54 minute read
Page
COVID..
(From page 1)
As of October 27, the Philippines has recorded 2,768,849 confi rmed COVID-19 cases as it logged 3,218 new infections for that day, of which, 50,152 or 1.8% were active, according to the Department of Health.
The death toll climbed to 42,348 on October 27, which is 1.53% of the COVID-19 total, after 271 more people lost their lives. For the past four days, the number of new fatalities have been above a hundred.
With continued drop of cases, offi cials project a happy Christmas with more businesses open, travel restrictions relaxed, curfew reduced to four hours and quarantine days cut, especially for vaccinated international and domestic travellers. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, however, warned that the convergence of large crowds for the Christmas season, together with the public’s complacency in following health protocols, could lead to a fresh wave of cases in four to six months.
This as the World Health Organization (WHO) emergency committee warned that despite vaccination, the COVID-19 crisis is “far from over.”
“While progress has been made through increased uptake of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics, analysis of the present situation and forecasting models indicate that the pandemic is far from fi nished,” the WHO said in a statement during a virtual meeting.
The WHO emergency committee called for further research into reusable masks and respirators, and next-generation vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics “for long-term control of the pandemic”.
“The use of masks, physical distancing, hand hygiene, and improving ventilation of indoor spaces remain key to reducing transmission of SARS CoV-2,” the statement stressed.
The decline of cases prompted the DOH to place the Philippines under low-risk classifi cation, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on October 25.
“Nationally we are at low-risk case classifi cation with a negative two-week growth rate at negative 48% and a moderate risk average daily attack rate of 5.89 cases for every 100,000 individuals,” Vergeire said in a virtual briefi ng
She added that the national health system capacity is now at moderate risk classifi cation.
“All of the regions now with a negative two-week growth rate and low- to moderate- risk case classifi cations,” Vegeire continued.
Vergeire said that the epidemic curve in the country showed that cases peaked from September 6 to 12, where 20,946 were reported daily on average.
Meanwhile, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. reported to President Rodrigo Duterte in a meeting that “more or less 50 percent” of the population may be vaccinated by the end of December.
As of October 25, the country has immunized 25.95 million individuals, while nearly 30.3 million are partially vaccinated.
The country has received a total of 97.6 million doses of diff erent COVID-19 vaccine brands, of which, 55.7 million have already been administered.
Galvez said the goal of receiving 100 million doses of vaccine this month may be reached as additional shipments courtesy of the COVAX facility and some donor countries may arrive later this week.
In other developments: 1. It would be impossible for the Philippines to achieve this year the government’s high-end target of fully vaccinating against the coronavirus 70 percent of the country’s population, said Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, adding covering some 77.1 million people, may only be reached in the fi rst quarter of 2022. The DOH targets at least 50 percent of the population by the end of the year. 2. Nationwide COVID-19 vaccination for all minors aged 12 to 17 will start as early as November 3, said vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. The DOH said that Pfi zer and Moderna vaccines will l be used among children during the nationwide rollout. 3. Metro Manila is ready to shift to Alert Level 2 from 3 by November should infections and coronavirusrelated hospitalizations continue to drop, said Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano and the DOH.
The WHO emergency committee said the protracted pandemic was making humanitarian emergencies, mass migration and other crises more complex, adding states should e revise their preparedness and response plans.
The WHO committee fi rst declared on January 30 last year that the virus was a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) -- the highest alarm the WHO can sound.
The committee maintained its insistence that proof of vaccination should not be required for international travel or be the only condition for it “given limited global access and inequitable distribution of Covid-19 vaccines.”
SSF...
(From page 1)
PIONEERS AND PROTEGES
Pioneers and proteges showed up at the reception Saturday, Americans of Filipino and other descent, whose causes Bulos led or supported passionately. Among those who braved the rare storm forecast to celebrate together were lawyer and Filipino WWII veterans champion Lourdes Tancinco, Bayanihan Equity Center executive director Luisa Antonio and Bernadette Sy Borja, who founded the Filipino American Development Fund for low-income families San Francisco with her father and Bulos friend Dr. Mario Borja.
Publisher/philanthropist and Philippine International Aid founder Mona Lisa Yuchengco and her husband Lloyd LaCuesta, retired TV news reporter who emceed annual gala fund raisers of Bulos alumni association Thomasians USA for love; Vennie Acebedo and Elsa Agasid of California Health Initiative and Polly Cortez of Pasig- South San Francisco Sister City Committee listened to Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer praise Bulos’ embrace of both Filipino and American traditional values during the program.
San Jose youth and older adults proponent Ben Menor, former FilAm Chamber of Commerce San Mateo County executive director Blessy Valera and Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center co-founder Perla Ibarrientos, who started collaborating with Bulos in the 1970s through common and divergent eff orts, nodded as Father Ray Reyes of St. Augustine Church hailed Bulos as a “true shepherd.”
First FilAms elected in their City Councils Mike Guingona (Daly City) and Larry Formalejo (Colma) heard San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President David Canepa commend Bulos’ humility, selflessness and loyalty.
Longtime advocate and neighbor Goya Navarrete smiled hearing Bulos’ grandchildren Charity and Charles B. Ramilo repeat their Mami Alice’s memorable maxims that guide them today as educators and community activists.
“Tita Alice” as her admirers refer to the acknowledged “Grand Dame of FilAm empowerment” would have been 91 today. Few of her contemporaries attended the event presumably out of pandemic safety precautions; in their place, however, latter- day mentees rose to the occasion.
In fact the reason for the gathering was the handiwork of Bulos mentee Council Member Flor Nicolas, the fi rst FilAm woman elected in South San Francisco along with fi rst FilAm male Council Member now Vice Mayor Mark Nagales, in 2018.
Clad in a kimona stressing pride in her Philippine heritage, Nicolas disclosed how the project came to fruition. (See Upside.)
Coincidentally the Center was built in 1988, the year Bulos and Nicolas fi rst met.
“I must have had the look of a new immigrant,” which Nicolas was, speculating what moved Bulos, who was chair of the University of Santo Tomas sociology department prior to joining her husband in California, to reach out to her after Sunday Mass with an invitation to get involved.
MENTOR MINDSET
“She talked with me about the importance of representation and community involvement. I wanted my children to thrive in our new environment, so I had to learn to adapt quickly,” Nicolas, VP pf global drug safety and pharmacovigilance of Rain Therapeutics in Newark, related how she and her husband Nenar began attending meetings at the Bulos home. They discussed how to get more people of color elected in their town whose surging Asian and Latino population they believed was underrepresented in town decision-making. They poured support for Pedro Gonzalez, the fi rst Latino on the City Council, now retired and present at the Center rites with former Council Members Rich Garbarino and Matsumoto.
Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo and Vice Mayor Rod Daus- Magbual, both FilAms born long after Bulos and husband lawyer Donnie Bulos had formed their voter registration organization Filipino American Grassroots Movement, witnessed the event as did their fellow Council Member Pamela di Giovanni.
“I stand on the shoulders of Filipino American community leaders such as Alice Bulos, Tita Perla (Ibarrientos), or Bulletx (Marasigan) because I feel it is my responsibility to take the baton on what they created,” Daus-Magbual, a Skyline College professor of Ethnic Studies, introduced his daughter and parents to this writer. “The foundation they built represents an institution of leadership to fi ght for representation, advocacy, and equity for our community. It was also signifi cant for my family to learn about the history of Pinay leadership that is seldom highlighted in Filipino American history.”
Seeing the sign “gave me chills of joy,” said Nan Santiago, 2021 President of Alliance for Community Empowerment, the all-volunteer nonprofi t whose acronym honors Bulos, their honorary chair in promoting healthy relationships through free education seminars.
Alice Peña Bulos Community Center sits on grounds where its namesake’s grandchildren and now their children virtually grew up outside their home on nearby Liberty Court.
“We’re so happy for this honor,” Bulos’s only daughter Elizabeth B. Ramilo told author0. “We thank the City Council of South San Francisco for making sure Mami will always be remembered.” – Reprinted from original with permission from INQUIRER. NET
Alice Bulos family led daughter Elizabeth with husband Sonny Ramilo, their children Charity, Clark and Charles, some grandchildren and rela� ves revel in their matriarch’s latest honor. Photos by Marie Patea/ssf.net
1-877-456-9266
www.crispinlozanolaw.com
• Deportation and Removal Defense • Waiver of Misrepresentation • Self Petition for Abused Spouse • Waiver of Crimes and Inadmissibility • Fiancé Visa Petition
• Eliminate Credit Card Debts • Stop Collections and Harassments
EDITORIAL
Return to the motherland not yet advisable
Next week marks the beginning of the penultimate month of the year, November.
In years and decades past, countless FilAms would at this stage already be planning a return to our beloved motherland, the Republic of the Philippines.
Back home, we would be called balikbayans, and relatives and friends would welcome returnees with parties and feasts fi t for royalty. In exchange, they would expect us to unpack balikbayan boxes laden with gifts for all.
Call it a quid pro quo or call it an exchange deal, but giving gifts and being feted go hand in hand in our homeland, which is why a good many prefer to head home during the Christmas season. It is tantamount to killing two birds with one stone as pasalubongs to loved ones also serve as Christmas gifts.
Indeed, celebrating the Christmas season in the Philippines is always an unforgettable experience.
But while there is nothing to stop FilAms from heading home this year, what with most restrictions already lifted, there is still a couple of reasons why it is not a good idea to become a balikbayan this yearend.
While the number of COVID-19 cases had been dropping drastically in recent weeks, there are still many areas outside Metro Manila where the pandemic remains rampant.
In the metropolis itself, not all restrictions have been lifted. Sad to say, too many denizens of the National Capital Region are ignoring the necessary protocols that will guarantee that the spread of the coronavirus will be arrested.
Social distancing is not being practiced in public areas such as malls, which has become the Filipino’s favored retreat, especially on weekends.
There is also the new threat that became known last week, and that is the B.1.1.318 variant of COVID-19 which has more than a dozen mutations, including to the Delta variant which caused a fresh round of quarantines and lockdowns in recent months.
Over the weekend, the fi rst case of the new variant was discovered in the country. We dare not say that one solitary case does not pose a serious threat, as the fi rst and second rounds of the current pandemic started with very small numbers.
In all likelihood, that fi rst victim was already exposed to scores, perhaps hundreds, of individuals, potentially leading to another exponential growth of COVID-19 cases in the near term.
Further, not enough is known about B.1.1.318. It could be extremely deadly, or exceptionally mild. No one knows for sure at this early stage.
There’s another reason why we do not recommend any FilAms to head home this yearend, and that is the quarantine protocols are still in place for all inbound passengers.
Filipinos and FilAms who have gone home for business or pleasure have voiced their frustration at the need to be confi ned for an extended period before being allowed to visit their families and friends, or conduct the business that was their reason for heading home.
All inbound travelers are made to self-quarantine in hotels, even if they have homes in the Philippines, or have close relatives who will welcome them. Some have complained that this smacks of a racket where hotel owners are the only ones who profi t. The suspicion is that the hotels are chosen based on their ties to the people in power.
This may or may not be true, we do not know. What we do know is that while many of us would like to spend the holidays back home, the risks and the needless additional expenses involved are just not worth taking.
Planning on going home sometime soon? Don’t. Be safe. Make it next year instead.
Ideal memorial for lifetime service
Upside shares the remarks of South San Francisco City Council Member Flor Nicolas at the dedication ceremony of the Alice Pena Bulos Community Center. Full story on front page. ALICE BULOS was an inductee into the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame, recognized for working “tirelessly for equal rights in employment, housing, crime prevention and services for youth.” She was a “champion of women’s issues and women in the workplace” and served as a Commissioner for the San Mateo County Commission on the Status of Women. It is one of the reasons why the all-volunteer organization dedicated to promoting healthier relationships and educating the community regard- Upside ing intimate partner violence was named ALLICE or Alliance for Community Empowerment. CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO Alice was instrumental in creating the Sister City relationship between SSF and Pasig in the Philippines. Together with her husband, they founded the Filipino American Grassroots Movement, a voter registration drive designed to involve Filipinos in the political process. Her leadership helped guide new residents towards building a better life in America.
This must be the reason why she approached me after the 10:30 am Mass at All Souls Catholic Church in 1988. I was a new immigrant settling in South San Francisco with my husband and two children. I must have that new immigrant look. She talked with me about the importance of representation and community involvement. I wanted my children to thrive in our new environment, so I had to learn to adapt quickly.
Alice started inviting us to her home and meeting many like-minded Filipinos and other people of color like Anne and Al Waters and Pedro and Eldie Gonzalez. Our involvement in the Filipino American Democratic Club led me to know David Canepa (who I knew as DJ then). Through the urging of Alice, my husband and I stepped nervously inside the Municipal Services Building and advocated for the appointment of Pedro Gonzalez, a person of color, to the City Council.
I remained an active volunteer in the community because Alice’s words ring in my ears. Fast forward to 2018, former Mayor Matsumoto urged me to run for the City Council as there had only been three women before me in the City Council of South San Francisco. And there again, Alice’s words were ringing in my ears – representation matters and community engagement is important.
