042223 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

LOST careers. Broken marriages. Dismissed and disbelieved by family and friends.

These are some of the emotional and financial struggles long covid patients face years after their infection. Physically, they are debilitated and in pain: unable to walk up the stairs, focus on a project, or hold down a job. Facing the end of the federal public health emergency in May, many people experiencing lingering effects of the virus say they feel angry and abandoned by policymakers eager to move on.

“Patients are losing hope,” said Shelby Hedgecock, a self-described long covid survivor from Knoxville, Tennessee, who now advocates for patients like herself. “We feel swept under the rug.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated in March that 6%

Marcos to meet with Biden to discuss

Philippines-US defense, economic ties

by CRISTINA CHI Philstar.com

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is expected to meet U.S. President Joe Biden on May 1 at the White House to reaffirm the Philippines’

and the United States’ defense and economic ties, days after the largest joint military drills between the Philippines and United States are expected to conclude.

The White House press secretary said on Friday, Aprril 21 that Biden’s meeting with Marcos will

“reaffirm the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines” as the leaders will also “discuss efforts to strengthen the longstanding U.S.-Philippines alliance.”

The White House added that Marcos and Biden

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

WITH its dancing cats and lip-synched grandmas, TikTok has gained a massive foothold in the U.S., but lawmakers here say the platform threatens privacy rights and raises serious national security concerns.

With a billion users worldwide and 150 million in the U.S., Chinese owned social media giant TikTok is facing a possible ban here amid growing concerns around data privacy and rising geopolitical tensions with Beijing.

Opponents of the ban say it ignores wider data concerns around social media and potentially raises serious first amendment issues.

“I have seen the activities of the Communist Party in China. They are ferocious,” says Mark Warner (D-VA), who recently introduced the RESTRICT Act, which would put limits on foreign owned digital communications channels like TikTok, whose parent-company ByteDance is based in Beijing.

Warner, who is chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, says that Chinese

Marcos, Duterte get high poll ratings

by RED MENDOZA ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte received very high performance and trust ratings in the latest survey conducted by independent pollster OCTA Research.

The First Quarter Tugon ng Masa ( The Masses' Reply ), conducted on March 2428, 2023, showed that 80 percent of the respondents were satisfied with Marcos' performance while 84 percent approved of Duterte's.

Marcos and Duterte registered a 2 percent and 4 percent increase in their performance ratings, respectively, compared to the results of the same

survey in October 2022.

Only 6 percent were dissatisfied with Marcos and 4 percent with Duterte.

Fifteen and 12 percent of those asked to rate the performance of the President and vice president said they were undecided.

Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez received 53 and 59 percent approval ratings, respectively. Romualdez's rating increased by 15 percent since the last poll in October while Zubiri's increased by 11 percent.

Marcos and Duterte received high trustworthiness ratings of 83 percent and

De Lima says she’ll gain freedom based on merits of her case, not for humanitarian reasons

MANILA — Former Senator Leila De Lima on Friday, April 21 asserted that she would gain her freedom on the merits of her cases alone, waving off remarks by Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla that the Department of Justice would only grant her bail due to humanitarian reasons.

In a dispatch from Camp Crame, De Lima said: “I will gain my freedom on the merits, because the DOJ has no case against me from the very beginning."

De Lima’s statement comes after Remulla said on Thursday, April 20 he is amenable to granting her bail “but not if her camp will base it on the merits of the drug cases filed against her.”

De Lima added that while she thanks Remulla for his concern, she cannot thank him "as the head of the agency primarily responsible for the fabrication of charges against me during the time of Duterte, and maintained, to date."

State prosecutors filed an  PAGE A2

Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

photo

Marcos: Gov’t to nd ways to ramp up economy

by KRISTINA MARALIT ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. vowed his administration will continue to come up with ways to ramp up the economy to meet if not exceed the International Monetary Fund's projected six percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the country this 2023.

In its World Economic Outlook for April, the IMF raised its GDP forecast for the Philippines from the earlier forecast of five percent for the year.

This means the international lender sees the Philippines as the fastest growing economy not just in the region but also in Asia, overtaking India's 5.9 percent, Vietnam's 5.8 percent, China's 5.2 percent, Indonesia's five percent, Malaysia's 4.5 percent and Thailand's 3.4 percent.

"We will further enhance our efforts focused on growing the economy towards a new Philippines," Marcos said in Filipino as he shared the news on his official social media accounts. 

As pandemic emergencies end, people battling long COVID feel ‘swept under the rug’

De Lima says she’ll gain freedom based on...

urgent omnibus motion for reconsideration to reopen De Lima’s trial at the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 204 on Monday, April 17.

This comes after De Lima's lawyer said on Monday, April 17 that the Muntinlupa court has wrapped up its hearings on the second drug charges against De Lima and will promulgate its ruling on May 12.

De Lima has already been acquitted in one case. The former senator now has two pending charges, with one now up for decision and another before Muntinlupa RTC Branch 256 with a pending petition for bail.

In the case up for decision, De Lima was alleged to have received funds from Rafael Ragos, the former corrections chief, which were supposedly linked to the illegal drug trade

taking place inside the New Bilibid Prison. However, Ragos withdrew his accusations in 2022 and denied the accuracy of his previous statement that he had received P5 million on Nov. 24, 2012, and an additional P5 million on Dec. 15, 2012, from inmates involved in illegal drug trading at the New Bilibid Prison. (Cristina Chi with reports by Kristine Joy Patag and Neil Jayson Servallos/Philstar.com)

DFA: US allots more than $100 million...

Philippine Air Force’s fighter planes; Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, the country’s largest military camp and a frequent location of PhilippineU.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 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. 

Marcos to meet with Biden to...

will also “review opportunities to deepen economic cooperation and promote inclusive prosperity” between the two countries.

The two leaders will also discuss regional matters and coordinate on efforts to uphold international law and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, the White House added.

According to the White House, Marcos and Biden are also expected to discuss other matters related to clean energy, climate change and human rights.

Marcos will also be meeting with other U.S. cabinet officials as part of a five-day trip to Washington beginning April 30 aimed at expanding the Philippines and the United States’ socio-economic and

development partnerships, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday.

“The trip will highlight the steadfast commitment by both sides to be reliable and resilient allies and partners in times of crisis and prosperity, amid a challenging global and regional environment,” the DFA said.

The Philippines and the United States kicked off the largest iteration of the Balikatan military exercises on April 11, drawing flak from Beijing and prompting China’s foreign ministry spokesperson to warn the Philippines from allowing the drills to interfere with maritime disputes in the region.

This comes after the Philippines greenlighted the expansion of American presence in the country through the creation of four new EDCA sites

in April, which include sites near the hotly disputed South China Sea and another not far from Taiwan. China warned last week the expanded military deal could endanger regional peace, and accused Washington of a "zerosum mentality."

Marcos said China's reaction over the expanded military deal was "not surprising," but assured them the Philippines is only shoring up its territorial defense.

“Now, China’s reaction perhaps was not surprising because they are worried. But we will not – we will not use, we will not allow, the Philippines, we will not allow our bases to be used for any offensive action. This is only to help the Philippines when the Philippines needs help,” Marcos told reporters on April 11. 

Marcos, Duterte get high poll...

87 percent, respectively, while Zubiri and Romualdez had 50 and 55 percent, respectively. Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo had a performance

rating of 41 percent — a 15 percent jump from his previous trust rating of 24 percent last October.

The survey was conducted face to face, involving 1,200

respondents in Metro Manila, Balanced Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent nationwide and 6 percent per region. 

GROUNDBREAKING. Senator Christopher Lawrence Go leads the lowering of the design capsule and groundbreaking of the PHP10-million Alano Multi-Purpose Building of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) in Toril, Davao City on Friday, April 21, made possible by the lawmaker’s initiative. Also in photo are GSP national president Dr. Cristina Lim -Yuson (second from right), other GSP officials, and Councilor Pilar Braga who represented Mayor Baste Duterte. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

As pandemic emergencies end, people battling...

of U.S. adults, or about 16 million, were experiencing long COVID, or ongoing health problems that continue or emerge after a bout of covid-19. Researchers estimate that 1.6% of U.S. adults, or about 4 million, have symptoms that have significantly reduced their ability to carry out day-today activities.

While patients are no longer contagious, their health issues can stretch on and affect almost every system in the body. More than 200 symptoms and conditions, including fatigue and depression, are linked to long covid, said Linda Geng, a physician who treats patients at Stanford Medicine’s PostAcute COVID-19 Syndrome Clinic.

The severity and duration of long covid vary. Some people recover in a few weeks, while a smaller number have debilitating and lingering health issues. There is currently no test, treatment, or cure. There’s not even an accepted medical definition.

“When you don’t have any tests that show that anything’s abnormal, it can be quite invalidating and anxietyprovoking,” Geng said.

The physical and emotional toll has left some feeling hopeless. A 2022 study of adults in Japan and Sweden found that those with postcovid conditions were more than twice as likely to develop mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress, as people without them.

“One of my friends committed suicide in May of 2021,” Hedgecock said. “She had a mild covid infection, and she progressively had medical complications continuously pop up, and it just got so bad that she decided to end her

Wealthy PH couple sues US bank, claiming it sold o their jewelry worth $10 million

A WEALTHY couple from the Philippines has sued JP Morgan for allegedly breaking into their safety deposit box in the bank and selling off $10 million worth of jewelry they had kept in it.

The Aranetas reside in the Philippines but have addresses in Manhattan and Miami where JP Morgan had been sending its bills since they opened their accounts in 2006.

Jorge Araneta is a prominent Filipino businessman who chairs the Araneta Group of Companies, which is into property development, lodging and hospitality, food and dining, entertainment and leisure.

His wife, Stella Marquez Araneta, is a Colombian pageant director and was Miss Colombia when she was crowned the first Miss International in 1960.

life.”

In Los Angeles County, 46% of adults who contracted covid were fully recovered a month later, but the rest — a majority — reported one or more continuing symptoms, according to a 675-patient study by the University of Southern California’s COVID-19 Pandemic Research Center. The researchers found chronic fatigue topped the list of health issues, followed by brain fog and persistent cough, all of which affect people’s daily lives.

Among the respondents who identified as living with long covid, 77% said their condition limited daily activities such as going to school or work or socializing. One-quarter reported experiencing severe limitations.

