031524 - New York & New Jersey Edition

We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway... and Online!

MARCH 15-21, 2024

Volume 17 - No.23 • 16 Pages

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DATELINE USA

Free online training for California home health workers ending soon

IF you’re struggling to care for elderly or disabled friends or family, CalGrows has hundreds of free — and paying — online or in-person classes to help.

The state program allows home health workers, the backbone of California health care, to earn up to $6,000 for learning and using new skills. However, time is running out for caregivers to sign up, as the program ends in August.

At a March 7 briefing hosted by the California Department of Aging and Ethnic Media Services, speakers described the

Contempt, show-cause order vs Quiboloy; Dutertes show support

PASTOR Apollo Quiboloy, the selfappointed “son of God,” is now facing contempt charges before both chambers of Congress as he continues to snub the inquiries against him and his sect, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).

On Tuesday, March 12 the House committee on legislative franchises slapped a contempt charge on the embattled televangelist for dodging the panel’s repeated requests and a subpoena that

$1B investment deals seen in US trade mission

by ALDEN M. MONZON Inquirer.net

AMERICAN companies are set to announce investments amounting to more than $1 billion (about P56 billion) in the Philippines, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said during an official visit to Manila on Monday, March 11.

The investments would be in areas such as solar energy, electric vehicles and digitization, she said, adding that American

companies were eager to do business in the Southeast Asian country.

Raimondo is in Manila for a two-day trade and investment mission on behalf of President Joe Biden.

The White House said in a statement the U.S. delegation to the Philippines includes executives from 22 companies representing United Airlines, Alphabet’s Google, Black & Veatch, Visa, EchoStar/DISH, United Parcel Service (UPS), Boston Consulting Group, KKR Asia Pacific, Bechtel, FedEx,

Filmmaker, pals walk free; raps eyed vs cops

by DELFIN T. MALLARI JR., FRANCES MANGOSING, RUSSEL LORETO Inquirer.net

“TRAUMATIZED” but in “good spirits” after regaining their freedom on Monday, March 11, movie director Jade Francis Castro and his three friends are now studying whether to file charges against the police officers who arrested them without a warrant last month on suspicion of being connected to an arson case

in Catanauan town, Quezon province.

The four were ordered released after a court found that the group’s arrest in neighboring Mulanay town on Feb. 1 was “illegal,” based on an “absence of reasonable connections” between initial witness statements pointing to them



Mastercard and Microsoft.

In a press conference at Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay, Raimondo said “These companies are announcing over a billion dollars of U.S. investments, including creating educational opportunities to over 30 million Filipinos in the form of digital upskilling, AI (artificial intelligence) training.”

The U.S. official said the expected deals also include the establishment of an electric

by JULIE M. AURELIO Inquirer.net

BERLIN – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, March 12 questioned the premise of China’s proposals on the South China Sea dispute, particularly its 10-dash line in asserting control over the disputed waters.

In a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz here, Marcos stressed that China’s 10-dash line claim is not recognized by any country.

The president said the Philippines did not reject any proposition by China but questioned its premise in the territorial dispute.

“We have not rejected any proposals that China has made for us. But the premise is something that we question. The premise that China has made is that its territory follows the

How Fil-Am candidates fared in the California primary election

by

MARCH 5 marked California’s primary election and several Filipino Americans ran for various state and local seats.

Jessica Caloza, a women’s right advocate with extensive experience working for the federal, state and local government, continues to lead the race for Assembly District 52 with 29.8% of the votes (21,539), according to results from the

California Secretary of State as of Tuesday, March 12.

She will head to the general election in November and is another step closer to making history.

MOBBED. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with the Filipino community in Berlin, Germany on Wednesday, March 13. The president extended his gratitude to the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Germany for their unwavering support as they contributed to the government’s efforts to secure foreign investments through their invaluable work. Malacañang photo

Apollo Quiboloy Inquirer file photo / Grig C. Montegrande

$1B investment deals seen in US trade...

vehicle education center as well as solar and nuclear projects to support the Philippines’ energy and climate goals.

“And we’re announcing a new airline route opening up travel and tourism to the beautiful beaches of Cebu among other projects,” she added.

Economic security

United said last week it would launch new flights from Tokyo-Narita to Cebu starting July 31.

For his part, Philippine Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the U.S. trade mission symbolizes Washington’s strong support for the country’s economic security through trade and investments.

“A stronger partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines cements our position as an economic force. This position benefits our country and fortifies our standing as an ally of the United States,” Pascual said during the same event.

Pressed for comment when they think the investments would materialize, the Philippine official said it would depend on the nature of the project, noting that it could take several weeks to years.

“The training, that would be immediate. In fact, we already have an

agreement,” Pascual said, adding that investments that take longer to materialize include energy projects that normally materialize after five to seven years.

During their meeting, Pascual said they also raised other key issues, including a swift implementation of U.S. government support in workforce development as part of the recently passed CHIPS Act, which mandates funding from the U.S. government to the Philippines and other developing countries to make the ecosystem of their local semiconductor industry more conducive to American investors.

Another issue in which the Philippines sought assistance from the U.S.

delegation is the detention of apparel exports and shrimp paste shipments.

Pascual said the U.S. had banned apparel exports using cotton from a province in China where the Uyghur population is reportedly being persecuted.

“But the fact of the matter is that the cotton used by our apparel companies does not come from China but from Brazil, Turkey and the U.S. itself,” Pascual said.

Partner of choice

The White House in January said a trade mission would be sent to boost U.S. companies’ contribution to key Philippine sectors, including infrastructure, clean energy, critical minerals, agriculture and the innovation economy.

The Philippines and the United States are longstanding allies bounded by a 73-year-old mutual defense treaty.

President Marcos has sought to deepen relations beyond defense cooperation to include economic partnerships.

“The U.S.-Philippine alliance is ironclad,” Raimondo said at the joint briefing with Philippine officials. “It is sustained over 72 years, and we remain steadfast friends and, increasingly, partners in prosperity.”

Security engagements between the Philippines and the United States have stepped up considerably under President Biden and Mr. Marcos, with both leaders keen to counter what they see as China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea and near Taiwan.

Raimondo said she was often asked if the United States was asking countries in the Indo-Pacific region to choose between China and the United States.

“Absolutely not. But we want the United States to be the economic partner of choice,” Raimondo said. “For that to happen, we have to show up and show up in the country with money, with collaboration and consistently show up.” g

Filmmaker, pals walk free; raps eyed...

as suspects in the burning of a minibus and a police report obtained through a dragnet operation.

“Jade et al are still thinking [about] whether they will sue the police,” lawyer Mike Marpuri, counsel for the four, told the Inquirer in a text message on Tuesday, March 12.

At a press conference in Quezon City, also on Tuesday, the lawyer said: “[We’re] still in the process of deciding because, after all, it’s their choice.”

Castro and his companions, civil engineers Noel Mariano and Dominic Ramos and sales manager Ernesto Orcine, were freed from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility in Catanauan after Judge Julius Francis Galvez of Catanauan Regional Trial Court Branch 96 granted their motion to quash the charges.

Marpuri said the group received a copy of the court order around 4 p.m. on Monday.

‘We’re ordinary people’

The four were released from detention at 7:30 p.m. and immediately traveled back to Metro Manila.

In February, police alleged that the four men were identified by witnesses as members of an armed group that set a minibus on fire in Barangay Dahican on Jan. 31.

They were arrested the next day at a beach resort in Mulanay, despite closedcircuit television footage obtained by media outfits apparently showing their car passing a road at about the time the crime was taking place, as well as a separate video recording of Castro working at the Mulanay town plaza that same night.

The police, however, dismissed the footage, saying these might have been altered.

At the press conference in Quezon City, Castro, Mariano and Ramos appeared in public for the first time to speak about their ordeal, while Orcine

Marcos questions...

10-dash line. This is not recognized by any country, by any international body, and certainly not the Philippines,” he said.

He pointed out that the Philippines’ baselines were already well established and that China intruded on the Philippines’ economic zone.

“Until that premise that China has made in terms of all these discussions with the Philippines, it is very difficult to see a way forward,” Marcos said.

He added that as the president, he has no choice but to fulfill his duty to defend the country’s territorial area over land and sea and that he will continue to do so.

The president stressed that it is in the interest of all nations to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, which handles 60 percent of the world’s trade.

“It’s not solely the interest of the Philippines or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or the Indo-Pacific region but the entire world. It is all our interest to keep it a safe passage for all international commerce that goes on in the South China Sea,” he added.

Scholz agreed with Marcos and reiterated his support for the Philippines “in ensuring that rights are being protected.”

was absent and opted to spend time with his family.

“We think the reason we were targeted was simply because we are ordinary people, not because I’m a director or they are engineers,” Castro said.

“We happened to be there and they decided to point the finger at us, not because we were professionals or public figures, but because we were ordinary,” said the director of such films as “Endo” and “Zombadings.”

He said it would be “laughable” if the police had targeted him for his online activism, noting that he had only posted a few tweets critical of the government’s modernization program for public utility vehicles.

