Breast cancer rises among Asian American and Pacific Islander women
CHRISTINA Kashiwada was traveling for work during the summer of 2018 when she noticed a small, itchy lump in her left breast. She thought little of it at first. She did routine self-checks and kept up with medical appointments. But a relative urged her to get a mammogram. She took the advice and learned she had stage 3 breast cancer, a revelation that stunned her.
“I’m 36 years old, right?” said Kashiwada, a civil engineer in Sacramento, California. “No one’s thinking about cancer.”
About 11,000 Asian American and Pacific Islander women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and about 1,500 died. The latest federal data shows the rate of new
Fil-Am woman killed in DUI crash in Oakland
Criscel Dela Rosa was a ‘loving wife and a great mother,’ says her husband, Michael
OAKLAND – A Filipino American woman was killed in a multi-vehicle crash allegedly caused by a suspected drunk driver on Sunday, September 1 in Oakland, Calif.
Criscel Dela Rosa suffered fatal injuries after a freightliner box truck crashed into the back of her Tesla Model Y along the I-880 North Embarcadero.
“I received the worst news of my life,” Criscel’s husband, Michael Dela Rosa, said on a GoFundMe page.
Dela Rosa said he was awakened by a call about the accident. He then “tried desperately to call her and find out what happened, to see if she was okay.” There was no answer.
Dela Rosa said he rushed to the crash site
‘PH
trial first for Quiboloy before extradition’
by Alexis RomeRo Philstar.com
MANILA — There is no request from the U.S. for the extradition of Apollo Quiboloy, but even if one were to be sent, the alleged sex abuser and human trafficker and leader of
the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) would be made to undergo trial first in the Philippines before such request can be granted, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Monday, September 9.
“The extradition request is not yet there,” Marcos told reporters in Taguig City, adding that Quiboloy would first have to deal with several criminal complaints he is facing in the Philippines.
VP Sara Duterte’s spending draws more Congress scrutiny
by Krixia SubingSubing, Marlon raMoS Inquirer.net
MANILA — The travails of Vice President Sara Duterte continued on Tuesday, September 10 in Congress, with her absence in the House budget hearing forcing lawmakers to propose either a cut or transfer of funds she requested for her office, while senators recounted
her alleged misuse of nearly a third of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) allocation in 2023, her last full year as its head.
The House appropriations committee decided to defer the deliberation on the proposed P2-billion budget of the Office of the Vice
President (OVP) “subject to conditions, either, number one, reduce the proposed budget … and number two, place certain funds on hold until further discussions are held.”
With this move, proposed by Ako Bicol Rep. Jil u PAGE 2
Quiboloy is on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s wanted list for sex trafficking, fraud and money laundering.
‘I am Alice’: Guo insists on Philippine nationality
MANILA — The collective temper of the Senate flared anew on Monday, September 9 upon former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo’s insistence on her Philippine identity, despite being presented with her alleged Chinese passport.
Guo and Sen. Risa Hontiveros, the Chair of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, faced off for the first time in three months since the former mayor’s disappearance.
Faced with the simple question of who she was, Guo immediately invoked her right to selfincrimination.
“Hindi ko kino-confirm at may kaso na po sa aking sinampa, sasagutin ko po sa korte,” Guo said.
(I do not confirm it and there is already a case filed against me, I will answer it in court.) Guo maintained her identity throughout the more than five-hour long hearing.
However, Hontiveros said that Guo was not incriminating herself because she was not the one who filed for her late birth certification. She also said that this right does not shield her from answering legitimate questions from the Senate.
“Identity questions are within the purview of the committee. The Senate has a right to know: who are we talking to?” Hontiveros said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Guo insisted that she is Alice Guo, but
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
BOAT SAFETY. Fishermen in Navotas City end their voyage on Monday afternoon, September 9. They are cautious as state weather bureau PAGASA warned of two low-pressure areas that may develop into tropical cyclones. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
Vice President Sara Duterte. Photo from the House of Representatives video
VP Sara Duterte’s spending...
Bongalon and seconded by the panel with no objections, Duterte missed the last chance to defend her office’s budget at the committee level.
This is the second time that the OVP failed to sail through the budget deliberations, a courtesy normally accorded to the two highest offices in the country.
House Assistant Majority Leader and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, the sponsor for the OVP budget, said discussions would now move to the plenary, where the 300-strong House led by Speaker Martin Romualdez could move to slash the OVP’s social services budget and transfer it to line agencies.
Appropriations panel chair and Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co himself vowed to recommend it, pointing out that Duterte could no longer be entrusted with public funds.
“Should we give her P2 billion that she claims the OVP will use to help the poor? We should give this instead to the right agency. We will not allow even a single peso to again be squandered,” Co said during the hearing. Long list
This came after the panel members pointed out several irregularities in the OVP’s 2023 budget as flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA), including the “overpriced” rentals for the OVP’s satellite offices and the dismally low disbursement of funds for its flagship livelihood project.
1-Rider Rep. Rodge
Gutierrez, Rizal Rep. Fidel Nograles, and Zambales Rep. Doris Maniquiz cited the COA observation that the OVP spent P53.5 million for the lease of 10 satellite offices nationwide, or roughly P4.4 million per office.
“If we really think about it, the [services] offered by the satellite offices are but a duplication of the services already offered by our line agencies like the Department of Labor and Employment [and] the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. Shouldn’t we disallow these kinds of expenses that are a duplication?” Maniquiz asked.
Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas and Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel, meanwhile, noted that the OVP’s Magnegosyo Ta Day livelihood program was allotted P150 million but was able to use only P600,000, or a mere 0.4 percent, as of 2023.
“This is a clear waste of funds when this could be realigned to sectors that need it,” Brosas noted.
‘Ghost deliveries’ Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro then cited a COA finding saying there were food items worth more than P148,000 intended to be given out for the OVP’s Kalusugan Food Truck, a mobile kitchen program, which were “near expiry” and were “kept in an unventilated shipping container.”
“This is not a huge amount but this is the same observation that we had in the [DepEd],” Luistro said,
referring to a 2023 COA audit report on the agency’s P5.69-billion school-based feeding program during Duterte’s time where it noted that insect-infested or moldy nutribuns and other rotting food items were distributed in Aurora, Bulacan and Misamis Oriental.
Luistro likewise flagged the improper liquidation of at least P65 million worth of funds spent for welfare goods, noting that the OVP failed to submit supporting documents for its PanSarap Buns pilot testing in Davao and Maguindanao, as well as the distribution of yearend food packs.
“I hope not, but I’m afraid this might be a case of ghost deliveries,” Luistro said.
Bongalon and Adiong also got the COA to admit that Duterte has yet to formally appeal the notice of disallowance on P73 million of its P125-million confidential funds in 2022, despite Duterte’s repeated claims that her office was already cooperating with the state auditor.
The OVP has six months, or until February at least, to challenge the notice.
COA findings
In the Upper Chamber, Sen. Risa Hontiveros questioned why DepEd borrowed P6 billion from the World Bank (WB) in 2023 to finance the upskilling of public school teachers despite its failure to use the funding it received from the government for the same project.
At the Senate hearing on DepEd’s budget request of
Fil-Am woman killed in DUI crash in...
and saw his wife’s mangled Tesla.
“It hurt me to see how devastating the car crash was and I can only imagine what pain she went through with that car crash,” Dela Rosa wrote on the GoFundMe page.
Criscel usually had Sundays off, but had decided to work that day, he said. The crash happened on her way to work around 5:30 a.m. near the Embarcadero exit.
The suspected drunk driver was arrested following the crash.
Dela Rosa described his
wife as “a wonderful woman,” who was good hearted, church-going and a “loving wife and a great mother.”
He said family members – including their 7-year-old daughter – are heartbroken and devastated.
Dela Rosa is raising funds to help with funeral services and to bring Criscel’s siblings to the U.S. from the Philippines to attend her funeral.
As of press time, the fundraising campaign has raised nearly $45,000, exceeding the $25,000 goal.
“This demonstrates how much she was loved,” wrote Dela Rosa. “THANK YOU ALL
‘PH trial first for Quiboloy before...
“We will have to look at that,” Marcos said, referring to a U.S. request for extradition. “But for the moment, we are not looking at extradition. What we are looking at are the cases and complaints filed in the Philippines and he needs to face them first,” he said.
“What has been done is that we have implemented and enforced an arrest warrant that was issued by the court. And therefore it is now in the court’s hands, it is no longer in the executive,” the president said.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla also said Quiboloy “may have to face the music here” even if the U.S. can be expected to file a request for the religious leader’s extradition.
“He made it very difficult for the police to find him, he also caused suffering to the country. He should be tried here,” Remulla said in Filipino.
He added he would instruct prosecutors to prepare all the evidence against the controversial religious sect leader and his co-accused so they could ask for a continuous trial.
But he would discuss tomorrow with
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin a possible U.S. request for Quiboloy’s extradition.