Taking antivirals cuts the risk of developing long covid in people who are newly infected. But for people already suffering, medical science is trying to catch up.

Here’s a look at Hedgecock and two other patients who have had long covid for years.

A debilitating brain injury

Before contracting covid during spring 2020, Hedgecock’s life revolved around fitness. She worked as a personal trainer in Los Angeles and competed in endurance competitions on the weekends. At 29, she was about to launch an online wellness business, then she started having trouble breathing.

“One of the scariest things that happened to me was I couldn’t breathe at night,” Hedgecock said. “I did go to the emergency room on three different occasions, and each time I was told, ‘You’re up and you’re moving. You’re young; you’re healthy. It’s going to be fine.’”

Her primary care physician

ABISO NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG IBINIBIGAY DITO

ANG PAUNAWA na ang Board of Supervisors o Lupon ng mga Supervisor ng County ng San Diego ay magsasagawa ng pampublikong pagdinig sa isang iminungkahing ordinansa na nagsususog sa Mga Seksyon 362, 362.1, 362.2, 362.3 at 362.3.6 ng Administrative Code na May kaugnayan sa Mga Bayad at Deposito para sa Mga Departamento ng Pagpaplano at Development Services, Public Works, at Parks and Recreation gaya ng sumusunod: IMPORMASYON SA PAGDINIG: Petsa: Mayo 3, 2023 Oras: 9:00 a.m. Lokasyon: County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 310, San Diego, California 92101 PAGLALARAWAN NG ORDINANSA (Administrative Code):

Inaamyenda ng ordinansa ang Seksyon 362, 362.1, 362.2, 362.3 at 362.3.6 ng Administrative Code upang taasan ang ilang mga rate ng bayad sa pamamagitan ng pagupdate ng mga ordinansa sa bayad ng Departments of Planning & Development Services (PDS), Public Works (DPW) at Parks and Recreation (DPR) para sa pangkalahatan ay makamit ang buong pagbawi sa gastos. Sinuri ng grupo ng Land Development ang kabuuang 263 na bayad at deposito. Sinuri din nito ang mga pang-oras-oras na mga rate para sa 128 na pag-uuri ng posisyon. LOKASYON: Ang isang kopya ng buong teksto ng Ordinansa ay naka-post sa opisina ng Clerk ng Lupon ng mga Superbisor, Room 402 ng nasabing Administration Center. Ang data na nagsasaad ng gastos na kinakailangan para ibigay ang produkto o serbisyo kung saan ipinapataw ang bayad, at ang mga pinagmumulan ng kita na inaasahang magbibigay ng produkto o serbisyo ay magiging available para sa pampublikong pagsusuri sampung araw bago ang pampublikong pagdinig sa opisina ng Planning & Development Services. ESTADO NG

KAPALIGIRAN: Hihilingin sa Lupon ng mga Supervisor na malaman na ang ordinansang ito ay hindi kasama sa CEQA gaya ng tinukoy sa ilalim ng Mga Seksyon 15273(a), dahil walang posibilidad na ito ay maaaring magkaroon ng malaking epekto sa kapaligiran. PAG-CONTACT NG KAWANI: Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa proyekto, mangyaring makipagugnayan kay Stephanie Nicholas sa (619) 694-9275, o sa stephanie. nicholas@sdcounty.ca.gov PAKIKILAHOK NG PUBLIKO: Ang mga miyembro ng publiko ay maaaring lumahok sa pulong nang personal o sa pamamagitan ng teleconference alinsunod sa mga regulasyong ipinatupad sa oras ng pulong. Ang mga nagnanais na lumahok sa pulong at/o komento ay dapat bumisita sa website ng Board of Supervisor sa: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/ content/sdc/cob/bosa.html#watch. Kung mayroon kang anumang mga katanungan, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa Clerk of the Board sa (619) 531-5434 o sa publiccomment@sdcounty.ca.gov.

TULONG PARA SA MGA TAONG MAY KAPANSANAN: Makipagugnayan sa sekretarya ng pagdinig sa (619) 517- 4193 para sa mga tanong o para humiling ng akomodasyon na may kaugnayan sa kapansanan. Ang mga indibidwal na nangangailangan ng mga interpreter ng sign language ay dapat makipag-ugnayan sa Countywide ADA Title II Coordinator sa (619) 531-4908. Ang mga kahilingan para sa akomodasyon o tulong ay dapat isumite nang hindi bababa sa 72 oras bago ang pulong upang magawa ang mga pagsasaayos 4/22, 4/29/23

(L.A.)

at the time told her she didn’t need supplemental oxygen even though her oxygen saturation dipped below normal at night, leaving her gasping for breath and crying in frustration.

Her condition kept her from one of her favorite hobbies, reading, for 19 months.

“I couldn’t look at a page and tell you what it said. It was like there was a disconnect between the words and my brain,” she said. “It was the strangest, most discouraging

The Aranetas claim that in 2016 the bank started sending its bills to a wrong address, a PO box in Louisiana, and they never saw the invoices or warnings about backpayments. This caused them to fall behind.

The bank allegedly sent warnings that the box’s contents would be removed for nonpayment, and eventually sent a final warning that their boxes would be drilled open and the contents put in

storage if payments were not received within 60 days. But those warnings were also sent to the Louisiana address.

In February 2016 the bank forced open four boxes and stored the contents. When the couple learned about this three years later, they paid their back bills.

They said the bank promised that their belongings would be returned, but that ten months later the bank instead auctioned off their jewelry.

They sued JP Morgan last year on several claims, one was dismissed, but other claims of negligence are continuing. (Inquirer.net)

SCORCHING. Traffic enforcers take shelter under a tent along Maharlika Street in Diliman, Quezon City on Thursday, April 20. The heat index in Metro Manila reached 39 degrees Celsius at 11 a.m., as measured from the Science Garden of state weather bureau

PAGASA in Quezon City, prompting health authorities to repeat their reminders to avoid direct sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and to always hydrate, use protection like umbrellas, and to wear light color, loose and comfortable clothes. PNA photo by Joan

Jorge and Stella Araneta have sued JP Morgan for allegedly breaking into their safety deposit box in the bank and selling off $10 million worth of jewelry they had stored in it. Facebook photo

Free speech vs. national security in proposed...

engineers have access to the data of millions of American users and worries the CCP could use that data as part of misinformation and propaganda campaigns, or even to blackmail

Americans.

“They know your likes… it is a very real, tangible threat. We shouldn’t have to wait till it plays out to take it off,” Warner told reporters at an Ethnic Media Services news briefing last week.

Warner is a defense hawk who co-founded Nextel and has invested in hundreds of startup technology companies. “I strongly believe in the positive power of technology. I also acknowledge that there’s a lot of creative things on TikTok… and there is a whole new group of people who make their income off of that, and I think that is a good thing,” he said.

TikTok’s Chinese ownership

But Warner contends the difference between TikTok and Facebook or YouTube – which have also come under fire around issues of data privacy – is the former’s Chinese ownership. Under a 2017 law, Chinese tech companies have “to turn over everything” to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Warner says China is stealing $500 billion dollars a year of intellectual property directly or indirectly. He adds Chinese entrepreneurs reverse engineer American social media platforms, improve them and gain a competitive advantage.

There is no evidence that TikTok did that, however.

Hoping to forestall a TikTok ban, ByteDance CEO Shou Chew – who is Singaporean – recently testified before members of Congress. He told the House Energy and Commerce Committee that TikTok doesn’t share user data with the Chinese government. He outlined a plan to store American user data in the U.S. He said American user data is currently stored on Oracle servers to which CCP has no access. Chew also said TikTok doesn’t carry political ads like other social media platforms and he said the company doesn’t sell data to brokers. Chew said TikTok doesn’t collect any more user data than U.S. social media companies do.

Misinformation and propaganda

With one third of the U.S.

population hooked on TikTok, the Biden administration worries that it could be used to spread misinformation to American users and influence U.S. elections like Russian hackers did in the 2016 presidential election. CNN reported that federal officials are demanding TikTok’s Chinese owners sell their stake in the company or face a U.S. ban of the app. During last month’s hearing several congressmen made clear they wanted to see the app banned.

BuzzFeed has reported that ByteDance employees based in China repeatedly accessed data of one U.S. reporter to figure out where she was getting her information. Subsequently, the company fired four employees. But there has been scant evidence that TikTok routinely mishandles data or manipulates videos.

The RESTRICT Act applies to six “foreign adversaries” (China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela), and could be expanded to other countries. While it’s popularly known as the TikTok ban, it can be applied to other companies like Huawei or Kaspersky, which are headquartered in China and Russia. Warner has specifically identified those companies as two of the bill’s primary targets.

National security concerns may be a cover for U.S. anger over unfair business practices by China restricting foreign competition. TikTok isn’t available in China. Chinese citizens use Douyin, another ByteDance platform. Facebook,Twitter and YouTube are banned in China.

Protecting the First Amendment

Kate Ruane says two wrongs don’t make a right. “A ban on TikTok would give rise to significant First Amendment concerns,” she said.

Formerly a Senior Advisor for the First Amendment and Consumer Privacy at the American Civil Liberties Union, Ruane is currently Director of U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America.

“For citizens, and particularly the tens of millions of young Americans who use TikTok, to witness a popular social media platform summarily shut down by the government will raise serious questions in the minds

of a rising generation about the sanctity of free speech in this country,” Ruane said. She noted the U.S. condemned Nigeria for banning Twitter in June 2021; it criticized Russia for shutting down independent media in 2022; when mass protests erupted in Iran after the killing of Mahsa Amini, the U.S. strongly condemned the Iranian regime and called on them to refrain from the “blocking or filtering of services.”

“If the U.S. were to now approve wholesale banning as a means of redressing its security concerns about digital platforms, other governments will follow suit, insisting that their own security concerns are equally pressing,” she said.

Pen America favors a different approach: a robust privacy bill could address concerns not just on Tiktok but across multiple social media platforms. Ruane says the U.S. has been negotiating with TikTok. “We see no reason that process should not continue and produce a binding agreement,” Ruane said.

Rising anti-Chinese sentiment

John Yang, President and Executive Director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), noted the RESTRICT Act is aimed at the authoritarian regime in Communist China but said Asian Americans could become targets of anti-Chinese sentiment here in the U.S.

