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JANUARY 16-22, 2020 Volume 31 - No. 3 • 16 Pages

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Wednesday, January 15, said it has observed more fissures or cracks near the Taal Volcano amid its unrest.

Despite the Taal Volcano’s “general-

ly weaker eruption” at the main crater, the fissuring of areas around it shows that it is very much active underneath, according to Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum.

“It’s the rising of the magma that is causing the fissures,” he said during a press conference on Wednesday. “If the rise of magma is continuous, there

is higher possibility of activity in Taal Volcano.”

In its 8 a.m. bulletin, Phivolcs said new fissures or cracks appeared in the villages of Sinisian, Mahabang Dahilig, Dayapan, Palanas, Sangalang, Poblacion, Mataas na Bayan in Lemery; Pansipit, Bilibinwang in Agoncillo; Poblacion 1, Poblacion 2, Poblacion 3,

Poblacion 5 in Talisay; and Poblacion in San Nicolas.

When asked if the new fissures or cracks were signs that a major or climactic explosion was fast approaching, Phivolcs Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division chief Bornas said that it would be hard to tell.

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Filipina American becomes first woman of color promoted to full professor at USC English department LOS ANGELES — A Filipina American recently became the first woman of color to be promoted to the rank of full professor within the University of Southern California’s English department.

Karen Tongson, who was been at the university’s Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences since 2005, announced the news on her Twitter account on Tuesday, January 7.

She previously held an associate professor title, teaching courses in English, gender stud-

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Philippines shows highest global support for Trump, poll finds DESPITE low ratings from individuals around the world, support for U.S. President Donald Trump remains its highest in the Philippines, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey.

Results from the nonpartisan fact tank’s latest survey found that 77% of Filipinos said they are confident that Trump would do the “right thing” concerning world affairs, while 19% believed otherwise.

The Philippines showed the most positive review for the U.S. president among 32 other countries surveyed, which collectively displayed little support for him. A median of 64% respondents say they do not have confidence in Trump, while only 29% say they do.

Participants were also asked about a variety of policy decisions under the Trump administration, such as his U.S.-Mexico border wall

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Lawyer withdraws ICC complaint vs Duterte, saying it’s just ‘propaganda’

by DJ

YAP Inquirer.net

MANILA — In a blow to groups accusing President Rodrigo Duterte of human rights violations, lawyer Jude Josue Sabio on Tuesday, January 14, said he was withdrawing the complaint he had filed in the International

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‘Slug it out’ in court, DOJ dares De Lima Following criticism, Robredo

defends drug war report anew

by TETCH

TORRES-TUPAS Inquirer.net

MANILA — “Slug it out,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday, January 15, said challenging Sen. Leila De Lima to avail of all legal remedies to prove that her case was just a form of political persecution.

De Lima has been detained since February 2017 at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center.

She is facing illegal drug charges in three regional trial courts in Muntinlupa.

U.S. Senators have called on De Lima’s immediate release. But, Guevarra said she cannot be released because she is currently facing trial.

The detained senator has quested her indictment that went up to the Supreme Court. A staunch critic of Duterte, the senator and her supporters believed that

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

PHILIPPINE Vice President Leni Robredo defended the drug war report based on her findings as former co-chair of the InterAgency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) after receiving flak from administration allies.

“If they dismiss it as a mere political [attack], it just means they did not read the report,” she said on her radio show on Sunday, January 12.

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In her 40-page report, Robredo detailed how the administration failed to curb the illegal drug supply and address the country’s drug problem.

She also cited figures from government agencies, revealing that less than 1% of shabu out of the estimated total consumption in the country had been seized by the government in the past three years.

Malacañang, in response, said the vice president was “just trying

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Vegas AAPI organizations gear up for 2020 census outreach

by AJPRESS LAS VEGAS — With Census Day approaching on April 1, local Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) organizations are beginning to encourage community members to fill out the questionnaire.

The 2020 Census will mark the first time U.S. residents can respond online in addition to the traditional phone or mail options.

During a roundtable hosted by Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) on Saturday, January 11, University of Las Vegas, Nevada students and representatives from SEIU Local

1107, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance and AAPI media shared concerns community members are having about the census and posed questions to census field staffers.

Titus acknowledged that AAPIs are the fastest-growing bloc in Nevada, but that many fear how their information will be used so it’s up to trusted individuals to reassure others how the results will determine the amount ot funding the community receives.

Based on the five-year Ameri-

can Community Survey from 2013 to 2017, there are 203,606 Asians and 15,583 Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in Clark County alone.

“We’ve got to be sure that people aren’t hidden anywhere. Often times, people are much more willing to give what they think is their personal information to somebody that they trust, somebody from their community,” Titus said.

The census, which is done every 10 years, will become available in March 2020. The questionnaire will ask questions, such

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Following criticism, Robredo... to be relevant” with her report.

Meanwhile, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief Aaron Aquino and Sen. Ronald dela Rosa said her report was a “mere political move.”

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier called Robredo a “colossal blunder” after her report said the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign was a “massive fail-

ure.”

Robredo stressed that the opening parts of her report outlined that the creation of ICAD was a correct measure but suggested that the Dangerous Drugs Board be made the lead in the ICAD instead of the PDEA to maximize it.

“Ano yung political doon?

Nagsusuggest ako ng mga paraan kung papaano yung ICAD

FROM THE FRONT PAGE gawing mas responsive. Sinasabi ko nga, tama yung ICAD, maayos yung pagka-form nito (What was political about that? I suggested ways to make ICAD more responsive. I’m reiterating, the ICAD is right, its creation was good),” she said.

Robredo also urged the different ICAD agencies to agree on the numbers that they present to the public after the Philippine National Police claimed that the data she cited in her report were unofficial estimates. This despite the information coming from the national police agency in the first place.

“Iba iba yung datos ng mga ahensiya. Mga ahensya kayo ng gobyerno, puwede magkasundo muna kayo (The data from the agencies are conflicting. You’re all agencies of the government, can you please agree among yourselves first)?” she said.

She added, “Yung mga pagaaral na ginawa ko, galing din naman sa mga ahensya. Sapat na para makapag-ambag ako tungkol sa mga rekomendasyon (The probe I did, [the information] were from the agencies. They were enough for me to share my recommendations).”

Robredo also lamented being fired from her position as ICAD co-chair.

“I didn’t waste my 18 days. I wish I was given more chances and time so I could’ve done more,” she said.

On October 31, 2019, Robredo was appointed as ICAD co-chair to help PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino in curbing the drug menace. She was fired two weeks later due to alleged “missteps,” such as meeting with foreign personalities and groups that have prejudged the drug war and failing to present new measures to stop the drug proliferation in the country. n

Meanwhile, Solidum said it would be better to observe earthquakes instead.

“If we observe harmonic tremors or continuous earthquakes then it should be close (to a major eruption),” he said.

Phivolcs’ bulletin noted that, since 1 p.m. on Sunday, January 12, 466 volcanic earthquakes have been recorded, 156 of which were felt with intensities ranging from Intensity I to V. “For volcanic earthquakes, that is strong,” Bornas pointed out.

“The earthquakes are also generated by the moving magma,” he added.

Taal volcano remains at alert level 4, which means a hazardous explosive eruption is still possible within days or hours.

Agri Dept: Affected farmers, fishermen can get gov’t loan The Department of Agriculture on Wednesday said farmers and fishermen who lost crops and livestock to Taal Volcano’s eruption could soon get zero-interest loans from the government.

Farmers and fishermen can take out a P25,000 loan payable

in 3 years with zero interest under the government’s Survival and Recovery (SURE) program, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said.

Based on DA’s estimates, Taal volcano’s unrest left P577.4 million in initial damage to agriculture, including some 2,700 hectares of farmland and almost 2,000 animals.

Calls for donations started on

Monday, January 13 to help victims and evacuees in the wake of the eruption of Taal Volcano in Batangas.

The Philippine Red Cross is currently accepting relief goods in the form of face masks, towels, bottled water, easy-open canned goods, cup noodles, biscuits, 3in-1 coffee sachets, cleaning materials, blankets and mattresses and hygiene kits. n

‘Slug it out’ in court, DOJ dares... she was being persecuted for her stand against the government.

“If you believe that the charges against you are not true then slug it out, fight it out, file a demurrer to evidence. If you want to file a petition for bail, so there are so many legal remedies available to her,” Guevarra told De Lima.

“If that is her position, why has

not she applied for bail Why is it that other people, even foreigners will be asking for her freedom now, temporary or permanently. But she herself has not applied for bail. So what could be the reason for that? We can only guess about the possible reasons. It’s up to you to think why she hasn’t filed a petition for bail,” he added.

Guevarra said the U.S. government should exercise “some prudence and circumspection.”

“I’m talking about the U.S. State Department. They will realize that where is the wrongful imprisonment, wrongful detention here? Everything was followed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of the Philippines,” he added. n

Lawyer withdraws ICC complaint vs Duterte...

Criminal Court (ICC) charging the President with crimes against humanity in his brutal war on drugs.

In the 28-page sworn statement he was to mail and later personally hand to ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, Sabio said he wanted the complaint, which is called a communication, to be “set aside and ‘thrashed’ for being just a part of the political propaganda” of the opposition led by the Liberal Party (LP).

He recommended that the whole case be discarded since it emanated from polluted sources.

No moral ascendancy Sabio, 53, said he changed his mind about prosecuting the President for extrajudicial killings (EJKs) after he found that the political opposition had no moral ascendancy to accuse Duterte.

He also admitted that his turnaround was motivated partly by the “pittance” he allegedly received as payment from opposition figures for his services.

Sabio was accompanied to a lawyer’s office where he signed the statement by Duterte supporter and defeated senatorial candidate Lorenzo Gadon, who showed reporters excerpts of the document and photos of Sabio signing it.

Sabio told the ICC prosecutor that he refused to be used as a tool by Duterte’s critics led by former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, with whom he had a falling-out over the discredited “Bikoy” videos, and detained Sen. Leila de Lima.

Just a pittance “I would be given a pittance when they needed me for the political propaganda, and then later I would be told that there was no more budget due to financial constraints,” he said.

“It was a pattern that was all too obvious to me, which made me so skeptical about their engagement of me for alias ‘Bikoy,’” Sabio said.

Bikoy, whose real name is Peter Joemel Advincula, was the hooded figure in the viral “The Real Narco-list” videos on social media ahead of the May 2019

midterm polls about the alleged involvement of the President’s family and associates in the drug trade.

Advincula later recanted and said the political opposition was behind the videos, prompting the filing of sedition and other charges against Vice President Leni Robredo, Trillanes, De Lima, and 33 others.

Sabio said Trillanes tried to recruit him as lawyer for Advincula.

But Trillanes denied he was connected to Advincula, who did not pass his vetting process.

“The bottomline is I was disillusioned and disenchanted with the actions of Senator Trillanes, Senator De Lima, Father [Albert] Alejo, and the rest of the LP-led opposition in that Bikoy scandal,” Sabio told the Inquirer in a text message.

“They are using lies for their political agenda and I was almost dragged into that sedition case and charged with kidnapping because of them, so I realized they no longer had any moral upper hand and ascendancy against extrajudicial killings,” he added.

He told the Inquirer that if Trillanes and the opposition believed in the merit of the case filed in the ICC, “they should not have made Bikoy.”

“Who will believe them in the ICC with what they did?” Sabio said. “A case like that in ICC can only be as good as the credibility of the person pursuing it; one has to come to court with clean hands.”

Trillanes said Sabio’s move showed the President was troubled about the case.

Duterte is anxious “The attempt of Duterte forces to reach out to Sabio is a clear indication that Duterte is now anxious as the case against him in the ICC may be resolved soon,” the former senator said in a statement.

He pointed out that the complaint was based on the testimonies of Duterte’s two former security aides, retired SPO4 Arturo Lascañas and confessed hitman Edgar Matobato and Sabio only served as their lawyer.

“Even assuming that Sabio’s

withdrawal (of the complaint) will be accepted, there were others who had filed a case against Duterte in the ICC,” he said.

He said he and former Magdalo party list Rep. Gary Alejano filed the second communication in the ICC against the President in June 2017.

In his complaint against Duterte and 11 of the President’s allies filed in April 2017, Sabio cited the “continuing mass murder” in the Philippines as shown by the thousands of Filipinos killed in Duterte’s anticriminality and antidrug campaigns that began when he was still mayor of Davao City.

In August 2018, activists and families of eight victims of drug war filed another communication against Duterte, accusing him of murder and “crimes against humanity” over the government’s crackdown on illegal drugs in the extrajudicial killings and “brazen” executions by police acting with impunity.

They were assisted by the National Union of Peoples Lawyers (NUPL).

Duterte withdrew the Philippines from the Rome Statute in 2018 after Bensouda opened a “preliminary examination” of the allegations in Sabio’s communication.

The withdrawal took effect in March 2019, making the Philippines the second nation to quit the world’s only permanent war crimes tribunal.

