US legislators celebrate Filipino American History Month
WAshINGtoN — members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) are celebrating filipino American history month, which recognizes the cultural and historical contributions made by filipino American communities nationwide throughout the month of october.
this month commemorates the first recorded arrival of filipinos in the continental United states on october 18, 1587, at what is now morro Bay, California.
As early as 1763, filipino sailors known as “manilamen” established the first Asian American settlement called saint malo in present-day Louisiana.
r ep. Bobby s cott, the only currently serving member of Congress with filipino ancestry and co-chair of the Us-Philippines friendship Caucus, said he was proud to celebrate filipino American history month. this is a time to recognize filipino Americans’ contributions as our veterans, our
New Filipina Barbie doll unveiled to mark Filipino American History Month
The creative mind behind the new doll is Fil-Am artist Carlyle Nuera, the lead designer for Barbie Signature at Mattel
Los ANG e L es – In honor of f ilipino
American history month, mattel has released a new Barbie doll that pays homage to filipino culture and heritage.
the “Barbie styled by Design Doll 2” was conceptualized by Los Angeles-based fil-Am artist Carlyle Nuera, lead designer for Barbie signature at mattel.
“Inspired by his heritage and haute couture style in the Philippines, designer Carlyle Nuera brings his cultural influences and artistry to life in spectacular fashion,” says the mattel Creations website.
“Nuera elevates traditional filipino fashion into the realm of haute couture, paying homage to his Asian American heritage with this spectacular Barbie doll.“ Doll design highlights include the radiant
US, Philippines launch war games
tho U s AND s of U. s . and f ilipino marines launched 10 days of joint exercises in the northern and western Philippines on tuesday, october 15, a day after China held huge drills around taiwan. the annual Kamandag, or Venom, exercises are focused on defending the north coast of the Philippines’ main island of Luzon, which lies about 800 kilometers from self-ruled taiwan. Beijing considers taiwan part of its territory and has vowed it will never rule out using force to take it, calling monday’s (october 14) drills a “stern warning” to “separatist” forces on the island. the joint U.s.-filipino exercises come amid a series of escalating confrontations between China and the Philippines over reefs and waters in the south China sea, which Beijing claims almost in its entirety.
mANILA — A large majority of filipinos are not inclined to support those who are deemed “pro-China candidates” in the may 2025 midterm elections, according to a commissioned survey conducted by Pulse Asia. the sept. 6 to 13 survey, commissioned by stratbase ADr Institute, found that 73 percent of the respondents said they would not support candidates for national posts who are “pro-China at present or in the past.” only five percent said they would support such candidates, while 23 percent cannot say if they would support them or not.
by Dominique nicole Flores Philstar.com
mANILA— the house joint committee has invited former President rodrigo Duterte, along with senators Bong Go and ronald “Bato” Dela rosa, to the next hearings on the drug war’s extrajudicial killings.
rep. robert Ace Barbers (surigao del Norte, 2nd District), who chairs the house quadcom, confirmed on tuesday, october 15, they have sent invitations to Duterte, Go and Dela rosa.
In an interview with NewsWatch Plus, Barbers said the invitation was actually made during the quadcom’s second or third public hearing.
“An invitation was already sent to him before. If I’m not mistaken, it was for the second or third hearing of the quad. Invitations were
Philippine marine Corps commandant maj. Gen. Arturo rojas stressed at tuesday’s opening ceremony in manila that Kamandag was long planned and had “nothing to do with whatever is happening in the region.” the drills’ primary focus will be live-fire exercises along Luzon’s north coast, while other activities will be conducted on tiny Philippine islands between Luzon and taiwan.
those who are against “pro-China candidates” were highest among respondents in the Visayas at 85 percent, followed by those in metro manila at 83 percent, mindanao at 74 percent and the rest of Luzon at 65 percent. It ranged from 72 to 74 percent across socio-economic classes. meanwhile, 10 percent of the respondents from mindanao and 10 percent among those in classes ABC said they would support “pro-China candidates.”
It was five percent or below in other demographics. the sentiment among filipinos reflects
2
sent not only to former President Duterte but also to senator Bato and senator Bong Go,” he said in filipino.
In an earlier statement, rep. Dan fernandez (santa rosa, Lone District) and rep. Bienvenido Abante (manila, 6th District) said the quadcom’s investigation on eJKs is a “continuing invitation” for Duterte.
fernandez is the chairperson of the house Committee on Public order and safety, while Abante chairs the Committee on human rights. these are two committees under the house mega panel.
No need for attendance
If Duterte attends the public hearings, Barbers said they will be “honored by his presence.” should he decide not to attend, the quadcom chair said that his decision will be
“It’s a coastal defense doctrine. the doctrine says that a would-be aggressor might be directed toward our territory,” filipino exercise director Brig. Gen. Vicente Blanco told reporters. “We are not exercising to join the fight [over taiwan],” he added. u
the number of f ilipinos who brand themselves as pro-marcos has increased, while those who call themselves pro-Duterte have decreased, the third quarter survey of oCtA research showed.
Conducted from Aug. 28 to sept. 2, 2024, the Tugon ng Masa (tNm) poll showed that 38 percent of adult filipinos identified themselves as pro-marcos, 2 percent higher than what was registered in the second quarter survey in march.
“Across major areas, those adult f ilipinos who identify themselves as Pro-marcos comprise around four out of every 10 filipinos in NCr and Balance Luzon (42 percent and 43 percent, respectively). In mindanao, nearly three out of every 10 filipinos (25 percent) identify themselves as pro-marcos, with a significant portion of the overall support coming from Visayas (37 percent),” the research firm said. meanwhile, those who see themselves as pro-Duterte were 15 percent or 1 percent lower than the previous poll.
m ALACAÑANG on m onday, o ctober 14 stood firm on its stance that the Philippines will not cooperate in any investigation being conducted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning the previous administration’s war on drugs. the country will also not return as a member of the ICC. “ t he Philippines will not return to ICC. Based on this, the president is not expected to change his mind and now refer the Quad Comm matter to the
ICC,” executive secretary Lucas Bersamin said in a statement, referring to the h ouse quad committee, which is investigating the drug war and related issues. Bersamin was reacting to appeals to President ferdinand m arcos Jr. to submit the committee’s recent findings — including retired police colonel royina Garma’s recent revelations — to the international tribunal to add to its case build-up on alleged crimes against humanity committed with the blessings of former President r odrigo Duterte.
US, Philippines launch war...
U. s m arines representative Col. s tuart Glenn said the exercises were aimed at helping the United states and its allies respond to “any crisis or contingencies.”
the western Philippine island of Palawan, facing the disputed south China sea, will also host part of the drills.
the U.s. and Philippines are fielding just over a thousand participants each, while smaller numbers of Australian, British, Japanese and south Korean forces are also taking part.
An amphibious landing and training on how to defend against chemical and biological warfare were also among the activities planned, according to a press kit.
As the war games began tuesday, the Philippine government announced that one of its civilian patrol vessels had sustained minor damage on october 11 when it was “deliberately sideswiped” by a “Chinese maritime militia” vessel.
the Bureau of fisheries and Aquatic resources said the collision, which dented the front right section of the BrP Datu Cabaylo, took place about 9.3 kilometers from t hitu, a Philippine-garri -
soned island in the spratly group. the crew were unhurt and later sailed the vessel to t hitu and completed their routine maritime patrol mission, the statement said.
Beijing has for years sought to expand its presence in contested areas of the sea, brushing aside an international ruling that its claim to most of the waterway has no legal basis.
China has deployed military and coast guard vessels in recent months in a bid to eject the Philippines from a trio of other strategically important reefs and islands in the south China sea. meanwhile, filipino soldiers and Australian troops began 24-day ground exercises called “Kasangga 2024-2” in the Bicol region, covering close combat operations and other warfare techniques.
Philippine Army Chief of Public Affairs Col. Louie Dema-ala said the Army, through the 9th Infantry Division, and the Australian Army started the exercises at Camp elias Angeles, san Jose, Pili, Camarines sur, on monday.
Dema-Ala said a total of 266 — 216 Philippine Army personnel and 50 Australian soldiers — will participate in the exercise from
october 14 to November 8. the combined exercise covers critical areas such as urban operations, close combat techniques, combat shooting and tactical casualty care.
s oldiers will also undergo training in explosive assault breaching, cybersecurity operations, mortar gunnery with forward observers and Civil-military operations (Cmo) exchanges. Dema-ala said e xercise Kasangga aims to enhance the skills and bolster the interoperability of both armies in various war-fighting functions. the 5th Infantry Division hosted the first iteration of the combined exercise for the year with Australian ground troops from may to June 2024.
A separate Australian contingent is currently participating in the “Kamandag 08-24” sea exercises from october 15 to 25. the Australian defense forces, along with marine troops from the Philippines, United states, south Korea, the United Kingdom and Japan, will test interoperability missions expected to take place in areas in Northern Luzon, Palawan and Central Luzon. (With reports from Agence France Presse)
Support for Marcos rises; Duterte’s...
t he survey said 26 percent of adult f ilipinos consider themselves independent or individuals who do not identify themselves as pro-marcos, proDuterte, or the opposition, a 5 percent decrease from the previous tNm survey conducted in the second quarter of 2024.
Adult f ilipinos who view themselves as independent “are most numerous in Visayas at 32 percent, followed by NCr at 27 percent, Balance Luzon at 26 percent, and m indanao at 19 percent.”
Among socioeconomic classes, independents comprise 35 percent of Class ABC, followed by 25 percent of Class D and 22 percent of Class e t he remaining 14 percent of respondents are ambivalent
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crown of the Philippine sun and fingers that sparkle with elegant gold janggay jewelry, worn by the Badjao people of southern sulu for their traditional dance.
the doll also wears bakya platforms featuring intricate bahay kubo designs.
“I could have designed anything but I knew this was an opportunity to do something meaningful for my people in the spirit of representation,” Nuera wrote in an Instagram post.
“Being f ilipino is my most foundational identity. I’ve always been proud to be filipino, and that’s thanks to my family, my parents, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles, the way we grew up. And now, being connected to and a part of the larger filipino American community, I am sooo hyped for this Barbie to finally be out in the world and hopefully make the anaks feel seen, represented, inspired and proud.”
Nuera said he sees the new Barbie as the little sister of mutya Barbie, dressed in an organza terno with the beautiful butterfly sleeves, which he created for mattel as his debut doll in 2015.