“A lot of Chinese Americans come to this country, frankly, because they want to escape the Chinese authoritarian regime in Communist China,” Yang said.

He says the lawmakers who promote the false narrative that everything Chinese is threatening and connected to actions by the Chinese government are not helping.

“It is our community that often pays the price for their reckless rhetoric.”

Congress was so hostile towards the TikTok CEO that lawmakers missed a chance to talk about legitimate concerns around privacy and misuse of user data on the part of social media apps in general. “The conversation should begin and end with how to keep consumers safe and protect their privacy on any app, not just Tik Tok,” Yang said. (Peter White/Ethnic Media Services)

As pandemic emergencies end, people battling...

thing ever.”

Months later, under the direction of a specialist, Hedgecock underwent a test measuring electrical activity in the brain. It revealed her brain had been starved of oxygen for months, damaging the section controlling memory and language. Since then, she has moved back to Tennessee to be close to family. She doesn’t leave her apartment without a medical alert button that can instantly call an ambulance. She works with a team of specialists, and she feels lucky; she knows people in online long covid groups who are losing health coverage as Medicaid pandemic protections expire, while others remain unable to work.

“A lot of them have lost their life savings. Some are experiencing homelessness,” she said.

In bed for a year

Julia Landis led a fulfilling life as a therapist before she contracted covid in spring 2020. “I was really able to help people and it was great work and I loved my life, and I’ve lost it,” said the 56-year-old, who lives with her husband and dog in Ukiah, California.

In 2020, Landis was living in an apartment in Phoenix and received treatment via telehealth for her covid-related bronchitis. What started out as a mild case of covid spiraled into severe depression.

“I just stayed in bed for about a year,” she said.

Her depression has continued, along with debilitating pain and anxiety.

To make up for her lost income, Landis’ husband works longer hours, which in turn exacerbates her loneliness.

“It would be nice to be living somewhere where there were people around seven days a week so I wouldn’t have to go through days of being just terrified to be alone all day,” Landis said. “If this were cancer, I’d be living with family. I’m sure of it.”

Landis refers to herself as a professional patient, filling her days with physical therapy and medical appointments. She’s gradually improving and can socialize on occasion, though it leaves her exhausted and can take days to recover.

“It’s terrifying because there’s just no way of knowing if this is going to be for the rest of my existence,” she said.

‘I felt betrayed’

Linda Rosenthal, a 65-yearold retired high school

Stay ahead of the curve

paraprofessional, has long covid symptoms, including inflammation in her chest that makes breathing difficult. She has found it hard to get medical care.

She called and set up a treatment plan with a local cardiologist near her home in Orange County, California, but received a letter five days later telling her he would no longer be able to provide her medical services. The letter gave no reason for the cancellation.

“I was so surprised,” she said. “And then I felt betrayed because it is terrible to get a letter where a doctor, although within their rights, says that they don’t want you for a patient anymore, because it causes self-doubt.”

Rosenthal found another cardiologist willing to do telehealth visits and who has staff wear masks in the office even though the state rule has expired. The practice, however, is more than an hour’s drive from where she lives. (Jackie Fortiér/KFF Health News)

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

u n’s “New PM” to remain at the forefront of modern manufacturing

Powder metallurgy, also known as PM, is a manufacturing process that involves the production of metal parts through the use of metal powders. This process offers a number of advantages over traditional metalworking techniques.

For one, it allows for the production of complex parts with intricate shapes that would be difficult or impossible to create through other means. Additionally, powder metallurgy can result in parts with superior mechanical properties, such as increased strength, toughness, and wear resistance. This makes it an ideal choice for applications where high performance is critical, such as in the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries. PM is also a more sustainable and environmentally friendly process, as it generates less waste and uses less energy compared to traditional manufacturing methods. For these reasons, the development trend of the PM industry has received the attention of industry leaders and politicians around the world.

Mr. Liyu Sun, VP of GKN Powder Metallurgy (Asia), a leading global manufacturer of metal powders and powder metallurgy parts, believes that the key driver behind the development trend of the PM industry is an industry-wide understanding of the challenges facing the automotive industry today and tomorrow. “The automotive industry is one of the largest consumers of powder metallurgy products.

If you look inside a car engine, you will find crucial components such as the connecting rods, camshafts, and gears are all made using PM technologies,” said Sun. “As the automotive industry continues to evolve and become more focused on sustainability, the powder metallurgy industry has to play an even greater role in the production of high-quality automotive components,” he continued. Sun plans to lead GNK and ride the next wave by applying what he calls the “New PM” strategy, where “P stands for production techniques, and M stands for materials.” Over the years, Sun has invented many new production techniques that offer improved efficiency, reduced waste, and lower costs. Utilizing these proprietary production technologies, GNK is able to stay ahead of its competitors and remain a global leader in powder metallurgy by offering its customers (ZF, Siemens, Honda, etc.) the best possible products at a competitive price.

The other component of Sun’s “New PM” strategy is the development of new materials. As the demand for high-performance metal components grows, new materials with improved properties are needed to meet these requirements. By focusing on the development of new materials, Sun ensures that GNK can create products that offer superior performance and durability compared to traditional materials. “I believe we are uniquely positioned

by C onnie Y oung

to leverage our extensive experience in supplying the automotive industry and innovative manufacturing processes, to meet the increasing demand for a stable supply of vital EV components. This requires the development of new materials as the internal components of an electric motor are very different from what you would see inside an internal combustion engine,” said Sun. Today, GNK is one of the very few major players in the PM industry that has the capability to tailor powder blends and pre-alloyed materials to fit the needs of

both traditional vehicle and EV manufacturers.

Another trend in the powder metallurgy industry is the increasing use of automation and digitalization. As with many manufacturing processes, PM is becoming more automated, with robots and other machines handling many of the repetitive tasks involved in producing metal parts. This not only improves efficiency and reduces costs but also improves quality by reducing the risk of human error. Once again, Sun managed to stay ahead of the curve as he has made several inventions in the

factory and production management software system. “PM is increasingly being integrated with digital technologies such as 3D printing and computer-aided design (CAD), which allow for faster and more precise production of metal parts.

This trend is expected to continue as manufacturers seek to improve efficiency and stay competitive in a rapidly changing market,” Sun said.

The powder metallurgy industry is experiencing significant growth and development as manufacturers seek to

take advantage of the many advantages offered by this manufacturing process. Trends such as the use of advanced materials, automation and digitalization, sustainability, miniaturization, lightweight components, and customization are all driving innovation and growth in the PM industry. As these trends continue to evolve and new technologies are developed, we can expect a new PM industry, envisioned by the industry’s top experts such as Mr. Sun to remain at the forefront of modern manufacturing.

MUSEUM VISIT. Asia’s first Grandmaster and World Chess Hall of Fame member Eugene Torre visits the chess museum named after him at Pan de Amerikana Restaurant in Marikina City on Friday, April 21. The museum, the first of its kind in the Philippines, is open to the public Tuesdays to Sundays from

photo by Joey O. Razon

S

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

CA a rms conviction of ex-RCBC exec in $81-M Bangladesh bank heist

by TINA G. SANTOS Inquirer.net

THE Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed the conviction of a former bank manager found guilty of money laundering in connection with the $81 million stolen by hackers from Bangladesh’s central bank in 2016.

In a 58-page ruling, the court’s First Division dismissed the appeal of Maia Deguito, former branch manager at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), to reverse her conviction.

The CA upheld the decision dated Jan. 10, 2019, and the resolution dated Sept. 20, 2019, of the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 149 finding Deguito guilty of eight counts of violating Section 4 (f) of Republic Act No. 9160, or the Anti-Money Laundering Act (Amla).

The Makati RTC had sentenced her to four to seven years imprisonment for each of the eight counts of money laundering more than a year after she was indicted by state prosecutors. She was also required to pay not more than 200 percent of the value of the laundered amount.

Lone accused

“[T]here is no doubt that the prosecution was able to prove that Deguito is guilty of eight counts of violation of Section 4 (f) of RA No. 9160, as amended. Thus, the court finds no need to further discuss the other issues raised by the parties,” the CA said in a decision promulgated on Feb. 6 but was made public

only on Wednesday, April 19.

In September 2017, Deguito was left to face trial alone for the cyberheist after the Department of Justice (DOJ) dropped the complaints against all her coaccused.

Deguito was the manager of RCBC’s Jupiter Street branch in Makati City, which held the fake bank accounts where the stolen money from the Bangladesh central bank was deposited.

In its ruling, the CA said that all the elements of the offense were present in the case of Deguito.

The former bank officer attempted to downplay her role in the case by saying she had no knowledge of any illegal activities when she opened the Jupiter accounts on May 15, 2016.

“Such argument fails to convince considering that Deguito was the business manager of RCBC Jupiter, and not just a mere employee. It was actually the opening of the Jupiter accounts that set the wheels in motion,” the CA said.

“With Deguito’s 16 years of experience in the banking industry, she cannot feign ignorance of the basic provisions of the Amla and RCBC’s Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Prevention Program (MTPP),” the court pointed out.

Significant acts Deguito also claimed that the lower court erred in ruling that she had “full and prior” knowledge of the illegal source of the funds, but the appellate court explained that the element of knowledge in the Amla may be established through direct or

circumstantial evidence.

“[T]he court is convinced that the circumstances established in this case form an unbroken chain leading to one fair reasonable conclusion—that as far back as the opening of the Jupiter accounts, Deguito had knowledge that the Jupiter accounts were opened solely for the purpose of receiving proceeds derived from an unlawful activity,” the CA said.

“Being the ‘overall head’ and ‘control officer’ of RCBC Jupiter, Deguito cannot feign ignorance of the blatant irregularities in the inward remittances credited to the Jupiter accounts, and pretend as if her hands were tied that she cannot do anything to rectify them,” the court noted.

Further, the appellate court said Deguito “actually performed significant acts to arrive at the intended conclusion, which is the movement of funds derived from the hacking incident.”

“She allowed the opening of the Jupiter accounts based on identification documents that were verified to be fictitious. She did not personally witness the alleged clients in filling out the forms…, violating the face-to-face policy of the Amla regulations,” the CA said.

The court also noted that Deguito allowed and facilitated the rush withdrawals of the money remitted to the Jupiter accounts despite the nonappearance of the supposed account holders and knowing that the money was stolen from Bangladesh Bank “as there was already a request for stop payment.” 

