071523 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

PH eyes legal action vs China on arbitral award

Manila over Beijing in the maritime dispute in the South China Sea.

Has anti-Asian hate crime really decreased?

HATE crimes against Asian Americans dropped by 43% in 2022 in California, according to a new report from the state’s Department of Justice. But AAPI community leaders believe the data represents a severe undercount.

In 2022, 140 hate crimes against Asian Americans were counted by the DOJ, compared to 247 in 2021. The drop comes amid an overall 20% rise in hate crimes in California, from 1,763 in 2021 to 2,120 in 2022.

As in previous years in California, the most heavily-impacted ethnicity are Black Americans who suffered 652 attacks in 2022, a 27% increase from the previous year. Hate crimes against the LGBTQ community are also on the uptick, rising by almost 39%. And anti-transgender attacks rose by 56% in the progressive Golden state.

Bullying and shunning

Data from the web portal Stop AAPI Hate notes that more than 11,000 acts of hate against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been reported to the site since March 2020, including discrimination, bullying, harassment, shunning, or assault. Many of these acts of discrimination may be civil rights violations, but go unreported nonetheless.

A new report from the organization concludes that more than half of AAPIs have experienced some form of discrimination.

Manju Kulkarni, who co-founded Stop AAPI

Hate in 2020 with fellow civil rights activists

 PAGE A3

Kai Sotto nally sees NBA Summer League action

KAI Sotto finally made his long-awaited NBA Summer League debut in the Orlando Magic's 88-71 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Friday, july 14.

Sotto checked in at the beginning of the second quarter. He pulled two rebounds, blocked one shot and missed one field goal attempt in 5 minutes and 37 seconds of action.

Orlando trailed Portland at halftime 45-19.

Sotto was inserted back in the third quarter and scored his first basket of the game.

He saw more minutes in the fourth period, scoring four more points, including a wideopen two-handed dunk off a feed from a teammate.

Sotto finished with a total of six points, four rebounds, three blocks and one assist in 13:23 of playtime. He went 3-of-7 from the field.

 PAGE A3

MANILA — The Office of the Solicitor General has created a “special team” to study possible legal action regarding China’s continued refusal to recognize the ruling of an international arbitration court in 2016.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra disclosed this on Friday, July 14, two days after the Philippines marked the seventh year since the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague ruled in favor of

“This study will be useful to the president and the Department of Foreign Affairs in determining our future course of action with respect to the West Philippine Sea,” Guevarra told The STAR in a text message. Former solicitor general Francis Jardeleza had broached the idea of filing another arbitration case to further assert the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

Jardeleza said the case could be filed before

NAIA nears pre-pandemic passenger, ight levels in 1st half of 2023

by ZACARIAN SARAO Inquirer.net

MANILA — A higher volume of passenger and flight movement was recorded at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from January to June 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said on Friday, July 14.

In a statement, MIAA reported a total of 22,221,933 international and domestic passengers in the first half of 2023, marking a 78% increase from 2022 and just an 8% decrease from the pre-pandemic level in 2019.

Flight movements tallied at 135,883 — a 42% increase for the same period in 2022 and equivalent to 100% of the flights handled at NAIA in the first half of 2019.

“We are pleased to experience these surges in statistics — a strong indication that passengers have regained the confidence to travel again. The double-digit surge in our flight movements and passenger volume is enough ground for optimism that the aviation industry is steadily heading towards full recovery,” said MIAA Officer-in-Charge Bryan Co.

From April to June, 11,357,156 passengers

DOT: ‘Love the Philippines’ stays until further notice

MANILA — Despite the mess created by its promotional video, the Department of TourismNational Capital Region (DOTNCR) will continue using the “Love the Philippines” logo and slogan, according to an official.

“I can confirm that as regional director of the DOT-NCR, we will still use the slogan until further notice,” director Sharlene Zabala-Batin on Friday, July 14 told The STAR Batin added that the elements of the new tourism campaign would still be present in her office’s deliverables, like letters

and art cards for social media posting, among others. She said her office would only stop using the “Love the Philippines” logo and slogan “if there is a black-and-white directive” from the national agency to do so. The new brand’s elements are visible on the buses used for the DOT’s Philippines Hop-on/Hopoff bus tours in Manila, which was launched last week. The agency also has put the logo on the DOT website. It also has been present in

an ad hoc tribunal constituted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. He said the case should be handled solely by the Office of the Solicitor General to do away with “the heavy cost of hiring foreign counsel.”

“Essentially, litigation options would be the better way for the country,” he earlier said.

Jardeleza said the Office of the Solicitor General can choose from a menu of possible claims, including one for damages or other provisional  PAGE A2

LOS ANGELES — Filipina American public servant and longtime community organizer Jessica Caloza has officially announced her bid for a California state assembly seat.

Caloza is running for California's 52nd district, an area that covers portions of northeast Los Angeles, including Eagle Rock, Silver Lake, Echo Park and Lincoln Heights, East Los Angeles, and the city of Glendale.

Backed with high-powered endorsements from Attorney General Rob Bonta, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California State Council, and seven state assemblymembers, Caloza kicked off her candidacy with an aggressive campaign battlecry of pushing for equal opportunity for everybody especially the immigrants.

“My immigrant family had the opportunity to work hard, get good paying jobs, and build a better life. I want all families to have the same opportunity

MANILA — Solicitor General

Menardo Guevarra is not too optimistic that the Philippines will get a favorable ruling on its appeal against the resumption of the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s drug war probe.

The ICC is set to release its decision on July 18 on the Philippines’ appeal against the decision to allow the ICC prosecutor to proceed with the investigation into the drug killings when Rodrigo Duterte was president and, earlier, Davao City mayor.

“Going by the ICC’s previous actions, I’m not quite sanguine

about a favorable ruling, but it cannot be said that we did not assert the primacy of our own legal and judicial system,” Guevarra, who headed the Department of Justice during the Duterte administration, told The STAR in a text message.

The Philippine government will no longer appeal whatever the decision of the ICC may be. “Regardless of the outcome, the Philippine government will continue its own investigation and prosecution of alleged abuses in relation to the war on drugs, and will ensure that Philippine sovereignty will be protected and upheld at all times,” the solicitor general said.

INFRA WORK. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (center)

Fil-Am community leader Jessica Caloza launches...

my family did. It’s not about one of us, it's about all of us.

That’s what my campaign for Assembly is about,” Caloza said in a campaign announcement on July 11.

Caloza made history as the first Filipina to serve as a Los Angeles Board of Public Works Commissioner and oversaw 5,000 employees that delivered city services to four million people.

One of the key projects Caloza delivered during her time at the Department of Public Works was the Historic Filipinotown Eastern Gateway along Beverly Boulevard. She also worked as an Education Policy Advisor in the Obama administration, focusing on programs that helped students and families.

Adding to her campaign platform, Caloza said, "I want to bring the community’s voice to Sacramento. The challenges facing hard working families and neighborhoods across our district are many but I’m ready to fight for change."

Caloza has served in various positions in federal, state, and local government, during LA Mayor Eric Garcetti's

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administration, and most recently served as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the California Attorney General.

“People throughout the 52nd District need and deserve a representative in the State Assembly who will bring compassion, proven leadership, inclusiveness, and a forwardthinking vision to get things done. We have many issues to tackle – a worsening homeless and housing crisis, lack of good paying middle class jobs, an underfunded public education system, a climate emergency, rampant gun violence, and more.

My life’s work has been about bringing diverse communities together to find common ground and make positive change — that’s how I plan to lead in the Assembly. I want to fight for the people of the 52nd District like I would fight for my family,” she added.

In showing his strong support for Caloza, AG Bonta described Caloza as a fearless and visionary leader.

“She has the skills, proven abilities, and drive needed to be an effective leader in the State Assembly and a strong voice for communities in every corner of the 52nd District on Day 1. Whether it be enhancing neighborhood safety, curbing gun violence, making our criminal justice system more just, tackling homelessness, fighting for our rights and freedoms, and beyond, Jessica will be a powerful force for progress. I look forward to partnering with her in the California State Assembly.

Jessica has my full backing and

support,” Bonta stressed.

SEIU California State Council and SEIU-CIR Regional Vice President, Los Angeles General Hospital Resident Physician Mahima Iyengar, on the other hand, said Caloza could be a bold champion for working class in the state Assembly.

“Working families need leaders in the State Assembly who understand the challenges our members face every day.

Jessica Caloza grew up in a working class community. She is the proud daughter of a janitor and nurse. Given her background and experiences, Jessica knows firsthand the struggles workers grapple with on a regular basis.

SEIU California State Council is proud to endorse Jessica Caloza because we know she will be a bold leader for change, fighting for livable wages, better working conditions and protections for workers' rights. We're excited to support her,” Iyengar said.

Caloza also received support from key state Assemblymembrs Mia Bonta, Isaac Bryan (Assembly Majority Leader), Mike Fong, Matt Haney (Assistant Majority Whip), Reggie Jones-Sawyer, Evan Low (chair of the API Legislative Caucus) and Stephanie Nguyen (assistant speaker pro tem).

Passionate about fully funding and improving public schools, Caloza also worked in President Barack Obama's Administration as an education policy advisor. Prior to her service in the federal government, she worked as a community organizer on President Obama’s campaign, and before that, Caloza worked for social justice nonprofits that provided critical services to immigrants, working families, and youth. As longtime grassroots activist and community organizer, Caloza has been actively serving in the boards of local nonprofits that deliver services to survivors of human trafficking and provides mental health counseling to youth and their families.

Caloza is also active in Democratic politics and serves as the Southern California Chair of the Asian American & Pacific Islander Caucus in the California Democratic Party and is a longtime board member of the Pilipino American Los Angeles Democrats (PALAD). 

PH eyes legal action vs China...

relief.

The international tribunal’s decision recognized the Philippines’ declaration for rights, without suing China for damages in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea.

Jardeleza, however, acknowledged that President Marcos would have the final say if the Philippines decides on the issue, being the chief architect of the country’s foreign policy.

The retired Supreme Court associate justice urged Marcos to solicit recommendations from relevant government agencies to implement a clear and holistic policy on the West Philippine Sea.

As then solicitor general, Jardeleza was part of the legal team in the arbitration case at the PCA in The Hague. Guevarra was also part of the team.

Koko urges caution

At the Senate, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III on July 13 cautioned the Philippines against filing another case against Beijing at The Hague for fear of overturning the country’s win in the arbitral court. “We should file another case if based on new grounds. Let us not relitigate what we already won,” Pimentel said in an ANC interview.

He said filing another case may be used as an opportunity by China, which boycotted the court proceedings, to participate this time and strive for a reversal of the ruling.

“Our position is that the 2016 arbitral ruling is already final and executory. Let us be careful in calling for a filing of anything which can be misconstrued or misinterpreted intentionally as a relitigation of the issues,” the senator said.

The Philippines should instead work on fighting for its sovereign rights amid China’s aggressive actions and harassment of Filipino fisherfolk and vessels in the West Philippine Sea.

“The better course of action is to pound on the 2016 arbitral ruling in our favor. Let us be proud that the Philippines has played a role in the development and enrichment of international maritime law,” Pimentel said.

The senator also warned the present administration about allying itself too much with the United States amid the tense geopolitical situation over the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

“I am worried this administration is identifying

itself too much with the U.S. We are still in Asia. Ten million years from now, China would still be our neighbor. We have to find a way to balance everything,” he said.

For her part, Sen. Risa

Hontiveros on July 14 slammed the Chinese embassy in Manila for continuing to reject Philippine victory in the arbitral ruling over the West Philippine Sea and claiming that the U.S. is the “mastermind” behind the arbitration.

“By ignoring the growing consensus coalescing around the Philippine victory in the West Philippine Sea Arbitral ruling, the Chinese government further isolates itself from the international community,” Hontiveros said.

The senator also took exception to the embassy’s claim that the U.S. masterminded the arbitration ruling and used it to rope in its allies to “gang up” on China each anniversary of the landmark decision.

“As to the alleged ‘mastermind’ of the arbitration case, I strongly urge the Chinese embassy to at least show some basic courtesy to the Philippines, their host country, before deciding to release inflammatory statements on a day the Filipino people are celebrating a great victory,” Hontiveros said.

She also described as hypocritical the Chinese embassy’s call for other nations to “respect” its “territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” and its remark that the Philippines’ allies are “troublemakers to peace and stability in the South China Sea.”

Mere ‘laway’

The Philippines did not win anything when the PCA issued its so-called Arbitral Award in 2016, according to former national security adviser Clarita Carlos.