“Ate mutya Barbie even let lil sis borrow her jewelry; this new Barbie wears the exact same bracelet as m utya
“mutya Barbie really changed the trajectory
2025 PH national elections to go fully online for overseas Filipinos
by MoMar G. Visaya AJPress
NeW YorK – Consul General senen mangalile announced significant developments regarding the may 2025 Philippine National elections during the ConGen hour with the media last week, highlighting the Philippine government's efforts to modernize the voting process for overseas filipinos.
mangalile revealed that, for the first time, internet voting would be the sole mode of participation for overseas voters. there’s going to be one mode of voting for overseas voters — online,” he emphasized. this shift is expected to streamline the voting experience and improve turnout for filipinos living abroad.
registered voters will need to pre-enroll 45 days prior to the election to receive their credentials, ensuring that all eligible participants are accounted for and can access the system. Voters will be able to cast their ballots using laptops, tablets, or mobile phones, doing away with the need for paper ballots. this development represents a significant shift in how overseas filipinos will participate in their country’s democratic process, marking the first time that voting will be exclusively digital for this group.
Consul General mangalile said he attended a series of key training sessions and information drives last month organized by the Philippine Consulate General in san francisco, led by Consul General Neil frank r ferrer. the september event was part of ongoing efforts by the Commission on elections (ComeLeC) and the Department of foreign Affairs overseas Voting secretariat (DfA-oVs) to prepare for the 2025 elections. the training aimed to equip foreign service Posts (fsPs) with the necessary skills and knowledge to facilitate internet voting effectively. In parallel, filipino community leaders were educated on the new process to help spread awareness within their communities.
Consul General ferrer emphasized the significance of these efforts, noting that
continuous learning and adaptability are essential in public service. “Activities like this one enable us to adapt to changing circumstances, develop innovative solutions, and remain grounded in the principles of good governance,” ferrer remarked during the event. the information drive also saw participation from ComeLeC Commissioners socorro B. Inting, ernesto P. maceda, Jr., and marlon s Casquejo, who encouraged filipino leaders to embrace the new voting technology. In previous elections, participation among overseas filipinos has been a challenge. only 35.5% of the 1.69 million registered overseas filipino voters participated in the 2022 national and local elections. mangalile pointed out that a significant number of ballots were returned to the consulates due to various issues, including
incorrect addresses and outdated voter information. With the introduction of online voting, the hope is that such logistical barriers will be eliminated, leading to higher voter turnout. the hope is that we get a high turnout this time,” mangalile said, expressing optimism about the potential of internet voting to engage more filipinos abroad. he further stated that there would be a concerted effort to inform the public through a “massive information campaign and training” to ensure voters are well-prepared to use the new system. special provisions will also be made for elderly voters, people with disabilities, and those with special needs, ensuring that all registered voters, regardless of their situation, can fully participate. mangalile mentioned that there would be
Mass deportations will tear apart families and shrink the workforce, driving up prices and hurting the economy. While John Lee’s party supports this, Steven Horsford is fighting to protect our communities, strengthen the economy, and keep American families together.
New York Consul General Senen Mangalile AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya
OctOber 17-23, 2024
PAUNAWA SA MAAGANG PAGBOTO PARA SA
2024 PANGKALAHATANG HALALAN
ANG PAUNAWANG ITO AY NAGBIBIGAY NG KAALAMAN na ang Maagang Pagboto para sa Pangkalahatang Halalan sa Nobyembre 5, 2024 ay magsisimula sa Oktubre 19, Sabado, at magpapatuloy hanggang Nobyembre 1, Biyernes. Sino mang botante na nakarehistro sa Lalawigan ng Clark ay karapat-dapat bumoto sa anumang lokasyon ng Maagang Pagboto. Ang pagpaparehistro sa parehong araw ay maaari para sa mga taong karapat-dapat bumoto ngunit hindi pa nakarehistro upang bumoto. Dapat mayroong silang Lisensya sa Pagmamaneho sa Nevada, Kard ng Pagkakakilanlan sa Nevada, Nevada DMV “Pansamantalang Dokumento” o Pagkakakilanlan sa Tribo ayon sa NRS 232.006. Ang mga pag-update sa kasalukuyang pagpaparehistro sa parehong araw ay maaari din.
Ang mga lokasyon, petsa , at oras ng Maagang Pagboto ay nakalista sa ibaba. Lahat ng mga lugar ng pagboto ay sumusunod sa ADA. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, tumawag sa Lalawigan ng Clark Departamento ng Halalan sa (702) 455-7871. Ang numero ng TTY/TDD ay 711. Suriin din online sa www.ClarkCountyNV.gov/vote
2024 Pangkalahatang Halalan
Mga Lugar ng Maagang Pagboto / Mga Lugar na Paghuhulugan ng Koreong Balota Oktubre 19 (Sabado) hanggang Nobyembre 1 (Biyernes), 2024 Ang lahat ng mga lugar ng maagang pagboto ay mga lugar din na paghuhulugan ng koreong balota sa mga nakalistang petsa at oras
Ang mga hindi inaasahang pangyayari o kalagayan ay maaaring magdulot ng mga pagbabago sa mga lugar ng maagang pagboto o oras ng operasyon. Para sa mga updates, bisitahin ang aming website sa www.ClarkCountyNV.gov/vote o tumawag sa (702) 455-7871. Sinumang rehistradong botante ng Lalawigan ng Clark ay maaaring bumoto nang personal sa alinmang lugar ng Maagang Pagboto o Sentro ng Pagboto sa Araw ng Halalan sa halip na bumoto sa pamamagitan ng koreo.
Maaari mo rin ihulog ang iyong koreong balota na may boto nang personal sa alinmang lugar ng
Maagang Pagboto o Sentro ng Pagboto sa Araw ng Halalan sa mga partikular na petsa at oras sa iskedyul. Tingnan ang listahan para sa “Departamento ng Halalan at Mga Lugar na Paghuhulugan sa Klerk ng Lungsod” para sa iba pang mga lugar na paghuhulugan. Kailangan mo pirmahan ang labas ng iyong postage-paid na ibabalik na sobre na ibinigay para sa iyo, nagpapakita ng iyong pangalan at direksiyon ng tirahan, at selyuhan ang iyong balotang may boto sa loob ng sobreng ito bago mo ihulog sa drop box. Huwag ilagay ang iyong balota sa ibabalik na sobre ng ibang tao Kung magpasya kang bumoto nang personal sa halip na sa pamamagitan ng koreo, kakailanganin mong gawin ang isa sa sumusunod:
• Kung nasa iyo ang iyong koreong balota, ibalik ito sa pakete na ipinadala sa iyo sa isang opisyal ng halalan sa lugar ng pagboto.
• Kung wala sa iyo ang iyong koreong balota ngunit natanggap sa koreo, pipirma ka ng pagpapatunay sa lugar ng pagboto na nanunumpa na hindi ka pa bumoto sa kasalukuyang halalan at naiintindihan mo na walang sinuman ang maaaring magtangkang bumoto o aktwal na bumoto ng higit sa isang beses sa parehong halalan.
Mga Pangmatagalang Lugar ng Maagang Pagboto / Mga Lugar na Paghuhulugan ng Koreong Balota, Oktubre 19 hanggang Nobyembre 1, 2024 Mga Pangmatagalang Lugar ng Maagang Pagboto / Mga Lugar na Paghuhulugan ng Koreong Balota Direksiyon / Mga Kalapit na Kalye
Arroyo Market Square, TENT NG KAGANAPAN Paradahan Malapit sa The Men’s Wearhouse
7225 Arroyo Crossing Pkwy., malapit sa CC-215 / S. Rainbow Blvd.
Blue Diamond Crossing, TENT NG KAGANAPAN Paradahan sa Gitna ng Target at Kohl’s 4100 Blue Diamond Rd. / Hinson St.
Cambridge Recreation Center
3930 Cambridge St., Gitna ng E. Flamingo Rd. at E. Katie Ave.
Craig Ranch Regional Park, TENT NG KAGANAPAN
Timog ng Baseball Diamonds, Paradahan
628 W. Craig Rd. / Revere St.
Deer Springs Town Center, TENT NG KAGANAPAN Paradahan Malapit sa Home Depot
640 E. Deer Springs Way / North 5th St.
Desert Breeze Community Center
8275 Spring Mountain Rd. / S. Cimarron Rd.
Galleria at Sunset
Kohl’s Court, Unang Palapag
1300 W. Sunset Rd., Silangan ng N. Stephanie St.
Henderson City Hall
240 S. Water St. / W. Basic Rd.
Las Vegas Athletic Club – Decatur, TENT NG KAGANAPAN Paradahan, 6050 N. Decatur Blvd. / W. Tropical Pkwy.
Las Vegas Athletic Club – Rainbow, TENT NG KAGANAPAN Paradahan, 1725 N. Rainbow Blvd., Timog ng W. Lake Mead Blvd.
Las Vegas City Hall
495 S. Main St. / E. Clark Ave. Balidong Paradahan
Meadows Mall Malapit sa Round 1, Unang Palapag 4300 Meadows Ln. / S. Valley View Blvd.
Mountain Crest Community Center
4701 N. Durango Dr., Timog ng W. Lone Mountain Rd.
Mountain’s Edge Regional Park, TENT NG KAGANAPAN, Paradahan
8101 W. Mountains Edge Pkwy., Silangan ng S. Durango Dr.
600 S. Grand Central Pkwy. / W. Bonneville Ave. Oktubre 24 (Huw.).....................9nu-6ng
Reynolds, Donald W. Boys & Girls Club
2980 E. Robindale Rd. / S. Eastern Ave. Oktubre 19-20 (Sab.-Lin)...........9nu-6ng
Sahara West Library
9600 W. Sahara Ave. / S. Grand Canyon Dr. Oktubre 28-30
Oktubre 19-31 (Sab.-Huw.)..........9nu-7ng
Nobyembre 1 (Biy.)......................9nu-8ng
Nobyembre 1 (Biy.).......................9nu-8ng Nellis Crossing Shopping Center, TENT NG KAGANAPAN Paradahan Malapit sa Target, 1250 S. Nellis Blvd. / E. Charleston Blvd.
North Las Vegas City Hall 2250 Las Vegas Blvd. North / Civic Center Dr.
Silver Springs Recreation Center 1951 Silver Springs Pkwy., Silangan ng N. Green Valley Pkwy.