Subsequently, I was elected to the City Council with my kababayan, Mark Nagales. At my installation, I said that Alice must be very proud and smiling in Heaven for at last, Filipinos are represented in the South San Francisco City Council.
Last Christmas season, I received a Christmas card with a handwritten note from former Assemblyman and Mayor Gene Mullin. He requested that I support the renaming of Westborough Recreation Center in memory of Alice Bulos.
The opportunity presented itself when Mayor Mark Addiego appointed me to the City Council Naming Committee. On February 18, 2021, at the Naming Committee meeting with Mayor Addiego, a great ally of women and women issues, we agreed to honor the signifi cant contributions and service to the community of three empowered women, Roberta Teglia, Alice Bulos, and Karyl Matsumoto, to celebrate the Women’s His-(Continued on page 27)
Philippine News Today is published weekly by Philippines Today LLC with business and editorial offi ces at 6454 Mission Street, Daly City, CA 94014., with telephones 650.757.1480, 650.872.3200, 650.552.9775 and website address www.pnewstoday.com and email address advertising@philippinestodayus.com or editor@philippinestodayus.com MANILA OFFICE: Le Marquis Townhomes, 51 P. Tuazon Blvd. Quezon City 1112, Tels. 8546.8426, 8451.1892, 8546.8421
MARILYN B. KING
Vice President for Sales and Marketing BETING LAYGO DOLOR
Manila Editor FRANCIS ESPIRITU
Publisher/President THELMA L. CRUZ
Vice President for Operations & Promotions CHERIE QUEROL MORENO
Executive Editor ALFRED G. GABOT
Editor-in-chief
CLAIRE M. TRUE
Managing Editor
JUNNI RANILLO
Entertainment Editor
NEIL GONZALES LYDIA SOLIS
Chief Correspondent Northern California Chief Correspondent Southern California
JO ERLINDA YABUT
Entertainment Editor
ANGELO LOPEZ
Cartoonist ELEANOR SMITH
Offi ce Manager NICK SAGMIT GEORGE GANGE RENE AVENIDO
Photo Correspondents
MA. CECILIA G. MADELO
Graphic Director
GILDA PASION BALAN FRANCO G. REGALA ALI MACABALANG JEANNE MICHAEL PENARANDA
Manila Correspondents
THOMAS G. MADELO JR.
Creative Director
BLESIE D. SISON ALBERT MARTINEZ RENE AMON
Account Executives
VAL G. ABELGAS, HOMOBONO A. ADAZA, PERRY DIAZ, JOJO LIANGCO, JO ERLINDA G. NEBRES, ROY C. MABASA, ART G. MADLAING, FR. JOEPEL PADIT, RODEL E. RODIS, LOURDES TANCINCO ESQ, MELANDREW T. VELASCO, DANTES & CYNTHIA VELUZ, CRISTINA OSMENA, LUDY ONGKEKO.
COLUMNISTS The views and opinions expressed herein by writers, columnists and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily refl ect those of the publisher, management and staff of Philippines Today. We are not responsible for incorrect printing, photographical errors or information listed or for loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts. Reproduction or redistribution in whole or in part is prohibited.
Shortages causing economic hemorrhage
ON OCTOBER 13, 2021, President Joe Biden brought together power brokers from ports, unions, and big business from across the nation to address shipping, labor, and warehousing problems in the U.S. supply chain. He then announced new around-theclock – 24/7 – port operations PerryScope in Los Angeles. PERRY DIAZ
Biden brought representatives of the business sector to develop ways and means to deal with the supply chain problems. “A solution is in sight,” Biden said. If retailers would move more goods at night, that would be a “big fi rst step,” he said. “[And] we need the rest of the private sector chain to step up as well.” However, as one economist had commented, “What the president’s doing isn’t going to really hurt. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t solve the problem either.”
Indeed, it’s not as simple as telling the players to line up and pass the bucket of water to put out the fi re that has engulfed the supply chain that provides an endless traffi c of consumers -- the biggest in the world – that buy more imported products than before the pandemic. It forces the retail chains to work full-time to handle the surge in imports and holiday gifts onto shelves in time for the holidays.
High import season
It is expected that imports from China would go up higher than the 30% so far this year over last year’s record. But delays in pick up have left some 250,000 containers of goods stacked up on the docks due to delays in transporting them – from lack of space in rail yards and warehouses -- to their destinations. And that causes dozens of ships to back up at anchor outside the port. And then transporting them to their fi nal destinations caused by a shortage of trucks and drivers would be a major problem.
With the unprecedented infl ux of cargo, it would be like Black Friday, Christmas, and Easter on the docks every single day of the year, with more ships coming in.
The biggest problem is the shortage of truck drivers. And the reasons behind the truck driver shortage are numerous. One of the most crucial factors that cause truck driver shortage is age. The average age is 49 for someone that drives 110,000 miles per year. That’s 500 miles per day! And driver pay has become the largest operational cost in the trucking industry.
Many trucking companies are highly selective when hiring truck drivers, which limit the qualifi cation to driving history and driving experience. Quality is important in hiring practices. That is because of the fact that they have built their trucking company with professionalism and because of their high priorities, which have aff ected the number of truck drivers employed in the U.S. today; thus, has a dire consequence on the overall U.S. economy.
Truck driver turnover
One thing is worth mentioning. Truck driver turnover is happening at increased rates when truckers are in high demand. And since truckers know that, they are in a situation to change companies easily. It’s the basic law of supply and demand. And the problem is that truck drivers are hard to replace. Consequently, as truckers leave the workforce, there simply is no immediate pool of truckers to hire from.
There is a current shortage of 60,000 truck drivers in the U.S. This is further compounded by the rapidly increasing demand for truck drivers. In essence, while the trucking industry is constantly growing, there are no new truck drivers joining in. It won’t be long before the shortage nears 80,000 or even higher. And then what?
Another way is to hire owner operator truck drivers (OOTD). The current average annual pay for an OOTD is between $150,000 and $195,000 a year. However, it can go as high as $380,000 a year. Not bad at all. But the cost of insurance and maintenance could add a hefty sum to the cost of operating one’s own truck. As an OOTD, the truck driver has to purchase his own truck, which could cost anywhere from $50,000 to 80,000.