Worse, she believes that the supposed international support that the country is getting seven years after the historic decision was issued, is nothing but laway” – lip service.

In an interview with “The Chiefs” over One News on July 13, Carlos was asked if the Philippines really won anything at all when it brought China to court.

“Siguro, the quick and dirty answer would be none. The most prominent part of that so-called award, which did not award anything, is the declaration that the nine-dash-line of China does not have any basis in fact. And

that no country can claim any part of the contested waters simply by historical claim,” she replied.

She noted that if the Arbitral Award cannot be supported with what she described as naked power, “then it’s laway lang, just a piece of paper.”

“I’m sorry to dash the hopes of people who are rallying and saying that we have a victory. That’s not true. They have to read the award and they have to read the circumstances surrounding (it),” she explained.

Carlos noted that first of all, the Philippines had to “pay a stupendous amount of money” for lawyers when the case was brought before the PCA.

“Second, China did not want to participate in that particular judicial process. And China repeatedly, you know 10,0000 times, would say that we are not participants there, we are not going to pay attention to its results… In other words, it does not form part of the environment of international politics right now,” she said.

Asked if she means that the Philippines should not have done it at all or just kept quiet, Carlos said no and emphasized that in international politics, silence means acquiescence.

“That’s the reason why we have filed hundreds of note verbale,” she said, clarifying that the Arbitral Award has its benefits and no matter how weak and diminished one’s stature is at the time, one has to act.

On so-called international support coming from the United States, Japan and other foreign nations, Carlos said such pronouncements are nothing but talk. “Realpolitik tells us that’s only saliva,” she said.

To deal with the country’s problems with China in the West Philippine Sea, Carlos said one solution she has proposed to President Marcos is moving toward multi-alignment which will focus on economy. She said such a shift “will be based on multi-polarity. Not one superpower, not two superpowers, a multi-polar world.”

She also proposed shifting from what she refers to as high politics to low politics, which means moving from talking about territorial issues to fishing agreements that would benefit the people.

Fish, for example, hatches in Palawan and is harvested in and by China yet the Philippines does not get even one galunggong, she said. 

DOT: ‘Love the Philippines’ stays until...

some events of the DOT since July 10, including the opening of the first tourist rest area in Medellin, Cebu attended by Frasco and the launch of the “Drive Pinas” program between the agency and car company Nissan Philippines.

It is still unclear, though, if the DOT would keep the “Love the Philippines” branding created by advertising agency Doyle, Dane and Bernbach Philippines, but Frasco has repeatedly given hints that the DOT would retain it.

DDB Philippines admitted using stock footage shot in other countries in coming up with the new tourism campaign’s promotional video, shown during the grand launch last June 27, which was attended by President Marcos.

The confession had prompted the DOT to cancel its contract with the ad agency.

While she revealed that the agency has allocated P49 million for the branding contract, Frasco maintained that “not a single peso was paid” for it.

E-services

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration on Wednesday, July 12 launched its online service called the “BI E-Services” that will allow foreign tourists to process documents without having to leave the comfort of their home.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said that with E-Services as their new platform, immigration procedures are set to become more efficient and convenient for foreign tourists.

“They can now swiftly and securely complete their necessary immigration applications end-to-end online,” Tansingco added.

Applicants for waiver of exclusion grounds for arriving unaccompanied minors, emigration clearance certificate and dual citizenship under Republic Act 9225, or the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003, may now submit their applications online.

“Apart from these transactions, we are also excited to launch the online visa waiver

and the tourist visa extension,” Tansingco said.

Temporary visitors’ visa extension, or more commonly known as tourist visa extension, is one of the more common transactions of the BI for foreign tourists who intend to stay longer in the country.

The E-Services will support the DOT’s campaign to attract more foreign visitors to come to the country, according to the BI chief.

“Visa extension is really one of the highlights of our E-Services, given its impact on Philippine tourism. We all know that the DOT has recently launched the country’s new slogan, that’s why we are finding ways to make it easy for everyone to love our country more,” he said.

“Our E-Services allows our visitors to comply with their immigration requirements from the comfort of their own homes, hotels or even by the beach. This will definitely aid in boosting tourism, which is one of the main thrusts of the President,” he added. 

Jessica Caloza Contributed photo

How a combination of COVID lawsuits and media coverage keeps misinformation churning

by DARIUS TAHIR KFF Health News

PUBLIC health has had its day in court lately. And another day. And another day.

Over the course of the pandemic, lawsuits came from every direction, questioning public health policies and hospitals’ authority. Petitioners argued for care to be provided in a different way, they questioned mandates on mask and vaccine use, and they attacked restrictions on gatherings.

Historically, “there’s been nothing but a cascade of supportive deference to public health,” said Lawrence Gostin, a professor specializing in public health law at Georgetown University. That changed during the pandemic. “It’s the opposite. It’s been a torrent.”

Has anti-Asian hate crime really...

Cynthia Choi and Russell Jeung, told Ethnic Media Services that she has not seen a decrease in the number of hate incidents reported to the portal in 2022. “The numbers reported to us have stayed pretty steady,” she said.

2024 elections

The community continues to live in fear, said Kulkarni. “We have significant concerns about the 2024 election in the current political landscape, and believe hate crimes and incidents will continue to be an issue.”

Many AAPIs do not report hate attacks, said Kulkarni, adding they are fearful of law enforcement or protecting their immigration status. Seeing a hate crime report in the media sometimes alerts them to reconsider their own brush with hate and whether it may have also been a crime, she said. Kulkarni also noted that the majority of reports on the portal consist of hate incidents which do not involve a criminal element. “Most law enforcement agencies neither have to collect hate incident data, report it, or make referrals to other agencies. It creates a gap for community members who don’t know where to turn,” she said.

Spy balloons

Hate crimes and incidents against the AAPI community have risen dramatically since 2020, owing in part to politicians on both sides of the aisle vilifying China as “public enemy number 1.”

The perception that China was responsible for the Covid-19 pandemic, a damaged trade relationship, and accusations of Chinese “spy balloons” flying over the U.S. have consistently

served as fodder to consistently denigrate the Chinese American community and — by extension — anyone who looks East Asian.

Anti-Chinese American discrimination has taken several forms beyond hate crimes and incidents. Several states have attempted to re-enact the 1913 Alien Land Act, in which Chinese nationals were prohibited from buying land. In Florida, legislation went into effect July 1 prohibiting Chinese citizens from buying homes or agricultural land near military installations or looselydefined “critical infrastructure.” A similar bill died in the Texas state Legislature this spring, but other states are considering their own prohibitions.

A bill being considered by the Louisiana state Legislature disallows Chinese citizens from being able to rent apartments or homes.

API equity budget

In 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom introduced the $165 million API Equity Budget, allocating funding to communitybased AAPI organizations and media aiming to stem anti-Asian hate crimes and incidents, and also to change the stereotyped narratives about the community. The governor allocated an additional $40 million to the fund in this year’s budget.

“We are beginning to see the impact of the grant,” Kulkarni told EMS, adding that direct intervention programs are in full swing. Programs such as the CA vs Hate hotline — where a victim can report a crime and receive free support services, LA vs. Hate, which provides similar services, as well as the Los Angeles Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department provide necessary resources and opportunities for

NAIA nears pre-pandemic...

traveled from and to NAIA, indicating a 5% growth over the 10,864,777 passenger volume in the first quarter, Co said.

In the second quarter of this year, MIAA recorded a 2% increase in flight movement, with 68,689 flights handled compared to the 67,194 flights handled from January to March.

Co noted a boost in international passengers in June at 1,752,098, accounting for 82% of June 2019’s figures. This compares favorably to January’s international foot traffic, equivalent to 74% of January 2019’s tally.

Domestic operations in the first half of 2023 have demonstrated consistent strength, surpassing the flight movement and passenger volume of the same period in 2019.

"Comforted by the consistent

growth in numbers, with airlines introducing new routes and new airline players coming in, we will pursue without let-up our improvement projects, especially those that would highly impact the passenger experience inside and outside of the terminals,” Co said.

Through its Schedule and Terminal Assignment Rationalization (STAR) program, aimed at optimizing the capacity of the four NAIA terminals, the MIAA has also reduced congestion, he said.

In 2023, MIAA added 18 more departure immigration counters, bringing the total to 44. An additional 24 counters are set to be added to service overseas Filipino workers, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, diplomats, and other passengers who need special handling. 

Kai Sotto nally sees NBA...

The 7-foot-3 Filipino prospect had been benched in the Magic's first three games of the tournament, drawing the ire

accountability and redress, she said.

Moreover, a survey Stop AAPI Hate has undertaken in collaboration with the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago concludes that the AAPI community trusts community-based organizations the most. “Funding is critical for intervention and prevention,” she said.

The findings of the NORC survey will be released in August.

(Sunita Sohrabji/Ethnic Media Services)

Even as COVID-19 wanes, lawyers representing the health care sector predict their days in court aren’t about to end soon. A group of litigators and media companies, among others, are eyeing policy changes and even some profits from yet more lawsuits.

Because such groups can reach millions of people, public health advocates like Gostin and Brian Castrucci, president of the de Beaumont Foundation, a public health nonprofit, suggest that the result, beyond creating legal setbacks, could spread more misinformation about their work. The imprimatur of a lawsuit, they think, can help spread vaccine

skepticism or other anti-public health beliefs, if only through news coverage. “You know, lawsuits have a galvanizing effect,” Gostin said. “They tend to shape public opinion.”

Lawyers are organizing to promote their theories. Late in March, a group of them gathered in Atlanta for a debut COVID Litigation Conference to swap tips on how to build such cases. “Attention, Atlanta lawyers!” proclaimed an ad promoting the event. “Are you ready to be a part of the fastest-growing field of litigation?”

The conference was sponsored in part by the Vaccine Safety Research Foundation, which was established on vaccine-skeptical views. The gathering promised to share legal strategies for suing federal and state public health agencies over COVID policies, as well as hospitals and pharmaceutical firms for alleged malfeasance.

It’s the sort of thing that has people like Gostin paying attention. “It’s very worrisome,” he said. Even if lawsuits don’t succeed, it could make hospitals and public health officials gunshy, he said. At the height of the pandemic, lawyers were successfully forcing hospitals to administer ivermectin to treat COVID — despite many gold-standard, randomized, controlled trials demonstrating it wasn’t particularly useful.

The conference was a good way to meet like-minded advocates, explained Steven

Warshawsky, a New York lawyer who attended. “There’s networking and an effort to create a legal community that’s knowledgeable,” he said. And colleagues can also “spread the word about different legal angles.” Indeed, panels covered subjects ranging from licensure to hospital negligence, and allegations of vaccine injuries.

The conference was organized by Steve Kirsch, a wealthy San Francisco Bay Area tech executive, who describes himself as a “truth teller” regarding COVID vaccines and policies. He has persistently raised questions about masks and vaccines and other standard public health measures. The conference, he said, is meant to help encourage lawyers to further that stance. He said he hopes that “the lawyers are successful in getting large settlements” because “it will incentivize other lawyers” to bring their own suits against pharmaceutical firms and government agencies alike.

He’s been known to tweet about situations in which he, an unmasked person, encountered masked counterparts. For example, during a flight, he offered $100,000 to an airplane seatmate to remove her mask. (He said he did it to test the level — and potential hypocrisy — of people’s attachment to masks.)

Kirsch’s legal entrepreneurism is on full display in his newsletter: Individuals seeking his comments can check boxes

of Filipino fans who had been eagerly awaiting to see him in action.

Orlando remains winless in four games. (Philstar.com)

SolGen not optimistic on Philippines ICC...

Should the appeal be dismissed, Guevarra said the ICC prosecutor will be allowed to investigate the situation in the Philippines and could charge “certain individuals,” depending on the evidence gathered.

The country’s primary legal counsel said the Philippines’ ambassador to the Netherlands Ed Malaya will attend the promulgation of the ICC.

For his part, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said whatever the ruling, the Philippines will not be affected as it is no longer a member of the ICC. He declined to comment on whether he shared Guevarra’s view on the issue.

In its appeal, the Philippine government questioned the Jan. 26 decision of the Pre-Trial Chamber

I, which authorized the ICC prosecutor to resume investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity committed in relation to the drug war and the killings in the Davao region by the so-called Davao Death Squad.

The government had argued that the ICC no longer has jurisdiction over the Philippines since

it had withdrawn from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the international tribunal. It also said the ICC probe lacked legal foundation and the Pre-Trial Chamber failed to consider the Philippine government’s willingness and ability to carry out its own investigations.