No bearing NUPL members on Tuesday said Sabio’s decision would have no bearing on the preliminary examination, which Bensouda last year said was expected to be concluded in 2020.

“As long as the ICC has reliable information it will proceed. And it has plenty – our communication and complaint is complete with data and documents from the government, affidavits of victims,” said NUPL’s Krissy Conti in a text message.

“We intend to see this investigation and trial through until the end, seeking justice for both the dead and the living, hopefully averting future failures and atroc-

Vegas AAPI organizations gear up for... as how many people live in each home and sex, age, and race of each resident.

Field takers will start visiting residents from mid-May to August if they haven’t responded through any of the three options.

The official counts are scheduled to be delivered to the president

by December.

The data results determine what portion of over $700 billion in federal funding each state will receive annually and how many congressional seats each gets.

In 2016, Nevada received $6.2 billion through 55 federal spending programs based on data from the 2010 census, such as Medicaid, SNAP benefits, Section 8 housing vouchers, and child care programs.

“One person always counts. It makes a difference. That’s what we have to remember,” said Maria Teresa Delgado, a partnership specialist from the Los Angeles Regional Census Center.

Language barriers have hindered various groups from participating in past rounds, however,

the 2020 form will be available in five Asian languages, including Tagalog, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Language guides are also accessible in a total of 59 non-English languages.

“If one person is not counted, one individual costs $2,000 and that’s for 10 years. It’s not much but you still make a difference,” Delgado said.

She added that children are often underrepresented in the census so it’s important to count them too, and that includes Infants who were born before April 1.

This week, the Census Bureau kicked off of a $500-million public education and outreach campaign to reach U.S. households with the message ‘Shape your future. Start here.’

The bureau aims to tell U.S. residents that the census is easy, safe and important.

“The responses that everyone submits in the questionnaire, they are confidential. All census employees took an oath that we cannot share any information with any agency — the FBI, ICE or local police. Everything is confidential,” said Delgado. n

‘Heartbreaking’ situation for ‘under-reported’ evacuees — int’l humanitarian group

by FRANCO LUNA Philstar.com

THE dire situation facing a number of the evacuation centers for those displaced by the effects of Taal Volcano’s recent eruption could potentially have serious effects on some 21,000 children seeking refuge there, an international child welfare organization said on Wednesday.

Rampant ashfall following Taal Volcano’s eruptions continues to

disrupt the lives of many as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council recorded on Wednesday morning a new high of 12,486 families—53,019 people—who were affected by volcanic unrest.

In three of these evacuation centers, though, Save the Children Philippines in an assessment sent to Philstar.com outlined a number of main concerns on the conditions of child evacuees, namely sanitation, food, pro-

tection and health.

According to the humanitarian organization, whose team conducted an assessment of three centers, evacuees “showed signs of distress” as the circumstances they faced included insufficient toilets, a pronounced lack of space and privacy and an urgent need for psychosocial support for children.

“Children are not just little adults; they require specific sup-

USAID is helping Philippine government to monitor Taal eruption THE U.S. Embassy in the Philippines on Wednesday, January 15, said the United States Agency for International Development or the Geological Survey is providing help to its long-time ally, Philippines, after the Taal eruption in Batangas.

The U.S. Embassy shared that the USAID and the Volcano Disaster Assistance Program is providing equipment and remote technical support to the Philippine government.

According to the USAID, it is providing an infrared camera and other technical support to help monitor the volcano’s activity.

VDAP, established by the USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance and the USGS in 1986, has been providing technical assistance worldwide.

It also helped the Philippines monitor Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, which had not erupted in 500 years then.

VDAP previously worked with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to install volcano monitoring equipment and analyze data to forecast eruptions.

Its collaboration with the Philippines helped evacuate around 75,000 people before Mt. Pinatubo exploded on June 15, 1951.

Taal erupted on Sunday, January 12, after 43 years of being asleep. (Rosette Adel/Philstar. com)

ies, and American studies and ethnicity.

“As of today, I am the first woman of color to have ever been promoted to the rank of full professor in the USC English dept.

I promise I will not be the last,” she wrote. “Thanks to everyone who wrote for me, mentored me, drank w/ me. It took not only a village, but a world to make it happen.”

The promotion process weighs the contributions the candidate has made in the field of study and that he or she should be considered an expert in the field at a national and international level, according to USC’s website. “Evidence of excellence in teaching and mentoring is expected,” it added.

In an email to the Asian Journal, Tongson said it was a “profound honor” to represent the Fil-Am community at USC and through her work.

“When I’d heard from a senior colleague that I would be the first woman of color promoted to full in our department, I was shocked.

Then I paused to reflect a little longer and realized that my situation is not in the slightest bit exceptional, but par for the course in U.S. academia,” she said.

A 2013 study by professors Donna Ginther and Shulamit Kahn found that women of color made up 2.3% of faculty who are on the tenure track and who are tenured nationwide. Meanwhile, data from fall 2016 showed that 21% of USC’s faculty members (male and female) were of Asian descent, 25% of whom were on the tenure track and 15% tenured.

“Because of the fundamental lack of diversity on a majority of U.S. college campuses in gener-

al, students of color, and female students of color, look to us for mentorship and support more frequently and more intensely,” Tongson said, adding that faculty of color carry a greater obligation because of this.

She continued, “Filipino Americans are also dramatically underrepresented amongst university faculty in general, let alone at the senior ranks.” Fellow USC professor, Rhacel Salazar Parreñas, started gathering other Fil-Am faculty members at the university — there are six Fil-Ams teaching across various disciplines out of 4,000 full-time faculty, Tongson said.

The English professor intends to use her new rank to continue mentoring students and scholars of color at USC and at different institutions.

“I will make sure to fight for the resource and research support they deserve to help them make progress to tenure, as well as to full,” Tongson vowed. “And I will be a powerful advocate for their work, and contributions to departmental and university leadership.”

Though culturally Filipino families tend to push medical, finance or engineering fields, Tongson said that Fil-Am students who want to study the liberal arts should go ahead and do it if they’re passionate about it.

“Learn as much as you can about the system and how the process works before committing yourself to this life,” she advised. “Like those other fields favored by your parents, this world has its own rules, and the more you understand them and are prepared to navigate them, the better chances you’ll have at achieving your goals.”

She will still teach the same courses in English, gender stud-

ies and American studies both at the undergraduate and graduate level, including a food politics and culture seminar that allows students to travel around different communities in California and Las Vegas.

As an educator, Tongson comes into her courses with a sense of humor and trust and allows students to have some freedom to be “expressive and creative, with a mix of assignments that aren’t simply formal, but that also tap into the range of their skill sets,” she said.

Tongson published her second book, “Why Karen Carpenter Matters,” in 2019 about her connection to the late singer and growing up in the musical Katindig family of the Philippines. That same year, she won the Lambda Literary Jeanne Córdova Award for lesbian/queer nonfiction. She is also the author of “Relocations: Queer Suburban Imaginaries” (2011) and co-editor of the awardwinning book series, “Postmillennial Pop (with Henry Jenkins)” at NYU Press.

In addition to her new rank, she is working on two books “one on karaoke, queer cultures, and aesthetics, and another on television and its ‘spectacles of normalcy,’” she said. She also plans to launch the second season of “Waiting to X-Hale,” a Gen-X themed pop culture podcast she co-produces and co-hosts with Wynter Mitchell-Rohrbaugh.

Before coming to USC in 2005, Tongson received a doctorate degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley and held a UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship in Literature at UC San Diego, and a UC Humanities Research Institute (UCHRI) Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC Irvine.

(Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)

NV Dems, AAPI caucus host mock caucus Filipina American becomes first woman of color...

ON Monday, January 13, NV Dems and the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Democratic Caucus hosted a mock caucus to prepare Nevada Democrats. With less than 40 days before NV Dems’ 2020 First in the West Caucus, mock caucuses provide caucus-goers and volunteers with valuable hands-on experience.

In 2020, Asian American voters in Nevada will play a decisive role in the presidential primary. Nevada is home to one of the fastest-growing AAPI communities in the country, making up nearly 10% of our population. In addition to hosting Caucus Day and early

voting locations across our diverse communities, such as Chinatown Plaza, NV Dems will provide caucus materials in Ta-

galog for the first time ever to ensure every Nevada Democrat has the ability to make their voice heard. n

‘Heartbreaking’ situation for ‘under-reported’... port to meet their emotional and psychological needs. Infants, toddlers, and children require special care and supplies during and after natural disasters,” Alberto Muyot, CEO for Save the Children Philippines, said.

“Unless this support is provided quickly, children are likely to suffer long-term developmental, physical and psychological setbacks.”

The group expressed concern, too, that the fundraisers and donation drives from private entities were almost solely sustaining evacuees but could soon run dry.

An evacuation center in the Bauan Cockpit in Barangay Manghinao, Bauan, was described by the organization as having a “heart-breaking situation” amid the inflow of some 870 families seeking temporary shelter. “There are at least 80 children staying in this cockpit-turned-evacuation center.

There’s a one-month old, twomonth old who is suffering from cough,” the report read.

“Evacuees are staying in pavement; only ‘mat’ where they sleep are those used cartons distributed by private individuals.”

The Batangas Provincial Sports Complex in Barangay Bolbok was not much better.

In the makeshift evacuation center, Save the Children observed that “[m]ore than 4,000 individuals are taking temporary refuge” while “[e]vacuees [were] overflowing; those didn’t find space inside opted to stay outside the stadium.

“Small children are suffering from respiratory diseases such as coughs and colds due to close proximity to so many other people. With over 200 volcanic earthquakes reported since Sunday, families have no idea when or even if they will be able to return to their homes. This uncertainty can be devastating for children,” Jerome Balinton, humanitarian manager for the Save the Children Philippines, said.

Under-reported numbers Exactly 10,000 families—totaling 43,681 persons—were seeking temporary shelter in 217

evacuation centers in the region, a bulletin by the NDRRMC said.

But Save the Children in an earlier statement also said the NDRRMC and other government organizations could potentially be under-reporting the actual number of those displaced.

“The reported figures don’t count yet those affected residents who are staying with their friends and relatives,” they said in a previous statement.

“The population of Agoncillo alone in 2015 is 38,000, and the local government unit said the entire municipality was evacuated.”

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in a report also said that there were around 459,300 living in the danger zone. “[T]here are other residents displaced from Laurel (with 39,999 population in 2015; San Nicolas with 22,623 population in 2015; and Talisay with 45,301 population in 2015; Lemery with 93,157 population in 2015,” Save the Children added in their assessment. n

Philippines shows highest global support... proposal and increasing tariffs.

“A median of 68% across the nations polled say they disapprove of the U.S. increasing tariffs on imported goods; a median of 66% oppose the Trump administration’s withdrawal from international climate agreements; and 60% disapprove of Trump’s proposal to build a wall on the border with Mexico,” the survey said.

In terms of immigration, 55% of respondents said they disapproved of the administration’s plans to reduce the number of immigrants coming into the U.S. Other countries that showed high confidence in the U.S. president were Israel (71%), Kenya (65%), Nigeria (58%) and India (56%).

Though the ratings for Trump are low in most nations, the view of the U.S. remains largely favorable at 54% compared to 38% unfavorable, the survey found. Ratings were positive in the Philippines, Poland, South Korea and Israel where “in each about eight-in-ten say they view the U.S. favorably,” Pew found.

The countries that had the most negative views of the U.S. were Germany, Russia, Turkey and Mexico.

“In some countries, views of the U.S. have become more positive since 2018. This increase in favorable views of the U.S. is especially prevalent among those who favor right-wing populist parties or place themselves on the right end of the ideological spectrum,” Pew said.

A similar survey was last con-

ducted in 2017 — the year Trump was inaugurated — which found that 22% had confidence the president would do the right thing in international affairs.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. has previously said that the Philippines and U.S. continue to share amicable ties, even with certain American lawmakers criticizing PH President Rodrigo Duterte’s human rights record and the latest U.S. Senate resolution to put sanctions on local government officials involved in the arrest and detention of opposition Senator Leila De Lima.

The Philippines also continues to view the U.S. as its most dependable, according to a Pew survey from December 2019.

“Trump is generally more pop-

ular among people on the political right. In 18 nations, those who place themselves on the right side of the ideological spectrum express more confidence in the U.S. president,” the think tank noted.

Trump and President Rodrigo Duterte have shown support for one another, with the former congratulating the latter for an “unbelievable job on the drug problem” in the country.

Philippine respondents also rated Russian President Vladimir Putin positively with 61% confidence and Chinese President Xi Jinping with 58%.

The Pew survey released this week was conducted across 33 countries from May 18 to October 2, 2019 using face-to-face interviews among 36,923 respondents. (AJPress)

Lawyer withdraws ICC complaint vs Duterte... ities,” she said.

Edre Olalia, NUPL secretary general and lawyer for Rise Up, a group of relatives of victims of extrajudicial killings, said the other complaints, particularly those filed by relatives of slain victims, would stand on their own merits even if Sabio withdrew his complaint.

