092823 - Las Vegas Edition

What payment methods are telltale signs of scams?

PAYMENT methods that scammers insist you use like gift cards, cryptocurrency and wire transfer are telltale signs of scams, the Federal Trade Commission reported at a Sept. 22 Ethnic Media Services news briefing.

For the first six months of 2023, $4.4 billion dollars were lost across over 1.1 million reports of consumer fraud, per the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network — “and we know from our working experience, and from surveys, this is only the true tip of the iceberg,” said Lois Greisman, Associate Director of the FTC Division of Marketing Practices.

Forms of contact, payment

The primary point of contact that scammers use to reach people is social media, by which $658 million was reported lost in the first half of 2023. Phone calls have the highest per person reported losses, with a median loss of $1,400 per person.

“Just as scammers like certain forms of contact, like the telephone, which are most effective at getting someone to part with their money,” said Greisman, “they like certain types of payment because they can take the money with very little trail, while for the consumer it’s virtually impossible to

Tagalog most spoken language in 15 US cities besides English and Spanish – study

TAGALOG is the most spoken language besides English and Spanish in households across 15 different U.S. cities, according to a new study.

The wider study found what languages are most popular in each U.S. state and revealed Tagalog to be the most used language in Nevada (besides English and Spanish).

The Word Finder X study found that Tagalog is the most spoken language besides English and Spanish in the following cities:

• Anchorage, Alaska

• Chula Vista, California

•Long Beach, California

•Riverside, California

•San Diego, California

Support for Marcos administration slips

by Red Mendoza ManilaTimes.net

SENTIMENTS favorable to the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have slipped, while sentiments opposed to the Marcos administration have risen, a survey conducted by Publicus Asia found.

In Publicus' third-quarter survey, the results of which were released recently, 43 percent of respondents expressed pro-administration sentiments, down from

48 percent in the second-quarter survey.

In a statement issued on Thursday, September 28, the polling firm said the decrease indicated "that fewer individuals are aligned with the current administration as well as its priorities compared to the previous quarter."

Anti-administration sentiments grew from 18 percent in the first quarter to 23 percent in the third quarter.

The shift indicates that a "greater number of respondents" are opposed to or dissatisfied with the administration's leadership, Publicus said.

PH, US, Japan boost security cooperation

by JavieR Joe isMael, FRanco Jose BaRoña ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines, the United States and Japan will craft a “work plan” that would advance their trilateral cooperation, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Saturday, September 23 as the three states explore ways to further promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko convened the second trilateral ministerial meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 23.

Manalo, Blinken and former Japanese

foreign minister Hayashi Yoshimasa convened the first Philippine-U.S.-Japan ministerial meeting in Jakarta in July.

DFA spokesman Ma. Teresita Daza said the ministers “will come up with a work plan” after discussing possible activities under the trilateral cooperation.

The U.S. State Department said the officials also agreed to “continue to call out behavior that is inconsistent with international law,” including China’s recent actions near Ayungin Shoal that interfered with the Philippines’ lawful exercise of high seas freedom of navigation.”

On the security cooperation, the ministers sought ways to enhance their countries’ partnership on maritime domain awareness,

Divorce bill an uphill battle – Tulfo

by CeCille Suerte Felipe Philstar.com

MANILA — While a Senate panel has approved a consolidated measure that provides for absolute divorce based on various grounds, Sen. Raffy Tulfo has expressed belief that the proposal is facing an “uphill battle” in the upper chamber.

Tulfo, one of the senators who signed the committee report recommending the passage of the divorce bill, said religion is a big factor why other members of the Senate would not support the legal dissolution of marriage.

“I think religion is one big factor. We are all religious. Because of religion, we don’t have divorce as their pastors would lobby not to support it. They cannot go against the church,” he told “The Chiefs” on OneNewsPh last Saturday night, September 23.

Senate photo

He added that he could not say who among the remaining 23 senators would support the divorce bill. Committee Report No. 124, which recommended the passage of the measure, was signed by Tulfo, its author Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, Senate President Pro-Tempore Loren Legarda and Senators Pia Cayetano, Imee Marcos, Robinhood Padilla and Grace Poe.

Although they signed the committee report, Poe and Cayetano indicated their intentions to interpellate and introduce amendments to the proposed measure.

Tulfo, who has a television show, said he is in favor of the proposed divorce bill after he received and continues to receive complaints about husbands maltreating and abusing their wives.

The National Capital Region (NCR) had a substantial drop in pro-administration support, from 47 percent to 35 percent, while anti-administration support went up from 17 percent to 30 percent.

Southern Luzon saw a decline in pro-administration support, from 41 percent to 36 percent, but Mindanao continues to support the Marcos administration (56 percent).

The respondents remained neutral toward their political leaning toward the opposition or the Liberal u PAGE 2

Filipinos want Marcos to address high prices

by KRistina MaRalit ManilaTimes.net

MAJORITY of Filipinos believe that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should give priority to improving the economy, particularly arresting the rising prices of basic goods, the results of Publicus Asia’s “Pahayag 2023 Third Quarter Survey” showed.

The public’s economic concerns included affordability of basic necessities and commodities (15 percent), increasing prices (14 percent), job-seeking challenges (12 percent), underpayment (12 percent), and unemployment (10 percent) — issues that have become significant concerns for Filipinos heading into the last quarter of the year.

“It has been revealed that the concerns of Filipino citizens remain consistent with those of the previous quarter. However, a significant shift in focus has occurred, as the relentless rise in prices of basic goods has elevated prices/inflation and the Philippine economy to the forefront of national priorities,” Publicus Asia said in a statement on Monday, September 25.

“Approximately a third of Filipinos now see these economic challenges as the most crucial areas for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to address,” it added. The survey also showed Filipinos’ macro and micro

photo

OVP spent P125 million confidential funds in 11 days

by Sheila CriSoStomo Philstar.com

MANILA — The Office of Vice President Sara Duterte spent the controversial P125-million confidential funds in 2022 in just 11 days, the Commission on Audit (COA) confirmed on Monday, September 25.

The COA made the disclosure during Monday’s fifth day of plenary debates on House Bill 8980 or the 2024 General Appropriations Bill at the House of Representatives.

Through its budget

sponsor, House committee on appropriations senior vice president Stella Luz Quimbo, the COA corrected Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, who sought confirmation on the disposition of the P125 million in confidential fund. Brosas and the other Makabayan bloc lawmakers earlier reported that the controversial funding was spent in 19 days. The budget was granted to the OVP for the year 2022 by the Office of the President.

Vice President Sara Duterte Philstar.com

MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL. Girls in red cheongsam dresses look at the mooncakes of various sizes and colors on display at a mall in Binondo, Manila on Wednesday, September 27. The display of the Chinese pastry is in preparation for the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival or Moon Festival, one of China’s biggest holidays celebrated with family reunions, mooncakes, parades, and lanterns.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Support for Marcos...

PAGE 1

Party, which remained at 45 percent. Pro-opposition support remained statistically stable at 20 percent, slightly higher than the 18 percent in the previous quarter.

Anti-opposition support was 33 percent, slightly lower than the 35 percent in the previous quarter.

Publicus said that while the percentage of respondents dissatisfied with the administration has dropped, there are reservations regarding backing the opposition party.

"This group may include individuals who adopt a 'wait-

and-see' approach, cautiously anticipating improvements from the current administration while refraining from full commitment to the opposition until concrete changes are observed," it said.

It added that the respondents' political leanings toward the opposition, which is likely represented by the Liberal Party, remained stable. This implies that while there have been changes in support for the current administration, they have not translated into a significant shift toward the opposition camp.

"It is important to note that

respondents may have a variety of reasons for this stability, such as continued trust in the opposition's agenda or dissatisfaction with both sides of the political spectrum," Publicus said.

The survey, conducted from September 7 to 12, had 1,500 respondents that were drawn from the market research panel of over 200,000 Filipinos maintained by PureSpectrum, a U.S.-based panel marketplace.

The respondents were divided geographically into five areas: NCR, North Central Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. n

PH, US, Japan boost security...

PAGE 1

humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

“They committed to uphold our shared values of freedom, democracy and respect for human rights, and reaffirmed our shared vision, as equal and sovereign partners, for a free and open Indo-Pacific region that upholds international law,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

The three officials also discussed ways to support economic resiliency and enhance engagements on energy, infrastructure and digital economy issues.

In his remarks, Blinken said the U.S. looks forward to

strengthening the partnership “to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, and also to foster, to strengthen economic resilience and to promote the common prosperity of our people.”

“I think all three countries believe strongly that our collaboration, not only on a bilateral basis but on a trilateral basis, can produce very positive benefits not only for our countries but also for other countries and partners in the region and beyond,” he said.

Kamikawa, meanwhile, underscored the importance of “multilayered collaboration with allies and like-minded countries” for upholding a rules-based order, especially with what Japan labeled as “recent severe strategic environment” in the region, including the situation in the South China Sea.

The meeting builds on the September 6 trilateral talks among President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in Jakarta, Indonesia, where they discussed the maritime security environment in the South China Sea and reviewed ways in which their three countries could enhance trilateral maritime cooperation, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

The trilateral meeting comes as China continues its aggression in the disputed waters amid a report that two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels have been shadowed by a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship while patrolling Escoda (Sabina) Shoal and Rozul (Iroquois) Reef, features in the West Philippine Sea that are part of the country’s exclusive economic zone, from September 1 to 21.

Ray Powell, SeaLight director, said on Saturday that the BRP Cabra and BRP Sindangan arrived at Escoda Shoal in the early morning of September 19.

Powell said the two vessels “appeared to examine its northeast approaches before entering the shoal’s interior from the southeast and remaining there overnight.”

On the other hand, CCG 4301 left its patrol near Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal and arrived at midday of the same day to observe the PCG vessels from the west.

Powell, who is also the project lead for Project Myoushu at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, said later that evening, the CCG ship briefly went back to China’s naval base located at the artificial island near Mischief Reef before returning to Sabina Shoal.

The following day, September 20, he said 10 Chinese maritime militia ships were deployed from Mischief Reef “apparently concerned” that the PCG ships would attempt to approach its outpost aboard the grounded BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal.