Okt. 25-27 (Biy., Araw ng Nevada-Lin.)...SARADO Oktubre 28-31 (Lun.-Huw.).....................9nu-6ng
1 (Biy.).................................9nu-7ng
Mga Petsa /
73% of Pinoys won’t support pro-China...
a profound mistrust toward candidates who align themselves with China. many filipinos feel that China’s actions, particularly in the West Philippine sea, directly challenge our sovereignty and undermine our nation’s interests. t his prevailing view is driven by both patriotic sentiment and a desire for leaders who will prioritize the Philippines’ long-term security and prosperity,” s tratbase founder Dindo manhit said.
e lecting pro-China candidates poses significant risks, as it will lead to policies that compromise our territorial integrity, economic interests. such candidates will become direct conduits for Chinese influence, which can jeopardize our national security and further empower a state that
has repeatedly disregarded our sovereign rights and the international rules-based-order. this is not just a political choice but a decision that can jeopardize our future and our nation’s standing in the global arena,” m anhit added.
Most trusted t he respondents were also asked which countries they think are the Philippines’ most trusted partners in national development. the United states topped the list with 79 percent, followed by Japan with 50 percent, Canada with 43 percent, Australia with 42 percent and the United Kingdom with 18 percent. t hese were followed by the european Union with 15 percent, s outh Korea with 13 percent, russia with seven percent, India
with two percent and China with one percent. filipinos are right to question China’s role as a reliable development partner. Beyond the West Philippine sea disputes, raging issues like the corrosive impact of P o G o s (Philippine offshore gaming operations) and incidents involving alleged Chinese espionage, such as the case of Alice Guo, have further fueled distrust,” manhit said. our people need trustworthy partners who respect our laws and our sovereignty. China’s actions have repeatedly contradicted these fundamental principles,” he added. the survey had 2,400 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus two percent. (With reports from Mayen Jaymalin, Evelyn Macairan, Delon Porcalla)
US legislators celebrate Filipino American...
healthcare workers, our educators and so much more,” scott said in a statement.
“I also have the privilege of representing a rich and vibrant f ilipino American community in hampton roads. I am proud to celebrate this month with my Congressional Asian Pacific American colleagues and filipino Americans across the nation.”
CAPAC Chair r ep. Judy Chu said f ilipino Americans are one of the largest and most
diverse populations in the United s tates, representing over 175 ethnolinguistic groups, and “have been a part of the fabric of our nation for centuries – before America was even America.
CAPAC first Vice-Chair rep. Grace meng highlighted the contributions of the 250,000 filipino veterans who served in World War II, the frontline health care workers, civil rights leaders and the “ f ilipino American voices that continue to make an impact today.”
“I am always proud to uplift the filipino American community in Queens (New York) and throughout the United states,” she said. rep. Nanette Barragán recognized the contributions, culture and legacy of community involvement of filipino Americans across the U.s t he f ilipino community is resilient, creative, hardworking, and committed to making our communities better for everyone. maraming salamat,” she said in a statement. (inquirer.net)
PH won’t cooperate with ICC, Palace...
the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers urged the president to “submit the quadcomm investigation materials to the ICC for inclusion in the prosecution’s case build-up on crimes against humanity committed in the Philippines.”
It said that what Garma revealed in her affidavit “ties up why all those senseless killings on the ground happened, and on another hand, why policemen are complicit and willful participants.” m arcos had been adamant that his administration would not participate in any ICC-led probe
or would reconsider its decision to withdraw from the rome statute.
“We still stay with our position that the ICC has no jurisdiction in the Philippines. Because we have a working police force, we have a working judiciary, and do not require any assistance in that regard,” the president has said. n
2025 PH national elections to go fully...
machines available to assist these individuals, and consulate staff will be on hand to provide support for those needing help with the pre-enrollment process or the actual voting. the september 30 registration deadline closed with 10,646 voters officially registered, adding to the 1.69 million registered voters from previous years. however, the number of voters who will actually take part remains a focus for ComeLeC, which aims to improve the historically low turnout among overseas voters. the internet voting system, they hope, will help address previous obstacles and increase participation. Consul General ferrer also called on the filipino community leaders to take an active role in promoting voter participation. “You are here because we believe you are our ambassadors and partners in empowering the filipino American community,” ferrer said. he encouraged them to share the new information with their respective organizations and networks, urging them to participate in nation-building by exercising their right to vote. n
Rodrigo Duterte invited to House inquiry...
respected.
“But again, whatever their decision is, as far as the invitation is concerned, we will respect that,” Barbers said.
Duterte has yet to provide an official response or acknowledgment of the house’s invitation.
meanwhile, the solon said “inter-parliamentary courtesy” may be extended to Go and Dela rosa if they have no intention of attending the hearings.
this means the senators will not be pressured or forced to attend the hearings as they are also members of Congress. however, Barbers stressed the invitation is an opportunity for Go and Dela rosa to respond to the allegations made by several resource persons who said the two were involved in executing Duterte’s bloody war on drugs.
“As for the senators, of course, their names were mentioned. We want to give them a chance to respond to the allegations against them so that we can be fair. We are not favoring anyone, we are not taking sides,” the lawmaker said in filipino.
If the three attend the quadcom’s hearings, Barbers said there won’t be any “grilling” because lawmakers “do not have the capacity to do that.”
“We will only allow the exchange of ideas and elevate the level of discourse regarding the subject matters we are discussing,” he said in a mix of english and filipino. he explained that house law-
NEVADA SENATOR
A C K Y R O S E N
Capping
Tackling
Cracking
makers could only source ideas on how to improve existing legislation or propose new legislation from the hearings.
Barbers cited house Bill 10986 or the Anti-extrajudicial Killing Act, which the joint committee filed on october 11. the bill proposes to criminalize eJKs and provide compensation for the victims’ loved ones.
Drug war is Duterte’s legacy but...
In an ambush interview on monday, october 14, Go told reporters that Congress applauded Duterte whenever he spoke of the war on drugs. he asked in filipino, “Why is he being blamed for it now? Didn’t the people benefit from it?”
Asked about his comment on Go’s reaction to the explosive testimonies alleging his and Duterte’s involvement, Barbers said he “never shifted his appreciation” of the war on drugs.
Until now, he lauds the former president’s declaration of a “true war on drugs,” saying the campaign should be continued as it closed down several shabu laboratories.
“I still believe that this war on drugs should continue, but not at the expense of taking the lives of our fellow citizens,” he said in filipino.
While Barbers recognized that eJKs happened during the drug war, he said there were police officers and individuals who abused their power and not all of them could be connected to Duterte.
“those abusers, how many thousands were involved? Are they all connected to the former president? Probably not. that is abuse by other officials and of the Philippine National Police,” Barbers said in filipino.
hindi ko naman sinabi na si dating pangulo ang gumawa niyan. Ang sinasabi ko lang marami po tayong eJK na nangyari in the guise of the war on drugs. At hindi ibig sabihin niyan ay lahat si Presidente Duterte ang may kasalanan,” he added.
(i’m not saying that the former president did that. i’m just saying we have several EJKs in the guise of the war on drugs. And it doesn’t mean that all of it is the fault of President Duterte.) resource persons interrogated at the quadcom’s hearings have implicated Duterte, Go and Dela rosa as key players in the drug war’s eJKs. Allegations suggest that Duterte instructed high-ranking police officers to reward those who killed a drug suspect. Go was named as the public official who had received direct updates on the eJKs for reimbursement of operations. meanwhile, Dela rosa is being accused of implicating former senator Leila de Lima, a fierce critic of Duterte’s drug war, in the illegal drug trade.
Both Go and Dela r osa denied the allegations made against them.
Go served as Duterte’s special assistant to the president, while Dela rosa was the PNP chief who enforced the war on drugs. n
YEARLONG CHRISTMAS. A 20-foot lantern greets visitors at the Giant Lantern Tourist and Information Center in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, photographed on Tuesday, Oct. 15. It is a product of the collaboration of the province’s lantern makers and the City Tourism Office while inside the center are an exhibit space, museum, souvenir shop, library and archives division. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
OpiniOn Features
Rewarding murder
As soon as Rodrigo Duterte assumed the presidency, unverified reports had started circulating about law enforcers receiving financial and other forms of rewards including promotions for every drug suspect killed.
t he only problem was the lack of witnesses and material evidence that could elevate the stories beyond hearsay. While Duterte was in power, this seemed impossible. But now that he is no longer president, and more significantly, now that he and his relatives are at odds with the administration, persons are surfacing – some voluntarily, and others perhaps forced by necessity – and shedding light on suspected abuses in his so-called war on drugs.
Among those who have decided to talk is royina Garma, who had raised eyebrows when Duterte named her general manager of the Philippine Charity sweepstakes office in 2019. Garma opted for early retirement from the Philippine National Police, where she was a colonel, to accept the PCso post. she replaced retired Navy maj. Gen. Alexander Balutan, who quit the PC so amid corruption allegations.
Garma, who started her PNP career as a station commander in Davao City, has parried speculation that a “special relationship” between her and Duterte led to her assignment to the PCso she and former PNP colonel edilberto Leonardo have been tagged by a police officer as the brains behind the 2016 execution of three Chinese drug convicts at the Davao penal colony, and the 2020 murder of PCso board member Wesley Barayuga,
I WA s in s an f rancisco for a couple of days where I was invited to deliver remarks and take part in a forum for the fleet Week s enior Leaders s eminar onboard the U ss tripoli, an America-class amphibious assault ship. With us were U.s secretary of the Navy Carlos Del toro as well as representatives of the Pacific Partnership (an annual deployment of forces from the U. s . Navy’s Pacific f leet) and the Koa m oana 24 mission from the U. s m arine Corps’ I marine expeditionary f orce. Participants to the by invitation-only program include leaders from government, the military, and the private sector. the san francisco fleet Week is the biggest civic event of the West Coast, attracting over 1.2 million visitors to the Bay Area annually. t he week-long celebration was started in 1981 by the late s enator Dianne f einstein – a good friend of the Philippines – when she was mayor of san francisco, and the
the 2025 midterm elections circus has come to town, as they say, and what a joke it’s turning out to be.
t here are 18,280 elective posts and each voter will elect 12 senators, one district representative, one partlylist representative and local officials in each province, city and municipality, according to the Commission on elections.
I waited for the filing period to end before writing this piece, hoping that at the last minute, there would be more respectable candidates and less of the laughable ones.