He refused to speculate on what led Sabio to withdraw.

“Absent clear and established facts at this point as to the real reasons, context and circumstances of the reported withdrawal, we cannot divine or second guess with certainty the intention or motivation behind such step,”

he said.

‘Tremendous pressure’ In an interview with the Inquirer in February 2018, Sabio said he felt “tremendous pressure” from the implications — and consequences — of what he may have set in motion.

He said he feared for his personal safety and feared for the lives of Matobato and Lascañas, both of whom had turned whistleblowers and were now fugitives.

Solicitor General Jose Calida, one of the 11 other officials Sabio wanted the ICC to investigate, threatened to bring a case to disbar the lawyer.

“We will see him in court,” Calida had said in a statement.

“It appears that this lawyer is in the business of maliciously filing baseless suits based only on hearsay and unfounded suspicions.”

In March 2018, the Trece Martires City Regional Trial Court Branch 23 ordered Sabio’s arrest after he failed to pay within three days a P2,000 fine for using an expired Mandatory Continuing Legal Education compliance certificate in a land registration case.

In March 2019, the Court of Appeals ordered the lower court in to recall the arrest warrant. (With reports from Marlon Ramos, Patricia Denise M. Chiu and Inquirer Research)

OPINION

Enhancing disaster preparedness

FEATURES

IN some lakefront towns of Batangas, visibility was zero after Taal Volcano exploded on Sunday, ejecting a massive plume of ash. The volcanic particles were borne by the wind to much of Batangas and Cavite, parts of Laguna and all the way to Metro Manila.

The last time the country saw such an enormous amount of ashfall was when Mt. Pinatubo woke up from hundreds of years of sleep and erupted in June 1991. The eruption of what most people didn’t even know was a volcano altered weather patterns around the planet and Pinatubo’s ash cloud reached as far as Vietnam.

Pinatubo led to improvements in the country’s preparedness for volcanic eruptions. Volcanic warning protocols have become better coordinated with evacuation and other emergency responses undertaken by local government units. Health officials now have on hand water purification tablets for distribution to areas where water supply has become contaminated by volcanic debris.

As experts have pointed out, however, the latest activity in Taal is showing areas where there is still room for improvement in preparedness for volcanic eruptions. Evacuation centers remain inadequate. The zero visibility due to the ashfall shows the need for fog lamps, to prevent accidents

and improve relief assistance.

Traumatized residents need more counselors for mental health.

Despite the clear danger, there were still people in the high-risk zones who showed strong reluctance to abandon their homes. One of the reasons was that they would have to abandon livestock and pets, which are not allowed in evacuation centers.

In other countries, there are evacuation areas and special shelters even for animals where their owners can continue caring for them during disasters. People breed livestock for livelihood, and keep pets for personal wellbeing. Being forced to abandon the animals can be extremely distressing for the owners. Wildlife also need protection from natural calamities.

Every calamity should lead to better measures for preparedness, resilience, emergency response and disaster mitigation. Taal Volcano should open opportunities for enhancing disaster response capability. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS TAAL Volcano – a volcano within a lake within a volcano. This spectacular dreamy view of Taal from Tagaytay is perhaps one of the most memorable sights of the Motherland that we Filipinos already living abroad always go back to.

Being only 31 miles away from the nation’s capital, this picturesque destination is part of a lot of our warm family memories for our quick day trip from Manila, a wedding, a honeymoon or a retreat and recollection venue. The image of Taal Volcano in Taal Lake from Tagaytay is at the forefront of these memories.

But on January 12, Taal Volcano had awakened. From that picture of serenity, Taal again unleashed its fiery wrath, being the second most active volcano in the Philippines.

Taal Volcano has 34 recorded historical eruptions. Along with

Commentary

REYNALDO O. ARCILLA PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte aka Digong’s statement that the Philippines would side with the United States if violence erupts and Filipinos get hurt is a bit unclear, if not premature.

What if Filipinos are hurt or killed due to U.S. military action like bombing Iranian or Iraqi targets where overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are located?

Whose side do we choose then?

I believe it is also ill-advised for Digong to say that he would allow transit through the Philippines of U.S. troops and warships for refueling and getting provisions during an Iran-U.S. armed conflict.

“I said that’s normal. We allow ships of…the gray ships of other nations to park here and get some… ‘yung provisionings nila (their provisionings),” he said.

Normal, yes, but not when they are gray ships of nations that are at war with another country, especially where we have a good number of OFWs. He added that this was in honor of the country’s defense ties with the U.S., meaning the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

Huh?! Surely, he does not have to be reminded that the U.S. did not honor its commitment in that treaty insofar as our dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea is concerned.

Besides, it doesn’t seem logical that the U.S. would use the Philippines for transiting troops and

Taal Volcano unleashes its wrath: A call for the Bayanihan spirit, obedience and faith among Filipinos the other volcanos in the Philippine archipelago, Taal is part of the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.

Volcanic turmoil had been chronicled since 1572, the year the Augustinian priests founded the town of Taal in the shore of the lake in what is now known as San Nicolas, Batangas. The first recorded most violent eruption happened in 1754 which lasted for 200 days – from May 15 to December 1, which caused the relocation of the towns of Tanauan, Taal, Lipa and Sala.

But one of the most destructive and devastating wrath of Taal happened in January of 1911, killing 1,335 lives and injuring 199, because of scalding by hot steam and/or hot mud. Seven barangays were wiped out, several villages were destroyed, including nipa

houses, farms and livestock.

There were more recorded volcanic activity from 1965 to 1977.

The 1965 eruption was generated by the interaction of the magma with the lake water that led to the violent explosion akin to an atomic bomb explosion. Such eruption generated surges that travelled across Taal Lake, devastating on the lake shore, killing about a hundred people.

Taal Volcano had a nine-month respite until another similar eruption occurred in 1967. Five months after, in 1968, the volcano produced the first historical lava springing out from Taal. The last major volcanic eruptions occurred in 1976 and 1977.

While there were minor eruptions thereafter, Taal Volcano woke up after 43 years. On January 12, 2020, the eruption started from the main crater on Volcano Island, escalating fast from Alert Level 2 to

Alert Level 4.

Taal Volcano spewed toxic ashes to areas covering Metro Manila, Calabar Zone (Cavite-LagunaBatangas), and even some parts of Central Luzon. Ashfall, volcanic thunderstorms and lightning above its crater with ash clouds and lava fountain were reported and captured on video and reported by major news organizations and shared online. Mandatory evacuations were made, especially because of the dangers of possible tsunami. Fissures (ground cracking) have already been observed in the area.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) of the Department of Science and Technology has been issuing warnings to help save lives.

PHIVOLCS has identified a 14km “Permanent Danger Zone” which could be the most vulner-

able areas to a possible impending violent and devastating explosion.

The list as reported by my former colleague Charie Villa: CAVITE 1. Tagaytay City 2. Silang (Ilang Bahagi) 3. Alfonso (Ilang Bahagi) 4. Mendez (Malaking Bahagi) 5. Indang (Ilang Bahagi) 6. Amadeo (Ilang Bahagi) BATANGAS 1. Talisay 2. Laurel 3. Agoncillo 4. Taal 5. Santa Teresita 6. Alitagtag 7. Cuenca 8. San Jose (Ilang bahagi) 9 Mataas na Kahoy 10. Balete 11. Malvar 12. City of Tanauan 13. Calaca (Ilang bahagi) 14. San Luis (Ilang Bahagi)

15. Lipa (Ilang Bahagi) 16. San Nicolas 17. Lemery LAGUNA 1. Ilang bahagi ng Calamba City 2. Ilang bahagi ng Cabuyao City If you or your family in the Philippines live in any of these areas, please urge them to heed government warnings and evacuation orders even when they think there is a moment of calm. Let us pray for them, our volunteers and government officials. God bless you all! ***

Siding with US in Iran-US conflict is premature

replenishing fuel and provisions.

There are U.S. bases much closer to Iran and Iraq where it can do those things, like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, not to mention its military bases in Western Europe.

In short, I agree wholeheartedly with Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto 3rd that the Philippines should remain neutral in the Iran-U.S. quarrel.

US prevented Iran FM from addressing Security Council Last week, I wondered why the United Nations Security Council had not taken up the U.S.-Iran crisis even after Iran rained ballistic missiles on two air bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq.

It turned out that the reason the council had not done so was because the UN denied entry to Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif to address the council in New York.

Under the agreement between the world body and the U.S., the latter is obligated to allow the entry of members’ representatives to attend UN meetings. What the U.S. did, according to UN sources, however, was to simply ignore the Iranian request for its foreign minister to enter the U.S. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, when asked why Zarif was denied a visa, flippantly said that the U.S. State Department does not respond to visa matters.

As a result, the council could not be convened to deliberate on the issue. It has not been able to do so up to this writing.

Fortunately, after exchanges of threats and counterthreats, both Iran and the U.S. appear to have

decided not to escalate their dispute.

But I do not think the world is out of the woods yet, so to speak.

‘Tweeterboy’ Locsin on Suleimani In a Philippine Star report dated Jan. 6. 2020, Foreign Secretary Teodoro “Tweeterboy” Locsin Jr. said that Iran’s top military commander Qassem Suleimani, who was assassinated by the US, was not a terrorist.

This was contrary to the U.S.’ assertion that Suleimani was a known terrorist for leading militant groups that killed hundreds of Americans.

Locsin said Suleimani was a “great” general. “He was a soldier, not a terrorist. He was a general, possibly one of the best in modern times, and never lost a battle so far as I know,” he tweeted.

“He was a soldier and soldiers die as he did, in battle, by assassination by any means to stop his brilliance from carrying the day, day in, day out on any battlefield.

Honor the enemy, honor yourself,” he added.

Locsin’s comments on Suleimani most probably did not please the U.S.. But the U.S. knows that deep down, he remains a Washington admirer and a member of the Yellow horde.

I just hope that the Philippine National Police (PNP), which has started profiling groups that “may sympathize with the death of Suleimani to thwart possible retaliation,” does not include Locsin in its list.

“There are also security concerns, kasi syempre merong

sympathetic either by race or ideology, so the PNP is profiling possible threats, possible groups who may take advantage or who might sympathize,” PNP Officer in Charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa said in a press briefing last week.

Locsin’s behavior “‘Pag pikon ka, talo. (If you’re short-tempered, you lost).”

That’s how, for one, I would describe Locsin’s behavior toward the group of Filipinos demonstrating at the Department of Foreign Affairs last weekend.

Media and other quarters described his behavior as arrogant, undiplomatic, unprofessional, inexcusable and unbecoming.

I call it juvenile.

Digong to visit Kuwait?!

“Duterte visit to Kuwait still a go” — story in the Philippine Daily Inquirer datelined Jan. 6, 2020.

What?!

Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong’ Go, who still doubles as Digong’s Man Friday and sometimes as spokesman, said: “He (Duterte) plans to go [to Kuwait] this quarter or sometime March or April because after the agreement with Kuwait in 2018, the relations of our two countries have been good as well as the conditions of the OFWs there.”

What is intriguing is Go’s statement, as reported by the Philippine Star, that the Kuwaiti government has granted many requests made by the government. Pray tell, what are those?

On the other hand, Digong himself said he was not keen on having a deployment ban to Ku-

wait as justice was being done in the case of the murder of OFW Jeanelyn Villavende.

“The situation is quite different. We do not see apathy there.

And the police authorities in Kuwait acted swiftly, and they have arrested the spouses,” he said on TV last week.

“There were arrests made and there’s an investigation going on. Apparently, justice is being done,” he added.

Last Saturday, however, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello 3rd said he wanted a permanent deployment ban of Filipino workers to Kuwait after he received a “fake and dishonest” autopsy result from Kuwaiti authorities on the death of Villavende. (The NBI autopsy later revealed that the poor victim was also sexually abused.)

“Wala na tayong ipadadala doon. Mga walang kuwenta ‘yang mga Kuwaiti na ‘yan. Biro mo ‘yong ginawa nila sa ating kababayan. ‘Pag ikuwento ko sa inyo, baka pati [kayo] magwewelga na. Masyado nilang inapi ang ating kababayan (We will not send anyone there anymore. Those Kuwaitis are worthless. Imagine what they did to our countrymen.

If I tell you, even you will protest.

They abused our countrymen),” said Bello.

“We will not allow injustice done to our OFW. We will see to it that the culprits will answer for their crimes,” he added.

What does Digong have to say now?

Go on alleged P40-M donation Last week, this space referred

to a news report that Go, tagged as a bilyonaryo by no less than Digong, donated P40 million for the construction of a new town hall for Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya.

The good senator had since clarified that the report was incorrect. He said that he merely promised to help the vice governor of the province and the mayor of Kayapa raise the funds necessary for building a town hall to replace the 70-year-old dilapidated one.

Perhaps Go would be well-advised to inform the public of the result of his fundraising efforts in due course. *** Reminder This is to remind President Digong of his campaign promise to rid the country of foreign troops and military bases.

He only has two-and-a-half years left before his term ends.