Administrative lapses

Marpuri said he received a call from the Philippine National Police’s Regional Internal Affairs Service that the erring police officers, as well as

“Respect for international law is of greatest importance to us and this is equally true for the international law that governs international navigation. We have the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, we have the arbitral tribunal. I believe it to be very important to adhere to the legislation in place,” he said.

Marcos made the remarks after the Department of Foreign Affairs said it received several maritime-related proposals from China last year.

However, these could not be considered as these are against the Philippines’ interests.

Among the proposals were a push for “actions that would be deemed as acquiescence or recognition of China’s control and administration over the Ayungin Shoal.”

The DFA said the Philippines cannot consider such a proposal without violating the 1987 Constitution or international law.

“While a few proposals were deemed somewhat workable, many of the remaining Chinese proposals were determined, after careful study, scrutiny and deliberation within the Philippine government, to be contrary to our national interests,” it said in a statement on Tuesday.

It added that any agreement with a foreign government should be in accordance with mutual interests and should not undermine the Constitution or diminish the Philippines’ rights under international law.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that China has no basis to claim the entire South China Sea and rejected its nine-dash line claim. g

SUSTAINING TIES President Marcos talks to US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo during a luncheon he hosted on Monday, March 11 for the visiting US official and her delegation. Inquirer.net photo by Mariane Bermudez

RAMADAN. Filipino Muslims bow during their midday prayer at the Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila on Tuesday, March 12. Muslims all over the world are observing the holy month of Ramadan by fasting and praying from pre-dawn to sunset.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Contempt, show-cause...

he appear before its inquiry into the alleged violations of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).

The Senate, meanwhile, issued a show-cause order directing Quiboloy to explain why he should not be arrested for disregarding its summons for him to attend the chamber’s inquiry.

Following these developments in Congress, Vice President Sara Duterte and her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, appeared on Tuesday night at a prayer rally at Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila organized by KOJC.

The vice president on Monday night, March 11, issued a video message publicly expressing for the first time her support for Quiboloy.

Last week, Quiboloy named the former president as the new caretaker of KOJC’s properties after a California judge unsealed the arrest warrants against the televangelist over charges of human and labor trafficking of his followers in the sect.

‘No respect’

The House panel, in its subpoena last month, had directed Quiboloy to explain his involvement in Swara Sug Media Corp., SMNI’s legal operating name, as it deliberated on a bill seeking to repeal Republic Act No. 11422, the 2018 law renewing for another 25 years the network’s franchise.

Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Ty Pimentel, the committee’s vice chair, said, “The fact that he has not been appearing in these hearings just shows he has no respect for this committee. He acts like God, and he acts with impunity and he takes these hearings for granted.”

‘Apprehensive’

“Even if we stage hearings 20 more times and invite him 20 more times, it is very clear that he has no intention whatsoever [to] appear… before this committee,” he added.

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, who is due to meet Quiboloy

PAGE 7

Filmmaker, pals walk free; raps eyed...

the town’s police chief, were now subjects of an investigation motu proprio (on its own initiative) for administrative lapses.

The PNP’s Internal Affairs Service has the power to launch investigations for cases involving human rights violations perpetrated by police officers, as well as operational lapses and breaches, corruption and other criminal activities.

But the PNP also said the arson case against Castro’s group was not yet dead.

The PNP spokesperson, Col. Jean Fajardo, maintained that the police officers’ actions to arrest Castro’s group were valid.

“Their motion to quash was granted, but it doesn’t address the entire case. It just means there wasn’t enough evidence from the PNP to justify the arrest of the group of Jade Castro. There was no trial on the merits of the case,” she told a press briefing.

Fajardo said the legal officers of the PNP in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna,

Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) region were studying the possibility of filing a motion for reconsideration or an entirely new case.

Still a ‘strong case’

In a statement on Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas, Calabarzon police director, insisted that the court “sustained the destructive arson case filed by the prosecution against them.”

“The ruling, in no way, undermines the dedication

of the men and women of this regional office in building a strong case against the suspects. We will diligently gather appropriate evidence and work towards refiling the case of destructive arson against the accused,” he said.

Under the Rules of Court, a motion to quash is filed by an accused before arraignment. It challenges information or a charge sheet for defects apparent at face value.

Once granted, its effect

will be a dismissal of the case.

After being illegally detained for 40 days, the four men are still reeling from the experience, Marpuri said at the press conference.

“They don’t want to return to Catanauan. They were somewhat traumatized by what happened to them,” he said.

Since their release, however, they “are in good spirits,” according to the lawyer. g

FREEDOM AT LAST. Film director Jade Francis Castro (left) appears before the media in Quezon City on Tuesday after he and his three companions—Noel Mariano, Dominic Ramos and Ernesto Orcine—were released on Monday night, March 11, when a Quezon court dismissed their case for destructive arson. Castro is shown here with Mariano and Ramos. Photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta

online training for California home...

caregiving and healthcare program, and the paid incentives that go with it, adding a note of urgency.

Renita Polk, of the California Department of Aging, cited estimates that by 2030, a quarter of all Californians — 10.8 million people — will be at least 60 years old and require another 3.2 million caregivers and healthcare workers to provide “varying levels of care.”

“This is a tangible investment in caregivers, acknowledging their vital role and representing California’s diverse communities and providing people with the quality care they deserve,” said Polk.

“This is a massive problem,” Dr. V.J. Periyakoil, director of Stanford University’s GE Research Center and its School of Medicine’s Palliative Care Education and Training program. “It’s not a ‘them’ problem, it’s an ‘us’ problem.”

Constantly improving medical care means sudden deaths are fewer and “most of us are eventually going to live for years with a chronic condition, and die of multiple causes,” she explained.

Already, people are surviving cancer diagnoses for years, living with diabetes, surviving strokes, lung disease, kidney problems and much more.

Just to get through the day, some will need help with simple, basic functions such as showering, dressing and toileting.

But asking people with no training or background in the work to provide such services, she said, is like giving an unlicensed

driver the keys to an 18-wheeler. And those caregivers are also reporting the depression and burnout that can accompany being constantly on call.

So far, the Department of Aging’s Connie Nakano said that about 6,000 people have completed more than 25,000 courses and earned more than $2 million in incentives while becoming better trained and able to provide the support that seniors and their families need.

Those eligible for the program must be unlicensed caregivers, certified home care aids or certified nursing assistants who live and work in California.

Free career-advancement training is open to those providing unpaid care to older adults or people with disabilities — including friends and family — in a home or community setting, though incentives don’t apply.

Caregivers already paid by an employer which is not In-Home Supportive Services may receive incentives for taking the courses. IHSS employees with a second job elsewhere, or employees with an organization under a county contract to provide IHSS care, are also eligible.

CalGrows is “a comprehensive program,” said Anni Chung, CEO of San Francisco’s Self Help for the Elderly organization, which has been operating since 1966 and currently serves more than 40,000 clients annually with health, educational, social and recreational services.

“It allows us an opportunity to train

How Fil-Am candidates...

neighborhoods of LA, such as East Hollywood, Los Feliz, Virgil Village, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Glassell Park, Cypress Park, Elysian Valley, Echo Park, Eagle Rock and Highland Park.

There are about 13,000 Filipino American registered voters in this district.

“It’s a district that has never been represented by an Asian American. And in the Assembly, we have never elected a Filipino woman ever. So if I make it, I would be the first,” said Caloza in a previous interview with the Asian Journal

Jed Leano — an immigration attorney, councilmemer and former mayor of Claremont, California — came in fourth with 15.41% of the votes (9,429) in the race for state Assembly’s 41st District, according to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk results as of Thursday, March 7. The 41st District covers Los Angeles County cities, such as Pasadena, Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, San Dimas, Sierra Madre, and San Bernardino County cities of Rancho Cucamonga, San Antonio Heights and Upland.

“Last night was a beautiful celebration of the mission that united us. This morning, I called John Harabedian to congratulate him on an excellent campaign and gave him my endorsement for AD 41. My deepest gratitude for all our amazing allies in journey” Leano wrote in a Facebook post. Republican candidate Michelle Del Rosario Martinez came out on top in that race with 34.95% of the votes, followed by Democrat John Harabedian with 31.98% of the votes.

In the race for state Senate District 3, Democrat Christopher Cabaldon, former mayor of West Sacramento, trails in second with 26.6% of the votes (52,484), as of Tuesday, March 12.

In a statement issued Tuesday, March 5, Cabaldon said, “The initial results are indeed encouraging, and while we are optimistic, we recognize that every vote counts and every voice matters. We are committed to giving our election officials the time they need to ensure every ballot is counted and eagerly await the final tally.”

State Senate District includes parts of Solano, Yolo, Napa, Contra Costa, Sonoma and Sacramento counties.

Cabaldon was the first openly gay Filipino in the country to be elected mayor and was also the longestserving LGBT mayor in the country.

Another Fil-Am, Rozzanna Verder-Aliga trails in third place in this race with 20.7% of the votes (40,708).

Verder-Aliga is a mental health care professional and the current vice mayor of Vallejo.

