031623 - Las Vegas Edition

Kendra Lucer with her two children.

A ‘Balikatan’ first: PH-US drills to sink boat in WPS

by FRanCis Mangosing Inquirer.net

MANILA — Filipino and American troops will sink a target vessel near Panatag (Scarborough)

Shoal in the West Philippine Sea when the two allies carry out next month their largest joint military exercise to date, a military official told the Inquirer on Tuesday, March 14.

The Philippines and the United States have ramped up defense cooperation under President Marcos in the face of China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea and its

potential invasion of Taiwan and will put on their biggest exercise in history with the participation of 17,000 troops from both sides. This is nearly twice the 8,900 soldiers who joined last year.

The annual joint military exercises — called “ Balikatan ” or “shoulder-to-shoulder” that will run from April 11 to 28 — will feature some 12,000 US soldiers and 5,000 Filipino troops. Australia will send about a hundred soldiers, while like-minded countries will join as observers.

The activities will be held across Northern Luzon and the provinces of Palawan and

Antique.

The anticipated sinking exercise of an old fishing vessel will be held some 22 kilometers (12 nautical miles) off Zambales, or about 185 km (100 nautical miles) from Panatag Shoal which China seized from the Philippines in 2012, according to Balikatan spokesperson Col. Michael Logico.

He said it would be conducted by the two countries for the first time as the forthcoming drills focus on “maritime defense, coastal defense and maritime domain awareness.”

Contributed photo

Filipina in Daly City shot dead by partner in front of her two kids

A FILIPINO American woman was killed in front of her two children by her partner in Daly City, California on Monday, March 6.

Frances Kendra Lucero, 27, was shot and killed by her partner, Romier Narag, also 27, in front of her two children, aged 3 and 4.

Police said the two had argued on their way home from a family dinner. Narag allegedly shot Lucero with a 9 millimeter handgun four times as she tried to run to their house.

Narag has been charged with murder and child endangerment and was booked into the San Mateo County Jail.

The two children are now in the care of Lucero’s family as they undergo social work evaluation, A GoFundMe page has been set up for Frances Lucero. (Inqurer.net)

Ceremonial swearing-in held in LA for Attorney General Rob Bonta

CALIFORNIA Attorney General Rob Bonta, the first Filipino American to hold the office, had a ceremonial swearing-in during a recent community event in Los Angeles.

LA Mayor Karen Bass administered the oath of office during the ceremony held at the Japanese American National Museum on Sunday, March 5 as Bonta’s wife, Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda), held the Bible.

Bonta, previously a state assemblymember, was first appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom as attorney general in March 2021, before being elected to a full term last November 2022. He was sworn in and delivered his inaugural address in Sacramento last January 6.

Pres. Marcos wants government anti-human trafficking efforts strengthened, harmonized

by alexis RoMeRo Philstar.com

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered agencies to strengthen and harmonize the anti-human trafficking efforts of the government and private sector, noting that pandemic-induced livelihood losses make people vulnerable to the crime.

Marcos issued the directive during a meeting with the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT)

‘US driving wedge between China, PH’

by Bernadette e tamayo ManilaTimes.net

THE Chinese embassy in the Philippines on Sunday, March 12 said it sees “no problem” with the Philippines over freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, but accused the United States of using the issue to drive a wedge between Manila and Beijing.

The embassy issued the statement in reaction to the remarks of U.S. Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson in a television interview on the South China Sea dispute and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the U.S. Carlson had said U.S.-Philippine joint patrols in the waterways are important to ensure that it remains free and open to international navigation.

“On the South China Sea issue, there is ‘no problem’ of freedom of navigation in the South China Sea,” the embassy said.

“When talking about free and open waterways, what the U.S. has in its mind is actually the ‘freedom of rampage’ of its warships in the South China Sea,” it said.

The U.S. has been sending its warships on “freedom of navigation” sorties in the South China Sea, which China claims is part of its territory.

The embassy pointed out that the U.S. military “has

and Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Monday, March 13 in Malacañang.

“The IACAT and the PAOCC must take the lead in harmonizing government initiatives, public-private partnerships to thwart the business of human trafficking in its multifarious operations on the ground and now becoming more and more important online,” Marcos said.

According to Marcos, human trafficking is an ongoing problem for

Seeking employment in US now easier for Filipino nurses

by Mayen JayMalin Philstar.com

SEEKING employment in the United States is now easier and faster for Filipino registered nurses and caregivers.

Migration consultant Manny Geslani said processing of immigrant visa for registered nurses and caregivers now takes less than a year.

“Gone are the long and tedious wait for two-three years during the pre-pandemic years which discouraged some nurses from applying for work in the USA,” Geslani disclosed over the weekend.

Salvador Tuy, Geslani said that Filipino nurses and caregivers can depart faster for the U.S. “as long as the required documents are submitted electronically to the hospital or caregiving facility who had requested for the immigrant visa for her.”

According to Tuy, the pathway for Filipino nurses to enter the healthcare industry in the U.S. has become easier and faster through the electronic processing system implemented by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

Jollibee Foods Corp. said in a stock exchange filing on Thursday, March 16 it was opening 550 to 600 new branches this year to sustain growth. Inquirer.net photo

Jollibee group sets record store expansion in 2023

the company’s highest ever in its 45-year history.

Migration consultant Manny Geslani said processing of immigrant visa for registered nurses and caregivers now takes less than a year. Philstar.com file photo by Michael Varcas

Quoting prominent FilAmerican immigration lawyer

He said a foreign nurse who is issued an immigrant visa by the USCIS automatically becomes a green card holder and has

Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC), the global fast food conglomerate of billionaire Tony Tan Caktiong, is preparing its biggest store expansion push in 2023 after last year’s record openings helped fuel earnings past the prepandemic level.

JFC said in a stock exchange filing on Thursday, March 16 it was opening 550 to 600 new branches this year to sustain growth.

It launched 542 stores in 2022—

This comes as the operator of some of the country’s biggest restaurant names such as Jollibee, Mang Insasal and Chowking as well as Coffee Bean & Teal Leaf and Smashburger deepens its global and domestic presence.

On Thursday, JFC announced that net income last year jumped 26.4 percent to P7.56 billion. This was 19.4 percent above its prepandemic net income of P6.33 billion.

JFC, which ended 2022

Frances

A ‘Balikatan’ first: US-PH drills...

“We will be sinking a target vessel using a combination of artillery naval gunfire and aviation weapons… We will be firing HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System), our artillery … a combination of Philippine Air Force and U.S. Air Force rockets and bombs, and our frigates,” Logico said of the sinking exercise.

The U.S. Army will also hold its first Patriot missile air-defense exercise in the country as part of a coastal defense live-fire exercise, Logico added.

Last year, the United States deployed the Patriot, which stands for “Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept of Target,” as part of a mobilization exercise for the Balikatan drills. It was not used for live-fire training then.

Such a weapon system, touted as one of the world’s most advanced air defense systems, was provided by the United States to Ukraine to counter Russian missile and drone attacks. It can track and shoot down incoming missiles and aircraft with a minimum flight time of less than nine seconds and can travel up to 70 km to a target.

“This Balikatan seems to be designed to test operational concepts to enhance strategic deterrence posture of the Armed Forces

of the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea,” Rommel Jude Ong, a former vice commander of the Philippine Navy, told the Inquirer.

He said the large-scale deployment of American troops was a logistics exercise “to assess how it can rapidly deploy a large number of troops and equipment in theater.”

The sinking exercise would likewise test the Philippine Navy’s sea denial strategy, he said.

“It is premised on the idea that a land-based antiship missile can defend the country’s waters from any adversary’s naval shipping, even from a distance,” he pointed out.

Prelude to Balikatan

The use of the Patriot, meanwhile, would allow the AFP to understand “the need for an anti-air defense system which can protect our land and critical infrastructures from conventional ballistic threats,” Ong said.

When asked if the upcoming joint exercise could stir up China, Logico said: “We have the absolute, inalienable right to defend our territory. We are here to show that we are combat-ready.”

The defense of the Philippine archipelago from potential foreign aggressors is also the focus of the ongoing

joint drills between the armies of the Philippines and the United States.

About 3,000 soldiers from the Philippine Army and the U.S. Army are taking part in the annual “ Salaknib ” (shield in Ilocano) Exercise, which was first held in 2014.

The Army, the Philippine military’s largest service branch, is shifting its focus to territorial defense from insurgency amid China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea.

“We will now be training on scenarios that would require us to work together to face adversaries from out of the country,” Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said on Monday, March 13 on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of Salaknib at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija province.

“We will focus on defense operations such as air defense and defense from the shorelines,” he added.

This year’s Salaknib , considered a prelude to the Balikatan exercises, is being conducted in two phases across northern Luzon, including Fort Magsaysay, one of the first five agreed locations under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, a deal that gives the U.S. access to Philippine bases for joint training and prepositioning of equipment. n

‘US driving wedge between China...

been coming all the way from the other side of the Pacific to stir up trouble in the South China Sea and ganging up with its allies from other parts of the world to flex muscle in the South China Sea.” “By doing these, the U.S. has not only heightened tension, driven a wedge between China and the Philippines, but also has

disturbed and upset the joint effort of countries in this region to safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea,” the embassy said.

Now that China and the Philippines are at a critical juncture of post-COVID-19 recovery, “we should keep to the right track of maintaining good-neighborliness and attaining mutual benefit rather than getting distracted by forces who are fanning the flame and driving a wedge between us, even less inviting a bully into our community,” it added.

“We need to focus on cooperation and development, and truly safeguard, promote and build peace, stability, prosperity of our region and bring more tangible benefits to people of our two countries,” the embassy said.

Carlson said the EDCA sites, where the U.S. can store arms and equipment, would not only help the provincial and local authorities to enhance their ability to defend themselves, but to grow their economy.

The governors from Cagayan and Isabela expressed apprehension about having their provinces used as EDCA sites, fearing that the sites could become military targets if the conflict between China and Taiwan escalates further.

The Chinese embassy noted

that “intense debates” have been going on recently in the Philippines about the four additional EDCA sites. “The governors of Cagayan and Isabela are not the only ones who publicly expressed reservation to having their provinces used as EDCA sites,” it said.

Peace and development, the embassy said, remain the theme of this era and the call of peoples around the world.

It accused the U.S. of “keeping on upgrading” military cooperation with the Philippines by adding EDCA bases and military deployment in the country “to secure its hegemony and selfish geopolitical interests and out of the cold-war mentality.”

“Whereas the U.S. claims that such cooperation is intended to help the disaster relief efforts of the Philippines and some Americans even tout the EDCA sites as driver of local economy, it is plain and simple that those moves are part of the U.S. efforts to encircle and contain China through its military alliance with this country,” the embassy said.

