042023 - Las Vegas Edition

Fil-Am couple sheds light on hate incidents following assault in Sacramento

WHEN Filipino American veteran photojournalist Nicanor “Nikki” Arriola and his wife Julienne were attacked and assaulted in front of the California state Capitol in Sacramento, he knew it was a calling to speak out against hate incidents.

“It’s like a storyteller becomes a story,” said Nikki Arriola in an interview with the Asian Journal, recounting how he has usually been behind the camera in reporting anti-Asian attacks.

The couple was visiting relatives in Sacramento, with the photojournalist equipped with his two cameras during a stop at the Capitol to "take some human interests photographs that I could use for my work and my advocacy."

However, the tourist experience took a turn and months later, the couple is determined to take action to prevent more hate crimes and incidents.

“This is definitely an eye-opener, not only for us, but for the entire society. We have to stand firm in letting the authorities know that we cannot just let these incidents pass and stay unnoticed. We should, as a society, also be vigilant against these types of crimes,” Arriola said, who noted that similar cases in the past have been left unresolved as most of the victims often opted to let them slide due to the fear of retaliation from assailants and

Group urges Biden to include issue of Filipino Amerasians in EDCA terms

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A group of former U.S. service members and Filipino American community advocates released an open letter to President Joe Biden, urging that the issue of abandoned Amerasian children be included in the terms of the U.S.-Philippine Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, as “a surge of new Amerasian children can be expected in future years” with expanded U.S. troop access to Philippine military bases.

Amerasians are abandoned children of American military fathers who served in the Philippines during the Cold War and the war in Vietnam.

“These Filipino Amerasians faced wide-

DFA: US allots more than $100 million for EDCA

by JOHN ERIC MENDOZA Inquirer.net

MANILA — The United States has now allotted more than $100 million for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday, April 19.

DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo said the U.S. pledged another $18 million on top of the initial $82 million for EDCA during the recent 2+2 ministerial meeting between Manila and Washington.

“To date, the U.S. allocated a total of over 100

million U.S. dollars to EDCA projects, including additional 18 million U.S. Dollars announced during the third 2+2 ministerial dialogue last weekend in Washington,” Manalo said during an inquiry of the Senate Commnittee on Foreign Relations.

“This would cover projects in both existing and new agreed locations,” he added.

Currently, there are five existing EDCA sites located at Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, which is closest to the Kalayaan Group of Islands; Basa Air Base in Pampanga, the home of the Philippine Air Force’s fighter planes; Fort Magsaysay

‘Improved Philippine ranking in terror index shows waning insurgency’

by ALEXIS ROMERO Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines’ improved ranking in the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) proves that the government is “on the right track” in fighting insurgency, the National Security Council (NSC) said on Monday, April 17.

The Philippines is the 18th most affected by terrorism among 163 countries in this year’s edition of the GTI, a report produced by think tank Institute for Economics and

Peace that analyzes the impact of terrorism worldwide.

While the country’s ranking improved from 17th last year, it was the second most affected country in Asia, second only to Myanmar.

The GTI assesses each country using a zero to ten scale, with higher values reflecting higher impact of terrorism. The Philippines’ latest score is 6.328 or “medium impact.”

“We welcome with great enthusiasm and

Albert Del Rosario, ex-top diplomat who won Philippines’ maritime case vs China, dies at 83

by KAYCEE VALMONTE Philstar.com

MANILA — Former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario — who played a key role in securing the landmark Hague ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the West Philippine Sea — has passed away. He was 83 years old.

The Management Association of the Philippines, a business group, announced the passing of its former president on Tuesday, April 18. Del Rosario — also a businessman — was a MAP

member for 45 years.

Prior to his appointment as foreign affairs secretary under the late Benigno Aquino III, Del Rosario served as Philippine Ambassador to the United States under former President Gloria Arroyo’s administration.

“He was a consummate diplomat and an inspiring leader who led the DFA with integrity and unwavering commitment to public service,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said in a statement on Tuesday.

“You will be missed, Mr.

in Nueva Ecija, the country’s largest military camp and a frequent location of Philippine-U.S. military exercises; Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu; and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City. Malacañang has recently announced four additional EDCA sites, which include the Camilo Osias Naval Base in Sta. Ana town and Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo town in Cagayan province; Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac, the southernmost island in Palawan province.

According to Manalo, there had been significant  PAGE 2

Romualdez says PH-US ties reaching ‘new heights’ after lawmakers meet

by GABRIEL PABICO LALU Inquirer.net

MANILA — The relationship between the Philippines and the United States is reaching new heights under the administration of Presidents Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Joe Biden, said House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez after a meeting with their U.S. counterparts in Washington D.C.

This was the takeaway of Romualdez and the rest of the Philippine House of Representatives delegation after their meeting on Wednesday, April 19 with U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise at the Office of the Majority Leader in the U.S. Capitol, Washington DC. Scalise represents Louisiana’s 1st congressional district.

The Speaker said strategies to strengthen economic cooperation, defense, and security engagements, along with bilateral strategic dialogue were discussed during the meetings.

“We, from the House of Representatives in Manila thank Majority Leader Scalise for his warm welcome, his kind words, and most importantly his commitment to further strengthening Philippine and U.S. ties in various

Marcos orders peace and order councils to address pol violence, illegal drugs

by DAPHNE GALVEZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, April 18 tasked the members of the national and regional peace and order councils to address cases of political violence, even those stemming from the illegal drug trade.

Marcos said political violence and illegal drugs are currently the

two biggest concerns threatening peace and order in the country.

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Marcos made the statement during the 1st Joint National Peace and Order Council and Regional Peace and Order Council Meeting in Malacañang, where he noted the increasing violent activities in the country, particularly since the 2022 elections.

“They happened just after the

Albert del Rosario, a businessman, served as Foreign Affairs secretary of the Philippines under the administration of President Noynoy Aquino. Philstar.com photo

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Malacañang photo

DFA: US allots more than $100...

progress in eight of 16 projects in the initial five Edca locations.

Of the eight projects, six are estimated to be completed this 2023, including the runway

project at Basa Air Base, the storage facility at Mactan Air Base, and the Humanitarian Disaster Relief warehouse in Fort Magsaysay.

The EDCA, signed during

the administration of the late President Benigno S. Aquino III in 2014, allows U.S. troops access to and to store defense equipment and supplies in Philippine military bases. g

Marcos orders peace and order councils...

election and they just… halos sunod-sunod. Kaya’t naging very prominent sa pag-iisip ng taongbayan na masyado na talagang naging malala ito,” he said, as quoted by PCO.

(They happened one after the other. That’s why it became very prominent in the public’s minds that the situation has worsened.)

“Of course, that is true because even one is too much. But nonetheless, in terms of the political violence, I think, I hope, and we must continue to look out for, and watch out for this is that the experience that we have been having,” Marcos added.

The president also told the councils to address the proliferation of illegal or loose firearms that fuel violence in the country, warning about the rise of warlordism.

He added that another problem concerning peace and order is violence perpetrated by drug syndicates quarreling over territory with the involvement of some members of the police force.

“It stems from the territorial fights over areas where drugs are distributed, who controls the drug trade in that area.

Kung minsan naririnig natin, mayroong talagang scalawag diyan,” Marcos said.

(We can hear reports that scallawag police officers are involved.)

“So kailangan talaga natin bantayan nang mabuti that these activities that are growing have to be dismantled,” he added.

(So we need to ensure these growing activities are dismantled.)

The PCO said the 1st Joint NPOC and RPOC Clusters’ Meeting was organized to provide updates on the country’s peace and order issues, aid policy decisions, and facilitate immediate action from concerned agencies.

The 2016-2022 accomplishments include the successful surveillance and intelligence operations by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), anti-insurgency and anti-terrorism efforts, anti-illegal drugs campaign, and effective COVID-19 response.

Through the anti-insurgency and anti-terrorism efforts and the revitalized National Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), the PCO said the government disbanded 67 guerilla fronts, neutralized 8,645 Communist Terrorist Groups (CTG), and facilitated the surrender of 28,713 rebel members.

In the fight against illegal drugs, the government reported a total of 261,642 anti-illegal drug operations conducted from 2016 to 2022, which resulted in the arrest of 376,582 drug personalities and the seizure of 12 tons of marijuana, 14 tons of shabu, 190,324 pieces of ecstasy, and 500 kilograms of cocaine.

Regarding the overall peace and order situation, the government reported that the total crime volume in 2022 decreased by 11.87 percent, from 235,059 in 2021 to 207,143.

The PCO said that crime solution and clearance efficiency by the end of 2022 were 82.28 percent and 96.72 percent, respectively. g

‘Improved Philippine ranking in terror...

optimism the latest results of the Global Terrorism Index released by the Institute for Economic and Peace showing a much improved ranking for the Philippines at 18th place for the year 2022 compared to being in the top 10 countries worst affected by terrorism several years ago,” the NSC said in a statement.

“This could only mean one thing: That the Philippine government is on the

right track and by that we shall continue all counterinsurgency efforts we started years back, focusing mainly on our local peace initiatives and good governance espoused by NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict) under the guidance of our chairman, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.,” it added.

The NTF-ELCAC, which was formed under former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2018, seeks to provide “an efficient mechanism and structure” that will implement a whole-of-nation approach in achieving “inclusive and sustainable peace.”