Kurt Jose, a lawyer, ran for a U.S. congressional seat for California’s 31st District, which covers West Covina, El Monte, La Verne and other areas of the San Gabriel Valley. He garnered only 1.3% of the votes (883) in a crowded race of 10 candidates.

Also in Northern California’s San Mateo County, Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo and former Daly City city councilmember Ray Buenaventura are among the top four vote-getters among six candidates for the Democratic Party County Central Committee’s District 5 (fifth supervisorial district for the San Mateo County Democratic Party), according to the Monday March 11 semi-official results from the Registration & Elections Division of

the San Mateo AssessorCounty Clerk-Recorder’s office. Both are running for reelection to the fifth supervisorial district.

Buenaventura has so far received 6,910 votes, while Manalo has tallied 6,624 votes. Also in the top four are Daly City City Clerk Annette Hipona and Daly City Councilmember Pamela DiGiovanni. Filipina American Cheryl CuasarCatuar is in fifth place, with 3,234 votes.

GOP candidate Christina Laskowski placed third in the State Senator race for the 13th District, garnering 7,260 votes. Incumbent State Senator Josh Becker leads the race with 76,249 votes as of the March 11 semi-official results.

Several Fil-Ams also ran for local Los Angeles races during this cycle.

As of Tuesday, March 12, Fil-Am housing rights lawyer Ysabel Jurado has taken the lead with 24.46% (7,965 votes) of the votes in the race for Los Angeles City Council District 14, which covers Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Downtown Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, and El Sereno. Jurado surpassed incumbent councilmember Kevin De León, who was bumped to second place with 23.49% of the votes (7,647).

In a statement, Jurado

Attorney Ysabel Jurado is currently in second place for the LA City Council, District 4 race, as of Friday, March 8.   File photos

Jessica Caloza, candidate for state Assembly, District 52  San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria is seeking re-election in the 2024 election cycle.

Christopher Cabaldon, former West Sacramento mayor, is eyeing a California state Senate seat.

PAGE 7

FEATURES OPINION

New election system provider

IT’S final: the country has a new automated election system provider. On Monday, March 11, the Commission on Elections signed a P17.99-billion contract with South Korean firm Miru Systems Co. Ltd. for the lease to the Comelec of a Full Automation System with Transparency Audit Count or

Under the deal, Miru Systems together with its local partners Integrated Computer System, St. Timothy Construction Corp. and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies Inc. will supply 110,000 new automated counting machines along with election management systems, secure and transparent ballot printing, 104,345 ballot boxes plus ballot paper as well as 2,200 canvassing system laptops and printers. Miru will also provide technical support for the machines, software and customizable systems.

Editorial

Miru was the lone bidder for the supply deal, with its P17.99-billion offer lower than the approved budget of P18.82 billion for the project. The bidding was hounded by accusations that Miru services were marred by electoral fraud and cybersecurity issues in countries including Argentina, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq and South Korea

THE recent incident involving China Coast Guard ships and one of our supply boats is yet again another example of the disgraceful, dangerous and aggressive behavior that shows China’s propensity to doublespeak.

Last Tuesday, March 5, Philippine civilian vessel

Fax:

itself.

Miru officials denied these accusations, dismissing them as rumors and attributing the stories to losing candidates. Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body also received certifications from the United Nations, vouching for Miru’s performance in the elections in Iraq, and from the Congo electoral commission. Some doubters remain unconvinced.

The Comelec has yet to award a service deal for the overseas online voting and counting system. In the meantime, the Comelec must move quickly to ensure that the 2025 polls will be as clean and glitch-free as possible.

The Comelec has not yet sufficiently put to rest doubts raised by cyber experts regarding the integrity of the 2022 national races. The experts have questioned the use of a single private IP or internet protocol address,

192.168.0.2, which bypassed the networks of authorized telecommunications companies, and transmitted 20 million votes to the Comelec’s Transparency Server one hour after the polls closed. Election watchdogs have said the use of the IP address did not alter the vote results, which they counterchecked with raw data.

Smartmatic, which has been providing the system since the Philippines shifted to automated elections in 2010, has been

barred by the Comelec from poll biddings amid allegations of bribery involving former Comelec chairman Andres Bautista. Both Smartmatic and Bautista have denied the accusations.

While this controversy continues, the new election system must be put through its paces. The best proof that the Comelec made the right moves in the case of Miru and Smartmatic is the conduct of honest, orderly and credible elections in 2025. (Philstar.com)

Actions speak louder than words

Unaiza May 4 was on a resupply mission carrying food, water and other provisions for troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal when two CCG vessels blasted it with water cannons, shattering the windows and injuring four crew members as well as Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, who sustained some cuts and bruises.

our Op-Ed

Shortly thereafter, the Chinese Coast Guard dispatched a rigid-hull inflatable boat that began to circle the damaged boat as if to obstruct the pathway of a vessel dispatched by the Philippine Coast Guard to provide medical assistance to the injured Filipino personnel.

This latest incident is only one of the many aggravating moves heightening the tension in the West

Philippine Sea, with Filipinos seething at the incessant bullying and harassment by Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels that are deliberately conducting dangerous and provocative maneuvers. Many are finding their voice in the statement of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who described the actions of China in the West Philippine Sea as “downright uncivilized” –and, I might add, disgusting.

The hostile actions of the Chinese vessels were witnessed by Associated Press journalists aboard BRP Sindangan, who captured the moment when the CCG vessel sideswiped the Philippine Coast Guard ship in a “tense and dangerous moment.”

In typical fashion, China gave a version of the incident that was totally different, claiming that it was the Philippine

vessels that were “illegally trespassing” in Ayungin Shoal – which is well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone – saying that the China Coast Guard actions were “professional, restrained, reasonable and lawful” when in reality, the unprovoked actions and the dangerous maneuvers of the Chinese vessels have caused harm and endangered the lives of Filipino personnel,

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Dateline PhiliPPines

UltraPass ID spearheads decentralized digital identity adoption at scale in the Philippines

A significant move towards digital transformation, UltraPass ID, under the leadership of CEO and Co-Founder Eric Starr, has announced its presence in Manila as part of the presidential Trade and Investment Mission led by Secretary Gina Raimondo. Starr’s participation underscores the company’s commitment to pioneering decentralized identity solutions in the Philippines, a market burgeoning with potential and ready for technological innovation.

UltraPass ID, known for its comprehensive suite of decentralized identity infrastructure solutions – including UAuth for biometric authentication, TrustLink for privacypreserving data sharing, and TrustLink Edge for secure data exchange withing critical infrastructure – has identified the Philippines as a dynamic market ripe for the adoption of advanced digital identity systems.

During the presidential Trade and Investment Mission, UltraPass ID announced agreements with the Department of Budget and Management and NOW Corporation, highlighting the

Echoing Secretary Raimondo’s assertion that “economic security is national security,” necessitating

Contempt, show-cause...

PAGE 3

on Wednesday, said his client had been “apprehensive that his rights may not be respected because of the [media] frenzy.”

Quezon Rep. David Suarez, however, chided the pastor for “assuming something that has not yet happened…. [T]hroughout the whole series of hearings we’ve had, the committee has been handling themselves properly and legally. I don’t think any rights would have been violated.”

In an interview with the Inquirer, Pimentel said, “We are only giving him (Topacio) three days to talk (to Quiboloy) before we issue the contempt order.”

But Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting, committee chair, said he doubted that Topacio would be able to convince Quiboloy to face the House.

‘Witch hunt’

Tambunting’s panel also approved its report seeking the revocation of SMNI’s franchise over the network’s alleged violations of

A first: Comelec to open to public ‘source code’ in 2025 polls

by William B. Depasupil ManilaTimes.net

MANILA - For the first time in the country’s election history, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will make available to the public the so-called “source code,” the human readable version of the voting software program, for anyone to see and test the customized automatic counting machines (ACM) that will be used in the upcoming 2025 midterm polls.

Chairman George Erwin Garcia on Tuesday, March 12 said that the joint venture of Miru Systems of South Korea has agreed to make the source code review to the public, leaving

“They (MIru) are willing to gamble. They are willing to put it under public scrutiny so that it can be tested by anybody. This is the first time that Comelec received such an offer, meaning that they believe in the capability of their program,” Garcia further said.

The source code is basically an independent auditor to ensure that the system is running free from possible malicious lines. It is the human-readable version of the election management system (EMS) customized to Philippine elections that would be installed in the ACMs.

The EMS designs the configuration for the ACMs,

Free online training for California home...

PAGE

our staff of 411 employees,” she said, and provide the training updates they need to recertify every two years. And, she said, “it’s an excellent opportunity for newly arrived immigrants to develop career paths,” by providing the knowledge they’ll need to pass state-administered licensing tests.

One such person, Mei Guo, arrived in 2005 and began working as an unlicensed caregiver almost immediately. “I was full of passion, but also felt confused and challenged,” she said through a translator.

PAGE 9

Section 4 of RA 11422 (to “provide at all times sound and balanced programming”); Section 10 (to inform Congress about the sale of the company to other owners or other major changes); and Section 11 (to offer at least 30 percent of its stock to the public within five years).

Quiboloy claims to have divested himself of Swara in 2018.