“To bundle the Philippines into the chariots of geopolitical strife will seriously harm Philippine national interests and endanger regional peace and stability,” it said. n

Pres. Marcos wants government...

many countries as the global economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. People without work and source of livelihood make them more vulnerable to human traffickers and it’s time for government to intervene, he added.

“I think the room for improvement here is that we can work together more and coordinate together more and where – that puts meat on the bones of what we have come to call the whole-of-government approach and bring everything to bear to the problems that we are facing,” the president said.

Marcos instructed agencies to halt the operation of human traffickers who exploit the physical and economic weaknesses of vulnerable people, especially women and children. He also cited the need for the country to keep its status in the tier system.

“I remember (Migrant Workers) Secretary (Susan) Toots (Ople) and I started on this campaign to remove us from Tier 2. We were in danger coming down to Tier 3 at the time. So we managed to take us back up to Tier 1. And let’s just make sure that the Tier 1 categorization or status of the Philippines is not put in any danger,” the president noted, referring to the annual assessment of the U.S. State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Office. The chief executive also tasked the Presidential Communications Office to

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang photo

help the IACAT by launching a communication campaign to educate the public about the danger posed by human trafficking syndicates.

Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has ordered the IACAT to alert all its agencies to take action against the “alarming” number of Filipino human trafficking victims, which has reached nearly 2,000 just in the first two months of year.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the IACAT would be mobilizing all its member agencies to address the “very alarming” human trafficking situation in the country. He said Filipino victims were mostly trafficked or attempted to be transported to Southeast Asian countries.

“This is what we call modernday slavery. That’s why Filipinos should be careful. We should have a checklist before we want to go abroad,” he told reporters. (with reports from Neil Jayson Servallos)

AIR POWER F-18 Hornets and other air assets are seen on the flight deck of the USS Ronald Reagan, which is docked in Manila Bay on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. The aircraft carrier, in the country for a port visit, was opened to the media on the same day. U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson, who was on board the vessel, said the USS Ronald Reagan’s visit strengthens the ties between the Philippines and the U.S., especially now that the Indo-Pacific waters are a ‘challenging environment to navigate.’ Philstar.com photo by J. Gerard Seguia

LOWER FARES. Public utility jeepneys ply Kamias Road in Quezon City on Wednesday, March 15. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has proposed the grant of “fare discounts” to commuters riding public utility vehicles, such as jeepneys, buses, and UV Express vans in place of free rides at the EDSA Bus Carousel.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Pandemic stress, gangs, and utter fear fueled a rise in teen shootings

by Liz Szabo Kaiser Health News

DIEGO never imagined he’d carry a gun.

Not as a child, when shots were fired outside his Chicagoarea home. Not at age 12, when one of his friends was gunned down.

Diego’s mind changed at 14, when he and his friends were getting ready to walk to midnight Mass for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. But instead of hymns, Diego heard gunfire, and then screaming. A gang member shot two people, including one of Diego’s friends, who was hit nine times.

Ceremonial swearing-in held in LA for...

The attorney general declared that it was “important…to celebrate this special moment in Los Angeles because my story in this country began right here.”

Born in the Philippines, Bonta was two months old when his parents, who were social justice missionaries, moved the family to the Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. He shared his family’s story of then moving to the Central Valley to work with farmworkers, including Filipino American figures Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz, and how those experiences shaped his future in public service.

“As attorney general, I now have the great honor of representing all Californians — those who have called this state home for generations and those who are just putting down roots,” Bonta told the audience of elected officials, community leaders and supporters.

Since taking office in 2021, Bonta has tackled issues from firearm ownership to housing laws to reproductive rights.

“It’s been a busy two years because now more than ever, we need leaders of government and law enforcement to build and rebuild bridges with our communities,” he added. “Today, you have my commitment to do just that. I’m here to protect and serve our community because I’m a proud son of California.”

The ceremony, which was hosted by media personality Van Jones, included testimonies of the attorney general’s work and character from Rep. Robert Garcia, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, and

Assemblymember Bonta.

“This is a new day for justice…I’m driven by the desire to protect and defend every day people who have been harmed, mistreated or abused,” the attorney general said. (AJPress)

“My friend was bleeding out,” said Diego, who asked KHN not to use his last name to protect his safety and privacy. As his friend lay on the ground, “he was choking on his own blood.”

The attack left Diego’s friend paralyzed from the waist down. And it left Diego, one of a growing number of teens who witness gun violence, traumatized and afraid to go outside without a gun.

Research shows that adolescents exposed to gun violence are twice as likely as others to perpetrate a serious violent crime within two years, perpetuating a cycle that can be hard to interrupt.

Diego asked his friends for help finding a handgun and — in a country supersaturated with firearms — they had no trouble procuring one, which they gave him free.

“I felt safer with the gun,” said Diego, now 21. “I hoped I wouldn’t use it.”

For two years, Diego kept the gun only as a deterrent. When he finally pulled the trigger, it changed his life forever.

Disturbing trends

The news media focuses heavily on mass shootings and the mental state of the people who commit them. But there is a far larger epidemic of gun violence — particularly among Black, Hispanic, and Native American youth — ensnaring some kids not even old enough to get a driver’s license.

Research shows that chronic exposure to trauma can change the way a child’s brain develops. Trauma also can play a central role in explaining why some young people look to guns for

protection and wind up using them against their peers.

The number of children under 18 who killed someone with a firearm jumped from 836 in 2019 to 1,150 in 2020.

In New York City, the number of young people who killed someone with a gun more than doubled, rising from 48 juvenile offenders in 2019 to 124 in 2022, according to data from the city’s police department.

Youth gun violence increased more modestly in other cities; in many places, the number of teen gun homicides rose in 2020 but has since fallen closer to prepandemic levels.

Researchers who analyze crime statistics stress that teens are not driving the overall rise in gun violence, which has increased across all ages. In 2020, 7.5% of homicide arrests involved children under 18, a slightly smaller share than in previous years.

Local leaders have struggled with the best way to respond to teen shootings.

A handful of communities — including Pittsburgh; Fulton County, Georgia; and Prince George’s County, Maryland — have debated or implemented youth curfews to curb teen violence. What’s not in dispute: More people ages 1 to 19 die by gun violence than by any other cause.

A l ifetime of limits

The devastating toll of gun violence shows up in emergency rooms every day.

At the UChicago Medicine trauma center, the number of gunshot wounds in children under 16 has doubled in the past six years, said Dr. Selwyn Rogers, the center’s founding director. The youngest victim was 2. “You hear the mother wail, or the brother say, ‘It’s not true,’” said Rogers, who works with local youth as the hospital’s executive vice president for community health engagement. “You have to be present in that moment, but then walk out the door and deal with it all over again.”

In recent years, the justice system has struggled to balance the need for public safety with compassion for kids, based on research that shows a young person’s brain doesn’t fully mature until age 25. Most young offenders “age out” of criminal

or violent behavior around the same time, as they develop more self-control and long-range thinking skills.

Yet teens accused of shootings are often charged as adults, which means they face harsher punishments than kids charged as juveniles, said Josh Rovner, director of youth justice at the Sentencing Project, which advocates for justice system reform.

About 53,000 juveniles in 2019 were charged as adults, which can have serious health repercussions. These teens are more likely to be victimized while incarcerated, Rovner said, and to be arrested again after release.

Young people can spend much of their lives in a povertyimposed lockdown, never venturing far beyond their neighborhoods, learning little about opportunities that exist in the wider world, Rogers said. Millions of American children — particularly Black, Hispanic, and Native American kids — live in environments plagued by poverty, violence, and drug use.

The covid-19 pandemic amplified all those problems, from unemployment to food and housing insecurity.

Although no one can say with certainty what spurred the surge in shootings in 2020, research has long linked hopelessness and lack of trust in police — which increased after the murder of George Floyd that year — to an increased risk of community violence. Gun sales soared 64% from 2019 to 2020, while many violence prevention programs shut down.

One of the most serious losses children faced during the pandemic was the closure of schools — institutions that might provide the only stabilizing force in their young lives — for a year or more in many places.

“The pandemic just turned up the fire under the pot,” said Elise White, deputy director of research at the nonprofit Center for Justice Innovation, which works with communities and justice systems. “Looking back, it’s easy to underplay now just how uncertain that time [during the pandemic] felt. The more that people feel uncertain, the more they feel there’s no safety around them, the more likely they are to PAGE 4

Attorney General Rob Bonta, the first Filipino American to hold the office, delivers remarks during the community inauguration ceremony on March 5 in Los Angeles.

AJPress photo

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass administers the oath of office for Attorney General Rob Bonta on March 5 during a community ceremony at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. Bonta was joined on stage by his wife, Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda).

Photo courtesy of the LA Mayor’s Office

Pandemic stress, gangs, and utter fear...

PAGE 3

carry weapons.”

Of course, most children who experience hardship never break the law. Multiple studies have found that most gun violence is perpetrated by a relatively small number of people.

The presence of even one supportive adult can protect children from becoming involved with crime, said Dr. Abdullah Pratt, a UChicago Medicine emergency physician who lost his brother to gun violence. Pratt also lost four friends to gun violence during the pandemic. All four died in his emergency room; one was the son of a hospital nurse.

Seeking employment in US now easier...

permanent resident status in the U.S.

Tuy said that there is a current shortage of 190,000 nurses in the U.S. Nurses there receive an average monthly salary of $6,900 or higher depending on the specialty and professional experience.

Based on records, about 18,617 Filipino nurses took the latest National Council Licensure Examination – a 90 percent jump compared to the previous year.

“This indicates the strong interest of the nurses to work for better employment opportunities and for their future in America,” Geslani pointed out.

It is expected that more than one-half of those who took the exams will pursue their desire to work in the US with the passing rate of 80 percent set up by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

The demand for Filipino nurses for employment to U.S. Hospitals continues to rise with the easing

of COVID restrictions and huge shortage of health workers to care for the rising population of senior citizens known as “baby boomers.”

Meanwhile other Filipino nurses who could not wait for U.S. jobs opted to work in the UK or Germany to join the National Health Service, or the Triple-Win system of the Department of Migrant Workers/ Philippine Overseas Employment Agency. (with reports from Rudy Santos)

Jollibee group sets record store...

with 6,480 stores, increased profitability amid a boom in restaurant sales after harsh pandemic restrictions were lifted and despite cost pressures and global supply chain disruptions that led to product shortages.

“Looking ahead, while we expect macroeconomic challenges to persist in 2023, we are confident that the JFC Group is resilient and well-positioned to drive near-term growth,” company CEO Ernest Tanmantiong said in a statement on Thursday.

“We have clear priorities on profitability while we continue to invest strategically to deliver long-term growth and value for our shareholders,” he added.