7% of Filipinos currently looking for work abroad - SWS

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

(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)

Invest in our planet

THE country joins the world in celebrating Earth Day on Saturday, April 22 as coastal communities in several provinces continue to reel from the impact of a massive oil spill.

The motor tanker Princess Empress was transporting 900,000 liters of industrial fuel oil from the SL Gas Harbor Terminal in Limay, Bataan to Iloilo when it sank off Naujan, Oriental Mindoro early in the morning of Feb. 28, eventually settling at a depth of about 400 meters.

Tanker owner RDC Reield Marine Services, which reportedly refurbished the 50-year-old vessel described by the justice secretary as a “rebuilt scrap” originally known as Dorothy Uno, lacked the resources to contain the oil spill or even pinpoint its exact location in the depths of the sea. The country had to wait for a remotely operated vehicle provided by Japan, which finally located the tanker on March 21 and began plugging the leaks.

Today, fisheries and tourism in at least nine towns in Oriental Mindoro have ground to a halt. In a peak travel season, Puerto Galera has seen a drop in tourist arrivals amid concerns over pollution from the toxic black oil reaching the popular dive destination. There are continuing fears that the oil slick might reach the Verde Island Passage, the global center of marine biodiversity.

Even without the oil spill, however, Philippine waters and marine life, notably the country’s extensive coral reefs, have been facing threats of degradation from pollution, destructive fishing methods and unfettered reclamation projects including in Manila Bay.

Greater awareness of environmental issues and the existential threat posed by climate change has led to the enactment of Philippine laws to promote a green economy. As in much of the world, however, progress has been spotty. The investment required in shifting to green technology is not cost-effective for many developing countries, which point out that even advanced economies cannot afford to wean themselves completely away from crude oil, and are in fact among the biggest consumers of fossil fuels.

Still, programs are being rolled out to provide incentives for the development and use of alternative energy. Better waste management schemes are being drawn up, especially for underserved communities, not only to reduce pollution but also to promote public health. Efforts to protect wildlife and preserve fragile ecosystems

have intensified in the past decades.

Despite the progress, there’s still a lot of work ahead. The commitment to invest in our planet can be renewed this Earth Day. (Philstar.com)

RODRIGO Duterte decided to realign our foreign policy with a distinct pro-China tilt. In fact, he imagined forming a ManilaMoscow-Beijing axis that will challenge the dominance of the western powers.

This did not work out very well for us. We did not recover open access to the Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal. Our puny maritime defense was bullied at every turn by China’s coast guard and marine militia in the contested South China Sea. We did not progress in our urgently needed natural gas exploration in waters that fall within Beijing’s ridiculous “9-dash line.” We hardly progressed in strengthening our external defense capacity.

China, for obvious reasons, had no interest in helping us upgrade our defense capability. Our traditional security partners, anxious over our apparent wavering, offered little help. Our navy seemed dead in the water.

Meanwhile, Russia invaded Ukraine, illegally annexing

parts of her neighbor’s territory. That drew global condemnation and invited stiff economic sanctions that now threaten to leave Russia economically isolated. Under Duterte, we hesitated clearly condemning Russia’s military adventure. We did not actively participate in enforcing trade sanctions. Our foreign policy seemed out of kilter, aligning us with tyrannical regimes and forcing us outside the mainstream of nations supporting an international order based on the rule of law. Furthermore, we came under intense international pressure to conform to the economic sanctions enforced against Russia.

Clearly, the Manila-MoscowBeijing axis was an idea whose time will never come. It was a dream that could quickly turn into a nightmare. It gave us no strategic leverage; only obeisance.

Fortunately, our professional diplomats kept us from slipping down the slippery slope of Duterte’s wild imaginings. At the United Nations General Assembly, we voted twice with the large majority of nations condemning Moscow’s

aggression in Ukraine. We continued our efforts to achieve climate justice in international fora. We kept our participation in international efforts that would create free trade areas beneficial for our economic development. To the extent possible, given the detour in our foreign policy directions, our diplomats reaffirmed our principled commitment to a future of democracy and open economies.

Towards the end of his term, Duterte reversed the suspension of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). He had threatened to revoke that agreement during a moment of spite and not as the outcome of a careful assessment of the country’s strategic options.

Our ability to forge joint ventures for joint exploration and mutual benefit of possible gas deposits in the South China Sea remains constrained, however. The Supreme Court appears inclined to view such arrangements as unconstitutional. There has been little indication interest from either Beijing or Hanoi regarding such ventures. Meanwhile, our energy sufficiency is constricted by the

exhaustion of the Malampaya wells.

In less than a year since Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. took office, our foreign relations appear to have been restored to their former and pleasantly pragmatic state. No time was lost reinvigorating our mutual defense relations with the U.S. Earlier this month, Filipino and American troops held the largest joint exercises ever. Before that, we agreed to add four more sites for possible use by U.S forces within the framework of our Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. It may be said that the Philippines returned to its place in defending open shipping routes and opposing aggression in the region. We are, after all, an indispensable part of the island chain extending from Japan through Taiwan and our archipelago down to the Malacca Straits. This chain, and its capacity to fight aggression, is important to discourage Beijing from any senseless adventure it might entertain.

Of course we value trade with China. It is almost central to any model of Philippine economic

progress. But we also value the security of the shipping routes threatened by China’s expansionary territorial claims. They are the lifeblood of East and Southeast Asia’s dynamic economies. We do not want to see freedom of navigation in these shipping routes threatened by China’s senseless maritime maneuvers – nor by her surrogate North Korea’s obsession with firing long-range missiles into international waters.

For a while, we threatened to become the weakest link in this strategic island chain – in part, because of delusory foreign policy design and in part because of our own parochialism. Geopolitics dictate we carry our own weight in keeping this chain strong. Our own security depends on it.

Those political voices opposing the additional facilities granted U.S. forces insist we should play no part in defending freedom of navigation nor in protecting Taiwan’s right to self-determination. These voices reject the very real responsibilities assigned us by geography and by geopolitics.

Fil-Ams to Biden on EDCA, Amerasians

IN a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden dated April 14, 2023, leaders of Filipino American (FilAm) groups in the United States stated the gist of their call thus: “U.S.-PH Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) ignores Filipino Amerasians. Your leadership will unify them with their fathers.”

The heart of their clamor: “We, the undersigned leaders, are disappointed and we question your bilateral EDCA with the Philippine government because it ignores the plight of at least 15,000 Filipino Amerasians.

They are the forgotten children of American military fathers who served in the Philippines.

They were abandoned after the Vietnam War with the end of U.S.-PH Military Bases Treaty in 1992.”

Citing a study by the Pearl S. Buck Foundation, the group raised the issue of how these Filipino Amerasians faced widespread discrimination, underemployment, poverty, domestic violence, and sexual abuse.

The closure of the U.S. military bases in 1992 after an extension was rejected by the Philippine Senate, (“enhanced” and hastened by the world-class eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 that changed the landscape and whose disastrous effects were felt for more than a decade) did not mean zero U.S. presence in the following years. The Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) was put in place with EDCA its sidekick. Whatever geopolitical significance these agreements have, they cannot be seen solely as what their names suggest. They carry with them “collateral damage” on the Filipino populace, women particularly, the effects of which would be felt not only by the generation directly exposed to them but by succeeding ones as well.

While the Fil-Ams’ letter may refer to an older generation of American-fathered offspring whose lives saw many twists and turns, there are younger ones and more may be born because of VFA-EDCA. This is not something to smile about.

I say this straightforwardly:

U.S. military presence in the past had spawned a sex industry (no euphemism for that) in the environs, a flourishing commercial endeavor, no doubt,

in places where U.S. troops spent dollars for their R and R. I had done my part to write about the so-called collateral damage— the women facing the specter of HIV-AIDS, abortion, fatherless offspring, name it. I had even spent a night in these women’s quarters. Those in the women’s movement who had come to the aid of women in dire straits deserved to be written about and I did that, too. I am quite puzzled that this time I have not heard much from vocal women’s groups. If I may do a “been-there-donethat,” I had covered a circa 1980s PH-U.S. war games in Botolan, Zambales, where a bunch of us, uninvited, crawled in the bushes and watched the military exercises and surreptitiously took photographs. We had, believe it or not, an Aeta and a Franciscan nun as guides. We saw how huge barges unloaded armed marines who waded to shore. It was like watching the Allied Forces making a beach head in Normandy in the movie “The Longest Day.” My feature story with photos came out in a widely circulated magazine. But I digress.

The Fil-Ams are urging Biden “to issue 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 U.S.-PH EDCA … A surge of Amerasian children can be expected in future years.” A surge! While I am writing this, some 15,000 visiting U.S. troops are now in “Balikatan” military exercises with their Filipino counterparts. The Fil-Ams are also lobbying for “support for Filipino Amerasian legislation in the U.S. Senate and House through the Uniting Families Act of 2021 (H.R. 4522 in Congress)

that will reunite the (Amerasian offspring) with their fathers and/ or American siblings who have accepted financial responsibility for them since they have proven through their DNA to be offspring of American service members.”

A copy of the letter has been sent to Vice President Kamala Harris. The signatories are Loida Nicolas Lewis, chair of U.S. Filipinos for Good Governance (USFGG) and convenor of Filipino Amerasians Reunification Coalition (FARC); John Haines (U.S. Navy Ret.) of Fathers of Filipino Amerasians; Angela Aquino, founder and

Securing freedom of navigation in the seas around us is vital for our future. It is not something we should assign to others but not to ourselves. We cannot allow Beijing’s penchant to have a controlling role down the whole length of the Western Pacific. China’s frantic build-up of its navy and its outlandish territorial claims will only result in a greater ability to constrict the trade routes. On the basis of that ability, Beijing could exact diplomatic concessions from its neighbors. The only way to counter that is to strengthen security partnerships among nations committed to free navigation and open trade. There is nothing proAmerican in affirming the need to keep the island chain strong and freedom of navigation secure. It is entirely proFilipino. We have realigned our foreign policy to suit our pragmatic and long-term interests. That can only be good. (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.

chair of Equal Rights for Children; Christopher Lapinig, legal counsel; and Eric Lachica, coordinator of USFGG and FARC. Meanwhile, the trying hard hegemon that is China is not only watching, its ambassador has made veiled threats. Ni hao! (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.