In a separate statement, the Department of Justice said Quiboloy would be tried first in the Philippines and if convicted, would be made to serve his sentence in the country before getting extradited on U.S. request. Quiboloy is detained at the PNP Custodial Facility in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Quiboloy is facing charges for violation of Section 5(b) and Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
He is also facing a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act 9208, as amended, before a Pasig City court.
No choice
Meanwhile, Marcos belied the claim of Quiboloy’s camp that he surrendered and was not arrested.
“That’s not what happened. What did happen was he had to surrender because he had no choice as police were closing in on
‘I am Alice’: Guo insists on Philippine...
confirmed that her parents are Guo Jian Zhong and Lin Wen Yi. Guo admitted that Zhong is Chinese while separate bank documents show that Yi is also Chinese.
for all your prayers, love and support through this difficult time.” (By Jun Nucum/ Inquirer.net)
The National Bureau of Investigation has previously confirmed that Guo’s fingerprints matched with a certain Chinese national named “Guo Hua Ping”. NBI Director Director Jaime Santiago, who was present in the hearing, stood by the agency’s results, saying that fingerprints never lie.
Guo, who is known to have a history of being inconsistent with her answers and her stances, said that she does not know how this happened.
If this was not enough, Hontiveros presented to Guo her alleged Chinese passport and asked her if this was her.
“I am Alice Guo,” Guo said.
“No! That is not my question to you!” Hontiveros said.
Guo had three default answers for most of the senators’ questions: either she does not know or remember, she invoked her right to self-incrimination, and her life was under threat.
The senators had little patience for Guo after waiting three months for the chance to question her again over her alleged ties to POGOs.
“Nakakapikon ka na! (You are frustrating!)” said Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada.
The typically eventempered Hontiveros was also visibly irate, saying that she was getting impatient.
Guo was cited in contempt for supposedly lying to the committee. The Senate is
arrest warrant for Guo. n
Criscel Dela Rosa was killed in a car crash caused by a suspected drunk driver. Photo from GoFundMe
Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy (left) and his co-accused in a sexual abuse complaint are presented by PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos at Camp Crame. Philstar.com photo by Miguel de Guzman
PAGE 7
Alice Guo Philstar.com photo currently vying to keep her in their detention, with Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino pointing out lapses in the case filed against her. However, she still remains in police custody while the Senate coordinates with the Tarlac court that issued an
Breast cancer rises among Asian American and...
PAGE 1 of questions about different sources of stress, different coping styles throughout the lifetime.”
breast cancer diagnoses in Asian American and Pacific Islander women — a group that once had relatively low rates of diagnosis — is rising much faster than that of many other racial and ethnic groups. The trend is especially sharp among young women such as Kashiwada.
About 55 of every 100,000 Asian American and Pacific Islander women under 50 were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, surpassing the rate for Black and Hispanic women and on par with the rate for white women, according to ageadjusted data from the National Institutes of Health. (Hispanic people can be of any race or combination of races but are grouped separately in this data.)
The rate of new breast cancer cases among Asian American and Pacific Islander women under 50 grew by about 52% from 2000 through 2021. Rates for AAPI women 50 to 64 grew 33% and rates for AAPI women 65 and older grew by 43% during that period. By comparison, the rate for women of all ages, races, and ethnicities grew by 3%.
Researchers have picked up on this trend and are racing to find out why it is occuring within this ethnically diverse group. They suspect the answer is complex, ranging from cultural shifts to pressure-filled lifestyles — yet they concede it remains a mystery and difficult for patients and their families to discuss because of cultural differences.
Helen Chew, director of the Clinical Breast Cancer Program at UC Davis Health, said the Asian American diaspora is so broad and diverse that simple explanations for the increase in breast cancer aren’t obvious.
“It’s a real trend,” Chew said, adding that “it is just difficult to tease out exactly why it is. Is it because we’re seeing an influx of people who have less access to care? Is it because of many things culturally where they may not want to come in if they see something on their breast?”
There’s urgency to solve this mystery because it’s costing lives. While women in most ethnic and racial groups are experiencing sharp declines in breast cancer death rates, about 12 of every 100,000 Asian American and
Pacific Islander women of any age died from breast cancer in 2023, essentially the same death rate as in 2000, according to age-adjusted, provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The breast cancer death rate among all women during that period dropped 30%.
The CDC does not break out breast cancer death rates for many different groups of Asian American women, such as those of Chinese or Korean descent. It has, though, begun distinguishing between Asian American women and Pacific Islander women.
Nearly 9,000 Asian American women died from breast cancer from 2018 through 2023, compared with about 500 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women. However, breast cancer death rates were 116% higher among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander women than among Asian American women during that period.
Rates of pancreatic, thyroid, colon, and endometrial cancer, along with non-Hodgkin lymphoma rates, have also recently risen significantly among Asian American and Pacific Islander women under 50, NIH data show. Yet breast cancer is much more common among young AAPI women than any of those other types of cancer — especially concerning because young women are more likely to face more aggressive forms of the disease, with high mortality rates.
“We’re seeing somewhere almost around a 4% peryear increase,” said Scarlett Gomez, a professor and epidemiologist at the University of California-San Francisco’s Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. “We’re seeing even more than the 4% peryear increase in Asian/Pacific Islander women less than age 50.”
Gomez is a lead investigator on a large study exploring the causes of cancer in Asian Americans. She said there is not yet enough research to know what is causing the recent spike in breast cancer. The answer may involve multiple risk factors over a long period of time.
“One of the hypotheses that we're exploring there is the role of stress,” she said. “We're asking all sorts
It’s likely not just that there’s more screening. “We looked at trends by stage at diagnosis and we are seeing similar rates of increase across all stages of disease,” Gomez said.
Veronica Setiawan, a professor and epidemiologist at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, said the trend may be related to Asian immigrants adopting some lifestyles that put them at higher risk. Setiawan is a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed a few years ago at the age of 49.
“Asian women, American women, they become more westernized so they have their puberty younger now — having earlier age at [the first menstrual cycle] is associated with increased risk,” said Setiawan, who is working with Gomez on the cancer study. “Maybe giving birth later, we delay childbearing, we don't breastfeed — those are all associated with breast cancer risks.”
Moon Chen, a professor at the University of CaliforniaDavis and an expert on cancer health disparities, added that only a tiny fraction of NIH funding is devoted to researching cancer among Asian Americans.
Whatever its cause, the trend has created years of anguish for many patients.
Kashiwada underwent a mastectomy following her breast cancer diagnosis. During surgery, doctors at UC Davis Health discovered the cancer had spread to lymph nodes in her underarm. She underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy and 20 sessions of radiation treatment.
Throughout her treatments, Kashiwada kept her ordeal a secret from her grandmother, who had helped raise her. Her grandmother never knew about the diagnosis. “I didn't want her to worry about me or add stress to her,” Kashiwada said. “She just would probably never sleep if she knew that was happening. It was very important to me to protect her.”
Kashiwada moved in with her parents. Her mom took a leave from work to help take care of her.
Kashiwada’s two young children, who were 3 and 6 at the time, stayed with their dad so she could focus on her
recovery.
“The kids would come over after school,” she said. “My dad would pick them up and bring them over to see me almost every day while their dad was at work.”
Kashiwada spent months regaining strength after the radiation treatments. She returned to work but with a doctor’s instruction to avoid lifting heavy objects.
Kashiwada had her final reconstructive surgery a few weeks before covid lockdowns began in 2020. But her treatment was not finished.
Her doctors had told her that estrogen fed her cancer, so they gave her medicine to put her through early menopause. The treatment was not as effective as they had hoped. Her doctor performed surgery in 2021 to remove her ovaries.
More recently, she was diagnosed with osteopenia and will start injections to stop bone loss.
Kashiwada said she has moved past many of the negative emotions she felt about her illness and wants other young women, including Asian American women like her, to be aware of their elevated risk.
“No matter how healthy you think you are, or you're exercising, or whatever you're doing, eating well, which is all the things I was doing — I would say it does not make you invincible or immune,” she said. “Not to say that you should be afraid of everything, but just be very in tune with your body and what your body's telling you.”
(Phillip Reese/KFF Health News)
Phillip Reese is a data reporting specialist and an associate professor of journalism at California State University-Sacramento.
This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation. Supplemental support comes from the Asian American Journalists AssociationLos Angeles through The California Endowment.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
the flu, COVID-19 and vaccination
THE National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is collaborating with the Asian and Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) and the Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity, and Progress (CVEEP) on vaccine outreach initiative.
The question-and-answer segments below tackle questions on the flu and COVID-19, and the importance of vaccination.
<Q1> Are flu and COVID-19 still a serious threat to public health?
Both flu and COVID-19 remain significant health threats, causing thousands of hospitalizations and deaths annually. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), from October 1, 2023 through June 1, 2024, there were estimated to have been at least 35 million flu illnesses, 390,000 hospitalizations, and 24,000 deaths. In that same period, approximately 44,000 deaths were attributed to COVID-19 in the US.