In 2022, systemwide sales

surged 40.2 percent to P296.82 billion while revenues expanded by 38 percent to P211.9 billion.

Same store sale last year also grew 27 percent.

“Dine-in sales improved significantly driven by increased mobility due to easing of restrictions in markets where we operate,” the company said.

“Off-premise channels, particularly delivery showed continued resilience and we expect sustained robust growth as we improve further our digital touchpoints,” it added.

Jollibee’s operating income last year grew 58.4 percent to P9.9 billion. Margins also improved to 4.7 percent from 4.1 percent.

“Despite industry-wide headwinds, margins for the

fourth quarter remained resilient due to pricing actions and cost management initiatives,” said JFC chief financial officer Richard Shin.

The company is expecting to sustain growth in 2023 with an added boost coming from the gradual reopening of China, where it maintains a significant presence.

It said on Thursday full-year systemwide sales this year would grow 15-20 percent while same store sales growth was projected to increase by 7-10 percent.

JFC said operating income in 2023 would also expand by 20-25 percent.

For the full-year, it was allocating a capital spending budget of P17 billion -P19 billion, the company said. n

Although Pratt grew up in a part of Chicago where street gangs were common, he benefited from the support of loving parents and strong role models, such as teachers and football coaches. Pratt was also protected by his older brother, who looked out for him and made sure gangs left the future doctor alone.

“Everything I’ve been able to accomplish,” Pratt said, “is because someone helped me.”

Growing up in a ‘war zone’

Diego had no adults at home to help him feel safe.

His parents were often violent. Once, in a drunken rage, Diego’s father grabbed him by the leg and swung him around the room, Diego said, and his mother once threw a toaster at his father.

At age 12, Diego’s efforts to help the family pay overdue bills — by selling marijuana and stealing from unlocked cars and apartments — led his father to throw him out of the house.

At 13, Diego joined a gang made up of neighborhood kids. Gang members — who recounted similar stories about leaving the house to escape abuse — gave him food and a place to stay. “We were like a family,” Diego said. When the kids were hungry, and there was no food at home, “we’d go to a gas station together to steal some breakfast.”

But Diego, who was smaller than most of the others, lived in fear. At 16, Diego weighed only 100 pounds. Bigger boys bullied and beat him up. And his successful hustle — selling stolen merchandise on the street for cash — got the attention of rival gang members, who threatened to rob him.

Children who experience chronic violence can develop a “war zone mentality,” becoming

hypervigilant to threats, sometimes sensing danger where it doesn’t exist, said James Garbarino, an emeritus professor of psychology at Cornell University and Loyola University-Chicago. Kids who live with constant fear are more likely to look to firearms or gangs for protection. They can be triggered to take preemptive action — such as firing a gun without thinking — against a perceived threat.

“Their bodies are constantly ready for a fight,” said Gianna Tran, deputy executive director of the East Bay Asian Youth Center in Oakland, California, which works with young people living in poverty, trauma, and neglect.

Unlike mass shooters, who buy guns and ammunition because they’re intent on murder, most teen violence is not premeditated, Garbarino said.

In surveys, most young people who carry guns — including gang members — say they do so out of fear or to deter attacks, rather than perpetrate them. But fear of community violence, both from rivals and the police, can stoke an urban arms race, in which kids feel that only the foolish walk around without a weapon.

“Fundamentally, violence is a contagious disease,” said Dr. Gary Slutkin, founder of Cure Violence Global, which works to prevent community violence.

Although a small number of teens become hardened and remorseless, Pratt said, he sees far more shootings caused by “poor conflict resolution” and teenage impulsivity rather than a desire to kill.

Indeed, firearms and an immature teenage brain are a dangerous mix, Garbarino said. Alcohol and drugs can magnify the risk. When confronted with a potentially life-or-death situation, kids may act without thinking.

When Diego was 16, he was walking a girl to school and they were approached by three boys, including a gang member who, using obscene and threatening language, asked if Diego was also in a gang. Diego said he tried to walk past the boys, one of whom appeared to have a gun.

“I didn’t know how to fire a gun,” Diego said. “I just wanted them to get away.”

In news accounts of the shooting, witnesses said they

heard five gunshots. “The only thing I remember is the sound of the shots,” Diego said. “Everything else was going in slow motion.”

Diego had shot two of the boys in the legs. The girl ran one way, and he ran another. Police arrested Diego at home a few hours later. He was tried as an adult, convicted of two counts of attempted homicide, and sentenced to 12 years.

A Second Chance

In the past two decades, the justice system has made major changes in the way it treats children.

Youth arrests for violent crime plummeted 67% from 2006 to 2020, and 40 states have made it harder to charge minors as adults. States also are adopting alternatives to incarceration, such as group homes that allow teens to remain in their communities, while providing treatment to help them change their behavior.

Because Diego was 17 when he was sentenced, he was sent to a juvenile facility, where he received therapy for the first time.

Diego finished high school while behind bars and went on to earn an associate’s degree from a community college. He and other young inmates went on field trips to theaters and the aquarium — places he had never been. The detention center director asked Diego to accompany her to events about juvenile justice reform, where he was invited to tell his story.

Those were eye-opening experiences for Diego, who realized he had seen very little of Chicago, even though he had spent his life there.

“Growing up, the only thing you see is your community,” said Diego, who was released after four years in detention, when the governor commuted his sentence. “You assume that is what the whole world is like.”

KHN data editor Holly K. Hacker and researcher Megan Kalata contributed to this report.

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

NIGHTLIFE. The lighted mausoleum of President Manuel L. Quezon serves as mute witness to park visitors spending quiet time at the Quezon City Memorial Circle on Friday, March 10. The three 66-meter pylons, representing Quezon’s age when he died, stand for the country’s three major islands -- Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

Dateline PhiliPPines

Luis Teodoro, Philippine journalism’s champion and critic, dies at 81

MANILA — Luis V. Teodoro — a veteran columnist, media critic and champion of the alternative press — has died at 81.

Teodoro, who had a long-running column in BusinessWorld, was deputy director of media monitor Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, where he helped push for higher standards for the profession through training and through constant reminders on media ethics.

"A pillar of Philippine journalism, Teodoro’s combined careers as an academic and journalist is unparalleled," CMFR said in a statement.

"His place as an esteemed colleague and friend is unique. CMFR will forever uphold his contribution to the work of building of a free and independent press and its role in Philippine democracy."

The Alternative Media Network (Altermidya), of which he was founding chairperson, called Teodoro a pillar of Philippine journalism who advanced "the ideals of pro-people journalism both as a respected member of the academe and through the alternative media that he helped organize in the Philippines."

Pagasa: Dry season, warmer weather coming soon

by John Eric MEndoza Inquirer.net

MANILA — Warmer weather may prevail next week as the end of northeast monsoon or “amihan” season nears, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

“Nalalapit na po ang pagtatapos ng amihan season at maaaring sa susunod na linggo hanggang sa huling araw ng Marso ay magsimula na ‘yung warm and dry season or tag-init sa Pilipinas,” Pagasa weather specialist Benison Estareja said.

(The end of the northeast

monsoon season is near, and by next week or the last days of March, the warm and dry season may begin in the country.)

Estareja said the “amihan” is now only affecting parts of Northern Luzon.

Pagasa on Friday, March 17 said that partly cloudy to cloudy skies and possible rain showers are expected in the Ilocos region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon.

Metro Manila and the rest of the country can likewise expext fair weather with partly cloudy to cloudy skies and isolated rain showers and thunderstorms.

Estareja said the low pressure area last spotted off Eastern Visayas has already dissipated, and the country is not expecting any weather disturbance in the coming days.

“Wala po tayong namo-monitor na low pressure area o bagyo na papasok ng Philippine area of responsibility hanggang sa mga susunod na araw,” he added.

(We don’t expect any low pressure area or tropical cyclone entering the Philippine area of responsibility in the coming days.)

Pagasa added that no gale warning was is in effect over any of the country’s seaboards. n

Teodoro's family has confirmed his passing but has yet to issue a statement.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, which remembered Teodoro as a defender of press freedom, also called him "the staunchest advocate for the best in the profession and the most savage critic of its worst practices" who would continue to be a guide for the profession even after his passing.

"The current and the future generations of journalists have been gifted with Dean Teodoro's lessons on journalism. We pledge to continue his legacy of wielding the pen in the service of the people," the union also said.

Alternative news website Bulatlat, where Teodoro sat on the board, said that he had "many of today's finest journalists in the country, having provided them with tools for analysis they need to better cover stories of marginalized communities and in holding the powerful to account."

The website, in its statement, said Teodoro "was a constant reminder that it is imperative for today's journalists to defend human rights, uphold the highest ethical practice of journalism, and to do their best in bringing about change."

Academic excellence, upholding integrity

Teodoro was a journalism professor at the UP College of Mass Communication, where he was dean for two terms from 1994 to 2000, according to the UP Open University, where he gave a lecture on the political economy of the mass media.

"It was during his deanship that two departments of UP-CMC — the Department of Journalism and the Department of Communication Research — were first named Commission on Higher Education Centers of Excellence," UPOU also said.

"He held a number of professional chairs before his retirement from UP as a full professor of journalism. He conceptualized and raised the initial funds for the construction of the College of Mass Communication Media Center, the cornerstone of which was laid during his deanship of the college."

In a Facebook post, UP CMC said it was "[joining] friends and colleagues in communication and media

in mourning [his] passing."

"As educator, editor, and journalist, Dean Teodoro was pivotal in fostering academic excellence in our discipline, upholding integrity in the practice of media, and defending our freedoms of the press, speech, and assembly," it also said.

According to CMFR, Teodoro kept teaching at UP CMC — online during the pandemic and in the classroom when restrictions on face-to-face classes were eased. Colleagues to carry on his work

Among the remaining journalists from the Martial Law era, and one who was a political prisoner,Teodoro wrote in a BusinessWorld column on the anniversary of People Power that while it was a momentous incident for the nation, it was "hardly" a revolution.

"It did not dismantle or even truly reform the feudal system. The land tenancy anomaly in fact survived it and even emerged stronger than ever. Inviting foreign investments into the country is still the main development strategy of the successors of Marcos, Sr. as it has been since 1946; and industrialization has never been seriously contemplated as economic policy," he wrote on BusinessWorld.

"That 'revolution' was no social upheaval either. It did not end the vast inequality, the social injustice, and the poverty that still afflict millions of Filipinos. And the most that it did politically was to replace one wing of the ruling elite with another. It did not replace the dynasties that have monopolized political power in this country for decades, and in fact eventually allowed the representatives of their most backward, bureaucrat-capitalist faction to eventually regain and keep power indefinitely," he also wrote.