He said the maritime militia ships took up blocking positions east of Ayungin, joining two others that were already there.

However, the two PCG ships moved north from Escoda Shoal to inspect Rozul Reef while CCG 4301 “ranged 120 kilometers (km) to the east for reasons that are not clear, finally turning back to the northwest toward Rozul Reef at 4 a.m. on September 21.

“CCG 4201 arrived at Rozul Reef 1600 on September 21, just as the two PCG ships started for home,” said Powell, a 2021 fellow at Stanford’s Distinguished Careers Institute.

He said the CCG ship “shadowed” the PCG vessels for 120 km and did not turn back until they were about 30 km southwest of Escoda Shoal.

Powell said the CCG ship was mostly “dark” or was not broadcasting its automatic information system (AIS) during that period.

He said CCG ships frequently resort to dark operations when they do not want to be detected.

AIS is a signaling system used to identify a vessel’s type, position, course, speed and other navigation safety information, and is required by the International Maritime Organization for larger nonmilitary ships operating in international waters.

‘Hypocritical’ Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. described as “hypocritical” the recent statement issued by China that the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal is actually causing “irrevocable harm” to the marine environment.

“Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. China continues to damage the [West Philippine Sea] by its illegal reclamation activities in the [South China Sea], and it was found to be a violator of international law in the 2016 Arbitral Award when such activities damaged the marine environment,” Teodoro said in a statement issued on Saturday.

“Disingenuous propaganda lines such as this only serve to expose China’s insincerity and will only heighten the mistrust by the Filipino people and the rest of the world of the Chinese Government,” he added.

The Philippine government has announced that it will pursue the filing of environmental cases against China for its numerous destructive activities in the West Philippine Sea for many years.

The announcement came just days after the PCG confirmed the report recently released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command about the severe damage inflicted upon the marine environment and coral reef in the seabed of Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal.

These were the same areas where approximately 33 Chinese maritime vessels were monitored to be “swarming” from August 9 to September 11.

China, however, denied “harvesting” and damaging the corals off Rozul Reef and said that the Philippines was “creating a political drama from fiction.”

“If the Philippines truly cares about the ecological environment of the South China Sea, it should tow away the illegally ‘grounded’ warship at Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal) as soon as possible, stop it from discharging polluted water into the ocean and not let the rusting warship bring irrevocable harm to the ocean,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said on Thursday, September 21, referring to Ayungin Shoal by its name assigned by Beijing.

‘No factual basis’

Herman Tiu Laurel, Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute president, said the allegation made by the PCG and the AFP that China was somehow responsible for the destruction of the corals in the Rozul Reef is without “solid, factual basis.”

He pointed out that coral destruction in the South China Sea has been a “half-century-old problem” caused by destructive dynamite and cyanide fishing.

Such illegal fishing practices were due to the government’s neglect of the Filipino fishermen’s economic plight, failure of the policing by the PCG and in recent decades due to the warming of the oceans and rising acidity of the sea, said Laurel.

He cited a survey of Philippine coral reefs conducted from 2015 to 2017 and published in the Philippine Journal of Science that showed there are no longer any reefs in excellent condition and 90 percent were classified as either poor or fair.

Laurel further cited a 2017 report by the United Nations wherein it was predicted that all 29 World Heritage coral reefs, including one in the Philippines, will die by 2100 unless carbon emissions are drastically reduced.

He said another contributing factor to the destruction of corals is the unhampered dynamite and cyanide fishing.

“Blast fishing and dynamite fishing are practices of many subsistence Filipino fishermen desperate for sizable catches to sustain family incomes severely depleted by decades of increasing poverty, poverty that the Philippine government has not been able to alleviate,” Laurel said during a forum on Saturday.

“Nor has the PCG been able to stop the practice of illegal and deleterious fishing practices,” he added. (With reports from the Philippine News Agency)

TRAVAIL. Pedestrians wade through the flooded corner of Taft and United Nations Avenues in Manila on Thursday, September 28. State weather bureau PAGASA said the extension of a low pressure area outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility is causing moderate to heavy rains for the past few days. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Malacañang photo

Biden administration to ban medical debt from Americans’ credit scores

THE Biden administration announced a major initiative to protect Americans from medical debt on Thursday, outlining plans to develop federal rules barring unpaid medical bills from affecting patients’ credit scores.

The regulations, if enacted, would potentially help tens of millions of people who have medical debt on their credit reports, eliminating information that can depress consumers’ scores and make it harder for many to get a job, rent an apartment, or secure a car loan.

New rules would also represent one of the most significant federal actions to tackle medical debt, a problem that burdens about 100 million people and forces legions to take on extra work, give up their homes, and ration food and other essentials, a KFF Health NewsNPR investigation found.

“No one in this country should have to go into debt to get the quality health care they need,” said Vice President Kamala Harris, who announced the new moves along with Rohit Chopra, head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB. The agency will be charged with developing the new rules.

“These measures will improve the credit scores of millions of Americans so that they will better be able to invest in their future,” Harris said.

Enacting new regulations can be a lengthy process. Administration officials said Thursday that the new rules would be developed next year.

Such an aggressive step to restrict credit reporting and debt collection by hospitals and other medical providers will also almost certainly stir industry opposition.

At the same time, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which was formed in response to the 2008 financial crisis, is under fire from Republicans, and its future may be jeopardized by a case before the Supreme Court, whose conservative majority has been chipping away at federal regulatory powers.

But the move by the Biden administration drew strong praise from patients’ and consumer groups, many of whom have been pushing for years for the federal government to strengthen protec-

tions against medical debt.

“This is an important milestone in our collective efforts and will provide immediate relief to people that have unfairly had their credit impacted simply because they got sick,” said Emily Stewart, executive director of Community Catalyst, a Boston nonprofit that has helped lead national medical debt efforts. Credit reporting, a threat designed to induce patients to pay their bills, is the most common collection tactic used by hospitals, a KFF Health News analysis has shown.

“Negative credit reporting is one of the biggest pain points for patients with medical debt,” said Chi Chi Wu, a senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. “When we hear from consumers about medical debt, they often talk about the devastating consequences that bad credit from medical debts has had on their financial lives.”

Although a single black mark on a credit score may not have a huge effect for some people, the impact can be devastating for those with large unpaid medical bills. There is growing evidence, for example, that credit scores depressed by medical debt can threaten people’s access to housing and fuel homelessness in many communities.

At the same time, CFPB researchers have found that medical debt — unlike other kinds of debt — does not accurately predict a consumer’s creditworthiness, calling into question how useful it is on a credit report.

The three largest credit agencies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — said they would stop including some medical debt on credit reports as of last year. The excluded debts included paidoff bills and those less than $500. But the agencies’ voluntary actions left out millions of patients with bigger medical bills on their credit reports. And many consumer and patient advocates called for more action.

The National Consumer Law Center, Community Catalyst, and some 50 other groups in March sent letters to the CFPB and IRS urging stronger federal action to rein in hospital debt collection.

State leaders also have taken steps to expand consumer protections. In June, Colorado enacted

a trailblazing bill that prohibits medical debt from being included on residents’ credit reports or factored into their credit scores.

Many groups have urged the federal government to bar tax-exempt hospitals from selling patient debt or denying medical care to people with past-due bills, practices that remain widespread across the U.S., KFF Health News found.

Hospital leaders and representatives of the debt collection industry have warned that such restrictions on the ability of medical providers to get their bills paid may have unintended consequences, such as prompting more hospitals and physicians to require upfront payment before delivering care.

Looser credit requirements could also make it easier for consumers who can’t handle more debt to get loans they might not be able to pay off, others have warned.

“It is unfortunate that the CFPB and the White House are not considering the host of consequences that will result if medical providers are singled out in their billing, compared to other professions or industries,” said Scott Purcell, chief executive of ACA International, the collection industry’s leading trade association.

About this project

“Diagnosis: Debt” is a reporting partnership between KFF Health News and NPR exploring the scale, impact, and causes of medical debt in America.

The series draws on original polling by KFF, court records, federal data on hospital finances, contracts obtained through public records requests, data on international health systems, and a yearlong investigation into the financial assistance and collection policies of more than 500 hospitals across the country. Additional research was conducted by the Urban Institute, which analyzed credit bureau and other demographic data on poverty, race, and health status for KFF Health News to explore where medical debt is concentrated in the U.S. and what factors are associated with high debt levels.

The JPMorgan Chase Institute analyzed records from a sampling of Chase credit card holders to look at how customers’ balances may be affected by major medical expenses. And the

Tagalog most spoken language in 15...

Filipinos want Marcos to address high...

concerns, with 25 percent of minimally educated individuals prioritizing rising prices and inflation and 26 percent of the 50-59 age group focusing on economic stability. On the other hand, 17 percent of those in the Visayas highlighted corruption as a top concern. At the same time, 22 percent of Filipinos, particularly those less educated, face challenges in meeting basic needs; 19 percent of 25- to 29-year-olds face job scarcity and skill mismatch; and 19 percent of government workers expressed dissatisfaction with their pay, the survey said.

“These findings reveal a diverse array of pressing issues within Filipino society, emphasizing the need for multifaceted solutions,” Publicus Asia said.

“As we approach the final quarter of 2023, it is evident that the rising prices of essential goods have become a pressing

issue for Filipinos,” it added.

The Marcos administration is also now faced with the “critical task of addressing these concerns

and stabilizing the Philippine economy” heading into the last three months of the year, the pollster said. n

President Marcos visits a Kadiwa ng Pangulo caravan. Malacañang file photo

What payment methods are telltale signs...

get this money back.”

By far the greatest losses by payment method owe to bank transfers, for which $901 million was reported lost in the first six months of 2023 alone.

An example of this scam: “I get a call. I am told my grandson has been in a car accident, can’t find an insurance card, and needs surgery right away. The only way he can get it is if I go to my bank and I ask them to transfer $7,895 to an account in Canada,” Greisman said.

Other common payment methods include wire transfers, by which $164 million was lost in the first half of 2023; credit cards, by which $123 million was lost; gift cards, by which $109 million was lost; debit cards, amounting to $106 million; and payment apps like Zelle and Venmo, and Cash App, amounting to $102 million.