On Tuesday, SMNI’s legal counsel, Mark Tolentino, told reporters that Swara had been completely aboveboard with its operations and had submitted a position paper to answer the House panel’s queries.

He also said the “witch hunt” on Quiboloy and SMNI was intended to silence the network ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

“As you know, SMNI is a very influential [network] and it is believed to be a vehicle of the Dutertes, so maybe they (the lawmakers) believe that by taking it out, [the network would no longer be a problem],” Tolentino said. —With a report from Marlon Ramos

But as she began taking courses through Self Help for the Elderly, “I quickly realized this would be a turning point in my career,” Guo continued. “After obtaining my license I was able to provide higher quality care service to the seniors I took care of, not only improving their quality of life but also giving their family members peace of mind.”

Programs such as this, she added, “Help monolingual, non-English-speaking job seekers, immigrants like me, for whom language barriers are a significant challenge … providing not only professional training, but a bridge for communication and learning, allowing us to find our place in this multicultural society in the United States. Through this training we not only improved our professional skills, but learned how to integrate into this society.”

The courses are offered in nine languages: English, Spanish, Armenian, Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, Russian and Vietnamese. Topics include Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, cultural diversity, food safety, infection control and self-care for caregivers, but there are many, many more.

Caregivers can sign up for the program online at calgrows.org, by phone at (888)

991-7234 or by email at help@calgrows.org.

“There’s a course out there that can fit anyone’s schedule,” Polk said. They range from short, quarter- or half-hour onetime brush-ups to longer ones that can be completed online, with pauses as needed, to others that are considerably longer. “It’s really just dependent on how much time the student has.”

While the program remains available, one panelist, retired journalist Joe Rodriguez, said he’s signing up right away.

He’s currently caring for his sister, who devoted herself to their parents’ needs while Rodriguez was working for the San Jose Mercury News.

He’s single and his sister, who has no other family, can no longer walk, bathe or cook, and needs help getting almost anywhere, sometimes even at home.

“We’re going to be living together for a long time,” he said. “Her needs are going to be getting more profound. It’s quite scary.”

Years ago, Rodriguez said he wrote a column about his sister’s struggles taking care of their parents, and how she deserved a respite.

“I never got so much hate mail,” he recalled, more than for anything else he’d written, from people insisting elder care was a duty. “It’s going to be a tough haul to improve things, just as it’s going to be a tough haul for me personally.”

The CalGrows program in its current state will end at the end of August, due to the rules that came with the federal dollars that support it.

Polk and others expressed hope that somehow the educational opportunities will remain in place, even if the stipend funding dries up, but this remains to be seen. (By Mark Hedin/ Ethnic Media Services)

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia PNA file photo

Now Corp/UltraPass ID signing ceremony with Henry Abes and Eric Starr.

DBM signing ceremony with Chris Guingcangco and Eric Starr.

growing demand for robust digital identity infrastructure that prioritizes security, interoperability, and user privacy.

UltraPass ID spearheads decentralized digital...

robust cybersecurity, Starr’s vision for the Philippines is ambitious. He announced plans to establish an innovation hub in the country, aiming to make the Philippines a global beacon for decentralized digital identity innovation. This initiative seeks to attract international attention, drive job growth, and showcase the Philippines’ capability in deploying cutting-edge technology.

The Starr’s call to action is clear: with the support of both the United States and Philippine governments, UltraPass ID’s vision can transform the digital identity landscape, fostering a more secure, inclusive, and interconnected world.

Highlighted by agreements with DBM and NOW Corp and advanced discussions with a number of other agencies, Starr’s enthusiasm for the potential of the Philippine market and the urgent demand for UltraPass ID’s solutions reflect a promising future for digital transformation in the country.

As UltraPass ID continues to navigate the bureaucratic landscape and seeks to expedite agreements with numerous government agencies, the support from the administration remains crucial. Starr’s commitment to “move fast and fix things”, sets a new paradigm for technological advancement in the Philippines, promising a future where digital identity solutions not only enhance security but also empower individuals with control over their information.

UltraPass ID’s participation in the presidential Trade and Investment Mission represents a significant step

in collaboration between the United States and the Philippines. It aims at achieving unprecedented success in digital identity and beyond, firmly rooted in the belief that securing economic and national security begins with robust cybersecurity.

UltraPass ID’s participation in the presidential Trade and Investment Mission marks a significant step in U.S.Philippines collaboration, emphasizing a mutual commitment to decentralized identity solutions for enhanced cybersecurity, data privacy and global interoperability. g

A first: Comelec to...

like precinct number and the number of voters per precinct, among others.

It would be provided to the Comelec by the Miru System following the reviews of the software system by an international certification company agency to ensure that it is free of malicious lines.

Garcia said that the international certification for the system would be done for two months, and a month for the source code review.

He pointed out that opening the source code to the public would be an added transparency to the entire election process.

Garcia also disclosed that MIRU Systems has offered to place cameras in every polling place to monitor the voting process, adding that the Comelec is committed to full transparency in all stages of elections preparations to include the coming customization of the 110,000 ACMs that would be used in next year’s national and local elections.

“It would take six months

to customize the machines, two months for international certification and one months source code review,” he pointed out.

Comelec has awarded MIRU Systems the P18 billion contract for the lease of the 110 counting machines.and other peripheral services that will be used in the 2025 elections.

Included in the contract are the provision of 104,345 ballot boxes, 2,200 pieces server/laptop and printer, pens and ballot printing, ballot paper for 73,881,894 and ballot verification.

Garcia further said that also part of Comelec’s preparation is the setting up of 82 provincial repair hubs or one for every province in the country.

Previously, Garcia pointed out, the Comelec has only the Sta, Rosa, Laguna hub and was regionalized in the last 2022 polls.

“We will build 82 provincial hubs so that we would be able to repair whatever problems without bringing the machine to Manilka,” he added. g

Presidential Trade and Investment Mission delegation at the Ayala Museum.

Secretary Gina Raimondo (left) with UltraPass ID CEO Eric Starr.

Actions speak... How Fil-Am candidates...

in blatant disregard of international law.

Secretary Teodoro blasted Beijing’s “propaganda mechanisms… to justify their illegal acts against Philippine vessels on their so-called ‘indisputable’ claim over most of the South China Sea” and taking great pains to mischaracterize their provocations as lawful under international law – a claim that no right thinking state in the world would agree with, he added.

Last year, China came out with their so-called standard national map that features a 10-dash-line – one additional dash more than its previous nine-dash line – just a week after Chinese president Xi Jinping said “hegemonism is not in China’s DNA” –which drew protests among nations that include India, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines that rejected the sweeping claim.

And as I pointed out during my speaking engagement at the Consular Corps of the Philippines – no one really knows how far China will go in staking its claims in the South China Sea. Previously it was nine, and today it is 10 – then 11, 12? As claimant nations, we can talk about our conflicting claims but we absolutely cannot allow a single country to claim the entire area.

In my remarks during the recently concluded Track 2 Dialogue on Quad Plus Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific organized by the Center for New American Security, I said the Philippines has consistently maintained that the South China Sea dispute is not the sum of our bilateral relationship with China. We are close neighbors with hundreds, if not thousands, of years of exchanges between our two peoples.

We must, therefore, be able to manage our dispute without resorting to the use of force. However, China’s actions for many years now – becoming more pronounced recently – have had destabilizing effects in the region and increased the risk of an outbreak of conflict among the claimants.

We are committed to fostering defense and security cooperation with like-minded partners, not to confront China directly, but to deter our neighbor in the North from taking

escalatory actions that could potentially usher in a third World War, spelling the end of the world.

But while the Philippines renounces war as an instrument of foreign policy, it does not mean that we will not defend ourselves. We will respond with everything we’ve got if another country attacks us. And as we modernize our armed forces to achieve a credible defense posture, we take comfort in the wisdom of our past leaders after World War II – the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States. Today, there are many other nations that share the same values and recognize that our sovereignty as a nation is indisputable.

We have been working hard to strengthen relations and expand cooperation with many countries all over the world. We have elevated bilateral relations with Australia to a strategic partnership; we have convened our 5th Philippines-India Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation; we have agreed to accelerate negotiations on a Reciprocal Access Agreement with Japan with whom we are enjoying particularly robust relations; and our relationship with the United States is on “hyperdrive” with great potential for more cooperation, especially in the economic sphere as seen in the U.S. Presidential Trade and Investment Mission led by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

Instead of utilizing its significant resources to foster mutual economic prosperity, it’s unfortunate that a giant country like China resorts to aggressive behavior in order to assert its over-expansive claims that have spawned criticism from the international community. If there is anyone that is paying lip service to maintaining peace and stability in the region, it is unquestionably China. Nothing could best describe it better than in one line: Actions speak louder than words. (Philstar.com)

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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

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babeseyeview@gmail.com

Batanes seaport to be funded by US

MANILA — A plan is underway to construct a United States-funded civilian port in Batanes, chosen for its strategic significance and proximity to Taiwan.

Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco said during a Philippine Navy event recently that the U.S. Army would arrive in April to further discuss the plan that aims to accommodate Filipino workers from Taiwan in the event of a crisis.