* * * Send feedback to cerespd@gmail.com

JOINT EXERCISES. U.S. and Philippine marines storm the beach to simulate a raid during the joint U.S.-Philippines military exercise in San Antonio town, Zambales province, in 2018. Inquirer.net file photo

Marcos to Muslims on Eid’l Fitr:

teachings of Ramadan

MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday, April 21 called on the Muslim community to embody the values and teachings of Ramadan as he joined in celebrating the Eid’l Fitr or the festival of the breaking of the fast.

“As you culminate the holy month of Ramadan by celebrating the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, may you sustain the values, teachings, and practices that you have wholeheartedly discerned and embodied throughout this time,” he said in his message.

“Let this form the foundations of your characters as you

continue to fulfill righteous deeds and strive to live a virtuous life moving toward.”

Marcos said the Filipino people join the Muslim community in observing Eid’l Fitr as “we recognize the Islamic faith and embrace it as part of our own collective consciousness.”

“With our many faiths informing all our actions and bridging all our differences as a diverse set of peoples, we can transcend any challenge and still remain unified under the banners of camaraderie, respect, and love,” he said.

Marcos emphasized the

sacredness of the occasion, saying it reflects how Allah rewards those who have demonstrated steadfastness throughout Ramadan.

Ramadan is the ninth month in Islamic calendar, with observation varying between 29 and 30 days depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.

Eid’l Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan with the Muslim community starting the day with the Eid prayer.

After offering prayer, Muslims greet each other with the customary Eid greeting, Eid Mubarak. (PNA)

Panel completes evaluation of resigned cops

by EMMANUEL TUPAS Philstar.com

MANILA — More than two months after it was formed, the five-man advisory committee has completed its evaluation of ranking police officials who submitted courtesy resignations.

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

by KAYCEE VALMONTE Philstar.com

MANILA — Celia Veloso, mother of detained Filipino Mary Jane Veloso, is asking Indonesia'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 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.

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." 

ABISO NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG IBIBIGAY DITO ANG

PAUNAWA na ang Lupon ng mga Superbisor ng County ng San Diego ay magsasagawa ng pampublikong pagdinig sa isang iminungkahing ordinansa na nagsususog sa mga sumusunod na seksyon ng Zoning Ordinance: 1100, 2000, 2990, 4221, 5015, 6156, 6355, 6350, 6360 , 6375, 6758, 6764, 6911, 6914, 6915, at 6916. IMPORMASYON SA PAGDINIG: Petsa: Mayo 3, 2023 Oras: 9:00 a.m. Lokasyon: County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 310, San Diego, California 92101

PAGLALARAWAN NG ORDINANSA (Administrative Code):

Iminumungkahi ng Update (Update) ng Ordinansa ng Pagsosona ng Pabahay ng 2023 na baguhin ang Ordinasa ng Pagsosona para sumunod sa mga bayarin sa pabahay na pinagtibay ng estado mula noong 2017. Magpapatupad ang Update ng mga bagong batas upang mapadali ang pagkabuo ng pabahay sa walang tirahan, pagsulong ng abot-kayang pabahay, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), at pangkalahatang produksyon ng pabahay. May bisa at ipinapatupad ang lahat ng mga bayarin na kabilang sa Update ng kawani ng County sa pamamagitan ng aplikasyon ng mga materyales, mga form, at mga proseso. Bilang karagdagan, magpapatupad ang Update ng apat na mga programa ng Element ng Pabahay ng County, kabilang ang: 3.1.1.I Kinakailangang Pagpapalit; 3.1.4.Mga Pagbabago sa Ordinansa ng Pagsosona para sa Accessory Dwelling Units; 3.2.1.Update sa Ordinan sa Bonus ng Density; 3.3.1.B Pagbabago sa Ordinansa ng Pagsosona para Mapadali ang Pagbubuo ng Tirahan. LOKASYON: Ang isang kopya ng buong teksto ng Ordinansa ay naka-post sa opisina ng Clerk ng Lupon ng mga Superbisor, Room 402 ng nasabing Administration Center. Ang data na nagsasaad ng gastos na kinakailangan para ibigay ang produkto o serbisyo kung saan ipinapataw ang bayad, at ang mga pinagmumulan ng kita na inaasahang magbibigay ng produkto o serbisyo ay magiging available para sa pampublikong pagsusuri sampung araw bago ang pampublikong pagdinig sa opisina ng Planning & Development Services. ESTADO NG

KAPALIGIRAN: Pinapahitulutan ng CEQA Section 15164 na ihanda ang isang addendum sa isang dati nang sertipikado o pinagtibay na dokumentong pangkapaligiran kapag iminungkahi sa proyekto ang mga maliliit lang na teknikal na pagbabago o mga pagbabago na hindi magreresulta sa bagong malubhang mga epekto. Mga Addendum sa Ulat sa Epekto sa Kapaligiran ng Programa (GPU EIR) para sa Update ng Pangkalahatang Plano ng County ng San Diego (Numero ng Pagrepaso ng Pangkapaligiran 02-ZA-001; Sch. 2002111067) ay inihanda para sa Update sa Ordinansa ng Pagsosona ng Pabahay ng 2023 (PDS2022-POD-22-004). PAG-CONTACT NG

KAWANI: Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa proyekto, mangyaring makipagugnayan kay Ben Larson sa (619) 323-7905, o sa ben.larson@sdcounty.ca.gov PAKIKILAHOK NG PUBLIKO: Ang mga miyembro ng publiko ay maaaring lumahok sa pulong nang personal o sa pamamagitan ng teleconference alinsunod sa mga regulasyong ipinatupad sa oras ng pulong. Ang mga nagnanais na lumahok sa pulong at/o komento ay dapat bumisita sa website ng

Board of Supervisor sa: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/ sdc/cob/bosa.html#watch. Kung mayroon kang anumang mga katanungan, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa Clerk of the Board sa (619) 531-5434 o sa publiccomment@sdcounty.ca.gov. TULONG

PARA SA MGA TAONG MAY KAPANSANAN: Makipag-ugnayan sa sekretarya ng pagdinig sa (619) 517- 4193 para sa mga tanong o para humiling ng akomodasyon

painstaking hard work that speaks well of the objectivity, fairness and integrity of the entire process,” Maranan said in a statement.

Azurin and panel members

“We wrapped up our reports and recommendations,” Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. told reporters in a Viber message. The panel headed by Azurin has drafted a report containing the findings and recommendations, which it will submit to the National Police Commission (Napolcom) chaired by Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos for final review.

The Napolcom will then present the report to President Marcos for approval.

PNP public information officer Col. Redrico Maranan, the advisory committee’s spokesman, said a total of 953 generals and colonels who submitted individual letters of resignation were evaluated and screened.

At least 917 of these officers were cleared of involvement in illegal drugs.

“This report is the result of

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, ex-defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro, retired police general Isagani Nerez and former Court of Appeals associate justice Melchor Sadang met eight times since they first convened last February. The PNP chief was mum when asked how many police officials they recommended to be removed from the organization, stressing that Marcos has the final say on the matter. The PNP’s third level officers submitted their courtesy resignations in response to Abalos’ call to weed out police scalawags with suspected links to illegal drugs.

Abalos and Azurin have been at odds after the former accused 10 police officials of involvement in an alleged cover-up to protect dismissed master sergeant Rodolfo Mayor Jr., whose lending firm office yielded 990 kilos of shabu worth P6.7 billion in Tondo, Manila in October last year.

Choose carefully Azurin, who is set to retire

on Monday, April 24 when he turns 56, said President Marcos should carefully choose the next leader of the 228,000-strong PNP and not base his decision on the recommendations of people who are pushing for their own candidates.

In an unsolicited advice, he urged Marcos to exercise discernment in choosing his successor after the PNP unmasked several police officials who were involved in the illegal drug trade.

“I pray that our President would really have the discernment to choose what is the most right thing to do to choose my replacement,” he told reporters in an ambush interview on the sidelines of his command visit at the Police Regional Office 1 in San Fernando City, La Union on Friday, April 21.

“I just reminded the President ‘Sir, choice mo dapat, hindi choice ng kung sino-sino ( the next Chief PNP should be your choice and not just someone else’s choice ), not even my choice.’ The President’s choice,” he added.

Earlier, Abalos said he would be recommending one ranking police general whom he did not identify as the next PNP chief. 

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

BEATING THE DEADLINE. Employees of Smart Communications assist a phone subscriber in registering her SIM card, at a mall in Davao City on Wednesday, April 19. The deadline for the nationwide SIM card registration is on April 26. PNA photo by Robinson

Asian Journal WKND

Success story reveals the benefits of hiring an immigration attorney vs doing it on your own, on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

AFTER living in the U.S. for over 20 years, Kristan tried to obtain his green card by filing paperwork on his own, instead of hiring an immigration lawyer. In one instance, he tried to file as a minor child of an immigrant (F2A), even though he was already an adult. His application was

rejected. On another occasion, Kristan filed for adjustment of status based on his father’s petition, as a minor child of a U.S. citizen, even though he was over 21 years old.

Finally, when Kristan received a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID), he finally retained the PAGE B2

Carla Abellana considers Voltes

V:

Legacy a career milestone

By jerry DonAto Philstar.com

EVEN though the local live-action adaptation of the popular and iconic Japanese ‘70s anime TV series is crafted in the adventure-sci-fi genre or fashion, Voltes V: Legacy still rests its core on drama, about love for family aside from the impending war that will witness the strength and resilience of humans against the Boazanians.

That’s why Carla Abellana’s participation in the upcoming primetime show, whose retelling has already started in the cinemas via Voltes V Legacy: The Cinematic Experience, is, in a way, her return to a tearjerker project after a stint in the horror episode, Game Over, of Daig Kayo Ng Lola Ko last year. From playing a supportive

Kaila on the best thing she learned about love from mom Janice: ‘To choose myself’

By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

KAILA Estrada stressed how grateful she is to her mom, actress Janice de Belen, for teaching her to prioritize loving herself before loving somebody else. The younger actress spoke about her perspective on loving someone during a media

conference for the second season of “Love Bites” on Thursday, April 20. The topic was brought up after she and other cast members were asked about the worst thing they did for love.