<Q2> Why do flu and COVID-19 vaccines need to be updated more frequently than other vaccines?
Flu and COVID-19 viruses change through a process called mutation. These mutations help the viruses avoid our natural immune responses and the protection provided by vaccines. By mutating, flu and COVID-19 viruses can move more easily from person to person and reproduce faster, ensuring their survival.
Flu and COVID-19 viruses mutate frequently, and the vaccines have been updated accordingly. CDC is recommending that all Americans six months and older get an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine in the fall, regardless of whether they’ve been vaccinated against the virus in the past.
<Q3> Why are older adults at higher risk for flu or COVID-19?
As people age, their immune systems tend to weaken, making it harder for their bodies to fight off infections and diseases. Many older adults have chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory issues that can exacerbate the effects of flu or COVID-19. Therefore, they are more likely to experience severe complications from the flu or COVID-19, and recovery from illnesses can be slower and more complicated in older adults due to the body's reduced ability to repair and heal itself.
Many infectious disease experts stress the importance of vaccination for people who are over 65 or who have underlying health conditions. People close to them should also be vaccinated to protect their loved ones. We should make the annual flu shot and annual COVID shot part of our health maintenance. *
If you have questions about public benefits, here are 3 ways you can reach us today: Call: (English) 1-800-336-2722, (Chinese Mandarin) 1-800-683-7427, (Chinese Cantonese) 1-800-582-4218, (Korean) 1-800-582-4259, (Vietnamese) 1-800-582-4336; send an email to askNAPCA@napca.org; or send mail to NAPCA Senior Assistance Center, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101.
HOLIDAYS IN THE AIR. Christmas trees of various colors and sizes are on display at a mall in Davao City on Tuesday, September 10. Prices range from PHP600 to PHP7,500. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr. On
Features OpiniOn
True reckoning for Duterte drug war
Barely a month old, the House of Representatives quad committee has hit the
And its labors appear to be bearing fruit.
Although criticized by some as a political witch hunt, the panel has arguably accomplished in weeks what law enforcers and prosecutors failed to do in six years under the shadow of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the peak of his power.
Editorial
The inquiry’s latest bombshell: One of Duterte’s trusted police officers allegedly forced a Davao prison warden to go along with a plot to murder three Chinese drug trafficking convicts in 2016. Police Col. Gerardo Padilla, former officer in charge of the Davao Prison and Penal Farm in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, testified on Wednesday, September 4 that he was “subjected to intense pressure” by Royina Garma, then a police colonel heading the Central Visayas regional command of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police.
‘Cooperate or else’
Garma, who went on to lead the Cebu City police before being tapped as general manager of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office in June 2019, allegedly
IN four days, the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made two major and sensational arrests.
told Padilla to “not question (the operation) whether you like it or not” and to “cooperate or you will be sorry” in the sinister conspiracy against Chu Kin Tung, Li Lang Yang, and Wong Meng Pin.
At the time, the official story reported by Davao authorities was that the three prisoners were stabbed dead by two Filipino inmates in an altercation on Aug. 16, 2016.
In making the fresh allegations, Padilla recanted his earlier testimony, reasoning that he had withheld information in fear of his life and that of his family. The former warden, however, stopped short of throwing any direct accusations against Duterte himself, a manifest illustration of the former president’s potent hold over his former subordinates.
Padilla said he had felt “pressured” because he knew Garma had the backing of the higher-ups.
“By intense pressure, you meant that there was a bigger person behind Garma’s instructions?” Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante pressed him. “Is that ‘big person’… our former president?”
Arrest
Hua Ping, accused of various crimes like lying before Congress under oath, human trafficking, tax evasion, money laundering, graft and corruption.
Two, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who has proclaimed generational divinity for himself and been accused of child abuse, sex
trafficking, sexual abuse of minors, as well as federal grand jury charges in California of conspiracy, sex trafficking of children and sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion. U.S. federal agents have been looking for him since November 2021.
Says the U.S. State Department: “Human
Padilla’s reply was immediate: “I’m not implicating him.”
Emboldened lawmakers
Still, the testimony had succeeded in giving renewed attention to an eight-yearold cold case that would otherwise never have been brought to light were it not for the breakdown of the Marcos-Duterte alliance.
More than anything else, it was this feud that allowed lawmakers to grow a spine and challenge the formerly untouchable former president by investigating the serious crimes
trafficking is both a grave crime and a human rights abuse. It compromises national and economic security, undermines the rule of law and harms the well-being of individuals and communities everywhere. It is a crime of exploitation.”
Life imprisonment and/ or $1.5-million fine is maximum penalty for human trafficking.
On Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024,
allegedly committed with impunity under his watch, motivated by the impulse to please the new chief executive.
Of course, whether the joint House panel–comprising the committees on dangerous drugs; public order and safety; human rights; and public accounts–would be able to establish that such crimes were done with Duterte’s imprimatur is a question that won’t be answered anytime soon.
But as a start, it is an encouraging one,
Alice Guo, 34, was seized by Indonesian authorities in the Indonesian city of Tangerang, near Jakarta. On Sept. 5, at 4 a.m., Guo was turned over to the Philippine arresting party composed of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police chief Rommel Marbil who, using a private plane, flew the fugitive to Manila where she was read her rights,
processed, handcuffed, fingerprinted and made to wear an orange detainee uniform. The long arm of the law finally caught up with Guo.
At 6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 8, Quiboloy was arrested, after a 15-day siege by a 2,300-strong arresting PNP force at the sprawling Davao worship compound of the self-appointed son of God.
not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.
Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an a greement to continue publication.
Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or
One, Alice Guo, aka Guo
Dateline philippines
Nancy Binay: Ready to serve Makati
by Francis Earl cuEto ManilaTimes.net
SEN. Nancy Binay appears to be gearing up for a mayoral bid in Makati City, as indicated by her latest social media post.
On Sunday, September 8, Binay posted on Facebook: "Ready to serve..." with a hashtag #Makati2025.
The post had a photo of her holding a heart-shaped sign with "100%" written on it, probably signaling her full commitment.
Speculation about her candidacy has been swirling for months.
In August, Binay said that she will "most likely" run for mayor of Makati. Earlier, she said that she was waiting for a sign.
Binay's candidacy has the full support of her family, including her father, former vice president Jejomar Binay, who also served as Makati mayor for decades.
Her last term as a senator will end in 2025.
Her sister, Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, earlier said she may run for mayor of Taguig City.
VP Sara Duterte’s spending draws more...
P793.18 billion for 2025, Hontiveros also raised the COA findings that flagged the department’s “accounting deficiencies” in implementing programs worth P229 billion, which was almost 30 percent of its approved outlay of P762 billion.
Hontiveros said among those flagged by the COA was the DepEd’s nonpayment of P3.79 billion in mandatory contributions to the Government Service Insurance System, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and Home Development Mutual Fund.
In addition, she said the department had unliquidated cash advances of P6.96 billion, “unsettled suspension, disallowances and charges” of P12.3 billion, and P209 million in “irregular, unnecessary and excessive expenditures.”
“If these are correct, it’s overwhelming that billions of pesos (in public funds) were not spent efficiently and correctly,” Hontiveros lamented.
Training program loan
According to Hontiveros, DepEd received a budget of P500 million to bankroll the training program for public school teachers under its Human Resource Development project.
She said the allotment was in support of the WB-funded Teacher Effectiveness and Competencies Enhancement Project
‘PH trial first for Quiboloy before...
PAGE 4
him,” Marcos said.
“I am thinking he would not have surfaced if we did not really pursue him,” he added.
“To his credit, he said his followers were ready to die for him and he did not want it to happen. So to his credit... he was still displaying a modicum of leadership to his followers,” he said.
Marcos said he was glad that the manhunt for Quiboloy was over.
While Quiboloy’s rights would be respected, he would not receive any special treatment, the president added.
“It is really with some relief that I can say that at least this part, this phase of that operation, is now over. And we now leave Mr. Quiboloy to the judiciary, to the judicial system.”
Quiboloy’s lawyers Israelito Torreon and Ferdinand Topacio insisted their client surrendered.
“You were already outside the KOJC compound and you would again enter just to surrender? That’s kwentong kutsero (tall tale),” he said at a briefing on Monday.
“He was arrested inside (the KOJC). (Police) went inside and when they (arresting officers and Quiboloy) were about to leave, the police were ordered to allow them to pass so that they could get out. That’s what happened. They (Quiboloy’s followers) were just laying the basis that he surrendered. Just as what I already said, it was purely kwentong kutsero. We should not believe this,” Abalos said.
At the same time, Abalos warned that criminal charges would be filed against those who delayed the arrest of Quiboloy.
designated Duterte as “caretaker.”
“The former president can – I think – fit in the definition of an accomplice,” Bongalon pointed out.
“Being a lawyer also means being an officer of the court,” he said of the former president. “Simply put, he should not be one who should be instrumental in the violation of the country’s laws.”