As a generation of Martial Law journalists passes and with the structural problems that Teodoro lamented in one of his last columns still in place, the Altermidya network that Teodoro helped found promised on Tuesday to "carry on his work and principles" in producing journalism for the people. (Philstar.com)

In this file photo from 2017, veteran columnist and journalism professor Luis V. Teodoro attends a press conference against impunity. Philstar.com file photo

FINALISTS. The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) headed by Director Dr. Josette T. Biyo (3rd row, in grey suit) and their partners for the 6th imake.wemake competition present the 20 top school finalists and their coaches in a press conference at the Sequioa Hotel-Manila Bay, Aseana City Business Park in Parañaque City on Monday, March 13. The DOST-SEI takes pride in its continuous promotion of innovation through the imake.wemake competition fostering their goal to unleash the creativity of young Filipinos in innovation using accessible technologies to address problems in society and improve social conditions. PNA photo by Ben Briones

HIV among teens

IN their teens, there are Filipinos who are getting infected with the human immunodeficiency virus, the Department of Health has reported. In its latest HIV/ AIDS registry, the DOH reported this week that 79 Filipinos aged 10 to 19 years and seven children below age 10 were diagnosed with HIV in January alone.

Of the 86 cases, 78 got HIV through sexual contact, according to the DOH. The department reported that 65 of the infections acquired HIV through male-to-male sex, eight through sex with both male and female, and five through heterosexual contact, with most of the sexual contact unprotected or unsafe. Of the cases, 18 were 18 to 19 years old, 20 were aged 15 to 17 while two were between ages 10 and 14.

The problem raises the need to heighten awareness of safe sex and reproductive health among adolescents. Some sectors have expressed concern that sex education can encourage sexual promiscuity among the youth. Proponents of sex education, on the other hand, argue that adolescents will explore their sexuality anyway, so it is better to provide them with proper information on safe sex, reproductive health and the risks of HIV infection and teenage pregnancy.

Before the COVID pandemic, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS had reported that the number of new HIV infections in the Philippines had more than doubled between 2010

From My Point of View

SINCE taxation is part and parcel of our existence, let’s continue to dwell on this subject matter. We are in the tax season mode, so we’ll provide some insights to navigate this important aspect of our lives whether we like or not.

Child and dependent care credit

For instance, Child and Dependent Care Credit is again a deductible tax credit. I have a client from Fresno, California who was given a $2,000 credit for his two-year-old baby and then some. Because the breadwinner of the house, a nurse, received a refund of more than $10,000.

He got excited that at last he can now have some cash to pay for his down payment for his first house. If you have for more than

and 2016, from 4,300 infections to approximately 10,500. The country has recorded the fastest growth rate in HIV infection in Asia and the Pacific, becoming one of eight countries that account for over 85 percent of new infections in the region, according to UNAIDS.

Last year, the DOH recorded a 21 percent increase in new HIV infections compared to 2021. In January this year, 1,454 new cases were recorded nationwide, or a daily average of 46 new infections. HIV cases in the country have shifted from female sex workers to men having sex with men.

A growing concern for health experts is the increase in HIV infections among teenagers. While new generation treatments have become available for HIV, the infection is still debilitating and can lead to death if it progresses to fullblown AIDS. Health experts are calling for a multisectoral response to the problem, from the home to schools, communities, civil society and concerned government agencies, all moving to save youths from infection. (Philstar.com)

Child and dependent care credits and then some

one qualifying individual child, you will get more tax credits.

The percentage of the eligible child care expenses is based on the Taxpayer’s Adjusted Gross Income.

If you are the Head of the Household even you are a single taxpayer, you can claim your parents who are out of works but reside in your house or siblings who are below 17 years of age, who live with you and provide their support.

E-filing early is the better option

In my experience as a tax preparer, e-filing early is the better option. If you expect a tax refund, you’ll receive your refunds from the Internal Revenue in one week especially if it’s deposited directly to your bank account. It’s safe and prompt. Thereafter, the State’s Franchise Tax Board will issue the refund a few days or a week after. Mailing your tax returns is not advisable unless there’s a compelling reason to do so.

Refunds will take a while.

And if you owe back taxes previously, the IRS will automatically deduct whatever tax liabilities are unpaid if you happen to have refunds in your in this 2023 tax year.

Rebates for middle class from FTB

Just in case you received Antiinflation Rebate for middle class lately from the State Franchise Tax Board, it’s a non-taxable. The amount given is $700 for married filing jointly (MFJ) or $350 for an individual or married filing separately. The recipients of this manna from the State depends on their income bracket. For some reason, not everyone receives this rebate.

We must be lucky or well pampered because some taxpayers had received this cash. Others did not. In other States, taxpayers didn’t have this benefit. California must be awash with surplus. That’s how generous our State is, although we feel that its taxpayers are

Progress delayed is progress denied

bus operators are caught flatfooted again, not having consolidated. With their franchises in threat of non-renewal, another transport strike was organized to pressure the LTFRB. It is the proverbial gun that they put to the public’s head. Again, LTFRB relented and extended the deadline to Dec. 31, 2023.

ON the back of the nationwide strike planned by transport groups, the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced that it would extend, yet again, the deadline for PUV operators to comply with the first phase of the PUV modernization program. The extension takes effect from June 30 and expires on Dec. 31, 2023.

It will be recalled that the PUV modernization program was championed by former DOTr secretary Art Tugade. Ratified in 2017, jeepney and bus operators were given three years, or until 2020, to comply with the first phase of the program. This first phase requires PUV operators to consolidate into cooperatives or corporations to achieve economies of scale – doing so will enable them to professionalize their operations.

The year 2020 came and went and the greater majority of jeepney and bus operators failed to comply. Transport groups asked for an extension and threatened to mount a nationwide strike if they did not get their way.

The LTFRB relented and granted an extension until June 20, 2023, or another three years.

As the new deadline approaches, many jeepney and

The LTFRB should show some backbone. If they cave every time transport groups threaten a strike, this PUV modernization program will never come to fruition.

The PUV modernization program will make the country’s public transport system more efficient and environmentally friendly. The program calls for the phase-out of jeepneys, buses and other public utility vehicles that are 15 years old or older. These will be replaced by safer, more comfortable and environmentallyfriendly alternatives over the next three years. Currently, there are 220,000 jeepney units operating throughout the country.

The replacement vehicles are required to utilize Euro-4 compliant or electric engines to comply with the Clean Air Act. PUVs must also be rigged with CCTV cameras, an automated fare collection system, speed limiters and a GPS system. The DOTr specifies no preference as far as manufacturers of new generation PUVs are concerned.

For as long as they pass the Philippine National Standards and are aligned with the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines of the LTFRB, operators will have no problem renewing their

franchises.

Government has made it easy for PUV operators to replace their decrepit vehicles. A subsidy of P160,000 has been granted to cover the down-payment, chattel mortgage and insurance of a brand new vehicle. A concessionary interest rate of six percent will be applied over an amortization term of seven years. This allows the PUV operators to obtain a brand new PUV with practically zero cash outlay whilst paying affordable monthly installments. The cost of a new vehicle can range from P900,000 to P2.5 million, depending on its load capacity and engine.

Some PUV drivers and/or operators may find it difficult to understand how the financial model works. For guidance, they can refer to the LTFRB or enroll in the Driver Scholar Program of TESDA. Adjunct with the modernization of buses and jeepneys will be the rationalization of routes. New routes will be created while appropriate number of PUVs will be deployed per route.

The benefits of the program are numerous. For the riding public, they will enjoy more efficient and connected routes, shorter waiting times, a safer and more comfortable journey, predictable travel times, more disciplined drivers (due to the elimination of the boundary system) and reduced traffic. For the drivers, they will benefit by way of fixed base salaries plus benefits (which they are presently deprived of), higher incomes by virtue of

overtaxed in property tax, sales tax, income tax and other utility taxes.

In other state like Florida, individual or married tax filers don’t file their state income tax return unless you file your business income. They don’t receive tax refunds in that state.

Itemized vs. standard deductions

In my years of experience, I received several questions whether an itemized deduction is better than standard deductions. My answer is: ‘It depends.’

If you have more than enough deductions to offer and exceeds the standard deduction, it is better to go for itemized.

Examples of these are: 1. High residential property taxes, mortgage interests, church and charitable donations, medical expenses, drug prescriptions, doctor’s visits, child care expenses, among others. It also depends on the withholding tax you paid on your W-2s. But if you don’t have enough

exemptions or deductibles, the tax software will choose standard deductions chart. For instance, if you are single, the deductions is from $14,700 to $16,450 depending on your income.

For Married filing jointly, the deduction is from $27,300 to $31,500; for Qualifying surviving spouse, it’s from $27,300 to $28,700; for Head of household, it’s from $21,150 to $22,900; for Married filing separately, it’s from $14,350 to $18,550. The amount of deduction depends on a taxpayer’s Adjusted Gross Income.

Prescription and holistic drugs and therapies

I also learned that not only prescription drugs are tax deductible but also holistic medications or also known as natural medicine, alternative and complementary medicine

If you are parents taking care of mentally challenged young kids or adult kids who you claim as dependents, you are qualified to claim these unconventional

medications even without prescriptions.

Plug-in electric vehicles

If you bought electric vehicles last year including SUVs, you are eligible for tax credits of up to $7,500 under the new vehicle classification. Through 2022, taxpayers will claim the credit on Form 8936 under the rules in effect before the enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act. There’s a provision though. It must meet the requirement that the vehicle was assembled in North America to be eligible for the credit. It will be considered a refundable credit and the advance payment of the credit will be reconciled on the tax return. The Clean Vehicle Credit will expire December 31, 2032.

* * * 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.

* * * denino1951@gmail.com

vehicles with higher passenger capacities, faster turn around times due to rationalized routes, less working hours, less traffic, less work stress and less franchise costs. It is a win-win situation for all.

There are other reasons why the PUV modernization program needs to be implemented with no more delay. According to the DENR, 80 percent of the pollution in Metro Manila and key cities is attributed to motor vehicle pollution, particularly from old diesel-run PUVs. In terms of motorists’ safety, some 40,133 accidents were recorded involving PUVs between 2016-2019. The extraordinarily high accident rate of PUVs is due to the lack of maintenance of vehicles and failure to replace tires, break pads, headlights and tail lights. The sad reality is that independent PUV operators function from hand to

mouth. They simply do not have the financial elbow room to invest in maintenance. Hence, the need to organize into cooperatives or corporations.

And then there is the outdated boundary system – an arrangement that brings out the worst in PUV drivers. The need to earn the boundary compels drivers to race like mad men to secure as many passengers as possible, even if it means breaking traffic rules. Drivers have no choice but to work 12 to 14 hours per day just to earn a decent take-home pay, after boundary. Many have resorted to taking illegal drugs to meet the physical demands of the job.

