California must create permanent investments to combat hate
SACRAMENTO — Thousands of California
residents who are vulnerable to hate crimes and incidents have received support and awareness services through a $190 million multi-year grant the state of California has allocated to combat hate.
That funding, which helped build a statewide communication infrastructure pairing ethnic media and community-based organizations, will end over the next 15 months.
$10 million of the AAPI Equity Budget was granted to more than 60 ethnic media outlets around the state. Those outlets used the twoyear grant to amplify stories of victims and to address the root causes of hate crimes and incidents, including school bullying. They also partnered with CBOs to be “first responders,” and to collectively work towards permanent solutions to combating hate in the state.
The ethnic media grant, administered by the California State Library, will end in December. With all funding from the AAPI Equity Budget having been allocated, the ethnic media sector will receive no additional funding from that initiative.
‘More work to do’
“It’s really remarkable when we think of the countless stories that have been written, the
Suspect in murder of newlywed Fil-Am nurse pleads not guilty
THE suspect in the killing of a 32-year-old Filipino American nurse from Oregon pleaded not guilty during a preliminary hearing Monday afternoon, September 16. Bryce Schubert, 27, accused of killing her neighbor Melissa Jubane, now faces an updated charge of first-degree murder, according to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office.
Jubane, who was reported missing on Sept. 4 after returning home from her Hawaii wedding, was found dead on Sept. 7. Schubert, who had been Jubane’s neighbor at a Beaverton apartment complex, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. It has been updated to first-degree murder, and Schubert now also faces new charges of kidnapping and abuse of a corpse, according to the DA’s office.
On Sept. 4, Jubane, a nurse at Providence St. Vincent Hospital in Southwest Portland,
MANILA — There are no plans to pull out a U.S. mid-range missile system in the Philippines, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año confirmed on Friday, September 20, saying China cannot dictate to Manila “what to do.”
He said the withdrawal of the Typhon mid-range missile system would be decided by the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board (MDBSEB).
“There are no plans to pull it out any time soon. It
will be the decision of the MDBSEB. They are the ones who have a say and there will be a consultation,” Año said in a chance interview at Sangley Point in Cavite.
“But for now, we need what you call the Typhon missile launcher for the training and capability upgrading of our armed forces. We should also know how to operate this because, in the future, this will be the equipment we want to procure,” he added.
The top security adviser noted there is no timeline for the deployment of the missile system in the country.
CHINA on Thursday, September 19 called on the United States to remove a midrange system deployed in the Philippines, following reports that said Washington has no plans to withdraw them.
"We urge the relevant country to heed the call of countries in the region, correct the wrongdoing as soon as possible, stop inciting military confrontation, quickly withdraw the missile system as publicly pledged, and avoid going further down the wrong path," Lin Jian, the spokesman of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), said in his regular press conference in Beijing on Thursday The Typhon system, which can be equipped with cruise missiles capable of
striking Chinese targets, was brought into the country for joint exercises between the U.S. and the Philippines earlier this year.
Although it was not fired during the exercises, the missile system has remained in the country.
Lin Jian noted that in recent years, the U.S. has been hellbent on advancing military deployment, including the mid-range capability missile system, in the Asia-Pacific to pursue an absolute military advantage.
"This move will heighten the arms race, exacerbate regional tensions, threaten peace and security in this region, and disrupt global strategic balance and stability. China has made clear its opposition more than once," he said.
"We urge the U.S. to give up its
NON-BAILABLE criminal charges for qualified trafficking have been filed before the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) against dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo and 13 others, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Wednesday, September 18.
"The DOJ would like to confirm that the case against Alice Guo, including Dennis Cunanan, with the former TLRC (Technology and Livelihood Resource Center) deputy director general and representative of the Zun Yuan Technology, as well as 12 executives and founders of three companies and Guo's alleged business partners, has been filed
in the RTC of Pasig City," DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano told reporters.
Clavano said that they filed the case before the Pasig RTC following a Supreme Court ruling granting the DoJ's request for the transfer of venue of cases involving Guo.
"Initially, we were going to file it before the Capas court because the crime happened there. However, the Supreme Court released an administrative circular to transfer the case to the Pasig City RTC. All relevant and relative cases to those filed are also going to be filed now in Pasig City," he said.
“We are an independent country. We have an independent foreign policy. Nobody can dictate us on what to do and at the same time it is also our duty to perform our role as a partner of the United States as far as the MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty) is concerned,” Año said.
“We know what is best for our country, so they cannot dictate anything on us, particularly on the
China urged the U.S. to quickly pull out the missile system, calling the deployment a move to turn back the wheel of history that gravely threatens regional countries’ security.
MANILA — The Philippines is open to leasing ships from other countries to expand its presence in the West Philippine Sea, said the National Maritime Council (NMC) on Thursday, September 19. “Actually parang stop-gap measure–habang wala pa talaga tayong atin, it’s an area, it’s an option na siguro mag-arkila tayo,” said NMC spokesperson Alexander Lopez in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing on Thursday.
(Actually, it’s like a stop-gap measure–while we don’t really have our own yet, it’s an area, it’s an option that we might lease.) The idea was initially proposed on Wednesday, September 18 by Senator Francis Tolentino, who suggested that leasing ships could help strengthen the country’s presence in the West Philippine Sea. But Lopez said the government had already been considering the prospect of leasing ships even before.
Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla
WITH only a few weeks before the filing of certificate of candidacy for the 2025 elections, ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Erwin Tulfo and broadcaster Ben Tulfo continue to lead in the latest survey of independent pollster OCTA Research.
In OCTA's third-quarter survey, Erwin Tulfo had a 60 percent voting preference, followed by Ben Tulfo, host of the investigative show "Bitag", with 57 percent.
Rounding out the top six are former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Sen. Bong Go, former Senator Panfilo Lacson, and
In seventh to 15th places are Senators Pia Cayetano and Francis Tolentino, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, Senators Imee Marcos and Lito Lapid,
Interior Secretary
Other names mentioned in the survey were
Jr.
former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa.
Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. and physician Willie Ong were in 10th to 16th place.
former senator Gregorio Honasan, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, Makati City Mayor Mar-len Abigail Binay, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte,
Año: No plan to pull out US...
deployment of this missile launcher,” he added.
The U.S. military transported the Typhon mid-range missile system to the northern Philippines during combat exercises by U.S. and Philippine forces in April that angered China.
Beijing warned that the U.S. missile system can trigger a regional arms race, endanger regional stability and threaten mainland China.
China demanded that the missile system be pulled out of the Philippines.
In an interview on CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said “it’s not their (China) business, it’s for Philippine defense.”
“It happens within our territory.
It’s for our defense, we follow international law, what’s the fuss?
I can neither confirm nor deny if there’s such a plan,” Teodoro said when asked about plans to keep mid-range missiles.
Meanwhile, the deployment of the replacement vessel for BRP Teresa Magbanua has been hampered by bad weather, Año said.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), he said, has deployed a
ship as a replacement for Teresa Magbanua after it pulled out of the area last Sept. 15.
“The coast guard has already sent a replacement but because of the (bad) weather, the ship needs to shelter first,” Año said.
He emphasized that the Philippines would maintain its continuous presence in Escoda Shoal.
“We will always make sure that we have our continuous presence and access at Sabina Shoal as soon as the weather improves.
Our PCG has plans for how to protect the West Philippine Sea,”
Trafficking charges filed...
Clavano said they are monitoring developments in the Senate for any additional charges that may be filed against Guo.
"The court will have to make their own judicial determination
he stressed, referring to the shoal by its international name.
National Maritime Council chairman Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said that Teresa Magbanua’s repositioning after completing its mission is necessary to address the medical needs of some crew members, undergo essential repairs and allow the crew to enjoy a welldeserved furlough and reunion with their loved ones.
The Philippines stands firm that Escoda Shoal is within the country’s exclusive economic zone. n
Suspect in murder of newlywed Fil-Am nurse...
PAGE A1 was reported missing after she failed to show up for her morning shift at the hospital.
She had just returned from Hale’iwa in Oahu, where she got married to her boyfriend of 10 years, U.S. Navy member Bryan Llantero, last Aug. 24.
Jubane’s mother-in-law, Imelda Llantero, told KHON-TV that the newlyweds returned to the U.S. mainland on Sept. 1 and spent the Labor Day holiday together before Jubane returned to work in Portland.
A public Facebook group, “Find Melissa Jubane case Discussion and Updates,” was set up on Aug. 26 to help search for the Fil-Am nurse.
By 3:12 p.m. on Sept. 4, Jubane was officially entered into the national law enforcement systems as a missing person.
Jubane was found dead on Sept. 7, but the police declined to disclose more details, including where the body was located.
Schubert, who was also a nurse and a former Providence Portland Medical Center employee from September 2022 to October 2023, was arrested after investigators found evidence linking him to
Jubane’s disappearance.
Washington County Chief Deputy District Attorney Jeff Lebowski requested Judge Lemoine to seal the documents revealing details about the murder case, including the summary of evidence, search warrant affidavit and the possible cause that led to the arrest.
Schubert did not physically
plea on Schubert’s behalf. The judge accepted the plea. Schubert is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 15. (Mary Villegas/ Inquirer.net)
from the Pasig trial court, then we can expect to take custody of Ms. Alice Guo despite or if ever she is released already from Senate and if ever, she does decide to post bail in one of her cases in Capas, Tarlac." (PNA)
China urges US to pull out missile...
deployment plan and call on relevant countries to clearly understand the U.S.’ real intentions, act prudently in fields related to military and security, and take concrete actions to uphold regional and international peace and stability. China will keep a close eye on relevant developments and firmly safeguard its security, rights, and interests," he added.
system in his country posed no threat to China and would not destabilize the region.
The U.S. Army said in April that it transported the midrange missile system from the U.S. to Luzon as part of combat exercises with Philippine troops.
The missile system, however, was not fired during the joint combat exercises of the longtime treaty allies, and the Philippine military has said it may be transported out of the country in September 2024.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo in July assured his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, the presence of the missile of probable cause, and if they find probable cause, they will issue a warrant of arrest," he said. "These cases are non-bailable cases, which is why as soon as the warrants of arrest are out
Both the U.S. and the
Philippines have consistently condemned China's increasingly assertive actions to strengthen its territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Tensions have escalated in the area, particularly since last year, with confrontations between Chinese and Philippine coast guard forces and their accompanying vessels.
In addition to China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims in the busy waterway, which are critical global and security routes. n
appear in court on Sept. 16 and, instead, appeared on a screen behind a cell door at the county jail, according to KOIN 6. His attorney, Gregory Scholl, entered a not guilty
Melissa Jubane (left) and Bryce Johnathan Schubert. Photos from @iamlegacy23/X
Gets namin ang aming customer mga Pilipino
May magagandang rate, guaranteed delivery, at walang hidden fee, samahan ang milyon-milyong nagtitiwala sa Remitly kapag nagse-send ng pera sa mga kaibigan at pamilya.
security checkpoints, including at San Francisco International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.
“Californians now have the option of adding their driver’s license or state ID to their iPhone or Apple Watch in Apple Wallet. With this new integration, we’re working to better serve the people of California in the 21st century,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement shared by his office.
Thursday’s announcement is part of California’s mobile driver’s license (mDL) pilot program, which is limited to 1.5 million participants. Last month, Governor Newsom announced Californians can add their mobile driver’s license to Google Wallet.
backyard, and we’re excited to bring an easy and transparent way to present IDs in our home state.
“We are happy to be working with Apple to bring California driver’s licenses and state IDs in Apple Wallet to our customers, providing them with an easy, secure and private way to present their ID using their iPhone or Apple Watch,” said DMV Director Steve Gordon. “The DMV continues to grow as a mobile-first organization, and this is one more opportunity to provide a safe and secure option for Californians.”
“I am pleased to see the continued momentum of the mDL pilot project,” said State Chief Information Officer and Department of Technology Director Liana Bailey-Crimmins. “California continues to lead the nation in testing and leveraging technology to connect State services to residents’ mobile phones making it easier for Californians to safely access information like their identification and other state credentials.”
Adding a California driver’s license or state ID in Apple Wallet
Adding a license or ID to the Apple Wallet can be done in a few easy steps. Californians can tap the + button at the top of the screen in Wallet on their iPhone, select “Driver’s License or State ID,” and follow the on-screen instructions to start the setup and verification process.
“Enabling California residents to seamlessly add and present their IDs with their iPhone or Apple Watch represents a significant step in replacing the physical wallet with a more secure and private digital wallet,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet. “The launch also represents an important milestone in the rollout of IDs in Apple Wallet. Not only is California one of the largest states in the U.S., but it’s also our own PAGE A1
To help ensure that the person adding the identity card to Apple Wallet is the same person to whom the identity card belongs, the user will be asked to take a selfie and scan the front and back of their driver’s license or state ID card, which will be securely provided to the DMV for verification.
A secure and private way to present your California ID
Once added, Californians can present their driver’s license or state ID by simply holding their iPhone or Apple Watch near an identity reader. Upon holding their iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader, only the information needed for the transaction is presented, and users will have the opportunity to review and authorize the information being requested before it is shared. Users do not need to unlock, show, or hand over their device to present their ID.