A ruling in favor of the Philippine government will halt the ICC prosecutor from investigating the killings and other crimes related to the war against illegal drugs. The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber 1 granted on Jan. 26 the Prosecutor’s request to resume investigations into the Philippine situation,

saying it was not satisfied with the argument that the Philippines is already undertaking relevant investigations that should warrant a deferral of the Court’s investigation.

The investigation was suspended by ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan in November 2021, following a deferral request by the Philippine government.

In June 2022, Khan sought the resumption of the probe. The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber gave the green light but the Philippine government asked the Appeals Chamber to suspend the probe while the appeal is being resolved. 

Howa combination of COVID lawsuits and...

if they are lawyers who would represent him in various lawsuits against the federal government on vaccine-related issues.

Visitors can also book his time in 15-minute increments, at $500 a pop; subscriptions to his newsletter — of which he claims “tens of thousands” — are $50 a year. (He says he donates the subscription income.)

The lawyers’ conference attracted speakers well known in the COVID litigation world. One, Robert Malone, did early work on messenger RNA and has now grown skeptical over alleged defects in COVID vaccines. (They’ve been approved by the FDA after large trials.) Malone and other plaintiffs threatened Twitter last year with a lawsuit seeking to reverse a ban on spreading misinformation. After taking a media tour, he’s now back on the social media network. For public health officials, it’s not merely the potential outcome of the courts’ rulings but also the publicizing of the theories that poses a risk.

“Even one win, despite countless losses, for some will provide supposed evidence and vindication that questions need to be answered, liability needs to be assigned, or a wrong needs to be righted,” Castrucci told KFF Health News. “But the decision of any one trial can’t and shouldn’t supplant the findings of clinical trials enrolling nearly 70,000 Americans.”

“I think this is part of a grander destabilization of public health, through the judicial system,” Castrucci said.

Readers wanting to connect favored theories to courtroom drama through the media have no lack of opportunity. Take The Daily Wire, an online publication featuring conservative political commentator Ben Shapiro.

The company was a plaintiff in one federal lawsuit, part of a barrage of successful litigation, challenging the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s policy of giving large businesses an option of either requiring their employees to get vaccinated or test weekly for COVID. The regulation was stymied by the Supreme Court and later withdrawn by the agency.

The lawsuit served a second purpose. It provided a continual, evolving theme for Facebook ads promoting the outlet’s fight — and asking viewers to subscribe, sign petitions, or purchase merchandise. In a November 2021 ad, Shapiro asserted there was “no bigger fan” of vaccines than he. But any pro-vaccine claim was not a centerpiece of future ads, which inveighed against mandates, vaccine passports, and the like. The Daily Wire claimed in February 2022 that it was bringing in $100 million in annual revenue.

The publication made COVID messaging, particularly around lawsuits or legal matters, a

frequent theme of its advertising. One ad, for example, mentioned how police were enforcing vaccine passports in “certain cities” — it didn’t specify which cities. But The Daily Wire published an article about police checking such passports in Paris, not the United States. The media outlet didn’t respond to multiple requests for comment. In all, KFF Health News found the publication had at least 10 million ad impressions on Meta platforms — Facebook and Instagram — from October 2021 to February 2023 concerning lawsuits, mandates, lab leaks, and other COVID-related topics.

Earlier, conservative media groups were happy to contribute by writing amicus briefs in support of certain cases. But there’s now plenty of rightwing voices trying to seize an audience, said A.J. Bauer, an assistant professor of journalism studying conservative media at the University of Alabama. “We’re seeing an oversaturated media space, with a lot of competition,” especially on the right, Bauer said. As such, he said, they need to stand out — even if it means embracing “stunts,” like participating directly in lawsuits.

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.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla Philstar.com file photo

DIGITAL GLOBE. A worker uses a fire truck ladder to put some electronic devices at the famous globe of SM Mall of Asia at the tip of the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Pasay City on Wednesday, July 12. The globe, called “Globamaze”, is a 360-degree electronic billboard located in front of the mall and is among the attractions in the area. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Petitions challenging COVID-19 policies junked

by DAPHNE GALVEZ Philstar.com

MANILA — The Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed consolidated petitions challenging the constitutionality of COVID-19 regulations issued by the Philippine government, saying the petitions violated “the doctrine of hierarchy of courts.”

The petitions were “dismissible” as the issues raised needed to undergo a “full-blown proceeding before

a court of first instance” to adjudicate “extremely technical and scientific facts,” according to the SC.

The “court of first instance” refers to regional trial courts which can receive evidence. The SC can only issue decisions on the interpretation of law or its constitutionality.

The consolidated petitions were filed last year by former presidential candidate Dr. Jose Montemayor Jr., a group of passengers’ and riders’ advocates, and civic groups.

The petitioners had argued that policies implemented by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and other government agencies trampled on their right to life and liberty, impaired their right to travel, and infringed on the equal protection clause as they discriminated against the unvaccinated and only applied to those who do not have private vehicles.

Among the policies challenged was the mandatory vaccination of on-site employees. 

Nearly 80 million Filipinos now registered for national ID – PSA

MANILA — The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Wednesday, July 12 that more than 80 million Filipinos are now registered under Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) or the national ID.

As of July 11, 2023, the states statistics bureau said that over 80,004,098 Filipinos had already given their biometric information, representing a significant portion of the entire Philippine population.

According to National

Statistician Dennis Mapa, the statistics agency is now down to the last mile of its target registration for PhilSys.

"We continue to call on all Filipinos to register for PhilSys in any of our registration centers nationwide," Mapa said.

The PSA currently implements walk-in registration to increase public accessibility, while mobile registration is ongoing in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas to ensure that the population in far-flung

areas can register. PSA field offices are also conducting school-based registration activities. Minors aged five and above may register at any registration center with their parents or legal guardians present. During the first State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., he said one of his targets was to accomplish the issuance of about 92 million IDs by the middle of 2023. (Philstar.com)

Water diversi cation

A DAY before water supply rotation started in large areas of Metro Manila, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said the government is diversifying its water sources and reducing dependence on Angat Dam. The DENR’s Water Resources Management Office said new infrastructure is under construction while wastewater recycling programs are being pursued.

Among the “new” infrastructure cited was the Kaliwa Dam, which is projected to be finished by the end of 2026. This multibillion-peso project, however, has been in the pipeline for a long time, despite repeated reminders from the two Metro Manila water concessionaires that the government committed to develop new fresh water sources for the capital region.

Editorial

Completion of the dam has encountered strong resistance from indigenous groups who fear the loss of their ancestral lands and cultural heritage. The Marcos administration will have to exercise political will in balancing the needs of the National Capital Region and neighboring areas with those of indigenous communities.

Political will is also needed to stop continuing reclamation activities and reduce the number of fishpens, owned mostly by political families or the well-connected, in Laguna de Bay. Despite its heavy siltation, the lake is being tapped as a short-term water source for Metro Manila. The reclamation and siltation have affected the natural floodplain around the lake, resulting in severe flooding in lakefront communities.

Treating wastewater has also been talked about for some time. It would be good if the government gets serious in promoting the initiative, with incentives dangled to the private sector for investing in the technology that has already been in use for many years in several countries. There is also talk about developing rain catchment systems at the community level. Such catchments were already in place in the country before the 20th century, but lost popularity with the introduction of piped water distribution systems. With the country getting so much rainfall every year, water catchments can help mitigate, among other things, irrigation woes during the dry season. There are also existing rainwater harvesting or collection systems for residential and building rooftops, available for sale and even for do-it-yourself application. Each time the water levels in the dams drop, there is talk about rushing the development of new water sources, rainwater harvesting and water recycling. With Metro Manila back to water rationing, it’s time to get serious about all these initiatives. (Philstar.com)

SEVEN years after our dramatic victory before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, do we feel like winners?

China’s unwavering reaction has been: let’s see you make us abide by the ruling.

In the past seven years, Beijing has done the reverse, physically bolstering its ninedash-line claim by creating artificial islands all over the South China Sea, including the aptly named Mischief (Panganiban) Reef, over which the arbitral court specifically awarded the Philippines sovereign rights. The artificial islands are effectively military facilities housing airstrips, barracks, seaports, submarine docks and surveillance stations.

In 2018, the Chinese Coast Guard was transformed from a civilian into a military-run law enforcement agency, under the People’s Armed Police, which is under the Central Military Commission. The CCG is authorized to use lethal force against foreign warships. The unique setup allows CCG ships to swarm the South China Sea without its description (at least

by Beijing) as militarization. Those Chinese ships shoo away Philippine fishing vessels from our own fishing grounds, and shadow and point lasers at Philippine Coast Guard ships, challenging the PCG at every opportunity.

One has to be addled by fentanyl to paint such challenges as acts of a friendly neighbor.

Unfortunately, the harsh reality in geopolitics is that possession is nine-tenths of the law, might makes right and size does matter. All countries enjoy equal standing in the community of nations? It’s fake news.

* * * With massive size comes massive economic power, and consequently strategic power. Rodrigo Duterte was right: despite all the hallelujahs from the free world about the Philippines’ victory in The Hague, no one stopped China from its aggressive artificial island building. We couldn’t, and those who could, didn’t.

Partly, it was because the winner not only lacked the military muscle to compel compliance with the ruling, it also officially downplayed the win like a shameful family secret and almost apologized to Beijing for the affront.

With the Philippines lacking

credible self-defense capability, and Uncle Xi reportedly threatening war when Duterte raised the arbitral award during their meeting in Beijing, Toughie Rody’s tack then boiled down to (borrowing one of his favorite topics): when rape is inevitable, just sit back and enjoy it.

Nothing enjoyable has emerged from the approach. Even the promised benefits never materialized. Where are all the investments that were expected from the pivot to China? The talk in the Tsinoy community in the previous administration was that Chinese officials found their Philippine counterparts’ kowtowing laughable. Chinese officials have little respect for weakness.

On the seventh anniversary of the arbitral ruling that invalidated China’s nine-dashline claim over nearly the entire South China Sea, we don’t look any closer to making Beijing bow to the ruling.

* * *

Looking on the bright side, the past few years have seen growing international support for the arbitral ruling and the Philippines. With a lot of help from friends, our country has bolstered its external defense and coast guard capabilities.

I guess the support was slow

in coming because of Duterte’s constant rants against the U.S., the European Union and other democracies, his open admiration for his kindred spirits Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin (and dislike for Barack Obama), and his downplaying of the arbitral award throughout at least the first half of his term.

During this period, Beijing continued its frenzied artificial island-building, even using (if the Tsinoy grapevine is to be believed) sand from the Philippines, sold by certain unscrupulous politicians and arranged by a prominent businessman. They ought to be hanged for treason, but nobody gets punished in this country except pickpockets and pennyante drug pushers.

Duterte eventually dropped his pivot to China, perhaps realizing its futility and because of the refusal of Pinoys (as consistently reflected in all surveys) to go along with him. Also, everything is personal for Duterte, and it helped that he liked Donald Trump so much he even crooned for the U.S. president.

The Marcos administration has clearly ended the pivot to China, even while sustaining engagement with Beijing. President Marcos has said he couldn’t imagine the

Philippines’ future without the U.S. as a partner.

In this he is continuing the policy pursued by his father and namesake. From the declaration of martial law in 1972, Uncle Sam sustained the anti-communist Marcos dictatorship, until people power forced Washington to abandon its ally and tell Ferdinand Senior that he had to “cut, and cut cleanly.”

You can see Duterte’s point when he rants against U.S. (and other democracies’) hypocrisy when it comes to human rights.

* * *

In furtherance of its strategic interests, Washington can even look the other way when probers say Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the gruesome murder of a critic, journalist Jamal Khashoggi, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018.

I guess Washington can say that the murder was perpetrated within sovereign Saudi territory in Turkiye so it’s none of America’s business. Both sides can always say there are many other aspects of bilateral ties that go beyond a mere murder and dismemberment of a dissident journalist.

China is adept at exploiting such ethical acrobatics in the name of nations’ strategic interests. It uses the same

reasoning in its bilateral discussions – its preferred mode – with rival maritime claimants. By the time Beijing agrees to a binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the code will effectively uphold the status quo and China’s stake on the artificial islands that it has built all over the Spratlys. With members of the international community now seeing their freedom of navigation and flight threatened in one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, and with the Marcos administration becoming more assertive on the arbitral win, we are hearing more governments speaking out about the importance of a rules-based global order and the legally binding nature of the arbitral ruling.

It’s now up to Marcos 2.0 to encourage such friends to go further than official statements, and help persuade Beijing, without engaging in armed conflict, that it is in its own strategic interest to behave within international rules. (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.