The PUV modernization program will eliminate the boundary system in exchange for fixed salaries plus SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-Ibig benefits for the driver. Working hours will

be rationalized and safer driving conditions secured. Drivers will now be accorded the dignity they deserve.

The PUV modernization program is long overdue. Citizens, commuters and drivers have waited six long years for this badly needed program to be implemented. We must not let those who resist change and those who failed to prepare get in the way of progress. Let this be the last time the LTFRB gives in to pressure. At the end of the day, progress delayed is progress denied. (Philstar.com)

* * *

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

* * * Email: andrew_rs6@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @aj_masigan

BUSINESS AS USUAL. There was no sign of a transport strike along Gil Puyat Avenue near Taft Avenue in Pasay City on Monday, March 6. More drivers preferred to ply their routes than join the protest of groups opposing some provisions of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

BAP: PH banking system not exposed to US contagion

MANILA — The Bankers Association of the Philippines assured on Tuesday, March 14 that the country’s banking system is not exposed to the contagion from the collapse of U.S.-based banks.

In a statement, the BAP explained the fallout from the closures of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank will not have any “material impact” on Philippine banks.

“Banks have diversified deposit bases that include all sectors of the Philippine economy, allowing them to continuously provide the liquidity needs of their clients,” the statement read.

SVB’s collapse last Friday, March 10 was precipitated by a bank run, essentially the bank did not have any cash to pay back its depositors. The bank was considered one of the largest lenders to the tech sector.

Two days later, the ensuing panic forced regulators to shut down Signature Bank to soothe equity markets and investors.

Experts reckoned that SVB was the largest bank to fail ever since the 2008 Global Financial Crisis.

The failure of the two banks sent investors everywhere on edge as the collapse dominated headlines over the weekend.

“Additionally, banks in the

Philippines continue to have capital and liquidity ratios that exceed the requirements set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas,” the BAP added.

Philippines equities reacted to the news glumly. Local shares trended downward at the start of the week.

Much like the BAP, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla assured the public that Philippine banks are not exposed to the fallout.

“The prudential measures implemented by the BSP provide the necessary support that allows the Philippine banking system to withstand economic shocks,” BAP said. (Philstar.com)

12,000 troops to join largest PH-US Balikatan

by Michael Punongbayan Philstar.com

MANILA — Some 12,000 American soldiers will be arriving in the country in the next few weeks to participate in the 2023 Balikatan Exercises, which will be the biggest joint training event between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States military.

This year’s activities will also, for the first time with U.S. troops, involve live-fire exercises, specifically in the waters of Zambales.

Col. Michael Logico, director of the Joint and Combined Training Center under the AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command and spokesman for Balikatan 2023, said around 17,600 Filipino and U.S. soldiers are set to join this year’s joint training exercises.

Around 12,000 of the soldiers will come from the U.S. military while the rest will be from the AFP, along with about 100 from the Australian Defense Force who will be joining some of the events for the first time.

There will also be observers from the Japan Self Defense Force.

Logico told reporters Balikatan 2023 will run from April 11 to 28 with events in various locations in Northern Luzon, Palawan and Antique.

“Yes, this is officially the largest Balikatan Exercise,” he said, noting that the event would be “an interoperability exercise to test our concepts for maritime defense, for coastal defense and maritime domain awareness.”

He added that this year’s

iteration of the joint military training between Filipino and American soldiers would also include cyber defense exercise.

Events would also be held “outside our traditional training areas,” Logico said.

“Part of it is we’re going to be doing live fire exercises into the water. So it’s practically, we’re exercising in key locations where we are able to utilize all our service components,” he said.

Only the Air Force and the Army were participants in previous exercises, he said.

Asked if this year’s Balikatan Exercises would factor in the West Philippine Sea problem with China, Logico said “every country has the absolute and inalienable right to exercise within our territory, we have the absolute, inalienable right to defend our territory.”

But he stressed the joint exercises were not meant as preparation for hostilities with China.

“We are here to practice, we are here to show that we are combat ready,” he pointed out.

Logico said the U.S. military would be bringing in military assets including ships and aircraft.

Training facility

Australia, meanwhile, has donated a new training facility for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Capas, Tarlac.

Acting Defense Undersecretary Angelito de Leon led the official acceptance of the Close Air Support Part Task Trainer, Classroom and Debriefing Facility on Monday, March 13 .

The facility will be assigned to the Air Force’s 710th Special

DOJ indicts Bantag, several others over killing of Percy Lapid, inmate Jun Villamor

by Kristine Joy Patag Philstar.com

MANILA — The Department of Justice has indicted suspended Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag and several others over the killing of radio broadcaster Percy Lapid and alleged middleman Jun Villamor.

The DOJ panel of prosecutors, in a resolution dated March 9, said it found probable cause to charge Bantag and his supposed right-hand man, SSupt. Ricardo Zulueta over the killings of Lapid — whose real name is Percival Mabasa — and Villamor as “principal by inducement.”

Operations Wing (SPOW).

“On behalf of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of National Defense (DND), I thank the Australian government, represented here by Her Excellency Hae Kyong Yu, PSM, Australian ambassador to the Philippines, for donating this classroom and debriefing facility to the Philippine Air Force,” De Leon said, quoting the speech of DND officer-in-charge, Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr. Australian ambassador Yu officially handed the transfer documents to De Leon.

The donation was made possible through the PhilippinesAustralia Enhanced Defense Cooperation Program (EDCP), signed in December 2019.

“With this facility, the PAF will be able to address the technical training gaps of its personnel who will be given more time and training opportunities such as the use of simulator and actual flight events,” De Leon said.

“To reciprocate this goodwill and support, we must collectively ensure that the Philippines will be able to fulfill its roles as a responsible nation-state and a reliable regional security partner,” De Leon said.

The Australian ambassador, in a post on Twitter, said her country is “grateful for the Philippines’ support as Australia seeks to become a more capable defense partner in the region.”

“Australia is investing in capabilities to meet the challenges of our strategic circumstances and ensure the Indo-Pacific remains stable, secure and prosperous,” she said. (with Pia Lee-Brago)

Lapid was known for his hard-hitting commentaries on government officials. He was shot in October last year while he was in his vehicle, near the gate of his private subdivision in the capital region.

“The preliminary investigation established that the murders of [Lapid] and Villamor were attended by conspiracy between and among the respective respondents. The plan of the respondents to kill them both, including its execution, was shown by the evidence for the complainants,” the DOJ said in a statement.

Lapid assassination On the indictment of Bantag, the DOJ said that “sufficient circumstantial evidence have been presented to establish that he masterminded the assassination of [Lapid].” It said that several circumstances were shown starting with the call of Villamor to confessed gunman Joel Escorial where the former told the latter not to disclose Bantag’s name when caught. The department also noted the motive for the murder, such as “Lapid Fire” episodes that showed the then-BuCor chief’s house.

“Significantly, the statements of the respondent PDLs corroborate the finding and point to Bantag as the one who ordered the killing,” the DOJ added.

Meanwhile, on the part of Zulueta, the DOJ said prosecution panel held that the statements of the Persons

Deprived of Liberty “clearly establish his participation in the killing of [Lapid],” specifically citing the BuCor official’s call to inmate Denver Mayores to look for a killer as the start of the assassination plan.

“Moreover, it was respondent Zulueta who provided the amount of P350,000.00 as additional payment to the hitman/killer and told respondent Labra that respondent Bantag is thanking them for the assassination,” the statement quoted the resolution.

Others who will face charges are:

As principal by direct participation in Lapid killing

Joel Escorial, confessed

gunman

Israel Dimaculangan

Edmon Dimaculangan

alias Orly

As principal by indispensable cooperation in Lapid killing

PDL Denver Mayores

PDL Alvin Labra

PDL Aldrin Galicia

PDL Alfie Peñaredonda

Christopher Bacoto.

The DOJ said that the call started with Zulueta to Mayores, then to Labra who messaged Galicia who, in turn, instructed Villamor to find a gunman. They found Escorial, through Bacoto.

“The phrases ‘nainip na ang itaas’, ‘itaas’ is already getting mad, ‘may utos si tanda’, work coming from ‘taas’ were mentioned in the sinumpaang salaysay of the PDLs. They confirmed that the words ‘itaas’, ‘taas’ or ‘tanda’ refers to respondent Bantag,” the statement further read.

Villamor murder

In the murder of Villamor, Bantag, Zulueta, Labra and Galicia were indicted as principal inducement.

Others indicted for the inmate’s murder, “as principal by direct participation,” are:

PDL Maria Alvarez

PDL Joseph Georfo

PDL Christian Ramac

PDL Ricky Salgado

PDL Ronnie Dela Cryz

PDL Joel Reyes

“Accordingly, the Panel of Prosecutors respectfully recommends the approval of the two corresponding Informations (charge sheets) in the above-entitled case,” part of the resolution read.

The murder charges will be filed before the courts of Las Piñas and Muntinlupa, over the separate incidents of the killing of Lapid and Villamor, respectively.

Bantag meanwhile is also facing criminal raps for alleged torture of Bilibid inmates, and graft and plunder complaints. n

Suspended Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag attends the preliminary investigation for the murder case of broadcaster Percy Lapid at the Department of Justice on December 5, 2022. Philstar.com photo by KJ Rosales

VEGAS&STYLE

Elijah Canlas aspires for filmography like Eddie Garcia’s

by AllAn PolicArPio Inquirer.net

WHILE some actors see romance as a distraction, the opposite is true for Elijah Canlas, who believes that his relationship with Miles Ocampo has only made them better actors.

“We may have our own dreams and goals, but we’re in the same industry and we both love what we do. So we just support each other. She helps me study my script, take down notes and memorize my lines. And I do the same for her. We inspire each other,” he told the Inquirer at a recent press conference launching him as the newest contract talent of Cornerstone Entertainment.

Elijah couldn’t be happier for Miles, whose performances in the drama series “Batang Quiapo” often go viral. “I call her ‘veterans.’ She knows the industry better than I do,” he said of his girlfriend, who started out in show biz as a child star.

“And I feel so proud whenever I see her trending because I have seen how hard she works or how stressed she is. And to see her gain success is amazing.”

Explore Does he mind Miles getting paired with other leading men?

Not at all, said Elijah. In fact, he was the one who actually encouraged Miles to do kissing scenes—something the latter used to be wary of. “Ako pa nga nag-push sa kanya. Before we started dating, we had a chance to work on television (in the TV5 soap ‘Paano ang Pangako’). We were supposed to do a kissing scene, but she didn’t want to do it,” he recalled.

“But now that we’re together, I’m able to tell her that maybe this is a side [of acting] she can finally explore,” the 22-yearold actor said. “I help her get over some of her insecurities … But I can see that the more recognition she gets, the more confidence she gains.”