A user’s information is encrypted on a user’s device, so others – including Apple – cannot access it unless a user chooses to present it. Apple does not retain any presentment information that can be tied back to a user. Apple and the DMV do not know when or to whom you present your driver’s license or state ID.
Offering a California ID or mDL in Apple Wallet does not replace the requirement for individuals to carry a physical card while driving, but it does provide Californians another convenient option for identity verification and more control over how they share their information.
This new capability is part of the DMV’s broader mDL pilot, launched in August 2023 as part of the statewide Digital Identity Frameworkthat allows the state to securely and conveniently verify people’s identity. To date, more than 625,000 Californians have added an mDL in the DMV Wallet.
More information about California IDs in Apple Wallet as well as other California-issued mDLs can be found at dmv.ca.gov/mDL.
(CA Governor’s Office Release)
CARSON – In a commitment to environmental sustainability and green energy solutions, the City of Carson is excited to announce the opening of a new Tesla Supercharger Station at the Carson Event Center.
The station includes 20 V4 superchargers and will serve both Tesla and non-Tesla Electric Vehicles (EV). The cost to charge can fluctuate based on the time of day, but it will be commensurate with the cost of other supercharger stations throughout the region.
“Carson’s supercharger station is emblematic of our City Council’s commitment to innovative technologies that address both environmental concerns while supporting our economy by attracting visitors and supporting our local businesses,” said Carson’s Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes.
The new supercharger station, located at the Carson Event Center, is positioned near one of the most heavily trafficked freeway corridors in the state, offering easy access to drivers.
Tulfo brothers still leading...
entertainer Willie Revillame, former Senators Franklin Drilon and Richard Gordon, Las Pinas Rep. Camille Villar, former senators Francis Pangilinan and Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino, and Agri Partylist Rep. Wilbert Lee.
At the bottom of the survey are actor Jose Sixto "Dingdong" Dantes III, Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez, former Senator Leila de Lima, actor Cesar Montano, lawyer Jose Manuel Diokno, Sagip Partylist
Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, actor Philip Salvador, human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares, retired colonel Ariel Querubin, former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, actor Victor Neri, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, and former executive secretary Victor Rodriguez.
The survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent. n
“As Carson prepares to host the world as a Venue City of the upcoming 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” said Mayor Davis-Holmes, “this is one more example of the proactive steps we’re taking to prepare our infrastructure for the millions of visitors from around the world who will be visiting Carson, the jewel of the South Bay.” For more information, please contact the Innovation, Sustainability, and Performance
California must create permanent...
readership of those stories, and how much awareness has been raised,” said Manjusha Kulkarni, founder of Stop AAPI Hate, during a panel discussion Aug. 27 at the Ethnic Media Services/ California Black Media Expo in Sacramento.
“It’s also important that individuals in our community know where they can go to get help,” she said.
Kulkarni advocated for an extension of the AAPI Equity Budget, saying there was much more work to do. She did note, however, that California currently faces a $40 billion budget deficit.
“Media play the role of safety,” said Brandon Brooks, a journalist and spokesman for California Black Media. Black people in California are overwhelmingly the most frequent victims of hate attacks: 518 hate crimes against Black people were recorded in 2023, more than 25% of all hate crimes reported last year.
“There is lots of under-reporting. We feel uncomfortable trusting police. Many people call our newsroom before they call police,” said Brooks.
Wallace Allen, publisher of the Westside Story newspaper, which covers the Inland Empire east of Los Angeles, echoed Brooks, noting the scarcity of resources “is placing Black people at the back of the line again.”
Hate crime data
The web portal Stop AAPI Hate has collected over 12,000 reports of anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents nationwide since it was founded in 2020.
Hate crimes have slowed down from their peak in 2020, when former President Donald Trump released a volley of anti-Asian hate, blaming China for the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, in 2023, a total of 1,970 hate crimes were reported by law enforcement agencies across California.
This figure marks a drop from 2021, when 2,180 hate crimes were reported throughout the state. Community advocates say more victims now feel emboldened to report the attacks against them, as a result of ethnic media reporting and CBO advocacy.
AAPI equity budget
As hate crimes against the Asian American community reached alarming numbers in 2020, Dr. Karthick Ramakrishnan, founder of AAPI Data, began to collaborate with California state Senator Richard Pan, formerly the chair of the AAPI Legislative Caucus, and Assemblymember Phil Ting, who served on the Bud-
get Committee. In 2021, the state Legislature approved $166.5 million to establish the AAPI Equity Budget. Ramakrishnan explained at the Expo that the state had a budget surplus that year, which made it much easier to get the historic grant approved. Additional money was allocated the following year, building the AAPI Equity Budget to a total of $190 million.
“Part of the hope we had in putting the AAPI Equity Budget together was to not just think of it as solving a pressing problem in the moment, but to think about the ways that we can use that investment to fundamentally shift how government systems work, how ethnic media is financed, community media is financed in the state of California, and, ultimately, to make sure that people in the state have access to the services that they’re entitled to,” said Ramakrishnan.
Crimes will not stop
“We cannot have a one-time investment to address a surge in hate crimes. We must make permanent investments in communications that promote the health and well-being of our ethnic and minority communities,” said Dr. Jose Luis Benavides, a professor of journalism at Cal State Northridge, who moderated a Stop the Hate panel at the Expo.
Andrew Wong, director of advocacy at Chinese for Affirmative Action and co-founder of Stop the Hate, said the state must continue to fund long-term investments in combating hate. “Because these threats continue to exist. We’re continuing to face hate. There is virulent anti-immigrant sentiment.”
“We’re hearing it from political candidates across the country. And regardless of the outcome
in November, you better believe that that rhetoric is only going to get worse, not better. And so we have got to prepare for that, and we have to continue to sustain the good work that we’ve collectively been doing,” he said.
Transformative
“The Stop the Hate and transformative grants programs have been nothing short of extraordinary,” said Khydeeja Alam, executive director of the California Commission on Asian Pacific Islander American Affairs. She noted that in the first year, 20,000 people were helped with intervention services, prevention services, and legal aid services, among other resources.
“We are investing in building this multi-racial, multi-ethnic coalition that will support our AAPI communities, Black communities, Latinx communities, LGBT communities, to prevent and stop hate at the state level,” said Alam.
“The Stop the Hate work at the state level is scheduled to end in 2026. The hate is not going to stop in 2026. So we as a commission want to ensure these investments become permanent,” she added.
Sense of justice
Eliana Kaimowitz, director of the Office of Equity at the California Department of Social Services said much of the work over the past three years has been focused on building trust. “Immigrants may not want to make a call to law enforcement when they experience a hate crime. Encouraging people to report a crime and to seek assistance when these things happen requires trust.”
“People need to be able to feel some sort of justice and feel like they have a sense of belonging and inclusion,” she said. (Sunita Sohrabji/Ethnic Media Services)
Compromise Bill Rights a healthcare wrong
by AsA sAtAriAno Ethnic Media Services
RECENTLY, California expanded access to Medi-Cal. In this year alone, it is expected that more than 700,000 additional Californians will become eligible for coverage.
One-third of the Medi-Cal population receives care from nonprofit community health centers (CHCs) such as FQHCs, community clinics and free clinics.
At Equity Health (formerly South of Market Health Center) located in San Francisco, we serve nearly 4600 patients under this program every year. We provide quality health and wellness services with an emphasis on compassion, prevention, and a patient-centered focus.
We believe that by helping our communities overcome their health challenges, we can help close the gap in health disparities in the areas we serve.
To meet the needs of the rapidly growing Medi-Cal patient population, CHCs like ours must be allowed to expand into new locations, but current law creates major obstacles to establishing new outpatient clinics in California’s most vulnerable communities.
For example, in 2014 Equity Health acquired the Bayview Child Health Center facility owned by Sutter Health, to expand services. We were required to remove brand new flex duct work and
replace it with galvanized steel duct work, for an HVAC system that had just been installed by Sutter Health just two months prior to Equity Health acquiring the facility.
These OSHPD 3 requirements resulted in a $500,000 expense and three-month delay in services. This change not only provides very little health benefits to patients; but adds an immense cost burden to nonprofit CHCs. SB 1382 (Glazer) will start a regulatory process to evaluate what health and safety building standards should change to align with the appropriate acuity level for the type of care CHCs provide.
Equity Health respectfully requests Governor Newsom sign SB 1382 (Glazer) into law. Previous legislation on this issue sought to exempt CHCs entirely from these building standards. However, if signed this compromise bill will allow the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) and the California Building Standards Commission to re-evaluate and update CHC standards through a regulatory process, improving access to care in a safe and effective way. Right now, CHCs must operate facilities to the same building standards as full-fledged inpatient hospital clinics even though CHC’s only provide outpatient care, which is more similar to a private physicians’ office or county clinic services.
It is important to note that what makes CHCs model of care unique, is our connection to our communities. I applaud our state’s pursuit towards health equity, but to truly achieve equity, the state must give CHCs the flexibility that we need to meet the increased demand for care.
Governor Newsom, Equity Health and CHCs across the
PH mulls leasing foreign ships to expand...
“Maganda po ‘yung suggestion ni Sen. Tolentino, in fact pinagiisipan na po ‘yon dati,” he said. (Sen. Tolentino’s suggestion is good, in fact we already considered that before.)
The Philippines has been
embroiled in a long-standing territorial dispute with China, which claimed ownership of most of the South China Sea — including the West Philippine Sea — through its so-called 10-dash line, despite the area being within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
However, China’s claims were effectively invalidated by a July 2016 international tribunal ruling, stemming from a case filed by Manila in 2013. Despite the ruling, China has continued to deliberately ignore it, consistently encroaching on the Philippines’ EEZ. n
A Stop the Hate panel at the EMS/CBM Expo. From left to right: Andrew Wong, Dr. Karthick Ramakrishnan, Khydeeja Alam, and Eliana Kaimowitz. Ethnic Media Services photo
IN PHILIPPINE WATERS. The BRP Teresa Magbanua at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal in this photo taken June 12, 2024.
Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard
Features OpiniOn
Tradition versus transparency
RESPECT for tradition has always been a proud part of Filipino culture, providing a sense of continuity and the comfort of the familiar. Shared traditions meanwhile build social cohesion that boosts the sense of belonging and kinship in a community.
Citing respect for tradition, three lawmakers last week urged their colleagues to accord Vice President Sara Duterte proper respect “as the second highest official” of the land whose budget should be approved automatically, without question nor further fuss.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said the Senate would uphold the “time-honored tradition” of respecting the president’s and vice president’s budget by assuring their speedy approval.
“Remember, she is the second highest official in the country. She deserves some respect and dignity,” said Estrada, adding that he “will try to restore the [Office of the Vice President’s (OVP)] budget” to its original amount.
The House appropriations committee has slashed the OVP’s proposed budget of P2.037 billion to P733.2 million by realigning some of Duterte’s key programs to other line agencies with similar activities. Soundly defeated
The OVP’s controversial budget also found surprising support from Sen. Joel Villanueva, who cited his experience as former Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption party list representative. “When I was [at the House of Representatives], traditions are very important to us. It may not be part of the law, it may not be part of the rules of both houses, but we always submit to the traditions of our institutions,” he said.
Sagip party list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, a staunch ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, meanwhile moved to terminate the deliberations on the OVP budget in “observance of that well-kept tradition: the two highest positions in government namely the Office of the President and [OVP] were duly accorded with respect,” Marcoleta said.
ONE of the crimes considered as the most heinous and serious worldwide is the sexual abuse and trafficking of minors and children who are among the most vulnerable members of society. Sadly, this type of crime has increased substantially over the past decade.
According to the nongovernment organization Save the Children, child trafficking refers to the exploitation of girls and boys, primarily for forced labor and sexual exploitation.
“Children account for 27 percent of all the human trafficking victims worldwide, and two out of every three child victims are young girls,” the organization says.
At least 120 million girls (about one in 10) have been forced to engage in sex or perform other sexual acts, says the UNICEF, although the actual number is probably much higher.
Last June, a large-scale joint initiative across 39 countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America and
JUST a few days ago, selfproclaimed “Appointed Son of God” and “Owner of the Universe” Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC)
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy was finally brought to court. He was finally arrested just last Sunday (Sept. 8). Similarly, a few days before, on Sept. 4 (Wednesday), suspended Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo was arrested by Indonesian law enforcement and brought back to the Philippines to answer to the Philippine Senate for POGOlinked crimes such as human trafficking, money laundering, violence against women and children and torture.
Cynics say that the arrests of Alice Guo and Pastor Quiboloy, and its grabbing international news media headlines, amount to nothing but infamy for our country. However, I see this as an opportunity to prove ourselves and overcome challenges.
It’s a new opportunity for us to
“What do we need her to articulate? Is there no respect for this tradition now?” he asked, referring to the vice president’s nonappearance in the second House hearing on the OVP budget, and her refusal to answer questions on how her office had spent its previous allotments during the first hearing. Marcoleta’s motion was, however, soundly defeated when put to a vote.
Above traditions
Tradition may have its uses, but it definitely takes a back seat to transparency and accountability, countered Alliance of Concerned Teachers party list Rep. France Castro.
“Transparency and accountability must be above traditions,” Castro said in a statement. “If not, then what we will have are just dogmas that do not serve the interest of the people but those of their oppressors.” she said, adding that it is only through House deliberations on the OVP’s previous budget that “anomalies of this magnitude had been unearthed.”