Much of these losses owe to imposter, lottery, investment, and business fraud — for example, “You get a phone call from the IRS that you owe back taxes, or from the sheriff’s office that there’s a warrant out for your arrest, or you’ve won the lottery and all you have to do is pay a processing fee” by sending or reading aloud the numbers of “a gift card for $100, or a few hundred,” Greisman said.

In the case of larger payments in the thousands and tens of thousands through cryptocurrency and wire transfers, “there may be an ‘expert’ online who wants to teach you how to get rich

quick trading cryptocurrency, or becoming an entrepreneur by selling on eBay,” she added. Sophia Siddiqui, an attorney for the FTC Division of Marketing Practices, said that due to low regulations, cryptocurrency has been on the rise over recent years as “the payment method preferred by scammers. Through online trading groups or social media, they’ll say they’re making millions in cryptocurrency, and that they’re offering investment advice for a limited time for an upfront $10,000 fee. You pay using their link, they put that money in their crypto wallet, and never contact you again.”

Never send money “to someone you don’t know or trust, who pressures you to pay immediately, or says that a certain payment method like a wire, gift card, or crypto is the only way to pay,” said Siddiqui.

Owing to low regulations and small paper trails, it’s very unlikely that money lost to cryptocurrency and wire scams, and gift cards can be recovered.

Conversely, credit cards offer the best protections under federal law.

Stopping scams

“If you call your bank and say you didn’t authorize a charge on your credit card, they have to investigate, and you shouldn’t be liable for more than $50 — many banks won’t even charge you that,” said Siddiqui.

Likewise, for a gift card like Amazon, or a wire transfer like Western Union, “contact the company and ask them to reverse the charge. If you

send cash or a gift card in the mail, ask USPS to intercept the package. If you give a scammer your social security number, go to identitytheft.gov to see what steps to take, like monitoring your credit,” she continued.

“If you give a scammer access to your phone or computer, update your security software, run a scan, and delete anything problematic.”

Those facing a scam can report it at reportfraud.ftc. gov, and find information on how to avoid scams in various languages including Arabic, Chinese, Hmong, Korean, Spanish, Russian, Tagalog and Vietnamese at ftc.gov/languages.

Red flags

The best weapon in the fight against scams is, by far, education, Greisman and Siddiqui agreed.

Never underestimate how persuasive a scammer can be,” said Greisman. “What most helps is informing people about red flags. The bottom line is that how they want you to pay is the red flag. If you get a call or message asking with threats or promising returns for a gift card, a wire transfer, crypto — hang up, delete it, go offline, do whatever you need to do to stop contact. That’s not how a government entity or other institution would reach you.”

Likewise, Siddiqui added, it boils down to this: “Only a scammer will guarantee that you will make a lot of money with no risk.” (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic media Services)

Fil-Am US CEO Kiwi Camara steps down amid harassment claims

by Mary Villegas Inquirer.net

TURNING your back on a $110 million salary package must be for some heavy reason, and Filipino American Kiwi Camara did just that when he resigned from his CEO position following harassment allegations.

A few months back, the youngest Harvard Law School graduate at age 19 and tech CEO Kiwi Camara was in the spotlight for being the first Filipino-American

who ousted Apple’s Tim Cook’s earnings; he’s center stage again, but all for the wrong reasons.

Camara, 39 years old, the legal genius and founder of CS Disco, a Texas-based tech company that creates software to help lawyers with their workflows, has lost his $110 million pay package as a result of his resignation last September 10, as reported by WSJ on Wednesday, September 20. While the report claimed that sexual misconduct was the reason for his exit, it also said that his resignation wasn’t voluntary. Instead, he was dismissed due to the accusations.

According to the report, he allegedly shoved a piece of meat into a young female employee’s face during a dinner on September 6, telling her to eat it “like an animal.”

This didn’t go down well, as Camara even groped her before attempting to persuade her to go back with him to his condo, the report mentioned.

Alcohol-fueled escapades

Furthermore, it wasn’t the first time similar incidents took place. The report also said that Camara had a penchant for throwing alcohol-fueled social parties. Some of these resulted in uncomfortable incidents.

In one instance, he reportedly urged employees to drink tequila shots during a happy hour before inviting selected guests to a dinner. Last year, concerns were raised to the ethics department about his behavior towards

female employees, including accusations of inappropriate hiring practices, unusual social gatherings, and straight-out offensive comments. Accusations of questionable methods of hiring female receptionists based on their looks also surfaced. He also allegedly pressured young female staff in the Emerging Leader Rotational Program. It made them feel like contenders in real-life “Love Island” drama. A previous ELRP spilled some deets to WSJ, revealing that Camara would stay stuff like, “I’ll fire you if you don’t do things my way.”

These complaints have reached the company’s ethics hotline, but the results of the investigations remain undisclosed. Neither CS Disco nor Kiwi Camara has responded regarding the allegations. What happens next depends on the truth that will soon emerge. n

OVP spent P125 million...

PAGE 1

“In truth, I was also surprised when I heard the news that it was spent within 19 days so I asked COA and reviewed various reports. It was obligated not within 19 days but 11 days instead,” Quimbo, Marikina representative, said.

To this, a surprised Brosas replied: “It’s hard to comprehend that if that is for surveillance, how many reward payments have been made to spend P11 million per day… Did OVP submit liquidation report to the Office of the President, President of the Senate and Speaker of the House?”

Quimbo replied in the affirmative, noting that the liquidation report was submitted by the OVP on Jan. 17, 2023.

She added that at present, COA is still doing an audit of

such expenses but the agency was already able to submit its preliminary observation or audit observation memorandum (AOM) to the OVP.

The agency has committed to finish the audit of the confidential fund by Nov. 15.

Quimbo underscored that AOM is “confidential in nature” but issuing it conveys COA’s request for additional documents from the OVP to shed light on certain expenses.

The COA has a proposed budget of P13.360 billion out of the P5.678 trillion in the national budget for 2024. Duterte has yet to respond to COA’s findings. But in a statement sent to reporters, the OVP said that “we have not yet received an AOM from COA.” (With reports from Neil Jayson Servallos)

Divorce bill an uphill battle...

PAGE 1

“I’m in favor of divorce due to the number of complaints of husbands beating their wives. The wives wanted to file annulment, but it’s an expensive and long process. It’s difficult for a woman to move on. She can’t live with another man as she might be sued,” he added.

For the senator, a marriage can be dissolved only with strong reasons like the wife being

abused by the husband who is a drunkard, womanizer, addict and the like.

Recently, the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality approved a consolidated measure that provides for absolute divorce based on various grounds, including five years of separation, whether continuous or broken, and the commission of the crime of rape before or after marriage. n

Biden administration to...

PAGE 3

CED Project, a Denver nonprofit, worked with KFF Health News on a survey of its clients to explore links between medical debt and housing instability.

KFF Health News journalists worked with KFF public opinion researchers to design and analyze the “KFF Health Care Debt Survey.” The survey was conducted Feb. 25 through March 20, 2022, online and via telephone, in English and Spanish, among a nationally representative sample of 2,375 U.S. adults, including 1,292 adults with current health care debt and 382 adults who had health care debt in the past five years. The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 3 percent-

age points for the full sample and 3 percentage points for those with current debt. For results based on subgroups, the margin of sampling error may be higher.

Reporters from KFF Health News and NPR also conducted hundreds of interviews with patients across the country; spoke with physicians, health industry leaders, consumer advocates, debt lawyers, and researchers; and reviewed scores of studies and surveys about medical debt.

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

Kiwi Camara Contributed photo

PH Coast Guard removes shoal barrier

by Franco Jose c. Baroña ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it has removed the floating barrier installed by the China Coast Guard (CCG) off Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal).

In a report issued late Monday night, September 25, the PCG said it “executed a special operation” to remove the floating barrier that obstructed the southeast entrance of Bajo De Masinloc in compliance with the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The PCG said the directive was issued by National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, who also sits as chairman of the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS). It did not specify the exact time the operation was conducted.

“The barrier posed a hazard to navigation, a clear violation of international law,” said Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman on the West Philippine Sea.

“It also hinders the conduct of fishing and livelihood activities of Filipino fisherfolk in Bajo de Masinloc, which is an integral part of the Philippine national territory,” he added.

Tarriela cited the 2016 Arbitral Award that affirmed Bajo de Masinloc as a traditional fishing ground for Filipino fishermen.

“Thus, any obstruction hindering the livelihoods of

Filipino fisherfolk in the shoal violates international law. It also infringes on the Philippines’ sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc,” he said.

The floating barrier, which measures 300 meters in length, was discovered by the PCG and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) personnel onboard Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Datu Bankaw when they conducted a routine maritime patrol on September 22 in the vicinity of the atoll.

Based on the accounts of Filipino fishermen who frequented the area, three CCG Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and a Chinese maritime militia service boat installed the floating barrier upon the arrival of the BFAR vessel in the vicinity of the shoal.

Doubts

Manila-based Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute (ACPSSI) President Herman Tiu Laurel, however, questioned the veracity of the photos and videos released by the PCG showing ropes tied to the supposed floating barrier being cut by divers.

Laurel told The Manila Times that the images and videos did not provide other important details, such as whether the entire barrier was actually removed and the time the operation was conducted.

“The scarcity of important details of the PCG report and video of the barrier removal

operation leaves too many questions unanswered, leading to doubts about the authenticity of the operation and report,” he said.

Laurel cited a social media post of the international research network South China Sea Probing Initiative (SCSPI) reviewing the images publicly released by Tarriela.

The post pointed out that a floating barrier is temporarily deployed between two ships, which is “not quite like the one [PCG personnel] removed.”

Meanwhile, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) said it will review all incidents involving Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea since the 2016 Arbitral Award was handed down.

Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said whatever details they collect will serve as evidence to support a possible case against China.

“The OSG will gather information on all incidents at the WPS since the first arbitral award in 2016, including the most recent ones involving reef destruction and floating barriers,” Solicitor General Guevarra said in a statement.

“We need solid evidence that will stand up in any tribunal,” he added.