But judging from the long list of individuals who filed Certificates of Candidacy, it’s become a dizzying crop of wannabe politicos.
o ne can only conclude that Philippine politics has spiraled down deeper and deeper into a rabbit hole of dark comedy, horror and entertainment all rolled into one, accompanied by
a retired PNP brigadier general who was allegedly about to divulge corruption in the agency. summoned before the house of r epresentatives quad committee, Garma denied these accusations. Last friday, october 11, however, she had her own story to tell. In an affidavit that she read before the quad comm, she provided a detailed account of the alleged reward system in Duterte’s drug war, with Leonardo picked to head a task force that would apply the so-called “Davao model” nationwide. Leonardo identified the persons who would be on the narco list, Garma testified, adding that a tiered system of financial rewards was coursed through Christopher “Bong” Go, at the time Duterte’s special assistant and now senator. Go has vehemently denied Garma’s story, describing it as a diversion from the serious accusations against her. But the quad comm has summoned his aide Irmina espino, also known as muking. sen. ronald dela rosa, Duterte’s first PNP chief, has also denied the reward system, even as he has admitted that he designed oplan Tokhang , the first phase of the bloody war on drugs. Leonardo has resigned as commissioner of the National Police Commission. regardless of the motivations behind the congressional probes and witnesses’ testimonies, the nation hopes the truth may finally come out. (Philstar.com)
event has since become the most significant of its kind in the U.s san francisco is known as the innovation hub of the world and is home to silicon Valley where some of the biggest tech and software companies are located such as Google, meta and Apple. t he city continues to be the top choice of startups, with hayes Valley getting nicknamed “Cerebral Valley” because of the growing community of artificial intelligence techies and founders in the area.
I am simply amazed to see driverless taxis on the streets of san francisco – proof of the AI boom that’s happening – with many women saying they prefer “robotaxis” because they feel safer. We will need this type of transportation in the Philippines to get rid of reckless and lawless drivers.
In New York, plans are on the way to launch commercial electric air taxis or electric vertical take-off and landing (eV to L) aircraft for short distance air travel, which are also being developed in s an francisco. Imagine flying in the sky from point to point without traffic – a scene straight out of
an underlying dystopian vibe. t here’s a long list of trapos, dynasties, ex-showbiz personalities or washed-out celebrities, children of convicted scammers, content creators, online personalities and just about anyone who can actually sign that piece of document, hold it for the cameras and formally file it with the Comelec. Actually, even those who cannot go to the Comelec and file the certificate themselves can send someone to do it on their behalf just as what the self-anointed s on of God and alleged human trafficker Apollo Quiboloy, who is detained at Camp Crame, did last week. Now, it has become difficult to tell the nuisance candidates from the supposed legitimate ones. What a sorry state we’ve unwittingly found ourselves in. It’s nausea-inducing, indeed. But most of all, it’s dangerous. Is this the kind of society we will be bequeathing to our children and our children’s children? this is all happening because Philippine laws practically allow just about anyone to run for public office.
Technology: The future is here
t he Jetsons, an old, animated show about a family living in the futuristic orbit City. so much has changed in san f rancisco since I lived in the Bay Area many years ago, but it sure felt like a homecoming because of the warm welcome we received from the filipinoAmerican community. I was fortunate to join them for the 20th filipino American history month celebration with mayor London Breed at the s an francisco city hall, along with our Philippine Consul General Neil ferrer.
As I said during my remarks, I was pleased to see the thriving f ilipino community – a testament to the enduring relationship between the U. s . and the Philippines. t he f ilipino American h istory m onth celebrated in o ctober is very significant as we will also commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Leyte Gulf that lasted from oct. 23 to 26 in 1944 – a shared history with the United states. People also remember the historic landing of General Douglas macArthur on the shores of Palo, Leyte on oct. 20, 1944, which
has been immortalized in history books and that many filipinos consider as a sign of the U.s commitment to the alliance.
t he relationship between the Philippines and the United states has never been stronger, benefiting from the continuing positive momentum in various aspects of cooperation such as defense and security, economic and other areas of mutual interest. But as I have said on several occasions, we must boost efforts to modernize the Armed forces of the Philippines and enhance our defense capability to become a mutually reliable partner that can also significantly contribute to the alliance, especially at this time when we face so many challenges.
t hat is why the signing of the s elf- r eliant Defense Posture ( sr DP) r evitalization Act is very timely because it aims to develop our local defense industry and lessen our dependence on foreign suppliers down the line.
“We are anchoring our defense strategy firmly in the strength of our own resources and capabilities,” President
m arcos said, explaining that the new law seeks to “create a framework that makes us less dependent, more resilient, better prepared” for challenges ahead.
Priority will be given to research and technology, with the president emphasizing the need for collaboration among the best minds in defense, science and technology and business – to fulfill the vision of “a defense posture that is independent, dynamic, and geared to the future.”
Armscor Global Defense, the Philippines’ biggest defense manufacturer and a longtime advocate of srDP, is very much aligned with the vision of the president and already started the ball rolling by working with science and technology experts and former members of the military to develop new products responsive to the unique needs and requirements of f ilipino military and law enforcement personnel.
Armscor utilizes robotics and new technologies in manufacturing world-class products, and its m arikina plant alone produces over 650
Showbiz and politics
If you are running for president and vice-president, for instance, you must simply be a naturalborn citizen, a registered voter, able to read and write, resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years and at least 40 years of age on the day of election.
If you are running for the senate or the h ouse, the qualifications are similar except the age and the residency – at least 35 years old to qualify as a senatorial candidate and at least 25 years old to qualify as a congressman. And if you want it easier, just opt to be a Philippine party-list representative. You just need to be a natural born citizen and you must be able to read and write. It’s so easy isn’t it? one can even just fake the required documents.
It’s no wonder that alleged Chinese spy Alice Guo became Bamban mayor and quietly built an offshore gaming empire right in her backyard. While these basic qualifications were supposed to make our electoral system inclusive, the opposite has
happened instead. It’s a system that mostly favored the elite, the trapos and the political dynasties because they are the ones who can afford to mount a successful campaign.
And where do they get the funds? Just ask Baguio mayor and anti-corruption crusader Benjamin m agalong – from roads and other infrastructure projects.
It’s the reason why we see the same names elected into office, election after election while the masses see little changes in their lives.
e ver wonder why so many slum areas remain dirt poor?
t hat’s because the politicians want to keep vote-rich communities that way so that come election time, they are easy prey because they remain desperate and vulnerable.
e ven the party-list system, which is supposed to represent the marginalized, has become bastardized by the trapos, making it a backdoor entry to the h ouse of r epresentatives to those who cannot win in their districts.
I also can’t help but notice that
more and more controversial individuals who have been convicted or are facing cases in court are joining the circus. t hey should be barred from seeking an elective post. In s ingapore, if you are running for the presidency but have been convicted locally or abroad, you are automatically disqualified.
‘For the fund of it’ others do it just for the “fund of it.” running gives them the opportunity to ask money from tycoons and businessmen even if they don’t really have a strong chance of winning. maybe they want to raise funds for their retirement.
But are we so helpless to allow this? We must institute electoral reforms and raise the qualifications of political candidates.
million rounds of ammunition and 350,000 firearms annually. According to Armscor C eo m artin tuason, they already have the base to grow and the technology to start with. But in terms of research and development for products that are not yet available in the Philippines, he believes the fastest way to develop is via technology transfer from foreign partners to start building the foundation. Being a treaty ally, the Philippines can ask the U.s for technology transfer which they would probably give “in a heartbeat,” martin says. With the new law, the Philippines is taking a big step that will help it acquire the technological knowledge to upgrade and strengthen its defense capabilities through innovations that would enable it to safeguard its future. (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
* * * 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.
* * * Email: eyesgonzales@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @eyesgonzales.
Hope t his is not to say that the candidates for next year’s elections are all a bunch of clowns. t here are incumbent mayors seeking reelection who have done a lot of positive reforms in their cities especially during the CoVID-19 pandemic. t here are also progressive candidates who are running for a seat in Congress. e ven some candidates for party-list representatives give us some hope. the decision is on us, filipino voters and we must take on the challenge to vote wisely. t he voting public can choose alternative candidates and not be swayed by popularity or some love song or a silly dance. We need men and women who will save this country from further political, economic and moral decline. We need solons and statesmen, not the usual crooks and clowns who steal our money. r emember that for many of these traditional politicians, politics is just like showbiz –it’s all show and big business. (Philstar.com)
Dateline philippines
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy to face disqualification case on his Senate bid
by John eric menDoza Inquirer.net
m ANILA — Detained Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s senatorial bid will be challenged by another aspirant over an alleged misrepresentation of his political party.
the contention stems from Quiboloy’s certificate of candidacy (CoC) showing he is running under the Workers and Peasants Party (WPP).
the Commission on elections (Comelec) earlier bared that there are two WPP wings: one led by sonny matula and the other one with mark tolentino on its helm.
matula said they were unaware of Quiboloy’s senatorial bid under the WPP, while tolentino is backing the Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder’s run.
matula also announced that the WPP wing under him would file a petition on Wednesday, october 16 to cancel the certificate of nomination and acceptance (CoNA) of Quiboloy’s party.
“We are preparing to file a petition for cancellation of CoNA with a prayer for disqualification of his senatorial candidacy for material misrepresentation,” matula told
INQUIrer.net over the phone on tuesday, october 15. the Comelec previously said that Quiboloy could still run as an independent candidate even after the cancellation of his party’s CoNA, which matula recognized.
“that is one of their options, but our argument is, there is a ground for disqualification because of material misrepresentation on his CoC,” matula explained.
tolentino, however, maintained that there is no material misrepresentation on Quiboloy’s part.
“What material misrepresen-
tation? Baka mapahiya siya sa pinagsasabi niya (He might lose face with his claims),” tolentino told INQUI rer .net in a Viber message on tuesday when asked to comment on matula’s accusations.
“We will respond to that based on law and Comelec rules,” he added. tolentino filed Quiboloy’s CoC on his behalf as the latter was detained in the Philippine National Police custodial center since september over accusations of human trafficking and child abuse, which his camp vehemently denied. n
Pope tells new Pinoy cardinal: Don’t be too serious
by Ghio onG Philstar.com
m ANILA — f ollowing his appointment by Pope francis as one of the new “princes” of the Catholic Church, Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David received the papal advice to “not take things too seriously.” David, one of 21 bishops and priests to be elevated to the College of Cardinals on the feast of Immaculate Concepcion on Dec. 8, met with the pope at the Vatican, according to the facebook page of the Diocese of Kalookan on Wednesday, october 9. Conversing in spanish, David introduced himself as one of the bishops from the Philippines and added, “You changed my life again!” David told f rancis of his surprise at being made a new cardinal in an announcement during noontime Angelus.