Aside from questioning the necessity of expensive satellite offices for the vice president, the House members also brought up the Commission on Audit’s notice of disallowance (ND) issued to the OVP for part of its P125 million confidential fund in 2022 that was spent in just 11 days.
The ND against P73 million out of the P125-million confidential fund was issued for the “nonsubmission of documents [to show] the success of [the OVP’s] information gathering and/or surveillance activities” to “support … [its payment] of rewards in cash, various goods, and medicines.”
Sense of entitlement
The ND showed that aside from items that did not involve security, the vice president used the funds to purchase “tables, chairs, desktop computers, and printers without specifying that they were intended for the confidential operations/activities undertaken
by the OVP.”
Confidential funds should not have been given the OVP in the first place, argued constitutional law expert Michael Henry Yusingco, who added that the vice president’s mandate was merely “to be ready [to take the place of the president].”
The vice president “has no responsibility to do charity work or whatever public service that … is the job of other departments,” Yusingco added, referring to the House’s decision to assign the slashed program funds to the proper line agencies.
Given the vice president’s dubious record in handling taxpayer money and her belligerent refusal to account for public funds that do not exactly inspire trust and confidence, the three lawmakers definitely need more convincing argument to apply traditional
respect and courtesy on this case.
As it is, traditions wither away when they no longer serve the needs of changing times and circumstances, and instead become a force to fossilize outdated values. In this particular instance, the tradition of automatically passing the budget of the OVP in previous years has resulted in the abuse of discretion and lack of accountability that has, in turn, encouraged wanton and wasteful spending of the country’s limited resources. To cite tradition over transparency in allocating public funds is to abet the sense of entitlement among officials who consider themselves above the law and beyond scrutiny. This is not respect for tradition; it is, plain and simple, complicity to corruption. (Inquirer.net)
Extradition treaties – important tool against transnational crimes
Africa dubbed as “Operation Global Chain” targeted high-risk criminal organizations engaged in human trafficking, with particular attention given to child victims and cases involving sexual exploitation, forced criminality and mendicancy.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 219 criminals, and over 1,300 potential victims including children were identified. During the week-long operation, 276 new investigations were initiated, while additional 362 suspects were identified.
According to the Interpol, among the most abhorrent cases involved a Hungarian couple who were sexually exploiting six of their children and making them beg on the streets around their village.
It’s not surprising that law enforcement agencies highly prioritize child trafficking and sexual abuse/exploitation cases, working with their international counterparts to go after suspects of these heinous crimes and using extradition as a legal mechanism to bring perpetrators to justice.
Because the arrest of Apollo Quiboloy, the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ religious group, took so long, it has now turned
into the most watched case all over the world – taking center stage in the international media.
Quiboloy is currently in the FBI’s
“Most Wanted” list, having been indicted by a federal grand jury in California for “conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy and bulk cash smuggling” with a federal warrant issued in November 2021 for his arrest.
According to the FBI, Quiboloy is “wanted for his alleged participation in a labor trafficking scheme that brought church members to the United States, via fraudulently obtained visas, and forced the members to solicit donations for a bogus charity, donations that actually were used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders. Members who proved successful at soliciting for the church allegedly were forced to enter into sham marriages or obtain fraudulent student visas to continue soliciting in the United States year-round.”
Women were allegedly recruited to work as personal assistants or “pastorals” for Quiboloy and
‘Isang bala ka lang’
demonstrate that crime does not pay in the Philippines. No matter how seemingly powerful the personality, if there exists strong evidence of their crimes and other wrongdoings – and especially if it harms our children, our economy and our national security – then the Philippines can and will bring criminals to justice. Alice Guo and her associates are international in scope with Chinese financiers and “big bosses” having fled abroad, and linked to personalities involved with the notorious Pharmally. On the other hand, the arrests present to us a challenge to vastly augment the abilities of our intelligence agencies. We must realize that these abhorrent criminal incidents involving transnational organized crime have highlighted the highly influential role of understated elements of our national security apparatus – intelligence networks, surveillance operations and its necessary interconnectedness with the international community.
It includes the Intelligence Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the National Intelligence Coordinating
Agency (NICA). The arrests of Alice Guo and Pastor Quiboloy would not have succeeded without intelligence agencies. The Philippines’ National Security Policy 2023-2028 recognizes the foundational role of intelligence operations. It states “any effort to formulate a National Security Policy should therefore start with an awareness and assessment of the factors and circumstances that can influence or shape the nation’s security outlook in the foreseeable future.”
The Five Eyes, an intelligence-sharing alliance among Australia, Canada, New Zealand the United Kingdom and the U.S., raised the issue of commercial, industrial and conventional espionage by asserting that the “Chinese government is engaged in the most sustained, scaled and sophisticated theft of intellectual property and expertise in human history;” that China state-sponsored hackers have been spying on U.S. critical infrastructure and China has been doing all of it alongside conventional espionage around the world.
We are more than familiar with
that “victims prepared his meals, cleaned his residences, gave him massages and were required to have sex with Quiboloy in what the pastorals called ‘night duty’.”
The Philippines and the U.S. signed an extradition treaty in November 1994 and was ratified by the Senate later, with Presidential Decree 1069, also known as the “Philippine Extradition Law,” as the implementing law. According to the Department of Justice, a U.S. extradition request is expected soon.
Under the extradition law, a formal request is coursed through the Department of Foreign Affairs, then forwarded to the Department of Justice for evaluation, with the request supported by required documentation. A petition will then be filed in the appropriate court that decides if the request has merit, after which an extradition order is issued.
Undoubtedly, each country has its own laws and naturally, President Marcos needs to have Quiboloy face the charges before the local courts first before extradition, especially with more alleged victims locally – many of them girls as young as 12 – now coming out against the
Chinese infringement, interference and infiltration. Strengthening our intelligence apparatus is thus our responsibility to meet the requirements of our vision of national security.
As Senator Grace Poe, principal sponsor of Republic Act No. 11934 or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act, remarked, “nagkandahirap tayo ipasa ang text scam law na finally napasa na[,] pero nagugulat tayo dahil tuluy-tuloy pa rin ang mga pagti-text ng mga scam sa atin. ‘Yun pala, siguro merong correlation between those scammers and those [POGOs] that were raided just recently[.]” True enough, police raids on POGO revealed droves of cyber-criminals and potential cyber espionage elements being conducted against us inside our own territory.
As a total ban on POGOs is close, despite deportations and other cases in court, it’s inevitable that the most stubborn POGOs would operate underground. Ensuring a just and complete conclusion to this crime-ridden sequence in our modern history requires sufficient support to our intelligence agencies.
Since we now work in the committee on finance in the Senate,
religious leader, claiming they were subjected to systematic sexual abuse and manipulation.
Many countries, most especially the United States, are known for being relentless when it comes to sex trafficking cases, especially of minors. As one international enforcer commented one time, “We may not get the trafficker today, we may not get him tomorrow, but we’re going to get him.”
Last year, Leonardo JimenezRodriguez, the leader of a transnational sex trafficking ring that lured young women and girls and employed beatings, threats and psychological abuse to force them into prostitution in New York and elsewhere – was extradited to the U.S. from Mexico.
According to the Special Agentin-Charge who took part in the operation, Jimenez-Rodriguez’s extradition was the “result of years of extraordinary collaboration with law enforcement agencies spanning multiple countries and investigative jurisdictions.”
Last March, the alleged mastermind of a sex trafficking ring that victimized teenagers from Canada and the U.S. who were forced to appear in pornographic
let’s put things in perspective here from a fiscal standpoint. It was reported that Alice Guo was willing to pay approximately P1 billion in bribe money. The 2025 National Expenditure Plan provides the following approximate amounts for specific agencies: P3.5 billion to the NBI; P2.24 to NICA and P896 million to the National Security Council (NSC). In other words, one suspected foreign agent is alleged to be capable of paying an amount so exorbitant that it can cover the entire budget of the NSC, a third of the NBI’s or close to half of the NICA budget. It exposes how currently lopsided the fight is in favor of extremely wealthy criminals and how our intelligence agencies are actually severely underfunded. July this year, just before the president announced the shutdown of POGO operations in the Philippines, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) reported that there were 42 licensed POGO operators remaining. Even with just 42 remaining, their combined financial capacity would most likely outspend our entire intelligence network. However, it’s not all bad news. Alice Guo’s arrest was the product of international, inter-agency coordination. The Philippines
videos was extradited to the U.S. from Spain.
“We cast a wide net in search of Mr. Pratt,” U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath stated, adding they are prepared to bring Michael Pratt to justice and thanking the Spanish government for its assistance. Today, child sexual abuse is considered to be the most disgusting, abhorrent crime ever worldwide, more so when perpetrators use the name of God in committing this despicable act. Even ordinary prisoners are well known to have their own brand of justice when it comes to sex abusers of children – punishing the offenders by continually raping them and occasionally subjecting them to various kinds of sexual humiliation. Often, these child sex trafficking criminals are placed in separate isolated cells – but only if they are lucky enough. (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
and Indonesia can use this recent intelligence victory as a rallying cry in gathering momentum to revitalize “Our Eyes Initiative,” which was envisioned as the ASEAN counterpart of the Five Eyes. As our Alice Guo example has illustrated, two ASEAN members collaborating against crime can lead to a mission accomplished. Furthermore, all agencies are currently eyeing financing for cyber security and capacity building. We need to use these recent events as an opportunity to reflect on what is needed to ensure the safety and well-being of all our countrymen. As it turns out, September, under Presidential Proclamation No. 713 dated Sept. 22, 2004, is the “Rule of Law Month.” The arrests of Quiboloy and Guo serve as a stern warning: “Wag mong sabihin malakas ka. Wag mong sabihin marami kang tauhan. At wag mo ring sabihin marami kang salapi. Pare-pareho lang tayo, isang bala ka lang!” (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.
by Francisco tuyay ManilaTimes.net
MILITARY leaders from
countries allied with the Philippines have agreed to enhance defense cooperation through the regular conduct of complex multilateral training exercises in the coming years.
On September 13, the planned upscale military drills were discussed and agreed upon by Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) Commanding
General Charles Flynn, Lt. Gen. Simon Stuart of the Chief of the Army of Australia, and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Gen. Yasunori Morishita.
The "bonding" event took place at the Victoria Barracks
by MariEdEl irish catilogo
THE Philippines moved three spots down in an annual global ranking of economies that measures their ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce, a report by the Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Center showed.
Based on the World Talent Ranking 2024, the Philippines ranked 63rd out of 67 economies, with an overall score of 35.44 out of 100.
Compared to its peers in the Asia-Pacific, the country placed 13th out of 14, just ahead of Mongolia, which in turn ranked the lowest globally.
According to the report, the IMD rankings rely on three main criteria: “appeal,” or how effectively a country lures international talent; “investment and development,” which measures the resources committed to nurturing a domestic workforce; and “readiness,” which looks at the skills and competencies present in the talent pool.
Dateline PhiliPPines Michael
in Melbourne, Australia, said Philippine Army Public Affairs Chief Col. Louie Demaala. Galido also closed ranks with the U.S. Marines III Marine Expeditionary Force Commander Lt. Gen. Roger Turner.
The military leaders agreed to enhance cooperation by conducting larger and more complex multilateral training exercises in the coming years.
On September 12, Galido strengthened ties with Australia, New Zealand and Republic of Korea armies aimed to enhance training and interoperability.
Demaala said the military chief also committed to regular meetings to fine-tune joint deterrence strategies amid the fast-changing regional and global security landscape.
Also, the U.S., Japan and Australia vowed to support the Philippines' military modernization program and to assist its Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept, especially on the fortification of all frontiers against foreign invaders.
Japan had committed to providing maritime vessels to the Philippine Coast Guard for them to enhance patrol in the disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea. Last week, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with Defense Chief of India Shri Giridhar Aramane, where both highlighted the deepening of the defense and security partnership between the Philippines and India. n
The country fell two spots to 64th in “investment and development” and a notch lower to 52nd in “readiness.” However, it improved its position in “appeal,” moving up to 54th from the previous 55th spot.
Under the readiness factor, the IMD said the country’s strength relies on its skilled labor, which was “readily available”— graduates in science-related fields such as engineering, math, natural sciences, and information and communications technology, and language skills which “met the needs of enterprises.”
“This is the function of more students having science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses to further increase the competitiveness of students in the country and eventually a
by Francis Earl cuEto ManilaTimes.net
the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Yang Jian Xin, also known as Tony Yang, was nabbed by agents of the PAOCC, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Isafp). Yang, deemed an undesirable alien, will be deported and blacklisted if he is found guilty, BI Officer in Charge Joel Anthony Viado said.
The deportation will start after all pending cases in the Philippines are resolved, he said.
"Yang has allegedly falsified information on the SEC certification of Phil Sanjia Corporation. He will also be charged for violation of Social Security Act and Republic
more internationally competitive workforce,” Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said in a message to Inquirer. In terms of appeal, the country’s cost of living and collection of personal income tax were highlighted as strengths. However, the Philippines struggled with its “quality of life.” In terms of the investment and development factor, weaknesses were observed in total public spending on education as well as the ratio of students to teaching staff in both primary and secondary education. n
The PAOCC said Tony Yang is the leader of the brothers. "He violated immigration laws so that's his initial violation," PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said. n
VP TO LAWMAKERS: ‘You will find me unbowed’
by Reina C. TolenTino ManilaTimes.net
VICE President Sara Duterte remained unfazed as she again faced members of the House of Representatives, saying she would not bow to them.