Guevarra also said authorities will evaluate all possible legal options before making a recommendation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and to the Department of Foreign Affairs. n

Three-pronged fight vs drugs proposed

by Bernadette tamayo ManilaTimes.net

SEN. Christopher "Bong" Go has emphasized the roles of law enforcement, rehabilitation and prevention in combatting drug problems in the country.

The senator, in a chance interview after the launch of the 159th Malasakit Center in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, on September 15, proposed a three-pronged approach to address illegal drugs.

Go said every administration had its approach to combat the drug problem. He said former president Rodrigo Duterte pursued a "massive campaign" against drugs.

"I support President [Ferdinand] Bongbong Marcos [Jr.] in whatever approach [to address the drug problem]. The fight against illegal drugs must continue," he said in Filipino. He raised the need to empower law enforcement agencies to earn the trust of the people they are mandated to protect.

Go sought a "competent and corruption-free police force and other law enforcement agencies to effectively combat

drug syndicates."

The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography also raised the need to rehabilitate drug users.

"Most of them are merely victims [of drug syndicates]."

Go has filed a bill to institutionalize a technical vocational education and livelihood program for rehabilitated drug dependents.

He said the third approach centers on prevention, particularly among the youth.

"We encourage the youth to get into sports. That is one way to

keep them away from drugs."

Go, also the chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, has advocated sports-related programs as a means to divert the youth from the lure of illegal drugs and criminality.

The senator filed Senate Bill (SB) 422, which aims to provide free legal assistance to the country's uniformed personnel, particularly those wrongfully accused.

He also proposed SB 428 establishing drug rehabilitation and treatment centers in every province nationwide. n

WHAT NOW? Filipino fishermen look at the floating barrier placed by China to stop them from fishing in rich waters.

Photo courtesy of the Philippine Coast Guard

Out of school

A MORE comprehensive study is needed, but the data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority this week provides a glimpse into another troubling aspect of education in this country. In 2022, according to the PSA study, 18.6 percent of Filipinos aged five to 24 did not attend school. This translates into about 7.85 million children and youths, the PSA said.

Asked about the reasons for staying out of school, the biggest percentage at 21.1 cited the completion of a college or postsecondary degree. Employment was the second biggest reason cited, at 19.7 percent, followed by lack of interest (12.6 percent), marriage (10.7 percent) and the high cost of education or financial problems (9.9 percent).

Editorial

While education is no sure-fire guarantee of personal advancement, it generally opens opportunities and raises the chances of improving the quality of life. Education also plays a critical role in national competitiveness and prosperity.

The most competitive countries give top priority to education and innovation, pouring resources into the provision of quality education that is accessible to all their citizens.

In the Philippines, universal free education from kindergarten to tertiary level has not translated into quality education. The COVID lockdowns worsened the problem, with education stakeholders concerned that the learning gap became wider during the two years of forced shift to a blended education mode dominated by remote learning.

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe

IT’S bad enough that our Philippine Coast Guard vessels and boats bringing food, water and other supplies to our troops stationed at BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal are continuously being harassed and bullied, our fishermen regularly being prevented from plying their livelihood by Chinese Coast Guard and militia vessels – and now, our precious coral reefs in seabeds within our exclusive

Commentary

Q: I have already received the updated Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine when it came out last year. Do I still need to get vaccinated for COVID-19?

A: Like flu virus, the virus that causes COVID-19 has changed over time. The bivalent vaccine which was available since September 2022 isn’t well matched to the currently circulating strains of COVID. A new vaccine has been developed and was approved by the FDA on Sep 11, 2023. The new vaccine provides better protection against the currently

The economic tsunami caused by the pandemic also worsened the capability of many parents to finance the formal education of their children. There are many other expenses apart from tuition and basic miscellaneous fees that parents must shoulder in sending their children to school. During the pandemic lockdowns, many parents especially those with several school-age children could not afford the gadget requirements for blended learning, despite state subsidies and donations from private groups. Even before the lockdowns, the government was already grappling with a high dropout rate in basic education as well as learning gaps that were manifested in the results of international tests, including one that showed Filipino 10-yearolds faring poorly in reading comprehension, mathematics and science. The government is tweaking the K-12 curriculum to address the learning gaps. Teachers, meanwhile, continue to press for better pay, resources and working conditions. The PSA report should give more urgency to the reforms needed in the education sector. (Philstar.com)

Triple whammy in our territorial waters

economic zone are slowly but surely being destroyed.

According to a report filed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command (WesCom) and confirmed by the Philippine Coast Guard that conducted extensive underwater surveys, the marine ecosystems in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal are dying – if not already dead – most likely caused by the illegal and indiscriminate activities of Chinese vessels that have been swarming the areas, resulting in the massive destruction of coral reefs in the aforementioned West Philippine Sea features.

From Aug. 9 to Sept. 11 alone this year, approximately 33 Chinese maritime militia vessels in Rozul Reef and 15 in Escoda Shoal were monitored by the Philippine Coast Guard. Quoting divers who conducted the underwater surveys, WesCom chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said “there is nothing left” of the corals in Rozul Reef, adding that they have been “destroyed, and only debris was there.”

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) says that about “25 percent of the ocean’s fish depend on healthy coral reefs” where “fishes and other organisms

shelter, find food, reproduce and rear their young in the many nooks and crannies formed by corals.” The rich biodiversity found in the habitat created by corals is also the reason why coral reefs are described as the “rainforests of the sea.”

A report published at the MIT Science Policy review in August 2020 disclosed that coral reefs “provide ecosystem services worth $11 trillion annually by protecting coasts, sustaining fisheries, generating tourism and creating jobs across the tropics,” and that as many as one billion people across the planet depend on coral reefs for food, income and coastal protection.

More than 500 species of coral and more than 2,000 species of fish live in the waters of the Philippines, which is part of the most diverse and biologically complex marine ecosystem in the world known as the “Coral Triangle” that covers 5.7 million square kilometers of ocean waters spanning across parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Timor Leste and the Philippines, according to NOAA.

As early as 2019, Dr. Deo Florence Onda, an oceanographer and professor at the University of the Philippines’ Marine Science Institute, has been warning that the Philippines is losing an estimated P33 billion worth of damage to its reef ecosystem annually, all because of China’s land reclamation activities within our exclusive economic zone.

Aside from illegal fishing activities, Chinese vessels have also been poaching giant clams under the reefs and taking corals and the species therein, which

they use as decorative materials, ornaments and jewelry, said maritime law expert Professor Jay Batongbacal.

Videos released by the PCG showed the crushed corals, with “visible discoloration” in the seabed of Escoda Shoal that is indicative of “deliberate activities… undertaken to modify the natural topography of its underwater terrain,” said PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela.

Not surprisingly, reactions to the videos ranged from shock to sadness to anger over the colossal damage that has been wrought upon our marine ecosystem. But what is even more disturbing – totally infuriating – to many Filipinos is that the destruction of the coral reefs is actually a prelude to land reclamation by the Chinese. In Tagalog, “niluluto tayo sa sariling mantika” (we are being cooked in our own fat) – constructing artificial islands with our own corals. Both Senator Francis Tolentino and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro have warned about this.

Intelligence we gathered confirm that these corals are deliberately being crushed, processed and dumped on the seabed.

Since 2013, China has been turning disputed land features in the Spratlys into military bases with ports, runways and other infrastructure. But to use the damaged corals from Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal to make the artificial islands? Absolutely unacceptable.

Support is growing for the filing of cases against China before an international tribunal for the destruction of our corals, and elevating the issue before

the UN General Assembly. Calls are also mounting to make China pay billions of pesos not only for the enormous destruction of our coral reefs but for robbing our fisherfolk of their livelihood and threatening the food security of Filipinos.

And for those who continue to make a lot of noise complaining about our Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States – wake up! Just think – when the USS Guardian accidentally ran aground on Tubbataha Reef in January 2013, the U.S. paid P87 million for the damage the minesweeper had caused.

China, on the other hand, has built bases in maritime areas that are located within our exclusive economic zone and scoffingly dismisses the destruction of the corals in Rozul Reef and Escoda Shoal as “political drama.”

So who is being a responsible member of the community of nations, and who is not? As Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla pointed out, “with or without the territorial dispute, the destruction of the environment is a sin against humanity.”

There is absolutely no justification for this type of behavior by the Chinese. We must do all we can and join hands with the international community in putting a stop to these insane activities, and bring everything to its just conclusion. (Philstar.com)

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

prevalent COVID-19 variant and is available for administration starting from late September, 2023.

Q: Does everyone need to get the new COVID-19 vaccine?

A: CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter. Getting vaccinated every year is the best way to prevent serious illness requiring hospitalization. The people most at risk for getting very sick from COVID-19 are over age 65 or have health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease. The risk of hospitalization is pretty low for those under 18-year-

olds. But if you are 65-74 that risk is 36 times higher. The older you are, the higher your risk is. So, if you are over age 65 or have underlying condition, it is especially important to get the most updated vaccine. Note that young people should be considered to get vaccinated not only for themselves but also to protect the older adults who live with them.

Q: If I already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get a COVID-19 vaccine?

A: COVID-19 vaccine after you recover from COVID-19 infection provides added protection against COVID-19. You may consider delaying your vaccine by at least 3 months from when your symptoms started or, if you

had no symptoms, when you recovered a positive test. People who already had COVID-19 and don’t get vaccinated after their recovery are more likely to get COVID-19 again than those who get vaccinated after their recovery.

Q: Do I need to wait after getting a flu vaccine or another vaccine before getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

A: There is no recommendation waiting period between getting a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines. You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including a Flu vaccine, at the same visit. Possible side effects after getting vaccinated are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines.

Talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccines.

Q: Does my health insurance cover the flu and COVID-19 vaccines? What if I don’t have health insurance?

A: Yes, Medicare Part B and most state Medicaid cover Flu and COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. All Health Insurance Marketplace plans and most other private insurance plans cover these vaccines without charging out-of-pocket cost when provided by an in-network provider.

People who don’t have health insurance or with health plans that do not cover the cost can get a free vaccine from their local health centers; state, local, tribal, or territorial health department;

and pharmacies participating in the CDC’s Bridge Access Program. Your state health department can tell you where to go for free and low-cost vaccines, including community centers, schools, and religious centers.