The longer he waits, the more difficult it would be for him to accomplish this noble objective.

It would be his greatest legacy.

History will single him out for freeing the Philippines from U.S. neocolonialism, achieving true independence and paving the way to greater economic progress. *** From an internet friend: Funny quotes: When I die, I want to go peacefully like my grandfather did — in his sleep. Not yelling and screaming like the passengers in his car.

– Will Ferrell I don’t think my wife likes me very much. When I had a heart attack, she wrote for an ambulance.

– Frank Carson. (Inquirer.net)

DATELINE PDuterte HILIPPINES vows to go after Drilon if involved in ‘onerous’ water deals

by CATHERINE

S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

Duterte rejects Manila Bay reclamation projects

by CATHERINE

VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said he was unlikely to approve any proposed reclamation project in Manila Bay, saying the scope of the proposals was “almost mind-boggling” and “stupefying.”

Duterte made the statement after the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) last month said at least four reclamation projects had been given the green light.

“That entire, how many?

10,000 hectares? It would be, surely, for habitation. There might be some offices or some residences there,” the president said in a television interview on Monday, January 13.

“But you have to make an audit now of whether or not the environment of the entire area there can absorb the waste and where would it go after being treated. Because now, you must have water treatment. If you have a new building, make sure you are connected to [a] water treatment facility,” he added.

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has vowed to go after Sen. Franklin Drilon if it would be proven that he was involved in the government’s alleged irregular contracts with two water companies.

The president made the statement amid the government’s plan to sign a new deal with Maynilad Services, Inc. and Manila Water Inc. after claiming that their existing contracts were “onerous” and therefore “null and void.”

“That contract was approved by lawyers now in government.

I hope Drilon is not one of them.

Kasi (Because) when I decide to — ide-demanda ko talaga (I will really press charges). I will file the charges of — it’s either plunder or syndicated estafa,” Duterte said during his visit to Batangas on Tuesday, January 14.

“Sabi ko (I said), “What can I do?

There is a serious violation of the Constitution.” As a matter of fact, that contract right at the beginning

was null and void,” he added.

The president then assured residents of Metro Manila and nearby areas that they would not lose access to water if the government would take over the operations from the two distribution companies.

The president has urged Drilon to tell the truth after recalling that the senator once warned him about tinkering with the contracts because the government would end up paying billions of pesos.

“I’m ready to go down. Hindi kita tinatakot. Pero ‘pag bumagsak ako, dadalhin talaga kita. I will — I will…

I’m not — I’m not — takot-takot (I’m not trying to scare you but if I go down, I will drag you down.

I’m not afraid). I’m not challenging you. Just tell the people the truth.

You read the contract aloud and say if it is good for the people,” Duterte has said.

Duterte was irked by the two water firms after the Singapore-based Permanent Court of Arbitration issued separate rulings, ordering the Philippine government to pay P3.4 billion and P7.39 billion to

Maynilad and Manila Water, respectively, for their supposed losses and damages.

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System had revoked the extension of the water companies’ concession deals after Duterte threatened to file “economic sabotage” and economic plunder charges against Maynilad and Manila Water.

Reacting to Duterte’s tirades and threats, both the Pangilinanled Maynilad and Ayala-owned Manila Water said they would no longer collect the P10.8 billion in compensation that the Philippine government was ordered to pay.

Malacañang had said the government was targeting the completion of the new water contracts in three to six months.

The 25-year water concession agreements were signed in 1997 during the term of former president Fidel Ramos and extended in 2009 by the administration of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo until 2037.a. n

PH, China to discuss possible joint maritime drill

by AJPRESS

Duterte said he was not ready to approve any reclamation project if there was no concrete plan showing how the environment would be protected.

“That big [of an area] is stupefying. Mukhang (I think), I am not ready for that. I am not ready even to say I will grant it. Not in my time,” the President said.

“As long as there is no guarantee that the environment will be protected and the health of the people also safeguarded,” he

added.

PRA General Manager Joselito Gonzales earlier said the approved projects were the Navotas City Coastal Bay Reclamation Project, Pasay 360-Hectare Reclamation Project, Pasay 265Hectare Reclamation Project and the Horizon Manila 418-Reclamation Project.

In February last year, Duterte gave the power to approve reclamation projects back to the PRA. n

THE Philippine Coast Guard on Tuesday, January 14, welcomed China Coast Guard Vessel 5204 as it undergoes a port call to the country.

The two coast guards will hold a bilateral meeting to discuss issues such as hotlines of communication and search and rescue operation.

They will also be discussing the possibility of conducting joint exercises on maritime security.

“This is the first time in history that the PCG and CCG formally sit down and talk to enhance relationship and establish smooth coordination in relation to maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, maritime safety, marine environmental protection, and maritime security,” said PCG commandant Adm. Joel Garcia in a statement.

PCG personnel and their Chinese counterparts will also exchange best practices on maritime affairs and law enforcement as well as conduct cross-deck visits on their respective vessels.

“CCG’s port call in Manila is intended to enhance cooperation and understanding between Philippines and China, specifically in the conduct of patrol operations in a way that will not instigate provocation,” the PCG said.

Garcia justified the CCG’s visit to the country following previous reports of harassment of Filipino

fishermen in the West Philippine Sea, stressing that the PCG was welcomed in China when it visited Beijing as part of a memorandum of understanding between the two countries.

This marks the third meeting between the PCG and the CCG. The previous meetings were held in Subic and Beijing. n

60 COUNTRIES. OVER 100 CITIES WORLDWIDE. THAT’S INTERNATIONAL.

Higher pork, chicken imports seen in 2020

by LOUISE

MAUREEN Philstar.com

DOJ shortens visa upon arrival for Chinese tourists to 30 days

by FRANCO LUNA Philstar.com

MANILA — Visa upon arrival for Chinese tourists would now be valid for only 30 days and would no longer be extendable due to an amendment to the original rule, the Department of Justice said.

Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete confirmed this in an interview with reporters, saying the amendment would come into effect as soon as it was published.

Further restrictions include a requirement for booked accommodations for every stop for tourists and for accredited tour operators to provide proof of accommodations.

“The new amendment makes it restrictive in a sense that if you’re coming in as a tourist, you’re now required to be able to get a visa upon arrival to provide tickets to go out of the Philippines, to make sure none will be overstaying,” he said.

When VUAs were initially granted to Chinese tourists and businessmen, they were effective for three months with the option of extending another three, for a maximum stay of up to six months. Such was the part of the law that was scrapped so as to prevent overstaying.

Perete himself acknowledged that the move came as a result of the complaints surrounding POGOs. “Part of it the POGO nga. Some have used that facility to obtain employment later on whether its

POGO or any other kind of employment,” he said.

He, however, was careful to point out that it was “not essentially because of the Chinese” and that it was only them being covered because of the original Executive Order by then-President Cory Aquino that granted the privilege solely to them to attract investors and boost tourism.

“We [just] want to make sure that the visa upon arrival facility would not be abused,” Perete said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. originally wanted to have the VUA privilege scrapped altogether.

“We need to put an end to visas upon arrival, all visas should be issued by consular offices after vetting. We must take extra care in outsourcing any part of the visa application process, picking only the most reputable worldwide,” he tweeted in August 2019.

“So we curtail visas on arrival which means: visitors not vetted in our consulates abroad; planes have passengers without visas thereby incurring US Homeland Security wrath. We have to stop stamping visas on slips of paper rather than foreign passports. We need a new visa stamp.”

Locsin said that the influx of Chinese nationals was seen as a security risk. In December, a survey by the Social Weather Stations revealed that 70% of Filipinos were also worried over the rise of Chi-

nese workers in the country.

In a December statement, Sen. Joel Villanueva said that the benefits of Philippine offshore gaming operators or POGOs in the country were outweighed by the safety risks evidenced by the rise in kidnapping incidents involving Chinese nationals.

Data from the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group showed that incidents of kidnapping involving Chinese nationals have been steadily on the rise in the past years. From January to November of last year, the group recorded 36 casino-related kidnappings, while 69 Filipinos and foreigners were kidnapped the year before.

According to a report by property consulting firm Colliers International Philippines, the predominantly Chinese-owned offices are listed to occupy some one million square meters of office space in Metro Manila alone today.

House solons have also observed that the chief executive’s words have had no effect on POGOs, as none of them have heeded his warning for them to pay taxes. Rep. Carlos Zarate (Bayan Muna partylist) has been quoted as saying that POGOs “are not afraid of our tough-talking president.”

Asked if the VUAs would cover other nationals, Perete said the department was still “studying the possibility of expanding the coverage to other nationals coming in for short stays.” n

SIMEON

MANILA — The Philippines is expected to buy more pork and chicken from the global market as African swine fever (ASF) cases in the country would pull down local supply.

In the latest report of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Foreign Agricultural Service, the Philippines is seen importing 300,000 metric tons of pork meat this year, 13 percent higher from last year’s 265,000 MT. Domestic production, meanwhile, is seen to decline 10 percent to 1.475 million MT, from 1.675 million MT in 2019.

The USDA has lowered import projection for this year from the earlier 350,000 MT as ASF has not spread as quickly as previously anticipated, resulting in lowerthan-expected herd liquidation.

“Higher-than-expected hog supplies and fewer disease impacts boost 2020 production by five percent from the previous estimate but production is forecast to fall 10 percent year-overyear due to ASF impacts,” USDA said.

Consumption was also lowered by eight percent to 1.775 million MT, from 1.939 million MT, as consumers shift to chicken meat.

The Philippines will also hike its chicken meat imports by 13 percent to 390,000 MT from last year’s 345,000 MT. Local production, which will only increase by 10 percent, will not be able to meet additional do-

mestic consumption of 13 percent to nearly two million MT from 1.76 million MT. Imports are forecast higher as consumers transition from pork to increasingly price-competitive chicken.

Meanwhile, global production will dip nine percent to 95.38 million MT due to the impact of ASF on swine herds in several major producing countries.

Worldwide consumption of pork will likewise go down by almost the same level.

“A sharply lower breeding herd and continued impacts from ASF will drive production 23 percent lower year-over-year in 2020 in China,” the USDA said.

In Europe, pork production forecasts are revised marginally lower on reduced slaughter.

Most major pork exporters,

however, will boost production due to rising global import demand. Production is up robustly in the US, Canada and Brazil.

The USDA noted that global pork exports could reach 10.35 million MT, from 9.47 million MT traded last year.

As for chicken meat, global production will increase four percent to a record 102.92 million MT, and worldwide consumption will also rise at the same pace.

China will account for more than half of the global production increase, driven by improved access to imported genetics and rising meat prices as ASF outbreaks slash domestic pork supplies.

The USDA said global chicken exports next year could also reach a record 12.15 million MT, with Brazil and Thailand making the greatestexport gains. n

Duterte wants number of POGOs regulated

by ALEXIS

ROMERO Philstar.com

MANILA — President Duterte wants to limit the number of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in the Philippines, saying the presence of too many gaming hubs has “side effects” and will pose difficulties for regulators.

Duterte said while POGOs have created jobs, they cannot be “in every town and city,” otherwise authorities would not be able to police them all.

“Many Filipinos have benefited from jobs but you have to temper it also with the corruption. There is always the law enforcement. I am not only zeroing in on police, but I am warning them, there are a lot of, how do you call it, side effects of too many (POGOs),”

the president said in an interview aired over dzMM. “If you add more to this number presently operating you will not be able to police them all. So you have to set a number for that, it cannot be in every town and city about so many POGO games going on,” he added.

About 130,000 Chinese nationals are working for POGOs. Last year, China asked the Philippines to ban online gaming, saying it could lead to crimes like money laundering. Duterte denied the request, saying the ban would result in job losses.

The government has earned about P1.6 billion in withholding taxes from POGOs and service providers in the first eight months of 2019, way higher than the 579 million it collected

in 2018.

Duterte said China, through its new ambassador Huang Xilian, has vowed not to interfere with the Philippines’ law enforcement efforts against Chinese nationals who violate the law.

He said the matter was discussed during a dinner with the envoy last Jan. 8.

“The former ambassador and the ambassador said that if you must do it because the law is the law, and that if there is a need to deport, arrest, then they’re keeping their hands away from all these things,” the president said. “(The envoy said) you have prerogative to do what you want to enforce the law. In fairness to Chinese government, they understand,” he added. n

CRIME volume in Metro Manila decreased by 6.12 percent in 2019, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas said on Tuesday, January 15.

The number of crimes — index and non-index — slid to 48,182 in 2019 from 51,322 in 2018, Sinas said.

“Kung makikita nyo ‘yung crimes na-reduce siya (If you will notice, crimes were reduced),” Sinas said in a press briefing.

Index crimes went down by 7.55 percent to 12,695 in 2019 from 13,732 in the previous year.

Index crimes are serious crimes such as murder, homicide, physical injury, robbery, rape, theft and carjacking.

In Metro Manila, murder cases dropped by 14.09 percent, from 745 in 2018 to 640 in 2019.