“I feel like the worst thing you can do ‘pag nagmamahal ka is makalimutan mo ‘yung sarili mo,” Kaila said. “I feel like you need to learn how to

love yourself also kasi hindi mo mabibigay ‘yung love na gusto mo, hindi magiging healthy ‘yung love na mabibigay mo kung hindi mo uunahin na mahalin ‘yung sarili mo.” (I feel like the worst thing you can do when loving someone is to forget yourself. I feel like you need to learn how to love yourself also because you will

A MAKULIT APPLICANT

In Voltes V: Legacy, Carla is the strict and intellectual character named Dr. Mary Ann Armstrong, also the mother of Steve, Big Bert and Little Jon, played by Miguel Tanfelix, Matt Lozano and Raphael Landicho, respectively. The Kapuso actress says it’s the first time for viewers to see her be part of such project, described as iconic and actionpacked. Philstar.com photo

Bea to debut as singer, theater actress in ‘Ang Larawan’ concert

By KRISTOFER PURNEL Philstar.com

JERICHO Rosales and Bea Alonzo are joining the concert staging of “Ang Larawan” next month which will feature actors from the 2017 film of the same name.

Success story reveals...

not be able to give the love you want, and it will not be healthy as well if you do not love yourself first.)

“And I don’t think you should forget about yourself when you’re loving somebody healthily. Love is a choice,” she continued. “Sometimes things don’t work out because you choose to love yourself first and I think that’s very important.”

Being the child of De Belen and actor John Estrada whose relationship was at some point “one of the most celebrated love stories” in show business, Kaila was later asked about the best thing she learned from them about love.

“In relation to what I said the worst that I feel like I’ve done, my mom taught me to choose myself,” she answered.

“I’ll forever be grateful to her for teaching me that because I really do think it is important [because], of course, kailangan mong alagaan ‘yung sarili mo (you need to take care of yourself), and loving yourself will teach you how to love somebody else better also,” she added.

Kaila noticeably did not

Photo

her dad John, who recently made headlines because of his marital problems with his wife Priscilla Meirelles.

Aside from Kaila, former couple De Belen and John have three more children, namely Inah, Moira and Yuan. Kaila, Moira and Yuan earlier went on a trip to Cebu together with John, Meirelles, as well as their daughter Anechka.

2017’s “Ang Larawan” is based on the 1997 stage production “Larawan” which is an adaptation of National Artist Nick Joaquin’s own play “A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino” from 1950.

A majority of the cast will be joining Rosales and Alonzo in the “Ang Larawan” concert, as will Karylle, Agot Isidro, Nyoy Volante, Mikkie BradshawVolante, Markki Stroem, Kakai Bautista, Mitch Valdez, Bituin Escalante, and Nonoy Froilan.

National Artist Ryan Cayabyab, who composed the music for the 2017 film, will serve as the concert’s musical director which will also feature the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines.

In their respective Instagram accounts, both Rosales and

Alonzo shared images of rehearsal sessions conducted by Cayabyab with several members of the cast.

“First time performing in a musical theater, and it’s both exciting and nerve-racking!!” Alonzo wrote, noting she would

be playing Elsa Montes — the role played by Padilla in the movie.

“We don’t know why we are here. We are holding scripts and there’s a bunch of guys, singers, actors and that guy (Cayabyab) on the piano. We are freaked

out. We want to die,” Rosales quipped in a video with Alonzo. The concert will be the culminating activity of

Iza on motherhood: This is my biggest purpose

by NATHALIE M. TOMADA Philstar.com

IZA Calzado shared why it took her two months before telling the public the good news that she gave birth last January to Deia Amihan, her firstborn child with techpreneurhusband Ben Wintle. She officially introduced her baby girl to her followers on March 26.

For the 40-year-old actress, it was the “best decision” to keep one of the, if not the most important event of her life yet private or, at least, off social media for a short period of time. Having been through a lot together, she said she named her daughter after her Encantadia warrior-character Amihan and a place in Mallorca, Spain called Deia, which also means goddess of joy.

“There’s no best decision for everybody. But that was the best decision for me. I know myself and I had to really assess because I remember when I got engaged and married, when everybody is congratulating you at that very moment, it kinda takes you away from that very moment. Ako, it was taking me away from that moment. Hindi ko kaya yun. Even then I was overwhelmed, but I was happy,” Iza admitted.

“This one, it’s a different thing. Kaka-CS (cesarean delivery) mo lang, I was dealing with a lot of things, and some health issues

pa at some point. So, it’s a good thing talaga that I stepped away for a bit.”

The Philippine STAR got to speak to Iza as the celebrity endorser for the recently-held New Mama Expo at the SM Megamall. The event was spearheaded by edamama.ph, the “country’s leading shopping platform for baby essentials,” founded by couple Bela Gupta and Nishant D’Souza.

Iza further opened up on the joys and challenges of welcoming motherhood. “The first few weeks were quite a blow. Girl, para kang dinaanan ng train, di ba? In the hospital, you feel like a champion. But when you go home, boom!

“I think it’s because there’s a lot of changes happening in a woman’s body, hormonal changes. Physically, you went through so much change like from the first trimester.

“I don’t think any handbook or one handbook can prepare you for all of this. Every day, I just go with it. I just go with what that day brings me. Because you can’t plan everything. (Makeup artist) Lala Flores told me, no day is the same, it’s true. But I think it’s bringing out the best in me.”

Iza went on to call this new phase of her life as a woman as her “biggest purpose.”

“I was always scared (of motherhood) but I didn’t realize that it was this wonderful. I

Kaila Estrada and her mom Janice de Belen

from Instagram/@kailaestrada mention

Iza Calzado gets candid about the joys and challenges of being a new mom.

Photo from Instagram/@missizacalzado

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

When to stop using social media as a sounding board

Lee’s name.

believe so.

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.

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

Iza on motherhood: This is my...

was operating from a place of fear in terms of having a baby. So, I think God really stepped in and said, ‘Let me show you,’” she reflected.

“This is my deeper purpose pala. After I survived COVID, my biggest question was why am I still here, what is my purpose, and it kinda went left and right… Life happens. Then, God gave me clearly what my purpose is. I guess, this is my biggest purpose.”

She admitted that during this time, she’s been hearing different opinions, beliefs and tips about parenting, and one thing she learned is each motherhood journey is unique.

“You hear them out. You don’t have to always apply it. Nakakapraning talaga. I mean, let’s say karga, naku ‘wag mong sanayin sa karga… ano gagawin ko? Then you read books that say give the baby what she needs in the first three months, so ano ba talaga?” she said.

“So, I’m just doing what feels right… We’ll see. You know what, for whatever reason, it’s my lesson to learn. Parang we

all have unique circumstances and realities, we just have to recognize what works for us may not work for them.

“We could say this is what works for me, this is what I do. You can try it out if you want to. If others impose, set boundaries. Be kind to one another. Especially for new mommas like me, kinakapa pa talaga lahat Hindi ako magmamarunong at magmamagaling. Si Darna ay role na nagampanan ko. Although Darna was based on the mother of Mars Ravelo, and I understand mothers are superheroes, everyone’s a superhero in their own right, but you don’t have to do everything that’s why there’s Avengers or the Mamavengers in my case,” she said.

Iza’s parents already passed away, while Ben’s are based overseas so she’s been getting help from what she calls as the Mamavengers, her support group, composed of friends in and out of showbiz who are fellow moms.

As a mom, she described herself as “pretty chill” and “clingy.”

“I can’t leave her yet. She’s

actually quite near. I have to get ready somewhere near. Because feeling ko kasi, if I do this today, I’ll be gone for quite some time. So andun lang siya, medyo malapit,” she said.

As for how husband Ben is as a father and parenting partner, Iza said, “Ben has been very supportive. He has always been there for me. He researches also with me.

“He plays with Deia almost every day. Especially now that she has become very animated and responsive. You can really see that the father steps in at that point.

“Ben is in charge of the activities, like reading to her in the morning. He’s done some nappy changes so congrats to him (laughs). But it’s been mostly me and my wonderful angels at home.”

Asked if she’s open to having another baby in the future, Iza said, “Bahala na ang Panginoon. We’ll see.”

So far, she’s been teasing glimpses of her daughter on social media, but she promised her fans that they will be seeing Deia Amihan “very soon.” g

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

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

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

Miss Filipina International 2023 winner to receive BMW car or $10K cash prize

THE Miss Filipina International (MFI) 2023 winner will receive either a BMW 3 Series car or a $10,000 cash prize, Geoffrey Jimenez, chairman of the board of directors of Worldwide Media Entertainment Corporation, recently announced.

The winner of the prestigious pageant, to be held for the first time in The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, home of the glitziest events, will be given the choice of picking a brand-new BMW or the cash prize.

A $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin Beverly Hills also awaits the winner who will be crowned on August 5 in the Hilton’s International Ballroom, the venue of the Golden Globe Awards, the Academy nominees luncheon, Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party and other events.

“These big prizes reflect our goal to expand and boost Miss Filipina International as well as add incentives for candidates,” said Jimenez, the new owner of the pageant which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Jimenez and Worldwide Media Entertainment Corporation held a posh media launch at the Wilshire Garden of The Beverly Hilton where they announced that the top three winners of

MFI 2023 will be eligible to compete in Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) next year.

Other prizes include $5,000 cash and a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin Beverly Hills for the first runner-up, who will be crowned Miss Tourism; and a $2,500 cash prize and a $5,000 gift certificate from iSkin Beverly Hills for each of the second, third and fourth runners-up.

MFI is looking for candidates who are of at least one-fourth Filipino descent from around the world. Candidates’ ages should range from 16 to 28. For more details on how to apply, call (818) 928-5449. To apply online: www. MissFilipinaIntl.com.

This year’s winners will be exciting additions to the roster of Filipinas who have brought pride and honor to the Philippines which has produced many winners and top finalists in Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss International, among others.

The black-tie dinner gala coronation night will be on Saturday, August 5, 2023. For sponsorship inquiries, email: missfilipinainternational@ gmail.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

PAGE

Maja Salvador and Rambo Nuñez

Photo from Instagram/@maja

A BMW 3 Series car awaits the winner of the Miss Filipina International 2023, now owned by Worldwide Media Entertainment Corporation, headed by Geoffrey Jimenez (middle). Jimenez is flanked at BMW Beverly Hills by MFI queens (from left) Sarah Nunnink (Tourism 2018), Blessa Figueroa (MFI 2022), Alicia Buendia (Teen International second runner-up 2022), Nathalie Jabonero (Teen International 2021), Ceejae Minell B. de Lumen (Teen International 2022), Nicole Ceniza (Binibining Pilipinas USA 2016) and Arianna Padrid (MFI 2021).