Located less than 200 kilometers from Taiwan, Batanes holds strategic significance should a conflict ensue between China and Taiwan.

On Saturday, March 9,the Philippine Navy held a ceremony in Batanes, one of the locations for annual military drills between the Philippines and the U.S. Defense Secretary Gilbert

Teodoro Jr. called for the development of more structures in Batanes to increase military presence.

A Reuters report in August 2023 said the U.S. military was in talks to develop a civilian port in the remote northernmost islands of the Philippines, a move that would boost American access to strategically located islands facing Taiwan.

Cayco said she sought funding from the U.S. for the building of an “an alternative port” there, which was intended to assist the unloading of cargo from Manila during rough seas in the monsoon season.

The Philippines has recently ramped up its military ties with the U.S. and allowed greater U.S. access to local military bases. (by Charie Abarca/Inquirer.net)

said she was “immensely grateful and honored” that her campaign is headed to the run-off election in November.

“This victory is a testament to the power of the people, the power of community, and the power of grassroots organizing,” she said in a statement.

If elected, Jurado would be the first Filipino American in the LA City Council.

“I’ve always been an organizer and I never thought I would run for office, it’s true. But I feel called for this by my community. We [Filipinos] are the second-largest Asian population in Southern California and yet we haven’t had a council member ever is wild to me,” Jurado told the Asian Journal in a 2023 interview.

Ely De La Cruz Ayao, a Filipino immigrant and retired real estate broker, ran for LA City Council’s District 6, which includes the communities of Arleta, Lake Balboa, North Hills, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Panorama City, Sun Valley and Van Nuys. He came in second with 12.56% of the votes (1,820) and was defeated by incumbent councilmember Imelda Padilla, who garnered 77.46% of the votes (11,227). Meawhile, in San Diego, current Mayor Todd Gloria is bound for a November runoff. Gloria had 50.9% of the vote, followed by 24.3% for San Diego police officer Larry Turner, as of Wednesday, March 6.

“Thank you San Diego! The preliminary primary election results exceeded my expectations and put us on a path to victory in November. I’m excited to continue to work hard for my beloved hometown with the vision of building a city that works #ForAllofUs,” Gloria wrote in a social media post.g

Filipina lawmakers to attend UN women’s rights session

MANILA – Two Filipina lawmakers are set to represent the Philippines in the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women from March 1422 at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.

Rep. Ann Matibag (San Pedro, Laguna) and Rep. Geraldine Roman (1st District, Bataan) will fly to the United States to attend the women’s rights meeting as they continue to pursue their gender equality advocacy.

“The City of San Pedro is very supportive to women and gender equality and we’re very proud that it is also supported by our national government,” said Matibag, adding that women continue to excel in different fields locally and globally.

“Known not only for beauty and brains, Filipino women also have the guts, courage, will and leadership to make everything better,” she added. “We are proud to announce with our fellow world leaders that women in our country are being well-respected, equal and honored.”

Roman and Matibag, chairperson and vice chairperson of the House Committee on Women and Gender Equality, respectively, have been are assigned by Congress as delegates for the bilateral meeting with Members of the European Parliament from the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender.

Known for her projects in San Pedro since 2022, Matibag has empowered the city through her continuous scholarship programs, various livelihood projects, infrastructure

projects, and medical missions and assistances aside from her principal authored bills.

In terms of public service, she also thanked other women government officials who have been actively serving the country from the city and barangay councils, mayoralty, House of the Representatives, Senate and up the executive branches of the government.

Matibag said the likes of female Senators Loren Legarda, Imee Marcos,

“It’s really an honor to represent our country in the UN. Women in our country have excelled not only in leadership but also in other fields like fashion, music, arts, entertainment and sports. They are too many to mention but all of them have brought pride and glory to our nation.” g

Rep. Ann Matibag (San Pedro, Laguna) and Rep. Geraldine Roman (1st District, Bataan) will fly to the United States to attend the women’s rights meeting as they continue to pursue their gender equality advocacy.

Philstar.com photo

Cynthia Villar, Pia Cayetano, Risa Hontiveros, Nancy Binay and Grace Poe have continuously inspired and motivated them to do their jobs as public officials.

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Recipe for a green card: The journey from poverty in the province, to being a chef with a green card on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

JONAS grew up poor in Bacolod. He was one of 10 children raised by his father, who was a farmer. Jonas had big dreams and left for Manila to seek greener pastures.

While jumping from one odd job to another, Jonas realized that he enjoyed working in restaurants the most. His father used to teach him how to cook when he was still in Bacolod.

family to Pampanga and found a job as a janitor at a mall. Life was still hard, and Jonas struggled.

One day, Jonas saw a “Now Hiring Cooks” sign outside the Gerry’s Grill

Jonas was already married and had one child when he brought his PAGE 12

MOVING UP FROM A LIFE OF POVERTY TO GETTING A GREEN CARD, ON A BRAND-NEW SUCCESS STORY ON CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! Jonas (left) grew up with 10 other siblings in Bacolod. Life was hard and Jonas had big dreams, so one day he left his family to pursue his dreams. He struggled and took on various odd jobs. He landed a job as a janitor at a mall in Pampanga. One day, he saw a “Now Hiring Cooks” sign outside the Gerry’s Grill branch in the mall where he worked. He applied, and after showing his cooking skills, he was hired. Jonas continued to hone his skills until Gerry Apolinario, owner of Gerry’s Grill, agreed to petition Jonas for a green card to help run Gerry’s branch in Houston, Texas. Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) worked on Jonas’ petition and in less than two years, Jonas got his green card as a cook. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, March 17 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

Filipino diet: Healthy?

Health@Heart

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

TODAY, more than ever, people are more health conscious, and since food greatly impacts our health, we are interested to know if the food we eat is healthy and how many calories are in the food we eat.

In general, the average calorie requirement per day ranges between 1500 to 2000, but those who are overweight could reduce this to 1000 calories a day, under a physician’s advice. Diabetics have their own calculated calorie-intake. Eating 500 calories more a day (in excess of the Total Calorie Requirement -TRC) will make a person gain one pound in a week, and, conversely, eating 500 calories less than the TCR per day will reduce one pound from the person’s body weight in a week.

Pushing ourselves away from the dining table less than full is a great strategy, for health and longevity.

The average calories burned in 30 minutes for any of these activities are as follows: Sleeping, 35; typing on computer, 50; ironing, 63; cooking, 86; light housework, 115; mopping floor, 119; shopping, 102; fishing, 119; climbing hills (no load), 232; walking slowly, 106; walking briskly, 120; running slowly, 280; running fast, 384; jogging, 215; cycling, 123; swimming, 311; ballroom dancing, 98; aerobic dancing, 198; volleyball, 96; football, 253; basketball, 265; golf, 140; tennis, 209; and, badminton, 186. Foreplay in sex for 15 minutes, burns about 22.5 calories and actual sexual intercourse for 15 minutes, 67.5 calories (a total of only 90 calories for the entire activity, believe it or not!).

Most of the available information today on calories in the different food items pertains to western and European food varieties. In the Abbott Club Red publication, we found interesting data on calorie counts for various Filipino foods, delicacies, and drinks.

The following vegetables yield about 16 calories per cup or 90 g (cooked): Ampalaya fruit, ampalaya leaves, Baguio beans,

banana heart, cabbage, cauliflower, chayote fruit or leaves, eggplant, kangkong, malunggay leaves, mushroom, okra, patola, onion bulb, petsay, saluyot, and upo. Half cup of the following also provides 16 calories: coconut shoot (ubod), Mungbean sprout (togue), sitaw, canned green peas, sweet corn, tomato juice.

The fruits listed here give 40 calories: Apple (1/2), atis (1 fruit), lakatan, latundan banana and chico, per piece; dalanghita (2); duhat (20 pieces); durian (30 g); grapes (10); guava (2); guyabano (1 slice); langka (40 g); lansones 97); mangosteen (3); melon (1 slice); papaya (1 slice); pineapple (1 slice); rambutan (8); santol (1); sinkamas (1/2, 110g); suha (3 segments); watermelon (1 slice); star apple (1/2), buko water (1 cup); banana-que (1/2); mango chips (2); maruya (1/4); turon (1/2).

Thirty grams of the following provide 41 calories: Tenderloin, porterhouse, shank, sirloin, shoulder, rump, chicken leg, breast (1/4), meat internal organs (3/4 cups); 1 slice of bangus, lapulapu, dalag, etc; bacon (1 slice) is 45 calories. And so with ½ avocado, a teaspoon of peanut butter, 5 pieces of pili nut, or a teaspoon of peanut or olive oil.

Rice and rice products (the infamous carb) contain very high calories, 100 for each of the following: Rice (1/2 cup); lugaw (1.5 cup); bibingka galapong (1 slice); malagkit (1 slice); biko (1 slice); cassava cake (1/2 slice); espasol (2); kalamay, latik (1); kutsinta (1); palitaw, no coconut gratings (4); puto bumbong (2); sapin-sapin (1 slice); tikoy (1 slice); pan de sal (3); lady fingers (5); mamon tostado 93); hopia hapon (1.5); ensaymada (1); bihon, sotanghon, (each, 1 cup); kamote (1/2) ubi (1.3 cups); kastanyas (11 pieces); and, sago (1/2 cup).