Duterte on Wednesday, September 18, attended the Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability’s hearing on the budget of the Office of the Vice President.
“You may try to destroy me; you can skin me alive and throw my ashes to the wind. But let it be known: You will find me unbowed,” she told the lawmakers.
She requested the committee to end its hearing “for its clear lack of any proposed legislation or substantive matter for discussion.”
“The truth is, the budget is not your target because it is very easy to remove a budget. What you are trying to do is make a case for impeachment,” she said.
Duterte on Wednesday asserted that there was “no misuse of funds.” She maintained that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) had done nothing wrong.
“There is no misuse of funds. If there are audit findings, we shall gladly respond to them before the Commission on Audit. And if there are legitimate cases to be filed, then we shall gladly respond to them before the appropriate courts,” Duterte said.
SCRRA is seeking proposals for Financial Advisory Services. Proposal documents may be downloaded at SCRRA’s website at http://www.metrolinktrains. com/contracts. Proposals are due on 10/31/24. For further information contact: Tammi Phillips, Contract and Compliance Administrator, at PhillipsT@ scrra.net.
9/21/24
CNS-3845214# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
not to defend the OVP’s 2025 budget, leaving it to the discretion of the leadership of the House of Representatives. “I am not asking for any special treatment, nor am I asking you to uphold any tradition. There is no disrespect. All I am saying is that you have the complete freedom to do whatever you wish to the OVP budget,” she said.
Duterte refused to take the oath to tell the truth at the start of the hearing on the alleged misuse by her office of millions in funds for socio-economic programs. She invoked the committee’s rules on inquiries in aid of legislation under which she said only witnesses were given the oath, arguing that she attended as a resource person.
Former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo came to Duterte’s defense, citing a Supreme Court ruling and a Senate precedent wherein a witness is given more protection than a resource person since the former may find himself or herself as an accused.
Committee chairman and Manila third District Rep. Joel Chua ruled that the former president’s remarks were noted. Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando Valeriano, in his remarks, stressed that the congressional inquiry was necessary due to the lack of evidence regarding how the OVP spent the budgets on socioeconomic programs from July 2022 to the present.
Valeriano said Duterte’s refusal to answer questions
regarding OVP’s proposed budget for 2025 and the “questionable” utilization of the office’s previous budgets that were flagged by the Commission on Audit are the reasons the hearing was conducted.
He said the OVP had not submitted documents to support its claims of socioeconomic programs benefiting over 2 million individuals in the National Capital Region.
Chua, meanwhile, highlighted Congress’ vital role in overseeing government spending.
“We have to ensure that funds are spent solely for purposes for which they have been appropriated,” Chua said.
Never again In an interview with reporters, Duterte said that she would never team up with the Marcoses again.
She said in mixed Filipino and English that she will announce her decision whether to run or not in the 2028 elections “in the fourth quarter of 2026.”
Duterte was the running mate of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the 2022 elections.
“Hindi kami magkaibigan (We are not friends),” she said of the president. “We only met because we became running mates.”
“My friend really is Sen. Imee Marcos. She has known me since 2012,” Duterte added.
She said her last conversation with the president was when she tendered her resignation from his Cabinet.
She resigned earlier this year as secretary of the Department of Education. (With reports from Philippine News Agency)
ABISO SA PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG
PINAG-ISANG PLANO PARA SA TAON NG PROGRAMA NA 2025-29
ESTRATEHIYA NG TAUNANG PLANO PARA SA TAON NG PANANALAPI NA 2025-26
TULONG NA SUPORTA PARA SA PAGBIBIGAY NG MAAYOS NA BAHAY AT PAGPAPAGANDA NG KOMUNIDAD (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT), MGA PARTNERSHIP PARA MAG-INVEST SA TAHANAN, AT MGA PROGRAMA SA PAGBIBIGAY NG GAWAD NA SALAPI PARA SA PANG-EMERGENCY NA SOLUSYON
Sa pamamagitan nito, ibinibigay ang Abiso para sabihin na magsasagawa ang Board of Supervisors ng pampublikong pagdinig nang 9:00 a.m. sa Oktubre 22, 2024, sa Room 310 sa County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA tungkol sa Estratehiya ng Pinag-isang Plano para sa Taon ng Programa na 2025-29. Bilang tatanggap ng pondo mula sa entitlement grant ng Kagawaran ng Pabahay at Pagpapaunlad ng Lungsod ng Estados Unidos (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD) sa ilalim ng Block Grant sa Pagpapaunlad ng Komunidad (Community Development Block Grant, CDBG), ang Mga HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) at mga programa ng Tulong na Salapi para sa Mga Pang-emergency na Solusyon (Emergency Solutions Grant, ESG), ang County ng San Diego (County) ay bumuo ng limang taon na Pinag-isang Plano. Ang pangunahing layunin ng Pinag-isang Plano ay para: Tukuyin ang mga pangangailangan para sa pabahay at pagpapaunlad ng komunidad na kailangang bigyan ng prayoridad sa hurisdiksyon ng County sa pamamagitan ng pagsusuri ng merkado, input mula sa komunidad at pagkonsulta sa stakeholder, at; Magtatag ng limang taong layunin sa pamamagitan ng estratehiya na tumutugon sa mga pangangailangan na kailangang bigyan ng prayoridad at posibleng mga pagkukunan ng pondo para sa pederal, estado, lokal o pribado na maaaring gamitin sa pagpopondo mula sa gobyerno ng HUD. Pinopondohan ng Mga Programa ng CDBG at ESG para sa “Lungsod na County” ng San Diego ang pabahay, pagpapaunlad ng komunidad at mga serbisyo at aktibidad para sa publiko sa unincorporated area, pati rin ang anim na kalahok na mga lungsod ng Coronado, Del Mar, Imperial Beach, Lemon Grove, Poway at Solana Beach. Ang San Diego County HOME Consortium Program ay nagbibigay ng mga pondo para sa mga aktibidad sa pabahay sa mga bahagi ng Programa ng CDBG at ESG, pati rin ang anim na Consortium na mga lungsod ng Carlsbad, Encinitas, La Mesa, San Marcos, Santee, at Vista. Ang programa ng HOPWA ay nagbibigay ng pagpopondo para sa pabahay at mga serbisyo na may kaugnayan sa pabahay para sa mga taong namumuhay nang may HIV/AIDS at kanilang mga pamilya sa buong County ng San Diego.
Iminumungkahi ng Estratehiya ng Pinag-isang Plano para sa 2025-29 ang komprehensibong mga layunin ng Pinag-isang Plano para sa 2025-29. Ang mga layunin ng Pinag-isang Plano ay nagtatakda ng mga prayoridad na ginagabayan ang paggamit ng pagpopondo mula sa gobyerno ng HUD batay sa feedback ng publiko, input ng stakeholder at mga tagasaad ng datos ng komunidad. Ang Estratehiya at iminungkahing mga layunin ng Pinag-isang Plano ay maaaring mapuntahan sa elektronikong paraan sa www.sdhcd.com. Inaanyayahan ang publiko na dumalo sa pampublikong pagdinig para magkomento sa Estratehiya ng Pinag-isang Plano para sa 2025-29. Maaari ring magbigay ang publiko ng mga komento sa pamamagitan ng sulat sa 30 araw na panahon ng pagbibigay ng komento na matatapos sa Oktubre 22, 2024. Ang mga nakasulat na komento ay dapat naka-address sa Housing and Community Development Services, Community Development Division, 3989 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123, (619) 346-3375, o ipadala sa email sa: Community.Development@sdcounty. ca.gov. Ang mga bingi o mahina ang pandinig ay maaaring kontakin ang departamento sa (866) 945-2207. Ang mga kailangan ng tulong para lumahok sa pagpupulong (hindi nagsasalita ng Ingles, may kapansanan sa pandinig, atbp.) ay dapat kontakin ang kawani nang kahit limang araw bago ang pagpupulong para humiling ng mga espesyal na pagsasaayos.
9/21/24
CNS-3852180# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
by John Eric MEndoza Inquirer.net
MANILA — Former Senator Leila de Lima accepted the nomination as the lead nominee of Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list, the sectoral wing of the Liberal Party. De Lima’s co-nominees are former Reps. Teddy Baguilat and Erin Tañada.
Their candidacy was announced during the LP’s national executive council meeting held at Club Filipino in San Juan City on Friday, September 20.
“In all humility and conviction, I accepted today the nomination as a lead nominee of the party-list Mamamayang Liberal (ML), the sectoral wing of the Liberal Party
Former VP Leni Robredo to run for Naga City mayor
MANILA — Former Vice President Leni Robredo will run for mayor of Naga City.
Liberal Party Executive Vice President Erin Tañada on Friday, September 20 confirmed earlier reports of Robredo’s plan to seek the Naga City mayoral post.
Liberal Party (LP) President and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman previously said that Robredo had told him she would run for the local post to continue the programs of her late husband, former Naga City Mayor and Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, who died in a plane crash in 2012.
Robredo ran for president in 2022 but came in second to Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.
At the end of her term as vice president in 2022, Robredo formed the Angat Buhay Foundation, a non-government organization that works with
partners, volunteers, and supporters to empower Filipino communities, especially the marginalized. Robredo’s 2022 running
PNP intensifies manhunt for Harry Roque
MANILA — Police have intensified the manhunt for Harry Roque, who has an arrest order issued by the House of Representatives quad committee, with special tracker teams looking for the former presidential spokesman round the clock.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said on Tuesday, September 17 they have mobilized tracker teams led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to locate Roque and bring him before the House’s quad committee.
“We have officially received the request from the House of Representatives and the PNP is fully committed to executing this order while adhering to our core mandate,” Marbil said in a statement.
The House quad committee has a standing order for Roque’s arrest over his failure to submit subpoenaed documents related to his assets. Lawmakers believe the documents could be connected to criminal activities of illegal Philippine offshore gaming operation hubs.
Marbil assured Roque that the manhunt for him would be carried out with the highest level of professionalism and respect for due process. “Our fundamental duty is to respect the decisions of our democratic institutions and ensure human rights are protected throughout this process,” he said.
Speaking to reporters in an interview, Marbil said it is up to Roque if he will continue to evade the arrest order or surrender to the House of Representatives as “he knows what is right and what is wrong.” Roque, former spokesman of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has denied being a fugitive and said he would seek judicial relief from the Supreme Court. Apart from the PNP, Marbil said the National Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Immigration are helping in the manhunt for Roque. n
PNP set to file a criminal complaint vs. persons who harbored Quiboloy
by FaiTh aRgosino Inquirer.net
MANILA — A complaint of obstruction of justice will be filed against individuals suspected of harboring captured alleged rapist Apollo Quiboloy, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil said on Sunday, Sept. 15 they launched an investigation to hold accountable those persons who aided the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder.
“We will not tolerate any form of obstruction of justice. Our investigation aims to identify those who knowingly provided refuge to Quiboloy, and we will ensure they face appropriate legal consequences,” Marbil said in a statement.
“Obstruction of justice is a serious offense, and those who aided
in shielding Quiboloy from law enforcement will be charged accordingly. The law is clear — no one is above it, and those who helped Quiboloy will be held accountable,” he added.
The preacher was captured on September 8.
Before that, he had been in hiding for almost 6 months since the warrant of arrest against him was issued on April 3.
Marbil said Quiboloy could not have evaded arrest for a long time without the help of his close associates and legal representatives, whom he said helped the sect leader by “misleading authorities regarding his whereabouts.”
The PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group will facilitate the case build-up and gather pieces of evidence relevant to the case.
On August 24, some 2,000 PNP
members served the arrest warrant of Quiboloy at the KJC compound in Davao City.
Quiboloy and four of his subordinates Jackielyn Roy, Ingrid Canada, Cresente Canada and Sylvia Cemanes surrendered after they were given a 24-hour ultimatum.
Quiboloy is detained in the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
The other respondents, who were also previously in the custodial center, have been transferred to Pasig City Jail last Friday, Sept. 13. One of the suspects, Paulene Canada, was the first to be arrested in July and is now detained in Pasig.
Quiboloy and five other suspects pleaded not guilty to charges of human trafficking and child abuse filed before the Pasig City regional trial court (RTC) and Quezon City RTC. n
Former Senator Leila de Lima Inquirer.net file photo
Former Vice President Leni Robredo Inquirer.net file photo (LP), for next year’s elections,” De Lima said in a Facebook post on Friday. It was also gathered that former senator Francis “Kiko”
Pangilinan will also stage a Senate comeback bid while former Vice President Leni Robredo will aim for the Naga City mayoral post. n
mate, then Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, also announced that he will run for senator anew in the 2025 midterm elections. (Inquirer.net)
Vice President Sara Duterte Photo from Facebook/@MayorIndaySaraDuterteOfficial
by emmanuel Tupas Philstar.com
Former presidential spokesperson and congressman Harry Roque Jr. answers questions at the House of Representatives Quad Committee hearing on Aug .23, 2024. Philstar.com photo
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy
Philippines still deadliest country in Asia for environmental defenders in 2023 – watchdog
MANILA
— The Philippines remains the most dangerous country in Asia for land and environmental defenders, accounting for 68% of the recorded killings and enforced disappearances in the region in 2023, the watchdog Global Witness found.