Homicide cases decreased by 30.40 percent from 273 to 190 and physical injury went down by 7.51 percent from 2,330 to 2,155.

Incidences of rape also went down by 2.91 percent — from 1,170 to 1,136.

Meanwhile, non-index crimes went down by 5.59

percent to 35,487 in 2019 from 37,590 in 2018. Non-index crimes are violations of local ordinances and laws and vehicular accidents According to Sinas, crime volume efficiency in the metropolis went up by 2.06 percent because of the intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

Sinas also said zero backlogs of administrative cases were reported in the NCRPO, with all 3,933 administrative cases and 697 motions for reconsideration from 1999 resolved. (Dante Pesco/ManilaTimes.net)

Metro Manila crime volume down

Don’t tempt Sara to seek presidency - Duterte

by ALEXIS

ROMERO Philstar.com

MANILA — President Duterte is urging politicians not to persuade his daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio to seek the presidency, saying the position would expose her to risks and require her to make sacrifices.

“If any of you has the ambition... mayor, do not commit that mistake,” Duterte said.

“Kaya si Inday ayaw ko. Huwag ninyong demonyohin ‘yang anak ko kasi maawa ako sa kanya. Anak ko ‘yan eh. Mag-presidente…

Baka ma-insulto kayo (I don’t want Inday to do it. Do not tempt my daughter because I would pity her. She is my daughter. To run for president... you might end up being insulted),” he added.

Duterte said the presidency is attractive to the corrupt but demanding to those who just want to work.

“If you just want to work, you have to sacrifice... You know, the danger of flying a helicopter at night... If my helicopter encounters an accident and catches fire, before I get fried, son of a b****, please pour water on us,” the president said.

“Those are the sacrifices that we have to make. And you know, however you do it, people will still have something to say. Well, it’s democracy. We can’t do anything about that,” he added.

Carpio is the head of Hugpong ng Pagbabago, a political party seen by some observers as her possible stepping stone toward the presidency. Nine of 13 senatorial candidates endorsed by the party won during last year’s midterm polls.

Carpio has yet to decide whether to run for president in 2022, saying she would “pray for wisdom” on the matter. n

SWS: 73% of Filipinos believe number of drug users declined

by HELEN

FLORES Philstar.com

MANILA — About three in four Filipino adults believe the number of illegal drug users in the country has declined since President Duterte took office in 2016, but almost the same figure think there were “many” human rights abuses during the conduct of his campaign, a latest survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) revealed.

The poll, conducted from Dec. 13 to 16 and released late Sunday, found 73 percent of respondents saying the number of illegal drug users has fallen compared to when Duterte assumed the presidency in June 2016, against 14 percent saying it has risen.

Twelve percent of Filipinos say it “stayed the same.”

Of the 73 percent who think the number of drug users in the country has decreased, 28 percent said it has “fallen a lot” and 46 percent claimed it has “fallen somewhat.”

The survey also showed 76 percent who “see” many human rights

abuses, such as extrajudicial killings (EJKs) during the anti-illegal drug operations. Of that number, 33 percent said “very many,” 42 percent said “somewhat many” while 24 percent believe “there have been few” abuses.

The nationwide survey used face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults.

Malacañang said it was “unsurprised” with the survey results, attributing this to what it described as the attempt by critics to “demonize” the administration’s anti-narcotics campaign.

“The administration’s war on drugs has been demonized by the relentless disinformation launched by (the) president’s vocal critics and the political opposition at its inception and not without the cooperation of some shameless media outlets. A lie repeated many times over is somehow stamped with a perception of truth,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement. He added that “these rambunctious ped-

dlers of disinformation have associated the extrajudicial killings, which are not state initiated, with the government’s drug-related operations. This constant vilification has gained an undeserved currency.”

Panelo insisted that drug-related deaths happen because of “violent resistance” by the suspects in buy-bust and police operations or are the result of internecine killings within the drug organization.

“Crushing the illegal drugs that have proliferated during the past administrations due to neglect requires aggressive strategies against those who have been used to being coddled by those in power,” the Palace spokesman said.

“The president is unconcerned about the popularity of his policies. He remains obedient to the constitutional command to him of serving and protecting the Filipino people regardless of the consequences to his life, honor and liberty,” he added. n

VEGAS&STYLE

JOURNAL Leadership, creativity and prosperity: What the Year of the Metal Rat really means

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

TO most people in the western world, rats have a bad reputation.

They’re scrappy, dirty vermin who have been recognized as little furry vessels of disease; it was known that rats were responsible for the spread of bubonic plague in the 14th century that killed nearly half of Europe’s population. English-speaking cultures have even commandeered the word “rat” to refer to unscrupulous, disloyal people.

But in Chinese culture, especially in the context of the zo-

diac, the rat is a highly regarded creature that symbolizes wealth and opportunity. Rats are seen as resourceful, clever creatures who know what they want and do whatever it takes to get it.

This coming Lunar New Year will welcome the year of the metal Rat, the first of the 12 zodiac animals. Those born in the years of the Rat — e.g. 1912, 1924, 1236, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 and 2020 — are said to be gregarious opportunists who thrive in leadership positions.

The Chinese zodiac animals exist within five Heavenly branches which represent the five elements

of nature: metal, water, wood, fire and earth. 2020 is the year of the metal Rat, and folks born during this year are said to reliable members of the community who can not only endure moments of misfortune, but spin them in their favor.

The specification of metal also signals that this will be a good year in the production of many industries like automobiles, information technology, cosmetics and health.

Legend has it that the order of the zodiac animals was determined through a competition hosted by the Jade Emperor, the

ruler of Heaven, Earth and Hell.

According to the myth, the emperor chose 12 animals and had them participate in a great race to the emperor’s palace, and whoever got their first would be the first categorized in the zodiac.

One version of the story purports the Rat and Cat being best friends before the race. Together they schemed to race alongside each other and ride atop the Ox who would’ve been too oblivious to notice the two creatures using him as a vehicle.

But during the race, the rat, ever the opportunist, sprinted

How the Philippines celebrates Lunar New Year

by RITCHEL

MENDIOLA AJPress

THE Lunar New Year signifies not only the beginning of a new year in the Chinese calendar, but also the start of the Spring season. Unlike the fixed new year of the Gregorian calendar commonly celebrated on January 1st, the date of the Lunar New Year varies, determined by the appearance of the new moon — which is why it’s called the Lunar New Year, as it’s based on the lunisolar Chinese calendar.

The Lunar New Year is one of the most important and celebrated holidays in China as well as across the world where there are diaspora Chinese communities. And while the Chinese community in the Philippines

only makes up 5% of the country’s total population, the Lunar New Year is still one of the most awaited events here.

How Filipinos celebrate Lunar New Year: Traditions and superstitions Most Filipinos flock to Binondo in Manila for the Lunar New Year. Founded in the 16th century, Binondo is considered as the oldest Chinatown in the world.

Because of this, it becomes the center of all Lunar New Year celebrations in the Philippines, with the area festooned with Chinese lanterns and various red decorations.

Spectators crowd the streets of Chinatown to watch the Pa- ance accompanied by the loud to represent great power, auspirades of Dragons and Lions, a banging of drums and cymbals. ciousness, and strength. During colorful and dynamic perform- The dragon, in China, is believed

Catching up with Miss Universe Philippines Gazini Ganados The 24-year-old beauty queen joined Miss Universe Singapore Mohana Prabha in an exclusive meet-and-greet in Chino Hills

By KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

A GROUP of lucky Filipinos and pageant fans in Southern California got to meet Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados this week before the beauty queen headed back to the motherland after competing in the Miss Universe pageant last month.

Along with Miss Universe Singapore 2019 Mohana Prabha, the 24-year-old Ganados, who hails from Dapitan City in the Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines, met fans at a special meet-and-greet hosted by People’s Care and Tryst Med Aesthetics and Laser Center in Chino Hills, California on Wednesday, January 8.

“It’s been really, really wonderful and I can’t wait to come back,” Ganados, whose biological father is Palestinian, excitedly told the Asian Journal. She added that among her favorite parts of her American trip included hitting the outlet malls, meeting with her Filipino American fans and becoming friends with fellow pageant contestants, like Prabha.

As previously reported by the Asian Journal, Ganados, a graduate of the University of San JoseRecoletos and holds degrees in tourism management and health care services, finished in the top

Marcelito advances to ‘America’s Got Talent’ semifinals

by JAN

MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

20 of the Miss Universe competition held on Dec. 8, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Though she didn’t win the top prize, Ganados was crowned

the National Costume winner, wearing a decadent silver Cary Santiago design inspired by the Philippine Eagle.

“It was a big, big honor to model [Santiago’s] design, and I was so grateful to win the Best National Costume award. It was such a gorgeous piece,” remarked Ganados, who won the title of Miss Universe Philippines 2019 after winning the Binibining Pilipinas 2019 competition this past June.

It was Prabha’s first time visiting the United States, and for the 24-year-old graduate of biomedical science, getting to know all the contestants and forging friendships was the highlight of her trip.

“Meeting all the girls was very exciting because it’s really cool to have individuals from 90 different nations all in one place and to also know that we’re all here to help each other out. There was never any negativity around us and no backstabbing among the girls,” said Prabha, who completed her pageant training in the Philippines and was crowned Miss Universe Singapore in October 2019.

Ganados and Prabha are particularly close as they flew from Manila to Atlanta for the Miss Universe pageant, even becoming roommates during the competition.

Miss Universe Philippines creative director Jonas Gaffud is also a consultant for the Miss

Universe Singapore Organization and organized pre- and post-Miss Universe pageant events for the two beauty queens.

Though one of the most highly coveted jobs in the world, the dayto-day life of being a beauty queen can be anything but glamorous.

The amount of preparation that goes into preparing for arguably the most prestigious beauty pageant in the world is immense, but both Ganados and Prabha said that keeping one’s mental health in check is crucial.

“When you’re competing out there, you’re not just competing with other girls — you’re competing with yourself,” shared Ganados, who is also an advocate for quality elder care. “You may ask yourself if you’re enough or if you’re worth it and you cannot help but compare yourself to others. And of course, there are people who’ll try to tell you what to do and how to do certain things, but you know yourself better than anyone else. You’ve got to trust yourself.”

As representatives for their respective countries, both Ganados and Prabha know the hard work it takes to achieve Miss Universe status. The world of beauty pageantry can be a difficult one to navigate, but as long as you know yourself and understand that winning the top prize isn’t the most important thing, you will be OK. “Accept yourself first before

FILIPINO singer Marcelito Pomoy has advanced to the semifinal round of “America’s Got Talent: The Champions” after “superfans” voted for him.

“Superfans” is the new element in the show. They are fans from each of the 50 states of the USA. Marcelito’s performance of “The Prayer,” singing both male and female parts, got a standing ovation from the judges and the audience of the show.

“That was what I call a 10, a simple as that. I have a feeling that the super fans will put you through to the next round,” Simon Cowell said.

“That was so unique, you are a beautiful, wonderful singer with a young woman trap inside of you,” Howie Mandel added.

Judges Alesha Dixon and Heidi Klum also praised Marcelito’s unique performance.

“I want to see something different, something unique, and

Marcelito you just gave that to us. It was absolutely brilliant,” Alesha said.

“Honestly, this is one of the craziest things I ever heard in my entire life. Your voice, your range, your sound is just so out of this world,” Heidi said.

The program, which functions in a similar format to AGT, features a variety of participants from across the “Got Talent” franchise – winners, finalists, and other notable entries competing against each other across a series of preliminaries to secure a place in a grand finals and a chance to win a cash prize and the title of America’s chosen “World Champion” within the “Got Talent” franchise.

Marcelito is the grand winner of the second season of “Pilipinas Got Talent.” He is known for his ability to sing in both tenor and soprano.

He makes regular appearances on “ASAP” and his first studio album, “Duet Yourself,” was released in 2011 under Star Records.

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA

Fight for dear life “I’ve noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born.”

—Ronald Reagan

I STAUNCHLY believe that the gift of life is from God and that life begins at the moment of conception. For me, there can be no equivocation on this issue.

That is why, the decision by the state of Virginia to uphold late term abortion up to the moment of birth is, in my opinion, the most heinous and barbaric of all evils during the present time. This must be challenged and erased from the face of the earth.

Abortion is nothing less than the murder of innocents — a most grievous offense against the Holy Spirit from whom ALL LIFE emanates.

It is the duty of all who hold human life sacred to fight for it and uphold moral laws that guarantee the life of future generations. This moral issue far transcends any earthly concerns.

The economy, the war on terror, national security, taxes, energy independence — all these are important issues. And PRAISE THE LORD, all these are being dealt with after decades of corrupt and feckless leadership.

In due time, all of our earthly concerns will come to pass. The issue of abortion IS fundamental to our humanity and must take center stage.

The amoral and immoral left of the political spectrum are pushing climate change as their focus and political mantra. Climate has been changing for 4.5 billion years.

