at the end of the day, we’re friends,” he said. Right now that “Pamilya Sagrado” is about to end, Papa P has already started filming for “The Kingdom” for this year’s MMFF. He said that the production value has exceeded his expectations.
“More than! The last time I worked with my friend Shayne Sarte was in ‘Milan.’ She’s our DOP (director of photography). It’s a powerhouse cast and production, hindi mo na kwekwestyunin ang production value,” added he..
Mark Bautista recalls humble beginnings
By CHARMIE JOY PAGULONG Philstar.com
FROM his modest beginnings in Cagayan de Oro to placing runner-up to Sarah Geronimo in the TV singing competition
“Star for a Night” in 2002, Mark Bautista has since established himself as a singing star in the music scene. He is going to celebrate his 21st anniversary in showbiz via a solo concert entitled “Mark My Dreams” on Aug. 31 at The Theatre in Solaire.
The 41-year-old crooner recalled the best and most challenging moments throughout his decades-long career.
One of the most memorable moments for him was when he did theatrical stints abroad and starred in the 2004 superhero film “Mars Ravelo’s Lastikman: Unang Banat.”
“When I went to London for (‘Here Lies Love’) at the Royal National Theater, I felt that it was very rare to perform at the National Theater and I was given the opportunity to perform. I really treasured it,” the pop balladeer shared.
“When Viva, si Boss Vic (del Rosario Jr.), gave me ‘Lastikman,’ it was unforgettable for me. Because until now, there are some who would forward (movie clips). May mga bata pa rin na nakakapanood so nakakatuwa And I think, also in theater, I’m very blessed to be given such projects,” he added.
The most challenging part of his career was when GMA Network’s variety show “Sunday All Stars” ended. He was one of the program’s mainstays as cohost and performer. He flew to New York City to study music video editing after the show went off air.
“I went to school because parang nataranta ako, like, ‘What would I do?’ The show was put off air kasi matagal akong nag-
Sunday show. So from ‘ASAP’ to GMA, continuous kasi yung Sunday show and then it ended abruptly. I didn’t know what to do.” But it came as a “blessing in disguise” as Mark was offered by their New York-based director to reprise his role as Ferdinand Marcos in the David Byrne musical “Here Lies Love” in Seattle in 2017. “And I told myself that, what they said was true, you have to show up for the opportunities, sometimes. It was like dapat makita ka para maalala ka.
Among the things that he would still like to achieve in his profession is to do a Cinemalaya film to test his acting skills, pen a hit song for a new artist and make an original track. He also forayed into directing for the stage with the concert “Mr. Streisand.”
To mark his showbiz milestones, he is staging his latest solo concert after nine years. “This is the concert where I will show everything. That’s why it’s called ‘Mark My Dreams’ because these are the dreams that came true. Even dreams from before that didn’t materialize and my future dreams, I will share them (through the concert).”
The main focus of the music
gig is retelling his showbiz journey, from how he started, his aspirations and how he overcame the challenges that he went through.
“I just want people to be inspired after watching the show,” he said. “I think that’s the basic that I want to convey to the audience because everything started with a dream. And I hope they will get inspired sa lahat ng naging journey ko. From how I started to now. Kung ano yung future na gusto nilang gawin.
“I hope that they will get inspired through my story, from my humble beginnings in Cagayan de Oro who knows nothing and how I survived my 20 years in showbiz.”
When it comes to his relationship status, Mark is currently single but he goes on dates. “I’m dating but I’m not into a relationship yet… (I’m) super excited kung sino yung pwede ko nang i-hard launch,” he said with a laugh.
“But for now, I’m enjoying my life.”
He also admired good-looking celebrities but didn’t name any. May mga taga-showbiz na naappreciate mo na good-looking or something pero hanggang dun lang eh.”
Mariel Rodriguez on Robin Padilla as...
she said. “Happy Anniversary, my babe. Always by your side.” Rodriguez-Padilla’s anniversary post earned messages of support from Gladys Reyes, Toni Gonzaga, Bianca Manalo, Amy Perez, Bianca Gonzalez, Darla Sauler, Isabel Oli-Prats, Marjorie Barretto, Alex Gonzaga, and Daphne OseñaPaez.
Padilla earlier drew the ire of some groups and internet users who got offended by his remarks on consensual sex between couples during a Senate hearing, where he expressed his concern about women not being in the mood for sex, despite their husbands having the desire to do so. He has since apologized for his remarks, but qualified that people should not be too sensitive, and that he never said it was “okay” for husbands to force their wives to have sex.
Meanwhile, Rodriguez-Padilla expressed her support for her husband on social media during the height of the controversy, where she shared a photo of them kissing.