With an anticipated increase in the number of truck drivers, there are several ways to recruit them. One is to open the industry to women truck drivers, who until now are not welcome by the macho-mentality of union offi cials. However, there are few women who’d get into the in- (Continue on page 27)
Cardiologist shares secret to longevity, good health
As founder of FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST) and author of the best seller “LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY” subtitled “How to be Healthy Emotionally, Financially, Physically, Sexually and Spiritually), I was blessed and glad to read ART GABOT MADLAING Health & Wealth the interview with Dr. Jason Dixon, a 96-year-old retired cardiologist, last week.
In the interview, Dr. Dixon shared his secret for longevity and good health. The cardiologist, who retired at age 70, confi ded that the secret of his longevity is in maintaining healthy and clean blood vessels. He confi rmed that if our blood vessels are clean and healthy, we can live 110 years or more, feeling absolutely healthy. Here are excerpts of the interview for our readers and the general public.
“Denbyprofessionals: Dr. Dixon, you said clean blood vessels are key to good health. Why?
DR. DIXON: It’s very simple. Activity of organs and systems in the body depends on the quality of the blood circulation. The circulatory system delivers nutrients and oxygen to all organs in the body and removes carbon dioxide and metabolic products from the blood. At a young age, we move a lot and our blood vessels are fresh, elastic and clean, and so our bodies receive plenty of nutrients. As we age, we tend to move less and blood vessels start getting clogged.
It’s caused by many diff erent reasons and adverse factors such as smoking, unhealthy eating, poor environment, sedentary lifestyle.
Denbyprossionals: What does dirty blood vessel mean?
DR. DIXON: Imagine some pipes full of rust. The same thing happens with blood vessels. When cholesterol or other substances build-up in the inner lining of the blood vessels the pressure increases. Impaired blood vessels function is the main cause of hypertension. Eventually, the blood blends with the impurities and the blood circulation becomes deranged. As a result, all organs and systems of the body get adversely aff ected.
Impurities from blood vessels may cause heart disease, stroke, diabetes, hypertension, varicose veins, arterial thrombosis and other ailments.
If you are careful and keep your blood vessels clean, you can live at least 110 years and your body will be working smoothly without pains in your organs or joints. In other words, cleaning your blood vessels can prolong your lifespan and improve your health.” (Source: Interview with denbyprofessionals.com)
Dr. Dixon, who had been using Glucose1, recommends this natural supplement. “This is a great supplement which helps me achieve my goal of cleaning blood vessels,” he affi rmed.
There is a similar health supplement which I’ve been taking for more than 10 years now. It’s called GLS or Glucose Lowering Supplement. If you are suff ering from high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension and related ailments. I encourage you to try the GLS 90-Challenge by ordering three bottles of GLS at special discounted price of $110 (includes shipping and handling, regular price is $40 per bottle). For your GLS supply, just send $110 (in check or money order) to: ART G. MADLAING, 730 Madrid Street, San Francisco, CA 94112 Tel. (650)438-3531 or (415)584-7095 or email:agmadlaing@ hotmail.com This Special Off er is good only in the United States. “LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY” BOOK
As book author of the best seller “LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY” subtitled “How to be Healthy Emotionally, Financially, Physically, Sexually and Spiritually,” I encourage you to order your autographed copy of the book.
Many of the advice and recommendations of Dr. Dixon and other doctors (e.g. stop smoking, drinking 7-8 glasses of good water, eating healthy foods, eat less meat and more fresh vegetables and fruits, sleeping 6-8 hours regularly, avoid carbonated drinks, have regularexercise and daily walking, taking natural and healthy supplement) are discussed in detail in the book.
For your autographed copy of the 386 pages best seller “LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY,” just send $15 (regular price at Amazon is $25.95 plus (Continue on page 27)
China and the coming elections
The Asia-Pacifi c Region has become the biggest fl ashpoint in world peace and stability. The world’s powerful nations have converged on the region and have started alignments that clearly defi ne the two sides in the quest for dominance in the contested area, one of the most strategic points in the areas of geopolitics, military and economy.
Recent naval maneuvers and joint military exercises point to an alliance led by the United States and United Kingdom, on one hand, and that between Russia and China, on the other.
Last month, the US, UK and Australia launched an alliance, known as the AUSUKUS, to counter China’s aggressive moves in the region. In addition, the US also formed an alliance with Australia, India and Japan known as QUAD also to counter China. Also, the UK, India and Germany have sent warships to sail through the South China Sea and western Pacifi c in their own show of force and solidarity with allies protecting their interests in the region, including the all-important sea lanes used by most countries in the conduct of global trade and commerce.
In the past few weeks, China sent more than 150 jet fi ghters to Taiwan’s air defense zone and held military landing exercises in the province directly across Taiwan as it exerted pressure on Taiwan to accept “reunifi cation.” Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen said the island would bolster Taiwan’s military defense forces and said Taiwan won’t be forced to bow to China. On Oct. 17, the Chinese military condemned the US and Canada for each sending a warship through the Taiwan Strait the previous week. Just last week, China and Russia made known its alliance by holding its fi rst joint patrols in the west Pacifi c Ocean, close to Japan’s territorial waters. And also last week, North Korea tested its fi rst submarine-launched ballistic missile.
The Philippines is right in the middle of all these tensions in the Asia-Pacifi c region, being almost at the center of the region and in direct confl ict with China in the territorial disputes in the South China Sea and the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that it calls the West Philippine Sea.
And where does the country lie in the building alliances in the region? It would appear on the surface that the Philippines is trying to stay neutral, with President Rodrigo Duterte clearly siding with the Chinese while Foreign Aff airs Secretary Teodoro F. Locsin Jr. and Defense Secretary trying to appease the Americans. It’s important to recall that just two months into his presidency in September 2016, Duterte said he would visit Russia and China to open alliances with the two powers as he said he would chart a foreign policy independent of the US while lambasting both the Americans and the European Union for their “hypocrisy” and for “lording over us.” That was three months after he ignored the International Arbitration Court’s ruling upholding Philippines’ sovereignty over the disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea and rejecting China’s sweeping claims over most of the South China Sea.
Duterte said the ruling wouldn’t be worth anything if China didn’t comply with it. “I have a similar position as China’s. I don’t believe in solving the confl ict through an international tribunal,” he said. Just this year, Duterte again dismissed the IAC ruling, saying it was just a “piece of paper” that he could throw into the waste basket.
Making a U-turn after saying he would jet ski to the Spratlys, plant the Philippine fl ag, and fi ght the Chinese during the campaign, Duterte opened up the country to Chinese investors to exploit our natural resources and own public utilities, allowed Chinese fi shermen to fi sh in the country’s EEZ to the detriment of Filipino fi shermen, allowed the Chinese to build military facilities in the disputed islands, and basically said the Philippines could be a “province of China.”