The NSC said the better ranking was a testament to the Philippine government’s “unrelenting resolve to address the root causes of insurgency.” It cited the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the creation of NTF-ELCAC, the “aggressive campaign” in preventing and countering violent extremism and the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

“While it may be true that the Philippines remains to date as the second ‘most impacted country’ by terrorism in Southeast Asia,

the 2022 GTI noted that the Philippines recorded its lowest level of terrorism since the inception of the GTI,” the council said.

According to the NSC, the Philippines previously languished in the top ten list of countries battered by terrorism, along with war-torn states like Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia.

“Such notoriety, according to the same reports, was due to the atrocities mostly committed by the communist terrorist group New People’s Army and armed groups affiliated with known international terrorist organizations,” the NSC said.

Citing GTI data, the NSC pointed out that from 2011 to 2020, the Philippines had hovered around the tenth spot in the index until it showed great improvements for the years 2021 (16th place) and 2022 (18th place).

The NSC said the Philippines’ ranking worsened between 2016 and 2017 when the country dropped from 12th place to 10th place, a development it attributed to “atrocious attacks” launched by communist rebels.

Despite the country’s better ranking, the NSC admitted that its work is “far from over.” n

Romualdez says PH-US ties...

aspects,” Romualdez said.

"It was a fruitful and engaging meeting, to say the very least, and I feel that we are reaching new heights and levels of understanding,” he added.

According to Romualdez, legislators from both sides agree that they would do necessary work that would ensure that each country benefits from the “dynamic relationship”.

“This solidifies the good working relationship between President Marcos and President Biden. Rest assured that legislators from both sides of the fence will follow through with the necessary work so that the benefits of this dynamic relationship would become more tangible tenfold,” he said.

“The majority leader [was] delighted to see the delegation.

The Philippine government under President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has reintegrated relations [with the] U.S. to provide stability, peace, and prosperity, especially in enhancing our capability for defense and stronger economic security,” he added.

Several lawmakers and officials including Scalise’s counterpart, Majority Floor Leader and Zamboanga City 2nd District

Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe, joined Romualdez in the meeting:

- Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr.

- Navotas City Rep. Tobias

Tiangco

- Agusan del Norte 1st District

Rep. Jose Aquino II

- Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel

Romualdez

- House Secretary General Reginald Velasco

- House Sergeant-at-Arms Napoleon Taas. Aside from Scalise and U.S. Rep. Young Kim (California-40)

whom the Philippine delegation met on Tuesday, Romualdez and the said officials also talked to U.S. Reps. Darrell Issa, Ami Bera, Mike Rogers, Christian Stewart, and Utah Attorney General Sean David Reyes who happens to be a Filipino American. According to Romualdez’s office, the Philippines has received substantial defense aid from the U.S., both in terms of training and the acquisition of defense equipment — which totaled around US$1.8 billion from 2002 to 2021.

Romualdez’s office also highlighted that the U.S. was an important ally, as evidenced by the strong economic partnership despite the crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“With our strong economy, we invited the U.S. to increase and expand its investments. Just recently I was with the economic team of President Marcos to help generate more investments during the 2023 World Bank Group-International Monetary Fund (WBG-IMF) Spring Meetings,” the Speaker said.

“Now the congressional delegation of the House leadership is engaging their counterparts in the U.S. Congress. We are working all out with our strong message to come to the Philippines and invest there,” he added.

This is not the first time that the Speaker said that the two countries are in for stronger ties under the Marcos administration. Last August 2022, Romualdez said during the visit of U.S. lawmakers that the long-standing relationship between the two nations is only growing stronger.

Romualdez also assured U.S. officials in October 2022 that the House will support bilateral cooperation, especially in the realm of health, security, and environment. g

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez Inquirer.net file photo

Rosario, ex-top diplomat who won...

Secretary,” Manalo said of his former boss. Del Rosario, the diplomat Del Rosario served as the secretary of foreign affairs beginning February 2011 before resigning in March 2016 due to health reasons. His term was supposed to end in June, the same time as Aquino’s.

The DFA described him as a “staunch advocate” of protecting Filipinos here and abroad. Under his term as foreign affairs chief, Del Rosario led the evacuation of Filipinos working in wartorn countries such as Libya and was also on the frontline of negotiations for the case of Mary Jane Veloso, an overseas Filipino worker who was put on death row in Indonesia after being caught smuggling heroin into the country.

The Philippines filed its case to invalidate China’s expansive

claims across the South China Sea at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2014. The court’s decision on the case was released months after Del Rosario’s resignation in May 2016.

Despite stepping down from the post, Del Rosario continued to actively engage in discussions on the West Philippine Sea. He also criticized the foreign policy thrust of President Rodrigo Duterte – whom Del Rosario said left a “shameful legacy” after Duterte “quickly shelved the Arbitral Award” in exchange for Chinese investments.

As the country’s envoy to the U.S, a position he held beginning 2001, del Rosario secured a $1.2 billion funding assistance to the Philippines along with other business opportunities such as investments into the country’s Business Process Outsourcing Industry, among others. He was reportedly recalled after

Fil-Am couple sheds light on hate incidents...

disagreements with Arroyo. Del Rosario, the businessman Del Rosario has a vast experience in the private sector. Stratbase ADR Institute notes that before he entered public service, Del Rosario was on the board of directors of “over 50 firms.”

Aside from his company Gotuaco, del Rosario Insurance Brokes, he was chairman of Stratbase and the Makati Foundation for Education. He also served as president of the Philippine Telecommunications Investment Corp.

He was MAP President in 2007, while he was also conferred the MAP Management Man of the Year in 2014.

Del Rosario graduated from New York University with a Bachelors Degree in Economics. He is survived by his wife, Gretchen de Venecia, and their five children. g

Group urges Biden to include issue of Filipino...

PAGE 1

spread discrimination, underemployment, poverty, domestic violence and sexual abuse, according to a 1999 study by a Pearl S. Buck foundation. Sadly, the United States Government short changed them. Fortunately, they have received sympathetic worldwide media attention,” the letter released by the Filipino Amerasians Reunification Coalition said.

The coalition asks for a humanitarian executive order “that would protect the rights and welfare of current and future Filipino Amerasian children and adults by including them in the US-PH EDCA Agreement terms of engagement. This would heal this festering wound between the Filipino and American People.”

The EDCA terms of engagement are being negotiated by Secretary of State Blinken and Defense Secretary Austin with their PH counterparts in 2+2 meetings in Washington. Earlier, they have agreed to increase the number of PH military-run joint bases to nine.

“Your Amerasian executive order will be timely in light of the 15,000 visiting US troops now in “Balikatan” training with Filipino soldiers. A surge of new Amerasian children can be expected in future years,” the letter states.

The coalition urged Biden to support Filipino Amerasian

Amerasians are abandoned children of American military fathers who served in the Philippines during the Cold War and the war in Vietnam. Photo courtesy of UPA

legislation in the US Senate and House (“Uniting Families Act of 2021” (H.R. 4522 in www. congress.gov) that wold reunite Amerasians with “their fathers and/or American siblings who have accepted financial responsibility for them since they have proven through their DNA to be the offspring of the American service member.”

The coalition also asks the Biden administration to “seriously promote democracy and protect human rights” with the government of President Marcos Jr. “Your reasonable increases of mutual defense funding, trade and economic incentives to the PH would assure peace in the West Philippine Sea and stability in the

Indo-Pacific region. We believe EDCA will protect the Filipino People’s sovereignty from outside aggression and intimidation,” the letter says.

The letter was signed by Loida Nicolas Lewis, National Chair (NY) U.S. Filipinos for Good Governance (FB.com/ USFGG) & convenor Filipino Amerasians Reunification Coalition; John Haines, USN Ret. (WI) and Chad Southard ,USMC Ret. (GA), Fathers of Filipino Amerasians (FAFA) founders; Angela Aquino, founder chair, EqualRightsforChildren.org (NY); Christopher Lapinig, Esq, FARC Legal Counsel (CA); Eric Lachica, coordinator USFGG & FARC (Washington DC). (Inquirer.net)

possible immigration-related repercussions.

“We have met actual people who have experienced the same fate but who remained mum. They thought it's just going to be a waste of time and the case will not prosper at all. Some of these people were ‘undocumented’ and they fear that coming out in the open and telling their ordeal will adversely affect their stay in the US. But we explained to them that [immigration] and police matters are totally different,” he added.

On February 1, while Arriola, who was wearing his press badge, and his wife Julienne were strolling and taking pictures at the Sacramento State Capitol, a 6-foot man believed to be in his 30s tried to grab Arriola's camera. When the couple struggled, the assailant kicked, punched and dragged them toward his getaway car. This incident reportedly happened in front of a crowd of witnesses.

“He didn’t hesitate. I was even wearing my press ID. He knew there were a lot of people taking videos and pictures of him. We knew it was not random. He had got his prying eyes on us before he decided to attack us,” Arriola recounted.

The suspect, identified as Keylen Xavier Lee Farley, was charged with three felony counts by the Sacramento District Attorney, according to reports. The counts include two for robbery of the second degree and aggravated assault and a third count for elder abuse.

Arriola said their case is not considered a hate crime since there were no racist slurs involved during the incident. Arriola, 63, suffered six broken ribs, head concussions, and abrasions all over his body while Julienne, 65, had knee and other bone injuries. Both were confined at the University of California Davis Medical Center for several days after the assault.

In the weeks following the assault, the Arriolas have actively been engaging themselves in the community and church groups to retell their story and let the public learn from their experience.

The assailant, who is now in jail, is awaiting a preliminary hearing on May 1.