These hucksters just found a way to push a globalist agenda getting their hands on trillions of dollars in a world where nationalism, patriotism and the right to worship are sidelined so that an elite few can rule the world based on the flimsy phenomenon of climate change. Most of the media have been paid to push this nonsense.

Climate change is nothing more than the rebranded new idolatry making it the be-all and end-all of life as we know it on planet earth.

Don’t be deceived.

Abortion strikes at the root of our essence as human beings.

This is a call to fight for the unborn — the most defenseless of all creatures, a call to preserve the life of thinking, feeling, spiritual beings in human form.

Estimates of the number of abortions in this country alone have reached the 50 million mark, the population of a small country.

Worldwide, the figures could be staggering.

I would enjoin those among you who also believe that protecting the life of the unborn is of supreme importance to the well being of this nation and of the world to pray like you’ve never prayed before, because so much is at stake. For those who can take action, there are thousands of pro-life groups that are doing all they can to fight this evil.

Health@Heart

Diabetes and sex drive

PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS ERECTILE dysfunction, the inability to have and maintain an erection effective for penetration and successful sex, is very common among men with diabetes. The lack of libido is also seen among diabetic women. The damage to the blood vessel and nerves caused by diabetes, especially those with poorly controlled blood sugar level, is the reason for lack or loss of libido among these individuals.

The drug factor Other causes of erectile dysfunction include medications for the treatment of blood pressure and heart disease, anxiety and stress, and some other psychological conditions, like depression. These medications are known to lower libido and erection. Even financial dilemma could cause sexual dysfunction among men and women.

Having low libido and the inability to consummate sexual intimacy could be very frustrating and devastating to people. It could ruin relationships, marriages, and lives.

Don’t despair However, there are remedies and strategies available today that could help. The very first one is living a healthy lifestyle. This includes a healthy diet of fish, chicken, less or no red meat, a lot of vegetables, legumes, some fruits and nuts. Abstaining from tobacco (it constricts blood penile blood vessels too, besides coronary arteries of the heart) and/or illicit drugs (including marijuana), avoidance of alcohol, daily exercise (even walking, briskly or paced according to tolerance), and stress management can be great help. These are within your personal control, and discipline and resolve are certainly vital here. A positive attitude and outlook in life could make a tremendous difference in the solution of this sexual dilemma.

The next is to consult your physician, who will interview you in great detail about your personal life, behavior, habits, compliance with medications for diabetes, heart disease, etc., conduct a thorough physical examination and do some blood tests. This comprehensive workup will provide your physician with an important diagnostic impression, which will guide him or her as to what to prescribe for you.

Talking to your medical counselor is a must.

For inner peace In the management of this condition, the primary physician might recommend consultation with a psychiatrist, who millions of normal businessmen and other professionals seek to reduce anxiety and stress and prevent nervous breakdown, burnout, depression, and physical illnesses. Seeing a psychiatrist today, unlike a cen-

tury ago, is no longer restricted to people who are “crazy.” Today, it is part of a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention, whenever needed as part of stress management, for inner peace.

More complicated for women Among women, the lack or absence of libido (sexual desire) is more complicated than low hormonal level (in men, it is low T, or testosterone). A consultation with an OB-Gyne expert is strongly recommended. The use of vaginal lubricants has been most helpful in some women. Since men have to do the penetration, the treatment of erectile dysfunction might also help some women in achieving sexual gratification. Women with more complicated issues could benefit from further medical consultation.

The management As far as erectile dysfunction is concerned, the following strategies are available today: The ED magic pills: Sildenafil (Viagra), Verdenafil (Levitra, Staxybn), Tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca), Avanafil (Stendra) dilate (open up) blood vessels and allow them to fill up with blood to cause engorgement, rigidity, firmness, and erectness, effective for penetration and sustained and successful act and ejaculation.

Persons taking nitroglycerin and other heart artery vasodilators must NOT take any of these ED pills, as the combination could lead to severe fall in blood pressure and death. Talk to your physician before taking any new medications he did not prescribe, including herbals or supplements.

There is also a type of suppository which could be inserted into the tip of the penis before sexual activity, or a solution to inject at the base of the penis to induce erection which could be used, under your physician’s guidance.

Then, there is the vacuum suction device, a penis pump that draws blood into your penis to cause an erection. Also marketed is a band to be placed around the base of the penis to prevent blood from leaving the penis, causing it to engorge.

If the pills, the pump, all other measures fail, physicians might recommend penile implant, a surgical procedure to insert a semirigid or inflatable penile implant, controlled by a “button” to inflate to cause rigidity for sex, or deflate after sex.

For either men or women, obesity (or being overweight) lowers libido besides sexual performance.

Dieting and physical exercises, on the other hand, improves sexual desire and prowess in bed.

Metformin wonders Talking about diabetes mellitus type 2, the most popular first-line of a drug is metformin. It does not lower blood sugar level like insulin does. Metformin works by fighting (reducing) our body cell-resistance to our own insulin produced by our

We are up against a powerful enemy. Note one so-called actress just recently in an event ascribed her decision to abort her child as one of the reasons she got her meaningless award and questionable success in that cesspool of amoral swamp called Hollywood.

The consequences of doing nothing and allowing the horrible evil of abortion to continue unchallenged, unabated are dire.

Sometimes, we feel that by ourselves alone, we are powerless to stop this horror from being indelibly imprinted into the fabric of modern life.

But persist in prayer. Together as one voice, countless silent prayers sent heavenward by millions among us who believe in the power of prayer and trust in God’s divine mercy are being heard. Miracles rain down upon the earth.

So here is one bold prediction.

Human life will not only survive but thrive. Abortion will be no more. Even as we speak, there are and will be for an untold number of generations yet to come, bumper crops of humans born to bless the earth with meaningful lives pleasing to God. ***

own pancreas and also control the sugar released by the liver to the bloodstream. When our cells are resistant to insulin (not allowing insulin to go into the cell), we develop slow metabolism and retain sugar and fats in our body, leading to overweight and high cholesterol level. Metformin increases the sensitivity of the cells to insulin, enabling insulin to enter our cells and do its job for sugar metabolism and energy formation.

While we normally produce insulin (endogenous) within us for sugar metabolism, it needs to be able to go into our body cells in order to function and aid in glucose metabolism and produce energy for our bodily needs. When the cells are resistant to insulin (unable to enter our cells), then our blood sugar is not metabolized and not used, so our glucose level goes up. This is what pre-diabetes or diabetes type 2 is. The other type of diabetes is when the pancreas is unable to produce endogenous insulin and the person is dependent on exogenous (prescribed) insulin injections for life. Metformin alone cannot solve this problem of the absence of insulin production.

Metformin was discovered in 1922. Human research on metformin use started in the 1950s by Jean Sterne, a French physician. It was marketed as a medication in France in 1957 and in the United States in 1995. Metformin has been found to be safe with relatively mild side effects in some people and none or temporary in the majority of users. Metformin also helps prevent type 2 diabetes for those at high risk (heredity) of developing it. Metformin is usually prescribed when dieting and exercise alone are unable to control blood sugar levels. Unlike some other medications for glucose control, metformin does not cause weight gain.

Long term use of metformin has not been shown to cause kidney damage. Those with poor kidney function might lead to a build-up of metformin in the body, unable to excrete the drug efficiently, causing lactic acidosis. Physicians monitor this situation so it is prudent for patients to make regular medical visits Studies have suggested that those on metformin have a lower risk for cancer. There are even suggestions in recent studies that metformin improves longevity.

Larger independent studies are needed to confirm this marvelous potential. ***

Calendar of Events across

America

ADVERTISE YOUR EVENTS! PRE-EVENT AND POST EVENT GO DEEPER. GO WIDER. LET THE WORLD KNOW. CALL ASIAN JOURNAL: (818) 502-0651 DISPLAY AD SIZES AT SPECIAL RATES FOR NON-PROFIT GROUPS

Parsnip’s Executive Chef Jeffrey Salazar, of Filipino heritage, is partnering with the BOSFilipinos community for a one-night only Filipino feast. The spotlight for this Pop-Up dinner is Filipino cuisine, still a rarity in Boston, and a move towards building better intercultural relations, removing boundaries, and creating a global community. Please email info@bosfilipinos.com if you have any questions.

Santo Niño Cruzada USA is inviting all devotees of Santo Niño to come and join us in the 33rd year anniversary mass celebration of the Feast of Santo Nino, the Divine Infant Jesus, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. The principal celebrant is Bishop Alex D. Aclan. Please come early since the pre-liturgy will start around 3:00 p.m. Participants include the Knights of Columbus - Los Angeles District, Precious Blood and St. Kevin Church Choirs, Southern California Sinulog Dance Co and other dance groups and religious organizations. This mass will also be offered to honor the late Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, who gave the Santo Niño statue that is used to celebrate the annual feast, to Los Angeles Archbishop Emeritus Roger Cardinal Mahony and Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik several years ago. For more information, please contact Romy & Tess Esturas at (213) 387-6982.

All are welcome to the Sto. Niño Feast Day on Sunday, January 19 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Long Beach, CA. The event begins at 2:30 p.m. with the procession; 3 p.m. mass; and 4 p.m. reception at Msgr. Gualderon hall (just across the street). Please bring your Sto. Niño images for blessing at the mass. For more information, please contact Beth Silva at (562) 7564201 or Tony Silva at (562) 822-5803. The church is located at 540 W. 6th Street, Long Beach, CA 90802.

Register for a free parenting workshop at Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) every Thursday starting January 23 until March 26. It will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 3200 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA. Opening Doors is an evidence-based comprehensive training program created by and for Latino parents with children ages 0-5. Despite this, Opening Doors has been facilitated to not only Latino families, but to Black and Asian families with positive results.

This program hopes that parents can raise their children to reach their highest potential. The first five years of a child’s life are integral for lifelong learning and social and brain development.

This program’s approach strives to build parent leadership skills through an understanding that they are their child’s first teacher and their home their child’s first school. Building upon the tenets of understanding your child, ensuring children’s success at home, and continuing education at home, the mission of Opening Doors is to encourage parents as leaders of their families and as their child’s first teacher and advocate. This program works with parents wholly so that they can empower themselves to be mindful and positive forces in their children’s lives. For any questions, contact Eddy M. Gana at eddy@sipacares.org. and register at BIT.LY/OPENINGSIPADOORS. More information about SIPA can be found at sipacares.org.

Have you ever thought of starting your own business? The Asian American Professional Association, in partnership with ACEL & ACE NEXTGEN, has assembled a diverse group of entrepreneurs in various industries that are leading and paving the way for new rising success stories.

Join in on some intimate conversations on Thursday, January 23 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. with both young entrepreneurs who are changing the industries they’re a part of, as well as seasoned entrepreneurs who will share their inside stories to success. Learn their tricks of the trade, the reasons why they decided to become their own bosses, how they made it to the top, and how you can, too! Participate in small group Q&A sessions with Asian American and minority community entrepreneurs in various industries, such as e-commerce, food & beverage, entertainment, media, and traditional and non-conventional businesses, who will answer your questions and give you some insight and perspective on entrepreneurship. It will take place at City National Bank (555 S. Flower Street, South Hall, 13th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071). It is open to all. RSVP on Eventbrite by Tuesday, January 20. Questions? Please email info@aapamentoring.com.

The Infant Jesus of Prague Apostolic Group invites you, your family and friends to the 37th annual Novena of the Infant Jesus of Prague on Saturday, January 25, 2020. Starting at 6:45 a.m., it will be held at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church at 19855 Sherman Way, Winnetka, California. The 2020 Novena Theme is: …and He said, “Amen I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 18:3). Several esteemed priests from Southern California have been invited keynote speakers. There will be hourly topics about Walking with Christ in the Modern World, Discovering Our Gifts Through Journeying Together and Guiding the Youth in their Discernment as Members of the Body of Christ. Lunch is provided and the Holy Mass is celebrated after the Novena. A blessing of the Infant Jesus images and a blessing of children will also take place. Now on its 37th year, the novena is attended by devotees from all over the United States, the Philippines, Australia and other parts of the globe. For more information, please contact Leo Nevada at (818) 633-3926 or visit www.IJPAG.com.

Hosted by Officezilla-Los Angeles, the 2020 Office & School Supply Business Expo will be a showcase of new and innovative products on Thursday, January 30. The event kicks off at 4 to 5:30 p.m. with a complimentary networking mixer where you can meet likeminded business professionals. From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hilton Los Angeles San Gabriel, the expo will feature hundreds of exhibitors featuring office products, cleaning products, furniture, promotional items, printing solutions safety products, school supplies, ink/toner and so much more. They will also be raffling a variety of products. Guests must be registered and present to win. To register, please visit http://www.officezillalabizexpo.com/.

The Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies and LEAD Filipino are inviting all interested nonprofit, grassroots, and student organizations to the 2020 Filipino Policy Symposium on Saturday, February 1. It will be held at Cal State University East Bay in Hayward, CA. Breakfast and registration begin at 9 a.m. with the conference from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Join as Filipino organizations from across California come together to discuss issues affecting the community and determine which legislative bills/public policies to push during the upcoming 2020 Fil Advocacy Day in Sacramento. Tickets ($25 for General Admission and $15 for Student) can be purchased on Eventbrite at http://bit.ly/FilSymposium2020.