Duterte once described Chinese President Xi Jin-ping a “great leader” and had no qualms about saying “I love President Xi Jin-ping.” He similarly called Russian President Vladimir Putin his “idol” and acted like a true fan when he met Putin in Peru by lambast- (Continue on page 27)
VAL ABELGAS On Distant Shore
An open letter to Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Choked supply chain compounds infl ation
Dear Mr. Marcos,
Greetings, Mr. Ex-senator and presidential wannabe. I hope this letter fi nds you well. I trust your family is also in good health these days. I know you are pretty busy these days, so I will go Offline straight to the point of this missive. But fi rst, let me be BETING DOLOR honest. I will not vote for you. Not in a million years. Not even when the blackbirds turn white and the whales sing like canaries.
Having said that, I will now ask you pointblank: Why are you running for president? What do you hope to accomplish? Do you hope to establish a similar presidency as your late father, God rest his soul and forgive him for all his sins?
I ask because as far as I can see, you do not seem to have a program of government. No one knows what a President Bongbong regime will be like.
Thus far, you have given some small ideas of what your six-year term will be like.
You have more or less indicated that you plan to continue where Rodrigo Duterte is leaving off .
Is this right, or am I mistaken?
You said that your China policy will hew closely to that of the Duterte administration, correct? So this means you will also treat President Xi as the lord and savior of the Philippines, I gather?
This means that you will also continue availing of loans from China, which may be readily available but which charge interest rates roughly four times what other friendly nations like Japan would charge us.
Interesting. You may want to discuss this matter with a certain Leni Robredo, who happens to be an economist.
As for the legality of continuing the pivot to China, which has been encroaching on Philippine territory since 2016, you may also want to discuss this with the same Leni Robredo, who also happens to be a lawyer.
I do not know her personally, but I sense that she is a good person who is willing to help the Philippines in any way that she can. This even means working with you despite your contesting her win over you six years ago.
How’s this for a suggestion. Why not let bygones be bygones and work with President Robredo?
Ooops. Never, huh? Sorry about that. Delete, delete.
If you don’t mind, may I also ask why you recently displayed a lack of knowledge where international law is concerned? You mistook the International Criminal Court with the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
The former is about to charge your friend Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity. Bad, no? As for the latter, it’s where the Philippine won in its case against China over who owns the West Philippine Sea.
That case was fi led by the late former President Benigno Aquino III. You’ve met him, I seem to recall. You even went to the wake of his late mother, former President Cory Aquino.
That was a fi ne display of statesmanship, by the way. But sadly, it was one of too few and far between on your part. At least you showed that you had it in you to extend a hand of friendship on what many consider to be your mortal enemies, the Aquinos of Tarlac.
Guess what, Mr. Marcos. If you’ve read any of my past writings, you may think that I am one of your enemies too.
I’m not, I assure you. See, all I’ve been waiting for is for you to apologize for the sins of your father. Your fans say the sins of the father should not be deemed as the sins of the son, too. This is correct, for the most part. But what I fi nd disturbing is that you’ve been enjoying the fruits of your father’s… how do I put this?...the fruits of his ability to amass vast wealth that made him the richest man in Asia.
You’ve never ridden a jeepney in your entire life, have you? Or eaten in a humble carinderia, or a jollijeep?
By golly, you’ve never even fl own in coach, have you? It’s always been fi rst class. Not even the mid-range business class for you, no?
So how in God’s name do you hope to help the Filipino people if you are clueless on the struggles they have to face every day, of having to make enough money to feed their families three square meals a day, (Continue on page 27) It’s been several weeks since I’ve contributed a column. It was not my intention, especially not to miss FilAm History month (or Maria Ressa’s Nobel Prize), but I’ve been lost in the alternate reality of writing my own fi ction and, like our economy, short on output of other kinds. When I’m not writing, I’ve been trying to stay tied to reality by following the press coverage on the upward infl ationary spiral happening in what seems to be almost everywhere in our economy. It’s a theme that fascinates me and, before I demur, I can’t say I’m the only one.
On my iPhone is a picture I took about seven days ago of a packet of oxtail with a $30.64 price tag. This is a newer version of the picture I posted on Facebook of the packet of oxtail with a $26.16 price tag that I took three weeks prior. Most of the time, I don’t even have $30 in cash in my pocket to buy that packet of oxtail, a key ingredient in my sinigang and most people’s kare kare (I never learned how to make kare kare). I had a lot of comments and good words of advice about this picture…and maybe there are places to buy cheaper meat. The point, though, is that grocery chain CEOs have warned of more pain to come, as much as a doubling in prices over the next year, due to a lack of labor and a disrupted supply chain.
If you haven’t read about it yet, you will. In my combing through of data (when I’m not writing fi ction), I have read articles about infl ation in meat, grains, steel, resin, semiconductors, shipping, trucking, autos, cotton, natural gas, and, of course, workers. In Malaysia, semiconductor plants (Malaysia has historically had assembly plants that encase processed silicon chips into their packages and solder on the wires) have been under capacity due to ongoing Covid issues. Like the Philippines, many other places in the world have not vaccinated 60% of their population. Ports from Long Beach, California to Savannah, Georgia are also clogged with ships waiting for unload. As many as 13% of the containers typically employed in active routes are waiting to be unloaded. It is possible to blame a shortage of longshoremen or the multi-year decline in the number of truck drivers in the economy. In energy, shale oil investment is facing a 17-year low while the fossil fuel companies, and the bodies that govern them, have undergone some soul searching about their carbon emissions. Coal plants that historically have provided our country with electricity have been decommissioned. Replacement sources of electricity have not been built out fast enough, leaving the natural gas industry to fi ll in the hole in capacity (have you looked at natural gas prices lately?). Regarding that pack of oxtail, there is a shortage in labor and transportation in the meat processing industry but there is also a oligopoly of four players that will not change any time soon.
I have read many articles blaming the government, many pointing the fi nger at past policy changes. I wouldn’t say that’s entirely the case this time, much as I also love to blame government. In the past several months, I have fi elded incoming calls for jobs I could not take. Why? Because I am also one of those potential workers who has self-displaced. If you ask me where I live, my short answer would be, “it’s complicated,” and my long answer would be, “I’m not sure yet.” I have no doubt that a substantial part of our work force has self-displaced, leaving areas where they lived just because of their jobs, leaving more expensive places for more livable ones, leaving for other reasons I can not guess. It takes more than just a few months to relocate and settle in.