Probe on Sara, Bato?
(Tecep), which was chiefly financed by a $110-million (about P6.13 billion) loan from the multilateral lender.
“Is it right that DepEd borrowed about P6 billion in 2023 for the teachers’ development (program) even though the fund allotted to it was not used efficiently and correctly?”
Hontiveros asked.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, who quit as senator when the president tapped him to succeed Duterte, acknowledged that state auditors had indeed called out the department for its spending performance.
“And regarding your query about the loan agreement for Tecep, there is a commitment charge of 0.25 percent (a year) on the unwithdrawn loan balance,” he said.
Angara noted that DepEd would be required to pay “commitment fees” once it asks for an extension if it fails to fully meet the project’s targets by 2028.
Hontiveros then asked Angara why the department had to take out a loan when the government had already allotted funds for the project.
Angara said the project was to be implemented in public schools in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Central Mindanao. n
“This is to inform the Filipino people that Pastor Apollo Quiboloy decided to surrender to the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines because he does not want the lawless violence to continue to happen in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound and he could not bear to witness a second longer the sufferings that his flock was experiencing for many days,” Torreon said.
He said Quiboloy decided to make “the ultimate sacrifice” by surrendering himself to the PNP and AFP even if he has the right to await the result of further legal action by his lawyers.
Topacio, for his part, said that Quiboloy voluntarily surrendered to the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces.
“He was not arrested, especially not by the Philippine National Police under the DILG. Therefore, it is epal to the highest level for Secretary Abalos to be seemingly taking credit for the non-existent arrest,” Topacio said, referring to Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos.
‘Kwentong kutsero’
But Abalos laughed off the claim of Quiboloy’s lawyers, calling it ridiculous.
“Let me remind you of PD 1829 on the obstruction of justice. Any person knowingly, willfully obstructs, impedes or frustrates or delays the apprehension of suspects and the investigation and prosecution of a criminal, harboring, concealing or facilitating the escape and giving false and fabricated information to mislead or prevent the law enforcement agencies from apprehending offender,” Abalos said.
He also said he would look into reports that mughshots of Quiboloy were blurred.
“I will look into it. I was not aware that his mugshots were blurred,” Abalos said in an interview with The STAR. Reps. Joel Chua of Manila’s third district and Raul Angelo Bongalon of Ako Bicol partylist said former President Rodrigo Duterte can be sued for harboring a fugitive and for obstruction of justice.
“Duterte, serving as the administrator of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound where Quiboloy was apprehended, cannot simply distance himself from this troubling situation,” Chua, chairman of the House committee on good government and public accountability, said.
“His (Duterte’s) role within the KOJC compound places him at the center of this unfolding scandal, and the public deserves clear answers about his involvement,” Chua added, noting that Quiboloy’s own TV network Sonshine Media Network International
He hinted that Duterte’s daughter, Vice President Sara, along with their close friend Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, may also be investigated, and even charged, for obstruction of justice for trying to divert policemen’s attention from serving the arrest warrant against Quiboloy.
“Let us remember that the VP herself declared that the good pastor has already left the country. And now with Quiboloy’s arrest, what does that make of her? Did she or did she not protect him and obstruct the administration of justice by diverting police’s attention?” Bongalon asked.
“No false god is above the law,” said House Deputy Majority Leader Jude Acidre, as he urged authorities to make sure Quiboloy is made to account for his alleged transgressions.
“These are very serious charges that, if proven, can’t go unpunished unless we live in a society devoid of rules and respect. No man is above the law, and no false god is above the law,” said Acidre, referring to the cases of sexual and human trafficking against the KOJC founder and leader.
In a statement, Caritas Philippines president Kidapawan Bishop Colin Jose Bagaforo said that while they commend the PNP and the AFP for Quiboloy’s arrest, he said he hoped there was no secret agreement with the religious leader.
“We hope there were no under-the-table deals, particularly with the Department of the Interior and Local Government. Transparency is essential, and the process must remain uncompromised.” (With reports from Daphne Galvez, Bella Cariaso, Delon Porcalla, Evelyn Macairan)
Sen. Nancy Binay
ManilaTimes.net file photo
True reckoning for...
and the hope is that the emergence of new whistleblowers creates a ripple effect so that more eyewitnesses will surface to reveal what they know.
Last month, for instance, the committee learned from the former drug war “poster boy,” Police Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido, former police chief of Albuera, Leyte, that Duterte’s closest associates allegedly ordered police officers to use “all means necessary” to eradicate drug suspects and to reward the deed under a so-called “quota and reward system.”
Not a court of law
It is important to note that the quad committee’s findings, much like the discoveries of Senate blue ribbon investigations, are only as good as their legal outcome. The committee, after all, is a congressional body and not a court of law, and no Philippine judge to date has attempted to bring Duterte and his subordinates to justice for the alleged crimes raised during the inquiry.
That brings us to the touchy issue of the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor’s investigation of drug war killings. While we hope that the result of the quad committee’s findings is the prosecution of all those culpable in the drug war in Philippine courts, any criminal charges arising from them should not preclude the ICC prosecutor from pursuing a separate and independent inquiry.
We applaud the House quad committee members for their newfound zeal in digging up Duterte-era skeletons, but ultimately, their actions serve interests that are more political than legal, however those interests may coincide with the quest for justice for the thousands killed in the drug war.
In the end, the true reckoning for the war on drugs waged by Duterte and his lieutenants won’t be made before a panel of lawmakers but before the eyes of the law. If that’s unrealistic for local courts in today’s legal and political climate, then an international tribunal must be allowed to take on the task instead. (Inquirer.net)
Ex-President Duterte files complaints vs Abalos, Marbil over KJC raid
by John eRic mendozA Inquirer.net
MANILA — Former
President Rodrigo Duterte has filed a malicious mischief complaint against Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Marbil, and other police officials over the operation in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) compound in Davao City.
Duterte is the new administrator of KJC properties. Malicious mischief is filed when there is a destruction of property.
The cases against Abalos and PNP officials were lodged at the Regional Trial Court Branch 15 in Davao City.
On August 24, around 2,000 members of the PNP raided the 30-hectare KJC compound to serve the arrest warrant against fugitive KJC leader Apollo Quiboloy.
The police dug an underground tunnel in the basement of Jose Maria College, one of the structures
inside the KJC compound.
Quiboloy, Jackielyn Roy, Ingrid Canada, Cresente Canada, and Sylvia Cements were already arrested inside the KJC compound on Sunday, September 8.
They were later detained at the PNP custodial center on Sunday night, and were presented to a press conference on Monday afternoon, September 9.
Quiboloy and the five co-accused face child abuse cases before the Davao City court. One of them has been under the custody of authorities since July.
Quiboloy also has a standing arrest warrant for human trafficking issued by a Pasig City court. n
Apollo Quiboloy and Rodrigo Duterte
Inquirer.net file photos
Marcos rallies nations vs weapons of mass destruction
by helen FloRes Philstar.com
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on nations on Monday, September 9 to strengthen collaboration in controlling the export of strategic goods or items that can have both civilian and military applications, to ensure these do not become weapons of mass destruction.
Speaking at the Philippine Strategic Trade Management Summit in Taguig City, Marcos said emerging technologies – both in civilian and military fields – pose challenges in trade management.
“The rapid pace of advancement demands us to be more agile, more responsible and it requires us to address both the speed and dual-use nature of these new technologies,” Marcos said.
“This summit is not merely about managing trade; it is also about mitigating risks, promoting stability and confidence in our regulatory regimes and ensuring that the tools of our progress do not become weapons of our destruction,” he said.
The summit is an annual export control forum focusing on regulatory updates and best practices for the implementation of strategic trade management (STM) systems.
It also serves as a platform to discuss counter-proliferation challenges, such as emerging technology, intangible
technology transfer, transit and transshipment and sanctions.
Around 300 delegates from various local and international organizations attended the forum at Shangri-La The Fort in Taguig City.
Among those who attended the summit were Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson.
Apart from representatives from member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, this year’s STM summit was also attended by partners from the U.S., Japan, Europe and Africa, Marcos said.
“This demonstrates our faith in the power of collaboration to improve and secure our global supply chains as well as to open our doors for trade to flourish, for wealth to grow and for people to prosper,” he said.
The Philippines, Marcos said, has launched a strategic investment plan focused on developing key industries.
“We have developed policies that require individuals and entities engaging in STM-covered activities to register and to receive authorization to deliver their services,” he said.
The country has also implemented programs to educate not only the border control and import/export officers in fulfilling their responsibilities but also
stakeholders to properly comply with the Philippines’ rules and regulations.
The Philippines is also conducting postauthorization audits, compliance checks and compliance consultations through monitoring and inspection activities, he added.
“But the work does not end there –we will continue to upgrade industry standards, modernize regulations and further establish linkages through various trade and investment frameworks,” he said.