"We can forgive him (the assailant) as God has told us offenders can change if given a chance, but we cannot let him get away with what he has done to us. We have the law. We have to let

the law do its work,” said Arriola.

For her part, Thelma Sugay, president of the Fil-Am Press Association of California said they recently learned that police are now investigating a "person of interest" as the driver of the getaway vehicle.

Sugay is also helping the Arriolas with their next plan of action. “According to Nikki, his plan is after he goes through with this, he could come up with a manual to serve as some sort of guide for [future] hate crime victims. He would try to learn the process and he would share all his knowledge and the pitfalls so it could be expedited for the next one,” she said.

“I think, this is a very noble (move on the part of Nikki). I think he does not want this incident that almost cost his life to be insignificant. He just wants to help people to go through or those who might be going through this process to learn how to deal with it and don’t be afraid,” said Sugay.

According to Nikki, they are also planning to hold a series of anti-hate forums and symposiums on this matter to help educate the public.

“We will never stop until we get justice. We’ve been badly hurt. We are still suffering up to now from our injuries. We’ve been traumatized. We thought that will be the end of us and we’ll just die there,” Arriola lamented.

“The wounds may heal but the trauma will still be there for God knows how long. Sometimes, I will just find myself crying. We cannot even go back to our normal jobs," Julienne said.

Since last month, Arriola had been in and out of the emergency room due to continued swelling and inflammation from his broken ribs. His wife, who had been diagnosed with osteoporosis, is still hurting and sometimes needs assistance when walking and standing up.

Since they migrated to the United States in 2001, caregiving has been the Arriolas' main source of income. However, they can barely cope with their daily finances since their injuries are preventing them from carrying out their normal work routines, which require heavy lifting and standing for long periods.

Despite the ordeal that they went through, the couple still believes in the goodness of society.

They credit the witnesses who were able to get the plate number of the getaway car and those who tried, in a way, to stand between Arriola and the assailant.

“I would like to thank all the people who’ve extended help and those who are helping us go through this situation. My fellow journalists both here and in the Philippines, my churchmates, the Fil-Am community, my family and I are very grateful for all your support,” Arriola said.

Fil-Am groups have created GoFundMe initiatives for the Arriolas. The fundraiser, organized by the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) member organizations, LA Kalusugan Collective (LAKAS) and the Filipino Migrant Center, can be found at http://tinyurl. com/helpthearriolas. The National Federation of Filipino American Associations Greater LA has also started a GoFundMe page at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ vf6zak-fight-for-justice-elderlyfilams-attacked.

"We implore you to join us in calling for justice. As an organization, NaFFAA GLA, we strongly condemn this brutal act of violence and demand that California Attorney General Rob Bonta investigate this crime as a potential Anti-Asian hate crime. We must hold the attackers accountable for their actions and ensure that justice is served," the organization wrote on the GoFundMe page. (Donnabelle Gatdula-Arevalo/AJPress)

Prior to being robbed and attacked, Southern California residents Nikki and Julienne were walking outside of the California state Capitol and posing for photos.

Dateline PhiliPPines

ICC counsel for victims joins move to reject Philippines’ appeal vs ‘drug war’ probe

by Kristine Joy Patag Philstar.com

MANILA — The International Criminal Court Office of the Public Counsel for Victims has joined ICC Prosecutor Kharim Khan in calling for the dismissal of the Philippines’ appeal against the tribunal’s probe into “war on drugs” killings in the Philippines.

Principal counsel for the victims

Paolina Massidda asked the Appeals Chamber to dismiss the Philippine government’s appeal and uphold the decision of the Pre-Trial Chamber to resume the investigation into the killings during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, and by the Davao Death Squad.

The counsel, in a submission dated April 18, told the Appeals Chamber that a reversal of the PTC Decision may "[jeopardize] the victims’ rights to truth, justice and reparations."

Massidda stressed that the issues raised in the appeal “affect the general interests of victims.”

"In fact, depending on their resolution, victims may be denied the opportunity to uncover

the truth, present their views and concerns throughout the proceedings, ensure that those responsible are held accountable, and ultimately claim reparation," the counsel continued.

Jurisdiction and cooperation

Massidda said the Philippine government, which has the burden of proof, failed to demonstrate that PTC committed any error of fact or law in the assailed decision.

The four grounds laid by the Philippine government in its appeal, centering on jurisdiction and the complementarity test, should also be dismissed, Massidda said as the PTC had already addressed these in its earlier decision.

Addressing the Philippines argument that the ICC may not exercise jurisdiction to a former State Party and is therefore not obligated to cooperate, the counsel asserted that this still “do not alter the fact that the Court retains jurisdiction over the present Situation, and as such are irrelevant.”

The Philippines had argued that the Court may not "indefinitely exercise its jurisdiction" to a

former State Party.

Massidda pointed out that article 70(1)(b) of the Vienna Convention held that the withdrawal of the State from Statute does not affect the Court’s jurisdiction.

The counsel stressed: "If a State’s acceptance of the Court’s jurisdiction was to be determined ‘at the point in the time in which said jurisdiction is triggered’, a State Party could easily evade its responsibilities by notifying its withdrawal as soon as the Court turns its attention to crimes committed."

In the Philippines’ case, the withdrawal announcement was made a month after former ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda announced the opening of a preliminary examination. It took effect in March 2019, although the coverage of the ICC prosecutor’s investigation is from 2011 to March 2019, including deaths in Davao in the investigation.

"For the foregoing reasons, Counsel respectfully requests the Appeals Chamber to dismiss the Appeal in its entirety and confirm the Impugned Decision," Massidda added. g

186 groups write to ask for Mary Jane Veloso’s release for Women

by Kaycee Valmonte Philstar.com

MANILA — Celia Veloso, mother of detained Filipino Mary Jane Veloso, is asking Indonsia's Minister of Women and Empowerment and Child Protection Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati to finally free her daughter after over a decade of detention. Nearly 200 organizations from the Philippines and abroad penned a separate request to free Veloso. The request comes ahead of Indonesia’s Women Emancipation Day on April 21.

"As a mother, it is very painful for me to see my daughter in jail when she did nothing wrong," her mother wrote. "My daughter has suffered for a wrong she has not committed."

Veloso has been behind bars for over a decade now but hopes for her release sparked after Indonesian President Joko Widodo granted clemency to a woman on death row for similar drug smuggling charges.

"We vow to never stop until Mary Jane is free and reunited with her family. She and her family have already suffered so much," Joanna Concepcion, chairperson of Migrante International, said in a statement on Thursday, April 20.

"We appeal to the Indonesian Women’s Minister to give attention to the pleas from the global

Emancipation Day

community calling for clemency and Mary Jane’s immediate freedom"

The open letter was signed by the Good Shepherd Sisters, Institute for Interfaith Dialogue in Indonesia, International Migrants Alliance, the Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women, among others. It was made available in English and Bahasa Indonesia.

13 years in jail

Veloso was arrested in 2010 after officials caught her smuggling heroin sewn into the lining of her luggage upon her arrival in Yogyakarta at the Adisucipto International Airport. She was sentenced to death by firing squad months after her imprisonment.

In April 2015, former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III personally appealed to the Indonesian government to grant Veloso clemency after her recruiters — those who tricked her into smuggling illegal drugs –already surrendered.

"Women human trafficking victims like Mary Jane should be protected," the letter from the groups read. "While the real perpetrators of serious crimes such as illegal recruitment and human trafficking… should be prosecuted and convicted."

But it has been eight years since her reprieve and Veloso is now spending her 13th year in jail.

New mobile plan puts Cox Customers in charge

It’s been 50 years since the first mobile phone was presented to the public.

At 4.4 pounds, it was too chunky to fit in your back pocket, making it an unrealistic accessory. Today, however, it’s not the phones that weigh us down. It’s the mobile plans — riddled with annual fees, contracts and overages — that drag you down like an anchor weight.

That is, until now. Cox Communications has separated from the flock with Cox Mobile, its new mobile service available exclusively to Cox Internet customers and designed with your differences and individual needs in mind.

Cox customers are savvy consumers and now they don’t need to do any more plan hopping when it comes to their mobile service. Cox Mobile makes it simple for customers to choose which plan is right for them with two plans.

• Pay As You Gig — At $15 per gig per month, Pay As You Gig is tailored to your individual needs.

With all the reliability and none of the surprise charges, you only pay for the data you need each month.

OR

• Gig Unlimited —

Perfect for constant communicators, streaming or using your favorite apps when you’re on the go, Gig Unlimited lets you do whatever you want, whenever you want. At $45

per month, this plan can take you and your family on all kinds of adventures. Both no-fuss, straightforward plans meet the needs of our customers who can easily switch back and forth between either option if and when your data needs change.

Cox Mobile runs on the network with unbeatable 5G reliability. That means 4G LTE speeds you can count on and fast 5G available for 5G-capable devices. And there’s more good news from Cox Mobile.

The most advanced iPhone models yet are officially available for Cox Mobile customers.

“We’re excited to offer our customers the iPhone 14 lineup with incredible battery life, fast 5G, and vital safety capabilities,” said Tony Krueck, senior vice president of Cox Mobile. “We’re thrilled

to bring the latest iPhone to Cox Mobile customers, along with our 5G wireless coverage, providing options that meet our customers’ needs and lifestyle.”

Cox Mobile customers have access to more than 4 million Cox wifi hotspots, helping you cut down even more on data usage, because you’re tapping the network, instead of your own plan. Can you hear the bells and whistles?