I think one of the greatest arguments the current upward infl ationary spiral makes is that this country has outsourced too much to overseas suppliers. This hurt us when we needed facemasks. It hurts us still in our semiconductor-dependent industries. This country should set a multi-decade goal to reduce dependence on a global supply chain as well as the longshoremen’s union and their lax work ethics. It may take a while, but at least, at some point, we can own our own problems. ***Congratulations to Maria Ressa for her Nobel Peace Prize!!
Three years ago, when Rodrigo Duterte was still at the height of his popularity and when many of his fanatic supporters followed and accepted everything that he said without question, there were times when he would even attack and criticize God. Once he was quoted as saying--- “Who is this stupid God? Istupido talaga itong p***** ATTY. JOJO LIANGCO Immigrant’sStory i** kung ganun. You created some—something perfect and then you think of an event that would tempt and destroy the quality of your work . . .”
There were a few who were alarmed by what he said and reacted negatively about his rant. As expected, Duterte’s apologists, spin makers, and online apple polishers tried their best to put reason and sense to what he said.
Duterte’s legal counsel Salvador Panelo claimed that Duterte did not insult God but was “just questioning” Christianity’s theory of creation. Duterte’s spokesperson, Harry Roque, also a lawyer, insisted that Duterte had the right to express his personal views on religion.
But to the thinking person, there’s really no sense in trying to fi nd and make sense to what he said. What Duterte said then was not relevant to the task that he was voted for. It disrespects the faith of many people. Again it’s about the nonsense line of his fanatics--- “try to understand Duterte.” It’s again about Duterte and Duterte alone. How about respect for other people and their faith?
It is very naïve and simplistic to even believe that it was only the Roman Catholics who were off ended by Duterte’s rant. Christians, Muslims, Jews, and many other congregations of faith in the world believe in God and the story of creation as stated in their holy books and teachings.
Even one of the elected Filipino senators stated that what Duterte said then manifested the height of his arrogance not only because he disrespected the religious belief of many Filipinos but also because he acted as though he was God himself.
What bothered many concerned Filipinos is the fact that Duterte’s language and ramblings were both divisive and unproductive and his irrational ramblings are distracting the nation’s focus from the important problems and urgent issues of the day.
Senator Risa Hontiveros said it best: “As a woman of faith myself, I understand the anger of many among us. President Duterte’s latest comment does nothing to bring the Filipino people together. It only divides us even further. However, I appeal to the public to remain vigilant and not lose sight of the important issues that need addressing. Let us not allow President Duterte to distract us with his irrational stream-of-consciousness ramblings.”
Senator Hontiveros was right. Dealing with the more important matters and issues that aff ect the Philippines should be dealt with fi rst before the irrelevant things that Duterte talks about--- like religion and faith. First things fi rst should be the call to action of every Filipino who cares about the Philippines.
It is ungodly and un-Christian that thousands have died in the war on drugs. Tens of thousands of Filipinos are suffering from poverty, lack of health care, and joblessness.
Every voting Filipino should put the mantra “First things fi rst” in their hearts and minds when they go and vote for their new president in May 2022.
First things first, please. Why not strengthen the foundation of the Philippine economy, including agricultural development and sustainability, as well our vital industries?
What about the Chinese intrusion in the West Philippine Sea? Former supreme court justice Antonio Carpio continues to warn the Duterte administration that the Philippines is losing its EEZ and fishing grounds to China as China continues to dominate the West Philippine Sea (“WPS”).
First things first. Presidents and even dictators come and go. But when a nation loses its focus, the nation is bound to lose more--- including its territory and its sovereignty--- and this will aff ect the future generation as well.
Filipinos should not let this to happen. How about voting wisely this time--- in May 2022?
What to do if you lost your Green Card
Green cards are important especially when traveling abroad and applying for citizenship. There are certain issues about replacing green card which we will discuss. 1. Lost green card. The person who lost his green card may fi le to renew their USCIS-issued green card that have expired or replace ones that have been lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed, or that contain an error. If you need to apply for naturalization and you believe you qualify except you lost your green card you may discuss this matter with an immigration attorney.
The person who lost green card may complete and properly fi le an Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card (Form I-90) with USCIS, with appropriate fees (if required), in accordance with the Form I-90 instructions.
What happen if the green card is lost while outside the U.S.? A Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) who is temporarily outside the United States for less than 1 year and who is not in possession of a valid green card (for example, it was lost, stolen, or destroyed) may properly fi le an Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) (Form I-131A) to request documentation to demonstrate to an airline or other transportation carrier that he or she is authorized to travel to the United States. This transportation letter does not replace the green card. LPRs must still complete and properly fi le Form I-90 to obtain a replacement of the green card upon arrival to the U.S. 2. What happen if the Reentry permit is lost?
If inside the United States, complete and properly fi le an Application for Travel Document (Form I-131) with USCIS, with appropriate fees.
An LPR who is temporarily outside the United States for less than 2 years and who is not in possession of a valid green card (for example, it was lost, stolen, or destroyed) may properly fi le an Application for Travel Document (Carrier Documentation) (Form I-131A) to request documentation to demonstrate to an airline or other transportation carrier that he or she is authorized to travel to the United States. The transportation letter does not replace the reentry permit. LPRs must complete and properly fi le Form I-131 upon reentry into the United States to obtain a replacement reentry permit. 3. What happen if the Advance Parole document is lost? If inside the United States, complete and properly fi le an Application for Travel Document (Form I-131) with USCIS, with appropriate fees. There is no process to seek a replacement advance parole document, including a combo card (employment and travel authorization documented on a single card), outside the United States. In cases where an advance parole document was lost, stolen, or destroyed while overseas, requestors should contact the closest USCIS international offi ce or U.S. embassy or consulate.
Please note that in general, if a requestor applies for advance parole while in the United States, and departs the United States before the advance parole document is issued, the requestor may be found inadmissible to the United States upon return, or even if admitted, may be found to have abandoned his or her application.
Note: This is not a legal advice and presented for information only.
Immigration News update
Immigrant Visa (IV): The Embassy continues to have a signifi cant backlog of all categories of immigrant visas. We are using a tiered approach to triage immigrant visa applications, based on the category of immigrant visa, as we resume and expand processing. While we schedule limited appointments within all four priority tiers every month, the following lists the main categories of immigrant visas in priority order: • Tier One: Immediate relative intercountry adoption visas, age-out cases (cases where the applicant will soon no longer qualify due to their age), and certain Special Immigrant Visas (SQ and SI for Afghan and Iraqi nationals working with the U.S. government) • Tier Two: Immediate relative visas; fi ancé(e) visas; and returning resident visas • Tier Three: Family preference immigrant visas and SE Special Immigrant Visas for certain employees of the U.S. government abroad • Tier Four: All other immigrant visas, including employment preference and Diversity Visas
Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV): The Embassy continues to prioritize travelers with urgent (i.e., matter of life and death) travel needs, foreign diplomats, and certain mission-critical categories of travelers, such as students and exchange visitors (F-1, M-1, and J-1) and temporary employment visas (H-1B, H-2B, and L nonimmigrants). Visa appointments and processing for B1/B2 (Business/Tourist) remain suspended, with the exception of interview waiver renewals.