Marcos emphasized strategic trade management is more than just a bureaucratic exercise but “upholding the rule of law, protecting our people and contributing to global peace and security.”
He cited the Philippines’ improved ranking in the latest Peddling Peril Index, which indicates that the country is on the right track in strategic trade management.
“However, there is much work to be done. As the first Asian republic, the Philippines has always stood for principles over power,” Marcos said.
As one of the original framers of the United Nations Charter, Marcos said the Philippines’ commitment to peace and stability has been unwavering.
“Today, as we pursue a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2027 to 2028, we are doubling down on that same commitment,” the chief executive said. n
VP Sara accuses House leaders of meddling with DepEd classroom budget
by cRistinA chi Philstar.com
MANILA — Vice President
Sara Duterte has accused House Speaker Martin Romualdez and the chairperson of the powerful House appropriations committee of manipulating the Department of Education's budget for classroom construction over the past two years.
In a video interview released by the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday, September 10, Duterte said the House of Representatives inflated DepEd's budget for classroom construction beyond its requested sum in 2023 and 2024. This, she claimed, allowed Romualdez and Rep. Elizaldy Co (Ako Bicol) to control billions in additional funds.
The OVP sent Duterte's video to reporters on the same day the lower chamber resumed its deliberations on the OVP's proposed 2025 budget.
Unlike the previous hearing on August 27, where the vice president had heated exchanges with lawmakers, Duterte did not face the appropriations panel this time, saying in a letter that she "[defers] entirely to the
Arrest...
6
Whether it was divine inspiration or deux ex machina, only the devil can truly relate the circumstances of Quiboloy’s capture by force of arms.
Now, I want President Marcos Jr. to execute another kind of arrest. This is arresting the unbated rise in prices of prime commodities, particularly food, and the atrocious interest rates slapped by the Bangko Sentral on hapless money users in the past four years.
There is no fine nor prison penalty for BSP people unilaterally raising interest rates to their heart’s desire. The 91-day T-bill rate has risen more than five-fold, from 1.1 pct in 2021 to 5.61 by 2024. They call rising interest rates a stability measure, although the effect has been one of political instability which cannot be measured by monetary aggregates. The more useful aggregate is solid stone which hungry small folks use when they start storming the palace looking for something to eat or someone to blame. There is also no penalty for unabated inflation.
But the rewards for arrest are huge and are something for the soul, especially if you are a politician, a pro-poor politician. Arrest is a French word meaning to stop or stay. So arrest the rise in prices of food. Arrest the high interest rate regime of the BSP.
In the first half of 2024, the average farmgate prices of the following major crops showed hefty price increases: palay, up 35 percent to P24.74 per kilo; banana 15.3 percent, coconut 17 percent, pineapple 68 percent, coffee 46 percent, tobacco 8.6 percent, abaca 10 percent, tomato 37 percent, potato 2.3 percent, calamansi 8.8 percent and cacao 10 percent.
Production of palay , banana, mango, sugar, onion and mongo declined in the first half. In livestock, hogs 8.8 percent, cattle 9.1 percent, carabao 5.6 percent, goat 13.2 percent and dairy 7.5 percent, all showed large price increases despite higher production.
discretion and judgment" of the committee on the OVP's proposed budget.
DepEd irregularities
In the nine-minute video — a continuation of another video the OVP sent on Monday, September 9 — Duterte detailed her concerns about the alleged irregular insertions in the budget of DepEd, which she led before her resignation on July 19.
Duterte recalled being approached by House members who asked for a portion of DepEd's proposed P5 billion outlay for classroom construction in the 2023 budget.
"I was taken aback when they asked, 'How much of that is ours? How much do we get?'" Duterte said in mixed English and Filipino.
Duterte said she refused the lawmakers' requests to give DepEd a free hand to construct new classrooms based on its backlog.
"So, sinabihan ko ‘yung isang congressman, 'Sabihan ninyo si Martin Romualdez na hindi pwedeng chop-chopin ang classroom construction na 5 billion' (I instructed one congressman, 'Tell Martin Romualdez that we cannot allow
the P5 billion for classroom construction to be split up')," the vice president said. Because she did not agree to the lawmakers' demands, Duterte alleged that DepEd's proposed P5 billion funds for classrooms were bumped up to P15 billion, with the additional P10 billion being placed under the "control" of Romualdez and Co.
Philstar.com has reached out to Romualdez and Co for comment and will update this story with their response.
The vice president said House leaders did the same in the 2024 budget, where an initial P19 billion allocation for classroom construction was
raised to P24 billion. This time, the additional P5 billion was allegedly taken from the funds allocated for classroom repairs.
“So, what was left for repairs for the poor classrooms is just 1 billion," Duterte said.
For the 2024 budget, Duterte said House leaders attached a list specifying where the P17 billion for classroom construction would go even though the department did not approve this.
"You can see that on paper. When we went to the Senate, the senators saw this. They asked the Department of Education, ‘Is it true or not that the list of 17 billion for
How important is food and agriculture? Farmers and fishermen are the poorest Filipinos. Their poverty incidence is 30 percent, double the national average. Yes, agriculture employs 10 million Filipinos. The food shortage is 25 percent of demand. The shortage is covered mainly by imports, worth P1.14 trillion a year. Production is hampered by huge harvest losses, 14.5 percent in rice, 16 percent in fisheries, 20 percent in fruits and vegetables, 26 percent in mongo and 32 percent in onion. Food needed to feed the hungry –numbering 15 million – is simply wasted.
Inflation is high because of low production or no production of food, which has been half of the inflation rate in the past two years. Yet, BSP keeps imposing high interest rates to solve the inflation problem when it should be focusing on production.
According to Economic Planning Secretary Arsi Balisacan, high interest rates cut our economic growth by half percent. And reduced food production. You need money to produce food and if that money is very expensive you don’t produce food instead. So instead of enjoying 6 percent GDP growth we should have had 6.5 percent, the best in Asia.
A half percent missed economic growth rate to me means P250 billion worth of lost production and 100,000 jobs that should have been created. Laments Sec Arsi:
“Our growth performance could have been even more impactful on all Filipinos if not for the high inflation and interest rates that the country experienced in the last two years. Considering the lagged effect of interest rate hikes that the BSP carried out in response to the high inflation in 2022 and early 2023, we estimate that economic growth could have been over half a percentage point higher in 2023 if such rate hikes did not materialize. More importantly, with slower increases in food prices, our efforts could have reduced the poverty incidence to around 13 to 14 percent in 2023 – instead of the actual reported figure of 15.5 percent – if inflation had been within target during the year. This would have translated to an even higher reduction in the number of poor people by 4.4 million instead of the actual reported 2.5 million between 2021 and 2023.” (Inquirer.net)
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
File photo shows Vice President Sara Duterte and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Philstar.com photo
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
Citizen Pinoy visits Max's Fried Chicken in Seattle to answer immigration questions
CITIZEN Pinoy brings “Your Tanong, My Sagot” encore episode from Max’s Fried Chicken in Tukwila, Seattle, Washington – a beloved spot for Filipino Americans to enjoy traditional Filipino cuisine and celebrate special occasions.
Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel visited the restaurant to answer immigration questions from staff members and customers. Atty. Gurfinkel was warmly welcomed by Lana Marcaida, Senior Business Head for Max’s North America, who shared her experiences managing the popular chain in the U.S.
The episode also features questions from Jael and Jharmaine, the daughters of the restaurant’s owner, who are both part of the working staff.
Marylou asked how her niece can come to the U.S. legally to find a job or a husband.
Jenny is concerned about issues with her name on her passport, which lists her middle and last names as “Marcial-Marcial,” and wonders how this might affect her ability to petition her husband and kids.
Jael has a friend who came to the U.S. as a visitor and got pregnant. Jael asks if her friend could now get her papers in order through her son, who is turning 18.
Jharmaine wanted to know if their relatives in the Philippines can immigrate to the U.S. to help in the restaurant.
KAPAMILYA GET ANSWERS TO THEIR IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS ON ‘YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT’ FROM THE SEATTLE BRANCH OF MAX'S FRIED CHICKEN. Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel answered immigration questions from staff and customers at the Seattle branch of Max’s Fried Chicken. Some of the questions were ¬– From Marylou (top left): How can my niece come to the U.S. and find a job or a husband legally?; From Jenny (top right): My passport lists my middle and last names as Marcial-Marcial. Why am I being questioned about my name now that I am about to petition my husband and our children?; From Jharmaine (bottom right): How can our relatives in the Philippines come to the U.S. so they can help in our restaurant?; From Jael: My friend came to the U.S. as a tourist and then got pregnant. Can she get her papers through her son, who is now turning 18 years old? Be sure to tune in for the answers to these questions and more from Kapamilya in Seattle on an encore episode of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” on Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, September 15 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
Health@Heart COVID-19 never left
phiLip S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FpCS
AS of the week ending August 31, 2024, 2.6 percent of all deaths in the United States were due to COVID-19, with hospitalization of 4.6 per 100,000, 2.3 percent positive on emergency room visit, 16.3 percent positivity rate. Indeed, COVID-19 is very much still with us.