Asked what attracted her to him at first, Elijah said it was

Elijah Canlas Inquirer.net photo

Miles’ talent and her being an old soul. “I noticed how good she was at acting. Then, I found out that she’s an old soul and loves music and writing letters, like me. It was music that broke the ice for us. I gifted her with a Walkman and cassette tapes,” he related. “Later on, I realized that she’s one of the kindest, most passionate people I have met.”

Numerous awards

Elijah got his first break in 2019, after starring in the acclaimed Jun Lana film “Kalel 15.” His performance as an HIV-positive teenager won him numerous awards, both here and abroad, including best actor trophies at the Asian Film Festival, the Gawad Urian and Famas Awards in 2020. He then rose to prominence amid the height of the pandemic through the hit YouTube boys’ love series, “Gameboys.”

This year, Elijah starred in “About Us But Not About Us”—also by Lana—which is an entry to the first ever summer edition of the Metro Manila Film Festival in April. He’s also part of the upcoming historical film, “GomBurZa.”

Now that he’s with Cornerstone, Elijah said his goal is to penetrate the mainstream and do bigger projects. “It will be a different kind of challenge to be in a big-scale project with a bigger cast … something that takes more shooting days. As an actor, I think it will be exciting to

‘Walang dapat baguhin’: Tito Sotto says on ‘Eat Bulaga’ amid rumored revamp

be part of something big.”

Elijah also hopes to dabble in music. “I compose my own music and I’m very much involved in producing it. I’m interested in different genres, like hip-hop and R&B. Now, my dad has introduced me to New Wave. So I have diverse taste in music. Given the chance, perhaps I can pursue music using a different name or with a different persona,” he surmised.

Expectations

While he has already proven his mettle at such a young age, Elijah isn’t about to rest on his laurels. Awards are great to have, but with them come expectations. “I always feel like I have something to prove and learn. So whatever people’s expectations are of me, I will do my best to deliver,” he said.

Elijah hopes to protect his filmography as much as he can.

“At the end of the day, that’s what matters most to me—the movies you have done and how meaningful and well-crafted they are. And I’m lucky to have worked with some of the best,” he said, adding that he makes sure to consult, not only his management, but also his family, friends and girlfriend when accepting roles.

“If I feel like I won’t be proud of the project, what’s the point being in it? But now, I can say that every single thing I have done, I’m proud of. And I plan to keep it that way. But I don’t make these decisions on my own. I ask my family for guidance … even Miles,” he said. “We think about how a certain project can help my career. ‘What’s the message? How will people perceive me?’ Those are some of the things we discuss.”

If there’s one actor whose body of work inspires him, it’s the late show biz icon Eddie Garcia, whom he worked with in “Kalel, 15.” “I aspire to have a filmography like Eddie Garcia’s,” he said. “I still have a lot to prove. But I’m more confident now about my talent, about who I am and what I can do.”

Bianca Gonzalez flaunts bare face, morena skin in 40th birthday shoot

by HAnnAH MAllorcA Inquirer.net

BIANCA Gonzalez once again sent fans into complete awe as she showed off her bare face in a photoshoot to mark her 40th birthday. The mom of two flaunted her no-makeup face, eye bags, and morena complexion while donning a set of casual outfits, as seen on her Instagram account on Monday, March 13. The photos were taken by photographer and makeup brand ambassador BJ Pascual. Gonzalez said this is her favorite set of portraits to date.

“‘Beej, I turn 40 this March and I wanna shoot a portrait that’s very raw, no makeup or styling, literally ‘this is me’ ang peg,” I told BJ [Pascual]. He answered, ‘Game!! That would be amazing,’” she began, recalling a past conversation with the photographer prior to the shoot.

While Gonzalez enjoyed modeling since the age of 17, she admitted that she always wanted to have a “raw portrait” of herself, explaining why she enlisted the help of Pascual.

“I’ve been modeling since I was 17 years old and so every professional photo I’ve had has me in full make up, hair, and styling. I loved doing all that, yes! But I’ve long wanted to have a very RAW portrait of me—like those I’d see in Richard Avedon’s work—and I was never really sure if I could pull it off. Baka mamaya (Maybe later), I’d set up this fancy shoot, only to have photos I’m not happy with,” she said.

The “Pinoy Big Brother” host reaffirmed her pride for her morena skin, scars, and dark knees, as she declared that she’s “no longer tough on myself about it.”

“I’ve been proud of my morena skin for many years, yes, but it’s only now that I’ve fully embraced and accepted all my body’s flaws and imperfections, peklats (scars), dark knees, and all. I still get conscious about it at times, but I’m no longer tough on myself about it. In this stage of my life, I feel confident to step in front of a lens with no make up on my face. Literally, just me,” she said.

The celebrity mom also thanked Pascual for understanding the “deeper meaning of what I wanted to do” in her 40th birthday shoot, sharing that they didn’t have a makeup artist, hair stylist, and fashion stylist on set.

“BJ understood the deeper meaning of what I wanted to do. With no make up artist, no hairstylist, no stylist on set, we just played around,” she said. “The most chill shoot ever, and one of my favorites to date. Thank you @bjpascual, you are a creative genius and I love you! These are officially my favorite portraits because you captured ME.” The TV host also looked back at a past conversation with makeup artist Lala Flores, where they reflected about the true meaning of happiness.

“I was in @lalaflores16’s makeup chair and she told me something I would never forget. She said, ‘Ang happiness, hindi napho-Photoshop (Happiness is not about being photoshopped).’ That has stuck with me ever since. And I guess now, the reason I want to have these portraits taken is not just because I fit a certain standard of what is “beautiful” in my mind. It’s really because I AM truly, genuinely HAPPY,” she added.

Fellow personalities including Pascual himself, Pia

by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

FOR the first time in a long time, "Eat Bulaga" hosts Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon sang the show's theme song live on Saturday, March 4 amid the rumored tensions in the noontime show.

During the finals of the show's "Little Miss Diva" segment, Tito said that Vic composed the song while Joey created the word "Eat Bulaga." “Para sa mga kabataan at mas bata pa sa kanila, nililinaw ko lang ha, ang nag-compose ng kantang 'Eat Bulaga,' si Vic Sotto," he said. Ang nag-imbento ng salitang 'Eat Bulaga,' si Joey de Leon!” he added. Joey replied, "Sandali, si Vic

ang nag-compose ng kanta, ako ang nakaisip ng 'Eat Bulaga,' ano ginawa mo?”

"Ako manager!" Tito answered.

At the end of the segment, Tito said that the noontime show needs no revamping.

“Congratulations sa production ng 'Eat Bulaga'! Keep it up! Keep up the good work. Walang dapat baguhin sa production ng 'Eat Bulaga',” Tito said. Akin, ini-extend ko ang invitation sa inyong lahat.

Magkita-kita ulit tayo, after six years to celebrate 'Eat Bulaga’s' 50 years on television," Joey said. “Kumbidado kayo! Tuloy tayo! 50 years of 'Eat Bulaga' on television, mga teenagers na kayo pero ang mga bulilit dito 11

years pa lang to, after six years!” he added.

Recently, it was reported that former Congressman Romy Jalosjos is allegedly seeking to take control of Television and Production Exponents (TAPE) from his business partner Tony Tuviera and the show's original hosts Tito, Vic and Joey.

According to a report by online site Bilyonaryo, Jalosjos plans to kick out Tuviera and TVJ out of the show.

"He just waited to Tito to get out of politics before launching his takeover bid," the source said.

Bilyonaryo's source claimed that Jalosjos is reaching out to Willie Revillame to lead "Eat Bulaga" once he regains control of TAPE.

Why live-in arrangement the biggest challenge in ‘KimJe’s’ relationship

by MArinel cruz Inquirer.net

REAL - and reel-life couple

Kim Molina and Jerald Napoles admitted that the biggest challenge they experienced when they decided to share a home and cohabitate in 2020 was convincing Kim’s parents that it was the right thing to do.

“It was a struggle to explain the arrangement to my family. My parents (who are based in Saudi Arabia) are very conservative and traditional. I’m more open to my mom, but my dad didn’t take it lightly … the idea that Je (Jerald’s nickname) and I would become live-in partners,” Kim, 31, told Inquirer Entertainment.

“I grew up with them in Saudi and only came back to the Philippines when I was 16. They got used to me being so dependent on them for my needs. When the pandemic came, I had to explain to my dad that Je and I needed to move in together. This happened shortly after I finally admitted to them that I had a boyfriend, and that this boyfriend was also an actor like me,” she recalled. “It was funny because, since this was at the height of the pandemic lockdowns, we had to set up a Zoom family meeting.”

He doesn’t know how to swim, but he bravely dove into the water because it’s something he really had to do.”

“Also, we share the same life goals,” she added. “I’m turning 32 this year and have specific targets. He respects me and my decisions as a woman. I appreciate the fact that he is willing to wait for me.”

Unique partnership

Wurtzbach, Mimiyuuuh, Ayn Bernos, Karen Davila, Dimples Romana, Darren Espanto, Lovi Poe, Hannah Pangilinan, Shaina Magdayao, and Charlene Gonzales were in awe of Gonzales’ beauty, as seen in the comments of her post.

The photographer said, “Truly beautiful inside and out!!!!”

“This is a great idea and @ bjpascual captures the real you! Such a natural beauty B,” Davila wrote.

Bernos said, “I see your daughters in you, we love you our morena queen!!!!”

Days before her 40th birthday, Gonzalez revealed that she had the names of her daughters Carmen and Lucia tattooed on her arms – which, she described, is a “magical” experience.

The host tied the knot with former professional basketball player JC Intal in December 2014. She gave birth to Lucia in October of the following year, and their second child Carmen in 2018.

Kim and Jerald eventually convinced her parents that the setup was ideal. “We just had to build trust. In the end, it became a decision by the family. I’m grateful that my parents have gotten close to Je. When I got sick, Je took care of me. I guess that’s how he won their hearts,” the actress said. Jerald, 40, added: “I simply explained to her parents what was happening in the Philippines at the time. I was very straightforward. I told them what Kim needed, and what I was willing to do for her. I guess that was enough for them.”

Click Inquirer Entertainment then asked what they thought made them click in spite of the nine-year age gap. Jerald said: “It’s because I’m more childish than Kim. Seriously, it’s hard to find someone like her. She is everything, plus she’s someone with a good sense of humor. Everything I’m looking for in a girl, I found in her.”

Kim, on the other hand, said: “Not only do I appreciate that he is a very wise and intelligent man, I also like his ‘laban’ attitude. For example, he was given a project recently that required him to swim.