* * * 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.

* * * National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of AANHPI older adults and their families. We operate a NAPCA Senior Assistance Center for Older Adults and Caregivers and is available in 5 different languages.

Senate bill granting cash gift to Filipinos turning 80, 90 gets Senate nod

by Charie aBarCa Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Senate on Monday, September 25 approved on its third and final reading of Senate Bill No. 2028, which would amend the Centenarians Act of 2016 to expand coverage of cash aid to Filipinos who turn 80 or 90 years old. The Senate approved the bill with 20 members voting for it and nobody voting against or abstaining.

With the amendments, all Filipinos residing in the Philippines or abroad, upon reaching the ages of 80 and 90, will receive a cash gift of P10,000 and P20,000, respectively.

Under the current law, Filipinos turning 100 will receive a cash gift of P100,000 and a letter of felicitation from the president.

Once enacted into law, the bill requires the National Commission on Senior Citizens to set up an elderly data management

system in coordination with local government units and the following agencies:

• Philippine Statistics

Authority

• Department of Social Welfare and Development

• Department of Interior and Local Government

• Department of Information and Communications Technology Under the bill, persons currently covered by the Centenarians Act of 2016 will be maintained and stored. n

by CeCille suerte Felipe, alexis romero Philstar.com

MANILA — President Marcos rejected on Tuesday, September 26 a proposal to temporarily cut the tariff on imported rice to lower the prices of the food staple, citing projections that global prices would decrease.

Marcos, also the agriculture secretary, made the remark after a sectoral meeting at Malacañang that tackled the proposed rice tariff reduction.

“We decided with the agriculture and economic managers that … it was not the right time to lower the tariff rates because the projection of world rice prices is that it will go down,” a Palace statement quoted the president as saying.

“So this is not the right time to lower tariffs. Tariffs are generally lowered when the price is going up,” he added.

Presidential Communications

Secretary Cheloy Garafil said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) had recommended a reduction in the tariff on imported rice to help decrease local rice prices.

The tariff cut would eventually lead to the simultaneous lifting of Executive Order No. 39, which set price caps on regular and well-milled rice in the market, she added.

Under the order, the price cap on regular rice is at P41 per kilogram while the mandated price ceiling on well-milled rice is at P45 per kilogram.

During the sectorial meeting,

NEDA Secretary Arsenio

Balisacan and Agriculture

Undersecretaries Leocadio Sebastian and Mercedita Sombilla agreed that it was not the right time to reduce tariff rates because of the downtrend of rice prices in the global market.

Marcos said the price cap would continue to be in effect since it has to be studied carefully.

“We will study it carefully,” the

president said when asked if he would lift the policy.

Marcos rejects tariff reduction on rice K-10 ‘premature,’ uses kids as ‘guinea pigs’ – ACT

Imee joins rally Sen. Imee Marcos on Tuesday joined protest actions in front of the Department of Finance (DOF) building calling for the resignation of President Marcos’ economic managers amid plans to reduce or remove tariff on imported rice that would affect local farmers.

“All my friends are here. All our friends who are farmers, fishermen – everyone from Northern Luzon to Central Luzon as well as friends from Southern Luzon are here. I’m just supporting,” said Marcos when asked about her presence at the rally.

The rallyists demanded the resignation of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and Balisacan. Marcos, the eldest sister of President Marcos, brought food and water as a show of support for those opposing DOF’s proposed tariff reduction on imported rice. n

MANILA — As the Department of Education (DepEd) kicked off the pilot test of the revised K-10 curriculum in 35 schools on Monday, September 25, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), a progressive teachers’ group, called on the agency to stop its “premature” and “experimental” implementation of the program that would only treat the children as “guinea pigs.”

“Just like in the implementation of K-12 in 2012, it is disheartening that after more than a decade, the DepEd would tell the public that an implemented curriculum is problematic,” the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said in a statement.

According to the group, the “Matatag” curriculum was just a rebranding of the current Enhanced Basic Education Curriculum whose main goal was to follow the global demand for “cheap and docile laborers.”

No consultation

“The benchmarking of the 21st century skills development to produce graduates is aligned to the demands of foreign entities,” ACT said.

“This runs counter to our need to produce graduates that should be inclined to the constitutional mandate of education to establish,

maintain and support a complete, adequate and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society,” it added.

The group also claimed that the revision of the curriculum did not undergo an “open, democratic, and genuine consultation with education stakeholders.”

ACT said that instead of hastily implementing the new curriculum, the DepEd should conduct an evidence-based nationwide learning assessment to gauge the extent of learning loss brought about by a “faulty” curriculum and exacerbated by the twoyear school closure during the pandemic.

In a Viber message to reporters,

Education Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas said all 35 pilot schools from the seven regions started the first day of implementing the Matatag curriculum.

On the sidelines of a memorandum signing with the Government Service Insurance System on Monday, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte said the pilot test will seek to determine the challenges in the implementation of the new curriculum.

“So that by next year, in the phased implementation of the Matatag curriculum, there will just be a few adjustments to be made,” she said. n

The Sonz Live in Concert

Fri., Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. | Windmill Library

Free Headshot Day

Sat., Sept. 30 at 12 p.m. | East Las Vegas Library

Create a Mini Tecuani Mask with Vanessa Maciel

Sun., Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. | West Charleston Library

Three Square Seniors Community Lunch & Social Hour

Mon., Oct. 2 & Thurs, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. | East Las Vegas Library

Creative Performances - Theater Workshop for Adults

Mon., Oct. 2 at 11 a.m. | Sahara West Library

Flavio Enchanted Flutes

Tue., Oct. 3 at 1 p.m. | West Las Vegas Library

The History & Business of Hip Hop for Teens

Thursdays at 5 p.m. | Oct. 5, 12, 26, Nov. 2, 9, 30 | East Las Vegas Library

Rick Arroyo & The Latin Percussion Ensemble

Fri., Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. | Windmill Library

Summerlin Library Outdoor Fall Festival

Sat., Oct. 7 from 10a.m. – 2p.m. | Summerlin Library

Las Vegas Classical Guitar Ensemble in Concert

Sun., Oct. 8 at 3 p.m. | West Charleston Library

Sofia Talvik in Concert

Tue., Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. | Clark County Library

Wed., Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. | Windmill Library

The Dollheads Teen Punk Band in Concert

Thu., Oct. 12 at 5:30 p.m. | Windmill Library

2023 Las Vegas Writes

Thu., Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. | Clark County Library

The Wonderful World of Was — A Musical Dramedy

Thu., Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. | Windmill Library

Fri., Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. | Clark County Library

Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet

Fri., Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. & Sat., Nov. 4, 3 p.m. | Windmill Library

Vegas Valley Comic Book Festival

Sat., Nov. 4 from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Clark County Library

Dia De Los Muertos

Sat., Nov. 4 from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. | East Las Vegas Library

Native American Flute, Dance & Stories with Shelley Morningsong & Fabian Fontenelle

Fri., Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. | Windmill Library

Sat., Nov. 18 at 12 p.m. | Whitney Library

Sat., Nov. 18 at 4 p.m. | West Charleston Library

Sun.,

For details on these events, or to see many more events, scan the QR Code or go to TheLibraryDistrict.org.

Edition

Oct. 17 at 5 p.m.

Sunrise Library

TeenTober Haunted House

Oct. 18 at 4 p.m.

Whitney Library

Locked in the Library

Oct. 20 at 3 p.m.

Goodsprings Library

TeenTober Lock-in

Oct. 20 at 5:45 p.m.

Moapa Valley Library

Escape Room: Five Nights at Freddy’s

Oct. 21 at 2 p.m.

Rainbow Library

REVISED CURRICULUM. A teacher starts the pilot implementation of the Matatag K-10 program at the Tinajeros National High School in Malabon City. Inquirer.net photo

NATIONAL ID. The Philippine Statistics Authority is one of the exhibitors at the three-day Davao Agri Trade Expo which opens on Thursday, September 28 at SMX Convention Center Davao. The agency implements walk-in registration to the Philippine Identification System or PhilSys ID. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL

Jose Mari Chan featured in Time Magazine as the Philippines’

‘face, voice of Christmas’

by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

MANILA — Jose Mari Chan was featured in international publication Time Magazine, which described him the face and voice of holiday season in the Philippines.

Time said that Filipinos are excited annually for September 1 to post memes of Chan as a means of announcing the holiday season.

The publication also compared Chan to Mariah Carey.

Filipino stars Arnel Pineda, Lani Misalucha perform at Sahara Las Vegas

TWO Filipino pop-rock sensations took center stage at SAHARA Las Vegas on Thursday, Sept. 21 when Arnel Pineda and Lani Misalucha performed at the AZILO Ultra Pool.

The performances were preceded by DJ sessions from another Filipino star: Boyet Almazan.

Pineda has fronted the rock band Journey since December 2007.

Pineda famously was discovered by Journey guitarist Neal Schon after a series of YouTube videos were posted of him covering songs such as "Don’t Stop Believin'."

With Pineda on lead vocals, the new iteration of Journey released the album Revelation in June 2008 and it came in at No. 5 on the U.S. charts. The album was their highest charting album since Trial by Fire (with former frontman Steve Perry) and reached platinum status by October of the same year.

Misalucha is a Filipino singer who performs pop, rock, jazz, soul, rhythm and blues and operatic arias. MTV Southeast Asia nicknamed her “Asia’s Nightingale” for her ability to sing across several genres. Since

first arriving in Las Vegas in 2002, Misalucha has been called "New Siren of the Strip,” and has performed with the Society of Seven at Bally's Las Vegas and the Flamingo Las Vegas, making her the first Asian to headline in a main showroom at the Las Vegas Strip.

Earlier in the evening, a wellknown Filipino DJ warmed up the crowd with thumping house music and Electronic Dance

Music (EDM). DJ Boyet Almazan, from HouseofDisco, kicked off the evening with an hour-long set; he is one of the most accomplished DJs in the Philippines and he started performing as a DJ in 1983 when he joined Wopsy Zamora’s ANZIA First Audio group.

Fil-Am leaders Carl Magno, Ron Cabildo and Gloria Caoile coordinated the sold-out performance.