“I THOUGHT to myself

‘It looks like an Indonesian scenery,’” remarked Indonesian tourism and creative economy minister Sandiaga Uno in a recent interview, referring to a curious scene in the beta version of the “Love the Philippines” campaign video.

“That’s purely an unintentional mistake because to err is human. We don’t need to react too emotionally,” the Indonesian minister added with a touch of diplomatic niceties, referring to the scenes of Ubud, Bali, featured among a whole host of “stock videos” in the controversial promotional video.

Crucially, the Indonesian minister made it clear that the “Love the Philippines” video was actually featured first abroad,

namely at the United Nations World Tourism Organization regional commission meetings in Cambodia (June 15-19), days before garnering widespread public scrutiny upon publication during the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in late-June.

In short, the controversial video already had its own share of “fans” overseas before taking over the national conversation in the Philippines. Clearly, the Indonesian minister didn’t mind having a free (inadvertent) promotion of his beautiful country at the expense of taxpayers in a friendly neighbor.

According to available data, close to $1 million (P49 million) was reportedly spent on just developing the “Love the Philippines” campaign’s skeleton, including the branding’s logo and various studies that went into its production. Meanwhile, as much as P250 million was reportedly allocated for consulting services

for the full-fledged rebranding campaign.

In response to public backlash and extremely unfavorable international coverage, the DOT has insisted that its advertising agency partner, DDB Group Philippines, won’t be enjoying the initially allocated fund. Soon, half-a-dozen pro-administration senators publicly backed the embattled DOT leadership, which has insisted on pressing ahead with the “Love the Philippines” campaign.

Nevertheless, skepticism abounds. One insider reportedly told the media that DBB could still get paid for the “materials and activations” it already delivered. Meanwhile, no less than Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, the ultimate data nerd in the legislature, also publicly aired his misgivings.

“I will ask them where is the [focus group discussion], where is the [eminent persons group], and right now after six months where is the UAI,

usage, attitude, and image. So basically, we need to have a data-based, and a sciencedriven accounting for it,” he told the media, emphasizing the need for proper accounting and 21st-century policy-making rigor.

On her part, Sen. Nancy Binay, chair of the Senate committee on tourism, questioned the rationale behind the whole campaign altogether. “The DOT’s enhanced campaign has lost the persuasion game … The campaign has lost its redeeming value and has become unsalvageable. I hope the DOT is level-headed enough to accept this,” she said.

And this, dear reader, brings us to the fundamental issue concerning the DOT’s rebranding efforts.

To begin with, does the whole “Love the Philippines” campaign make sense when it eerily echoes those of Barbados’ and Cyprus’, but minus their modern infrastructure and

luxurious on-the-ground experience?

As astute observers such as Binay have noted, the tourism sector is an extremely sensitive market, specifically, to bad publicity and granularities of actual tourism experience.

Across much of the world, they still remember how the Philippines has been the site of one of the worst cases of extrajudicial killings, which have been widely covered by international media in recent years. Meanwhile, Manila has ranked second worst internationally in terms of traffic congestion, while it is Southeast Asia’s third most expensive city. Notorious antics by the former demagogue in Malacañang were clearly amusing to his fanatic base but turned off countless tourists and investors the world over.

Let’s be honest: given the country’s problematic “hardware” and battered reputation, perhaps the status

quo ante slogan of “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” was far more appropriate. But an even more crucial issue is the seeming inability of our political elite to pinpoint and maximize our nation’s distinct strengths.

As Indonesia’s tourism chief notes: “[T]he Philippines also has its own unique advantages not found in Indonesia,” likely referring to our incredible mixture of Asian and Iberian heritage, world-renowned hospitality, international language proficiency, and unparalleled ecological diversity. Yes, it’s easy to “love” the Philippines if and when we get the right leadership and good governance that we deserve. (Inquirer.net)

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

* * * rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph

Marcos bullish on making Philippines attractive, competitive’ business hub

MANILA – President Ferdinand

R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday, July 13 expressed optimism that his administration would realize its goal of transforming the Philippines into an "attractive and competent" business hub.

"We envision a future where the Philippines becomes an attractive and competitive hub for business ventures, where enterprises flourish and thrive, and where opportunities await every investor for every Filipino," Marcos said during the launching of green lanes for strategic investments at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City.

Marcos said the establishment of green lanes for strategic investments marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward economic prosperity.

BI launches electronic service for foreign travelers

MANILA – To further help boost the country’s tourism industry, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) officially launched on Wednesday, July 12 an end-to-end electronic service (eServices) for foreign travelers.

In a statement, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the platform would streamline procedures for foreigners wanting to come to the Philippines.

“Our eServices (platform) allows our visitors to comply with their immigration requirements from the comfort of their own homes, hotels, or even by the beach. This would definitely aid in boosting tourism, which is one of the main thrusts of the President (Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.),” he said.

Through the platform, foreign nationals may access applications and payment services with

convenience. This would grant them access to several options, including the annual report, Republic Act 9225 dual citizenship principal application, emigration clearance certificate, visa waiver, waiver of exclusion grounds, and tourist visa extension features.

“Visa extension is really one of the highlights of our eServices, given its impact on Philippine tourism. We all know that the Department of Tourism has recently launched the country’s new slogan. That’s why, we are finding ways to make it easy for everyone to love our country more,” Tansingco added.

Foreign nationals may try these features by simply logging in using an existing account or creating a new one at e-services.immigration. gov.ph.

Once directed, applicants may then click the desired application feature to fill up online forms.

Once completed, the succeeding step will show a wide range of payment options.

An email from biis@immigration. gov.ph will also be received for the confirmation of the application together with the transaction’s official receipt.

The eServices platform was softlaunched in December 2022 under Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.

The BI earlier pledged to launch more system advancements using technology to improve its services to local and foreign nationals, as well as ensure protection from illicit border schemes of human traffickers. (PNA)

ASEAN, China expected to resume COC talks in PH next month

MANILA – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China are set to hold the next round of negotiations on a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea in Manila this August.

This development comes as the two parties completed the second reading of the single draft COC negotiation and adopted the “guidelines” to speed up the talks.

In the Philippines' omnibus intervention at the ASEAN-China meeting in Jakarta on Thursday, July 13, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said Manila looks forward to having an “effective and substantive” COC.

“Regarding developments in the South China Sea, we call for the effective management and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law,” he said.

“We welcome the completion of the second reading of the Single Draft COC Negotiating Text (SDNT) and look forward to continuing the COC negotiations in Manila in August, with a view towards adopting an effective and substantive COC,” he added.

The “Guidelines to Accelerate Negotiations for the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea” was adopted during the same meeting between ASEAN Foreign Ministers and the Director of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party Wang Yi.

No details have been provided as of yet but the adoption came as Indonesia, this year’s ASEAN

chair, highlighted the increasing importance of ASEAN-China partnership amid growing challenges in the region.

Wang, during the meeting, conveyed his readiness to “play a constructive role” in the COC’s early conclusion.

Like Manila, the rest of ASEAN targets to produce a COC that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In a joint communique released on July 13, the bloc also pointed out the need to maintain and promote a conducive environment while negotiations are ongoing.

“We stressed the importance of undertaking confidence building and preventive measures to enhance, among others, trust and confidence amongst parties, and we reaffirmed the importance of upholding international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS,” it said.

China, the Philippines and other Southeast Asian states are locked in a territorial dispute over the resource-rich South China Sea.

In 2013, Manila brought Beijing before the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, which handed a landmark decision in favor of the country in 2016.

With China continuing to reject the move, it is not clear if the award would be incorporated into the future COC.

The decision was constituted

under the UNCLOS and ruled that the claim of historic rights to resources in areas falling within the so-called nine-dash line is illegal.

On the award's seventh anniversary on July 12, Manalo also pointed out that the ruling is “now part of international law”.

Upholding PH's interest

The Department of National Defense (DND) also joined the commemoration of the seventh anniversary of the arbitral ruling.

"The Award, underscoring the primacy of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea serves as an anchor for the DND to protect our national interests in the West Philippine Sea based on established rules and generally accepted principles of International Law," the DND said in a statement on Friday, July 14.

It added that shall continue with its efforts to modernize the territorial defense capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines aside from enhancing security engagements and collaboration with our regional partners.

This includes supporting the nation’s courses of action for the maintenance of order in the South China Sea.

"The DND stands fully behind this victory of the Filipino people, which cannot be frittered nor bargained away. Keeping true to our sworn mandate to our people, we continue to work on making the Philippines an archipelago of stability in the Asia-Pacific region," it concluded. (PNA)

DOTr slams transport strike set on SONA day

MANILA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) insisted that it did not fail to address the concerns of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators, ahead of the scheduled three-day transport strike by a transport group.

In a statement, it denied the accusations of Manibela and challenged the group to give proof and evidence to support its claims.

Manibela group president Mar Valbuena earlier in the week said they would have their second transport strike this year on July 24 to 26, with the first day set on the second State of the Nation

Address of President Marcos.

The DOTr accused Manibela of using the strike to “gain media attention and public sympathy.”

“Their group is free to stage any form of protest. However, DOTr will not be held hostage.

The whole country and innocent commuters will not be blackmailed every time this group does not get what it wants,” the statement read in part.

The DOTr pointed out that, along with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Office of Transportation

Cooperatives (OTC), they have been consulting with PUV drivers and operators in the past weeks to discuss the local public transport route plan.

“The LTFRB has always been fair in implementing its mandate based on the Omnibus Franchising Guidelines either to corporations or cooperatives. The DOTr, LTFRB and OTC are open and willing to hold dialogues with any group who has legitimate concerns and we vow to address such concerns through consultations and forum,” it said.

“The DOTr challenges Manibela to prove their allegations with concrete proof and evidence. Clearly, their planned ‘strike’ is intended to gain media attention and public sympathy, but not to address the legitimate concerns of PUV drivers and operators,” it added.

Manibela called on the president to revamp the LTFRB, and for Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz to resign.

Backup plan Meanwhile, the LTFRB said that it is readying for the possible strike.

LTFRB member Mercy Jane

The green lane services were created by virtue of Executive Order (EO) 18 issued on Feb. 23 in an effort to attract more investments.

With a goal of making the Philippines a "top investment destination," EO 18 aims to simplify procedures and trim bureaucratic layers to ensure ease of doing business in the country, Marcos said.

"That’s why we have undertaken this measure under EO 18, because this will not only strengthen market competition and reduce barriers to investment but will also serve as a beacon for progress for businesses and for every Filipino guiding us towards a future of growth, opportunity and success,” he said.

'Long overdue' reforms

Marcos said the reforms to create an environment that is conducive to business growth and development are "long overdue."

He said the initiatives undertaken by his administration would improve the investment climate in the Philippines and enable the country to compete globally “on an even basis.”

“We cannot continue to hide behind protectionist laws and protectionist policies because no country ever got wealthy by following a protectionist policy. The wealth of the nation is defined by the amount of trade that it has gone. We can look back many centuries, and it has always been trade that has been the key to the wealth of any nation, of any economic system,” Marcos said.

“It is a continuing application

of the principle of wholeof-government response to the continuing challenge of dismantling the obstacles faced by investors whenever they decide to do business here in. our country,” he added.

Streamlined processes

Acknowledging the sentiments of investors and entrepreneurs in the country, Marcos ensured that his administration is committed to making government transactions and processes “efficient, transparent and responsive to the needs of these potential investors.”

Marcos noted that the Board of Investments has partnered with 36 agencies to fast-track the approvals of permits and the resolution of concerns, particularly for identified strategic investments.

“We will continue to closely monitor the performance of these processes in order to track our progress and our identity and we will see the areas for continuous improvement, even as we continue to pursue other projects and endeavors that will make the Philippines even more fertile ground for investments,” he said.

“I am confident that the green lanes will pave the way for the realization of many pledges that we have had, including those that I have personally received abroad, ensuring that they will bear fruit for our people and our

nation,” Marcos added. The event showcased the awarding of the first Certificate of Endorsement to SunAsia Energy, Inc. and Singaporebased BlueLeaf Macquarie Capital for the construction of the 1,300-megawatt floating solar project at the Laguna Lake with a total investment of USD1.2 billion. SunAsia, a leading developer of clean and renewable solar energy in the Philippines, in partnership with BlueLeaf and Macquarie Capital, had initially expressed their investment commitment to Marcos during his state visit to Singapore in 2022. Since then, SunAsia applied 10 of its projects as Strategic Investment under EO 18 and availed of the green lane services to expedite the permitting and licensing processes. (PNA)

Leynes said they are coordinating with other government agencies to ensure that commuters will not be inconvenienced during the planned strike.