Piolo Pascual: The humblest Ibarra

Showbiz’ ultimate leading man takes on Rizal’s alter-ego on the musical stage

By Tessa Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

“PRAYERS, please,” that he and the production do well was multi-awarded actor Piolo Pascual’s self-effacing reply to The T-Zone’s congratulatory message following his first public performance this week as local musical theater’s latest Ibarra. Singing live with a lone piano accompaniment, he passionately delivered a soaring snippet from “Kanser,” the prize-winning musical adaptation of Jose Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” by Jomar Fleras at the GSIS Museum.

Known as the longest-running play in Philippine history, the patriotic musical “Kanser” turned 40 this year and was simply but dramatically retitled “Ibarra” for its special anniversary staging.

Both grateful and honored to have been asked by Tanghalang Una Obra to portray the iconic lead for a 10-night run in June, Piolo sang the lyrics to “Awit ni Ibarra” a cut above his trademark singing style for variety shows, concerts and recordings. His voice was full and controlled even through the crescendos, with every word of such deeply verbose Filipino lyrics hitting every respective note with clarity and precision.

From where The T-Zone sat, it was evident how Piolo had left the heartthrob singer at the door, singing confidently all the same, but at this crossroads, from deep within his core and what looked like every part of his body.

Obviously, Piolo is taken by the role of Rizal’s learned, idealistic and patriotic protagonist quite intensely. On the one hand, it is definitely a big deal for a serious actor like him to be invited from mainstream entertainment to professional theater. On the other, he earnestly relates to the character of Ibarra. For, just as Ibarra passionately sought freedom from colonialism, the top actor has long been an active and fervent advocate of

nation-building through his charities and socially-conscious endeavors.

Ever humble, though, Piolo didn’t take credit for how different he sounded and skillfully performed that day. Instead, he thanked two of the country’s best classical singers and coaches, who happen to be married, for teaching him the proper technique for the live stage. Namely, they are tenor Pablo and soprano Camille Molina (née Lopez) of the revered Viva Voce Voice Lab.

“As you know, I got so used to singing pop music,” he told The T-Zone during the media conference that followed. “But when I first started rehearsing for ‘Ibarra,’ I told my mom, ‘Mommy, pang stage yata talaga ako [I think I’m really meant for musical theater],’” he added, laughing.

“My way of singing changed instantly, and it was a welcome change for me. It’s a privilege to be coached by Pablo and Camille.”

Never without a project or endorsement throughout his career, the persistently soughtafter celebrity revealed he had long wanted to

do theater for a long time now. Apparently, it was on stage where his love for acting began as an active member of FEU’s high school theater club and UST’s Teatro Tomasino in college.

Piolo counted nearly three decades since his last stage production and recalled its title to be “Juan de la Cruz in New York City.”

“There were offers from different theater guilds through the years, including adaptations of different Broadway shows but nothing fit into my schedule,” he related.

With the pandemic wiping everyone’s schedules clear, not only did his dream to return to theater come true with the offer of Tanghalanng Una Obra, but his long-held wish to portray Crisostomo Ibarra in any production of “Noli Me Tangere” that would come his way.

“That and doing a musical have always been on my bucket list,” he happily related, well on his way to ticking off a two-in-one come opening night.

Despite his stature, though, Piolo admitted he is as nervous as he is excited. He likewise feels intimidated to be working with topnotch theater professionals like Carla Guevarra Laforteza (Dona Victorina), whose credits go as far as the West End, and performance arts regulars like Myramae Meneses (Maria Clara), Jeffrey Hidalgo (Elias), Floyd Tena (Padre Damaso), Carlo Mañalac (Padre Salvi), Jon Joven Uy (Pilosopo Tasyo) and Nicole Laurel Asensio (Sisa) to name a few.

“Nanginginig ako [I get jitters] performing with them,” Pascual confessed again, almost oblivious that the production is just as honored and grateful as he is, if not more, that he has lent his immense celebrity to their less popular but incredibly challenging art form.

Winning the lottery, in fact, is how “Ibarra” director Frannie Zamora described securing Piolo’s commitment to the production.

Carla Abellana...

nurse sister, Carla is taking on the role of Dr. Mary Ann Armstrong, the mother of Steve, Robert-Big Bert and Little Jon, portrayed by Miguel Tanfelix, Matt Lozano and Raphael Landicho, respectively.

“You will see me as a doctor and as a scientist, very serious, strict, intellectual character, but she has a heart as the mother of three Voltes V boys,” said the Kapuso actress about one of the roles viewers will see her essay this year in a recent Zoom press conference. “I guess this is the first time that they will see me be part of this kind of project, which is very iconic and action-packed. It’s a milestone for me.”

It’s safe to say that she is in the thick of taping the teleserye Stolen Life, in which Carla is given the opportunity to be on the other side of the fence, that is playing kontrabida.

“I’m not just playing one character there. It’s my first time to explore that kind of a character, being a kontrabida, so it’s totally different (from what I’m used to do),” said she. “For a change, at least, they will see me playing a bad character.”

Before the viewers get to watch her work in Stolen Life, with Gabby Concepcion and Beauty Gonzalez, they will see Carla’s performance first in Voltes V: Legacy.

“I remember it was when I was still taping for To Have & To Hold, with Rocco Nacino and Max Collins, under direk Don Michael Perez,” shared Carla about how she became part of Voltes V: Legacy. “I was flattered as my first reaction.

Sobrang parang totoo ba ito, hindi ako makapaniwala kasi at that time medyo ilang buwan na silang nakakapag-taping na (I told myself, ‘Is this real?’

I couldn’t believe it because I knew they were taping already).

I was surprised that no one was cast yet to play Dr. Mary Ann Armstrong.”

After that initial feeling of excitement, Carla got a bit nervous after realizing that the role was big and important, and To Have & To Hold was ongoing. For some time, she kept mum about the offer.

“I said, ‘I would be honored to play the role of Dr. Mary Ann Armstrong,’ so I got excited,” she shared, “medyo mahaba yung lapse of time before ako nakapag-start (ng) taping.”

Asked if she was familiar with the animé series, Carla answered, “Growing up, I was aware of Voltes V. But in terms of generation, I believe it was my mom who got to watch it…

There are still details she can remember of the original (animé TV series).”

During the group interview, Carla was also inquired how she’s been doing. Compared to last year or several months ago, she said that she feels much better nowadays.

“Mas inaalagaan ang sarili (I take better care of myself now). Let go of what you cannot control. Siyempre maraming pagtatanggap (of course, there’s a lot of acceptance) about myself, whatever I could let go like anything toxic, bad or negative, and always be grateful, like counting your blessings every day and (doing things) that will help me. Yun naman po ang aking ginagawa. I guess, it’s effective,” said she. Since the Voltes V: Legacy narrative also touches on power (ability) or super power (special ability) to deal a superpower, she said that moving on is a super power.

“Parang lahat naman tayo ay may kakayahan sa ganuong super power, lalo na’t kapag babae (All of us are capable of such super power, especially if you’re a woman). I give a lot of credit to women most especially because in the life of a woman, ang dami nating na-e-endure, natitiis, kinakaya (we have endured and surpassed many things),” Carla said.

“Parang pakiramdam ko o paniniwala ko (ay) lahat tayo ay may ganuong super power, lalo na kapag wala tayong ibang choice kundi talagang bumangon, tumayo, kumilos po ulit, makapag-function ng maayos, tanggapin lahat lang ng dumadating sa buhay o nawawala. (I feel or believe that we all have that super power, especially when we have no other choice but to really get up, stand up, move again, function properly, just accept everything that comes to our life or disappears.)

Following her train of thought, one could say that she was referring to the breakdown of her marriage. Carla also acknowledged the help and support people, including her family, gave her, as well as her faith. She took things “one day at a time,” as she put it.

During this time, the role of Dr. Mary Ann Armstrong presented itself to her. Carla said it came at the right time because she was excited to go back to work and act again.

As soon as the taping for Stolen Life is completed, Carla will focus on her soap-making business, which she has already jumpstarted. g

The sought-after celebrity has been wanting to do theater for a long time now. Contributed photo

Abellana as Mary Ann Armstrong Inquirer.net photo

Pastor’s Notes

ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas

THE Gospel on this Third Sunday of Easter (April 23) is full of emotions: the disciples looking downcast and filled with sorrow as they stopped on their way; their surprise and agitation at learning that the “man” who joined them in their walk did not have a clue about what happened to Jesus; their disappointment about Jesus they expected to redeem  Israel; being stunned about the women’s report of not seeing the body of Jesus in the tomb; and, finally, their hearts burning within them as Jesus spoke on the way, opening the Scriptures, and breaking bread with them.

Luke vividly narrates this story, ending with a deep sense of awe at discovering that the man who walked with them was the Risen Jesus.

Doesn’t this story tell us about our experiences of the Eucharist?

Each of us comes to Mass with varied emotions: sorrow, joy, disappointment, excitement, anxiety, gratitude, boredom, and the feeling of being blessed. But, whatever emotion we go through

The Road to Emmaus: a story about the Eucharist

at Mass, I hope we understand Jesus’ desire for us: to feel his presence and closeness,  especially in the Scriptures and the preaching, our prayers together, and our communion with Jesus’ Body and Blood. The Eucharist is God’s precious gift to us. It signifies Christ’s promise at the end of Matthew’s Gospel: he will be with us until the end of the ages. It’s the testament of God’s sacrificial and eternal love for us—the memorial of Christ’s passion, death, and resurrection.

Today the Church urges us to appreciate the Eucharist and its significance deeply. It’s not just a Sunday obligation but a means to grow profoundly in our relationship with God and one another in peace, love, and justice. It is the Door to the Sacred, the “hem of the garment” we touch to receive healing and hope. It is the foretaste of the eternal banquet that awaits us in heaven. It is the source and summit of Christian life and spirituality.

The Eucharist unites, strengthens, encourages, and inspires our parish communities. That is why there is a deep

yearning for people to return to the Eucharist in person after the pandemic.