Of the 25 defenders in Asia whose lives were taken away in 2023, 17 of them came from the Philippines, where 10 were killed and seven have disappeared.
India recorded five such cases, while Indonesia had three.
In 2023, a total of 196 defenders were killed or forcibly disappeared worldwide, with Colombia, Brazil, Honduras, Mexico and Philippines ranking as the top five most dangerous countries.
“The Marcos Jr. administration has failed to stem the tide of violence against those protecting our environment and natural resources,” Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kaliaksan PNE) advocacy officer
Jonila Castro said in a statement.
“In fact, repression and militarization have worsened under this regime. Environmental defenders are being red-tagged, harassed, and murdered with impunity,” she added.
Data shows that the targeted killings and enforced disappearances of green activists in the Philippines have risen by 54.5%, up from 11 cases in 2022.
Global Witness has been documenting lethal threats against land and environmental defenders since 2012, and throughout this period, violence toward these individuals has been most concentrated in the Philippines.
From 2012 to 2023, 64% of the 468 recorded deaths and enforced disappearances in Asia occurred in the country.
Who were they? Majority of the 17 Filipinos listed were smallscale farmers, seven of which were tagged as “murdered” and two as “disappeared.”
In a constant battle against land grabbing, indigenous peoples are also common victims of murder and enforced disappearances. One of them was killed and two could no longer be found.
Globally, the report found that nearly half of the total number of defenders killed and forcibly disappeared in 2023 were indigenous peoples and Afrodescendents.
Children and relatives of target-
ed defenders are equally at risk, constituting three of the 17 killed in 2023.
While Global Witness could not identify the industries behind the attacks, their report revealed that most of the perpetrators were from the armed forces.
Here are the names of the 17 land and environmental defenders who were forcibly taken or killed:
•Ben Fausto
•Arjie Velasco Salvador
•Antonio Diwayan
•Rey Almario Belan
•Ravin Fausto
•Dexter Capuyan
•Lee Sudario
•Gene Roz Jamil De Jesus
•Roly Fausto
•Danny Malinao
•Mariano Jolongbayan
•Crispin Tingal Jr
•Emelda Fausto
•Bea Lopez
•Jose Gonzales
•Norman Ortiz
•Peter Agravante.
Local monitoring findings
Environmental rights group
Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE), meanwhile, said in a statement that they have recorded an even higher number of human rights abuses against green activists in 2023.
The group tallied a total of 21 killings and 11 abductions in 2023, which Kalikasan PNE said had affected 19 environmental defenders.
Kalikasan PNE and the Environmental Defenders Congress, another green rights group, reported that these attacks target those opposing excessive mining, mega-dam construction and reclamation and quarrying projects.
Attacks persist in 2024
Environmental defender
Rowenda Dasig remains missing even after her reported release from Lucena City District Jail on August 22.
Dasig was arrested alongside community health worker Miguela Peniero by armed forces in Atimonan, Quezon in July 2023 on charges of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives. Charges against Dasig were only dismissed over a year after her arrest, on August 13, due to lack of evidence, while Peniero remains in detention.
Dasig and Peniero were detained while studying the potential environmental impacts of
Atimonan One Energy, Inc.’s construction of a combined cycle gas turbine power plant and liquefied natural gas facility.
They were examining how this power plant and facility, which burns natural gas and utilizes steam to generate power, might affect the health and livelihoods of coconut farmers and fisherfolk communities in Atimonan, Quezon.
The Commission on Human Rights has since investigated the case, urging for the stricter implementation of Republic Act 10352 or the Anti-Enforced or Involuntary Disappearance Act of 2012.
Besides Dasig and Peniero, two other environmental defenders were reportedly abducted recently.
More are missing
Felix Salaveria Jr., a 66-year-old cyclist and indigenous peoples’ rights activist, went missing on August 28 in Tabaco City, Albay. This happened five days after labor activist and fellow cyclist James Jazmines disappeared.
Meanwhile, Andy Magno, a graduate of UP Manila and former chairperson of the environment organization Minggin, was abducted on September 11 in San Pablo, Isabela alongside migrant workers’ advocate Vladimir Maro.
Earlier this year, two other environmental defenders Francisco ‘Eco’ Dangla III and Joxelle ‘Jak’ Tiong were found on March 28, days after their abduction in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. Attacks against environmental defenders in the Philippines are not limited to killings and enforced disappearances.
Rights groups have reported ongoing red-tagging, intimidation, harassment and arbitrary detention of individuals opposing government and private sector infrastructure projects that exploit the country’s resources and displace communities.
"Environmental defenders play a crucial role in safeguarding our ecosystems and communities from destructive projects masquerading as 'development' or even 'green' initiatives. Yet instead of recognizing and protecting us, we are being systematically attacked and silenced," Dangla, EDC spokesperson said in a statement. (Dominique Nicole Flores/Philstar.com)
LOS ANGELES
Sid Lucero, Beauty Gonzalez star in Netflix’s 1st Filipino zombie movie ‘Outside’
by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com
MANILA — Netflix released the trailer for “Outside,” the first Filipino zombie movie on the streaming platform, starring Sid Lucero and Beauty Gonzalez.
The trailer begins with a damaged van making its way through the countryside arriving at a secluded farmhouse belonging to Sid Lucero’s character Francis.
Francis has taken his wife Iris (Gonzalez) and their sons Josh (Marco Masa) and Lucas (Aiden Tyler Patdu) to the province to seek refuge from a zombie outbreak.
The house looks trashed and abandoned, but it appears that the real unsettling nature is happening in Francis’ mind.
Quick clips of the family trying to survive the outbreak and adjusting to their new life in seclusion pass by, culminating in Francis’ silent stare out the
The trailer ends with Francis seemingly peeking into a room where Iris and Lucas are hiding, breaking into the title card and the tagline that goes “You can’t keep out what’s already inside.”
Director Carlo Ledesma previously shared at the Netflix APAC Southeast Asia Showcase in Indonesia last June that “Outside” was more than just a zombie movie.
It is a “terrifying psychological thriller,” the director said.
“At its core, it’s a film about a family’s survival,” added the filmmaker, whose horror credits include the 2011 found-footage film debut “The Tunnel,” “Sunod” from 2019, and the horror-comedy short “The Kapre.” Ledesma drew inspiration for “Outside,” which also stars Enchong Dee and Joel Torre, from his experiences growing up in Negros and his own feelings of isolation during the pandemic.
“Outside” begins streaming on Netflix this October 17. (Video from Netflix Philippines’ YouTube channel)
Since the minimum requirement for the job was three months of experience in housekeeping, Aunt Susan was qualified since she worked as a housekeeper in the Middle East and Canada for years. Ana consulted with and retained leading U.S.
‘Family is the most important thing’: Catriona Gray reflects on London robbery last month
by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com
MISS Universe 2018 Catriona
Gray is looking back at a robbery incident her family experienced last month in London while on vacation.
During the tail end of the trip, which saw Catriona go around England and Scotland with her parents for a special trip for her father Ian — who grew up in Scotland before immigrating to Australia — the Grays' belongings were stolen.
At the time, Catriona shared a photo of a vehicle with its rear window smashed, indicating they just stopped for lunch on their way to the airport and their passports were also taken.
The beauty queen recently touched on the incident again, posting on Instagram a photo of the iconic Tower Bridge located in the British capital.
Catriona admitted to having newfound tension and
anxiousness whenever going outside since the robbery, before going on to share what she learned from it.
"Things are just things and things can be replaced. Family and their safety is the most important thing," Catriona said. She went on to list practical advice like not putting trust in London's paid parking facilities even with cameras and security, and to always have on hand one's passport and medications.
Cationa extended thanks to those who reached out asking how her family was, as well as to those who helped in the travel arrangements and find a doctor with important medications for her dad.
"At first I felt that the robbery and the stress that ensued blotted out the joy and happy memories from the special homecoming trip of my dad. But I decided I won’t let the thieves steal that too. Stay safe everyone," Catriona ended.
Sharon Cuneta bares plans to pen her autobiography
by Jessica evangelista Inquirer.net
MEGASTAR Sharon Cuneta shared that she is now “ready” to write a book about her life, as she asked fans to “pray” that she could find the time to do so.
The actress-singer took to her social media pages to say that she is now in the process of “collecting” her thoughts to begin authoring her book.
“I think I am ready. To start writing my book. Just need to collect my thoughts, and slowly, but surely, begin. Please pray for me kasi am so busy taping pa !” she wrote in her caption.
The megastar also “liked” netizens’ comments that expressed support for her decision to write her autobiography.
“An autobiography from Sharon Cuneta herself!!! Wow! What a novel idea! Without a doubt you can do it. Ikaw pa ?” said one Instagram user.
“You have always been a voracious reader hence your
Cuneta also responded to a comment that says she should include the “spicy” episodes
by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com
MANILA — Actor-politician Arjo Atayde admitted he and wife Maine Mendoza are talking about having a baby, but such discussions they will keep to themselves.
Arjo held a press conference and thanksgiving party over the weekend to celebrate his recent Best Actor win for "Cattleya Killer" at the ContentAsia Awards 2024 in Taipei. He shared he's always excited whenever he and Maine get to
Janine Gutierrez’s stunning Venice experience
by Tessa Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net
JANINE Gutierrez, with her striking mestiza features, could easily be mistaken for a European beauty. Yet no matter how the admiring eyes at the Venice Film Festival perceived her, she was, from head to toe and heart, a proud Filipina through and through on her glamorous debut at one of the most prestigious stages in global cinema.
Janine wowed the Italian city in early September, just as the likes of Hollywood's George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchette, Nicole Kidman and Angelina Jolie arrived in haute couture hordes to grace the world premiere of their latest cinematic works. Janine flew to Venice to do the same, headlining the Philippine contingent with fellow actors Ronnie Lazaro, Hazel Orencio, Dong Abay and Paul Jake Paule, producer Paul Soriano and, of course, team captain and Venice Film Festival rock star Director Lav Diaz for his new film epic, "Phantosmia."
Janine portrays Reyna in a fourhour psychological drama set primarily on an isolated island housing a penal colony. Reyna lives with her adoptive mother in a destitute community just outside the prison's boundaries, where she is exploited and pimped out to the corrupt men in charge. Eventually, her character crosses paths with Master Sergeant Hilarion Zabala (Ronnie Lazaro), whose suffering from phantosmia — an olfactory hallucination triggered by PTSD — and search for redemption becomes intertwined with Reyna's plight.
Featured in the non-competition lineup of the 87th edition of the prestigious festival, Direk Lav's party received a grand reception nonetheless, given the Filipino filmmaker's repeated notable wins in Venice in past years. So, following the practice of such highprofile world cinema celebrations, "Phantosmia" had a proper photo call and a red carpet premiere.
It was on these two occasions that Janine dazzled the international press and cineast crowds of the Venice Film Festival — a twin experience, which she describes as her proudest moment to be Filipino.
"It was my first time to have a screening with an international audience," the ever down-to-earth Janine gushed in an interview this week, gorgeously tanned from the Venice sun and still flushed from all the excitement. "I'm so grateful for everyone's support," she added, as she shared the wonderfully surreal experience of an entire cinema of foreigners applauding you at the screening and walking the glamorous red carpet as part of such a prestigious global event.
"I felt incredibly proud to be Filipino at the Venice Film Festival. Walking the red carpet was an amazing experience, and seeing the Filipino flag displayed when it was our turn, as they do for
the different nationalities of the participating delegations, made it even more special."
She said she was also deeply humbled to be part of the Lav Diaz movie since she came across audiences who flew from different parts of the world to Venice to specifically watch the filmmaker's featured piece.
Direk Lav is so revered in Venice that people would stop him whenever we were out, asking for photos. Fans even traveled from places like Germany just to watch the screening. It's amazing because Direk Lav always describes his films as cultural works — his passion is to share our culture with the world. That's why it's so touching and wonderful to see how much we're appreciated and to witness people from other nationalities genuinely excited about his work." When asked how she felt about comments suggesting that, while Philippine cinema was celebrated in Venice, the spotlight back home seemed to shift to her red carpet looks, implying she stole the show, Janine responded thoughtfully. Rather than becoming defensive, she offered an insightful perspective on the intersection of fashion and film.
"I've always believed that fashion and cinema go hand in hand," Janine conveyed. "My idols like Lady Gaga use the red carpet to draw attention to their work, and I hope my choices did the same for 'Phantosmia.'" Despite the attention her absolutely gorgeous looks at Venice garnered, however, Janine remains clear that the film's significance is paramount. "In the end, the film was still the real star, and I'm sure it will be here too when we show it very soon." Janine's much-talked-about Venice looks featured two standout gowns designed by Filipino fashion
geniuses Inno Sotto and Vania Romoff. "I'm grateful to Inno and Vania for agreeing to dress me," she expressed. "Wearing their creations was another way to showcase our local talent on the global stage, and that's exactly what I wanted to do."
Usually given a big glam team for her events in Manila, Janine is also indebted to her lean and mean crew, who traveled with her to Venice. She had with her hairstylist Jay Aquino and makeup artist Anthea Bueno, who also played key roles in her festival debut.