“The LTFRB, together with partner agencies, has a backup. We are coordinating with them (partner agencies) if this pushes through, we will ensure that there are alternative means of transportation for commuters,” Leynes said in a briefing.

Aside from Manibela, the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide is also planning to join protest action on July 24.

Leynes urged transport operators and drivers not to inconvenience commuters during their protest action, noting that the LTFRB is open for discussion and that the implementation of the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) would continue despite protests.

She noted that industry consolidation, a component of the PUVMP, has had several deadline extensions since 2017 as the government wants to ensure that all stakeholders can take part in the ambitious plan. (Philstar.com)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Malacañang

USE FOR ILLEGAL LOGS. A local government employee paints a chair at a warehouse in Tagum City on Thursday, July 13. The chairs, made from logs confiscated from illegal loggers, are donated to the city’s public schools. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Asian Journal WKND

Success story: Triple triumphs scored for client on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

PATRICK was petitioned for a green card by his aunt as a cook for her restaurant. Interestingly, not many people are aware that family members can petition other family members for an employment-based green card,

provided it is a real job and the employer is earning enough to pay the worker’s salary.

After establishing that the position at his aunt’s restaurant was a bona fide job, and after the aunt was able to provide

additional evidence and documents, the Department of Labor approved the labor certification application, and eventually, the immigrant petition for an alien worker was approved. Patrick was also able to apply for lawful permanent status and was able get his green card in the U.S. without having to return to the U.S. Embassy in Manila, and his green card was approved without an interview.

Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, July 16 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

Iza admits struggle to fully embrace postpartum body

By aNNe Pasajol Inquirer.net

IZA Calzado opened up about her postpartum fitness journey, admitting it took her months before sharing it to the public because she often felt “frustrated” over her body. The actress made a compilation of clips from her workout sessions which she showed through her Instagram page on Wednesday, July 12.

“To be honest, I have been

struggling to fully embrace my postpartum body. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster ride, really,” she said.

“I have my good days when I celebrate it for carrying and birthing to and now taking care of a child. Then there are those moments that leave me feeling frustrated even after years of working on loving and accepting myself,” she confessed.

Despite this, Calzado underscored that she welcomes

COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

APO’s Jim and Boboy recall how ‘farewell concert’ led to 50 years of music

By Nathalie tomada Philstar.com

EXACTLY 50 years ago, the APO Hiking Society was supposed to disband. They staged a two-night concert at the Meralco Theater on July 15 and 16, 1973 to officially say goodbye to the

music scene.

The trio was looking to pursue lives out of the group they formed as Ateneo students. Boboy Garrovillo was going into farming; Jim Paredes was leaving for Europe for further studies; and the late Danny Javier was already working for a TV network at that time.

What was supposed to be a “farewell concert” would become a reset button that led them to producing a treasure trove of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) gems that could stand the trends and test of time.

Exactly 50 years later, this Saturday and Sunday (July 15

Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) was able to earn triple victories for Patrick (left) on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy.

Iza Calzado Photo from Instagram/@missizacalzado

Stunning $75K Miss Filipina International 2023 crown revealed

A STUNNING $75,000 crown for Miss Filipina International (MFI) 2023, custom-designed by royalty and red carpet designer Narcisa Pheres, was recently revealed by Geoffrey Jimenez, chairman of the board of directors, Worldwide Media Entertainment Corp., the new owner of MFI.

Jimenez, in an interview with Entertainment News Portal, unveiled the beautiful crown, made of Swiss blue topaz, Japanese pearls and other gems. He announced that on August 5, at the blacktie MFI coronation night at the prestigious International Ballroom of The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, one lucky woman will be wearing the crown especially made by Narcisa Pheres.

“The crown has 38 pieces of Swiss blue topaz, 175.73 carats, 15 Japanese pearls, a total of 43.7 carats and 1,555 pieces of cubic zirconia and 124.773 carats total set in 234.72 grams of silver,” Pheres said. “The crown’s value is around $75,000 and it is entirely made by hand. It took about three months of work just to handset it.”

The Romania-born and raised Pheres, who was appointed in 2018 by Her Royal Highness, Princess Olga Romanoff, as the official jewelry supplier, described her inspiration in making the crown. She said, “I live in Hong Kong and so I travel to the Philippines a lot. When I go to the Philippines, I pay a lot of attention to the nature around me. So, to complement the country, there are elements of sea pearls, the beautiful blue ocean and ideas of pineapple as well. If you pay attention more, you will see many of these elements that will bring you back to the Philippines.”

Pheres, who studied fashion design at the Instituto de Moda Burgo in Milan, fashion marketing studies at Central St Martins, London and got her GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Jewelry Design and Diamond Certification in Carlsbad, California, explained that it took her about three months just to handset the crown “but the entire thing took me about four to five months to finish.”

The most challenging, she added, was coming up with the design. “I wanted a royal

influence but for the modern queen.”

Owner of the Pheres brand and creative director of Narcisa Pheres Fine Jewelry which she started in 2006 in Japan, she expanded her line of one-of-akind jewelry pieces and launched her line of evening gowns and menswear as well.

Based in Hong Kong, Pheres has been recognized for her accomplishments as a designer. Her jewelry has been worn by A-listers on most of the red carpet of awards shows like the Golden Globes, Oscars, Grammys, Screen Actors Guild Award and Met Gala. Her clients include the former First Lady Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Rihanna, Madonna and Taylor Swift.

“This is the first time that I have designed a crown for a beauty pageant,” Pheres said. “Most of

the time, I do royal crowns and tiaras as well. I specialize in royal jewelry and have done four or five crowns.”

“I wanted this crown to really have a very vivid blue so that when the new MFI queen is onstage and away from the crowd, you can still see the colors clearly and that is why I chose blue topaz.”

The 41 MFI candidates represent various states across America and several countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom and the Philippines. They will vie for these titles: Miss Filipina International; Miss Tourism; First Runner-up; Second Runner-up; and Third Runner-up.

Jimenez also announced that in partnership with Jonas Gaffud’s Empire Philippines, three winners will be eligible to compete next year in Miss

Filipino Americans set to debut at the Walt Disney concert hall in ‘Jazzmapolitan™’

FOUR exceptional FilipinoAmerican artists will be making their Walt Disney Concert debuts at “Jazzmopolitan”, an evening of eclectic vocal and instrumental jazz music on Saturday, August 19.  The starstudded lineup, headlined by Grammy-award winning sextet TAKE 6 and the versatile and prolific jazz guitarist Peter White will also see performances by saxman Michael Paulo, jazz vocalist Melissa Morgan, singer/ songwriter Chris Chatman and two-time Grammy winner Tia Carrere.

Paulo, one of the versatile saxophonists in pop, soul and contemporary jazz for nearly 35 years, was the saxman for the legendary singer Al Jarreau for over ten years.  He’s also played with the iconic Johnny Mathis and artists including Oleta Adams, David Benoit, Patti Austin, Kenny Loggins and Jeffrey Osborne.  He joined the pop/rock Hawaiian band Kalapana at a young age and was a featured player on their albums from 1975 through 1979.

In 1988, He recorded his first major solo release “One Passion” which was critically acclaimed as one of the most influential records in contemporary jazz.  Paulo founded and produced the Temecula Wine and Music Festival and the Pacific Rim Jazz Festival in Hawaii aside from numerous jazz concerts in California and Hawaii.

Jazz producer John Clayton called Melissa Morgan’s voice “sassy and sexy” and once you hear her sing, it’s both…and more! Born and raised in New York City, she began studying piano at a young age and in 2002 she received a degree in jazz vocal performance from SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Music.

In 2004, Morgan was named a semi-finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition (judged by none other than Quincy Jones, Al Jarreau, Kurt Elling, Jimmy Scott, Dee Dee Bridgewater and

Flora Purim).  She released her debut album “Until I Met You” in 2009 to enthusiastic and critical reviews. Listen closely, and you can hear the influences of Nancy Wilson, Dinah Washington and Billie Holiday is her wondrous singing.

Singer/songwriter Chris Chatman was born and raised in Los Angeles but he has traveled the world pursuing his vocal dreams.  He’s been fortunate enough to perform with the likes of Gladys Knight, Chicago, Billy Idol, AJ Rafael, Tituss Burgess and Lin-Manuel Miranda, just to name a few.  Now, he’s working on his first EP with Grammy Award-winning A. Blake. Audiences have seen actress Tia Carrere in movies (“Wayne’s

Universe Philippines (MUP) while two winners will vie in The Miss Philippines pageant.

The following are the MFI official candidates, listed by their numbers (randomly drawn by the contestants in a raffle) in the pageant:

1. Hannah Pearcey

2. Matea Mahal Smith

3. Alexia Reign Hernandez

4. Jesse Grace Felix Soriano

5. Ella Del Rosario

6. Rylen Faith Steinbuch

7. Brooke Barredo

8. Claudia Vidanes

9. Denisse Nicole Samaniego

10. Patricia Bianca Tapia

11. Janessa Gwen Rubio

12.

16. Sandra Irene Goff

17.

18. Angelique De la Cruz

19. Princess Caventa Reyes

20.

24.

27.

Dolly to fly to Munich in August to work with Nicole Kidman

By Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

ACTRESS Dolly de Leon said she found the news of her getting invited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Ampas) to vote for the annual Oscar Awards so unbelievable at first that she even asked her American management team to check whether it was a scam.

“They sent me an email, and so I took a screenshot and forwarded it to my team in the States. I asked, ‘Is this a scam?’

It’s because we would often get emails from people we don’t know, including scammers. They said, ‘No. This is confirmed.

You’ve been invited.’ That’s when I asked about the benefits of being a member,” Dolly told Inquirer Entertainment

Dolly explained that “it’s mostly for prestige,” but what has more weight to her is the fact that “we now have the right to vote not just in the Actor’s branch, but in the officers’ as

Huge honor

She continued: “The impact that I see from this is that we’ve become empowered. It’s not just me as a Filipino actor, but all of us Filipinos … we now have the right to vote. It’s a huge honor… The thing is, it’s not for free. There’s an annual fee. So I asked, ‘Is it worth it?’”

Dolly said that since she is already a member, it’s also possible that she would still get invited to attend the Oscars ceremony even if none of her films are nominated. “I may have to eventually get a sponsor for that because it’s not cheap to go there and dress up for the event,” she pointed out.

Speaking of trips, Dolly will be leaving for Munich, Germany, in August to shoot for the second season of the Prime Video drama series “Nine Perfect Strangers,” starring Nicole Kidman. She is expected to stay there for six months to work on nine

In addition to the previously announced top prize of a BMW 3 Series car, the winner will also receive a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin Beverly Hills. Other prizes include $5,000 cash and a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin for Miss Tourism; a $2,500 cash prize and a $5,000 gift certificate from iSkin for each of the First, Second and Third Runners-up.

MFI’s sponsors include Philippine Airlines, BMW, Jojo Bragais Shoes, Narcisa Pheres, iSkin Beverly Hills, Biaggi Luggage, Bell Beachwear, The Beverly Hilton, See’s Candies Manila, FlexPro Meals and Celsius Beverages. For sponsorship inquiries, email: missfilipinainternational@gmail. com.

Iza admits struggle to...

this “new chapter” in her self-love journey and that she values the process more than the outcome. She further said that her workout video serves as a self-reminder that no matter the size of her body, it is worthy to be on her social media feed.

“[I] will choose to reframe the anxiety and turn it into excitement. Grateful for this new challenge and can’t wait to see where my hard work will take me,” she stated.

“It is also a way for me to honor where I am at, physically and mentally,” she added. “Mahaba-haba pa ang biyahe pero darating din tayo dun. Tuloy lang. Laban lang!” (The journey is still long but we will get there as long as we continue. Keep on going!)

Calzado received an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities, who were all cheers for the celebrity mom in the comments section.

Calzado gave birth to Deia Amihan, her first child with husband Ben Wintle, last Jan. 26. Calzado then opened up about motherhood months after childbirth, saying she considered it to be the “most challenging yet fulfilling journey” she had been on. g

APO’s Jim and Boboy recall how...

and July 16), APO is staging another two-night show to definitely not say goodbye but to celebrate a long and storied career in the industry. It’s happening at where it all started, their alma mater Ateneo de Manila.

Di ba they say, legends die young? We’re the exceptions,” Jim said of the 50 years of APO Hiking Society. “In fact, we had to be reminded it’s been 50 years by Betta (Dans), our manager.”