Let’s not be complacent: The new COVID-19 vaccines against the prevailing KP.2 strain (derivative of the strain JN.1 early this year) and all other KP sub-strain, is now available from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax.
All the COVID-19 boosters we received have waned, and those were against the old strains. We now need the new (September 2024) vaccines against the current KP.2 strains and sub-strains. The vaccines for Influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are also recommended by the CDC. Discuss these 3 vaccines with your physician.
COVID-19 mental ills
New research in the United Kingdom reveals the devastating effect of COVID-19 on mental health. The study on “more than 18 million adults following COVID-19 infection showed an elevated rate of mental illness, including depression and serious mental disease, for up to a year after the infection, especially among those who have not been vaccinated.” The authors noted that vaccination appeared to mitigate the adverse effects of COVID-19 on mental health. Long COVID, which confers persistent symptoms even after 3 months or a year happen mostly to unvaccinated individuals. The symptoms are debilitation and chronic. These are some of the reasons why getting the new COVID-19 vaccine is seriously vital.
No-needle Epi
A fantastic game changer: The FDA has recently approved the first no-needle epinephrine single-dose nasal spray (NEFFY) for emergency treatment of serious life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to food, medications, insect bites, horses, etc. This new invention solves the problem of “fear of needle” among people, especially children, making them hesitate, and increasing their risk of death.
This mode comes in the form of an inhaler and could be in your pocket by October 2024. EpiPen (auto-self-injector is not needle-free, has a short shelf-life, and is costly). Neffy inhaler is currently available for adults and children 66 pounds and greater. The FDA is soon to approve a version for younger children.
Peanuts: Warning Concerning detailed scientific data trending cite the following reasons why we should not eat peanuts and peanut butter: (1) Aflatoxins: Peanuts and peanut butter are high in this toxin, which, according to the FDA, “is a toxic byproduct of fungal metabolism (Aspergillus family). Aflatoxin, even in moderate amounts, can cause Hepatitis B, cirrhosis and may lead to the development of cancer of the liver”;
(2) Phytic acid in peanuts “binds to minerals and prevents absorption of iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc”; (3) Lectins, nature’s own pesticide in peanuts, damages our gut barrier cells and cause intestinal permeability, leading to leaky gut syndrome, initiating inflammation, the first stage in the development of autoimmune and chronic disease like rheumatoid, lupus, IBS, Crohn’s, colitis, thyroiditis, etc.;
(4) Protease inhibitors prevent gut enzymes from breaking down proteins into amino acids, causing elevated levels of the enzyme trypsin, which, in turn, triggers loosening of the cell tight junctions and provokes inflammation; (5) Allergies to peanuts (highly allergenic) are the fastest growing allergy in the U.S. and allergic reactions to peanuts often cause anaphylactic shock, especially in children;
(6) Toxic herbicides and pesticides (like Glyphosate) are often used for protecting peanuts, which causes kidney disease, high blood pressure, thyroid problems, damage to DNA, and cancers;
(7) Polyunsaturated fatty acids are high in peanuts (PUFA, unhealthy Omega 6), increasing the risk for coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, and other serious health issues;
(8) Oxalates – peanuts have high levels of oxalates, a major factor in kidney stone formation, and induces inflammatory bowel disease, fibromyalgia, and anemia; (9) Industrial solvents – peanut oil is commonly expelled
by dousing peanuts with hexane, a petroleum-based solvent that may cause nervous system damage, respiratory pneumonitis, dizziness, etc; and (10) Sugar, sodium, trans-fat, and food additives – peanut butter is loaded with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, maltodextrin, and contain heart-destroying hydrogenated vegetable oils, and a lot of additives.
SGLT-2 and dementia
A new study reveals a drug for diabetes T2 may aid in preventing dementia, in which memory loss is increased among diabetics.
“The researchers behind the project concentrated on sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, which was found to reduce dementia risk compared to another drug of diabetes with a different mechanism of action. The SGLT-2 inhibitors were linked with a 35 percent lower dementia risk. The longer the person had been on SGLT-2 inhibitors, the greater the protective effect.”
Comfort foods
A comfort food is any favorite edible that confers a sense of nostalgia or sentimental, or irresistible taste to an individual. It may be a dish or a dessert or even chocolate or dried fruit. For me, one of my favorites is Chinese sweetsalty-sour, preserved plum, introduced to me as a kid by my maternal grandmother who always had a variety of them in jars. Dried California Apricot is another I enjoy. Anyway, as long as we count the calories, and eat them in moderation, comfort foods or our diet in general is medically acceptable. Not only the quality but the quantity of food we eat truly matters. Diet is everything in a person’s health, life, and longevity.
The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle, to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation, or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable to or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the
Citizen Pinoy visits Max's Fried...
Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions and more in “Your Tanong, My Sagot” at the Seattle branch of Valerio’s Tropical Bakeshop. Watch this encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, September 15 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)
VP Sara accuses House leaders...
classroom construction came from you?’" Duterte added.
Romualdez and Co's alleged insertions in the DepEd budget led Duterte to resign and also fueled her decision to forego the question-andanswer portion of the House appropriations committee's deliberations of the OVP's budget.
"That is one of the reasons why I resigned from the Department of Education. I will not allow them to do the same thing next year and hold me accountable for their actions," Duterte said.
"That's why I’m saying, 'Why are we still having a Q&A session where you attack me? In the end, only two people control the budget,'" she added.
On Monday, Duterte justified her stonewalling of the House appropriations committee's deliberations of the OVP's proposed budget, arguing that the lawmakers who faced her were simply not used to "tough responses."
The vice president also said the budget hearing of the OVP was being used by "certain
opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate,
lawmakers" to launch political attacks against her.
The August 27 hearing where Duterte repeatedly traded insults with lawmakers and refused to coherently answer their queries, especially on her use of confidential funds, is a marked departure from previous years' House deliberations of the OVP budget.
In 2022 and 2023, Duterte enjoyed the privilege of having the OVP budget hearing terminated within minutes due to House lawmakers' "courtesy" to her. Motions to end the budget hearing early were usually met with objections from the three-member Makabayan bloc.
However, since the start of the year, Duterte and her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, have publicly feuded with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other administration allies over issues related to Charter change and the president's foreign policy. This marked the breakup of the UniTeam alliance that swept Sara and Marcos to power in 2022. n
medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, U.S. senator, and later a presidential candidate,
include President
President
HW
TV talk show host David Letterman, Astronaut Gus Grissom, educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). WS: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, philipSchua. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
Lana Marcaida (right), Senior Business Head for Max’s North America, with Atty. Gurfinkel
Jenny (left) with Atty. Gurfinkel
Jharmaine (left) with Atty. Gurfinkel
Marylou (right) with Atty. Gurfinkel
Jael (left) with Atty. Gurfinkel
Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees
Harry S. Truman,
George
Bush, pugilist Muhammad Ali,
people events arts culture entertainment
Turning pages: Roswell Encina's path to the Library of Congress
by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress
POP star Lizzo made headlines in 2022 when she played James Madison’s 200-year-old crystal flute at one of her concerts in Washington, DC, a historic moment that showcased how the Library of Congress can connect with modern audiences in unexpected ways. As Chief Communications Officer for the Library, Filipino American Roswell Encina had made it his mission to bring the institution’s vast treasures—178 million items, from rare books to comic books, and yes, even flutes— into the public eye, making history accessible to everyone.
Born in the Philippines, Encina’s journey from a TV journalist to the heart of America’s most prestigious library was driven by his love of storytelling. His role, however, is more than just managing communications.
“At the end of the day, it’s the nation’s library, it’s America’s library,” he emphasized.
From his early days as a television reporter to his current role at the Library of Congress, Encina knew that his career as a storyteller is defined by his ability to connect with audiences and bring history to life.
Encina moved to the United States with his family when he was just a year old, following his father’s assignments in the U.S. Navy. His family moved back to the Philippines when he was eight, and it was there that he completed his high school education, graduating at just 15. He then earned a degree in Marketing Management from De La Salle University before returning to the U.S. at 19.
Despite his early success, Encina felt he was still too young to settle into a career and decided to return to school when they returned to the United States. "I hadn’t truly discovered what I wanted to do professionally, so I went back to school," he explained. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Salisbury State University, fulfilling his long-held dream of becoming a professional journalist.
Encina’s broadcasting career took him across the country, from Salisbury, Maryland, to Huntsville and Birmingham in Alabama, then Memphis, Tennessee, and finally Baltimore, Maryland. After more than thirteen years in the TV business, he decided
it was time for a change.
An opportunity arose at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, where he was hired as the Director of Communications in 2007. This role brought him into close collaboration with Carla Hayden, who would later become the 14th Librarian of Congress (the first woman and African American) in 2016.