"Chan’s carols that have, over the past few decades, become ubiquitous throughout the final four months of every year in malls, restaurants, karaoke bars, and radio broadcasts across the archipelagic Southeast Asian nation of 110 million people," it said.

Time also discussed Chan being a "first a businessman, and second a singer-songwriter."

It then said that Chan's musical career rose to fame in the '90s after he wrote "Christmas In Our

Fil-Am Anna De Guzman, first female magician on ‘America’s Got Talent,’ finishes at 2nd place

by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

FILIPINO American magician

Anna De Guzman finished as the runner-up for the 18th season of reality competition show "America's Got Talent."

Anna already made history as the first female magician to make it to the finals of "America's Got Talent," and was on course to becoming the show's first Filipino-American winner. The title, however, went to Adrian Stoica and his dog Hurricane, winning also $1 million (P57 million) and a oneoff performance slot in Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas.

For her final trick, Anna involved members of the audience, judges Howie Mandell, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara, and Simon Cowell, and host Terry Crews.

The crowd each had a secret card sealed in an envelope, and Anna had the judges shuffle their own decks of cards and seal one card of their choice in their own envelopes.

Terry shuffled his own deck and took out a chunk to keep, then Anna showed off some shuffling tricks before selecting several cards of her own.

Anna managed to match nearly all of Terry's cards —

Pia Wurtzbach, Colombia’s Ariadna Gutierrez reunite at Paris fashion event

by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

IT’S the reunion that every pageant fan was waiting for.

Pia Wurtzbach and Colombian model Ariadna Gutierrez have finally reunited at a fashion event in Paris, eight years after the Filipina-German beauty queen was crowned Miss Universe in 2015 — a crowning moment that everyone knew all too well.

Gutierrez was mistakenly announced by TV host Steve Harvey as the winner of the international beauty pageant, but a few minutes later, he was made to retract his words and declared Wurtzbach to be that year’s Miss Universe.

The incident was considered to be one of the most iconic, if not controversial, moments in pageant history, with Gutierrez being forced to relinquish her crown that had been placed on her head only briefly by the then reigning Miss Universe Paulina Vega. It would have been a back-to-back win for Colombia, if not for the Filipina beauty that got in the way.

Fast forward to the present, the two beauty queens appeared to have moved on from the incident and have now reunited at a fashion event in Paris, as seen on Wurtzbach’s Instagram account on Tuesday, Sept. 26.

“The reunion you’ve all been waiting for,” she wrote.

On the other hand, Gutierrez expressed her joy over seeing Wurtzbach again on her Instagram Stories, where she was seen getting chummy with the latter.

“It’s been almost 8 years since the last time

we were together. So happy to see you again @ piawurtzbach,” she said. “When time makes sure you meet the right people once again.”

In a December 2015 interview, Wurtzbach confessed that she was feeling “mixed emotions” after winning the Miss Universe crown as she “felt sad” for Gutierrez.

“I felt calm when I was called first runner-up because I felt it was fate. But when they announced that I was Miss Universe, I had mixed emotions. I was happy because I really wanted to win but felt sad for Miss Colombia… I even tried to approach her after [but] I couldn’t get near as she was surrounded by the Latin American contestants.”

two of hearts, six of diamonds, nine of spades, two of diamonds, three of hearts, ten of clubs, and ten of spades — which happened to signify the broadcast time of her trick.

Terry had one card left, the queen of hearts, which was the card in everyone's sealed envelopes, prompting applause from the crowd and the amazement of the judges.

Anna's mother Tess flew from the Philippines to see her only daughter perform the historic magic trick, a huge milestone for the single parent.

MTRCB denies ‘It’s

"This has been very bonding. My mom doesn't really know this world. She's always been a very normal conservative woman," Anna told NorthJersey.com after the finale. "She would never do anything like what I do. She's not a performer. She's not a singer. For her this is so new, being on TV. This is the first time I feel she's kind of been brought into my world."

"I don't think there is losing. I think I've already won," she ended. — Video from the YouTube channel of "America's Got Talent"

Motions for Reconsideration on suspension

by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

MANILA — The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) came to a resolution regarding Motions for Reconsideration (MR) on the suspension of noontime variety show "It's Showtime," denying the filings

Showtime’

of networks ABS-CBN and GMA.

In a statement released on September 28, the MTRCB affirmed its August 17 decision to suspend "It's Showtime!" for 12 airing days following complaints an alleged indecent incident during the show's "Isip Bata" segment last July 25.

In the July 25 episode, hostcomedian Vice Ganda licked

icing off the fingers of co-host and real-life partner Ion Perez. MTRCB also cited the show's past preventive suspensions in dishing out its latest decision.

The next step available for "It's Showtime" is to appeal to the Office of the President within the next 15 days given MTRCB's denial of the MRs. The suspension of "It's Showtime" will only begin once all previously mentioned periods have passed without the show filing an MR and/or appeal.

The MTRCB previously clarified that its chairperson Lala Sotto-Antonio inhibited from the voting process to ensure that the MTRCB "exercised independent judgment" in the decision, and will do so for any issues involving noontime shows.

It can be recalled that SottoAntonio is the daughter of former Senate President Tito Sotto, who previously hosted rival show "Eat Bulaga!" on GMA and now hosts "E.A.T." on TV5, still a direct competitor of "It's Showtime."

Community members attend Arnel Pineda and Lani Misalucha’s performance at the SAHARA Las Vegas on Thursday, Sept. 21. Fil-Am leaders Carl Magno, Ron Cabildo and Gloria Caoile coordinated the sold-out concert.

Photos by Raoul Gatchalian

Attendees enjoyed performances from Arnel Pineda and Lani Misalucha at the SAHARA Las Vegas’ AZILO Ultra Pool.

“Asia’s Nightingale” Lani Misalucha Photos by Raoul Gatchalian

Arnel Pineda of Journey

Iconic balladeer Jose Mari Chan

Photo release

(From left) Ariadna Gutierrez, Pia Wurtzbach. Photo from Instagram/@piawurtzbach

Fil-Am magician Anna De Guzman Philstar.com photo

Dennis and Bea return to drama, describe each other as actors

by Jerry Donato Philstar.com

EVEN if they know drama like the back of their hand, Dennis Trillo and Bea Alonzo cannot afford to be complacent and rest on their laurels in Love Before Sunrise.

The GMA actor and actress are aware of and privy to the specificity that the narrative and their dramatis personae present. They play Atom and Stella, who start as acquaintances, then become sweethearts, and move on as former lovers.

Even though some aspects of the Telebabad romantic drama seem and sound familiar to them, Dennis and Bea are definitely up for the challenge of fleshing out details about how their characters have found the right love but at the wrong time.

Love Before Sunrise airs weeknights at 8:50 and is also available on GMA Pinoy TV and Viu (for advanced episodes).

“It’s still challenging,” said Dennis about doing drama in a recent group interview that also featured Bea. “I think regardless of what drama you do, for people to get affected (as the story unfolds) and for you to create a scene that will inspire them and make them cry and laugh, I think you need to give your work time and work hard (to make your portrayal) effective.

That’s why doing drama is not that easy, especially the work dynamics changes every time you collaborate with a new partner,” added he.

As for Bea, who said that she has acted in this kind of genre and explored a seemingly similar plot before, the challenge lies in how to make her role different from previous ones or show a shade of distinction in what one may put as almost the same roles.

“I think walang paulit-ulit (no portrayals are the same) because as I age, of course, I learn from my life experiences. There are perhaps moments or scenes in which I draw (inspiration)

from my personal life na hindi ko alam gawin before kasi hindi ko pa yun natututunan (that I’ve had no idea of doing before because I’ve not learned it yet),” shared the actress.

Prior to this team-up with Dennis, Bea was seen acting opposite Alden Richards in the

Dennis

every time actors collaborate with new partners, and there’s a need to offer something new in doing a familiar role.

rom-com and local adaptation of the hit Korean series Start-Up PH for GMA.

“So, I miss it,” said Bea about starring in a drama series with Dennis, who was described by Bea as “professional (and) he’s 10 steps ahead.”

For a quick recall, Dennis played Crisostomo Ibarra, Simoun and Barry Torres in the historical portal fantasy series, Maria Clara at Ibarra, and Ned Armstrong in the retelling of a popular ‘70s Japanese animé Voltes V Legacy. The actor is, in a way, making a return to drama.

“Every taping day, I would check how many scenes I need to prepare for,” said Dennis, if ever he and Bea have scenes together.

“Respetado ko siya, I know the movies that she has done as well as the awards she has received, of course, if you respect your co-actor, mas maganda yung samahan nyo, mas maganda yung mga eksena na nagagawa nyo, mas maganda yung flow ng trabaho nyo (the partnership becomes better, the scenes you do together and the work flow also become better).”

During the interview, Dennis and Bea were also asked to give their two cents’ worth on the reasons behind the titles given to each of them: She as the BoxOffice Queen, while he as the Kapuso Drama King.

“Bukod sa galing niya at sa mga magagandang projects na nakukuha niya, siguro more

SB19 keeps monthly checkups, healthy lifestyle to stay on top of their game

by HAnnAH MAllorcA Inquirer.net

THERE is no shadow of doubt that SB19 is everywhere. From their sold-out concerts at the home front, to their appearances and shows abroad, their punishing schedule can take a toll on their health. Still, the group is able to deliver a nearperfect performance every time. The group attributes this to their healthy habits and in prioritizing their well-being.

“Be aware kung anong nangyayari, physically, mentally, and of course, ‘yung health mo from the inside (Be aware what’s happening to you, physically, mentally, and of course, your health from the inside),” Stell told reporters during a brief interview for their joint concert with local acts Ben&Ben and Zack Tabudlo.

care of your hygiene and yourself as a whole. Exercise.)

Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin returned to the country earlier this month after their “Pagtatag” tour in North America. While it seemed that they’re done meeting their fans, they confirmed that they will extend their tour to Asia, with the additional legs hinted for an October release.

Despite having packed schedules, SB19 remained energetic and welcoming to fans and the media all throughout. This led to Stell sharing that being mindful of their health is helpful to them as artists.

and alive” at all times.