“I don’t think anybody imagines that. You just keep on doing it and realize it’s been 50 years,” Boboy added.

Counting their days at the Ateneo, their togetherness has been over five decades. But July 15 and 16, as Boboy pointed out, “happened to be a real milestone for us. Uncanny to have the same dates (also Saturday and Sunday) na nag-concert kami in 1973, which was a farewell concert. We were saying goodbye to APO in 1973.

“Final concert sana with all our friends. Kami-kami lang yun. Danny was even the executive producer.”

World”, “True Lies”, and most recently, “Easter Sunday”) and on television (“Relic Hunter”, “Dancing with the Stars”, “Curb Your Enthusiasm”, to name a few) but most people do not know she’s also a twotime Grammy award winning singer. Collaborating with her long time friend and fellow Grammy winner Daniel Ho (who will be playing with the singer during the evening’s performance), Carrere won her first Grammy for Best Hawaiian Music Album “Ikena” in 2009. And just two years later, she won her second Grammy for “Huana Ke Aloha”. She is set to co-star in the upcoming live action remake of Disney’s “Lilo and Stitch”. g

But right after their concert, a friend from television asked if they were interested in joining the gag-variety show, OK Lang, for IBC-13. “Tinginan kami, well, wala naman kaming gagawin after the concert. So we taped a few shows for OK Lang. The format was like Super Laff-In (in the late-‘60s)... When we went to the studio for the taping, they introduced us to the rest of the cast. There were comedians and radio people. You’ll be surprised sino yung mga kasama namin — Joey de Leon, plus Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Val Sotto, the brothers. Nagsama-sama kami dun,” Boboy recalled.

He would, however, still leave for Negros to do farming while Jim waited for his European plans to push through. “Then, ‘di na tuloy yung trip ko, so I joined Danny who said, ‘Padalhan na natin ng telegrama si Boboy, I’m sure he’s so bored,’” Jim said. To cut the story short, by 1974, they were officially together again.

Meanwhile, RJ Jacinto borrowed a tape of their farewell show and began playing some

songs on his radio station. One of these, New Day, became a chart-topper and got played on the radio daily.

In 1974, Vicor got in touch with APO to release an album out of the same concert. “It was our first album, a live album,” said Boboy. It was mostly covers with three original songs, New Day, Now That It’s Over and Done, and Otis Elevator. They would start going for all-originals in the third album.

Being part of OK Lang was also a huge career boost. “By that time, it was No. 1 and it beat Nora Aunor’s Superstar show,” recalled Jim.

Though it would be canceled, the power of television already cascaded to their group. They started getting offers for concerts. “First-ever concert namin, we were asked to do Cebu. First time in our lives, wow, out of town! We went there by boat,” Boboy shared. Paglabas namin sa concert, for the first time in our lives, sigawan ang mga tao.

Nagtinginan kaming tatlo, ‘Sikat na tayo no?’” he laughed. They would later on be asked

to join a balikbayan roadshow, an initiative of the Tourism department that saw them performing in over 50 cities in North America for three months. They were just a “filler” for the likes of Eddie Mercado, Mercy Molina, Elizabeth Ramsey but it taught them how shows were mounted.

“When we came back, we had so much self-confidence already,” recalled Jim. “We had developed stage presence. It was a learning experience for us.”

It wasn’t smooth-sailing after that though. They had moments where they couldn’t help but question themselves if music was for them.

“When we fronted for the Commodores when they came here, it was 1976, they were so hot in the Philippines. Lionel Richie was then part of the Commodores,” began Jim.

“When we came out onstage, we were really booed and we had to finish three songs. Can you imagine? While you were singing, you’re actually telling yourself, do I really have a career? Kasi Araneta and

Dolly de Leon

Photo from Instagram/@dollyedeleon well.”

OPM hitmakers Jim Paredes (right) and Boboy Garrovillo celebrate their 50th anniversary in the music industry. Photos from Instagram/@jimparedes

Michael Paulo

Chris Chapman

Tia Carrere

The iconic trio of Jim, Boboy and Danny Javier performing 50 years ago. Danny, who passed away in 2022, will be part of the concert, according to the remaining APO Hiking Society members.

WMEC board chair Geoffrey Jimenez

Photo by Ken Hugh

Narcisa Pheres is owner of the Pheres brand and creative director of Narcisa Pheres Fine Jewelry. Photo courtesy of MFI

The MFI 2023 crown, valued around $75,000, designed by Narcisa Pheres. Photo courtesy of MFI

Apl.de.Ap of Black Eyed

Peas joins producing team of ‘Here Lies Love’

Musical expands Filipino co-producing team alongside Lea Salonga, H.E.R. and Jo Koy

MULTI-GRAMMY Award

winner Apl.de.Ap of

Black Eyed Peas has joined the Broadway producing team of “Here Lies Love,” the new musical from David Byrne and Fatboy Slim that is currently in previews at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway at 53rd Street). The show officially opens on Thursday, July 20.

Apl.de.Ap said, “I’m excited to be a co-producer of the first musical featuring an all-Filipino cast on Broadway. ‘Here Lies Love’ means so much to the Filipino community worldwide, and I am honored to support projects like this that highlight the many stories of Filipinos.”

Clint Ramos said, “‘Here Lies Love’ is throwing the biggest party on Broadway – and the party got even better with Apl.de.Ap joining our producing team! Allan is a pioneer in the Filipino American community, and to Filipinos all over the world, and I’m excited to have him on board.”

Lea Salonga, who officially began performances in the show on Tuesday, July 11, said, “I’m excited for Apl.de.Ap to come on as co-producer and beyond thrilled that our team is continuing to expand.”

From Grammy®, Oscar®, and Tony Award® winner David Byrne (concept, music and lyrics) and Grammy Award® winner Fatboy Slim (music), “Here Lies Love” tells the story of Imelda Marcos’ rise to power and subsequent fall at the hands of the Philippine People Power Revolution.

The show features the first all-Filipino cast to perform on Broadway: Arielle Jacobs (“In The Heights,” “Aladdin,” “Between The Lines”) as Imelda Marcos, Jose Llana (“The King and I,” “The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee”) as Ferdinand Marcos, Conrad Ricamora (“How to Get Away with Murder,” “The King and I,” “Soft Power” – Grammy nominations) as Ninoy Aquino, Melody Butiu, Moses Villarama, Jasmine Forsberg, Reanne Acasio, Jaygee Macapugay, Julia Abueva, Renée Albulario, Aaron Alcaraz, Carol Angeli, Nathan Angelo, Kristina Doucette, Roy Flores, Timothy Matthew Flores, Sarah Kay, Jeigh Madjus, Aaron “AJ” Mercado, Geena Quintos, Shea Renne, and Angelo Soriano. Tony and Olivier Award winner Lea Salonga, a global Filipina legend, will also join the cast for a special guest engagement this summer, performing for five weeks from Tuesday, July 11 through Sunday, August 13.

Developed & directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, with choreography by Olivier Award nominee Annie-B Parson and additional music by Tom Gandey and J Pardo, “Here Lies Love” transforms the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway at 53rd Street) into a dance club where the audience is immersed in the story. Tickets are on sale now at Telecharge. com, by phone at 212-239-6200, or at the Broadway Theatre box office. For information

on groups of 10+, contact Broadway Inbound at broadwayinbound.com, or call 866-302-0995.

“Here Lies Love” transforms the Broadway Theatre’s floor space into a dance club environment, where some audience members stand and move with the actors, and others enjoy from traditional theater seating. Multiple ticketing options provide audience members with unique and immersive points of view. For more information, visit https://herelieslovebroadway. com/#ticketingoptions.

From its world premiere at The Public Theater in 2013, “Here Lies Love” has enjoyed popular and critical acclaim. The show returned to The Public in 2014-2015, debuted at London’s Royal National Theatre in 2014, and most recently opened at Seattle Repertory Theatre in 2017.

The creative team for Here Lies Love on Broadway includes three-time Tony Award® nominee David Korins (scenic design), Tony Award® winner Clint Ramos (costume design), Tony Award® winner Justin Townsend (lighting design), M.L. Dogg & Cody Spencer (sound design), and three-time Tony Award® nominee Peter Nigrini (projection design), with casting by Tara Rubin CSA, Xavier Rubiano CSA, Gail Quintos and general management by Foresight Theatrical. Additional creative team members include ATW Jonathan Larson Grant recipient J. Oconer Navarro (music director), Billy Bustamante (assistant director), Renée Albulario (assistant

Megaworld International launches KKK

raffle promo in partnership with NHCP

MEGAWORLD International celebrates the Philippines’ 125th Independence anniversary in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) through the Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, at Kasaysayan (KKK) raffle promo that offers a chance to win a brand-new condominium unit at One Eastwood Avenue, an investment for education, and a limited-edition home furniture piece from the renowned Filipino designer Ito Kish, among other prizes.

The global marketing specialist of Megaworld Corporation – Megaworld International – aims to join the NHCP in igniting nationhood, promoting Philippine history and cultural heritage among the Filipino people with the KKK, highlighting the marketing group’s biggest raffle promo to date.

The raffle promo will run from June 25, 2023 to June 25, 2024. Participants will get more chances of winning minor prizes with three quarterly draws and the major prizes in the grand raffle draw [per DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-170502 Series of 2023].

Kalayaan, Kinabukasan at Kasaysayan raffle promo hopes to showcase Filipino artistry, hospitality, and world-class investments to the global community.

Megaworld International ties with the best and the biggest brands to date: Megaworld Corporation, GlobalEstate Resorts, Inc., Suntrust Properties Inc., Emperador Inc., Megaworld Hotels and Resorts, Megaworld Club Access, Pick-ARoo, Ito Kish, Makina Watches, and Roots Collective.

The promo is open to everyone who purchased or sold one (1) unit of Megaworld Corporation, Global-Estate Properties, Inc., Suntrust Properties, Inc., and Stateland Inc. projects from any of the participating projects – for a minimum of P6,000,000.

Major prizes are categorized into three: The Kalayaan Package, Kinabukasan Package, and Kasaysayan Package.

In the spirit of nationhood, Megaworld International affirms its corporate vision to uplift lives, impact society and

help shape the nation through the KKK raffle promo. At the core of this endeavor, the international marketing group visualizes a financially-free country by investing in worldclass Megaworld properties. The company is exerting efforts to increase the demand for the nation’s real estate landscape, so its homegrown brands and partners may reach the worldwide market.

This raffle promo aims to connect with the different Filipino societies all over the globe: whether to the permanent residents abroad, dual citizens, or Filipino workers who stay overseas – all in an effort to bridge the country’s heritage and financial freedom objectives to the countrymen, wherever they may be.

Megaworld International implements various activities – both in online and offline platforms – such as roadshow presentations, conferences, expos, recruitment events, events sponsorships, business summits, and financial literacy talks. For this year-long promo, Megaworld International will participate in NHCP’s series of events in celebration of the 125th Philippine Independence anniversary.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines is a recognized government agency

whose mission is to promote the history and cultural heritage of the Philippines through various means such as conducting and supporting research, information dissemination, and implementation of educational activities to popularize Philippine history. Megaworld International is the international marketing specialist of property giant Megaworld Corporation, the Philippines’ leading residential condominium developer office space developer, and pioneer of the live-work-playlearn lifestyle concept. The international group has been proudly showcasing worldclass MEGA townships for 23 years to over 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www. megaworldinternational. com; on Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/ megaworldintlmktg; and on Instagram: https://instagram. com/megaworld_intl/. g

memorandum of agreement was signed on

Apl.de.Ap has joined the producing team of “Here Lies Love.”

Photo courtesy of Boneau/Bryan-Brown

APO’s Jim and Boboy recall how...

nakakadismaya talaga. Tapos, three days yun although on the second and third night, there was less (booing).

Pero nakaka-trauma and at the same time, defiant ka, ‘Someday, luluhod ka sa amin.’ May mga ganun kaming illusion (laughs).”

It proved to be no illusion as APO rose to become one of the leading voices of OPM — a term coined by Danny himself — with over 25 albums, countless hits like Batang-Bata Ka Pa, Panalangin, When I Met You, Awit ng Barkada, Kaibigan, Ewan, etc; and pioneering performances here and abroad.

On their career highlights, they cited performing in Saudi Arabia in 1987. “There were no concerts there, not even pop music on the radio. It was all prayer time,” Jim said.

“This was right after EDSA, and other nations medyo friendly sa atin Ginawa yun Independence Day celebration of the Philippines,” added Boboy.