When asked to react to the idea that he has put on hold some of his personal plans, particularly of finally settling down, for the sake of Kim, Jerald said: “I can’t say that’s accurate. I also believe there’s a right timing for everything. For example, we both got affected financially by the pandemic. It came right after the release of ‘Jowable.’ We’re lucky because we did ‘Ang Babaeng Walang Pakiramdam,’ which also became a hit. If not for those successful projects and our viral YouTube videos, we’re not sure if we’d be offered ‘Team A’ today. It’s all about life’s right timing.”

Jerald was referring to the sitcom “Team A: Happy Fam, Happy Life,” which will premiere on March 18 on TV5. In the series directed by Mervyn Brondial, the real-life couple plays Ian and Janet, parents to their daughter Yeye (Gianna Iguiron). The series, said Brondial, is inspired by the 1970s sitcom “John en Marsha,” which aired on TV for a record 17 years.

“That’s the goal,” said Jerald. “I hope we would be given the same opportunity. It would be interesting to see Yeye eventually becoming a teenager. I watched ‘John en Marsha’ the series as I was growing up, and even got to watch the movie version. When I saw our script, I also noticed the same formula. For me, to do a project like this—something that has the potential to become iconic—with my girlfriend is really a dream come true.”

As for Kim, she admitted feeling overwhelmed and grateful. “This applies to everything I do as an artist. Je and I are grateful for the trust. Whenever we are given a project, we try to give it the best flavor we can. This proved to be effective in our past projects. Of course, we’re very grateful for the comments comparing our teamup with those we consider our idols.” Their partnership is quite unique. Not only are they workmates and lovers, they are also business partners. “We started as workmates in ‘Rak of Aegis,’ which was where we first fell in love. When we formed our startup business, it felt like a lot of things were happening all at the same time. I’m lucky that Je is such a wise man. He guided me on what to focus on. To cope, we would also talk about the Top 3 things we are hopeful for in a day. This energizes and inspires us to plan for the next day,” Kim explained.

Jerald said they would also make sure to detach themselves from the KimJe love team when they’re not at work. “This is so that we would not bring in stuff we don’t need as partners, or stuff we don’t need as workmates.

“When we start getting too affected by the frenzy around us, we would distance ourselves from each other. She’d say, ‘Je, umalis ka nga muna!’ That was actually one of the problems we had to resolve during the lockdowns. Whenever I would get banished from the house, I also couldn’t leave and would just stay by the gate,” Jerald said laughing.

“Team A,” which also features Yayo Aguila and Anjo Yllana, airs on TV5 every Saturday starting March 18, at 9:30 p.m., as well as on Sari Sari every Sunday, at 9 p.m.

It is a coproduction of TV5, Cignal and Viva.

Bianca Gonzales

Photo from Instangram/@iamsuperbianca

Apart from Joey, Vic Sotto and his wife, Pauleen Luna, Jose Manalo and Maine Mendoza hosted the Bawal Judgmental, the show’s popular segment featuring Kapuso star Bianca Umali as “judge” for the seven guests that included Dean’s Listers and working students graduating with honors. Philstar.com file photo

Kim Molina and Jerald Napoles Photo from Instagram/@kimsmolina

Health @Heart

WHAT is depression?

Depression is a state of emotion where the individual has some or all of the following senses, feelings or moods: downhearted, unhappy, anxious, irritable, unable to concentrate, socially withdrawn, empty inside, has inordinate fatigue and reduced interest in activities which used to be fun, hopelessness, indecision, impaired sleep, misery, helplessness, confusion, monosyllabic speech or abnormally quiet.

What is morbid mood?

The morbid mood in depression may be so severe that the patient is unable to cry (tears dry up) or to feel the usual emotions like pleasure, grief or joy. The whole world appears lifeless and colorless to the patient, who could be pre-occupied with a sense of guilt and self-denigrating and destructive ideas.

What is melancholia?

It used to be called endogenous depression. Its features include marked slowness in thinking and activity, agitation, worthlessness, weight loss, restlessness, wringing of the hands, inability to experience pleasure or wellbeing, difficulty falling asleep and has insomnia following arousal from sleep, and diminished or loss of sexual desire. The patient usually has the feeling of guilt that he/she has committed a grave crime, with hallucinations (voices of people accusing the patient of bad deeds, or condemning him/ her to death; others believe that they have incurable diseases like cancer or AIDs). Very rarely, the patient with this psychotic depression kills family members (“to save them from future misfortunes in life”) and kills himself/herself.

How rampant is depression?

In the United States, depression affects about 17 million Americans. In the Philippines, about ten percent of young adults have moderate to severe depression in 2022, about 3.6 million of the population. More than two-thirds to 75% of them do not benefit from proper therapy because of the patient’s inability to seek counseling, misunderstanding of the condition, or misdiagnosis. Most people do not seek professional help because the condition is very common and many of them are mild or subclinical (with no obvious symptoms). Sometimes, even physicians miss making the correct diagnosis in earnest, thinking the patient’s complaints could be due to some medication interaction.

Are there screening tests for depression?

Yes, there are. Mental health specialists can administer preliminary tests such as the BDI (Beck Depression Inventory), or the HRS (Hamilton Rating Scale), which is composed of 20 questions to screen the patient.

Today, computerized phone interviews are gaining effectivity as a screening tool. These tests are only a small part of the evaluation process because the specialists have the symptoms of the patient and other criteria to aid them make the correct diagnosis.

Don’t we all get depressed sometimes?

To some degree, when the situations demand it, normal people develop a mild form of depression, which is transient, self-terminating, and not a disease. As long as the resultant symptoms are trivial and temporary, and do not debilitate the person, the condition does not need any medical treatment.

What foods relieve depression?

Foods that are high in tryptophan, an amino acid involve in serotonin production, provide relief to some people with depression. Niacin (Vitamin B3), which is essential in the production of tryptophan, can be found in dried peas, beans, whole grains, dried fortified cereals, and especially in oily fishes like salmon and mackerel. It is reported that Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish oil may actually reduce depression. PMS Escape, a high carbohydrate drink, claims to increase tryptophan level and may control the depression related to pre-menopausal syndrome for about 3 hours. However, there are impurities in the L-tryptophan diet supplements that are associated with EMS (eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome), which increases white blood cells and causes muscle pain.

Does calcium help alleviate depression?

Calcium supplements and Vitamin B-12 have been reported to reduce pre-menstrual depression. Also, some studies showed that among depressed people who drink caffeinated beverages have a lower incidence of suicide, which seems to suggest that coffee or tea reduces depression.

What are the therapy guidelines?

Among adults who suffer from major or chronic depression, a trial of antidepressant drugs is used, together with psychotherapy that is designed for the patient. For those who do not improve with this strategy, ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) has been found to be effective and safe. If this fails, psychosurgery

might be indicated.

How about exercises?

Believe it or not, physical exercises may be as effective as psychotherapy in the management of mild to moderate depression. Prolonged aerobic workouts lead to higher levels of serotonin, adrenalin, endorphins and dopamine in the brain (producing the popular term “runner’s high”). Physical exercises, brisk walking, ballroom dancing, yoga, tai-bo, etc. lead to better emotional health. As an extra bonus from physical exercises, weight loss and improved muscle tone lead to a better sense of well-being and higher self-esteem. Those individuals with strong spiritual faith have a relatively lower predisposition to depression. These people might benefit from meditation, yoga, and other techniques for obtaining spiritual security, inner peace, and happiness.

How about for children?

Children and adolescents with major depression have been found in clinical studies to respond as well to both placebos (sugar pills) and tricyclic antidepressants, especially newer ones like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). For these group of young patients, a trial of psychotherapy (cognitivebehavioral or supportive therapy) is preferred before they are placed on antidepressant drugs.

Do you have depression?

If you suspect you do, do not medicate yourself. It is most prudent to seek medical help. The first thing to do is to consult your primary physician who can help guide you. With early proper medication and/ or advice, depression in most cases can be managed effectively and eliminated faster than one can imagine. Physicians today have invaluable tools in their armamentarium for the diagnosis and treatment of depression. Many individuals with depression, who have sought medical care, are “cured” with simple oral medications – they look, behave, function, and live as normally and happily as anybody else, lost in the sea of anonymity.

* * *

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.

* * *

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. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

Bela Padilla is living Lorna Tolentino’s dream

by Ronnie CaRRasCo iii ManilaTimes.net

NOT as much preoccupied with taping for a TV series, expect a busier Lorna Tolentino as she takes on more film assignments this year.

LT is set to shoot "White Noise" in Switzerland helmed by her favorite director Bela Padilla who also wrote the script. But mind you, it's going to be just one day of shoot which Lorna doesn't mind at all.

"Okey lang, at least, nakarating ako sa Switzerland," the actress gushed as she heaped praises on Bela and her directorial style.

In fact, this is primarily the reason why LT readily said yes to the project as did she the first time she was handled by the younger actress. Lorna and Bela first worked together in the film "If" which was shot in South Korea in November last year.

Get the latest news delivered to your inbox

Sign up for The Manila Times’ daily newsletters

Enter Your Email

By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

The said movie was — shall we say — essentially a Bela Padilla

oeuvre with her as one of the cast members, its writer and director rolled into one.

For this, Lorna couldn't help but laud Bela who, despite her multifaceted role, knew exactly what she was doing without getting distracted or mixed up.

"Ang napansin ko kay Bela, she had full control of what was happening on the set," Lorna shared.

In White Noise, however, Bela is not in the cast allowing her to focus more on directing.

If my memory serves me right, it's also Lorna's cherished dream to be able to direct. For some reason though, that pursuit fizzled out. LT must be seeing herself in Bela who's lucky to have a partner in Viva Entertainment (her home studio) that trusts her.

Film enthusiasts have yet to see what may be considered as Bela's cinematic masterpiece, one which will put her alongside young yet prolific women directors like Olive Lamasan, Cathy Garcia-Molina, Antoinette Jadaone, to name a few.

Based in London where her family resides, Bela comes home if she gets offers to do movies here.

It was during the onslaught of the pandemic when the multihyphenate actress felt she was more at home in the English capital, thus enabling her to

extract creative diesel to get her mind running for ideas she could use for her materials.

* * *

IT'S a good thing that Pops Fernandez rethought her decision to slip into retirement, this after her "3 Divas" show in the US in November last year was no doubt — and to her surprise — a success.

The country's Concert Queen shared the stage with Kuh Ledesma and now-US-based Jaya. Thanks to the show and its audience because had it become a flop, Pops would have pursued bidding her singing career goodbye.

This year, its producer has lined up a couple of shows with the them three again from East Coast to West Coast. Meanwhile, Pops' 90s arch rival Sharon Cuneta is likewise planning to take a bow.

But the Megastar immediately took back her words in less than 72 hours after she posted on social media her decision, citing "too many obligations" she needs to fulfill.