Cox has five retail stores in Southern Nevada where customers can learn about Cox Mobile. Las Vegas locations include: 4072 Blue Diamond Road; 7930 W. Tropical Pkwy, Suite 160; 9240 W. Sahara Avenue #110; 750 N. Rancho Drive and 545 Marks Street, Suite 101, in Henderson. For more details on pricing and data plans, please visit www.cox.com/mobile

The latest attempt to ask the Indonesian government for executive clemency was made during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s state visit there last year.

A mother's call for help

Prior to the Philippine delegation’s flight to Indonesia in September last year, parents of Veloso personally handed a letter to the Department of Migrant Workers hoping that Marcos Jr. would ask Widodo for executive clemency on their daughter’s behalf.

The government did not announce that it would ask for clemency, with Department of Foreign Affairs Spokesman Amb. Ma. Teresita Daza said then that “we might preempt the discussions that will happen during his visit to Indonesia.”

The open letter cited the old age of Veloso’s parents, who have since developed health problems. Groups said her parents "are constantly fearful of not living long enough" to see her home.

"[When] her life was spared from execution, we had a little bit of hope but once again the hearing of her case has stalled," Celia Veloso wrote.

"I hope Mary Jane will be granted clemency because my daughter has experienced and endured a lot of hardships." g

MARATHON HEARINGS. Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa comforts Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo on Wednesday, April 19 after three days of marathon hearings on the killing of her husband, Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. During the Senate hearing, dela Rosa assured the public that his committee would not be influenced by any propaganda presented by individuals or groups related to the unsolved killings in Negros Oriental.

photo by Avito Dalan

Migrante International Chairperson Joanna Concepcion and detained overseas Filipino worker’s father Cesar Veloso present a letter of appeal on September 2, 2022 urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ask Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo to grant Mary Jane executive clemency on humanitarian grounds. Philstar.com photo

A worthwhile campaign vs malnutrition, child stunting

THE Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has just launched a campaign against malnutrition and child stunting in the country through initiatives that will complement the government’s Philippine Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Project.

This comes after a study by the World Bank showed that the country has one of the worst cases of child stunting in the world. The Philippines ranked fifth with the highest stunting prevalence among countries in the East Asia and Pacific Region. It is also among the top 10 worst countries in the world. In last week's editorial, we traced malnutrition as one of the causes why Filipino elementary-school students got very low marks in science, mathematics and English proficiency in Southeast Asia.

Editorial

According to the World Health Organization, stunting is a growth and development impairment of children resulting from poor nutrition, repeated infection and inadequate psychosocial stimulation.

According to MAP President and BDB Law founding partner Benedicta Du-Baladad, the group's presence in the food, retail, health care, education and logistics industries, as well as other sectors, would help leapfrog progress in resolving malnutrition through sustainable and effective interventions and actions.

Rightly so; the MAP will broaden its role beyond fund generation and philanthropy to a shared responsibility in addressing malnutrition in the country. Henceforth, it will actively participate in the programming and governance of nutrition strategies and interventions, using the much-vaunted project management skills of its members.

Dr. Cielito Habito, governor in charge for the MAP Cluster on Resilience and Recovery, said MAP's

Babe’s Eye View BABE

THE Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) we hosted at the Fairmont Hotel in Washington, DC was extremely successful and attended by close to 170 top business executives from various American companies and organizations.

Our team of economic managers led by Finance

Secretary Ben Diokno, Bangko

Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)

Secretary Arsenio Balisacan gave their presentations during the PEB that was held on the sidelines of the seven-day International Monetary FundWorld Bank (IMF-WB) Annual Spring Meetings in Washington.

Joining the economic team managers during the briefing were Foreign Affairs Secretary Ricky Manalo, Information and Communications Technology

Secretary Ivan Uy, Congressman Mujiv Hataman of Basilan, GSIS president and general manager

Horizons

RICHARD HEYDARIAN

WHEN Pulse Asia released its latest approval rating for our top political leaders based on interviews with 1,200 randomly selected respondents across the country between March 15 and 19, the partisan reaction was excruciatingly predictable.

On one hand, impresarios and diehard supporters of the House of Duterte and House of Marcos were ecstatic. Their leaders’ apparent popularity, per the survey, was taken as an unquestionable reaffirmation of their unshakable belief in the magical powers of their patrons.

Meanwhile, some supporters of the opposition reverted to a familiar playbook: shooting the messenger! Per tradition, “False Asia” began to trend anew on Twitter, the one social media

diverse ecosystem would muster the strength of the private sector to mobilize and help the government achieve its nutrition's objectives. He said child stunting is a "major threat" to the country's future.

If the problem is not addressed in an urgent and decisive manner, we will be placing our country's future in the hands of stunted children who will become adults with limited capacities to be productive, competitive and creative.

Its exponential effect on national development and progress will be calamitous.

The MAP will collaborate with the Department of Health, National Nutrition Council, and Department of Social Welfare and Development. It will also ask the government to declare stunting as a priority national agenda. Beyond words, concrete actions should be cascaded to the community level. This would allow the local government units to allocate funds for feeding programs with emphasis on maternal nutrition, babies and toddlers. Vegetable farms in the communities and vegetable gardens in the elementary schools should be encouraged again. According to the Global Nutrition Institute, schools and educators have a role to play in reducing malnutrition around the world. They can do these through various ways.

First, girls' participation in schooling can be improved. Girls' schooling can reduce adolescent pregnancy — a risk factor for small birth size — as well as raise the age of marriage and reduce total

fertility. Clearly, in the long run what girls learn in school is even more important. This is not just basic literacy and numeracy, but also information on health and nutrition.

Second, the school can serve as a platform for nutrition education and other nutrition-related services. There is evidence on school-based modules for nutrition education, particularly in encouraging healthy eating and promoting exercise to curb obesity. Hygiene and handwashing should also be encouraged, well as the teaching of modules addressing risky activities linked to adolescent pregnancies.

Third, make school meals a nutrition intervention and use school feeding as a potential support to agricultural development. In addition to its nutrition,

education and social protection objectives, school feeding is increasingly asked to support agricultural development through homegrown school feeding programs. Adding a new objective increases the trade-offs that must be considered. In the case of homegrown school feeding, decentralization makes fortification — one means by which school meals can reduce micronutrient deficiencies — more challenging, but not impossible. Over time, however, homegrown school feeding may improve dietary diversity and increase food security among low-income producers. These are doable and concrete measures that the schools can do and that the MAP should encourage. The future of a stunted Filipino nation is difficult to contemplate. (ManilaTimes.net)

Philippine economy on an upward trajectory

Wick Veloso and SSS president and CEO Rolando Macasaet.

We have had numerous economic briefings in Washington in the past, but I must say that the one we held last Wednesday, April 12 was the best I have ever seen in all my years, as the presentations highlighted the Philippine economy to be dynamic, as well as responsive and adaptive to challenges and opportunities.

There is no doubt that our security alliance with the U.S. played a key role, but it is clear that ensuring economic security is equally critical in order to build a resilient and inclusive economy that will strengthen both the Philippines and the United States. Solidifying our alliance through more trade and investments can increase commerce, empower our people and ensure a peaceful, secure and prosperous environment for all of us.

In his presentation, Secretary Diokno emphasized that infrastructure spending is front and center of the Philippines’ growth strategy, with the government committed to reverse the under-investment in infrastructure that has been going on for more than a decade, averaging at only two percent of

gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

This focus on infrastructure spending was echoed by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who disclosed that the Philippines is determined to maintain infrastructure spending at 5-6 percent of GDP in the medium term, knowing full well that infrastructure is “the backbone of the economy.”

American investors were also pleased to know that the bulk of the administration’s infrastructure budget is aimed at improving physical connectivity throughout the Philippines through the construction of accessible road networks, railways, buildings and flood control infrastructure, among many others.

Improving the country’s digital infrastructure was also a priority as this will help ensure that the Philippines continues to be a viable investment destination, with P24.13 billion or $434.3 million allocated to accelerate the country’s digital transformation, Secretary Pangandaman disclosed.

Secretary Diokno also bared that the “economic liberalization measures that the Philippine government has enacted in recent

years have opened up key highgrowth sectors to international participation,” outlining the reforms such as the amendments to the Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), Foreign Investments Act (FIA) and the Public Service Act (PSA) that relaxed foreign restrictions on investments in the Philippines. “Companies engaged in solar, wind, hydro and tidal energy are also welcome to invest in the Philippines’ renewable energy sector now that it has been opened up to full foreign ownership,” Secretary Diokno told the businessmen present. As I explained to the attendees, our economic managers, in partnership with the legislature, the private sector and other stakeholders, are making changes to improve infrastructure and establish game-changing measures that will facilitate not only more economic activities for the Philippine business sector but also more foreign investments. But what struck me most during the briefing were the extemporaneous remarks of Ndiamé Diop, the World Bank’s Country Director for the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei. In my experience as a news reporter, I know for a

fact that when a person speaks extemporaneously, it means that he has real knowledge on what he is talking about, compared to someone who totally reads from his prepared remarks.

Mr. Diop noted the Philippines’ “remarkable growth story” and how it rebounded very strongly from the COVID-19 pandemic with 7.6 percent growth. He agreed with the interconnected structural reforms mentioned by Secretary Diokno, adding that “prudent macro-fiscal and macro financial management” is also behind the resilience of the country’s growth and macro stability.