A Filipino restaurant owner there was allowed by the government to bring in APO but on certain conditions such as no publicity and that they performed at an old airport. A tent was set up and APO had a total of six shows

where audiences were transported in buses. “Company buses brought Filipino employees to the venue. Then there was a division. Dito, lalaki lahat, dito babae lahat and may fence talaga.

So, ako lalaki nakikita ko, si Boboy, babae, si Danny fence (laughs),” Jim said.

“Then, the first night nagtakbuhan mga nurse sa stage ‘picture, picture’ but you cannot touch the people,” they recalled. Local police warned that should the incident be repeated, the rest of the shows would be scrapped. Organizers decided to have the autograph signing inside buses. “When we went inside the bus, paglabas namin punit mga damit namin, sabi ko, I’m not going to the next buses,” Jim laughed in recollection.

There are many other memorable experiences. Their only regret was they never got to document them all.

“The regret is we didn’t have audio visual support for ourselves. Mahirap magbuhat ng sariling bangko but all our shows were actually raves, standing ovations every show, all over the world. But wala kaming photographer and videographer na kumukuha ng events,” Boboy lamented. “‘Di namin naisip for

posterity’s sake.”

This was the case in 1987 when APO became the first Filipino pop artists to perform at New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall. “You’d think we had coverage of (the show at) Carnegie Hall where nakalagay sa labas, ‘officially sold out,’ but we don’t even have a picture. ‘Di ba mag-re-regret ka after 50 years?” Boboy mused.

When asked how they truly felt to be turning 50 in the industry, Boboy quipped, “We feel old.”

“But in all honesty, I think 50 years is just a number,” Jim added.

“On stage, I feel much more confident. Creative ka pa rin, medyo irreverent ka pa rin, and you’re still trying new stuff with the audience and still writing new songs and everything. We do bring back old memories, but we also crave new ones.”

APO is promising new and nostalgic experiences at their two-night show this weekend. Although they’ve equally divided the singing parts of Danny, they’re also featuring backup singers to achieve the APO sound that they want. But they stressed that Danny, who passed on last year, will be part of the show.

“Basta Danny will be with us,” said Boboy. “And not only in spirit.” g

Apl.de.Ap of Black...

choreographer), Bobby Garcia (casting consultant/Philippines), Gregory T. Livoti (production stage manager), and Ryan Gohsman and Sheryl Polancos (assistant stage managers). Giselle “G” Töngi is the show’s cultural and community liaison.

“Here Lies Love” is produced by Hal Luftig/Kevin Connor, Patrick Catullo, Diana DiMenna & Plate Spinner Productions, Clint Ramos, and Jose Antonio Vargas, with Aaron Lustbaderserving as Executive Producer.

They are joined by Lea Salonga, H.E.R., Jo Koy, Rob Laqui, Eva LaBadie, Marikit Ventures/Georgina Pazcoguin, Bobby Garcia/Girlie Rodis, Miranda Gohh/Adam Hyndman, Don Michael H. Mendoza/Lora

Nicholas Olaes, Celia Kaleialoha Kenney/ Giselle “G” Töngi, No Guarantees, Yasuhiro Kawana, Elise K. Haas, Shira Friedman, Len Blavatnik Warner Music

Entertainment, Wendy Federman/ Suzanne Niedland, Cathy Dantchik, James L. Nederlander, Elizabeth Armstrong, John Gore Organization, The Shubert Organization, Hunter Arnold, LaChanze, The Public Theater, Eastern Standard Time, Triptyk Studios, Iris Smith, Michael Robin Productions/Anastasia Muravyeva, Alexi Melvin/Beesham A. Seecharan, Andrew Diamond/Patrick Trettenero, Buzzy Geduld/Gilad Rogowsky, Laura

Ivey/Janet Brenner, and David Brendel/ Charlotte Cohn. Black Eyed Peas’ founding member and recording artist Apl.de.Ap was born as Allen Pineda Lindo in the rural parts of a small village in the Philippines. Today, Apl.de.Ap is known worldwide as a multi-platinum, Grammy award-winning musician, rapper, and record producer, as well as for his endeavors outside music as an entrepreneur and philanthropist.

For more than a decade, Apl has been committed to helping the next generation of youth and creative leaders unlock their full potential, through his U.S. 501(c)3 nonprofit Apl.de.Ap. Foundation International, established in 2011. The Foundation’s current projects are focused on supporting youth with greater opportunity and access to the latest in education, arts and innovation, working towards a more inclusive, creative and sustainable world.

While concurrently touring internationally with Black Eyed Peas, Apl is also embarking upon his next journey in entertainment. He serves as a creative executive producer and music supervisor on television, film and stage projects currently in development through his team’s production banner Tala Creative. More about the Tala Creative team’s slate of projects will be announced in late 2023. g

Summer: A time of renewal

Pastor’s Notes

ReveRend

Rodel G. BalaGtas

GREETINGS! It’s summertime!

I hope you’re enjoying it!

It’s that time to go on vacation with family and friends, watch some good movies, relax in the backyard, read a fascinating book, tend the garden, go to the beach, or walk around the neighborhood to enjoy feeling the sunny weather and seeing the beautiful plants and trees around us. For some of us, it’s that opportune time to fulfill an overdue project, such as cleaning up the garage or purging one’s closet and house of old clothes and furniture to give them away to a charitable organization.

Whatever you do or plan to do this summer, may it nourish your soul and relax your body and spirit.  For that’s God’s desire for each of us: to take time to care for our health in all aspects: physical,

emotional, mental, and spiritual.

Summer is also a time to renew or solidify relationships with one’s family and friends by spending quality time together. Nothing is more precious than feeling the affection and care of our loved ones and receiving their attention. So, summer might be a time for some longawaited heart-to-heart talk with someone you love and care about.

Indeed, summer is that time to “sharpen the saw,” which means cultivating a balanced program of self-renewal to create growth and change in one’s life and relationships. And so you may take time to go on retreat, travel by yourself for soul-searching, or just read a book.

More importantly, I hope it’s that time to renew your relationship with God and your faith in him.    It might be the best thing you can do this summer.

So, going on a pilgrimage, joining a prayer group, or simply attending church on weekdays and doing some devotional exercises such as reading and meditating on the Scriptures might be a way towards this

spiritual renewal.

Summer, then, is God’s gift to us. Let’s not allow it to pass without savoring its sunny weather and the pleasures it brings. Let it speak to us of the need for transformation and growth, not just for our personal lives but also for the world that cries for peace and unity among us.

As we learn from the Scripture Readings this Sunday (July 16), like God’s word that accomplishes its purpose when it is spoken and heard, let our enjoyment of life and God’s nature be that agent that would transform our hearts and minds for a grateful heart, a healthy body, soul, family, and community and a more peaceful world and humane society.

Blessings to you all!

* * * 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.

Enrique denies split rumors with Liza anew

By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

ENRIQUE Gil has brought relief to LizQuen fans after the actor dismissed rumors that he and Liza Soberano have already broken up, noting that they have been supportive of each other despite their busy schedules.

The actor addressed the split rumors after he was asked about his and Soberano’s relationship status by ABSCBN entertainment reporter Gretchen Fullido, as seen in an episode of “TV Patrol” on Thursday, July 13.

“We’re good, we’re good,” he responded.

“You know, I’m busy with all my projects. She’s busy with all her projects naman ,” he told Fullido. “She is focusing more on international work, which is super, super good for her.”

Gil then assured that all is well between him and the actress, and that they are

Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano

both cheering for each other’s successes.

“You know, kahit super busy kami , we still support each other no matter what,” he stated. “I’m super happy for her. Super happy for me, too.”

Gil is currently busy with the

Employee protections for workers mislabeled independent contractors

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights

atty. C. Joe sayas, JR

Q: I AM a trained electrician from the Philippines but I do not have a license here in  California. I have worked on projects for my company for almost 5 years, but I haven’t been paid a lot of  overtime. Other workers at the job site have the same problem.

My company says that they don’t owe us overtime because we are not their employees. They said  we are independent contractors because they never directly hired us. Our boss, who was the one who would  assign us to projects, now says that we are contractors and not employees. But I believe our boss is also an employee of the company, and the managers from corporate who would come to the job site and order all of  us around. Can they really avoid paying us overtime just by calling us independent contractors?

A: No, simply designating a worker as an independent contractor does not determine whether or not California’s employee protections apply to that individual.  Specific provisions of California law dictates whether or not you are considered an  employee subject to the state’s overtime requirements.

that the work you performed is “outside the usual course of the company’s  business”; and (C) that you “customarily engaged in an independently established trade,  occupation or business.”

As I mentioned, the company has to prove all three of the above. From your  description that the managers directed your work at the job site, it would appear that they  are unable to prove prong “A” of the ABC test. Prong “B” is also problematic since  installing electrical wiring in new homes

test could not be applied unless the employee and his co  workers first proves that the company was the hiring entity.

The Court of Appeal disagreed, noting that interpreting the ABC test “to include a  threshold hiring test, with the worker bearing the burden, would…run counter to the  intent of the California wage and hour laws, which ‘are remedial in nature and must be  liberally construed in favor of affording workers protection.’”

The Court of Appeal  concluded that “the ABC test does not include a threshold hiring entity test.”  You are more likely an employee given the ABC test. Hence, you should be paid  overtime for the past 4 years that you worked with the company.   I strongly suggest that you and your co-workers meet with an experienced  employment attorney to learn more about your rights under California’s employee protection laws.

* * * 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.

Photo from

promotion of his comeback film “I Am Not Big Bird.” Soberano, for her part, was earlier in Singapore for a luxury-brand event. Gil and Soberano, who have been in a relationship

The employees under California’s so-called ABC test, you are considered an  employee unless the company proves all of the following: (A) that you were “free from  the control and direction of the employer in connection with the performance of the  work,” (B)

would seem to be in the “usual course” of a  home builder’s business.

You noted that the corporate representative said that the company “never directly  hired” you and your co-workers to justify his contention that you are not employees.  That specific defense was soundly rejected by the California Court of Appeal recently in  the case of Mejia v. Roussos Construction, Inc. In that case, the construction company argued  that the above-described ABC

* * * 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)

The employees under California’s so-called ABC test, you are considered an employee unless the company proves all of the following: (A) that you were “free from the control and direction of the employer in connection with the performance of the work,” (B) that the work you performed is “outside the usual course of the company’s business”; and (C) that you “customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation or business.”

Instagram/@enriquegil17

Writ of mandamus relief for unreasonable delay in pending immigration filings

the USCIS, DHS’s bureau, to act on a petition or application for which adjudication has been unreasonably delayed. The statute allows for an “action to compel an officer of the United States to perform his duty.”

agency shall proceed to conclude a matter presented to it.”

A COMMON question that is asked by a person who has a pending immigration petition or application is “how much longer until USCIS makes a decision?”

The question is understandable, in that an unreasonable delay in the USCIS’ adjudication of a petition or application can have adverse effects, including loss of employment and employment opportunities, possible termination of employment, and difficulties in obtaining student and credit loans.

While an immigration filing is pending, the typical response by USCIS upon inquiry is that further time (usually 90 or 180 days) is needed to make a decision.

However, often that 90 or 180 days that USCIS needs to make a decision turns into months and sometimes years. What option does a petitioner or applicant have to compel the USCIS to act on his or her case?

Pursuant to the Mandamus and Venue Act of 1962, a Writ of Mandamus action can be filed in the US District Courts to compel the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and

The legal duty for USCIS to promptly act on a pending petition or application can be found in the Administrative Procedures Act (“APA”), 8 USC Sec. 1571, and 5 USC Sec. 555(b). These statutes form the basis of Writ of Mandamus relief.

The APA gives the court

A typical case in which Writ of Mandamus relief is a viable option is in a green card application based on marriage. I have had several inquiries in recent months concerning delays in processing of these cases. Typically, the green card applicant along with his or her US Citizen spouse is interviewed by a USCIS officer and at the end of the interview, the green card applicant is advised that additional time is needed by USCIS to make a

act on the application. Often, a decision is made on the case after the Writ of Mandamus is filed in that the unreasonable delay is brought to the attention of the USCIS. A prompt decision is often made by USCIS after filing to avoid the use of government resources in having to defend the meritorious action.

It is important to keep in mind that Writ of Mandamus relief is available to a variety of pending petitions and applications, not just green card applications based on marriage. To determine whether Writ of Mandamus relief is a good option in your pending immigration case, it is recommended that you seek the advice of an experienced attorney.