Catching up with Miss Universe Philippines... [you] seek anything else because it’s easy to destroy yourself in a minute,” Prabha said. “So in order to advance, you’ve got to love yourself and appreciate the flaws as much as the strengths. We all have flaws, and it’s important to embrace all parts of ourselves.”

Ganados added that anyone who aspires to become a beauty queen must have the confidence to “take up space,” mirroring the sentiments of Miss Universe 2019 winner Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa.

“As women, we can secondguess ourselves so much and

we often don’t trust ourselves, even women who may be at the forefront of their careers. So you have to make space for yourself, and there is enough space for you in this world,” Ganados said, proudly dubbing 2020 the year that “women dominate the world!”

An evening of live music at the Hard Rock Cafe - Boston with talented Filipino American bands and performers, including Arianne Aldecoa, Balut Proof, Highland Ave Band, Jireh Calo and John dela Cruise. Bring your special someone, your besties or your family on this Valentine’s Day weekend. For tickets/info, call Rowena (617) 407-0232 or Ning (508) 843-0346.

Fil-Am composer gets Oscars 2020 Ai-Ai: From ‘Tanging Ina’ to ‘D Ninang’ nomination for ‘Frozen 2’ song

by IZA IGLESIAS ManilaTimes.net

by JAN

MILO SEVERO

Philstar.com

FILIPINO-American Robert Lopez and wife Kristen Anderson Lopez have received another Oscar nomination for Best Original Song for “Into The Unknown,” from the soundtrack of Disney’s blockbuster animated film “Frozen 2.”

According to a BroadwayWorld report, Robert said that “Into The Unkown” is a collaboration with artists at Walt Disney Animation Studios.

“For us, ‘Into The Unknown’ is more than a song - it’s a culmination of a decade-long collaboration with the incredible artists at Walt Disney Animation Studios, led by our partners and friends Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck,” he said.

“We have been so lucky to work hand-in-hand almost daily for five years helping to craft the story and songs for ‘Frozen 2.’ To be honored by the Academy once more means the world to us,” he added.

Robert and Kristen won the

Oscar for their hit song “Let It Go” for the movie “Frozen” in 2014.

The couple also won an Oscar for the song “Remember Me” from the Disney film “Coco” in 2017.

Robert is the youngest of only 15 people to have won an Emmy,

a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony Award. He is also the only person to win all four more than once.

Robert and Kristen’s Best Original Song is the only nomination that “Frozen 2” got at the Oscars for 2020.

Exes John Lloyd, Shaina to star in new film

AFTER a brief appearance in the Metro Manila Film Festival 2019 entry “Culion,” on-leave Kapamilya actor John Lloyd Cruz is back in making movies as he will star in the upcoming film “Servando Magdamag.”

ABS-CBN recently released a video of what’s in store for the network this 2020. One of the mov-

EMPLOYMENT

ies lined up this year is Ricky Lee’s “Servando Magdamag” starred by John Lloyd Cruz and his former girlfriend Shaina Magdayao, directed by Lav Diaz.

It is not clear, however, how long the movie will take. John Lloyd and Lav collabated in the eight-hour “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis” and the four-hour “Ang

Babaeng Humayo.”

Other films included in the ABSCBN Films trailer were “Fangirl” (Paulo Avelino), “U Turn” (Kim Chiu), “Love or Money” (Angelica Panganiban and Coco Martin), “Motel Acacia” (JC Santos), and “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon” (Daniel Padilla and Charo Santos).

ABS-CBN’s streaming platform iWant also has new original content such as “Call Me Tita” (new season), “Batang Poz” (new season), “I Am U” (Julia Barretto and Tony Labrusca), “I” (Zanjoe Marudo and Lovi Poe), “The Tapes” (Sam Milby and Yassi Pressman), “Sunday Night Fever” (Nathalie Hart and Diether Ocampo), and “Quezon’s Game” (online premiere).

On television, meanwhile, viewers can look forward to “Love Thy Woman” (Kim Chiu, Xian Lim, Yam Concepcion), “Kahit Minsan Lang” (Bea Alonzo and Richard Gutierrez), “Ligaya” (Ivana Alawi), “Heart to Heart” (Maymay Entrata, Edward Barber), “The Voice Teens” (new season), “Everybody, Sing!” (Vice Ganda’s game show) and “Tanging Mahal” (Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla). (Philstar.com)

EMPLOYMENT

PHILIPPINE Comedy Queen Ai-Ai de las Alas starts the new year back on the big screen with her trademark brand of tickling funny bones while touching hearts.

It can be recalled that de las Alas cemented her repute as the country’s top comedienne with the blockbuster movie “Tanging Ina” in 2003. Such a hit she was in the story of a thrice widowed mom who moves heaven and earth to support her brood that the late Wenn Deramas title became one of the most successful Filipino film franchises since the 2000s.

For 2020, however, everyone’s Tanging Ina is taking on a new role, which in Filipino culture is equally important — that of a godmother, ergo the title “D’ Ninang.”

According to director GB Sampedro,“D’ Ninang” — which will serve as Regal Entertainment’s opening salvo for the new decade — was specifically written with de las Alas in mind.

“Sa pag-ka-cast namin sa project na ito, we considered ‘yung mga past projects ni Ms. Ai, but we made sure na iba din ‘yung character at atake na gagawin niya. This movie kasi is tailor made for her so hindi na kami naghanap ng ibang artista for the main role. From the beginning — the conceptualization, the scriptwriting — talagang si Ms. A na talaga ang gusto naming gumawa nito,” Sampedro elaborated at the movie’s grand media conference.

Female Robin Hood “D’ Ninang” is a heartwarming story about Filipino family values, human relationships and one woman’s struggle to keep the goodness in her heart despite the hardships of life.

Its ultimate message is that a person can always change for the better.

Believe it or not, all these themes come to life in the movie as the Comedy Queen portrays a pickpocket with a big heart. As Ninang Ditas, she is a female Robin Hood and uses her thieving to help her community.

“That’s why they call me ‘ninang’ — godmother ako ng lahat,” de las Alas quipped.

As she goes about her “work” Ninang Ditas takes on a couple proteges (Angel Guardian and

Kiray Celis) and gets them into her unconventional way of living.

Everything changes, however, when she is suddenly reunited with her long-lost daughter Mikhai (Kisses Delavin), who decides to live with her. Unaware of her mom’s unlawful ways, Mikhai talks about plans to pursue a career on the other side of the fence.

“As Ninang, ako yung lider ng mga magnanakaw sa grupo namin. Tapos dumating sa buhay ko yung anak ko at doon iikot yung story — kung paano maging isa, paano maging isang magnanakaw, lahat nandoon.

Pero pang pamilya ito, ibang klaseng istorya. Nakakatuwa kasi hindi siya corny, maganda yung batuhan ng mga comedic lines namin,” detailed de las Alas.

According to 55-year-old actress, even while Ditas is a crook, she discovered unexpected similarities between them.

“Hindi naman sa pagmamayabang pero pareho kami ni Ditas na mapagbigay. At lapitin ako sa community kapag kailangan ng tulong,” de las Alas, who is known for her charity works, especially for the church, shared.

“Sanay na ako maging ina or ninang sa iba. Kahit nga yung mga ibang tagahanga ko, kahit mas matanda sila, tinatawag ako na ‘Mama.’ Kaya minsan sabi ko, ‘Kuya, mas matanda ka pa sa akin ah.’ Sasabihin nila sa akin,

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‘Hayaan mo na, basta Mama kita.’ Ako naman ‘Okay tayo diyan brad,’” she laughed.

“Siguro dahil sa lakas ng mother instincts ko, parang sa akin ang happy, happy ko pag nanay ako sa bawat isa,” de las Alas added.

Real life ‘Ninang’ Actually, “D’ Ninang” has already lived up to her latest moniker when she stood as godmother to no less than 12 babies at the Binyagang Bayan in Quiapo Church on January 12. The Mass baptism served as the launch of a church campaign dubbed “Holy Birth Day,” which seeks to raise awareness among new parents on the importance of baptism among Catholics.

“Nag-text ‘yung best friend ko na pari parang meron libreng pa binyag sa Quiapo. Ginawa akong ninang ng mga bibinyagan.

Sponsored siya ng Radio Veritas.

So kinuha nila akong ninang sa mga taong hindi ko kilala,” joked de las Alas.

Though entirely coincidental, the comedian said she thinks it should help drum up interest for “D’ Ninang.”

Promising everyone a good time at the movies, she said, “Hindi ko inexpect na ganoon pala siya nakakatawa. Simple lang siya, may puso at napapanahon din ‘yung story. Nakakatuwa pa, ‘yung mga bagets na kasama dito talagang binuhos nila yung galing nila sa pelikula.”

Busy Mark misses ‘Aladdin’ callback Leadership, creativity and prosperity...

by BABY

A. GIL

Philstar.com

MARK Bautista has been very busy these past months. So busy, in fact, that he missed a most important invitation for the callback audition for the title role in “Aladdin.” A callback is a very important call for an actor. It means that the people behind the show like him and that he is one step closer to bagging the role. But Mark missed that call. Here’s hoping that he gets another one soon and that the date will not conflict with all that he is busy with these days.

Mark spent that latter part of last year in performing tours in Australia and the Middle East.

After a brief respite during the Christmas holidays, Mark plunged into work. First, there is the new noontime show on Sundays on GMA 7, “All Out Sundays.” Hard work but he not only gets to sing, he also has fun with the games.

And best of all, “All Out Sundays” has received excellent ratings that handily bested the competition.

Aside from performing, Mark also composed the song “Simula,” which the three of them have recorded. He will also direct the music video.

Now speaking about theater, Mark is also set to make a return to one of his great loves soon.

Mark is in the cast of the Atlantis Twenty Twenty production of “The Band’s Visit” which stars Menchu Lauchengco Yulo and Rody Vera, and is directed by Bobby Garcia.

This is one of the most charming, most touching shows to come out of Broadway in recent times.

In fact, “The Band’s Visit” won 10 of its 11 nominations at the 2018 Tony Awards, including that of Best Musical. It also won

a Grammy, plus the Obie, Drama Desk, Drama Critics, etc., etc.

As they wait for the ride to their destination, they had no choice but to interact with the town’s people. Those few hours in forced togetherness produced invaluable insights about fellow human beings and about themselves and the way they deal with crises. Mark plays the young officer Haled, whose fault it was that the band got stranded. To prepare for the role, Mark is not only brushing up on his singing, he is also learning to play the sax just like the dutiful member of a band.

Coincidentally, “The Band’s Visit” has music and lyrics by the famous David Yazbek, who also did the music for Tootsie, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and The Full Monty. It was in “The Full Monty” that Mark made his Atlantis debut in 2013. He co-starred with Arnel Ignacio, Marco Sison, OJ Mariano and Jamie Wilson as

Jodi on ex Jolo’s wedding

by JAN

MILO SEVERO Philstar.com

ACTRESS Jodi Sta. Maria refused to comment on the recent marriage of her former boyfriend Jolo Revilla to beauty queen Angelica Alita in California.

During the recent press conference of her iWant series “My Single Lady” which she also produced, Jodi said Jolo was a thing of her past that she did not want to talk about anymore.

“Ay nako, tapos na po ‘yun. ‘Wag na nating pagusapan,” Jodi said.

When asked if she wanted to be married someday, the versatile

forward, sending the Cat flying off the Ox and into a nearby river; this has been said to explain the animosity felines have towards rats, mice and other small rodents.

As the Ox neared the finish line, the Rat lunged ahead and crossed the finish line first.

Much like western astrology, there are compatibility pairings within the Chinese zodiac system.

Those born in the Rat are best matched with those born in the years of the Snake, Rooster, Ox, Pig, Rabbit, Goat, Dog and Tiger.

Alternatively, the myth suggests avoiding those born in the year of the Horse as they are said to be the opposite sign of the Rat. Once the Lunar New Year arrives on January 25, experts in the Chinese zodiac recommend amateur strippers who won back consuming nuts, cheeses and their self-esteem for daring to let other foods rats enjoy. They also it all hang out in one grand show. recommend dressing in the finest Mark got to sing the lovely ballad clothing and jewelry to mirror the Breeze Off the River. He also gets Rat’s love for decadence. the Rat signals a brand new start to sing the most beautiful song in Most importantly, the Year of to the zodiac, and it promises “The Band’s Visit,” Haled’s Song About Love.

“The Full Monty” came after Mark made his theater debut as Crisostomo Ibarra at the Little good luck and long life to both Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Ryan the parade, it is usually con- the giver and receiver.

The Lunar New Year won’t Cayabyab’s “Noli Me Tangere.” trolled by eight to 10 dancers.