"It was just the three of us, which made it more special," Janine noted. "We've dreamed of doing this together, you see — to make it to an international film festival, having gone to New York Fashion Week before. And it was so gratifying to see our shared dream come true."
Janine said the preparation for the high-profile event was intense but fun, adding, "It would have been so overwhelming if they weren't there with me. Actually, it was Anthea who was getting really nervous before the red carpet, and we all had a good laugh when she realized and blurted out she wasn't even the one who would need to walk on it."
Looking back at the entire experience, Janine feels a deep sense of accomplishment. "When I first started in showbiz, people would just say I was beautiful and didn't talk about my talent," she said quite bashfully. "But with this, I'm thrilled that people recognize me now for my acting. It's a dream come true to be seen for my work and not only for how I look."
Indeed, Janine's Venice debut was more than just a glamorous event. What it truly was a celebration of Filipino artistry and her growth as an actress with a bonus. That is, superb fashion playing a supporting role in her cinematic journey.
Catriona Gray Photo from Instagram/@catriona_gray
Sharon Cuneta
Photo from Instagram/@reallysharoncuneta
wit and intelligence. You will write a beautiful book, no doubt. Can’t wait to read it!” commented another netizen.
from her life in her book. “No negativity in my book!” replied the award-winning singer-actress. On the other hand, the “Mr. DJ” singer previously
PAGE B5
Janine Gutierrez
Photo from Instagram/@janinegutierrez
Honoring San Lorenzo Ruiz: A Special Celebration of Faith and Fellowship
THE Archdiocese of Los Angeles Filipino Ministry invites you to the San Fernando regional celebration of the annual feast day of the first Filipino saint, San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila. This festive occasion will take place on September 28, 2024, at Holy Trinity Church, located at 3722 Boyce Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90039. This is a significant occasion for Holy Trinity Church, as it is part of its 100th-year Centennial celebration.
This event honors the life and martyrdom of San Lorenzo Ruiz, a symbol of faith and resilience for Filipinos around the world. The procession will start at 9:00 a.m., followed by a special Mass at 10:30 a.m. celebrated by Most Rev. Albert M. Bahhuth, Auxiliary Bishop of the San Fernando Pastoral Region, Archdiocese of Los Angeles. A luncheon reception, fellowship, and program will follow immediately after the Mass. For further inquiries, please contact Marites Dizon at (310) 749-7337 or Bing Mordeno-Paccerelli at (626) 827-2726.
by C. Mendez Legaspi Philstar.com
ACTRESS Bea Alonzo is glowing as she graced the stage of SM Dasmarinas to face the throngs of fans that went to the launch of Oppo's latest artificial intelligence (AI) phone, Reno12 F 5G.
Bea is an endorser for the smartphone brand.
The actress currently topbills the trending nightly thriller "Widows' War" with Carla Abellana. She is also busy with her other projects, including her own lifestyle brand Bash.
The press present at the launch asked the actress questions that included those that pertain to matters of the heart.
“Okay naman ang lagay ng puso ko ngayon . I’m enjoying being single. Marami pa akong kailangang gawin para sa sarili ko
Bea Alonzo Photo from Instagram/@beaalonzo
and I am enjoying myself right now," Bea said. Asked about possible suitors, she playfully shared that some are showing interest: “But there
are people na, siyempre — wow, feeling maganda. Charot lang.”
Besides the continued success of “Widows’ War,” what else is making Bea happy these days?
“I strive for work-life balance. And that’s what makes me happy right now,” she beamed, adding, “Most of the time ‘ yung three days a week ko, minsan may trabaho , or my hobbies. Selfcare, like I go to the derma, I go to the salon. So, I would say I strive for a work-life balance and that’s what makes me happy right now.”
Would she say she’s in a much better head space now, as compared to a recent turbulence in her love life?
“Yeah. I'm a work in progress. I'm always trying to do my job. I want to do my job, become a better daughter, a better artiste, a better friend. So I'm always a work in progress,” Bea said.
Virgen de los Remedios at the LA Cathedral
THOUSANDS of devotees from diverse nationalities will gather for the annual Virgen de los Remedios Mass on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. The festivities will begin with a procession to assemble at the Cathedral Plaza at three o’clock in the afternoon. This will be followed with a Solemn Concelebrated Mass to be presided by the Most Reverend Clarence Silva of the Diocese of Honolulu, Member of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church and Chairman of USCCB Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Island Affairs.
This tradition on its 18th year in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles was introduced by Filipino immigrants whose widespread devotion to the Blessed Mother goes back to the Spanish times during the galleon trades between Mexico and the Philippines. In 1571, the Augustinian missionaries brought the oldest Marian image of Nuestra Senora de Guia. Pope Gregory XIII and Pope Clement VIII decreed in 1578, the erection of the Manila Cathedral under the tutelage of the Immaculate Conception. The image of Nuestra Senora del Rosario was brought by the Dominicans in 1587. She has become a national treasure and symbol of peace after Spanish and Filipino forces won the Dutch invasion in 1646. One of the first churches built in 1588 was under the title of Nuestra Senora de los Remedios located in the Malate district.
Devotion to Virgen de los Remedios was began by Pampanga’s first bishop Cesar Guerrero to get rid of communism in the province. Her image was carried in procession all over, encouraging everyone to pray the rosary and for peace. In 1956, Pope Pius XII bestowed the canonical crown on the revered image. Since then, Kapampangans all over the world have been praying to the mother of God for peace, safety, healing and family unity.
With the presence of Clark Air Base, a former US military facility in Pampanga, friendships between Kapampangan and Americans made them the biggest Filipino minority group in the United States. Rev. Rodel Balagtas, a Kapampangan and Priest Liaison of the LA Archdiocese Filipino Ministry, brought the replica of Virgen de los Remedios and Vidal Aguas of Floridablanca, spearheads the annual celebration at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the
Angels. This year’s town host is
Every September, a
crown is presented to our Lady and entrusting her children in the hands of a loving mother. With the universality of the devotion to Virgen de los Remedios – from South of France, to the region of Andalucia, on the southern coast of Spain, the pyramids of Cholula Mexico, the villages of Dominican Republic, Bolivia, Argentina, Sri Lanka and India, devotees pray to Mary, who provide for their necessities and brings them together in Christ. Everyone is invited to come in their national costumes and may bring their Marian images and banners.
“From Mary, we learn to surrender to God’s will in all things. From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary we learn to love Christ her Son and the son of God.” John Paul II
Arjo Atayde, Maine Mendoza celebrate 1st...
travel as those are only times they are able to spend time together, acknowledging they have responsibilities when they're both in Manila.
"But rest assured, it's just time management, proper time management. And we're both very happy. It's just really time management po. And she's always on my priority at the end of the day as well," Arjo added.
The actor-politician also shut
down rumors that Maine's recent absence from "Eat Bulaga" was because she was pregnant, explaining the couple went on vacation for their first wedding anniversary.
Arjo did admit he and Maine were talking about starting a family, but it would remain between the two of them. During the event, Arjo shared that he was supposed be a part of the upcoming "Incognito" series with Richard Gutierrez and
Daniel Padilla, however, he had to turn it down because of other commitments.
"It was with a heavy heart that I had to decline, as I clearly have other priorities at the moment... if I’m not 100%, then it would also be unfair to my coactors. And I've always worked a hundred percent for these," Arjo explained. "So if given the opportunity, of course I wanted to give it my all. But for now, I have to focus on this."
Betis, Guagua.
golden
Liza Soberano no longer with Careless,
James Reid’s
ACTRESS Liza Soberano is no longer signed under Careless Music, headed by fellow artist James Reid, the label confirmed.
Rumors of Liza’s departure from Careless emerged when fans noticed she does not follow the label on Instagram.
Talks arose when Liza’s former manager, Ogie Diaz, who handled Liza for over a decade with Star Magic until June 2022 when the actress-singer signed with Careless, claimed in a video that Liza is no longer “friends” with James.
Ogie also mentioned that Liza is in the United States allegedly with Jeffrey Oh, the label’s former chief executive officer. This has yet to be confirmed.
Careless then released a statement confirming Liza’s departure from the label last July 29.
“It has been a pleasure to have represented her and wish her the best in all of her endeavors,” the label said.
Earlier this year after Liza’s Hollywood debut in “Lisa Frankenstein,” James said there were “projects in the pipeline” for
label
confirms
the actress and 2024 was going to be an exciting year for her.
When Liza visited the Philippines as a new endorser of Australian cosmetics brand BYS last July, she told Philstar.com that she signed with talent agency Verve for her career in the United States.
The BYS event, which Liza graced with fellow new endorser Niana Guerrero, was held a day
after the date Careless mentioned Liza was effectively no longer a part of the label.
Other notable people signed under Verve include “Before” trilogy star Julie Delpy, actors Matthew Lillard, Tony Revelori, and Brian Tee, “Drag Race” host Michelle Visage, and new “Saturday Night Live” featured player Ashley Padilla. (Philstar.com)
SB19 reveals biggest investment to date
MANILA — SB19 held a fan meet in a Manila mall last Saturday, Sept. 14 for McDonald’s Chicken, which had some wondering: Is the Pinoy pop group’s net worth now also “bigger and better” like the fried chicken they are endorsing?
When asked in a group interview, including Philstar. com, of what has been their biggest investment so far, Stell said, “building,” referring to their company, 1Z Entertainment, and its office.
Siguro , ‘ yung 1Z po ‘yung pinaka biggest investment namin – nakapagpatayo kami ng sarili naming kumpanya,” added Josh. “ At inaalagaan namin ‘yung mga tao namin May safe space na po ‘yung mga empleyado namin Dati lalo na nu’ng pandemic, pahirapan po – may mga work from home, kung saan-saan lang nagwowork. Ngayon po, proud po kami sabihin na mayroon kaming safe space.”
More than just their estates, the team considers their contribution to the music industry as their biggest assets.
“ S’yempre po, nu’ng tinataguyod palang po namin (ang SB19), hindi pa po gaanong nakikilala ang P-pop dati Medyo mahirap pa rin po talaga, lalo na nu’ng mga early days, kung mapapanood n’yo po ‘yung mga interviews namin parang lagi kaming kinukwestiyon , ‘ Pa’no n’yo ipakikilala ang P-pop?’,” Josh recalled. “ Pero parang ngayon , hindi na namin s’ya kailangang ipakilala . As in kahit saan po kami magpunta, parang alam na alam na ng tao lahat at marami na rin pong mga successful na mga grupo ngayon kaya masayang masaya na kami na ganu’n na ‘yung narating namin – nalaman namin na para sa isang pinilit namin itaguyod, nagbubunga na po.”(By Deni Rose M. AfinidadBernardo/Philstar.com)
11 National Artists for Film honored at FDCP
THE Film Development Council of the Philippines opened the 4th Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM) with a gala night that honored 11 National Artists for Film. The agency acknowledged their contributions in directing, scriptwriting and acting that helped grow the movie industry.
Held on September 13, at Teatrino Promenade in Greenhills, San Juan, FDCP honored late industry titans Lamberto Avellana, Gerry de Leon, Manuel Conde, Eddie Romero, Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Marilou DiazAbaya and Fernado Poe Jr. as well as living legends Ricky Lee, Kidlat Tahimik and Nora Aunor.
"Sa inyong mga balikat nakatayo kaming lahat, at sa inyong mga sining, darating ang mga nagniningning henyo ng kinabukasan ng talentong Pilipino (On your shoulders, we all stand, and through your arts, the shining geniuses of the future of Filipino talent will emerge)" FDCP Chairman Jose Javier Reyes said during the program.
Present at the event were National Artist Kidlat Tahimik and Ricky Lee who, together with Nora Aunor, were honored with remarkable portraits by Filipino
visual artists Teofilo Montifar, Teresita Dimanlig-Torda, and Grandier Gil Bella. Aunor, however, did not make to the event.
With the theme " Tuloy ang Tradisyon ng Pelikulang Pilipino," the evening also saw the attendance of the National Artists' descendants such as Lovi Poe (daughter of "Da King" Fernando Poe, Jr.), Janno Gibbs (grandchild of Gerardo de Leon) and director Joey Romero (children Eddie Romero).
Enchong Dee stood as the master of ceremonies while singers Jona, Jason Dy, Nyoy Volante, Klarisse de Guzman, and Katrina Velarde added flair to the event by rendering songs associated with Filipino film classics.
The PFIM Gala Night was only one of the many activities FDCP scheduled for the month-long celebration.
Ongoing until September 27, FDCP will present classic films by National Artists at Cinematheque Centres in Manila, Iloilo, Negros, Davao, and Nabunturan, with accompanying talkbacks.
The inaugural Film Education Convention (FilmEC) is also happening at the De La SalleCollege of Saint Benilde. The
two-day event showcases top student films, engaging panel discussions, and film book sales. Designed for students and educators, FilmEC aims to elevate film education in the Philippines and inspire the next generation of filmmakers.
Still to come is the Sine Kabataan Short Film Lab and Festival 2024 at Shangri-La Plaza. The ten Sine Kabataan finalists will premiere their short films on September 20. Sine Kabataan offers a platform for youth to present their perspectives on contemporary issues through filmmaking.
Sept. 27 - PFIM Closing Ceremony at Seda Vertis North The PFIM will conclude with a closing ceremony honoring contributors to Philippine cinema. The event will feature the announcement of the Philippine entry for the 97th Academy Awards, unveil FDCP's upcoming initiatives, and showcase PFIM 2024 highlights and FDCP's achievements.