Hayden appointed Encina as Chief Communications Officer in November of the same year. In this capacity, Encina manages and oversees communication strategies, media and public relations, programs and special events for the Library and advisor to the Librarian.
As the Chief Communications Officer,
Encina plays a crucial role in shaping and delivering the Library’s public message.
"My first priority is the best interest of the Library of Congress and its staff and, of course, the Librarian of Congress," he stated. His role wasn’t just about managing communications; it was about broadening the reach of the Library to ensure that it was accessible to everyone, not just scholars and researchers.
"Everybody thinks of the Library of Congress as a scholarly research library, but at the end of the day, it’s the nation's library, it's America's library," Encina emphasized. “It is the largest library in the world, we have more than 178 million items there.”
He and his team are
dedicated to making the Library’s vast resources available to a wider audience, including young filmmakers and students. "You don’t have to be Scorsese to use the Library of Congress. You could be a student from NYU, or a student at Berkeley, or a student in Southern California to use the library," he added.
Encina was recently in New York to attend the Asian American International Film Festival, where he joined artist Jeffrey Yoo Warren in an insightful discussion. Yoo Warren, Innovator in Residence at the Library of Congress, shared his research and collaborative artistic efforts to create virtual reconstructions of historic Asian American
neighborhoods that were destroyed, using maps, photographs, and items from both local and Library archives. His work aims to not only restore these spaces but also foster a deeper understanding of their significance for contemporary Asian American communities.
As a Filipino American, Encina finds personal significance in the treasures housed within the Library of Congress. "They’ve dug up some old maps from the Philippines. They’ve dug up some old treasures that the Library of Congress has in our Asian division,” Encina shared, reflecting on the profound connection between his heritage and his work. “So every time you see things like this, it does really make the hair on your arm go up, just gives you the chills."
The Library of Congress, founded in 1800, is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. It houses the largest rare book collection in North America, including one of only three perfect copies of the Gutenberg Bible known to exist and a rough draft of the Declaration of Independence. It also houses the world's largest collection of comic books, with the oldest dating back to 1936.
For Encina, working at the Library of Congress is not just a job; it is a mission. As he looks to the future, Encina is determined to keep pushing the boundaries of how the Library of Congress engages with the public, making history accessible to all, and ensuring that the Library remains a vital resource for generations to come. n
Encina shared that his role as Chief Communications Officer has provided him with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work at the largest library in the world, where he helps make its vast collections accessible to the public. Photo from Instagram/@roswellencina
Roswell Encina, Chief Communications Officer of the Library of Congress AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya
A HUGE congratulations to Biyaya Animal Care and Biyaya Animal Sanctuary on its 2nd Anniversary. Its unwavering dedication to spreading love and hope to fur babies across the Philippines is inspiring. This year’s goal of providing 2,000 + free spay and neuter services to dogs and cats shows the power of compassion in action. Sen. Grace Poe has been supportive of Biyaya, an organization that aims to make a positive change in companion and street animal welfare.
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Slay Model Management director Cece Asuncion has created a Filipinaled reality show, “Manila Matriarchs,” starring singer Karylle, Myrza Sison, Joanna Preysler-Francisco and Trisha Bantigue-Tsao. He was in Manila recently to do some shots.
The LA-based FilAmerican filmmaker said to me that fashion is fickle and really not glamorous: “What goes on behind the camera is more interesting to me. I’ve learned not to take things personally and that rejection is part of life. Sometimes, you’re on the receiving end of it and sometimes you’re the one who rejects. It all evens out, so enjoy the journey that is life.”
On weekends, he leads a quiet life and is lucky to have a tight circle of friends that he can be “unapologetically myself with.” He likes to cook as it takes his mind away from his day-to-day worries, but most importantly, he spends time with his dog, Kenzo. I asked him what he misses about the Philippines. He responded, “The beaches and the hospitality, however, it would be the kindness people have.” And his advocacy? “I am an advocate for shedding positive light on communities that may not have the platform to do so. I am a proud ally to the trans community and of course, to my Filipino community,” he revealed.
He concluded the brief interview with his personal philosophy:””When you’re in a position to help, do so.”
Pet TJ was the recent cynosure during visual artist Joy Rojas’ 8th solo exhibition in ArtistSpace in Makati City. His “Japan’s Cherry Blossom,” “French Riviera Summer,” “Winter Solace,” and “New England’s Foliage” mixed media works based on his travels in different countries have caught the attention of art enthusiasts. Likewise, his three “Historica Filipinas” mixed media works based on Philippine history and “Metanoia” series drew rave reviews.
In his latest show, Rojas delves into the intrinsic nature of objects. He uses mixed-media creations, canvas-shaped pieces and sculptures.
During the Ipso Facto art show at Ayala Museum Annex, I saw People Asia Magazine’s editor-in-chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, Aliw Broadcasting Corp. chairman Edgard Cabangon, and former Press Secretary Ignacio “Toting” Bunye. *
Through the years I’ve been doing writing as a mission. I gave up my comfortable, glamorous, social life in the U.S. and my rising journalism career in The Japan Times. I’m accustomed to living simply. Perhaps, the nature of my work as a writer requires freedom from mental, emotional and physical stress and pressure. I know you will agree that the “real well of ideas” is the subconscious, which is the storehouse of facts, observations, impressions and other memories. But there comes a time when thinking becomes clogged, when errors pile up and when no significant insights occur. At this point, a writer stops for the moment and turns to something entirely different. I was associated with the late French priest who turned Filipino, Fr. Pierre Tritz, SJ, a Mother Teresa awardee and a Ramon Magsaysay awardee, in volunteering to the Foundation for Assistance to Hansenites, to help our leprosy patient brethren and to the Samahan ng mga Batang Nananambakan, to help in the education of former child scavengers in Tondo, Manila.
My life story is just a tip of the iceberg of the many interesting stories to hear from the recipients of the 2nd Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding
Achievers.
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Mrs. Philippines 2016 Dr. Fritzie Lexdy Noche graced the recent artist reception of “Batangan: Batangueño Art at its Finest,” a special exhibition at Museo Orlina in Tagaytay City from September 1 to October 30, 2024. The exhibit showcases the rich and diverse talents of 6 award-winning visual artists from Batangas (artists Lino Acasio, Jorge Banawa, Nante Carandang, Yelcast, Zorrick Enriquez and Ramon Orlina), bringing together a curated selection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works by the Dangal ng Batangan Awards recipients. Their unique artistry reflects the region’s unique cultural heritage and artistic expression. Each piece tells a story of Batangas, from its vibrant landscapes to its deep-rooted traditions, captured through the eyes of its most celebrated artists. The exhibit honors the individual achievements of these artists and highlights the collective
spirit and creative potential of the Batangueño community.
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Thanks to Sam Azurel and to the Amerika Prestige Awards for the Inclusive Media Excellence Award to be given on November 17, 2024 in North Hollywood, California. Other awardees are Ludivina Lelim Nacionales, Thelma Calabio, Benny Uy, Roland Abante, Lourdes Oliva, Sonia Bermejo, Dr. Elvis Mopera Verzo, Agnes Gonzalez, Yamani Caliwara, Saira Bunny Paras, Gina Faucher, Chef Heikichi Racuya Allida. Kimberly Carter, Carmen Cordero, Dr. Peter Morante, and Henry Bio. Guest speaker will be Ricardo Brown of PBA Legend RB23.
Congrats too to some Amerika Music Awards recipients on October 27 (Comm. James Baker II, Yannie Rumbaoa, Joym Msantiago, Michael Luke, Kevin Ray Amores, Matt Relox, David Bustamante, Dakila, Khaye Rodriguez, Rod Navarro Jr., Prince Capucino, Claire Isabel Wong, Sam
Richey, Genous Band, John Mirisch, Hagibis USA, Sol Glass, Vynz VS, Wala ng Iba (Live), Marissa Pascual, Pedro Leguro, Jameson Juliander, Madz Johnson, Haven Richey, Heather Richey, Sam Richey, George Umali Nalapo, Henry Lopez, Yuhgirlfran, Imelda Bosing Wood, Malou Zagala Toler, DJ Arnold, Ricardo Brown, Prescious Cejo, Queen Corazon Ugalde Yellen, Sab Baker, Didi Caneda, Mekong Bistro, PHLV Radio, Tina Cruz, Paulette Mouquet, Serenity
Entertainment, Dr. Rica Silbol, Caren Mempin, Jenny Taimanao, Violeta Martin, Jenor Zapanta Maniti, Lito Nuqui, Klique, Millie Cadag, Renato de Jesus Jr., Rhea Tan, Angel Cheryll Klein, JC Garcia, Romm Burlat, Rose Lucier, MJ Saragoza, Jane Magan Chang, and Imogen Atangan) and to the event hosts Louie Roa, Shekinah Austria and Naiia Lajoie and director Jules Graeser.