Laughing, the pope told David, “Don’t take things too seriously, Pablo. take it with a grain of humor, God’s humor. oK?” toward the end, francis gave David his blessing. David has been vocal against
cardinal following former manila archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal tagle and his successor Jose Cardinal Advincula. n
by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net
mANILA — officials of the house of represen-
tatives’ quad committee have urged retired police colonel royina Garma to tell everything now that she has revealed an alleged rewards system for police officers who killed drug suspects during the past administration. In a statement on monday, october 14, house committee on human rights chairperson and manila rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. reminded Garma of her own remarks—that the truth shall set her free— which were uttered during the quad committee hearing last friday, october 11.
According to Abante, he believes Garma’s statements were just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what she knows about extrajudicial killings (eJKs) during the term of former President rodrigo Duterte. retired Colonel Garma’s explosive testimony last friday linking former President Duterte and his close aide sen. Bong Go to extrajudicial killings during the previous administration could be just the tip of the iceberg. this is just the beginning of a deeper inquiry into a more alarming issue: the alleged participation of higher officials in eJKs. there is much more to uncover, and we are committed to getting to the bottom of these serious allegations,” Abante said.
“As she has declared, the truth will set her free. We welcome such a declaration, and we hope she will begin to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. she should not cover up the sins of her former superiors, the former president included,” he added.
Quad committee lead presiding officer and surigao Del Norte rep. robert Ace Barbers said that he is personally interested in knowing if the order to kill former Philippine Charity sweepstakes office (PCso) board secretary Wesley Barayuga came from Garma or Duterte.
Killing of Barayuga
Last september 27, Police Lt. Col. santie mendoza claimed that Garma and resigned National Police Commission official and former police colonel edilberto Leonardo masterminded the killing of Barayuga.
Barayuga was the PCso board secretary when Garma was the general manager of the office. Both Garma and Leonardo have denied knowledge and involvement in the killing.
“We want retired Col. Garma to comment on the detailed testimonies of Lt. Colonel mendoza and mr. mariano, and of course on other eJK cases,” Barbers said.
Barbers also urged Garma to reveal what she knows about the killing of the three Chinese nationals detained at the Davao Prison and Penal farm back in 2016.
In a previous quad committee hearing, self-confessed hitman Leopoldo tan said a certain sPo4 Arthur Narsolis—his high school classmate—supposedly relayed to him the orders to kill the Chinese nationals. tan said he heard Bureau of Corrections s/supt. Gerardo Padilla talking over the phone with former President rodrigo Duterte—who congratulated the prison officials for a job well done.
3 Chinese drug lords she should also tell us what she knows about the
murder of three Chinese drug lords inside the Davao prison in August 2016. she has been implicated by at least three witnesses,” pointed out Barbers. this is not the first time that a ranking lawmaker urged Garma to tell everything. As early as friday, vice chairperson and Antipolo rep. romeo Acop told Garma that she should already take a “full bath” since her feet are already wet from testifying against the drug war.
Nabasa na iyong paa mo, maligo ko na. ’Yan ang sabi ni Congressman Barbers. Ang ibig niyang sabihin, may alam na kami, nagsabi ka na ng konti, ibuhos mo na, maligo ka na ng todo, sabihin mo na ang buong katotohanan,” Acop noted.
Last friday, Garma confirmed that the past administration adopted a so-called “Davao template” in terms of the war against illegal drugs, where officers involved in the killing of drug suspects are rewarded. Garma provided an affidavit wherein she said that there are three modes of payment or rewards—first, for every suspect killed; second for the planned operations; and third, the refund of operational expenses. According to Garma, it was Duterte who contacted her about creating a national task force. Garma then admitted that she tapped Leonardo—her upperclassman in the Philippine National Police Academy. “Leonardo conducted briefings for all PDeA, IG, regional Directors, and PNP Chiefs regarding operations. Additionally, if any individual died during police operations, Leonardo reported the incident to Bong Go for inclusion in his weekly report and requests for refunds of operational expenses,” Garma said.
“Leonardo had the final authority to determine who would be included on the list of drug personalities and to classify their threat levels, as well as the discretion to remove individuals from the list,” she added. (With reports from Emmanuel John Abris)
Royina Garma House of Representatives photo
Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio
the bloody war on drugs waged by former President rodrigo Duterte. h e will become the third filipino
Detained Pastor Apollo Quiboloy
Inquirer.net file photo
VEGAS&STYLE Journal
Marian Rivera’s ‘Balota’ sums up every angst vs politics, elections
by Jessica ann eVanGelista Inquirer.net
the public screening of marian rivera’s movie “Balota” couldn’t have come at a better time, as those running for public office just filed their certificates of candidacy (CoD) for the 2025 midterm elections and the electorate are again faced with the decision — make that bounden duty — to choose the people who shall govern them.
Cinemalaya’s 2024 blockbuster opens in cinemas nationwide starting oct. 16, but could it be a sneak peek at what could happen in next year’s elections?
“Balota” tells the story of teacher emmy (rivera), who gets assigned as one of the board of election inspectors for her local precinct but is forced to fight tooth and nail to safeguard the rusting yellow ballot box containing the last copy of the election returns before all hell broke loose in a faraway town. As is wont in many places, the ballot box is handcuffed on her wrist for safekeeping, an unwanted burden.
Driven by an aim to deliver insights on election fraud, corruption, bribery, and outrageous killings, the viewers witness emmy brave through the repulsive image of politics, mustering her courage to protect the sanctity of the vote, and ensure the integrity of the elections, no matter how damaged the system was.
In truth, there was really nothing novel about the message that “Balota” wants to impart, as time and again we have seen the subject of elections being tackled in tV soaps or even in some movies.
But what sets “Balota” apart was how it focused on one or two
persons who will stand up against evil politicians, not because they are fearless; but it is because of that fear that drove them to fight back. the strength of “Balota” lies in its determination to encourage its viewers to take action and believe in the power of collective effort to scream against the massive injustice from the people in power who would rather silence the majority.
Unlike other political films that try to give an idealistic ending that the good or the lesser evil eventually prevails, “Balota” gives an honest depiction of the grim reality of the elections, and that no matter how frustrating it is to witness the dirty politics triumph again and again, it will continue to happen and the people have to stomach it unless they will have the courage to summon their senses and elect only the deserving leaders.
In this movie, rivera shed her glamorous persona to play the role of a public school teacher
— underpaid and overworked, frustrated that ruthless and powerhungry politicians would kill for a seat in power. At that point, teacher emmy’s sense of patriotism warred with self-preservation: Is it really worth it?
rivera gave a career-best with her commanding performance, deserving of her Cinemalaya Best Actress award, but the rest of the cast does a noteworthy job, too. the movie kept switching gears from comedy bits to tense drama, specifically since “Balota” introduces content creators sassa Gurl and esnyr ranollo in their big screen debuts. s assa Gurl and r anollo both set the tone that internet personalities should use their platforms to promote competency among those seeking elective position.
Directed and written by Kip oebanda, the film also features Nico Antonio, Donna Cariaga, Joel saracho, sue Prado, mae Paner, Will Ashley, raheel Bhyria, and royce Cabrera.
PAUNAWA SA MGA BOTANTE TUNGKOL SA PAGSASARA NG PAGPAPAREHISTRO PARA SA PANGKALAHATANG HALALAN MAGAGANAP SA MARTES, NOBYEMBRE 5, 2024 ANG PAUNAWANG ITO AY NAGBIBIGAY NG KAALAMAN na si, Lorena S. Portillo, Tagapagrehistro ng mga Botante ng Lalawigan ng Clark, Nevada, ay magsasagawa ng pagpaparehistro ng mga kwalipikadong botante para sa Pangkalahatang Halalan na magaganap sa Martes, Nobyembre 5, 2024.
Sinumang kwalipikadong botante na ang pangalan ay hindi nakalista sa opisyal na talaan ng mga rehistradong botante ay maaaring mag-aplay para sa pagpaparehistro sa pamamagitan ng koreo, personal, online, o sa pamamagitan ng pagpaparehistro sa parehong araw sa paraang aprubado ng batas ayon sa mga takdang petsa na nakalista sa ibaba. (NRS 293.3568, 293.560, 293.565, 293.5832, 293.5837, 293.5842, 293.5852) Ang mga huling araw para magparehistro sa unang pagkakataon o i-update ang iyong kasalukuyang pagpaparehistro ng botante sa pamamagitan ng koreo o online para sa Nobyembre 5, 2024, Pangkalahatang Halalan at upang makakuha pa ng balota sa pamamagitan ng koreo ay nasa ibaba. Pagkatapos ng mga petsang iyon, ang mga botante na nais magparehistro sa unang pagkakataon, o gumawa ng mga pagbabago sa kanilang umiiral na impormasyon sa pagpaparehistro ay kailangang gawin ito sa pamamagitan ng proseso ng pagpaparehistro sa parehong araw, alinman sa online o sa personal (sa lugar ng Maagang Pagboto o sa Sentro ng Pagboto sa Araw ng Halalan). Ang mga bagong nagparehistro ay kinakailangang bumoto ng probisyonal na balota nang personal sa anumang
Liza Soberano grateful to Careless for helping find her ‘voice as a woman’
three months after her departure from her former label Careless music, Liza soberano addressed her exit saying the agency was a big help in finding her voice as a woman in the entertainment industry. soberano left Careless on July 29 of this year although her departure was confirmed only two months later. James reid, the agency’s Ceo, said the actress decided to leave due to differing career paths.
In a cover interview with Preview Magazine, the actress explained that her two-year stay in Careless was meant to help her take “more international
opportunities” in her career, noting the agency has always focused on music.
“Careless’ focus has always been on music. the goal was always to build my own team and gradually shift to more international opportunities,” she said. through James [reid] and Jeff [oh], I was able to find my voice as a woman in entertainment and grow as an artist and entrepreneur in ways I could’ve never imagined.”
soberano — who’s currently signed with U.s.based label transparent Arts and artist agency Verve — remains focused on making a name for herself in hollywood. this means taking charge of how she would establish herself in the industry, with the actress saying she’s “fending” for herself.