“Dapat hindi nila nakikita na pagod kami lagi kaya dapat very energetic, happy, and alive palagi (Fans shouldn’t see us looking tired all the time. We must look energetic, happy, and alive at all times). When you feel good and feel great, it shows. You look good and feel confident,” he added.

For their part, Pablo emphasized the importance of “sleep and taking your vitamins” while Josh emphasized that “eating right” is a must to stay healthy.

Performing back home

than that, yung pagmamahal niya sa fans (Besides her talent and the good projects she has been getting, I think it’s her love for the fans),” said Dennis. “I see how very warm she is to her fans, it’s her love for those who appreciate and support her.”

For her part, Bea said that Dennis has done iconic roles and top-rated shows as well as received awards.

“Aside from accolades, I think it’s because he really takes his job seriously,” said she, “and that he sees his job as a profession. Alam mo ni-re-respeto niya ang lahat ng tao sa paligid niya at pinag-aaralan niyang mabuti bago niya pasukin (You know he respects the people around him and studies closely the work he embarks on).”

“He picks his projects well, and he knows what he can give,” added Bea.

Given the life realities of their characters that will create ripples of twists and turns in this tale about love and the emotional roller-coaster ride Atom and Stella will treat audiences to, Bea had this to say: “What I know is, this is a very beautiful story, especially if one follows it from the beginning, like the first two weeks will introduce the love story of Atom and Stella.

“After that, new characters Czarina and Roald, as played by Andrea (Torres) and Sid (Lucero), will come in. Before pumasok yung characters nila, nag-simmer na sa inyo yung

“Hindi naman [tayo] sure kung ano ba talaga ang nararamdaman namin so you have to have weekly or monthly check-ups. But other than that, siyempre meron tayong pangangailangan sa katawan. [Alagaan] din ang hygiene, alagaan mo ang sarili mo. Exercise,” the “Voice Generations” coach added. (We’re not sure what we’re really feeling from the inside so weekly or monthly check-ups are a must. But other than that, our bodies have needs as well. Take

“Nakakatulong ‘yun for us as artists na laging busy, walang tulog, pero sa tulong ng mga products at vitamins na tinetake namin, mas nagkakaroon kami lalo ng lakas na gawin ang mga kailangan namin gawin sa araw-araw. And important din talaga kasi humaharap kami sa maraming tao,” he said.

(It’s helpful for us as artists who are always busy, having no sleep. But with the help of the products and vitamins we always take, we become more alive to deal with our daily activities. Plus, it’s important for us since we’re facing a lot of people.)

Stell added that it’s imperative for them to be “energetic, happy,

The joint concert is one of the group’s recent activities since coming home, and they admitted that they’re “very excited” to face their Filipino audience after being away for about two months.

“Kakagaling lang namin and we’re very excited to perform sa harap ng maraming Filipino audience sa Pilipinas. And ‘yung Watsons Playlist concert ang isa sa mga una naming performances after our tour,” Justin said. “Nakakaexcite na makakasama namin sina Ben&Ben and Zack. Nakakaexcite, we’re very happy to be here.”

(We just came home and we’re very excited to perform

Trillo and Bea Alonzo play Atom and Stella, who start as acquaintances, then become sweethearts and move on as former lovers in the GMA Telebabad series titled Love Before Sunrise. They consider drama as a genre of acting challenging since the working dynamics changes

SB19 members (from left) Stell, Josh, Pablo, Justin, Ken.

Photo from Instagram/@officialsb19

Health @Heart

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

SIBO

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a not too well-known disease entity that is becoming more evident and more popular. The symptoms are gastrointestinal in nature: sense of epigastric distress, some anorexia, bloating, diarrhea, and weakness. If left undiagnosed or untreated, it could result in serious complications, dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, and malnutrition. For SIBO, the following should be avoided: lactose dairy, milk, Splenda (sucralose), mannitol sorbitol, corn syrup, soy milk, and many other sweetened food items. Early medical consultation, diagnosis, and treatment are vital, when these symptoms occur at any age.

Physician, RN shortage

As of May 2022, there were

1,073,616 physicians in active practice in the United States, a large number (117,987) in California, followed by New York (98,341) and then Texas (69,123).

The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates the country will have a shortfall of nearly 140,000 physicians by 2033. The projected growth jumps up to 45 percent for advance practice nurses, like nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists. This is reminiscent of the late 50s and early 60s when my wife and I came to Chicago on December 31,1963 under the U.S. Exchange Visitors Program for our medical internship and residency training, a program designed by the United States to fill in the vacuum (physician shortage) as thousands of American physicians were drafted in the military. A similar program might be in the offing for both physicians and nurses, because roughly 96 million Americans now live in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).

Physical activity

Physical activity or physical exercise, as tolerated, has been well-known to be good to the body, for man and his pets and other animals. Exercise reduces the risk for chronic diseases, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic illnesses, and for Alzheimer’s and cancer. New studies now show that “moderateto-vigorous physical activity benefits people with a genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes.”

The most active people lowered their risk by a whopping 74 percent, compared to the least active subjects in this 6.8 yearstudy of 59,325 participants, 40-69 years old (2006 to 2010, and 2013 to 2015) and the more activity, the better, even among those with genetic predisposition to Type 2 diabetes, according

Medical gems

to the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Warning – Lectins! Lectins, also known as antinutrient, is a protein that binds to some carbohydrates, like sugar and soft drinks, which I call “poisonous” in themselves.

Lectins cannot be digested by our gut. Some lectins are considered deadly poisons, like Castor beans, which contains a potent lectin called “ricin.” Some lectins bind with the walls of the digestive system and cause gastrointestinal problems. It could aggravate leaky gut syndrome. One particular lectin called phytohemagglutinin can lead to diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pains.

Ten common food items that contain a significant amount of lectins are (white bread made from wheat), raw kidney beans, eggplant, potato, barley, soybeans, wheat in general, tomato, peanuts, and lima and navy beans. Lectin also interferes with the digestion, absorption, and utilization of essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc from food we eat. When enough lectins pass into the blood stream, they activate the immune system, and have been linked to a major cause of autoimmune diseases. Washing these food items and boiling them can reduce the lectin level. The amount of lectin we usually consume is lower than the toxic level. As individual resistance or tolerance differs from person to person, it behooves us to be conscious of this warning and minimize our “lectin intake” by avoiding food items that contain lectin.

Pre- and probiotics

The role our complex personal microbiome (living gastrointestinal tract), teeming with over 100 trillion microbial cells (1000 species of bacteria), plays in our health and well-being and disease development is mindboggling. The good beneficial and harmful bacteria in our gut must be balanced to maintain good stable health. Disruption to the gut microbiota has been associated with inflammatory bowel syndrome, obesity, and other illnesses. While eating health and abstaining from tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs and not abusing antibiotics are essential in maintaining a healthy microbiome, the use of both prebiotic and probiotic supplement every day (not only one or the other) is most beneficial to our gut.

Fish from China

There are concerns about seafood imported from China, because some sources use antifungal agents, antibiotics, and other chemicals to keep their seafood thriving for export. Some of the other alarming ingredients found in imported seafood include malachite green, fluoroquinolone, and nitrofuran, which the FDA stated “may increase antibiotic

resistance to this critically important class of antibiotics.” We have a lot of sources of seafood in the United States. Pompano fish, for one, is safely grown in aquaculture in Florida. This buttery-tasty and expensive fish may be cheaper coming from China, but Pompano lovers prefer ones farmed in the U.S. A standard serving of 28 grams of Pompano contains 5.2 grams of protein, 1 gram of fish oil saturated fats, and 46 calories only. It also provides vitamin D3, vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, K, folic acid, calcium, potassium, iron, and a lot of amino acids. A healthy food item. Be well-informed always.

Diabetes T2: Reversible?

Diabetes T2 has had the lone reputation of being an incurable metabolic disease, but recent clinical studies and experiences among some health-conscious diabetics have shown that with a healthy style, strict diet discipline, and effective weight control, diabetes could be ”reversed.” With that strategy, even among those taking insulin who are overweight, could “cure” themselves to a point of no longer needing insulin, following a weight loss of 50 pounds or more, to maintain a normal weight within a year. This strategy should be adopted under medical supervision. This is, of course, a great source of hope for the 37.3 million (10 percent) of people in the United States with DMT2.

Let’s take full advantage of the great progress in medical science and technology to attain our potential maximal health and longevity.

* * *

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

* * *

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

* * *

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

Julia Montes, Alden Richards express support for Kathryn Bernardo, ‘A Very Good Girl’

by Dale Calanog Inquirer.net

AHEAD of the release of their upcoming film, Julia Montes and Alden Richards extended their support to “A Very Good Girl,” topbilled by Dolly de Leon and their former co-star Kathryn Bernardo.

The duo, who are set to debut their chemistry on the big screen next month via the Irene Villamorhelmed “Five Breakups and a Romance,” attended the premiere night of “A Very Good Girl,” and took to social media to commend the movie’s cast and crew.

Montes, in her Instagram post, uploaded a clip of her “Way Back Home” co-star’s interaction with people inside the cinema, and praised Bernardo’s versatility in the Petersen Vargas feature.

“Soooo proud of you @ bernardokath! You’re a badass in this film! The range of emotions and passion that you poured into this movie, intense. #AVeryGoodGirl is a must-watch. To the whole team and Ms. Dolly (de Leon), congratulations po,” wrote the 28-year-old actress, who, along with Bernardo, led the remake of the Kapamilya drama “Mara Clara.”

The Kapuso actor, on his Instagram, also shared a video compilation of moments during the

Classic holiday hit ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ gets update

Christmas favorite to be sung in over 10 languages featuring original singer Bobby Helms, guest artists

THE classic Christmas holiday hit “Jingle Bell Rock” will saturate radio and streaming services once again this year, like it has since 1957, but with one major difference. It will be sung in over 10 different languages and in duet form.

For the first time since its original release by legendary recording artist Bobby Helms over 60 years ago, it will be heard worldwide in different languages and also several English duet versions. Professional celebrity vocalists in each country have joined the musical mission to “Jingle Bell Rock the World.” Each artist adds their own musical style and lyric variations to fit their language’s translation of the famous tune.