By celebrating Philippine Film Industry Month, the FDCP reaffirms its commitment to nurturing and sustaining the growth of Philippine cinema. (ManilaTimes.net)
PH’s Ahtisa Manalo trades feathers for fins in Miss Cosmo 2024 costume
by Armin P. AdinA Inquirer.net
AHTISA Manalo brought her signature fans to the Miss Cosmo 2024 national costume competition. But instead of her usual feathers, she used fin-like accents for the creation inspired by “Dyesebel,” the most wellloved mermaid that graced pages and screens in the Philippines. The new international pageant held the auxiliary competition show at the Thung Nham Ecotourism Area in the Hao Lu district of the northern Vietnamese province of Ninh Binh on Thursday evening, Sept. 19. The massive stage incorporated huge LED panels and collages of the participating countries’ different flags on both ends of the backdrop.
For Manalo’s costume, designer Ehrran Montoya took inspiration from the different iterations of “Dyesebel” from the pages of comics to movie and television screens, using the character’s signature orange hue. “The costume captures the essence of #FilipinoPopCulture with intricate, shimmering scales and flowing, ocean-inspired fabrics that evoke the beauty and grace of the mythical sea creature,” she posted on social media. Manalo also brought a
bubble machine discreetly incorporated in the costume that blew bubbles as she strutted down the runway. “This design is a celebration of
both the rich heritage and the contemporary allure of Philippine comic book legends,” she posted
The Miss Philippines-Cosmo 2024 Ahtisa Manalo in her ‘Dyesebel’ national costume.
Photo from Facebook/Miss Cosmo
Photo from Instagram/@ahtisa
James Reid and Liza Soberano at the 1st annual Gold Gala in LA. Photo by Sthanlee Mirador via Instagram
James Reid and Liza Soberano at the 1st annual Gold Gala in LA. File photo
Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairman Jose Javier Reyes (center) with National Artist for Film Kidlat Tahimik and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee. Photos from the Film Development Council of the Philippines
MANY spouses in California enter into a marriage thinking that having a fully executed premarital agreement is a “bullet proof” way of protecting their assets in case of a divorce in the future. However, it is not as simple as that. Although a premarital agreement offers some protection, the court needs to make certain findings if it’s enforceability is contested by the other spouse. Family Code section 1615, subdivision (c) (section 1615(c) ) creates a presumption “that a premarital agreement was not executed voluntarily” unless the trial court makes five designated findings. A premarital agreement is presumed to have not been executed voluntarily, and is therefore unenforceable, unless the trial court finds in writing or on the record that the agreement satisfies the requirements of section 1615(c)(1) and (2) . Last v. Superior Court 94 Cal. App. 5th 30. 311 Cal. Rptr. 3d 791. Family Code Section 1615 (c) provides: For the purposes
Pastor’s Notes
ONCE again, we find relevant and powerful words in the Letter of St. James (3:16, 4:3) during these times when our world is beset by wars, conflicts, and deep divisions among people:
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.”
These words instruct us to choose wisdom that is pure—
Overcoming the presumption of unenforceability of premarital agreements
of subdivision (a), it shall be deemed that a premarital agreement was not executed voluntarily unless the court finds in writing or on the record all of the following:
(1) The party against whom enforcement is sought was represented by independent legal counsel at the time of signing the agreement or, after being advised to seek independent legal counsel, expressly waived, in a separate writing, representation by independent legal counsel. The advisement to seek independent legal counsel shall be made at least seven calendar days before the final agreement is signed.
(2) One of the following:
(A) For an agreement executed between January 1, 2002, and January 1, 2020, the party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the final agreement and advised to seek independent legal counsel and the time the agreement was signed. This requirement does not apply to nonsubstantive amendments that do not change the terms
of the agreement.
(B) For an agreement executed on or after January 1, 2020, the party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the final agreement and the time the agreement was signed, regardless of whether the party is represented by legal counsel. This requirement does not apply to nonsubstantive amendments that do not change the terms of the agreement.
(3) The party against whom enforcement is sought, if unrepresented by legal counsel, was fully informed of the terms and basic effect of the agreement as well as the rights and obligations the party was giving up by signing the agreement, and was proficient in the language in which the explanation of the party’s rights was conducted and in which the agreement was written. The explanation of the rights and obligations relinquished shall be memorialized in writing and delivered to the party prior to signing the agreement. The unrepresented party shall, on or before the signing of
the premarital agreement, execute a document declaring that the party received the information required by this paragraph and indicating who provided that information.
(4) The agreement and the writings executed pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (3) were not executed under duress, fraud, or undue influence, and the parties did not lack capacity to enter into the agreement.
(5) Any other factors the court deems relevant.
Although § 1615, subd. (a) places the ultimate burden of proof on the party claiming the premarital agreement is unenforceable, it does not raise a presumption that the premarital agreement is enforceable. It contains a series of objectively ascertainable factors that, if found by the trial court, would overcome the presumption of involuntary execution.
Section 1615, subd. (c) , in effect creates a presumption that a premarital agreement is unenforceable on the ground it was not executed voluntarily.
In Last v. Superior Court, the trial court granted the
On seeking God’s wisdom
totally committed to the things of God; peaceable—drawing people together in unity; and fruitful—producing good works in abundance. Most importantly, it brings forth the riches of peace by seeking the right order of things. This is the path that we are called to walk.
In this Sunday’s (Sept. 22) Gospel (Mark 9:30-37), Jesus tells his disciples how to attain this wisdom. They must be the last of all and the servant of all. They must embody childlike qualities of humility and total dependence on God, willing to be instructed according to His ways. It is time for all of us to seek God’s wisdom. We are tired of living in conflict and division. We cannot allow our children to inherit the current state
of our world and nation. We must cultivate peace in our communities and beyond.
Our Catholic school education and faith formation programs exist to impart God’s wisdom to our children. We provide knowledge on the path to peace, justice, and service—not just sacramental preparations. We aspire to embody the heart of the Good Shepherd, filled with love and compassion for others. We strive to guide them to become future leaders who advocate for justice and peace. As we approach the elections this coming November, let us pray for our nation. We pray that the candidates and those who will be elected seek wisdom from above. We ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and a peaceful election.
Let us also pray for our parish and for one another. May we continue to discern God’s will and plan in building His Church through the power of the Holy Spirit. May our parish and school staff work harmoniously and effectively together to create a welcoming, joyful, and faith-filled community, always keeping in mind our commitment to know, love, and serve the Lord.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
wife’s request for temporary spousal support even though there was a premarital agreement which waives spousal support. The trial court did not adjudicate the issue whether the parties’ premarital agreement, which included a provision by which the wife purported to waive any right to receive spousal support in the event the marriage ended in dissolution, was enforceable but granted the husband’s request to bifurcate that issue. A premarital agreement is presumed to have not been executed voluntarily, and is therefore unenforceable, unless the trial court finds in writing or on the record that the agreement satisfies the requirements of Fam. Code, § 1615, subd. (c)(1) & (2) . Because the husband did not ask the trial court to conduct a facial review of the premarital agreement and make findings under § 1615, subd. (c)(1) & (2) , and because the trial court made no such findings, the agreement had to be deemed to have been involuntarily executed at the time the trial court ordered temporary spousal support. As a result, the trial court retained authority under Fam. Code, § 3600 , to award temporary spousal support to the wife. Last v. Superior Court 94 Cal. App. 5th 30. 311 Cal. Rptr. 3d 791. In light of the above, it is
you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC. This article is not a solicitation.
Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He
announced that she and her former husband and on-screen partner Gabby Conception are set to take their reunion concert “Dear Heart” to the U.S. and Canada.
Cuneta and Concepcion first held their “Dear Heart” show in Cebu and Manila in October and November of last year, respectively. The show is based on the 1981 film of the same name.
The “Family of Two” actress revealed in March 2024 that she and Concepcion were supposed to reunite at an another show called “P.S. I Love You,” but negotiations fell short.
The former couple, who shares their only child actress-singer KC Concepcion, tied the knot in 1984 before their marriage was annulled in 1987.
Cuneta is now married to former senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, while Concepcion is now with his non-showbiz wife Genevieve Yatco Gonzales.
Meanwhile, after two years, Cuneta is also set to make her television comeback via the drama series “Saving Grace,” which is the Philippine adaptation of hit Japanese drama “Mother.”
The 58-year-old singer-actress will be joined by Julia Montes, Sam Milby, Janice de Belen, Jennica Garcia, and Christian Bables, among others, in the said series.
ReveRend
Rodel G. BalaGtas
PH’s Ahtisa Manalo... Assemblywoman Rivas’ AB799 is signed into law
on social media, also acknowledging the character’s creator, Mars Ravelo.
“More than just a symbol of myth and beauty, Dyesebel represents the power of storytelling in shaping our identity and connecting generations. Pop culture encapsulates the spirit of our shared heritage, blending tradition with contemporary artistry,” she continued.
“It deserves to be celebrated for its unique ability to unite people, inspire creativity, and keep our cultural legends alive in the modern world,” added Manalo, who has always used fans in her national costumes from the 2018 Binibining Pilipinas and 2018 Miss International pageants, to the 2024 Miss Universe Philippines competition. All of her previous costumes also had feathers.
SAN FRANCISCO – On Thursday, September 19, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 799, “Homelessness Funding and Transparency Accountability Act to Combat Homelessness,” by Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-San Fernando Valley) to strengthen the state’s efforts to combat homelessness by tracking the funding directed towards and reporting the outcome of statewide homeless programs.
Assemblywoman Luz Rivas proudly represents the 43rd Assembly District, which includes the City of Los Angeles communities of Arleta, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, Pacoima, Panorama City, Sun Valley, Sylmar, North Hollywood, Valley Glen, and the City of San Fernando.
“Since being elected, I have worked to reform how the state
tackles homelessness. I am grateful for the partnership between the governor and the legislature’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness. I applaud the governor for his signature on AB 799 to create greater transparency and accountability over the state’s funding efforts to address the homelessness crisis. By requiring stringent data tracking and reporting, the state will acquire a clearer picture of the effectiveness of the programs receiving funding to refine state strategies to reduce homelessness,” said Assemblywoman Rivas.
The 2024 Auditor’s Report on Homelessness in California found that the state lacks essential information on its homeless programs’ ongoing costs and outcomes. Under existing law, the California Interagency Council on Homelessness (Cal ICH) is not required to report data
regarding its efforts to prevent and end homelessness. AB 799 implements the State Auditor’s recommendations by requiring Cal ICH to implement robust layers of reporting requirements for fiscal and outcome data of state homelessness programs. It creates a funding guide for local agencies to maximize the state dollars allocated to best serve their community’s needs. The bill also adds tribal representation to the Council.
“While local governments must be held accountable, we also need to provide them with ongoing funding to ensure the longevity of the homelessness reduction programs they’re implementing to meet the reduction targets the state is setting. I am hopeful that AB 799 will provide much-needed accountability to ensure that future legislators can secure the ongoing funding that I have
Is that gift card helping your congregation or paying a scammer?
YOU get an email from someone in your place of worship asking you to buy gift cards for a worthy cause. It might look legit, but hold on. Some scammers pretend to be pastors, rabbis, imams, or bishops to steal worshippers’ money. Learn to spot gift card scams — or your money might end up in a scammer’s collection plate. If you get an unexpected message from legitimate looking email addresses asking you to send them money, it might be a phishing scam. Scammers use real religious leaders’ names — and sometimes even your real name — in the message to get you to trust them. They’ll say they need your help buying gift cards for a mission project or a surprise staff appreciation gift (so you don’t tell anyone) — and that you need to act quickly. They might tell you to put money on specific types of gift cards like Apple, Target, or Google Play. Then, they’ll ask you for the gift card number and PIN on the back of the cards. That’s the scam. If you do it, it’s like handing the scammer
cash.
Scammers don’t want to give you time to check out what they’re saying. But don’t let anyone rush you. Slow down and take these steps:
• Talk to someone. Don’t trust the name on an email address or what the message says. Contact someone from your place of worship using a phone number you know is real, never one that’s in the
scammer’s email. Ask if this is a real request.
• Know how scammers tell you to pay. A leader in your place of worship won’t ask you to buy gift cards and give them the numbers off the back, but a scammer will.
• Learn what to do if you already paid the scammer. Contact the company that issued the gift card. Tell them it was used in a scam and ask them to refund your money. The money you paid might be gone already, but it’s always worth asking if there’s a way to get it back. Share this advice with your congregation and community. If someone spots a gift card scam, tell them to report it to the Federal Trade Commission at at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. (Terri Miller/Consumer Education Specialist, FTC)
Assemblywoman Luz Rivas (D-San
Valley)
GMA Network’s ‘Firefly’ wins silver in Content Asia Awards ‘24
BROADCAST media giant GMA Network earned top honors for the Philippines at the Content Asia Awards 2024.
“Secret Slaves: The Jessica Soho Special Report on Human Trafficking” won the gold award in the Best Current Affairs Program Made in Asia for Regional Asia and/ or International Markets category.
Produced by GMA Public Affairs, the documentary examined the global issue of human trafficking through survivor testimonies and investigative reporting. The program was presented by the Philippines’ most awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho.