The country’s push for infrastructure could really accelerate the transformation of the Philippine economy in the next decade. Recalling a World Bank analysis almost a decade earlier showing that productivity loss due to lack of infrastructure was around $54 million every day or about $80 billion a year, lifting the infrastructure spending to 5 percent is therefore a “game changer,” the WB executive said. He also noted that the investment regime of the Philippines has for a long time been “one of the most restrictive in the region,” but what the

government has been doing over the last few years to open up these infrastructure services to foreign direct investment and all types of investment is “very significant.”

We are the fastest growing economy right now in our part of the world, a fact affirmed by many, including the IMF that expects the Philippines to record the fastest economic growth in Asia. Having ended 2022 with the fastest growth in the last 40 years, things are really looking good, especially with the recently concluded 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue that has made American investors feel more reassured due to the strengthened relations between the Philippines and the U.S. As I told the briefing attendees, investing in the Philippines is both a smart and strategic economic decision. By supporting the growth and development of our country, they are contributing to the stability and prosperity of the region. (Philstar.com) * * *

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

Explaining the popularity of Duterte and Marcos

platform that is not dominated by far-right influencers, who tend to be wit-shy. A familiar coterie of intellectual charlatans leaned on their art of nitpicking to expose supposed flaws in either the survey design or the very integrity of the polling agency.

Right off the bat, let me make this crystal clear, dear readers: Both sides are wrong.

To begin with, baselessly questioning the integrity of authoritative survey agencies such as Pulse Asia, which is led and staffed by folks of utmost professionalism, is deeply unethical. Mind you, mindless attacks on credible institutions—in favor of dodgy “analytics”—constitutes its own form of disinformation.

To understand the apparent popularity of President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, there are three data sets and factors to keep in mind. First of all, a cursory look at the Social

Weather Stations’ surveys in the post-dictatorship shows that all Filipino presidents, with the notable exception of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, had extremely high net satisfaction ratings in their first year in office. In fact, the late President Fidel Ramos, arguably our most competent by our admittedly humble standards, started at close to +70 net satisfaction rating.

Second, the popularity of both House of Marcos and House of Duterte reflects a more fundamental structural reality, namely widespread dissatisfaction with our broken democratic institutions, which failed to uplift the vast number of Filipino people out of destitution three decades after the fall of a kleptocratic dictatorship.

After all, how on earth can we call ours a democratic system when up to 90 percent of legislative offices are dominated by political

dynasties, while 40 richest families have been gobbling up the bulk of newly created growth in recent memory? Not even Latin American nations have such a comprehensive oligarchic system! Mind you: the concentration of power in the hands of dynasties was even exacerbated during reformist presidencies, with close to 80 percent of congressional seats in the hands of few families by the mid-2010s.

No wonder then, all reputable global surveys show that only a minority of Filipinos are fully committed to liberal democratic politics. To put things into perspective: A 2017 Pew Research Center survey, confirming an earlier World Values Survey in the early2010s, showed that more than eight out of 10 Filipinos were either supportive of or open to an authoritarian system.

In 2020, another Pew Survey showed that almost half of

Filipino respondents said “most elected officials do not care” about the welfare of ordinary citizens.

The political scientist Adele Webb described this phenomenon as “democratic ambivalence.” I described it earlier as nothing less than “democracy fatigue,” even if we never truly had a democracy. In short, our oligarchs gave a bad name to democracy.

And this brings us to the third factor: The return of what German sociologist Max Weber described as “charismatic” leadership, namely political figures who are, in the eyes of their diehard supporters, “endowed with supernatural, superhuman, or at least specifically exceptional powers or qualities.” By all accounts, both Mr. Marcos and Duterte are primarily charismatic leaders, thus beneficiaries of what can be best described as “asymmetrical accountability”:

When things go wrong, it’s always the fault of their underlings or institutions under their watch, but when things go right, the credit goes to the charismatic leader. The concept of command responsibility is nonexistent. It’s all about faith in political will.

This partly explains why our top two leaders enjoy extremely high approval ratings even if all reputable surveys show low confidence in either the presidential Cabinet or, more specifically, the Department of Education, which is run by the Vice President. In Philippine politics, subjective charisma trumps objective competence. (Inquirer.net)

* *

*

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.

* * * rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph

New York/New Jersey, Las Vegas, San Diego. Philippines

Full recovery of int’l air travel likely by Q1 2024

MANILA – An official of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) on Thursday, April 20 said international air travel would likely fully recover and reach the pre-pandemic levels by the first quarter of 2024.

CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla, in a public briefing, said domestic travel has recovered, and that he is hoping that international air travel could catch up by the first quarter of next year.

Arcilla said the country had 8 million international tourists prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

"In 2022, we had 2.5 or 2.7 million which was beyond our

expectations,” he said. In coordination with different government agencies, Arcilla said the country has been promoting Cebu and Clark, and has been urging airline companies to fly to local destinations with good airports and tourist destinations.

"Innovative airports are attractive to both the airlines and passengers. That is one of the keys to further boost domestic air travel," Arcilla said. He added that the public should not hesitate to travel whether internationally or locally as this would increase consumer spending, thereby generating

more jobs.

He also encouraged travelers to reach out to CAB's help desks located in airports should they have concerns.

Aside from help desks, Arcilla said the CAB has "very intense" information drive to make the public aware of their rights.

Hotlines and the CAB webpage can also be reached out, while the CAB's call center is ready to attend to the passengers during peak hours, he added.

"Book your flights and go to the airport early. You also need to be sure of the details of your online booking," he advised. (PNA)

7% of Filipinos currently looking for work abroad

MANILA – The Social Weather Stations (SWS) on Thursday, April 20 released the results of its recent survey showing that 7 percent of adult Filipinos are currently looking for work abroad.

The poll, conducted from December 10 to 14 last year, also found that nearly 2 out of 10 adult Filipinos, or about 17 percent, aspire to live abroad.

The SWS noted that Canada

- SWS

(16 percent) is picked by the respondents as the top country for work abroad, followed by Saudi Arabia (12 percent), Kuwait (9 percent), United Arab Emirates (9 percent), Japan (7 percent), Qatar (6 percent), and United States of America (6 percent).

The survey also showed that 7 percent of Filipino households have a family member working overseas. It said 75 percent of the

households with an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) currently abroad claimed they would "often" receive money from their OFW family members, 17 percent said they "sometimes" receive money, 5 percent said "seldom", and 3 percent said they "never" received remittances.

The poll interviewed 1,200 Filipino adults nationwide with a margin of error of ± 2.8 percent. (PNA)

DICT not likely to extend SIM registration deadline

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Wednesday, April 19 urged the public to register their subscriber identification module (SIM) card as it is not likely to extend the registration deadline on April 26.

In a statement, the DICT said it "received and acknowledged" the request of Public Telecommunication Entities (PTEs) to extend the SIM registration period pursuant to Republic Act 11934 or the "SIM Registration Act."

"However, at this point, there is no extension of SIM registration.

With the 26 April 2023 registration deadline drawing near, we encourage everyone to register to promote the responsible use of SIMs and provide law enforcement agencies the necessary tools to crack down on perpetrators who use SIMs for their crimes, consistent with the declared policy of the law," the DICT said.

Globe Telecoms, Smart Communications and DITO Telecommunity earlier asked the government to extend the deadline saying the registration campaign has not been successful.

They said the number of

of

Busy day

19,

registrants has not even reached half of the target.

National Telecommunication Commission (NTC) Deputy Commissioner Jon Paulo Salvahan said only 43.4percent or 73 million of 168.9 million subscribers nationwide have registered.

Failure to register will lead to the deactivation of the SIM card.

"Non-registration will result in the deactivation of their SIMs and eSIMs, barring them from receiving and sending calls and text messages and accessing mobile

Remulla backs prosecutors’ move to reopen De Lima’s trial

MANILA – Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday, April 20 defended the prosecutors’ motion asking the Muntinlupa court to reopen the proceedings against former senator Leila de Lima even after the parties had earlier agreed to submit the case for decision.

Speaking to newsmen, Remulla said the prosecution should be allowed to provide rebuttal evidence in connection with the testimony of former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Deputy Director Rafael Ragos who has recanted his testimony against the former senator.

the Muntinlupa court trying her for narcotics-related charges to turn down the motion of prosecutors for the reopening of the trial against her.

In a five page motion, De Lima's defense counsels, led by Teddy Esteban Rigoroso, urged the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 to deny the government prosecution panel's motion for reconsideration to reopen the trial against the embattled former lawmaker.

on

applications and digital wallets," the DICT said.

It added that the SIM Registration Act gives primacy on the fundamental rights of Filipinos and is replete with safeguards to ensure the confidentiality and security of users' data.

"The DICT is one with PTEs in ensuring that Filipinos can enjoy safe and secure mobile phone services through the holistic implementation of the SIM Registration Act," it added. (ManilaTimes.net)

“Nung tinerminate nung judge ‘yung kaso katatapos lang kasi ng retraction ni Mr. Ragos. Kaya entitled dapat ang prosecution i-rebut ito. E hindi nangyari kaya ‘yan po ang hiningi ng prosecution (When the case was terminated by the judge, the retraction by Mr. Ragos had just happened. The prosecutors are entitled to rebut it , that did not happen so the prosecution sought the reopening of the trial),” Remulla said.

“Habang wala pa kasing decision, that motion is considered a good motion (While there is no decision on the case, that motion to reopen the trial is considered a good motion),” he added.