After these, Mark auditioned Meanwhile, the lion represents be complete without setting for the West End production of safety and luck. It is commonly off fireworks and firecrackers, David Byrne and Fat Boy Slim’s carried by two dancers with one or generally just making noise. disco musical “Here Lies Love” of them in charge of the head, Doing this is supposed to drive and bagged the lead role of making the lion’s ears wiggle away bad spirits, bad luck, and the mythical beast called Nian.

President Ferdinand Marcos. and its eyes blink.

The color red is prevalent Filipinos commonly use horns He starred in the entire London run and also later in the Seattle during the festivities as it is a and cooking pots to create special color in Chinese culture, noise. production.

Chinese families also gather He would love to do another. signifying energy, happiness, Maybe, he will next fly off with a and good luck. Most people wear to have their New Year’s Eve pretty princess on a magic carpet red clothing as it represents vi- dinner where they usually serve tality as well as strength. Elders tikoy (year cake), which is made singing A” Whole New World.” also hand out red envelopes from sticky rice and symbolizes (Ang Pao) to children. These unity among family members; envelopes contain money, and noodles for long life and repgiving them is believed to bring resent the eater’s life; fish and dumplings which are believed to signify good fortune. Families also prepare 12 different round

actress said she’s leaving it all to the Lord.

“Ako naman wala akong nakikitang problema sa season ng life ko ngayon. I’m actually embracing my single blessedness. If it’s the Lord’s will for me to get married in the future, why not? Kung hindi pa, I’ll just wait for his plans and purposes for my life. Ganoon lang po,” she said.

Jodi and Jolo were in a relationship that started in 2012. They broke up last 2018.

Last December, Jolo married fornia.

Binibining Pilipinas 2016 1st runThe two confirmed their relationner-up Angelica Alita in a garden ship last February 2019 and were wedding in Newport Beach, Cali- engaged in September 2019.

great productivity and creative energy for all.

How the Philippines celebrates Lunar...

fruits as they are believed to bring luck and fortune to them.

The New Year’s Eve dinner is perhaps the most important dinner for Chinese families — that’s why it’s necessary for all the members of the family to be present for it.

During the Lunar New Year, people across the globe greet with either Gong Xi Fa Cai, which means “you attain greater wealth,” or Kung Hei Fat Choi, which means “congratulations and be prosperous.”

For Marjorie, ‘2019 was the LizQuen’s real love is back on prime time most challenging year’ of her life

by TESSA

MAURICIO-ARRIOLA ManilaTimes.net

by CHA LINO Inquirer.net

WITH a new year comes new strength to face challenges. Actress Marjorie Barretto said the past year has been one of the hardest for her life, but she is still filled with hope that the year 2020 will be better.

Marjorie took a step back from to reflect on everything she and her family had been through in 2019 via her Instagram account last Saturday, Jan 11. The former actress said that through the course of the year, the Barrettos attended a wedding and two funerals, but they also welcomed a new baby into their family. Marjorie said her family learned valuable lessons, as she and her kids stood by each other “in sickness, in scandals and in faith.”

“2019 was by far the most challenging year of [my] life,” Marjorie said.

still needed her to be their mother, which pushed her to be stronger for all of them.

“It was all happening so fast, [I] did not have enough time to process each situation carefully,” Marjorie stated. “I did not have the luxury to break down.”

She thanked the people closest to her for loving her. Marjorie said her children are her strength and her “reason to keep going.”

Last year, the Barretto clan was involved in some public feuds, after the death of Miguel, the father of the Barretto sisters Claudine, Marjorie and Gretchen, in October 2019.

The fight between Marjorie and her elder sister Gretchen during their father’s wake also revealed Aside from her eldest daughter a series of old disagreements and Dani who is already starting a fam- issues between the two. During ily, Marjorie took note of her other this time, Marjorie also admitted children who are moving into their that former Caloocan City mayor own new homes last year. She also Enrico “Recom” Echiverri is the said that each of her five children father of her youngest child.

Judy Ann on ‘Starla’s’ short run

by MARINEL R. CRUZ Inquirer.net

ACTRESS Judy Ann Santos, whose drama series “Starla” will air its final episode tonight, said the show was originally meant for just one season, regardless of whether or not it was going to do well in the ratings.

The series, about a star-intraining (Jana Agoncillo) that grants the wishes of the Dichaves family, only aired for 16 weeks. “At the time ‘Starla’ was presented to me, people were saying they were already tired of teleseryes that are long-winding.

This was because networks have a habit of extending shows that do well. This happened to my programs a lot of times in the past,” Judy Ann told reporters.

“I asked if they were sure of the show’s length because I’ve noticed that once a show gets extended and the extension does not rate well, it’s not the production that gets questioned but the actors and their ability to draw viewers in,” she explained.

In jest, Judy Ann said she was pleased that when she first asked about the story, she was told that “there was no lost diary or necklace to look for,” just like in her soap series “Mara Clara,” which

aired over a thousand episodes for five years in the ‘90s.

“Star lang daw, so OK na ako,” she said, laughing. “That’s the only focus of the show, although the story still has a lot of potential for expansion. The story was already complete when they presented it to me. It already has an ending.”

Judy Ann said that apart from the chance to bond with her coactors, she would miss being able to work with a competent team.

“Starla” also features Joel Torre, Joem Bascon, Meryll Soriano and child actors Enzo Pelojero and Jana Agoncillo.

“Since there was no cell phone signal in the area where we shot most of the series, we had no choice but to really talk with each other,” Joem said.

Joel, meanwhile, said he loved “Starla” because it was so wellwritten. “You know that each character was so well-thought of, that each one is an important part of the ensemble. We all got equal treatment—there was no superstar,” he pointed out. “Also, I noticed that since our cell phones were useless on the set, there was more interaction. People opened up to each other.”

THE new year marks the much-awaited return of on and off-screen love team Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil to prime time television in a series about opting to love in a world full of endless choices. Directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina and Richard Arellano, “Make It With You” premieres this week on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida.

At a grand media conference before the weekend, LizQuen talked about their latest and “most mature” project for TV to date. Soberano will bring life to Billy, a girl who takes on odd jobs just to make ends meet for her family. Incredibly resourceful, Billy hustles as a matchmaker in Croatia on the side just so she can regularly go on dates and get free meals and gifts she can sell for more income.

“Billy’s a very challenging character for me because we’re very different. She’s very outgoing, loud, spunky and confident — everything I can say I’m not in real life,” the lovely and talented actress admitted. “So when I was taping for the first few days, I was having a hard time — nangangapa ako sa character.

“And yet I can say that my take away from doing Billy is having more confidence in myself now.

She’s very decisive and knows what she wants and she’ll do whatever she needs to do. As Liza, I’m starting to be more comfortable with myself as well and more confident to speak up when I would just keep things to myself before,” she added.

Meanwhile, Gil will play Gabo, a lost soul who finds himself wandering in Croatia hoping to finally determine his path in life.

Determined not to return to the

Philippines, he doesn’t let any hardship deter his spirit and faces every struggle living in a foreign land head on.

Billy and Gabo live two different, separate lives, until one day, Croatian socialite Antonia approaches Billy to match her with Gabo in exchange for money.

To make sure Gabo is worthy of meeting Antonia’s father, Billy teaches the young man the culture and traditions of Croatia.

But, as they spend moments together, they find themselves

falling for each other.

“It was such an experience doing this series in Croatia what with the language barrier and needing to tape guerilla-style sometimes,” Gil chuckled. “But as always its very special to get to work together again.

Also part of “Make It With You” are Ian Veneracion, Katya Santos, Fumiya Sankai, Eddie Gutierrez, Pokwang, Vangie Labalan and former QC Mayor Herbert Bautista in his showbiz comeback.

The Black Eyed Peas return with a new single Joel, who portrayed Judy Ann’s father in the series, also hoped that more inspirational drama stories like “Starla” would find their way to the small screen.

Jana, who played the title role, said she would miss acting out her character even though she usually just played her part at the dubbing studio. “Playing human, even for just a short while, had been exciting. I was able to learn from actors I’ve never worked with before,” she said.

by MARK

BONIFACIO ManilaTimes.net

SIX-time Grammy Award winning group Black Eyed Peas is back with a new single dubbed “RITMO (Bad Boys for Life),” a cool collaboration with reggaeton superstar J Balvin. Released on December 20, the up-tempo track nods back to the Corona ‘90s hit, and lyrically mixes Spanish and English verses.

“Really proud of the record.

Proud of how it’s performing. It samples a dance classic from a Brazilian act and we obviously flush it up Black Eyed Peas sound.

Our own rendition of reggaetón,” will.i.am declared at a roundtable interview hosted by Sony Music Philippines.

“Really, really happy with the production and our interpretation of the sample. To have a record that is also one of J Balvin’s highest performing records this year is great as well. So we take his fans, he takes our fans, and [the song] keeps on playing by DJs, and all dancers keep dancing to it,” he added.

“It is a very festive song as you know we love dancing so it’s a great song to do routines [with],” group lead and ever proud Filipino-American apl.de.ap joined in.

The song is also the group’s first release under their new record label Epic Records, a division of Sony Music.

“We also thank Sony, our new home for giving us an amazing home to be a part of,” Taboo said of the debut project of sorts.

“We’re already starting off with our new home, Sony, in the classic way the Black Eyed Peas loves to — work, travel the world, performing for folks and bringing joy,” will. i.am added.

Now that they’re under a new label, fans should expect the same Black Eyed Peas energy they always bring with them wherever go.

“The good times, the positive and festive music that people would love to dance to, work out to, athletes love to play in sporting events or play games. It’s music for everybody. It’s an international frequency,” noted Taboo.

“We’re also proud of all the great concerts that we got coming

out in 2020. We are excited to get back on that whirlwind of international touring as well.”

The track by the way will also be featured in the “Bad Boys For Life” original motion picture soundtrack album.

“It’s an honor to be part of that franchise,” Taboo continued.

As of this writing, the band has finished a tour of Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and China, and ended their current run at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in the Philippines last December 11.

They performed RITMO live at the closing ceremonies as everyone knows.

So how did apl.de.ap (Allan Pineda Lindo), a Filipino-American who migrated in the United States, convince his fellow members to perform at the SEA Games?

“When I heard about the SEA Games, I just wanted to do the torch run. Because will did it in the UK and I wanna do that for my country. Then I was asked to do the opening ceremony. And then going back and forth in the SEA Games, I was asked, ‘Do you think the whole Black Eyed Peas could do the closing ceremonies?’

I’m like, ‘Let me run it to them.’ will’s got a very busy schedule and it took me about a month to get a yes,” recalled apl who performed solo at the opening ceremonies.

Happy to be back together after focusing on individual projects and Taboo beating the Big C, will then exclaimed, “Individual projects? That’s not what I signed up for. ‘Scream and Shout’ with Britney and ‘#thatPOWER’ with Justin Bieber, they were all successful but it didn’t feel like that’s what I want. Every night I go on stage I was like, ‘I miss my group’ and ‘I miss my group again.’ You know that’s not what I want. I want to be with my group. This is family. This is a brotherhood. It makes you feel like you are part of something.”

As for Taboo, he recalled, “So five years ago, I battled cancer. I did chemotherapy and I was down and out battling cancer. I always say this in interviews but one of the most important things that kept me fighting was first of all, my wife and my kids and also knowing that I can be on the stage with my best friends [pointing to will.i.am

and apl.de.ap] again.

“While I was going through my battle, all I could think about was the joy and happiness that being with apl since I was a teenager brought to my life and [that] gave me life. So that spirit and camaraderie kept me fighting on. So that living which initially allowed me to beat cancer because I had to take my mind off the trauma I was experiencing.

“I always say at one point like, ‘Yeah, I wanna do the solo thing!’ but I don’t ever wanna do the solo thing. That’s not my thing. I love being on stage with my boys.

There are other things I can do but being a solo artist is really not my thing. I love being a Black Eyed Pea. I love the opportunity that we can be to provide the service but also start companies, brands and things that we can branch out and do. But being a solo artist is not my thing.”

“Even with our side projects, we were still very well involved. will was and is still involved. You know, he’s the one who pushed me to do ‘Bebot.’ My crew made me believe in myself. They pushed me to represent my culture. It ain’t nothing like it without them,” apl. de.ap added.

The group likewise has nothing but good praises for the Filipino member who also revealed he will be back as coach for “The Voice” this year after doing two seasons on ABS-CBN. “It’s important for everybody to know that apl.de.ap has an amazing opportunity to be such a great ambassador and inspiration to his people, the Philippines. And he inspires us. Sometimes when he’s feeling a little down and out and he doubts himself, we have to be, ‘Nah, look at this. This is what you have and this is a great opportunity that you can bring to your people.’ That something I learned about ap is that he’s such a humble guy. He doesn’t really allow it to get to his head and that’s the special thing, that bond, that we have as Black Eyed Peas. He keeps us centered and humble,” Taboo said of his buddy.

To be sure, 2020 will be another big one for Black Eyed Peas. Just as major as they ended it right here at the SEA Games in the Philippines.