* * * 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.

authority to “compel agency action unlawfully held and unreasonable delayed.” The policy for processing immigration applications is set forth under 8 USC Sec. 1571, which states that “the processing of an immigration benefit application should be completed no later than 180 days after the initial filing of the application.” Further, 5 USC Sec. 555(b) states that “within a reasonable time, each

decision. The timeframe given to make a decision is 180 days; however, more than 180 days pass and no decision is made. The applicant then seeks to get updated status of the application via an Infopass appointment, and is advised that the case is still under consideration and more time is needed. In such a case, a writ of mandamus can be filed in Federal Court to compel the USCIS to

What to do with conditional greencard status in troubled marriages

Barrister’s Corner

Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association. 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)

MARRIAGE for many persons is the culmination of one’s life. Getting married signifies the beginning of a new phase in life, both socially and economically. For those persons who lack permanent residency in the United States and have married a United States citizen, marriage also presents an opportunity to obtain permanent residency. However, although the opportunity to obtain permanent residency arises in such situations, one must be aware of and comply with procedures in existence to obtain such status. Due to concerns that persons were becoming married to United States citizens merely to obtain permanent residence status, a two-step procedure under the Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendments of 1986 (IMFA) was set up to ensure such status was given to those only in marriages that are bona-fide and not entered into simply for immigration purposes.

Under step one of the procedure, if a person is petitioned by his/her U.S. citizen spouse within 24 months after becoming married, that person is given only conditional permanent residence. Such conditional permanent residence status lasts for two years from the date on which it is granted.

Step two of the procedure involves the removal of the conditional label to permanent residence status. Removal of the conditional label is initiated by filing an I-751 Joint Petition to Remove Condition to Permanent Residence (“Joint Petition”). The Joint Petition provides an opportunity for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) to inquire as to the legitimacy of the marriage after conditional permanent residence is granted. Accordingly, documentation evidencing that the marriage was entered into for bona-fide reasons should be submitted as part of the Joint Petition. The Joint Petition must be filed with the USCIS service center in the 90 days immediately prior to the second anniversary of the granting of conditional permanent residence.

Typically, upon the filing of the Joint Petition, a one-year extension of the conditional permanent residence is granted. The extension affords the USCIS time to schedule an interview with the person seeking permanent residence, and to make a determination as to whether unconditional permanent residence will be granted for a ten-year period. In cases in which documentation submitted as part of the Joint Petition clearly show that the marriage is bona-fide and not merely for immigration purposes, INS may approve a Joint Petition without an interview. The procedure described hereinabove applies in situations where the marriage has not been terminated. Often, the Joint Petition cannot be filed or approved because the marriage, although bona-fide when entered into, has been terminated by divorce. May aliens become threatened of falling out of status once their marriage is in trouble because the spouse often refuse to cooperate or has filed a divorce petition. In such cases there is still hope and the prospect of obtaining unconditional permanent residence status still remains. A waiver of the joint petition requirement may be sought in such cases.

* * *

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, APLC.  This article is not a solicitation.

* * * Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes was President of the Philippine American Bar Association for 2005. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Mr. Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. 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, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 3881611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com; visit at www.kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Enrique denies...

PAGE B5

since 2014, were speculated to have broken up after Ogie Diaz, the actress’ former talent manager, cited sources who had supposedly confirmed the

pair’s split. However, a day after Diaz said this, the couple was spotted spending time together with the actress’ former road manager. g

The legal duty for USCIS to promptly act on a pending petition or application can be found in the Administrative Procedures Act (“APA”), 8 USC Sec. 1571, and 5 USC Sec. 555(b).

Comprehensive Community Health Centers (CCHC)

celebrated Arleta Clinic inaugural and ribbon cutting ceremony

TV5 is entering its boldest partnership yet. The comeback show of the iconic and longest working noontime team of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon (TVJ) is airing in less than a month.

Why the halls of TV5 are more alive than ever

By MJ Marfori Philstar.com

SINCE the revamp in 2009, it is a fact that TV5 has had a tumultuous ride in terms of finding its footing in the entertainment industry. It has experienced the most challenging highs and several twists and lows in developing its fan base and content.

Fast forward to the present, since the pandemic, it is safe to say that TV5 has been trailblazing. Under the help of former TV5 president and CEO Robert Galang in which the Kapatid network opened its doors to content producers like Brightlight, Cornerstone, APT and Viva, things took a massive turn towards the best direction for the network and entertainment industry.

The now defunct noontime show LOL made its mark in a short period. We saw former Kapamilya bigwigs like Korina Sanchez and Ted Failon banner shows in the network. Maja Salvador entered with several shows like Niño Niña and so much more. The industry took notice and followed suit two years after. That’s when we saw GMA soften and partner with former broadcast rival ABSCBN.

TV5 has started this new landscape that it is now entering its boldest partnership yet. The comeback of the iconic and longest working noontime team of former Sen. Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon (TVJ) is airing in less than a month. This week is major for the network. After TVJ Productions closing the deal with MediaQuest president and CEO Jane Basas and now TV5 president and CEO Guido Zaballero, the ball has been rolling pretty quickly.

Every day of the week, a new legit dabarkad has been seen visiting.

Last Monday, July 12, Ryzza

Mae Dizon and Carren Eisner had their pictorial, which was followed by Maine Mendoza.

Midweek was jam-packed as TVJ came in with Ryan Agoncillo, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Paolo

Ballesteros and Allan K. They were all at TV5 Reliance touring their new home and studios, and they even broadcast their lunch session with the staple fried fish they would always have on the legit Dabarkads menu.

We dropped by to give courtesy to the icons and of course, we asked Master Henyo Joey about the title of their new show. He said, “Nag-suggest na nga kami eh, kanya kanya kami ng title! O sabihin sa fans, ‘Pili kayo!’” Tito Sen was also in high spirits, especially that it was all hands on deck on their side as well as TV5’s.

That same day, another major show was being prepared at the TV5 Novaliches studios. It is an original concept by the team that brought us Talentadong Pinoy, but this time around, it’s a game show. This is also one of the first game shows that will be born here in the country, but will serve as the template for global franchises. The title is under wraps, but the host will be none other than John Arcilla, who is referred to as Heneral

We were pleasantly blown away by the energy of John. This was a side of him that we had never seen and his energy was off the charts. He was dancing, teaching choreography and giving one liners that clicked with many members of the audience that day.

There was novelty in his presence. I wanted to say, “Move over, Steve Harvey!”

“This has been an answered prayer. I was telling the management that if I were to do a show, I really wanted a game show,” the Volpi Cup winner shared.

Catch it soon after TVJ’s show pilots.

In the drama department, new shows will arrive as well. We do have the ABS-CBN and TV5 co-production, Nag-Aapoy na Damdamin, starring Jane Oineza and JC de Vera, and real-life couple Cristine Reyes and Marco Gumabao’s Minsan Pa Natin Hagkan Ang Nakaraan, alongside Cesar Montano. Watch out for these soon. g

Dolly to fly to Munich...

episodes.

She said she would be working closely with Liv Ullmann and Murray Bartlett (“White Lotus”), “Because my character is connected to both of them. I’m super excited to go,” she beamed. “The cast for Season 2 will be different, but Nicole is still the lead. Her character is a constant in the story. This season, I’m one of the nine ‘perfect strangers.’”

Dolly will have two weeks off when she flies back home for the Christmas break. “Yes, I consider myself an OFW (overseas Filipino worker). In fact, I hold a working visa. I’ve already prepared myself for this. I know I will be gone from home for a long time. I’m lucky because with the technology nowadays, I can FaceTime with people at home, and so it’s like I’m still with them,” she pointed out.

Meanwhile, she is currently working on a film opposite Kathryn Bernardo, titled “A Very Good Girl.” “It’s all about women power. We’re done with 70 percent of the movie. Konting kembot na lang,” quipped Dolly, adding that working with Kathryn and director Petersen Vargas was a breeze.

“Kathryn is very down-toearth. Like a normal person, she is easy to get along with. No attitude whatsoever,” she stressed. “When it came to acting, I didn’t have to give pointers to her. If you think about it, she’s more seasoned in acting than I am because she’s been acting since she was a young girl. Acting is already in her system—that’s all her body knows—so I’m convinced that she actually knows more than I do.”

Handpicked for the project

She added: “I know this is a cliché, but Kathryn’s acting here

ARLETA – Comprehensive Community Health Centers (CCHC), a leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) operating in Los Angeles County, conducted and celebrated its Arleta clinic Inaugural and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, June 28, 2023,10:30 AM at 9043 Woodman Avenue, Arleta, CA 91331.

CCHC is a California NonProfit Public Benefit Corporation and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that operates and administers six community health centers across Los Angeles County. Since its establishment in 1990, CCHC has grown to become one of the largest FQHCs in the region, serving diverse and underserved communities with medical, dental, and behavioral health services. CCHC is dedicated to providing healthcare access to all, regardless of immigration status, and improving the overall well-being of the communities it serves.

The Arleta Clinic Inaugural and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony exemplify CCHC’s commitment to its mission of providing accessible primary care, health screenings, and education to low-income and underserved individuals. The event represents a significant milestone in the organization’s journey towards enhancing healthcare access in the local community.

Inaugural guest of honor

Congressman Tony Cardenas of the 29th District of the House of Representatives presented to CCHC the US House of Representatives Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for providing quality health care services to diverse and underserved community. Distinguished individuals also supported and attended this momentous occasion including Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County CEO Louise McCarthy, El Salvador Consul General Alejandro Letona, Armenian Consulate Third Secretary Marina Mesropyan, Philippine Consulate Consul Maynard Maleon, Royal Thai Consulate Consul Panot Kiatkong, Mexican Consulate Ventanilla De Salud Director Daniella Izaguirre, Field Representative Katherine Castrejon from the office of Senator Caroline Menjivar and Field Representative Jessica Guzman from the office of Assembly Member Luz Rivas. “Together, we aim to celebrate the collective effort and achievements in improving the health and well-being of our communities and make a lasting impact of the lives of individuals in need of quality healthcare”, said Pedro Ramirez. CCHC Director of Outreach and Community Engagement. For more information, please call CCHC (818) 6302204 or email cchc_outreach@ cchcceners.org g

is something she has never done before. It’s true that she will be showing a very different side of her in this project. This is not an easy one. You will know when you watch it.”

Since she was handpicked for the project, was there anything she requested from her producers prior to saying “yes” to doing it? “A good script plus a director I can work with, who is also wonderful and pleasant.

I also asked for coactors who I can rely on for support. Even if Kathryn is the lead here, of course, I still needed her to back me up. I have nothing to complain about with Star Cinema at all.”

A timeless piece

Currently, Dolly is helping in the promotion of two entries to the 19th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival: Dustin Jose Celestino’s “Duyan ng Magiting” and Carl Joseph Papa’s “Iti Mapupukaw.”

She plays support to lead actor Paulo O’Hara in “Duyan ng Magiting” and to Carlo Aquino on “Iti Mapupukaw.” The first film is an exploration on social injustice, a social commentary on the condition of the country. It tackles how corruption happened in government, particularly in the police force, explained Dolly. “It’s a timeless piece. I play a social worker who is so sick of the system,” she added.

Dolly said she has long wanted to work with Carlo. In fact, she has seen most of his film projects. “It’s so frustrating that he plays a mute person here, so we never had any real exchanges of lines. We ‘acted’ with our eyes. I’m still happy that

I agreed to do the film because I finally saw how very generous an actor he really is,” said Dolly.

will run from

to 13 at the Philippine

Convention Center in

CCHC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: (L-R) Consul General Alejandro Letone of El Salvador Consul General, Director Daniella Izaguirre of Mexican Consulate, CEO David Lontok, Congressman Tony Cardenas, Louise McCarthy, CCALAC CEO, Consul Panot Kiatkong of Royal Thai Consulate, Pedro Ramirez, Director of Outreach And Community Engagement, Remeliza Velasco, Clinic Manager, Flora Poladian, COO, Raymond Retirado, VP of Quality and Clinical Programs and Gigie Claudio, VP of Human Resources. At the back is Dr. Ara Airapetian, CMO and Dr. David Solarte Associate Medical Director.

(L-R) Susan Demirdjian, Dental Director, Annmarie Villa-Real, HR Manager, Remelissa Velasco, Arleta Clinic Manager, Pedro Ramirez, Director of Outreach and Community Engagement, Araceli Lopez, Clinic Administrator, Joe Montes, Sunland Clinic Manager, Erika Ocampo, North Hollywood Clinic Manager, Dr. Cyrus Lavian, Clinic Provider, Liza Chakryan, Compliance Manager and Maria Martinez, Highland Park Clinic Manager.