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Asian TV Heritage Network News UK and Global
Asia Insider-International correspondent Chino Hansel Philyang, a jiu-jitsu master and a paralegal advocate, is the author of 12 books, including the new children’s book series, “Zeno” (named after his male cat), to help kids learn valuable life skills. He is an ex-VJ of Channel V Malaysia and Indonesia. He studied at the Univ. of British Columbia Canada and later at Harvard Univ. in the U.S. He completed his international law degree in Belgium. What is admirable in this guy is living life simply with “my belief in simplicity, sustainability, and intentional living. It’s a decision that allows me to live a life filled with purpose, contentment, and a deeper connection to what truly matters.”
* * *
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
“Manila Matriarchs” director and cast members (from left) Karylle, Myrza Sison, filmmaker Cece Asuncion, Joanna PreyslerFrancisco and Trisha Bantigue-Tsao.
Amerika Prestige Awards take place on Nov. 17, 2024 in Burbank, CA.
Rina Ortiz with Sen. Grace Poe
At the recent Rojas solo art exhibition: (from left) Sharon Tan, Joy Rojas, TJ, Trisha Bunye, and Edgard Cabangon.
Glass sculptor Ramon Orlina and Mrs. Philippines 2016 Dr. Fritzie Lexdy Noche at the Museo Orlina in Tagaytay City.
Journalist-author Chino Hansel Philyang with a fan who reads Chino’s “The Book of Zeno.”
Visual artist Joy Rojas (5th from left) with his father-in-law Toting Bunye (3rd from left), wife Trisha Bunye and TJ and guests during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photos courtesy of Rogelio Medina
Photo above shows Raymond Pedroso & PFBA awardee Salvie Paparon with kids Shawn & Sheanne, awardee Rogelio Medina, awardee Lae Manego, Mica Chely Manego, awardee Wej Cudiamat, Miller Daniolco and Nirro Marcelo (at the back).
by
Heart Evangelista invites aspin Yoda
for tea after Tagaytay resto furor
HEART Evangelista extended some love to Yoda, the aspin (asong Pinoy) that was denied entry to a Filipino restaurant because of her “breed and size.” The actress hinted at the desire to “invite” the latter for tea with her pet aspin, Panda.
Evangelista took to Instagram to share a photo of Panda and wrote in her caption, “Aspin Society Elite Pres. [Panda Ongpauco Escudero] Sending LOVE to Yoda.”
In Panda’s Instagram account, which is run by Evangelista herself, she then posted another photo with the caption, “ Anong walang breed???! Mas may breeding pa ako sa inyo ha. Loka mga ‘to. Hello sa mga kasali sa Aspin Society Elite. #wagako #aspinsocietyelite #presidentpanda #notodiscrimination.”
Evangelista replied in the comments section now using her Instagram account, “#AspinSocietyELITE of the Elite!! Go anak . Mind your [vocabulary], Sayang ang masters degree.”
Sandro
Over the weekend, Balay Dako, a restaurant in Tagaytay, drew the ire of the public and its patrons after turning down a customer who wanted to dine there with her pet aspin, Yoda. The restaurant recently issued an apology, asserting that they are a “company that loves animals,” who also needs to ensure the safety of their guests.
Netizens, including the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), perceived the incident as a “discrimination” towards the native dogs.
“This incident is particularly disheartening as it underscores
the persistence of harmful stereotypes and unjust biases against our very own native dogs,” the non-profit organization said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Evangelista previously addressed the criticism after she adorned Panda with a diamondencrusted neckpiece from a luxury brand worth P11 million, a move that some followers claimed sent an insensitive and “tone deaf” message to the public.
Panda is a pet rescued and was adopted by Evangelista in 2015 after her father found it in Batangas.
Muhlach: A time for healing
by ronniE carrasco
PENDING resolution of his case — unfortunately for him — Sandro Muhlach will have to contend with an indefinite period of zero showbiz work from hereon.
A number of TV program managers as well as film directors have expressed their reluctance in getting the 23-year-old actor to be part of their projects.
Their collective stand seems valid in the sense that they fear Sandro might not be able to deliver the quality of thespic performance expected of him.
"What if there's a scene that requires intense emotions, is it not likely that Sandro will lose his focus as he relives his traumatic experience?" a famed director opined.
Ergo, the director vowed he's not about to take the risk at the expense of the project, all the more for Sandro's own good.
But isn't Sandro into counseling to help him overcome the horrors in the hands of his sexual
Alexa Ilacad, Kim Ji Soo’s family movie ‘Mujigae’ drops first teaser
KAPAMILYA star Alexa Ilacad and South Korean actor Kim Ji Soo’s upcoming family movie “Mujigae” dropped its first official teaser.
On Monday, Sept. 9, Cinema Bravo warmed the hearts of netizens by posting the 34-second teaser of “Mujigae.”
The teaser shows the cast members having genuine moments with newbie child star Ryrie Turingan, who will play the role of Mujigae, which translates to “rainbow” in English.
Ilacad’s character is seen helping the five-year-old Mujigae for school, as she also hypes her up during school activities.
On the other hand, Ji Soo is captured giving Korean snacks to Mujigae and teaching her how to ride a bicycle.
Based on the short clip, Mujigae appears to be a halfFilipino and half-Korean child that is well-loved among the people around her.
The film is also set to feature Rufa Mae Quinto and Lito Pimentel, among others.
Quinto first announced the movie in July after she shared
“Anyeong… umabot na tayo sa South Korea international movie sa isang magandang blessing na naman ito. Todo na ‘to!” she wrote in her caption at the time.
Meanwhile, Ji Soo recently officially became a Kapuso last month after he signed a contract with Sparkle GMA Artist Center.
The Korean star’s recent career move raised eyebrows following past controversy in his home country.
Ji Soo recently addressed his past issues by asserting that the sexual allegations made against him were all “false.”
“I’ve been able to clear up misunderstandings with the friends involved. We talked
and reconciled, and I am now focused on moving forward with my life and career,” he said in a recent interview with Sports Chosun.
“Many rumors have become public knowledge and established facts because of things I didn’t do. All sexual assault allegations were false, and even an apology was received,” added the actor. Ji Soo is known for starring in several Korean dramas, including “Strong Girl Bong Soon” and “Moonlight Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.”
Meanwhile, Ilacad was last seen in the TV series “PiraPirasong Paraiso” and the movie “Toss Coin,” where she starred alongside KD Estrada, her onscreen partner.
abusers?
"There's no doubt that counseling is such a big help. But we're not sure though once Sandro steps out of the session," the director countered.
In particular, he cited
Sandro's sleepless nights even after more than a month since the incident took place, which he confessed at the Senate hearing.
The director, however, has expressed confidence that it won't take long before Sandro gets himself back in acting form.
"It's just that time doesn't seem to be on his side as I speak now," he said.
However, he couldn't ascertain exactly when Sandro will have put everything behind him.
He may not be a licensed shrink: "It will take a while. But as we always say of any unpleasant life experience that we encounter, 'This, too, shall pass.' The least that I can do is not to rush Sandro. Let it happen on his own terms."
If it's any consolation, he promised never to have second thoughts of casting Sandro in his future assignment once he's completely out of the woods.
"I heard he's a good actor. No doubt, he inherited his father's genes!"
Bela Padilla found ‘comfortable, happy’ self after beauty line launch
BELA Padilla could not seem to contain her joy after she launched her own makeup line, which led her to find another version of herself.
The actress‘ launching event was documented through a video shared by Nice Print Photo through its Instagram page on Monday, Sept. 9.
Padilla dolled up for the event, showing a closer look at herself via her Instagram page.
“I found her,” she said in the caption.
“I will have so many posts after this thanking my business partners, creative teams, friends and family members who have been so supportive. But right now, I just want to take a moment to breathe and appreciate how I’ve found a ‘me’ I’m so comfortable and happy with,” she continued.
Padilla, overwhelmed with
gratitude, also addressed those who extended their love and support to her and her beauty brand.
Padilla juggles being an entrepreneur alongside her acting and filmmaking career, and duties as a guest host on the ABS-CBN noontime show “It’s Showtime.”
Just prior to this, Padilla defended her “It’s Showtime” appearance to a netizen, who said that the stint “doesn’t
suit” her as she is a “smarter actress and intelligent filmmaker.”
“I totally disagree. If one is truly smart, they can adapt to any environment. I always have the best time when I’m on ‘Showtime,'” she stressed. “I genuinely love talking to people and making them laugh and I am self-deprecating enough to be laughed at too so it goes both ways.
Heart Evangelista with her dog Panda Photo from Instagram/@pandaongpaucoescudero
A number of TV program managers and film directors have expressed their reluctance in getting the 23-year-old actor to be part of their projects as he recovers from the resolution of his case Photo from Instagram/@sandromuhlach
Bela Padilla.
Photo from Instagram/@bela
Alexa Ilacad and Kim Ji Soo in the upcoming movie “Mujigae” Screengrab from YouTube/Cinema Bravo clips from the film’s story conference.