De Lima’s lawyers are asking

The parties both agreed last April 17 to terminate the proceedings and to submit the case for decision. The Department of Justice, however, subsequently sought a reopening of the proceedings to allow the testimony of Public Attorney Office lawyer Demiteer Huerta as rebuttal evidence.

Huerta had been the lawyer of Ragos who had recanted his earlier testimony against De Lima in connection with an alleged racket for her to supposedly collect "hush" money from incarcerated drug lords at the National Bilibid Prison (NBP) to bankroll her senatorial campaign when she was still secretary of justice.

"Ultimately, the move (by the prosecution) to re-open the case at bar fails to present and manifest

injustice sought to be avoided," the defense panel said. "Simply put, these criminal proceedings cannot be held hostage by the lack of diligence of the prosecution which had six years prosecuting the same. The reopening of a criminal case earlier declared to be terminated cannot be done whimsically, capriciously and/or unreasonably. Neither can it be made dependent on the ever-changing moods of the (prosecution) panel," the defense added. (PNA)

Personnel

the Inter-agency Response Center answers inquiries

Wednesday, April

regarding SIM card registration days before the registration deadline. Telecom companies asked the government to extend the April 26 deadline. ManilaTimes.net photo by John Orven Verdote

Former Senator Leila De Lima attends a hearing at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court last February 27 after filing another motion for bail. Philstar.com photo

VEGAS&STYLE

Loida Nicolas Lewis spills the tea in her book ‘Why Should Guys Have All the Fun’

by MoMaR G. Visaya / AJPress

LOIDA Nicolas Lewis made some revelations in her memoir ‘Why Should Guys Have All the Fun’ and in an intimate chit-chat with some local media in New York, she teased and spilled a few stories she has not shared in public before.

A multi-hyphenate in the Filipino American community, Lewis is a philanthropist, community leader, activist, shoulder-to-cryon for some, and to most, she is Tita Loida.

She recently hosted a small gathering in her Fifth Avenue residence overlooking the Jackie Onassis Reservoir in Central Park to promote her new book, which is both a prequel and a sequel to her late husband’s book titled ‘Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun’ Loida talked about how she met Reginald F. Lewis – who would eventually become the first African American billionaire – through a blind date. This was back in 1968 when Loida was in New York as a part of her father’s gift when she graduated in law from the University of the Philippines.

“When I met him, I knew he was unlike anyone else I had ever met,” Loida said.

The

“He replied, ‘Small.’ Sumagot! So I asked ‘Where do you think we should have it? He said, ‘NYU, they have a small chapel there’. Then he understood what just happened and said, ‘I have a headache!’,” she shared laughing.

“Why Should Guys Have All the Fun?: An Asian American Story of Love, Marriage, Motherhood, and Running a Billion-Dollar Empire” is about 80-year-old Loida’s journey so far.

“I insisted on putting Asian American on the title,” she explained. “With the current rise in Asian hate, it was important to showcase that we are just like everyone else, with our own ups and downs, successes and failures so that should be there, front and center”

Loida revealed that she set a goal to write her book before she turned 75, inspired by Katharine Graham who successfully led the Washington Post after her husband’s sudden death.

“As I approached 80, I knew I had to start working on it. By the time I turned 80, I had found a co-writer, Blair Walker, who helped me finish it.,” she shared. Coping with Grief Reginald Lewis passed away at the age of 50 after a brief illness. His untimely death left Loida in profound grief.

Loida was disoriented and emotionally inconsolable. “I was totally discombobulated, my mind was not working,” she revealed. She found solace in music but would often cry. After six months, she noticed that the curtains in their bedroom were up, and she felt that it was a sign that she should pick up the pieces and move on.

Reginald’s brother Jean Fugett became chair and CEO but it

When to stop using social media as a sounding board

by Ronnie CaRRasCo ManilaTimes.net

IS Pokwang bitter about what befell her six-year relationship with Lee O'Brian, father of her beautiful daughter Malia? My apologies to the comedienne but this writer has every reason to believe so.

It's been a year and a half since Pokwang and Lee broke up. Their falling out was kept hush-hush from the public. The only telling sign that they got separated was when the comedienne renamed her bottled food business, dropping Lee's name.

Despite cajoling that she step forward to clarify the issue, Pokwang wouldn't spill the beans. All she shared with the public was that she had to put an end to their relationship.

Pokwang even brushed aside speculations that Lee was the parasitetype of a partner who largely depended on her. On the contrary, Pokwang stressed, Lee was a responsible partner even describing him as "napakabait."

The public took her word for it, not knowing that Pokwang was actually lying through her teeth. It took a social media post by Pokwang to finally give the public a hint about the kind of partner Lee was.

Pokwang welcomed the start of 2023 by announcing she was back to being single and was ready to get into another relationship.

The operative line in her post carried an important non-negotiable: "Bawal ang mangga!" In short, her "come-and-get-me" invitation was off limits to "manggagamit" or users.

Apparently, Pokwang had no one else in mind but Lee who fits the mold to a T.

It was from there where Pokwang had begun to open a can of worms, particularly about the kind of lover that Lee was.

She disclosed that Lee had actually never wanted her to get pregnant. But Pokwang proceeded with her pregnancy, Malia was born. It may be said that Pokwang was not smart enough to discern that raising a child by Lee would result in problems bigger than she could ever imagine.

True enough, Pokwang was the one who spent on her pre-natal consultations and provided for Malia's needs when born.

Pokwang then accused Lee of shirking on his paternal duties.

While Lee could be faulted for his lack of responsibility, Pokwang could not discount the fact that she had seen all this coming.

If so, why did she still choose to live with Lee? Didn't all her attempts to even seek a dialogue with Lee prove futile? Was it not enough reason to decide on a separation at an earlier time?

As far as Pokwang was concerned, she was hoping Lee would change. Too bad, it never came.

More determined to get even, Pokwang has been using the social media as her sounding board. She's earnestly making an appeal to employers out there — specifically TV and film producers — never to engage the acting services of Lee.

Pokwang reasons out: "Gagastusin lang niya 'yung kinikita niya sa babae niya (He will just spend his earnings on his girlfriend)."

By the way, Lee's having a newfound love makes Pokwang see red even more. Add to the fact that Pokwang found out that Lee was telling his girlfriend how bad the comedienne is.

In retaliation, Pokwang called them "idiots."

The latest angle to this Pokwang's never-ending anti-Lee stance is that she would only be able to achieve peace of mind if Lee left and returned to the States. At the same time, Pokwang is pulling off a move to change Malia's name to Subong, hence her recent meet-up with a public interest lawyer.

Little is known about Lee's status of stay in the country. But if has been on Philippine soil since Malia was born four years ago, I would surmise that his stay is without any legal impediment.

And barring all legal hitches, then Lee can work here. Or be an actor here except that his lingual handicap might work to his disadvantage.

The least that Pokwang can make happen, using all her might, is to address her appeal to her home network. For sure, GMA would budge out of its loyalty to her. But would other TV stations do the same?

That being said, it's probably best for Pokwang to take a much-

reached a point where the business had to search for a new CEO. The company spent a fortune to find their new leader but they couldn’t find the right match.

She decided to prioritize a few things: being a mother and father to her two daughters, Leslie and Christina; finishing her husband’s book, and ensuring the success of the company that Reginald built by taking over the company and taking the role of CEO.

Reginald’s unexpected passing prevented him from completing his book. Loida approached Blair Walker and asked him to co-authored the book with Reginald. It was an obvious choice to ask Blair to collaborate again three decades later on the companion book.

Taking the reins of the company was an entirely different thing.

To prepare herself, Loida sought the help of a speech coach and learned to dress and act like a CEO. She also learned to approach people differently and

tailor her approach to suit their individualities.

“Before I became CEO, my Filipino accent was so thick so we hired a speech coach and I had to work on my pronunciation for words like this, that, and there,” Loida recalled, adding that she had to practice delivering speeches before the board of directors.

At the gathering, she regaled the guests with anecdotes and stories that helped her to grow and become the person she is today. Like her book, her stories focused on various themes such as leadership, communication, and the importance of seeking help when needed.

The book is both an embodiment and a reflection on Loida’s resilience and ability to overcome challenges, both personal and professional. Her determination to take care of her family and the company despite the difficult circumstances is one for the books.

it's not

Mrs. Lewis with Blair Walker, who co-authored the book with Reginald. She asked him to collaborate again three decades later on the companion book, Why Should Guys Have All the Fun.

Photos by Troi Santos

Mrs. Lewis and her niece Lora Nicolas Olaes at an intimate gathering with local media and members of the Asian American Journalists Association. AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

Loida Nicolas Lewis with activist Marni Halasa

ABC reporter Nina Pineda moderated the panel discussion with Mrs. Lewis and Mr. Walker who talked about their book.

Photo by Troi Santos

Mrs. Lewis signing a copy of her book

two lawyers fell in love, and after one dinner, they strolled back to her hotel. She popped the

question, “Darling, do you want a big or a small wedding?’.

Pokwang

Photo from Instagram/@itspokwang27

Dingdong, Jessa on daughter Jayda: ‘She’s proving to be her own person’

by CharMie Joy Pagulong Philstar.com

ORIGINAL Pilipino Music

(OPM) hitmakers and celebrity couple Dingdong Avanzado and Jessa Zaragoza had already seen their daughter Jayda’s knack for music and acting even at an early age.

So they were not surprised when Jayda decided to join showbiz and that she is now part of Kapamilya’s roster of talents.