Table sugar, one teaspoon, 20 calories; and so with the following: Taho with syrup and sago (1/4 cup); ube halaya (1 teaspoon); and yema (1). Halo-halo (2.3 cups) has 80 calories and polvoron (1), 40 calories.

Each of the following carbos has 145 calories: Buko pie (½ slice); bitsobitso (1); hopia, baboy (1); hot cakes (1); fruit cake (1 slice); chocolate cake (1 slice); Spanish bread (1); cinnamon roll (1). One half donut has

190 calories; croissant, 235; muffin, 290; éclair, 212, century egg, 135; embotido, 2.5 pieces, 187 calories.

As for menu dishes, ½ cup adobong baboy, 302 calories; 1 cup callos, 260; 1 cup dinuguan, 124; ½ cup kare kare, 103; ½ cup kilawin, 113; litsong baboy (50 g) 273; lumpia fresh with sauce, 273; lumpia with peanut sauce, 403; 2/3 cup of menudo, 144; okoy with tagunton, 184; and, pochero, 1 cup, 282.

Alcoholic drinks: Pure water, zero; beer, 11 oz, 163 calories; cognac, 75; gin, dry, 107 per jigger; Ginebra, one bottle, 832; martini, 143; whiskey, 107; wine, red, 73 a glass; white, 85; champagne, 85. All soft drinks are unhealthy, harmful to our body. Processed foods increase the risk for cancer.

Daily physical exercise and calorie-counting are vital to our health and well-being. In general, the way we eat as a nation, our native diet is not healthy as it can be. For those who are health-conscious, the Filipino food could be made healthy. Eliminating rice in our diet, or cutting it down to half a cup or less, instead of 2 cups of cooked rice, would be a good start. While brown rice is better (lower glycemic index), it is still rice, still carb. Eating fish and a lot of vegetables, which are abundant in the Philippines, some nuts (like walnuts, pistachio, pecan, chestnut) and some fruits, and minimizing red meat to maybe to once a week, will make the Filipino diet healthier. A good version is the Mediterranean Diet, and our homeland has all the ingredients we want to make it a healthier diet. The trend among chefs and restaurateurs in major cities in the Philippines is towards healthier menus, controlled calories, low fat, low carb, high fiber…many popularizing fusion recipes.

Let’s eat healthy to minimize diseases and live longer. Our children should be taught by our example that health and well-being, prevention of illnesses, and longevity are all achievable through living a healthy lifestyle.

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The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and

Recipe for a green card: The journey...

branch at the mall where he worked. He applied and prepared pinakbet when he was asked to show his cooking skills. He was hired right away and was asked to start the next day.

Jonas kept improving his kitchen skills and eventually he became Cook in Charge of the branch in Batangas. In 2016 and in 2017, Jonas became the champion of the company’s annual cooking competition. It was then that Gerry’s Grill owner, Gerry Apolinario, put Jonas in the short list of his staff who would be sent to the U.S. to run the branch in Houston, Texas.

Gerry hired leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel to work on Jonas’ petition as Senior Line Cook, and in less than two years, Jonas acquired his green card.

It has been 20 years since Jonas was hired by Gerry’s

back in Pampanga, and even now, he cannot believe how dramatically different his life has been from the days he was struggling in Bacolod, when he could hardly put food on the table, to the present, where he is able to provide food, shelter, and a better life for his family.

Watch this success story

on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, March 17 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

Piolo Pascual addresses continuing romance with Shaina Magdayao

By Jessica ann evangelista Inquirer.net

DESPITE not officially confirming their relationship, Piolo Pascual addressed the possibility of “rekindling” his romance with Shaina

Magdayao now that they are set to work on a new series together.

Sitting down with Ogie Diaz, the “Mallari” actor said he’s more focused on working with the actress than dealing with “personal

not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial

board and staff.

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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the

stuff” between them after he was asked if he’s willing to continue his “rumored relationship” with Magdayao. “Let’s cross the bridge. But I don’t wanna get ahead of myself. I’m more for the work. We wanna continue on his (Deo Endrinal) legacy. We wanna give it our best. So I’ll put aside the personal stuff first,” he said.

Pascual affirmed that he is on good terms with the “Four Sisters and A Wedding” actress, saying, “Okay naman kami ni Shaina. (Me and Shaina are okay). We’re good.”

The “Esperanza” actor underscored that if there was something that would happen between him and Magdayao, he had no intention to announce it publicly as people “would just see it.”

Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom, educators, and leaders (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888. com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

Piolo Pascual and Shaina Magdayao Photos from Instagram/@piolo_pascual, @ shaina_magdayao

When the IRS files a federal tax lien

Minding Your Finances

Atty. RAymond BulAon

A NOTICE of Federal Tax Lien (NFTL) is a public record filed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with the County Recorder where you live. When the IRS wants to enforce delinquent taxes against you, there are various mechanisms that the government can use to achieve that goal. This is one of them.

Technically, the IRS has a “secret lien” the moment that taxes are assessed, but this is between you and the IRS, and the public doesn’t know about it yet. But when the IRS makes the lien public by recording it, it puts creditors and everyone on notice that the government has a lien or a secured interest against your property. In other words, it tells everyone that you have an unpaid federal tax debt. Of course, filing the lien is not something that the IRS just does without prior attempts to collect. If you have received several collection notices and do nothing, this is the next step by the IRS to force you to pay. In other words, federal tax lien can be avoided by paying the tax in full before they are filed. But this is not always possible, especially if you owe a large amount.

The federal tax lien could have negative effect on your finances and your credit. Until the underlying tax debt is resolved, it would be difficult to remove the lien. By having a lien on your property, it would also be very difficult, if not impossible, for you to purchase a home, refinance your mortgage, and

purchase things on credit. While the credit bureaus stopped reporting tax lien information on your credit report in 2018, the IRS still makes tax liens a matter of public information. If lenders, landlords and employers find out about the lien, they may use that negative information against you if you are applying for a loan, a house or apartment rental, or a job.

If you have just received a notice of federal tax lien, the notice will tell you that you can generally apply for a “Collection Due Process” hearing where you can have your side of the story heard and possibly dispute the validity of the tax lien. And if the hearing does not work out in your favor, you can also typically have another chance to do so in tax court. However, the request for such a hearing needs to be filed in a timely manner. Read the letter carefully as it will tell you exactly how much time you have.

Now, you may ask: What are my options in resolving the federal tax lien once I get the notice from the IRS?

Of course, you can always pay the full amount of the tax debt and resolve it quickly. That’s a nobrainer. But what if you cannot afford to pay the full amount?

If you qualify for an Offer in Compromise, you will be able to settle the outstanding debt for less than full amount. If the IRS accepts your offer, the lien will be released. Whether or not you qualify for this program will depend on your income, the value of your assets, and the amount of time remaining under the IRS 10-year collection statute. The IRS uses a specific formula to determine eligibility and requires very detailed financial disclosures.

Another method is to ask for an installment agreement that allows you to pay off what you owe over time. If you abide by the terms of the agreement, the IRS may release the lien.

In some cases where the only way to pay what you owe is to refinance your property, the IRS may allow you to subordinate their tax lien to your new loan so that you can access the equity in your property to pay the IRS.

All of the above is general information and my purpose is to simply provide you a quick overview of options that may be available. The tax lien is one of the most serious collection tactics used by the IRS because it gives the government rights to all your assets until they collect every penny that you owe. Therefore, DO NOT ignore the notice under any circumstances as doing so may cause you to lose legal rights that you perhaps didn’t even know existed.

If you owe the IRS, the State, EDD or State Board of Equalization, my office can help you find the best solution to resolve your tax liability. You will never have to speak with the IRS again. I will review your case and help you make the best decision for yourself and your family.

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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

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None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation.  Atty. Ray J. Bulaon has successfully helped over 6,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE  1-866471-8272.

(Advertising Supplement)

Two-time Emmy award winner Marc Anthony Nicolas to ‘Make his Marc’ on GMA Pinoy TV

FILIPINO American producer Marc Anthony Nicolas has no less than two Emmy awards under his belt, and on March 24, he will officially be a part of GMA Pinoy TV, the Home of Global Pinoy.

Marc has worked with some of the best talk shows in the U.S. – The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tyra Banks Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and The Talk – and with all the accolades he has received, he surely has made a mark in the American television industry. Now, he is about to make Filipino content for his global Pinoys around the world.

“Being part of GMA Pinoy TV is very special because my family always watches this network and it has become a platform where people can share their stories. I am so excited because it is going to be airing in Guam, Japan, North America, and all these amazing places and I am just so lucky and so blessed to have this team behind me,” he said.

“Working on this project, it is so nice to see people who look like me and talk like me and share that special bond and heritage and tradition and that is what makes it feel so special because I have that connection not only with the trailblazers who are Filipino but also the crew,” Marc added.