The critically acclaimed film “Firefly” added another win to its growing list of accolades with a silver award in the Best Asian Feature Film/Telemovie category.
Produced by GMA Pictures and GMA Public Affairs, the film is about a young boy who searches for the mythical island of fireflies described in his mother’s bedtime stories. It stars Euwenn Mikaell and Alessandra de Rossi and is directed by Zig Dulay. Winning the bronze award in the Best Variety Program category is “All-Out Sundays.” The musical variety show is known for its nonstop entertainment every Sunday, giving Kapuso viewers dynamic musical performances and fun games led by various Kapuso talents.
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Excerpt from a review by Robert Manuguid Silverio of “Juan Luna: Isang Sarsuela”: “No doubt about it, Vince Tanada and Johnrey Rivas once again stole the show in their great performances... And a writer who watched gave them both a standing ovation.
“Vince gave a very sensitive and enduring performance as the ‘alter-ego’ of Juan Luna. His delivery of the character was multidimensional, offering a wide variety of scopes and interpretations which was very hard to do, and a writer who watched gave him a solid salute. His character’s own version of killing his wife Paz and his mother-in-law was the one that the audience believed. Thus,
he was more credible than the ‘real Luna’ himself in that certain scene of violence. But Johnrey Rivas, who portrayed the real Luna, was so perplexing in many of his scenes, challenging the hearts and minds of the viewers, with his juicy angst, superb attacks and proper nuances. Johnrey was indeed a wonder.
“Malena Leonard as Nellie Bousted, coming from GMA Sparkle Artist Center, somehow convinced the followers of independent-minded people that mainstream artists, given a chance to perform in an independent performance setting, could also awe and impress. Her singing prowess was exquisite, like a nightingale singing at Berkeley Square.”
Soon, the Philippine Stagers Foundation will stage “San Vicente: Isang Sarsuela,” written and directed by Atty. Vince M. Tanada and music by Pipo Cifra on September 24, 25 and 26, 2024 at Adamson University Theater.
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Metropop, or the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival, was held every year from 1978 to 1985. It was the country’s pioneering songwriting competition which launched the careers of many Filipino singers and songwriters, including Freddie Aguilar, Ryan Cayabyab, and Odette Quesada, among others. Its main objective was the advancement of Filipino music, and its main proponent was Sen. Imee Marcos who steered the competition together with the late Teodoro “Ka Doroy” Valencia.
Many of the songs featured during the Metropop years are now considered Filipino music classics. “It is said that music can evoke emotional responses to relax or stimulate people or help them heal. During difficult times, people take refuge in music that brings back happy memories and raises their spirits,” says Senator Marcos, who hosts “At the Moment with Imee” every Sunday at 5 p.m. over One PH, Cignal TV Channel 1, SatLite TV Channel 1 and Cignal Play App.
*
* * At classy Villa Caemilla Beach Boutique Hotel in Boracay’s Station 3, some celebrities who have been there are Ron Poe, Tom Taus, Antoinette Taus, Rita Avila and director FM Reyes. I was fortunate to meet some of their kind staff (Christy Reyes, Alden Moralda, Benjie Doydora, Gio Emmen, Razel Penaroyo, Drigs Oquendo, and supervisor Paul Panagsagan) who attended to my brief stay there. I will surely return to this place.
* * * Peoples Television Network’s Audrey Gorriceta won as the best male host/anchor in the recent 2nd Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achiever 2024, while Jamin Lim won as the best event photographer. Guia Cruz Buenaventura, host of Coffee Tea on MHE, represented the Media House Express, the first internet TV in the Philippines.
* * * Awards Committee Chairman Nirro Marcelo said that the recent Sovereign Seal of Business Triumph & Remarkable Achievers Award 2024 at luxurious Dusit Thani Hotel Manila, was organized to recognize exceptional achievers and business leaders. Likewise, he also emphasized that the 2nd Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers at The Hexagon Events Place in Quezon City was to celebrate the finest in the Philippine business community and acknowledge their exceptional contributions.
On December 8 at the Winford Resort and Casino in Manila, the 2nd Southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Awards will be held to recognize the accomplishments and contributions to the business sector, which will honor deserving individuals as well as companies.
* * * 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
Paul Panagsagan (behind the counter) and Rogelio Medina.
This year’s FAMAS best child actress Elia Ilano of “Ghost Tales” and best child actor Euwenn Mikaeli of “Firefly.”
From left: Christy Reyes, Alden Moralda, Benjie Doydora, Rogelio Medina and Gio Emmen. Not in photo are Razel Penaroyo and Drigs Oquendo.
Sen. Imee R. Marcos (right) with son Matthew Joseph Marcos Manotoc.
Guia Cruz Buenaventura (left) of Coffee Tea on MHE and Rogelio Medina. Photos courtesy of Rogelio C. Medina
From left: Rogelio Medina, Jamin Lim and Audrey Gorriceta.
Nirro Marcelo (standing, 5th from right) with the production staff during the 2nd Philippine Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers ceremony.
Vince M. Tañada’s “San Vicente, Isang Sarsuela” will be staged at Adamson University on Sept. 24-26.
Rogelio Constantino Medina
PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS
THE First industrial revolution (1760) and the Second (1870) when machines took over countless jobs originally performed by man, severely contaminated our water supplies, because factories directly dumped untreated waste into rivers and streams, resulting in widespread water pollution.
While machines boosted productivity, these advances came with substantial ecological and societal costs. They have contributed significantly to countless diseases, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, metabolic, cancer, etc.
Contaminated water kills more people each year than war and all forms of violence combined.
Today, the pollution continues.
Our source of water is not bottomless; only less than 1 percent of the earth’s freshwater is accessible to us. Four billion people around the globe, out of our current 8.2 billion world’s population, experience severe water scarcity for at least one month each year, and 25 percent of them do not have access to clean drinking water.
We are blessed to live in a country, like the United States, the Philippines, and many others, to have almost unlimited clean water supply. But does this mean our drinking water is safe?
Las Vegas is one of the most contaminated waters in the United States. Its hard water contains lead, PFAS, arsenic, disinfectants byproducts, uranium, chromium, and twonon-toxic minerals causing hard water: calcium, and magnesium
I have tested Las Vegas tap water, under-sink filtered water, bottled water, distilled water, and Zero-filtered water, and found the following Total Dissolved Solids PPM counts: Tap water has 305 TDS level; Under-sink filtered water: 56; bottled water: 50; distilled water: 0; commercial Zero-filtered water: 0.
I also tested the water in our ancestral home in San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City, Philippines, and discovered to my surprise that its city tap water (supplied by the city government’s water filtration plants) had lower TDS level than the water in Munster, Indiana, and even a lot lower than the water in Las Vegas. The FDA considers a TDS level of 50-150 PPM for bottled water to be safe for drinking. The other industry purifying
Is your water safe?
method uses tap water that passes through multi-stage (at least 5), reversed osmosis filters plus UV-C light exposure, saving the beneficial minerals in it, and bottled for drinking.
The popular Zero water filtration pitcher is a very convenient way to remove all total dissolved solid contaminants, practically like bottled distilled water.
Boiling tap water leaves sediments at the bottom of the pot and produces “almost distilled” water. This could be used in urgent temporary situations where no bottled water or filtered water is available. It may also be used safely for brewing beverages or for cooking.
The Zero Water filter does NOT get rid of bacteria, fungi, parasites, which the city water filtration system removes anyway, so it is safe to use it for cooking, CPAP devices, cleaning wounds, iron, steamers, humidifiers, and other devices that require distilled water to prevent harmful calcium build-up. Bottled distilled water, manufactured through condensation process also is free of bacteria, fungi, parasites, besides removing those harmful chemicals.
Unhealthy to drink
However, distilled water and Zero-filtered water, are NOT healthy for daily drinking because it lacks all the important minerals our body needs, like fluoride (for tooth health), especially for children. These beneficial minerals include calcium, magnesium, chloride, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, and chloride. The harmful ones are pesticides, herbicides, chlorine, mercury, cadmium, benzene, asbestos, copper, particulates, copper, zinc, etc.
“Absolute”ly untrue
While distilled water is ubiquitous in the Philippines, super cheap, and available even in tiny street stores in the most remote rural areas of the country, while in the western world it is sold only in drug stores and big grocery stores. The brands Absolute (Asia Brewery) and Wilkins (Coca Cola Beverages Philippines) are two popular brands of distilled water in the Philippines.
Kroger’s Purified water manufactured in Ohio also tested 0 for TDS level, but not labelled as distilled water.
Unfortunately, distilled water is advertised in many cities around the world as “cleanest or purest drinking water,” which is NOT true, a deceptive claim, and a public disservice, bordering on criminal false advertising practice endangering
people’s health. The same thing is true with potentially harmful alkaline water; a healthy person does not need alkaline water!
Bad side-effects
Drinking distilled water for daily beverage is unhealthy. Imbibing distilled water occasionally when regular bottled or clean tap water is not available, is fine, but not for regular daily consumption. Distilled water is more for machines.
Bad side-effects of drinking distilled water daily among adults, and more especially for children and those who are not eating a balanced diet, are: the bland and flat taste causes people to drink less; chronic drinkers of distilled water have a high risk of having electrolyte deficiency, imbalance, causing fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, organ failure, etc.; when distilled water is in contact with the air, it can absorb carbon monoxide, a poison, similar to the colorless, odorless gas from car exhaust that kills people in a closed garage.
A WARNING: Distilled water is not safe to drink every day. Bottled water from reputable water bottling companies is our best option today, anywhere in the world.
Let’s take advantage of modern scientific data to help us live a healthier lifestyle, for maximal longevity possible.
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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.
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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.
* * * 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, 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, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, pugilist Muhammad Ali, 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.
Piolo happy to reunite with Kathryn:
PIOLO Pascual is happy to have reunited with actor-friend and business partner Kathryn Bernardo at the christening of Maja Salvador’s daughter.
Pascual took to Instagram to share a photo of himself with Bernardo inside a car, their heads pressed against each other.
“Missed you [Kathryn Bernardo],” he said in the caption.
The actress also re-posted the picture on her Instagram page.
The two actors stood as godparents to the recent christening of Salvador and Rambo Nuñez’s first child, Maria.
Aside from the two, other celebrities invited to the ceremony were Maine Mendoza and MJ Lastimosa.
Pascual and Bernardo are coowners of a small beach hotel resort in El Nido, Palawan since 2022.
At the time, the “Mallari” actor lauded Bernardo for having a good “business” mindset despite being in her early twenties.
“It’s nice because she’s only in her 20s. The kind of businesses she’s getting into are still conservative, but in a way, calculated risk. It’s admirable, especially for her age,” he said in an interview.
Despite being long-term friends,
the pair has yet to work on an onscreen project. In February, upon her contract signing renewal, Bernardo shared that one of the actors she’s looking forward to working with is Pascual.
“He’s Papa P., sino’ng ayaw na maka-trabaho si Papa P. Safe to say na lumaki ako na kasama sila kasi we have the same handler… Ta’s nagkita kami nung kay Mr. M (Johnny Manahan) na lunch and then nakapag-usap. Of course I’m willing to work with Papa P. Who can say no to that?” said the actress at the time.
The “Hello, Love, Goodbye” actress affirmed that she “respects” Pascual not just as an actor but also
an individual.
“I respect him so much as an actor, but then nung nakilala ko siya bilang tao and feeling ko makaka-attest dito lahat ng nandito sa ABS-CBN na he’s so loved by many because of his personality. And ‘yan ‘yung isa sa mga traits na nai-inspire ako. He’s so loved,” she added. Meanwhile, another close friend of Bernardo, Dominic Roque, recently hit back at the netizens who tend to put “malice” on his friendship with the actress, saying these merely stemmed from claims of “delulu” (delusional) and “toxic” people on social media. (Inquirer.net)
LIZA Soberano attended the Asia Summit 2024 in Singapore as one of the speakers, brushing elbows with international celebrities including K-pop artist Choi Si-won and Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto.
Soberano, as the ambassador for Save the Children Philippines, spoke about the need for “better and more educational children’s content in Southeast Asia.”
“In most developed nations, they have TV programs, movies and a lot of different things that are geared towards educating children, uplifting children,” she said in one part of her discussion, as seen in the clip on Milken Institute’s Instagram page on Friday, Sept. 20.
“For Southeast Asia, I feel like there needs to be more importance given to those different aspects, especially because we have some of the youngest demographic in the
world,” she continued. “I think it’s important that we start investing or finding ways to invest in content creators who are giving priority, or prioritizing educating the youth.”
Also part of the event was Indonesian actress Raline Shah, who showed glimpses of Soberano, Choi, Jacinto, and other speakers Simu Liu and Curtis Chin, among many others.
The Asia Summit 2024 “brings together global leaders who are leading the charge against humanity’s most urgent challenges.” It was held from Sept. 18 to 20. Meanwhile, Soberano earlier made headlines after she parted ways with talent company Careless. This was confirmed to the public by the company founder, actormusician James Reid. Soberano has yet to speak on the matter as of this writing. n
Piolo Pascual and Kathryn Bernardo Photo from Instagram/@piolo_pascual
Liza Soberano with K-pop artist Choi Si-won at the Asia Summit 2024. Photo from Instagram/@ralineshah, @milkeninstitute