“We expected that but we didn’t force her,” Dingdong told The STAR in a brief chat during the screening event of Teen Clash held at Trinoma Mall Cinema. Jayda is the lead star of the romcom teen series, produced by iWantTFC and Black Sheep, and opposite Aljon Mendoza.

“Early on, we know Jayda was very musical. We also noticed that she loves to act because she writes stories… She also learned how to write songs. Her focus was really music but I knew deep down inside, pwede talaga siya in the world of show business,” continued Dingdong.

“She could also act and she had proven it,” added the singer.

“I saw it when she was young. I said, of course, (a) little rough around the edges, but her dedication (is there.)”

He also described Jayda as a “very intelligent actress.” “She still has a lot to learn but right now, the way I’m seeing it, magandang experience ‘to for her. And she’s with ABS-CBN, so that’s very good.”

As parents, Dingdong and Jessa said they are trusting their unica hija with her career decisions.

The latter said, “We are just here to guide and support her if we are needed to. We have been in the industry for quite some time. We have wisdom na pwedeng mashare sa kanya. But when it comes to decisions and everything, it’s all up to her.”

Dingdong likewise stressed that they “instill discipline as parents.”

He said, “Hindi pwedeng lahat na lang ng gusto niya mangyayari. Sometimes, you have to work at it, hindi naman pwede lahat ibigay mo. It’s like you have to earn it.”

“We can see that she wants to have her own. Hindi yung because anak siya namin or something. That’s very important to her. That she is proving herself to be her own person. And even

her music, even if you listen to her music, it’s not her mom’s music, or my music. She has her own identity,” he said of their 19-yearold daughter.

Dingdong shared that they taught Jayda at a young age to be “authentic and true to herself.” And that’s what they are hoping for Jayda’s journey in the industry. “You will see that unfold. Yung artistry ni Jayda. Kasi she has so much to share for everybody and I hope that people will appreciate her for her music and who she is (as an artist.)”

The pair’s advice to Jayda in terms of her music career is to “love your craft and enjoy it” and “always trust God’s plan and will.”

When it comes to love, their constant reminder is to “not rush things.”

“There are responsibilities and consequences attached to those things,” said Dingdong. “But love is a beautiful thing when it happens, especially with the right person and at the right time. So, we just let her grow.”

“Of course, at the end of the day, tao pa rin naman si Jayda. She’s a girl who just wants to experience life and enjoy life. And that’s what we tell her, ‘Don’t rush into things.’ She has a good head on her shoulders. So, I think Jayda knows that and she knows her priorities so kung mangyayari, it will happen eventually.”

Moreover, Dingdong and Jessa were also proud of Jayda’s acting debut in Teen Clash and noted her onscreen chemistry with Aljon.

Now on its fifth episode, Teen Clash streams every Friday on the

Maja afraid but excited to marry Rambo

by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

MAJA Salvador's closest friend in showbiz recently hosted a bachelorette party for her before Maja marries her fiancé Rambo Nuñez.

In her Instagram account, Maja posted videos of the party with celebrities such as Kathryn Bernardo, Miles Ocampo, Kakai Bautista, Pooh, Maine Mendoza, Precious Lara Quigaman and Alora Sasam.

“Papunta na ako sa new chapter ng buhay ko. I am scared pero 'yun nga yata 'yung kagandahan, kapag may takot,” Maja said in front of her friends.

Maja, however, said that she's excited for the new chapter of her life.

iWantTFC app (iOs and Android) and website (iwanttfc.com). It was based on Ilyn Anne Danganan’s hit Wattpad story.

The series follows the journey of Zoe (Jayda), an aspiring musician who gives her all to join a band competition to fulfill her dream of going on tour with her idol and crush, Jude (Markus Patterson). Aljon plays Ice, a songwriter and Zoe’s potential lover, who will later attempt to help her overcome her struggles as a musician.

Teen Clash is helmed by Gino Santos and also stars Andrea Abaya (Mandy), Bianca de Vera (Yannie), Zach Castañeda (Xander), Gail Banawis (Ayumi), Ralph Malibunas (Ken), Fana (Sab), Kobie Brown (Josh) and Luke Alford (Lloyd). “Bagay silang onscreen partner. Ganda ng chemistry nila. They look good together,” Jessa commented on Jayda and Aljon’s loveteam.

Dingdong, on the other hand, said that seeing her daughter in a love team is something that needs, “I’ll be honest as a dad, siyempre hindi ako sa… anak mo nasa love team, ’di ba? I mean familiar ako sa love team, kasi nakita ko naman yan around dito sa kultura natin. Nandiyan talaga ang love team. It’s part of it.”

“But seeing your daughter to be in a love team, sometimes it can be very parang nakakapanibago. I’m trying to look for a word, eh. I wanted to say unsettling but I don’t know if that’s the right word,” he shared.

“Kasi anak mo, di ba? But I’m

“Kung iko-compare ko siya sa bawat role na gagawin ko, this time, nakakatakot kasi wala nang director na mag-ka-cut. Wala nang puwedeng actor’s cue. Ito na 'yung totoong buhay. Excited ako,” she added. Maja and Rambo are reportedly

getting married in July. Maja said last October that it would be her last birthday celebration as a single lady.

Maja

Anji reinvents herself

by Bot Glorioso Philstar.com

ANJI Salvacion is saying goodbye to her sweet, bubbly image for a more sophisticated and alluring look that complemented the sound and feel of her new single titled “Paraiso.”

“This track will pave the way for new Anji — alluring, jaunty, immaculate,” enthused the Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10 grand winner who has become visible on screen as a singer, actress and host.

“I like to explore and experiment with different sounds. So, I believe that “Paraiso” is the perfect song to introduce the new me,” she added.

Released under Tarsier Records, “Paraiso” sees Anji creating a sound different from the ballads in her debut EP Kasingkasing Dalampasigan released last year. She is toning down the sound of heartbreak and turning up the volume of happiness and fun.

“I always sing heartbreaking songs. Everybody knows how I love to sing songs that break me. But now, I love to sing songs that really inspire me — my roots, everything about me,” declared the 20-year-old Kapamilya talent.

Composed by U.S.-based Filipina Annie Lennox and produced by Exale, “Paraiso” can make any listener grooving to its upbeat sound. That’s why, Anji agreed that the song can be a summer anthem.

“When I first heard the song, I felt excited because it’s really empowering and I really love the lyrics of the song,” she offered. “The beat always reminds me of the beach every time I listen to it on my laptop, naka-save na kasi ito even before

Kapamilya talent Anji Salvacion says her new single, Paraiso, will pave the way for her new image. The single, released under Tarsier Records, is now available in various music streaming platforms.

Photo from Instagram/@_anjisalvacion

its release (last April 14).

“It just made me dance, but at the same time, it made me so nervous because I was thinking, ‘Oh my god, the lyrics are so beautiful, the beat — everything was so beautiful,’ and I don’t know

Maja Salvador and Rambo Nuñez Photo from Instagram/@maja

and Rambo celebrated their 4th year anniversary as a couple last March. They got engaged in April last year.

Avoid dying early!

IN 2005, a 128-page report from the World Health Organization in Geneva stated that “nearly 400 million people will die from heart diseases, diabetes and other chronic ailments over the next 10 years, but many of those deaths can be prevented by healthier lifestyles and inexpensive medications.”

Of the 40 million deaths per year in the world, 28 million would be in developing countries.

WHO director-general Lee Jong Wook commented that “the lives of too many people in the world are being blighted and cut short by chronic diseases. He cited the latest WHO report “to draw attention to the increasing threat from diseases that can be prevented in part by healthier diets and giving up smoking,” writes the Associated Press.

This recent report also was the first “to quantify the economic burden of treating such conditions in individual countries.” China, for instance, will be spending $588 billion in the next ten years, Russia, $303 billion, and India $236 billion, in managing heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

The co-author of the study, Robert Beaglehole, lamented that this epidemic is preventable because “we know what to do, how to do it, and preventions are very cheap,” and yet people die unnecessarily.

The WHO report highlighted the fact that heart-diseasesrelated mortality is down 70 percent in the United States, England, Australia and Canada in the last 30 years because of effective national prevention policies and campaigns in these industrialized nations that cut the death rates significantly.

Citing Poland’s statistics which showed reduced death rates among young adults by 10 percent in 1990, “in part by making fruits and vegetables more available, and removing subsidies on dairy products, like butter.”

Philippine statistics

The table in this column of the Leading Causes of Mortality (Number and Rate per 100,000 Population) in the Philippines will show we are part of this pandemic of preventable deaths (see table).

A major part of our unhealthy lifestyle as a people is our diet of high-saturated fat, highcholesterol (red meats, processed delis, lard, dairy products), highcarbohydrate, low-fiber foods, and our sedentary life. Filipinos, in general, especially those who can afford, do not seem to care for vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains. It must be our culture. We train our infants and our young children to eat red meats and other high fat foods, believing these proteins are “good for their young body,” so when they grow up, they continue with the same unhealthy “habit” and remain “hooked” to red meats, eggs

Godofredo Ng, 85

GODOFREDO T. Ng, MD, FACS, a popular general surgeon, medical leader and missionary to the Philippines who has resided in Raleigh, North Carolina since 1967 died from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm on April 17, 2023. He was 85.

Dr. Ng was a 1962 medical graduate of the University of the Philippines and came to the United States soon after graduation with his wife Anita S. Chua, BS Zoology (UP), MS Cell Biology (De Paul University), and Advanced Doctoral (University of Delaware).