Helms is heard singing a portion of the song in English and a portion is also heard in the native language of the guest artist.

The non-English languages and artists include French by Sonith, German by Katrin Lion, Spanish by Destiny Malibu, Portuguese by Danda Brasil, Hindi by She Shree, Croation by Nikita, Norwegian and Swedish by Ronnie Sun, Japanese by Manami, Tamil by Lekha Gopi Meunier aka Lexaholism, Sahoue-Gbe by Wes B, Croatian by Nikita, Slovak by LeRa, Farsi by Fanarak Shahroozi, and Armenian by sisters Blue Nectarine. Included in the celebrity English duets with Helms are America’s Got Talent Champion Marcelito Pomoy, Kool & the

Gang” and “Dazz Band” lead singer Skip Martin, internet celebrity influencer and singer Destiny Malibu, Australian music legend “Swanee”, and Elvis Presley’s daughter Elaine Elizabeth Presley.

All versions of the songs are available for streaming and downloading on most major services and also on YouTube by searching Bobby Helms Duets Channel. The songs are produced by Hellmut Wolf, and distribution is by Wolf Entertainment. All song versions aare vailable for licensing for commercial use from Jingle Bell Rock Music/John Kleiman©. All Licensing inquiries should be made to: The Ace Duran at ace@dreamnomorestudios. com.

Eric Quizon shares plans as head of NET25’s Star Center Artist Management

AS Eric Quizon heads NET25’s Star Center Artist Management, he wants to leave his own legacy in the talent management business in the showbiz industry.

“I am my own person. Mr. M (Johnny Manahan) is a very good talent manager (while) Kuya Germs (German Moreno), I respect Kuya Germs for what he did in the industry. But I am doing my own part and my own legacy,” he said on his venture into talent management during a media conference at the recently-concluded STAR Kada: NET25 Star Center grand launch at the EVM Convention Center in Quezon City.

The actor-director initially was bent on putting up a film school. So when the position to head NET25’s center was offered to him, he accepted it. “That’s what I really wanted to do (like) school for the arts, directing, something to do with the industry. I really wanted to do a film school,” he maintained.

“So it (NET25 talent center) is a bit similar in the sense that it’s mentoring and teaching, and I’m also an actor. Like I said mentoring is partly teaching and that’s what I want to do. I want to teach. Now being a manager or head of a talent center, hindi ko yan pinangarap… And then they talked to me about it. I said, ‘Why not?’

“As a director also, a lot of people come to me saying, ‘O yung pamangkin ko ganito, yung anak ko hilig mag-artista baka pwedeng… They would approach me… (So) it crossed my mind, why don’t I set up my own talent agency?”

these kids all went through that process,” he said.

The veteran actor also always reminds his talents to “just enjoy and trust the process.” He stressed the importance of trust in workshops as well. “Kailangan mag-trust ka dun sa pinapagawa sayo because the aim of the instructors and the workshops are for you to be able to reach your potential and from there, you can express yourself well,” he said.

Eric likewise advised the artists to “love your career.” “Because when you love what you do, hindi ka magsasawang gawin. The moment na magsasawa ka and lose interest, then you will lose interest in your job.”

One of the more than 30 talents who are part of NET25’s Star Center Artist Management Batch

1 is Harlene Bautista and Romnick Sarmenta’s daughter, Bo Bautista.

Santos, Gera Suarez, Shira Tweg and Victoria Wood.

During their launching event, they were able to showcase their talents in singing, dancing and acting. They will soon appear in Star Kada: The road to Kada 25, a daily afternoon reality show that will highlight their journey to stardom and Kada 25, a musical, light drama series that will air in the first quarter of 2024.

Ricky Davao, who directed their short films that were shown during the event, was “pleasantly shocked” with their acting chops.

premiere night. He included scenes from inside the movie theater as well as clips of him and Montes meeting at the venue, walking together on the red carpet, and interacting with fans.

Richards, who starred opposite Bernardo in the 2019 blockbuster “Hello, Love, Goodbye,” seemed to have enjoyed his time at the film’s premiere, as he wrote, “Had a very good night with @montesjulia08 [emoji].”

“Congrats to the amazing team of #AVeryGoodGirl @bernardokath, Ms. @dollyedeleon, and Direk @awarewolves [Vargas], solid acting and production! [emoji],” continued the “Start-Up PH” star, who previously admitted in an interview that he felt scared of

taking on film projects, following his successful collaboration with Bernardo. Other stars who also cheered on the film include Bernardo’s friend and “Nag-aapoy na Damdamin” actress Ria Atayde. On her Instagram Stories, Atayde expressed how proud she is of her “very good girl.”

“Love you so much, my very good girl @bernardokath!!! Are you a murderer? ‘Cause you killed it,” she quipped, seemingly referencing a line from the movie. “All your hard work, all your sacrifices, all the missed events, all the time you didn’t have in your hands — all worth it!!!!!! I AM SO PROUD!!!!” added Atayde, who shared several snaps with Bernardo.

SB19 keeps monthly checkups...

in front of our Filipino audience in the Philippines. The Watsons Playlist concert is one of our first performances after our tour.) And it seemed that they haven’t been away from their home country for so long. Their fan service remained topnotch, including their performances of “Gento,” “I Want You,” “Liham,” “Crimzone,” and “Mapa (band version)” with Ben&Ben.

Josh even revealed that they returned to rehearsals after returning from their tour, an

apparent sign of how much they

“value their craft so much.”

“Pag-uwi pa lang namin, nagrehearse na kami together with Ben&Ben, Skouts — ‘yung mga kasama naming dancers — and napansin niyo na matagal ang stage rehearsal namin kasi we want to make sure na aligned lahat,” he said. “Gusto naming bigyan ng magandang show ang mga manonood. Gusto namin mabigay ang best performance namin.”

(When we arrived home, we rehearsed right away with

Ben&Ben, Skouts — the dance crew we’re working with — and if you noticed, our stage rehearsal took time because we wanted to make sure that everything was aligned. We want to put on a good show for the viewers. We want to give our best performance.)

Aside from extending their Pagtatag” tour, the quintet was recently announced as one of the performers for the Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2023 which will take place on Dec. 14 at the Philippine Arena.

While he had thought about it, he never really dreamt of doing it. So when NET25 tapped him for the role, he felt that the stars were aligning since it was also going to involve things that he wished to do — mentoring and teaching. Eric furthered that he really wanted to conduct workshops. “I really want to do workshops because when I started in the industry, when I first appeared on screen, parang gusto kong patayin yung TV sa sama ng acting ko. So I said since I’m already here, gusto kong pag-aralan (and) pagbutihin ko yung ginagawa kong craft. And that’s what I want to (teach) these kids na hindi kasi ako naniniwala dun sa ‘pag ‘di ka marunong umarte, ‘di ka marunong umarte.”

Acting and singing can be taught, he stated and cited the NET25 talents. “Part of the reason that they are here is because they have a talent. We will not choose them if they don’t have talent. We are just starting. When I said yes, we started the audition and

“Actually when I was younger, I didn’t know that my parents are actors,” shared Bo. “My siblings and I bigla na lang nakita namin sila sa TV and said, ‘Si Papa ba yun?’ For me, whenever I watch Papa (on screen) parang hindi ko… I knew that it was him pero hindi ko siya nakikilala. Nag-iiba talaga siya.”

Now that she is into it, Bo also gets “to tell the story” on screen. She further disclosed that she really wanted to be an actress since she was younger.

The other talents who also underwent workshops and trainings are Jam Aquino, Drei Arias, Shanicka Arganda, Juan Atienza, Ornella Brianna, Yvan Castro, Arwen Cruz, Celyn David, Dana Davids, Miyuki de Leon, Sofi Fermazi, and Tim Figueroa.

They are joined by Zach Francisco, Rachel Gabreza, Nicky Gilbert, Gia Gonzales, Aaron Gonzalez, John Heindrick, Via Lorica, Mischka Mathay, Jannah Madrid, Crissie Mathay, David Racelis, Marco Ramos, Nate Reyes, Patrick Roxas, Migs Rubia, Kanishia

“I just wanted to see what they can do and I was di naman shocked but I was pleasantly shocked na ang gagaling nila ha,” commented Ricky in a video message. “They know what they are doing. Others akala mo mahiyain but ‘pag sigaw mo ng action, they shine. It was an honor and I really enjoyed working with all of you. Ginulat niyo ako. Ang galing niyo.”

He advised the new breed of talents to “continue what you are doing now, work harder and don’t stop learning.”

NET25 president Caesar Vallejos remarked, “These new talents have been carefully selected for their unique perspectives, exceptional skills, and the passion they bring to their craft. They represent a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, ensuring that we continue to reflect the rich tapestry of our global audience.

“In the coming months, you can look forward to seeing these fresh faces in a variety of exciting projects, from scripted series to reality shows and beyond. We firmly believe that their contributions will not only captivate your hearts but also warmly embrace the cherished values of Filipino families,” he said.

Dennis and Bea return to drama...

pagmamahalan nina Atom and Stella, kaya mas masakit siguro ‘pag nabuwag yung pagmamahalan nila di ba or, ‘pag na-shake (that’s why it’s painful to see their love falling apart or being shaken).” And part of the various themes

is the saying, “Love prevails.”

“Yung love, yan yung isa sa mga pinaka-masarap na pakiramdam na pwedeng maramdaman ng isang tao, eh (Love is one of the most beautiful feelings a person can experience),” said Dennis. “I believe if you love someone,

you’ll really fight for that person. So, nangyari na yun ilang beses sa buhay ko (It has happened a few times in my life).”

Watch Dennis and Bea as Atom and Stella, who navigate the intricacies of finding true love and fighting for it.

by Charmie Joy Pagulong Philstar.com

Julia Montes and Alden Richards attend the premiere night of “A Very Good Girl,” which features their former co-star Kathryn Bernardo. Inquirer.net photos

Actress Ara Mina also heads the NET25’s Star Center Artist Management with Wilma Galvante as production consultant.

Eric Quizon is the head of NET25’s artist management arm, Star Center. He is joined by Ara Mina (not in photo). Philstar.com photo