The DHS issued a new guideline for the arrest and deportation of undocumented immigrants. The guidelines focused on national security. crimes and border security as the government priority.
Success Stories
For the month of September 2021, we received approvals from USCIS four naturalization applications, two Fiancée visa petitions, three removals of condition on residence and four adjustment of status applications.
Philippine Stories 1. This election will determine if the Philippines will keep its independence or we will be taken over by China and become slaves to communist regime. We need to unite in order to defeat the current administration or we will lose our country. There are about 3.6 million Chinese in the Philippines working on POGO. Chinese are registered military personnel of China. Chinese are allowed to enter the Philippines without visa restrictions.
Listen to Percy Lapid (or Lapid Fire) and Waldy Carbonell on You Tube and Facebook for details and more corruption in the government.
If you have immigration problems the Law Offi ces of Crispin C. Lozano can help you fi nd a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family separation.
Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers. He practices immigration law, bankruptcy and income tax preparation since June 1999. His contact phone is 1-877-4569266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website: www.crispinlozanolaw.com/
Philippines still in global dirty money watchlist
MANILA — The Philippines remains in the global money laundering watchlist in October, according to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
The task force, however, noted progress in the government’s fi ght against any cash gained through illegal means.
The FATF, the global money laundering and terrorist fi nancing watchdog, again released its list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, with the Philippines still on the roll, CNN Philippines stated in a report.
Last June marked the Philippines’ return to the grey list, four years after global regulators removed the country from the watchlist following the enactment of Republic Act 10927, putting physical and internet-based casino operators under the coverage of the AntiMoney Laundering Council or AMLC.
Joining the Philippines in the grey list are Albania, Barbados, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Haiti, Jamaica, Jordan, Mali, Malta, Morocco, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Senegal, South Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Uganda, Yemen, and Zimbabwe.
The Philippines previously dropped in the FATF’s blacklist in 2000.
“Jurisdictions under increased monitoring are actively working with the FATF to address strategic defi ciencies in their regimes to counter money laundering, terrorist fi nancing, and proliferation fi nancing,” it said.
“When the FATF places a jurisdiction under increased monitoring, it means the country has committed to resolve swiftly the identifi ed strategic defi ciencies with-
in agreed timeframes and is subject to increased monitoring,” the report added. However, in the same report, the FATF also noted improvement in the Philippine government’s approach in AML/CTF (anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism fi nancing). “Since June 2021, when the Philippines made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to strengthen the eff ectiveness of its AML/CFT regime, the Philippines has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, by developing and implementing guidance on delistings and the unfreezing of assets for targeted fi nancial sanctions related to PF (proliferation fi nancing),” it said. The FATF said the Philippines should work on the implementation of its action plan, which includes demonstrating eff ective risk-based supervision of Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions or DNFBPs; ensuring that supervisors take advantage of necessary controls to cushion risks associated with casino junkets; implementing new registration requirements for money or value transfer services, and slapping sanctions to illegal remittance operators; demonstrating increased usage of fi nancial intelligence; and strengthening fi nancial sanctions framework for terrorism fi nancing and proliferation fi nancing cases. The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLAC) said the country needs to comply with 17 action plan items set in diff erent timelines, the earliest on January 2022 and the latest on January 2023. Gov’t raises allowed occupancy in biz establishments
MANILA – Business establishments allowed to open in their localities which are issued a safety seal will be granted an increase of 10 percentage points in operational or venue capacity with the issuance of the latest joint guidelines from fi ve government regulatory agencies. The latest directive is contained in the “Supplemental Guidelines Relative to the Implementing Guidelines of the Safety Seal Certifi cation Program” signed by the heads of the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Tourism (DOT), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Oct. 1. In a statement, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said the increase in allowable occupancy was meant to encourage businesses to apply for the safety seal and strengthen health protocols in establishments and workplaces. “This seal is one of the government’s measures to restart the economy under the new normal and increase employment opportunities by making the reopening of business more viable for operation,” Lopez said. Local government units (LGUs) contact tracing applications and other contract tracing applications will be considered in lieu of the StaySafe.PH while DILG is working on the integration of StaySafe.PH with other contract tracing applications.
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said that in the absence of the StaySafe.ph digital contact tracing application for those establishments or offi ces applying for the safety seal certifi cation, the LGUmandated applications they are currently using will be considered. “The DILG is in the process of integrating the StaySafe.ph application with other existing applications initiated by the local government units (LGUs) to effectively contain the spread of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019),” Año said. The supplemental guideline also designated DOLE and LGUs as the issuing authority for the safety seal for information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) and for dental clinics. In addition, the supplemental guideline requires establishments and workplaces to designate safety offi cers who will be in-charge of enforcing public health standards in their areas.
15 October 28-November 3, 2021 ENTERTAINMENT
Kylie Padilla denies extramarital relationships
Actress Kylie Padilla addressed the cheating allegations being thrown towards her and said she was never unfaithful towards her estranged husband Aljur Abrenica.
In an exclusive interview on “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” and reported by her mother studio GMA Network the actress said not once did she date another man while she and Aljur were still together.
This came after the actor released a statement on social media asking her to “tell the truth” about “who cheated fi rst.”
“In my defense, while we were formally married, I never had any extramarital relationships with other men. That is my truth and that’s what they keep throwing at me,” Kylie said.
“Okay sana kung ginawa ko. I would say I’m sorry. Pero hindi talaga eh. Paano ako aamin sa bagay na hindi ko naman ginawa? Ang hirap non,” she added.
Kylie also addressed the “blind items” surfacing on the internet, wondering where the stories came from.
“Kung totoo talaga, aamin ako. But like, hindi talaga siya totoo kaya natatawa na lang ako. Paano ako magkakaroon ng oras? I was breastfeeding my second [son],” she said.
“Paano ako aalis? Kung gusto n’yo ng ebidensya, tanungin n’yo ‘yung mga yaya ko,” she added.
One of the names linked to Kylie was actor JM De Guzman. In July, she clarifi ed that they are just friends.
As for Aljur’s statement about who “wrecked” their family, Kylie said both of them weren’t happy with their marriage anymore so she chose to end it.