Dr. Ng was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the Society of Philippine Surgeons in America (SPSA), of

which he was one of the founders. He was an active medical and socio-civic leader in Raleigh. He was past president of the

Philippine-American Association of North Carolina and the Surgical Coordinator Carolina Medical Mission, doing countless annual medical missions in the Philippines since 1995. Dr. Ng is the brother-in-law of Asian Journal weekly health columnist Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a past president of the SPSA. This humanitarian Fil-AM surgeon is survived by his wife, Anita, and children, Peter Ng, MD, FACS (who took over his father’s multiple-surgeon practice group); Cheryl Ng O’Malley, a lawyer; David, MBA; Cindy, MSW; and Joseph, BS broadcasting; and 8 grandchildren.

and other high cholesterol food items.

The fastfood chains all around us make matters even worse. Somehow, as parents, we have neglected to put more emphasis on fish, which is actually the superior source of protein, plus the added bonus of an ingredient in fish, Omega-3 fatty acids, the oil that protects the heart, besides the brain. And many of us do not seem to accept the fact that smoking maims and kills, alcohol damages our liver and brain, and that daily physical exercise, besides the low-fat, lowcholesterol, low-carbohydrate and high-fiber diet, is vital for a healthy lifestyle, to maintain good health and well-being.

In the name of love

Some of us may be shortening the life of our children without realizing it, unintentionally, unwittingly, all in the name of love, but nonetheless devastating to them when they reach middle age and beyond. Allowing them to live an unhealthy lifestyle, to be hooked on cigarettes, alcohol, soft drinks (which are poison), is loving our children to death.

“Love not our children to death” is the message in my coffee-table book on disease prevention published in the United States and in the Philippines, entitled “Let’s Stop ‘Killing’ Our Children,” which could be previewed on www. philipSchua.com.

Alarming statistics

Obesity in children has doubled the past couple of decades, and tripled the past 30 years. If the trend is allowed to continue through our parental neglect, inaction, or indifference, it is conceivable that obesity will quadruple in another ten years. And since obesity increases the risk for diseases like hypertension, diabetes and other metabolic illnesses, heart attack, stroke, and cancer, longevity would obviously suffer. All the gains mankind has achieved the past six decades through the advances in medical science and technology – preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic –could simply go to waste for this segment of the world population if wisdom does not prevail.

Today, among the affluent people around the world, including those in developing nations, obesity afflicts about 20

percent of children ages 6 to 11, and more alarmingly, about 10 percent of those ages 2 to 5 are obese. Among those between ages 12 and 19, 18 percent are also obese.

Benefits of exercise

The amazing benefits of regular physical exercise, even brisk or moderate walking (not jogging, which injures the joints in our hip, knees, and ankles), protect not only our cardiovascular system but also our brain (lowering the risk for Alzheimer’s). It also reduces our risk for cancer. The most fit animals in the wild are the ones who are physically most active. Those who are caged or who are in captivity are the ones prone to develop diseases like ours.

The Philippines is obviously not immune from these preventable deaths reported by the World Health Organization. It behooves our national, provincial and city governments to implement policies that will help cut down these deaths. It’s time we adopted one. Equally essential, if not more, is for each and everyone of us to make that wise decision, the choice to live a healthier lifestyle.

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

* * *

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

* * *

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

Dingdong, Jessa on daughter Jayda...

very realistic in the sense that we are in this business. You know you have to... it’s not gonna work if it’s not… na hindi mo i-embrace yun. And I think that’s part of it. They have to embrace their role onscreen and all. Both of them are doing a good job,” he added.

He, nevertheless, mentioned the two’s “undeniable chemistry” and the cast members’ respective pairings. “Ang galing nga. Naaliw ako sa paanong nangyayari.

Dolly will be busy the entire 2023

by Leah C. SaLterio Philstar.com

THERE was hardly any triangle of sadness seen on the forehead of award-winning international actress Dolly de Leon when she faced the local media shortly before the Gabi ng Parangal awards night of the first Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

As most everyone knows, Dolly became the first Filipino actor to win at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards and Sweden’s Goldbaggage Awards, their equivalent of the Oscars, for her role in Triangle of Sadness.

The Cannes Palme d’Orwinning film also earned Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay for Swedish filmmaker Ruben Ostlund.

Dolly became the first Filipino to be nominated at the Golden Globe and BAFTA (British Academy Film Awards).

The fact that she announced she will be busy the entire 2023, projects apparently kept coming one after another for Dolly. She admitted she learned a lot from her experience being on the international spotlight with Triangle of Sadness.

“That experience was valuable to me,” Dolly asserted. “I felt that I grew as a person and as an artist.”

“I didn’t wait for it to happen,” emphasized Dolly about her Triangle of Sadness experience. “It’s not about waiting for it to happen. I guess it’s all about just working and working and doing the best that we can do. The secret is not to wait for things to happen. You really need to work to widen your reach.”

She refused to quantify the offers that will keep her busy the whole of 2023. She just wrapped up the filming of Grand Death Lotto in the U.S. (California) last March, with director Paul Feig at the helm and John Cena and

stars.

“All my scenes (in Grand Death Lotto), I finished filming that’s why I’m back here (in Manila),” she said. “But the cast is still there and they have to finish other scenes.”

“The more memorable experience for me was working with Paul Feig, our director. He directed Bridesmaids (2011). He is a very good director. That was a wonderful experience working with him and the whole crew. That was fun,” she added.

The UP Diliman Theater Arts major also finished Between Temples with Jason Schwarztman.

On the local front, Dolly is expected to work with Kathryn Bernardo in Star Cinema’s forthcoming offering, A Very Good Girl.

“I’m very, very excited about that,” Dolly said. “I’m a huge Kathryn Bernardo fan and she’s a lovely person, as well, although we have not met yet. I’m excited with the project. Petersen Vargas will be our director.”

“The project is not the usual story. It’s very unique and exciting to do. That will be my chance to really sink my teeth into a character, together with a great actress like Kathryn,” she shared.

They previously worked together in a teleserye. “She was still very young then,” Dolly recalled. “I was a teacher and she was my student. She played a young Marian Rivera. Kathryn was still with the other network then. I couldn’t forget working with Kathryn because that early, she was already very professional, very sweet and kind.”

Dolly refused to label herself as a Hollywood star, despite the projects and offers that she has been getting lately.

“I’m not very comfortable with that term,” she admitted. “I am an actor. I don’t consider myself a star. I’m just a working actor. I’m an actor who works everywhere. I’d like to think that way.”

Already, Dolly has started using her fame to drum up interest and support for her chosen advocacies. Apart from the UN Refugee Agency, she recently supported Project Hulmahan to help the Marikina shoemakers and other communities nationwide. Over 700 artists from all over the country produced 1,500 wooden shoes and turned them in creative and beautiful artworks for auction. The display even included a pair created by noted visual artist Toym Imao.

Anji reinvents herself

if I’m gonna deliver this well or (if I’m) good enough.”

Andaming nangyayari dun sa Teen Clash na nakakatuwa. Lahat gusto mong subaybayan. They have their own story and how it was melded together, it really makes for an interesting series.”

Meanwhile, Dingdong and Jessa just celebrated their 22th anniversary as a couple. The former shared that their secret to their long-lasting relationship is their “respect for each other.”

“We are not monotonous. May iba-iba kaming… yung araw

namin hindi routine. Minsan naiiba tsaka we have our own, may mga ‘me’ time kami.”

“It’s very important that you have that — individuality. But at the same time, you value what you have together and focus yung priority with the family,” he furthered.

Jessa, who is currently in the Unites States for her The Phenomenal Jukebox Tour, chimed in, “(It’s all about) patience, respect and love.”

Thus, Anji was elated no end when everything just worked out beautifully. “While we were recording it, I felt like the song made me confident about myself. It made me love myself even more. I just hope everyone will resonate with me when they listen to the song. I want everyone to love themselves even more,” she offered.

Anji admitted to having felt butterflies in her stomach during the first day of the recording sessions with Annie and Exale.

“I was really nervous because it’s my first time working with different people. I used to only work with Sir Rox (Rox Santos,

ABS-CBN Music head) and Sir Jo (Jonathan Manalo, ABS-CBN Music creative director). But I was so happy that everybody in Tarsier was so chill and so welcoming, especially Miss Annie, so I felt comfortable right away.”

Asked what she considers as her concept of paradise, Anji replied without batting an eyelash, “Of course, my home(town) Siargao. It has always been a paradise for me and growing up in such a beautiful place with beautiful memories, it’s amazing. I would always choose Siargao and go back to Siargao.”

To recall, Anji was introduced as the Singing Sweetheart of Siargao when she entered PBB house as one of the housemates

last year. She couldn’t help but recall her journey after her stint in PBB.

“Unti-unting na nga siyang natupad (pangarap). First, I was able to release my song Dalampasigan, then I felt so blessed when they offered me to do a concert — digital concert. I was so grateful for that.

“This time, my wish to be in a teleserye is also coming true.

To be an actress, to be given a chance, the opportunity to act with great, great people, great actors, great talents.”

Anji is also hoping to get international attention through “Paraiso”, “and this is the first step in realizing that dream with Tarsier releasing the song internationally.”

After gracing international award-giving bodies for her Best Supporting nominations, Dolly de Leon, the star of Triangle of Sadness, has just wrapped up two Hollywood fi lms Grand Death Lotto and Between Temples. On the local front, Dolly is expected to work with Kathryn Bernardo in Star Cinema’s forthcoming offering, A Very Good Girl. Philstar. Awkwafina as