“It can be a lot of work managing all of that, but it’s honestly very liberating knowing that I’m capable of all of it,” she said. “I don’t really think about rejection. I’ve been in this industry long enough to understand how things work… I rediscovered how smart, frank, and brave I could be when I let myself.” In the interview, the actress shared that while she has constantly been receiving offers for “filipino characters with very stereotypical arcs,” her agencies reminded her to be patient, as the right project will come.
“After doing my press runs where I talked about being a filipina actress, I constantly got offers for filipino characters with very stereotypical arcs… But my U.s. representatives remind me to be patient and wait for the right project,” she said.
soberano also reflected on the stage of her career so far, sharing that while nobody “knows what they’re doing,” the entertainment industry will always remain uncertain for its artists.
“We can try our best to figure out the formula, to follow patterns, be a nice person, be the most talented person, be surrounded by the best of the best, but there’s no guarantee that that will translate to other people loving and appreciating your art. And that’s just the reality of the entertainment industry,” she said.
In a september 2024 interview with entertainment insider ogie Diaz, reid explained that Careless confirmed s oberano’s departure to avoid any confusion from the public. he also reiterated that there were no hard feelings on both sides and wished the best for the actress’ endeavors.
Sa online, lamang sa www.RegistertoVoteNV.gov dapat mayroong balidong ID o Lisensya sa Pagmamaneho na inisyu ng Nevada DMV
Parehong Araw ng Pagpaparehistro (Nang Personal), Dapat mayroong balidong ID na inisyu ng Nevada DMV, Lisensya sa Pagmamaneho, o Nevada Kard ng Pagkakakilanlan sa Tribo (ayon sa NRS 232.006)
Martes, Oktubre 22, 2024 (Huling Araw sa Online) Huling petsa para magparehistro at makakuha pa ng koreong balota o bumoto ng regular na balota nang personal saan mang lugar ng Maagang Pagboto o Sentro ng Pagboto sa Araw ng Halalan. Oktubre 23 – Nobyembre 5 (Parehong Araw ng Pagpaparehistro sa Online) Maaari ka lamang bumoto gamit ng probisyonal na balota nang personal saan mang lugar ng Maagang Pagboto o Sentro ng Pagboto sa Araw ng Halalan, at kailangan mong magpakita ng ID kapag nag-check in ka upang bumoto.
Oktubre 19 – Nobyembre 1 sa lahat ng mga lugar ng Maagang Pagboto, sa oras ng pagboto, at sa Araw ng Halalan, Nobyembre 5, sa lahat ng Sentro ng Pagboto, hanggang sa pagsasara ng mga botohan.
TANGGAPAN NG KLERK NG LUNGSOD SA PAGPAPAREHISTRO NG BOTANTE HULING ARAW AT ORAS (Koreo
Marian Rivera at the red carpet and premiere night for the theatrical release of “Balota” on Oct. 11. Inquirer.net photo by Jessica Ann Evangelista
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
Liza Soberano — who’s currently signed with U.S.-based label
Transparent Arts and artist agency Verve — remains focused on making a name for herself in Hollywood. This means taking charge of how she would establish herself in the industry, with the actress saying she’s “fending” for herself. Photo from Instagram/@lizasoberano
After over two years on air with several milestones achieved, GmA Network’s top-rating afternoon drama “Abot-Kamay na Pangarap” nears its finale on october 19. the record-breaking show is headlined by Carmina Villarroel as Lyneth, richard Yap as Doc rJ, and star of the New Gen Jillian Ward as Doc Analyn.
It is produced by the G m A entertainment Group, headed by senior Vice President Lilybeth G. rasonable, Vice President for Drama Cheryl Ching-sy, Assistant Vice President for Drama Ali Nokom-Dedicatoria, and executive Producer Joy Lumboy-Pili. this heartwarming program is under the helm of esteemed director L.A. madridejos.
* * *
Bro. eddie Villanueva’s Jesus
Is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide’s 46th Anniversary is on october 12 at Luneta, manila starting 3 p.m. with some musical performances. this year’s theme is “Christ is the answer,” based on romans 7:25a (NLt Version): “thank God! the answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” Christ is the Answer: “for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” (Colossians
1:16-17 King James Version)
* * * Ayala Alabang Village’s Gilda fernandez-Perez, 95, a retired malacanang Chief Librarian, is still much active despite her old age. her eldest child soprano Queenie Perez lives in New York. though alone, Gilda spends fruitful time with her friends and family circles, attending activities that can increase one’s nerve cells. her younger sister erly, 90, who lives in New Jersey, is still working at the same corporation she first got employed in the United states. she survived the september 11, 2001 attack in New York.
* * * foremost filipino glass artist
ramon orlina and original Pilipino music iconic singer Jose mari Chan met for the first time in the birthday of stella tansengco- s chapero during her twin exhibits at Artepintura Gallery in ermita, manila. the two famous celebrities sang a happy birthday song to her.
* * * Yogi ruiz, former head of Philippine Drug enforcement Agency and ex-Customs chief, had a recent presscon at a Quezon City restaurant, with basketball player-actor Bonel Balingit, a.k.a. Gentle Giant or man-mountain, who appears in some tV sitcoms and comedy films.
Bonel will run as councilor in Cebu City under the team of mayoralty aspirant Yogi ruiz of Kilusang Bagong Lipunan and Partido federal ng Pilipinas, a party headed by Pres. Bongbong marcos. our country needs leaders who are not afraid to take bold actions, leaders who put people first,” said ruiz.
* * * the Center for International trade expositions and missions (CItem), headed by Leah Pulido ocampo, is the export promotion authority of the Philippine government attached to the Department of trade and Industry (DtI). for over 40 years, CItem has been relentlessly helping shape the country’s image as a premier destination for quality export products and services. It continues to set the highest standards of creativity, excellence and innovation to achieve competitiveness in the home, fashion, lifestyle, food, creative, and sustainability sectors.
f rom o ctober 17-19, 2024, CI tem ’s m anila f.A. m e ., the Philippines’ premier trade show for quality home, fashion, and lifestyle products, welcomes international buyers, exhibitors, visitors, and guests with the theme reImAGINAtIoN,” where the best of the Philippines’ local enterprises, craftsmen, and artisans translate the country’s abundant raw materials into functional and aesthetic pieces.
* * * singer Lae manego-franzani, filipino Queen of rock and recipient of 2nd southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Award, has a soft spot for old people, especially the poor, abandoned ones – whether they are in
the streets or in the institutions for the elderly. for the nth time, she extended her blessings to the GrACes home for the elderly (formerly the Golden Acres) in Quezon City, just at the back of sm North eDsA. GrACes is the Golden reception and Action Center for the elderly and other special Cases which is one of the long-standing institutions in the Philippines, offering care and shelter for the elderly who are abandoned, neglected or homeless. managed by the Department of social Welfare and Development in the National Capital region, GrACes provides comprehensive services to its
residents, including medical, psychological and social support.
* * * many thanks to the staff of the office of Ilocos Norte Governor m atthew m arcos m anotoc, JP Cerezo and Jan Ilar who attended to our team (rocelle Anabeza, mikayla shaine Alonzo, Bence Lao and me) while in the province until we arrived at the bus station on our way to manila.
* * * President ferdinand romualdez marcos Jr. and first Lady Liza Araneta-marcos met with the filipino community in Vientiane, Laos during the 44th and 45th AseAN summit (october 8-11, 2024).
Leah Pulido, executive director of CITEM
Bro. Eddie Villanueva in a promotional material for Light TV.
From left: Jaysar Datuon Lorayna, Lae Manego and Madonna Decena.
Photo shows (clockwise, from bottom left) Bence Lao, Jan Ilar, JP Cerezo, Rogelio Constantino, Mikayla Shaine Alonzo and Rocelle Anabeza. Rogelio Medina (left) and Yogi Ruiz
Gilda Fernandez-Perez and Rogelio Medina at the former’s home in Ayala Alabang Village.
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (front, center) met recently with the Filipino community in Laos. Photos courtesy of Rogelio C. Medina
The cast of the GMA Network soap opera “Abot-Kamay na Pangarap” headed by Carmina Villarroel, Richard Yap and Jillian Ward.
Stella Tansengco-Schapero (center) with (from left) Jose Mari Chan and Ramon Orlina
ComPAreD to most head and neck malignancies, the rate of throat cancer in the United states and around the globe has not declined. the statistics are also true, when extrapolated, for other countries, like the Philippines, since most filipinos are westernized in their lifestyle, habits, and behaviors, etc. the most logical explanation why cancer of the throat has not diminished has been attributed to the human Papilloma Virus (hPV), a bug that causes a sexually transmitted disease. h PV is popularly (70 percent) known to cause genital warts and most cancers of the cervix (mouth of the womb). scientists have discovered and identified hPV transmission through oral sex as an etiology of throat cancer.
the American Cancer society reports that the greatest risk factors in head and neck cancers are smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages, 90% of them either smokers or tobacco-chewers and about 80% of them also imbibed a lot of alcohol.
the good news is that a trend analysis in head and neck cancers in the United states shows a decline the past twenty years, trailing a decrease in smoking prevalence, which started in the 1970s, by 10 to 15 years.
t he bad news is that oropharyngeal cancers (which include the tonsils, base of the tongue and soft palate, and side and back of the throat) have been up in some population in the United states, and probably also among people in other parts of the world who practice oral sex, where hPV takes its toll.
“the findings underscore the importance of research aimed at determining if the newly available hPV vaccine is effective in males,” stated researcher erich sturgis, mD, mPh, to WebmD, as reported by salynn Boyles.
sample of the vaccine referred to is Gardasil, which is genetically engineered, and Gardasil 9 blocks infection caused by nine of the more than 100 types of human Papilloma Virus (hPV), strains 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. these sexually transmitted viruses are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancers. hPV, in one form or the other, afflicts about 20 million Americans. the other strains of the virus cause painful genital warts,
Gardasil 9 and HPV
and sometimes, cervical cancers too.
How prevalent is cervical cancer?
In the Philippines, there are almost 8,000 new cases of cervical cancer each year, with a death rate of about 4052. Annually, more than 13,000 cervical cancer cases are diagnosed in the UsA and around 4,250 of them die. Around the world, there are 660,000 cases each year, and 350,000 died in 2022 alone. however, more alarming than that is the fact that there are between 10,000 to 25,000 women in the United states walking around (not seen by physician) who have undiagnosed pre-invasive lesions in their cervix. If diagnosed early, these women could be saved. for every four survivors of breasts cancer, there are less than 3 women who survive cervical cancer, which shows how virulent cervical cancer is.