Mark Bautista
Photo from Instagram/@iammarkbautista
Piolo Pascual
Photo from Instagram/@piolo_pascual
Kyline Alcantara on real score with Kobe Paras: ‘It’s a different feeling’
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
WHILE Kyline Alcantara has yet to clarify the status of her relationship with Kobe Paras, she admitted that what she feels towards him is “different,” and hard to describe.
Alcantara, in an interview with GMA, confessed that she “cannot find the exact words” on how she feels towards him.
“It’s a different feeling po so I don’t know the exact words to describe it. Lumalabas siya ( It comes out) through actions and our auras, I guess. So I cannot find the exact words,” she said.
It was also reported that Alcantara and Paras are headed to China for an undisclosed shoot, although details of the project are yet to be revealed, as of this writing.
Alcantara and Paras have been hounded with dating speculations since May after they were spotted together on multiple occasions, including a Taguig date, attending
a birthday party as a pair, and the actress being invited to the opening of Paras’ tattoo shop. They were also seen together at an undisclosed establishment, where they bonded with Paras’ dad Benjie, brother Andre, and the latter’s nonshowbiz girlfriend Honey Escarez. Despite this, both stressed at the
recently-held GMA Gala that they are just “great friends.” In a Philippine Daily Inquirer interview last July, the basketball player-turned-actor said he’s happy for Kobe whoever he decides to date, while noting that whatever makes Paras and Alcantara, in turn, makes him happy for them
‘Ipso Facto’ at ArtistSpace, ‘RSVP’ wins...
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Sunita felt elated when “RSVP” was declared as the winner, stating, “It is always gratifying to get recognition for your talent – a sincere compliment from friends and family, a nod of approval from your director, a hug from strangers…and the accolade from a jury of experts.”
* * *
I was honored to meet recently Sentro 1771’s Executive Chef Vicky Pacheco, who belongs to the Reyes clan known in the world of cooking. For more than one hour we talked about food, including iconic dish corned beef sinigang beef caldereta, rated GG (fried galunggong fillet drenched in olive oil and sprinkled with garlic bits), bangus with calamansi butter, fried kesong puti , crispy kangkong rice, vegetable juices, smoothies, etc.
I am also thankful to Sentro 1771’s marketing analyst Bien Esmero, restaurant manager Lino Gonzales, operations manager John Paulino as well as the Sentro 1771’s staff Lester Bitara, Mary Rose Bacuetes, Symond Camba, Noebal Singh, Melinda Caramba and Aillen Ruth Casilao for their care and hospitality.
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“Showbizness is a serious business, and you’ve to put your heart and soul into it,” said singer Leandro ‘Ding’ Mercado. His enduring love affair with fame started when he won first prize in a singing competition which qualified him to participate in the Asian Amateur Song Festival in Hong Kong in 1977. This achievement led to an offer as a contract artist in a TV variety show in Hong Kong. Since then, he has captivated Hong Kong’s music lovers, and there was no stopping Ding’s rise in the international music scene. Music, he said, is a universal language. To some extent, it has helped him cope in Hong Kong. “I’m more of a ballad, broadway and pop singer, although I like listening to mellow jazz. I also like singing love songs.”
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Philippine Stagers Foundation (PSF) president Johnrey Rivas will play the lead role in the musical play on the life of Philippine hero visual artist Juan Luna. It will have a grand opening on August 27 and 29 at Adamson University in Manila. I first watched Johnrey in the BL series “Why Love Why,” an indie film produced by Philstagers Films, and I was impressed and magnetized by his acting power. He won Best Featured Actor and Best Male
Crossover Artist in the 2019 and 2020 Aliw Awards, respectively. In the 38th PMPC Star Awards, he was declared Best Movie Supporting Actor of the Year; in the 70th FAMAS Awards as Best Supporting Actor in the film “KATIPS: the Movie.” He also appeared in “Joe the Movie,” “Ako Si Ninoy,” and “Bangkay” (based on the Don Palanca Memorial Awards full-length entry winner written by Vince Tanada). He also directed the short film “Zomnia” and the BL movie “Twinkle Twinkie Little Star the Series.” Sometime in September his film “Oh, My Boo Boo” will be shown.
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
PSF president Johnrey Rivas
At Sentro 1771: (from left) Bien Esmero, Rogelio Medina, Executive Chef Vicky Pacheco and Roger Oriel.
Rogelio Medina has been named “Most Remarkable Columnist for 2024” by the Sovereign Seal of Business Triumphs and Remarkable Achievers.
Kyline Alcantara and Kobe Paras Photo from Instagram/@itskylinealcantara, @_kokoparas