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington shared people’s yearning for the Eucharist in an interview with  Aleteia News. He shared: “Whenever I go to our parishes, one of the first things I hear as I greet the people is ‘Bishop, isn’t it so good to be back together? I never knew how much we needed each other and how much we could take that blessing for granted.’”

It is the same sentiment I had during our Easter Masses two weeks ago. It was so delightful to see the big attendance of people in all our Masses. I  also wish that we feel the presence, love, care, and compassion of Jesus at Mass and are inspired to share them with everyone we meet along the way.

* * *

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.

* * * Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.

When to stop using social...

PAGE B3

speculations that Lee was the parasite-type 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 “comeand-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 prenatal 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

Wages not paid on time or not shown in paystubs warrants employee recovery of monetary penalties

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights

atty. C. Joe sayas, JR

WHEN an employee quits from work, the employer must pay all wages due within 72 hours, unless the employee has given 72-hour previous notice in which case payment shall be made at the time of quitting. Upon discharge, wages are due upon discharge. “Wages” include regular wages, overtime, and payments for missed meal and rest breaks. Wages must be provided in the employee pay stubs. An employer’s failure to comply with these requirements obliges them to pay certain monetary penalties to employees.

each day on which Spectrum failed to provide employees with a meal break. The Court answered two important questions:

1) Should missed break premium pay be reflected on the employees’ paystubs? and

2) Should this premium pay be timely paid once the employee has ended employment?

The first question determines whether the employee should be paid for having been issued an incomplete paystub. The second question determines whether the employee should be paid “waiting time” penalty for not receiving premium pay at the time their wages were due. The answers depend on whether the premium pay for missed breaks is a penalty or a wage.

the unlawful deprivation of a guaranteed break, it also compensates for the work the employee performed during the break period. Such extra pay should therefore be included in the pay stub.

An employer’s failure to provide wages in employee pay stubs renders them liable for the payment of penalties in the amount of $50 per pay period up to $4,000.00. An employer’s failure to make payments of wages on time renders them liable to pay this wage for a continued period of time up to 30 days. Both penalties are due and payable to the employees.

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-

Gustavo Naranjo worked as a guard for Spectrum Security Services, Inc. (Spectrum), which contracts with federal agencies to transport prisoners who have appointments outside custodial facilities. Naranjo was fired after leaving his post to take a meal break, in violation of a Spectrum policy that required custodial employees to remain on duty during all meal breaks.

Naranjo filed a class action on behalf of himself and other Spectrum employees, alleging that it violated state meal break requirements under the Labor Code. The complaint sought an additional hour of pay (also known as “premium pay”) for 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

California law requires employers to provide daily meal and rest breaks to non-exempt employees. If an employer makes an employee work during all or part of a meal or rest period, the employer must pay the employee an additional hour of pay. The primary issue is whether this premium pay constitutes “wages” that must be reported on paystubs and paid promptly when an employee leaves the job.

The California Supreme Court. ruled that missedbreak premium pay is indeed wages subject to the Labor Code’s timely payment and the reporting requirements.

Although the extra pay is designed to compensate for

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 muchneeded social media break. The more she speaks ill of Lee, the more the public is convinced that it’s not forgiveness that is tethered to her heart but bitterness. g

* * * 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 Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www. joesayaslaw.com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine for 11 years, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.] (Advertising Supplement)

Comedienne Pokwang has been vocal on social media about her ex-partner’s shortcomings.

Photo from Instagram/@itspokwang27

Navigating the challenges of divorcing a Narcissist

Barrister’s Corner

NARCISSISTIC behavior can be a major factor in the breakdown of a marriage, leading to divorce. Many divorcing spouses would point to the other spouse’s personality as the reason they decided to file for divorce. When describing their spouse’s personality, it often fits many of the characteristics of Narcissism. Narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by a grandiose sense of selfimportance, a lack of empathy for others, and a need for admiration. Narcissists often have an exaggerated sense of entitlement and may exploit others for their own gain.

Narcissistic behavior can manifest in a variety of ways, including:

1. Lack of Empathy: Narcissists often lack the ability to empathize with their partners, making it difficult for them to understand their partner’s feelings and needs.

2. Manipulation: Narcissists are often skilled at manipulating others to get what they want. They may use emotional blackmail, guilt-tripping, or other tactics to control their partner.

3. Gaslighting: Narcissists often use gaslighting, a tactic where they deny or distort reality to make their partner doubt their own memories or experiences.

4. Blame-Shifting: Narcissists may frequently shift blame onto their partner, making it difficult for them to take responsibility for

their actions.

5. Lack of Commitment: Narcissists often struggle with commitment, preferring to keep their options open and maintain their independence.

All of these behaviors can take a toll on a marriage, leading to feelings of frustration, anger, and resentment. Eventually, these negative emotions can become too much to bear, leading to the breakdown of the relationship and ultimately, divorce.

Furthermore, narcissists often struggle with intimate relationships and may struggle to form deep, meaningful connections with their partners. They may see their partner as an extension of themselves rather than as a separate individual with their own needs and desires. This can make it difficult for the relationship to thrive and grow over time.

If you are in a relationship with a narcissist and are considering divorce, it is important to seek professional help and support. Divorcing a narcissist can be challenging, and it is important to have a support system in place to help you navigate the process. A therapist or counselor can help you work through your emotions and develop strategies to cope with the challenges of divorcing a narcissist. This may also apply to the minor children in the family who become victims of the narcissistic spouse. Narcissistic spouse’s also have a tendency of weaponizing the judicial process against the other spouse rather than focusing in resolving he divorce case. This may be in the form of over litigating a case for purposes of racking up legal fees for the other spouse. Fabricating false allegations against the other

spouse in the context of custody or domestic violence. Refusal to engage in good faith settlement negotiations. They will take unreasonable positions without any willingness to compromise. This will leave you with no option but to either roll over to their unreasonable positions or take the case to trial and get a ruling from the court.

Narcissistic behavior can be a major factor in the breakdown of a marriage, leading to divorce. Recognizing the signs of narcissism and seeking professional help can help you navigate the challenges of divorcing a narcissist and move forward with your life.

* * * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.  The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.  This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.  The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you.  This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC.  This article is not a solicitation..

* * *

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW

OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com. Visit us at kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Piolo Pascual: The humblest Ibarra...

He likewise revealed that when Fleras asked him if he was amenable to mounting the 40th-anniversary revival of “Kanser” he said yes but on one condition.

“I said I would only do it if Piolo would be in it,” Zamora disclosed. Now acquainted with just how easy it is to deal with the superstar that Piolo is, the director further shared that his big-name lead didn’t even ask about talent fees.

Moreover, when Piolo commits, he truly commits

Removing the conditions of your permanent residence without your petitioning spouse’s participation

good faith, and 2) terminated. 8 CFR 216.5(a)(1)(ii)

With respect to the required showing that the marriage was entered into in good faith, the conditional permanent resident must show that his/her marriage was not a “sham.” A marriage is considered a “sham” if, when they married, the couple did not intend to establish a life together.

A PERSON who obtains his/ her green card via marriage to a U.S. citizen spouse, and who is married for less than 2 years has conditional permanent resident status. A conditional permanent resident has a green card that is valid for 2 years.

In order to continue to have permanent resident status after 2 years, the conditional permanent resident and his/her U.S. citizen spouse must file an I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence during the 90 days before the expiration of the green card. 8 CFR 216.4(a)(1)

But what if things don’t work out with the U.S. citizen spouse after getting married, and the conditional permanent resident can no longer get the participation of his/her US citizen spouse in filing the I-751 petition? In such a case, the conditional permanent resident may seek an I-751 waiver of the joint filing requirement. In order to qualify for an I-751 waiver of the joint filing requirement, the conditional permanent resident must show that the marriage upon which his/her status was based was: 1) entered into in

An intent to obtain something other than or in addition to love and companionship (such as a green card) from that life does not make a marriage a sham. Matter of Soltan, A76 888 125 (BIA 2001). Documents such as joint bank and credit card statements, and photos that demonstrate that the marriage was entered in good faith should be presented.

Also, in order to qualify for an I-751 waiver of the joint filing requirement, the conditional permanent resident must show that the marriage was terminated.

By “terminated,” the USCIS requires a valid, formal divorce judgment. An I-751 waiver of the joint filing requirement cannot be approved in cases where the conditional permanent resident is legally separated or in divorce proceedings that are still pending. Also, once the marriage is terminated, the conditional resident may file the I-751 petition immediately, and does not have to wait until the normal 90 days before the expiration of the conditional green card.

It is worth noting that if the

conditional permanent resident and his/her U.S. Citizen spouse live in California, a valid divorce judgment must be obtained in the California courts. I have had numerous California-resident clients in the past who have obtained a “quick” divorce judgment in Nevada only to face USCIS scrutiny after presenting the Nevada divorce judgment in support of an I-751 waiver request (since one must be a Nevada resident to obtain a divorce in Nevada). The assistance of an experienced attorney in handling the divorce as well as the I-751 waiver request is accordingly recommended.

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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. * * * Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles (CAALA), and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association (PABA). LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: 323-639-0277. Email: info@ dtanlaw.com (Advertising Supplement)

The fastest rising Fil-Am classical crossover trio  under Starlink Music

and is, therefore, as professional, punctual and invested in the project as everyone is. Culture shock from showbiz to theater’s rigorous ways will hardly be a problem for the man.

And so it goes without saying that the entire production behind 2023’s “Ibarra” is star-struck by showbiz’s Mr. Piolo Pascual, though not in the way they expected. Sure, he is handsome and dreamy, and his eyes are as mesmerizing as they say, but never did they know from across the pond just how down-to-earth he can be. g

EACH individual has their own forte ranging from broadway to ballads. Cristiani Rebada, the 2017 Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World for The World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA), Broadway Star Lyndon Apostol who was nominated twice for Best Featured Actor on Broadway World for the role of Chino from West Side Story, and Minsik Lee from Comfort Women and LA’s Master Balladeer Kenneth

Laurente, a Gawad Amerika Awardee for 2022

Most Promising Performer/Artist of the Year. They recently released their first single “O Holy Night” and a New single “ A Moment Like This”.  Fil-Trio, the acclaimed Filipino IL DIVO of Los Angeles is performing live April 28 at the Scientology Auditorium in North Hollywood. Brought to us by Starlink Promotions and Lions Club Chivalry of Los Angeles. Tickets from $49. g