What causes cervical cancer?
human Papilloma Virus (hPV, also known as genital herpes virus) accounts for most cervical cancers.
At least 50% of sexually active men and women around the world are infected with genital hPV, especially those with multiple partners. there are about 20 million American men and women infected with hPV, many linked with abnormal pap tests, genital warts and cervical cancer. Between half a million to a million Americans and around 5 million (4.87 percent) filipinos have genital warts, transmitted thru sexual contacts.
Is the cure for cervical cancer?
Better than the cure; it’s preventive! A vaccine (Gardasil 9) that prevents cervical cancer, vulvar, and vaginal cancer that was approved by the U.s.-fDA in 2006 was found to be “effective almost 100%, in the short term, at blocking the cancer and lesions likely to turn to cancer” (like the pre-invasive lesions), according to Gardasil manufacturer, merck & Co. the UK’s version of the vaccine is known as Cervarix. How early should the vaccine be given?
students in grammar school, middle school and high school should be vaccinated before they become sexually active, because once they catch hPV infection, there is no cure; herpes is for life.
As a joke goes: “Unlike love, herpes is forever.” Prophylaxis Gardasil 9 vaccination comprehensively eliminates 9 hPV strains associated non-invasive and invasive cervical cancer. the vaccine also cuts down infection with hPV 6 and 11, the causes of 90% of genital warts, and
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
WhILe Kathryn Bernardo and Alden richards have always been friends off-screen, they shared that filming their upcoming film “hello, Love, Again” gave them a chance to become closer.
richards credited their “more effective acting” to the fact that they have gotten to know each another better during filming.
“We’ve been talking, and are just getting to know each other well, because before (while shooting ‘hello, Love, Goodbye’), we really didn’t have that chance to talk,” he said in an interview with ABs-CBN’s “on Cue,” which aired on tV Patrol and posted on the network’s Youtube news channel.
“We became more comfortable with one another, more familiar. that was our way to make this film even more effective than when we first met in the first film.” meanwhile, Bernardo said the change of work environment from the 2019 hit film, allowed them to be more comfortable with each other.
“We’re different from how we were before. And I got to know him better over the years. If we’re talking about comfortability, we’re in the stage where we’re very comfortable. We can talk about anything like friends. It just so happens that we have a movie project,” she added.
And had “hello, Love, Again” not push through, richards and Bernardo said their friendship would still have endured as it has always been there from
7 other strains. How about throat cancers? of the 45,000 head and neck cancers in the Us each year, about 10,000 of them are oro-pharyngeal cancers, and tongue cancers among young adults have also increased. the evident conclusion is that the cause is the hP virus. “over the last five years, 35% of the throat cancer patients treated at the m.D. Anderson Cancer Center had no history of smoking, and that close to 90% of patients who had never smoked showed evidence of oral infection with hPV,” says Dr. sturgis on Web mD.
t he researchers felt that “vaccinating only females against hPV, which is currently the policy in the United states (starting at 9- to 12-year-old girls and boys, and for women up to age 26 who have not received it), could result in a missed opportunity to prevent throat cancers.” studies on the vaccine among males are underway, aimed at an over-all protection of both populations. the use of kitchen cling plastic wrap placed over the woman’s private area has been advocated by some as a practical option to prevent hPV transmission via oro-lingual infection.
Unprotected oral sex is dangerous! o ro-pharyngeal malignancies are a miserable cancer and could be fatal.
* * * 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.
* * *
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, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was 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, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom, scientists, and educators. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888. com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Amazon.com (“Where is My America?”); Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
the start since “hello, Love, Goodbye.”
“It hasn’t gone away since. We were just busy with our own projects and work commitments but it has always been there),” the Kapuso actor said.
Citing her intimate 28th birthday as an example of their bond, the actress pointed out that the cast of “hello, Love, Goodbye” has always been close behind the scenes.
“Imagine, my birthday celebration (last march) was very intimate, and ‘hello, Love, Goodbye’ was part of that. even Joross and I talk. so, it’s not just Alden and I,” she said.
“hello, Love, Again” is the sequel to the 2019 film hello, Love, Goodbye,” which was the top-grossing Philippine movie until it was toppled in the tills by rewind” starring marian rivera and Dingdong Dantes in January 2024.
Pia Wurtzbach reflects on struggles of navigating public scrutiny
by Jessica ann eVanGelista Inquirer.net
P IA Wurtzbach weighed in on the struggles of dealing with public scrutiny as a celebrity, emphasizing that a single social media comment can easily spark intense online discourse.
t he m iss Universe 2015 titleholder took to Instagram to share an activity she recently engaged with that prompted the question, “What seems easy for others but is hard for you?”
“Being a public figure comes with benefits and challenges. I’m grateful for the opportunities and appreciate the support from my audience, but navigating public scrutiny can be tough,” she began her caption.
“A simple comment can lead to intense judgment and heated arguments online, making it overwhelming and hard to balance authenticity with expectations. A quick look at my comment section reveals the extent of that. Ultimately, staying true to yourself is what matters. h ave you ever felt judged or misunderstood in a similar way?” she stated.
Wurtzbach became subject of public scrutiny following her rumored feud with h eart evangelista, which stemmed from the beauty queen alleged “stealing” of the latter’s fashion week contacts.
the 35-year-old beauty queen was recently defended by Justin Louise s oriano, e vangelista’s former makeup artist, as he emphasized that Wurtzbach never stole “contacts and connections” from anyone, as she is already “well-connected” in the fashion industry. Not long after, e vangelista dropped an intriguing remark about how she “did not lie,” which elicited a response from her former makeup artist and close friend Albert Kurniawan, who affirmed that evangelista is indeed not a “liar.”
Celebrating 40 years of music and movies
by Christina alpad ManilaTimes.net
oNCe, when raymond Lauchengco was in elementary school, he accidentally got on the wrong bus going home. he realized his mistake because he couldn't find his sister, whom he usually rode home with, on board. however, as a shy and introverted young boy, he chose not to say a word.
"I rode the bus until it went back to school, so my parents had to pick me up there," he recalled at a media roundtable in Paranaque City. this childhood story may seem like a small moment, but it highlights a recurring theme in Lauchengco's life — unexpected detours that led to remarkable destinations, many of which the public came to know well. for indeed, how could that same kid go on to charm and win audiences in the quintessential coming-of-age film of the '80s, Bagets," and many other movies that followed. how too could he have found the courage to bring such hits like "farewell," "so It's You," "Saan Darating Ang Umaga" and "I Need You Back," among many others to classic oPm status?
"I just got lucky," Lauchengco said, still humble as ever, 40 successful years into his career. he has even chosen this sentiment as the title of his milestone anniversary concert, "Just Got Lucky," at the theater at solaire on November 23. this concert is my way of saying thank you to people who have listened to me and continue to listen to me for 40 years," the singer-actor expressed.
Lauchengco promises around 20 songs in his repertoire for the musical evening, some of which will he will share with special guest Bituin escalante and other surprise performers.
"[In conceptualizing the show], I felt the thing that would suit my audience most is if I brought them back to where it all
started — the '80s. so this will be an '80s concert. I'll be singing the best of the decade, whether oPm or the top 40, slow or fast. It's gonna be lots of fun."
Looking back at his storied showbiz career, Lauchengco recalled that his discovery was serendipitous.
"If you think about it, I was lucky. sharon Cuneta discovered me. I didn't have to audition or anything. she just saw my picture one day in my dad's office, who was one of her teachers. the next thing I knew, I was with Viva; then I was recording an album with all these hits by the best composers — George Canseco, Louie ocampo, odette Quesada, Willie Cruz and Cecil Azarcon.
these were given to me on a silver platter, so I really feel like I got lucky. But the more appropriate term is I've been blessed. I'll explain more about it during the concert," Lauchengco told The Manila Times
the 58-year-old revealed there were indeed times when he would wonder why a shy kid like him was allowed to join the entertainment industry. through the years, you realize it's a gift. I thought I was going to be a doctor or an architect, but that wasn't my gift," he reflected.
Despite the ease with which his career took off, Lauchengco remains grounded in his love for music and the people he performs for.
"Along the way, when I would sing for a live audience, that would give me the courage to reach out and create a special bond with people. that's the power of music in my life, so that's how I see it — as a gift. singing allows me to come out of my shell." he added, "for me, it's not about the singing. It's about the people I sing for. singing is just a tool. I use it to connect, and that's what matters more to me."
Pia Wurtzbach
Photo from Instagram/@piawurtzbach
In 2023, e vangelista had a falling out with her former glam team, including soriano, amid the allegations that they stole the former’s industry contacts, maxed out her credit cards, and utilized black propaganda against her fashion week content. evangelista’s ex-glam team is now working with Wurtzbach as she tries to break into the fashion week industry.
The OPM icon and actor celebrates his 40th anniversary in showbiz with ‘Just Got Lucky,’ an all ‘80s concert at The Theater at Solaire on November 23. Photo from Instagram/@raymondlauchengco
Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards Instagram/@aldenrichards02
Filipino films ‘Iti Mapukpukaw,’ ‘Sunshine’ nominated at 2024 Asia Pacific Screen Awards
by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com
tWo filipino movies were nominated at this year's Asia Pacific screen Awards (APsA), as well as two films that were joint efforts between filipino producers and producers from neighboring countries.
Cinemalaya 2023 Best film winner "iti Mapukpukaw," starring Carlo Aquino and Dolly de Leon, is up for Best Animated film, with director Carl Joseph Papa and producers Dan Villegas and Geoderic Lomuntad receiving the nods. Villegas and Lomuntad are also producers of Antoinette Jadaone's sunshine," nominated for Best Youth film, and all three received nods along with another producer Bianca Balbuena.
the director of photography of "Viet and Nam," son Doan, is nominated for Best Cinematography. "Viet and Nam" is a joint effort of the Philippines, singapore, france, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Vietnam, and the United states.
finally the four directors of "XiXi," Venice de Castro Atienza,
fan Wu, sona Jo, and her Yonsoo, are up for Best Documentary film. similar to the previous film mentioned, "XiXi" is a film collaboration between the Philippines, taiwan, and Korea.
"All We Imagine As Light" and "April" lead all APsA nominees with five nods each, both competing for Best film, Best Director, Best screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Performance.