Christian Reyes, the director of Make Your Marc, has this to say: “Rarely do we meet a team or producers that trust us. So it is always, do this, do that, you know, there is no collaborative thing. It is different now because both of you believe in us and you want to work with youngsters, for lack of a better term. And I thank you for that.”

believes in the wit and brilliance of Marc as a host, and his passion for producing inspiring stories that move people.

“I also think that folks are going to be represented here. I feel as though with the trailblazers and people whom they have inspired, I feel as though there are a lot of people who will be inspired by these trailblazers stories and how they have become, how they have made their mark in the world,” he stated.

Piolo Pascual addresses continuing...

“ Oo. Sa tanda nating ‘to. What you see is what you get. I’m not trying to hide anything or do something. If it’s there, if it’s happening, people are gonna see it. If there’s anything, people are gonna know, anyway,” he remarked.

When asked when he is willing to settle down, Pascual replied that his priority right now is his

work as he aims to provide the audience with quality content.

“ Masarap ‘yung tinatahak nating path ngayon. We’re forging this path for the next generation. Maganda ‘yung demand ngayon for content.

Nag-iiba ‘yung landspace ng entertainment,” he said.

“I’m a sucker for good stories. I love what I do. I’m married to my job. I’ve been saying that for the last

25 years or so,” added the actor.

Pascual and Magdayao have been rumored to be dating since 2012. Despite not putting an official label on the status of their relationship, the actor said in a past interview that he appreciates the actress’ willingness to “put up” with him, and that they also enjoy each other’s company. g

Executive producer Chris Gordon believes in the talent but also in the passion of the team behind “Make Your Marc.”

“One, I have never been on a set or worked on a project where just about everybody is a person of color or a Filipino American or Filipino. And the production team, Christian and his crew are young and they are vibrant and they are fresh and they are hungry and you can feel it,” Gordon said.

Aside from that, Chris

Watch out for the amazing stories of global Pinoys who have made a difference in their fields, including Ranella Ferrer, known for her excellent performances of the national anthem and who has been a mentor to many other young, aspiring singers; Filipino fashion designer Kenneth Barlis, who has dressed global icons such as Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, and Carrie Underwood; Maricris Lapaix, who has not only carved a name in sculpting bodies but have also inspired others with her health and wellness journey; acclaimed Filipino Chef, author, and TV host Alvin Cailan,

who has made a name in the world of culinary; the prominent figures in the The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA) including veteran host Boy Abunda, multi-awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, and TOFA founder Elton Lugay; entrepreneur Sandro Roco, the founder of the first Asianinspired sparkling water; Filipino teacher Joseph Alcario who was awarded as “California’s Teacher of the Year” because of his passion for teaching; and lastly, Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz, who was recognized for her contribution in healthcare during the pandemic and was honored with a Barbie figure.

With Marc and his team’s passion for relevant and inspiring content, expect extraordinary narratives from trailblazers around the world with “Make Your Marc.”

Catch it on March 24, 2024, 4 PM (Paficic)/7 PM (Eastern) on GMA Pinoy TV. To check the airing schedule in your area, visit www.gmapinoytv.com/ programguide. For details on how to subscribe, visit www. gmapinoytv.com/subscribe.

Two-time Emmy winner Marc Anthony Nicolas Instagram photo/@marcanthonynicolas

Grateful Sarah G says Billboard award ‘came at a time when I was doubting myself’

by NATHALIE TOMADA Philstar.com

THIS Women’s Month, Sarah Geronimo brought pride to the country after becoming one of Billboard’s 2024 Global Force honorees.

Chosen alongside Sarah G by Billboard outlets around the world as Global Forces were Sherine AbdelWahab (Egypt), Annalisa (Italy), Maria Becerra (Argentina), Nini Nutsubidze (Georgia), Tia Ray (China) and Luísa Sonza (Brazil).

Billboard described the awardees as “visionaries” who are making groundbreaking contributions to the music industry as singers, songwriters, instrumentalists and producers.

Sarah flew to the U.S. to personally accept her award last March 7 (March 8, Philippine time) during the “Women in Music” ceremony, hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross at the YouTube Theatre in Los Angeles.

In her acceptance speech, the OPM queen, also known as Popstar Royalty to fans, said, “Thank you, Billboard, for celebrating women in music and of course, for giving our country this meaningful recognition. Maraming, maraming salamat to Billboard Philippines for your commitment to bring our music, the Filipino music, and more Filipino artists to a global audience.

“I humbly accept this award for every amazing and excellent Filipina and Filipino artist back home and all over the world.

“Allow me to also take this moment to thank God, Lord Jesus, for the gift of music. Hindi ko po inisip na mararating ko po yung ganito, that I’ll be able to deliver a speech in front of an international audience.”

The 35-year-old, who started in the entertainment scene as a teen vocal champion, also profusely expressed her gratitude to her parents.

“Thank you to my parents, to my Nanay and Tatay, maraming maraming salamat for your unconditional love, and for believing in me and for supporting me.”

The singer went to give credit to her manager, Viva big boss Vic del Rosario, and her management team Viva Artists Agency, and of course, her fans also called Popsters. She then gave a shout out to her husband, actor-host Matteo

Guidicelli, “for always pushing me to be a better version of myself every day.”

Sarah pointed out that the recognition symbolized courage and hope for her.

“Courage to accept and embrace oneself. Courage to break boundaries and defy standards. Courage to rise above all the setbacks and challenges that one artist or one person has to face. And I hope one day, this recognition will bridge the Philippines and other nations to create change and positivity in the world through the power of music.”

In a separate statement sent to The Philippine STAR, Anne Bernisca, COO of MMGI and publisher of Billboard Philippines, shared the process for selecting Sarah for the award.

“Billboard Philippines nominated Sarah Geronimo to be the first homegrown and full-blooded Filipina to be recognized on stage to receive the Billboard Women in Music Global Force Award due to her incomparable influence and impact in the Filipino music industry. She is an all-around performer with consistently sold-out shows. She has entered the Billboard global charts and her songs have reached 110 on-demand million streams in 2023 alone,” she stressed.

“Sarah is known for her electrifying stage performances and her wide range of vocal versatility. She is a multi-talented artist who is able to

successfully cross both the music and movie industries having starred in topgrossing movies and popular television shows all the while maintaining a stellar music career.

“She also serves as an inspiration to many aspiring young artists and actively participates in helping shape the next generation of Filipino talents by being a coach at ‘The Voice.’ Sarah’s contributions to the music industry and unwavering commitment to effect positive change through her music make her an exemplary choice as Billboard Philippines’ Global Force Awardee.”

She also noted that Billboard Philippines’ participation in this year’s Women In Music Awards is in keeping with “our mission to bridge Filipino music and the world.”

The award, Bernisca further noted, was not only a recognition of Sarah’s achievements but also a celebration of Filipino music.

Meanwhile, in a brief exchange of online messages with Sarah G, through her team at G Productions, Sarah exclusively shared with The STAR some of her highlights from the event.

To be recognized on a global stage, what was your first reaction?

“A pleasant surprise! The first time they told me about it, I could not believe it. I am thankful to Billboard Philippines for giving me the honor to represent our country and our music.

“I see it as an important milestone not just for my career, but most importantly for our music industry.

“May this recognition serve as fuel and give us OPM artists more motivation and inspiration to continue loving and creating original Filipino music.”

What does this latest award mean to you as an artist? How special is this?

“It has given me a brand-new perspective of hope and inspiration. It came at a time when I was feeling low and doubting myself as an artist. This has motivated me to just keep going and keep my passion for music burning (heart and fire emojis).”

Lastly, what were your highlights from the awards event and to whom do you dedicate this award?

“Some of my highlights that night were seeing some of my favorite female artists, actors and performers… I saw

Rabiya Mateo recalls humble beginnings: I had nothing in life

By ARMIN P. ADINA Inquirer.net

KAPUSO actress and host Rabiya Mateo is grateful for all the breaks that came her way, and the doors that opened after she joined the Miss Universe pageant.

However, there are times when she would look back on her humble beginnings as a simple Iloilo lass trying to make ends meet, that buying new clothes was a luxury she could sometimes not afford.

“Looking back then, I would say that style was never my priority. Because I had nothing in life, hindi ko priority na bumili ng magagandang damit kasi ang priority ko was to survive life (it was never my priority to buy pretty clothes because my priority was to survive life),” she said in an interview with INQUIRER. NET during her launch as endorser of a clothing brand.

As one of the freshest faces on Philippine television, the 2020 Miss

Universe Philippines titleholder has been introduced as Diwata in the new GMA afternoon prime series “Makiling.” She is also seen on the daily late afternoon variety show “TiktoClock.”

Mateo said her she was just happy with the way her career and her life is turning out to be, since being proclaimed as the firstever Miss Iloilo, before she embarked on the national pageant stage. “I won with nothing. I had nothing.”

“This serves to remind myself to always be grateful and thankful for everything that is happening. It’s not every day that a brand will come and give you their trust. And, of course, I also have my team with me, my photographers, videographers, to whom I say that since the brand trusts me, I really need the best output, and portfolio, so I can give back for the trust I received from them,” she said.