This wasn't the first time that Sharon announced she'd be taking semi-or complete break. She had sounded this off in 2019, 2020, 2021 and November last year.

And what is the netizens' collective take on this, mine included?

Enough. It's feeding us all up!

by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

KYLIE Versoza has revealed she had dated her “Baby Boy, Baby Girl” leading man Marco Gumabao even before getting into a relationship with exboyfriend, actor Jake Cuenca.

The beauty queen-turned-actress made the confession during her interview with TV host Boy Abunda in the March 15 episode of the show “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda,” where she was asked about her past romance with Gumabao.

“Siguro, a long time before Jake [Cuenca], long way before Jake, mga two years [before getting into a relationship with Jake Cuenca]. We tried. We tried it out, but bata pa kami n’un eh,” she said.

(Perhaps, it was a long time before Jake Cuenca, long way before Jake, about two years. We tried. We tried it out, but we were so young back then.)

During the interview, Abunda noted the “spark” between Versoza and Gumabao although the actress noted that they remain “very good friends.”

“Happy ako sa lahat ng mga pinagdaanan [ni Marco Gumabao] sa buhay niya. I’ve seen him grow as an actor, as a person, nagca-catch up pa rin kami (I’m very happy for Marco Gumabao’s milestones in his life. I’ve seen him grow as an actor and person, and we still catch up). So yeah, we remain very good friends,” she added.

The host also noted that the “Just a Stranger” star is one of the “most good looking young actors in the country today,” “smart,” and “family-oriented” to which Versoza agreed.

“He’s smart, and very siguro humble din. Hindi ko masasabi na humble (I can’t say he’s humble),” she said in jest before laughing. “Very level-headed.”

On ex-boyfriend Jake Cuenca

The Miss International 2016 titleholder was also asked if she ever remained in contact with Cuenca after their breakup. Versoza said she hasn’t spoken with him in a while.

“No, I know it’s been a long time pero siguro, only in time. Time will tell kung we’re able to already see each other in a [friendly] setting. Ayoko siyang pilitin pero darating ang panahon where we’ll meet each

other and maybe, who knows? Time will only tell,” she replied.

(No, I know it’s been a long time but maybe, only in time. Time will tell if we would be able to already see each other in a friendly setting. I don’t want to force things to happen but time will come where we’ll meet each other again. And maybe, who knows? Time will only tell.)

Versoza was in a relationship with Cuenca for three years. They called it quits in April 2022. The ex-partners, however, did not state the reason for their break-up.

A month after their separation, the actress revealed in an interview that she did not foresee her romance with the “Los Bastardos” star to turn out the way it did, saying they really loved each other.

OPM artist Zack Tabudlo found himself trending online because BTS' Jungkook played his hit song "Give Me Your Forever" during the latter's surprise livestream in Weverse on Tuesday night, March 14.

WeVerse is a social media platform dedicated for fans of BTS and other K-pop bands.

As with most celebrity lives, Jungkook interacted with his fans and one of them asked him if he could give Tabudlo's track a listen. The gracious artist agreed and even introduced the song, which other live viewers could also hear.

"Next song is 'Give Me Your Forever' by Zack Tabudlo," he mentioned.

After giving it a listen, he commented in Korean that he liked Tabudlo's voice and that he's adding the song to his playlist.

A surprised and elated Tabudlo tweeted the same night, "So I jwu [just woke up] and apparently I was blowing up on social media because...The Jungkook The Golden Maknae. Just listened to Give Me Your Forever," Tabudlo wrote on his Twitter post.

"I can now die in peace holy sh*t. He even said he added my song to his playlist," he exclaimed.

Tabudlo — who started his career via the reality singing competition "The Voice Kids" — is best known for his OPM hits "Binibini," "Pano" and "Habang Buhay." (ManilaTimes.net)

Kylie Verzosa and Marco Gumabao

Photo from Instagram/@kylieverzosa

Zack Tabudlo

Ogie Diaz admits still getting commissions from Liza Soberano

TALENT manager Ogie Diaz vowed to air his side later after his former talent Liza Soberano said that "he's trying to fight and ruin" her.

In his Twitter account, Ogie reposted a tweet that Liza was victimized by fake news.

"Oo nga. Saan ba galing kasi yung di na ako nakakakomisyon?

Anyway, mamaya po ang aking panig sa Ogie Diaz Showbiz Update," he said.

In his next tweet, Diaz admitted that he was still getting commissions from Liza, but clarified where these were coming from.

Soberano admitted that she was hurt by what her former talent manager has been saying, some of which were "untrue."

In the second part of her interview with Boy Abunda on "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," the actress was initially hesitant to talk about commissions because she

felt it was a private financial matter.

Liza turned emotional, and even cried at one point, when Boy asked her if it is true that Ogie has stopped collecting his commissions in the last two years.

"It's not right. That's incorrect," Liza said.

After a few seconds of silence,

Liza continued: "It actually hurts me that he's making up those

Ruru, Bianca find the right first project together

by Christina alpad ManilaTimes.net

lies about me 'cause... I feel like he's trying to make it seem like I was inprofitable in the past two years that we were working together. He knows the truth. He knows my pains. He knows the things that I felt were the things that were mishandled and stuff like that.

"So, it's kinda unfair that he's... I feel like he's trying to tarnish my name. And he knows. Like, I don't wanna bring this up but he still gets commissions from some of the endorsements of mine. Like, that still fell under the time that I was under contract with him even though he has no more obligations. We told him he has no more obligations towards me in those endorsements.

"Literally last month, we gave him a paycheck for an endorsement that was renewed before our contract ended. And kahit na wala na po siyang ginagawa for them, we give him his commission because that's what's right. I wouldn't breach my contract," Liza shared.

Fil-Am Vanessa Hudgens returning with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence for ‘Bad Boys 4’

by Kristofer purnell Philstar.com

Filipino-American actress Vanessa Hudgens will reprising her role of weapons expert Kelly in a fourth "Bad Boys" movie alongside Will Smith and Martin Lawrence once again.

The actors had previously revealed a "Bad Boys 4" was entering production, with "Bad Boys For Life" directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah returning to helm the project.

The directors found even more success as executive producers and directors for the pilot and finale of Marvel's "Ms. Marvel" series starring Iman Vellani's Kamala Khan which was wellreceived by critics and fans.

Hudgens' character was introduced in the aforementioned third "Bad Boys" movie — released 17 years after "Bad Boys II" — where Smith's Mike Lowrey and Lawrence's Marcus Burnett have to team up with younger techsavvy professionals while dealing with family issues of varying degrees.

The last film ended with Lowrey and Burnett taking charge of the Advanced Miami Metro Operations and bonding over Burnett's grandchild, though a post-credits scene teased Lowrey offering his imprisoned long-lost Armando for a chance at redemption.

"Bad Boys For Life" was one of the last movies released in theaters before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, making it by default one of the biggest films of 2022 with a global box office return of $840.7 million (P46.2 billion).

This fourth "Bad Boys" movie will likely be Smith's biggest project since his infamous slap at the 2022 Academy Awards which resulted in a 10-year ban from Oscars-related events; last year he starred in Antoine Fuqua's "Emancipation."

Hudgens meanwhile recently got engaged to professional baseball player Cole Tucker, whom she had met over Zoom and has since attended Cole's Major League Baseball games while Cole has frequented as Vanessa's plusone to events.

The actress, who co-hosted

the last two Academy Awards pre-shows, is best known for her role in the "High School Musical" franchise and will next be seen in the upcoming films "Downtown Owl" and "French Girl" as well as a voice role in "Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas."

RURU Madrid and Bianca Umali may have been dating for almost five years, but the two Kapuso homegrown artists who fell in love and got together for real have never played lovers on screen. But finally, the right project has arrived and is made more special a first-time collaboration between GMA Network and panregional over-the-top (OTT) video streaming service Viu.

At the series' grand media conference, Madrid admitted that he and Umali preferred having separate sets because it meant the time they spent together on days off was really for each other.

"We never even talk about work, but with 'The Write One,' we just couldn't say no to it because we saw the story and how different it is from the ones we usually do," he explained. The "Lolong" actor shared they initially found it challenging to work together, but once the cameras rolled, he simply felt fortunate to be able to see another side of Umali.

"I learned so much from her, and I saw with my eyes how talented an actress and professional she is. I'll never get tired of working with her," the actor added in Filipino. Meanwhile, Umali candidly said working with Madrid has pros and cons.

"[Working together] is hard because you're both very comfortable with each other [then you] suddenly need to work as co-actors. We had to step back and see that what we're doing is work," the actress explained.

"But it soon becomes easy since you're both comfortable with each other, and you can skip the awkward getting-to-know-eachother phase."

Streaming over Viu Philippines starting March 18 and March 20 on GMA, GTV, Pinoy Hits, and I Heart Movies, "The Write One" follows the story of Liam (Madrid), a frustrated writer whose dream is to produce a TV series; and Joyce (Umali), an actress who gives up her budding showbiz career to be wife to Liam and mother to their son Dex.

When the love between Liam and Joyce is dimmed by the passing years, they both wonder what could have been had they not given up their individual dreams. At that crossroads, Liam stumbles upon an antique typewriter and finds himself writing – and magically making real – the revised story of his life.

Umali plays Joyce, an actress who gives up her budding showbiz career for family. Madrid as Liam, a frustrated writer whose dream is to produce a TV series.

In the alternate timeline, Liam is a creative manager of a film production company, while Joyce is the most-sought actress of her generation. Liam finds he is in a relationship with fashion icon Via (Mikee Quintos), while Joyce is wooed by Hans (Paul Sala), a lawyer who offers Joyce emotional and financial security.

Amid the confusion, Liam waits for destiny to take hold, hoping it will always bring those who are meant to be in the right place and making the right choice.

Incidentally, the series also marks the reunion project of senior actors Lotlot De Leon and Ramon Christopher, who play

Liam's parents. Completing the cast are established actors Mon Confiado, Alma Concepcion and Art Acuna, and Sparkle stars Kokoy De Santos, Royce Cabrera, Kaloy Tingcungco, Analyn Barro, Yvette Sanchez, and Euwenn Mikaell Aleta. Directed by King Marc Baco, The Write One is an original concept of Executive Producer Mark Anthony Norella. It airs weeknights, beginning March 20, on GMA Telebabad at 9:35 and on Pinoy Hits and I Heart Movies at 11:30 p.m. on GTV. Advanced episodes are likewise available on Viu Philippines Saturdays to Tuesdays beginning March 18.

Together for almost five years now, Ruru Madrid and Bianca Umali are turning their love from real to reel. GMA photos

Ogie Diaz with Liza Soberano Philstar.com phto

Hudgens in the 2020 film ‘Bad Boys for Life’ Contributed photo