"Desert of Namibia," "happyend," and "to Kill a mongolian horse" complete the Best film race. this marks the first time in APsA's history that the five top nominees are amateur or sophomore films, and just one of them is not directed by a female director.
All five nominees for Best Performance are women, a first for the ceremony since the acting category became ungendered.
the awarding will take place on November 30 in Gold Coast, Australia, right after the Asia Pacific screen forum.
After making history at Cinemalaya 2023, "iti Mapukpukaw" was selected as the Philippines' entry to the oscars that year for Best International feature film but it
didn't make the shortlist.
sunshine," starring maris racal, premiered at the recent toronto International film festival, where all its three screenings sold out.
Jadaone told Philstar.com that the film will continue going around the film festival circuit before a commercial release in the Philippines.
the Philippines' last APsA was its joint film "Autobiography" with Indonesia, france, singapore, Poland, Qatar, and Germany, when it was awarded Best screenplay in 2022.
three filipinas previously won Best Performance by an Actress, namely, max eigenmann for "Verdict," hasmine Killip for "Pamilya ordinaryo," and National Artist Nora Aunor for "Sinapupunan." halaw" director sheron Dayoc and "Ang Babae sa septic tank" filmmaker marlon rivera were back-to-back winners of the the NetPAC Development Prize in 2011 and 2012, with Brillante mendoza also winning an Achievement in Directing for "Sinapupunan" during the latter year.
Vina Morales: I want to excel
by leaH c salterio Philstar.com
U L t I m A te Performer
Vina morales is no stranger to performing at Winford hotel and Casino. she earlier did a successful concert at the hippodrome Bar and Lounge of the hotel last february.
t hat’s why when Vina was offered to perform at the 1,000-seater Winford hotel and Casino Ballroom, she readily gave her nod. on Nov. 16, Vina returns to the live concert stage. “I’m excited to perform for everybody,” Vina told The Philippine STAr. “there will be a lot of singing and dancing in my concert.”
Last year, Vina did an Australian tour and this year, she did a threemonth concert tour in the U.s “ t hose were ticketed shows,” Vina clarified. “here in manila, my forthcoming concert at the Winford hotel will sell tickets.”
Vina admitted she is back home to stay for a long time. “manila is my base. It just so happened that my work abroad came one after the other,” she said.
“I did ‘ h ere Lies Love’ in Broadway last year. Before that, I did a show with David Pomeranz. I was away for a long time.”
A major concert for Vina is always part of her work plan. “I always go with the flow,” she said. “Whatever that’s given to me, be it in a Big Dome or a ballroom, I just make sure that I give a good performance.
“of course, who doesn’t want me to do a concert at Araneta (Coliseum) again, if there’s an opportunity or a chance. I did ‘showgirl’ at Araneta and its repeat. But that has been a long time. Whatever I have now, I am just so grateful.
“I’m just happy that I still get the chance to entertain the audience all these years. It doesn’t have to be a huge venue.”
Vina recently did a three-month tour in the U.s some of the songs that will make it to her set list at Winford hotel are her songs in the U.s. tour. h er director, Vergel s to. Domingo, is also her concert producer. Backing her up is rhythmic Circle, the band of Nyoy Volante. Guests are new artists Dindo fernandez, Niña Campos, David Young and Nathan randal.
“We are talking to finalize our repertoire,” Vina granted. “this is a high-energy performance. Walang matutulog.” to bring back memories, Vina will render her classic hits and a medley of the teleserye theme songs that she recorded.
“I never thought that I already did a number of teleserye themes,” she humbly said. “more than 10 already. my goal is to make people sing and dance with me the whole night. the line-up is full of upbeat songs and heartbreaking numbers. makabagbag-damdamin.”
s he continued, “It will be a whole band with live dancers, power guests who will be singing their respective songs. We will also perform songs together and a few surprises for everyone to make the show fresh. some songs that are new, songs from this generation and the past, I will get to render. so the audience can relate.”
s he will have a lot of quick changes within the show, as her usual wont when she mounts the stage. “Like the concerts that I did in the Us, I didn’t have guests for my entire show. I didn’t leave the stage. I would exit for five to 10 seconds then return right away.”
Vina is excited to be doing another ticketed show again. “here (in manila) or in the U.s filipinos are familiar with the songs that I sing in my concert,” she said. “they know my classic hits. those are the songs they want to hear. those tunes bring back memories.
“Before, almost every day, viewers would hear my voice because of the teleserye. their excitement remains the same. I’m they are excited again to watch me. I will make sure to give a fun show, a great show.”
Viina loves doing concerts because she wants to entertain people. she is pleased that she gets opportunities to entertain her fans.
“I want to excel,” said Vina. “I get to train with my group of dancers. I do voice lessons. there are people who help me and guide me. When I want to excel, I put my heart into it. Practice makes almost perfect.”
“When I was younger, I planned things ahead and I set myself a goal to inspire me to reach it. But today, I don’t give myself a deadline anymore, says five years or 20 years. that’s so stressful,” she added.
“I started in showbiz when I was nine. I feel like I’ve already done so much. I’ve worked so hard and I’m thankful for everything that I’ve accomplished. When you get older, I just go with the flow and take it one day at a time. I don’t want to end my sentences with a period.” Vina last did a film in 2023,
The world is a big stage for Niana Guerrero
soCIAL media superstar Niana Guerrero is one of the most followed filipino content creators with a hundred million followers across her online accounts on tiktok, facebook, Instagram, and Youtube.
Niana said she started making videos with her brother only for fun. “We never expected that people would like them.”
Being a celebrity comes with a hefty price such as the loss of privacy. You relinquish your right to privacy the moment you become a public figure.
A star is always on the radar of the prying public.
People are captivated by Niana’s talents and beauty, and are curious to know more about her.
“With what I do, everything is out there. I vlog all the time but I always make sure that bina-balance ko po iyong work and my personal life,” she said.
Niana can still go to the malls with a companion. she accommodates people who would request her for photos or birthday greetings for their loved ones. f inancial gains also come with fame due to endorsements and personal appearances during events. Niana’s dad handles her money and workrelated transactions with people.
“I manage my money but my parents are always there to guide me when it comes to spending stuff.” the social media superstar, who has a hundred million followers across her online accounts, has met global music stars, including Billie eilish.
Niana is over the moon because her bias, Bts’ Jungkook, follows her on t ik tok. t he K-pop sensation would click “like” and post comments on Niana’s videos. her dream collaboration is with Jungkook which is not impossible to happen. t he famous content creator finally met her idol, Billie eilish, when she went to Los Angeles, California to watch the show of the American singersongwriter for her latest album titled hit me hard and soft. Niana got lucky to hug and take photos with Billie backstage.
Niana has been doing entertaining videos like Gwiyomi, teach me how to Dougie, and Despacito since she was young. “ever since my brother was really the mastermind of all the video content ideas and I would just ride on it because it was really fun. my brother and I have a strong bond. We have fun dancing. Iyon na po iyong naging siblings bonding namin,” Niana explained. the siblings used to create video content only by themselves but they now have a production team that helps them think of interesting ideas since trends are evolving quickly.
Niana admitted that she sometimes thinks about why she has become this big but ends up with no answer. “I feel like I just really have an insane love for dancing that I just did. Nagkataon people really like it. It just started from there.” she looked for a coach and started real training in dancing when she turned 13 years old. she is a head-turner at 18. At 18, what does she know about romantic love? she replied, “Love is precious. I have so much love for my family, for music, for art.” Niana has more freedom but her parents are still there to guide her. many are asking if she is considering getting into showbiz. “I’m doing the whole social media thing. I’m enjoying it as of now. I’m not closing any doors.” the world is a big stage for Niana. she is young, beautiful, and talented. the future looks bright for her. We are excited about Niana’s journey as the best is yet to come.
but was shown early this year. Jalz Zarate directed Vina in the heartwarming film, “sunny,” about a middle-aged woman who wants to fulfill a dying wish to reunite with her high school friends. meanwhile, Vina was last seen in a teleserye in “marry me, marry You,” with Janine Gutierrez, Paulo Avelino, Cherry Pie Picache and Lotlot de Leon.
two years ago, Vina started a relationship with Andrew Kovalcin, an American who runs an advocacy and public affairs firm in Washington, D.C. the initially met back in 2001 in hawaii, while she was on a concert tour.
Vina found out about Andrew’s efforts to reconnect with her again in 2022 and they maintained a longdistance relationship. Last year, they got a chance to have a vacation in seminyak, Bali in Indonesia.
When Vina returned recently after her three-month concert tour in the Us, she divulged the relationship is over.
Although loveless at the moment, Vina admitted performing keeps her busy. she did Broadway last year with eight shows in a week. she is grateful to be part of “here Lies Love” and the people in Broadway had been very supportive of her theater venture, especially Lea salonga.
“Who would have thought that I would reach Broadway?,” said Vina. “Dati sa Broadway Centrum lang ako pumupunta, now I got to reach Broadway in in New York. Not New York, Cubao.
“my love for theater and respect to the actors, mas lalong tumaas pa,” she maintained. “the day before I went onstage, I panicked because I only had three days of rehearsals. that was a very short time for me, so I really felt the pressure. I was crying.”
“I did solo concerts before or even did ‘rock of Ages’ (2012). I had a very short time to rehearse for ‘here Lies Love’ and I took over from the role played by Lea. You cannot commit a mistake. I learned a lot being a theater actor when I worked in Broadway.”
Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz
ARE FIGHTING FOR US
They are running to expand opportunity so that every American can not just get by, but achieve their American Dream.
The Harris-Walz Administration will:
Lower the costs of everyday needs like health care, prescription drugs, housing, and groceries.
Grow small businesses and invest in entrepreneurs.
Raise the minimum wage and eliminate taxes on tips for service and hospitality workers.
Ensure safety by reducing violent crime, supporting local law enforcement, and passing gun safety legislation.
Restore and protect reproductive freedoms.
Donald Trump is running to enact his extreme and dangerous Project 2025 agenda that gives him unprecedented, unchecked power to roll back Americans’ rights and freedoms, hurt the middle class, and threaten our democracy.
MAKE YOUR PLAN TO VOTE NOW!
You can vote early by mail, in person or on Election Day. Early voting in person starts October 19th. You can register at a vote center during early voting or on Election Day, if needed.
To find more information about voting and ballot drop off locations, go to www.iwillvote.com/nv