“I wanna grow as a person and be a better mother. The circumstances sa marriage namin, feeling ko hindi ko magagawa ‘yon. The decision that I made, I think, do’n siya nanggaling,” she said.
“’Yung sinabi niya (na) ‘I wrecked the family,’ it’s because I decided na ayoko na, tapos na ko dito. I wanna be a better person, I wanna be happy. And I want him to be happy,” she added.
Though it might seem selfi sh for some, Kylie clarifi ed: “Kaming dalawa iniisip ko when I decided that.”
She said the decision was hard, but eventually decided that she has reached her limit.
“I felt like for the longest time, I felt alone in the marriage. ‘Yung cheating was just the last straw,” she said. “Mahirap sa akin but I said, ‘Okay, it’s enough.’”
In July, Robin Padilla confi rmed in an interview that his daughter Kylie and Aljur had parted ways after more than two years of marriage. Asked if there was a third party, Robin answered that there supposedly was on Aljur’s end.
Kylie later said she and Aljur were working on a co-parenting setup for their sons Alas and Axl.
‘Carrot Man,’ Janiece de Belen win Best Actor, Best Actress in New York film festival
Don’t look now but Jeyrick Sigmaton, who shot to fame in 2016 after photos of him carrying carrots in Benguet made the rounds online, is now a best actor awardee.
Sigmaton, more popularly knows as “Carrot Man,” was named best actor in the short fi lm category at the International Film Festival Manhattan (IFFM) NYC for his performance in the movie “Dayas.”
Written and directed by Jianlin Floresca, the fi lm tells the story of small-scale miners in Itogon, Benguet, ABS-CBN reported.
In a video uploaded on YouTube, Floresca said, “We’re very thankful to have the best actor award for Jeyrick Sigmaton. In behalf of my actor and the entire cast of Sine Cordillera Dayas, and also in behalf of all Igorots all over the world, bagi tayo daytoy [this recognition is ours].”
Floresca also thanked Luis Pedron, the chairman of the IFFM, for appreciating the fi lm and for having it in this fi lm festival.
Aside from Sigmaton, actress Janice de Belen also won the best actress in a short fi lm award at the IFFM for her performance in “Wounded Blood,” along with Hollywood actress Jessica Chastain for “The Sands Between.”
Also showcased among the IFFM 2021 featured fi lms are other Filipino works such as “Wounded Blood” by Danni Ugali, “Fragments” by Mac Alejandre, among others.
Elizabeth Oropesa won the Independent Achievement Award for her performance in the Cinemalaya 2020 movie ECQ Diary: Bawal Lumabas.
The fi lm’s writer and director, Arlyn Dela Cruz Bernal, won the Best Screenplay award.
Jayda, the daughter of Dingdong Avanzado and Jessa Zaragoza who is making her own name in the music industry, bagged the Best Music Video for her song “Paano Kung Naging Tayo.”
Aside from singing the song, Jayda— together with Edrex Clyde Sanchez—had a hand in directing her own music video.
Director Gabby Ramos won the Independent Achievement Award For Directing for his movie Pugon (The Furnace).
Danni Ugali, producer of the two fi lms Me Time and Wounded Blood, won the Independent Achievement Award For Producing.
International Film Festival Manhattan, according to its Facebook page, is a fi lm festival that “has the most diverse selection of world-class fi lms and a focus on social issues and advocacy as part of the programming and goals.” It was founded in 2015.
Filam Tom Rodriguez and Carla Abellana are finally married
Actress Carla Abellena and her longtime Filipino American boyfriend actor Tom Rodriguez, Bartolome Alberto Mott in real life, are now married.
Abellana and Rodriguez exchanged their “I dos” over the weekend in a solemn wedding ceremony held at the San Juan Nepomuceno Church in San Juan, Batangas on Saturday, October 23, 2021.
The event was so intimate with only selected people in attendance. Photos taken by the couple’s offi cial photographer Pat Dy came out one after another showing the details of the wedding.
Carla was radiant beautiful bride as shown on the pictures as she marched on the aisle donned in her dreamed wedding gown done by Monique Lhuillier which the actress personally picked up from New York.
A video showed Carla being given away by her parents, actor Rey PJ Abellana and Rea Reyes.
The church was not full and every guest followed the protocol of social distancing and wearing of face mask.
Teary-eyed Tom was photographed while waiting for his bride. The handsome groom was wearing a black suit done by Francis Libiran.
In another post of photographer Nelwin Uy, the newlyweds were seen fl aunting their wedding rings together.
Last Wednesday, the celebrity couple shared photos from their prenuptial shoot, indicating a nearing wedding date.
On Instagram, Abellana and Rodriguez posted snaps showing them all smiles in formal wear outdoors.
“Who knew prenup shoots would be this much fun? Well, with this dream team, it just is!” Rodriguez wrote.
Earlier in October, Abellana was treated by her friends to a bachelorette party.
The actress shared photos from the intimate gathering, while assuring that safety protocols were followed.
“The closest to a ‘bachelorette party’ I could get during this pandemic. Everyone was antigen-tested fi rst. Wasn’t a party because it was just a quick segue from a plated Italian dinner. Open air at a co-actor’s house for proper air circulation. Everyone vaccinated. Wholesome,” she said.
Abellana and Rodriguez announced their engagement just last March though
*$100 OFF on Biz Websites *Your FREE Domain Name *Get found on Google Search *Sell Locally or Globally *Show your Expertise Globally * Fast , Easy & Measurable * Affordable & Effective * Affordable & Effective * Reach your Target Market * FREE VIDEO AD ! Our Services
* Custom Websites * Graphic Design * SEO (Google etc.) * Social Media * Videos * E-commerce *And More *And More
CONTACT@SP3MEDIA.COM
PROMO CODE: PN75
the actor popped the question in October last year.
Abellana has been dating Rodriguez, a former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate, since 2014.
Carla and Tom were engaged in March after seven years in a relationship while bringing out the best in each other
Their romance blossomed on the set of My Husband’s Lover, which aired in 2013 and now in My Husband Ever After.
In the vlog she uploaded on October 8, Carla tearfully revealed what she had to go through before she was given the “go-signal” by GMA-7 to fl y and take a leave from her Kapuso series To Have and To Hold.
The 35-year- old actress said, “I’m so happy because it’s true when they say na parang nabunutan ng tinik yung dibdib
mo. Gumaan na yung pakiramdam. Nawala na lahat ng stress, lahat noong iniyak ko, na pinagdasal ko. Sulit talaga. Super thank you. Alam ko parang mababaw but it’s really my dream, so fi nally natuloy na siya.”