Regardless of her background, Mateo was

Sarah Geronimo Photo from Instagram/@justsarahgph

Rabiya Mateo Photo from from Instagram/@rabiyamateo

Ruru Madrid learns from action idols, rides high on ratings

By Jerry Donato Philstar.com

RURU Madrid further strengthens his foothold in the action genre with the GMA Primetime Telebabad show, “Black Rider.” It’s a follow-up to the action and adventure-filled “Lolong,” with the drama-fantasy “The Write One” as, in a way, a breather from the genre and a reminder of his versatility.

Like “Lolong” and “The Write One,” “Black Rider” is doing well in the ratings’ game.

Back in the first quarter of 2022, Ruru was tapped and launched as one of the Sparkle 8, composed of four Kapuso actors and four actresses, to represent the talent management Sparkle GMA Artist Center. He belonged to those few who were expected to spark and chart new career possibilities.

With the way his career has been going so far, Ruru seems to have found his niche in action, with a dash of adventure, drama, fantasy, and romance sometimes, depending on how the show’s narrative is envisioned.

Ruru is enjoying every bit of the action genre and showing his full potential as a leading man and a lead star.

“Pinaka-enjoy ko rito is sobrang laki ng casting ng project na ‘to (What I enjoy most is its big casting),” answered Ruru when asked about among the enjoyable and exciting things in “Black Rider” in a brief e-mail interview with The STAR.

“When you work on a project with a big cast, you’ll get to know more people and have more friends along the way. You’ll get to work with many people you haven’t worked with before, like former action stars who returned through ’Black Rider.’”

With his stints in “Lolong” and the now-airing “Black Rider,” Ruru considers himself a newbie in action and continues to learn the ropes from veteran action stars.

“Since I’m new to this, I find it a huge help to work with them, dahil nakakakuha ako ng tips sa kung paano magtagal sa ganitong klaseng mga proyekto (because I get tips on how to handle the demands of projects like this).”

“In doing action, you need to take care of your body (and be careful in everything

that you do) dahil ang target natin is matagal natin ‘tong gagawin (because the target is to do it for a long time),” added the actor.

“It’s something that they’ve always taught me, and it’s something that I cherish the most. I guess, ‘yun ‘yung kaibahan niya sa previous projects ko dahil ngayon lang naman ako talaga nagfocus sa action (that makes ‘Black Rider’ different from my previous projects because it’s only now that I really focus on action). Pangarap ko rin naman ito ever since, kaya sobrang saya ko na natutupad ko na ‘yung mga pangarap ko ngayon. (This has also been my dream ever since, so I’m extremely happy that my dreams are now coming true.)”

So, Ruru has ticked off another item on his wish list, and that’s to star in a complete action TV series.

“Our goal is to really entertain people. Lahat naman tayo na nandito sa ganitong industriya, ‘yun naman ang goal natin, ang mapasaya sila,” he shared and reflected on why viewers are hooked on the story of “Black Rider,” with its good ratings performance as a proof. “Etong ‘Black Rider,’ meron pang ibang binibigay sa bawat manonood: ‘yun ‘yung aral na mapupulot every time manonood sila (It offers something else to every viewer: It’s the lessons about life they learn while watching).”

According to Ruru, it also shows the different challenges that every ordinary Filipino encounters and that speaks about their resilience. “I think it’s a big factor why the audience likes the show.”

Aside from that, Kapuso viewers also appreciate the amount of commitment and hard work the show’s production and creative people put in to tell the story

David Licauco amazed by Kathryn Bernardo’s humility, wants to have project with her

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPUSO star David Licauco reacted to a viral photo with Kapamilya star Kathryn Bernardo.

In an exclusive online interview with Philstar.com, David admitted that he is a fan of Kathry. David said that he was first ashamed to ask the Kapamilya star to take a photo with him.

of Ruru’s Elias, also known as Black Rider. They present the character as “a motorcycle driver” and the “protector of common people.”

“In everything that we do, especially the fight scenes, we do prepare. With the drama scenes, hindi namin hinahayaang masayang ‘yung bawat eksena (we also give them importance and make sure that nothing goes to waste),” said Ruru, adding that people who are on board the project, from the directors, producers, staff to crew and co-actors, give their hundred percent dedication to the show.

In his career, Ruru has been paired with different female artists such as Shaira Diaz, Gabbi Garcia, Arra San Agustin, Bianca Umali, and now with Yassi Pressman for “Black Rider.” He can attest to the importance of having new collaborators.

“As an actor, natututo tayo every time may nakakatrabaho tayo (we get to learn from our colleagues every time). Galing din naman ako sa love team, and iba rin naman ‘yung mga natututunan ko doon (I’ve also done love team, and I’ve gained different insights and learnings from it),” said Ruru.

“Natututo ako kasi may iba-ibang skills naman silang i-a-apply sa bawat proyektong ginagawa (I learn from my fellow actors because they apply different skills in every project).”

“I can compare (working with new onscreen partners) to traveling. Every time you go abroad and visit a country, you’ll learn a new culture. Same din ‘yun sa mga nakakatrabaho, lalo na sa onscreen partner,” continued he.

“I’m very happy na ganun yung mga nangyayari ngayon, and I’m also happy to work with Yassi, whom I’ve already worked with (in the film) ‘Video City.’” g

dagdagan ‘yung stress niya,” David said.

“Sasabihin ko nga sana sa kanya na lahat ng movies nila (Daniel Padilla) pinanood ko,” he added. David said that he had a small talks with Kathryn and was amazed at how humble the blockbuster star is.

“Siya kasi yung finale sa Bench Fashion show. Nahihiya naman ako sa kanyang magpa-picture. ‘Yung makeup artist ko yung talagang nagsabi na ‘uy picturan ko kayo.’ Ang daming nagpapa-picture sa kanya e. Parang ayoko nang

“Nong nakausap ko siya sandali nakita ko talaga na very humble siya na tao despite ng lahat ng nagawa na niya sa industriya. Madami na siya na-achieve so for her to be that humble. Noong nakausap ko siya sabi niya, ‘kinakabahan din ako e.’ Siyempre iisipin natin lahat na ‘pag si Kathryn iyon hindi na siya kakabahan dahil baka sanay na siya,

ang dami niya nang nagawa e. Dahil doon sa narinig ko na kinakabahan siya, nawala yung kaba ko ng konti kasi siya kinakabahan e,” David said.

When asked if he wants to have a project with Kathryn, David said “Oo naman, siyempre.”

“

Yung mga ganyang bagay ayan yung mga dream e. Kasi from someone na sobrang fan, for me na makatrabaho siya, sa mga nagsasabi na sana magkatrabaho kami, very significant na yon sa akin. Siyempre fan ka nga e. It’s a dream of mine pero ayoko siyang isipin,” he said.

David said he wants to star with Kathryn in a romantic movie but any project with the actress will be a dream come true for him.

“Gusto ko talaga. I also think na parang si Kathryn ayaw na niya yata niya or mas gusto niya yung roles na very challenging. Anything naman for me,” he said.

“Kung ano ang gusto niya, gusto ng management, producer. GMA ako, ABS siya. Hopefully mabigyan ng pagkakataon. Lahat naman ng artistang lalaki gustong maka-work si Kathryn. Mahaba-haba ang pila,” he added. g

Grateful Sarah G says Billboard...

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Katy Perry, Ellie Goulding… Kylie Minogue, Kat Graham from the TV series, ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ Bailee Madison from the ‘Good Witch,’ Victoria Monet!!! She is an amazing artist! I love and admire her artistry! And she was also very nice that we got to share a quick chat! (Smiley).”

“I also met Thuy from Vietnam and Annalisa from Italy!!! They were both

beautiful and nice! And of course, I got to meet Tracee Ellis Ross. I wanted to tell her that I enjoyed watching her movie ‘The High Note’ but was not able to because I was so nervous and overwhelmed.

“The recognition is dedicated to all the dreamers out there, to all my loved ones, to everyone who has been part of my journey as an artist, and of course, to the whole Filipino music industry.” g

Rabiya Mateo recalls humble...

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able to develop her own sense of fashion, and it reflects in her style whether she is wearing a couture gown or a plain sundress.

Now that she is thriving in the entertainment industry, and with every article of clothing she would want at her disposal, the Ilongga beauty said she still goes for comfort over style.

“I have to make sure that I am comfortable

in the clothes that I am wearing, that it doesn’t show so much skin, that I can present myself in front of a lot of people while wearing that dress,” Mateo shared.

The 2020 Miss Universe semifinalist, however, revealed that she has a preferred hue if given the liberty to decide on it. “If it would be up to me, in terms of color, I always believe that red is power,” declared

Mateo, who wore a heavily embellished scarlet gown with flowy cape sleeves when she won her the national crown. She also shared her thoughts on ladies who put an emphasis on fashion.

“Now there are many who will choose to be stylish, even if they are no longer comfortable. And budgetwise, they choose really expensive pieces, it’s no longer practical,” she said. g

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David Licauco and Kathryn Bernardo GMA photos

With the way his career has been going so far, Ruru Madrid seems to have found his niche in action. His stints in ‘Lolong’ and the now-airing ‘Black Rider’ can attest to it. GMA photos