100723 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

OCTOBER 7-10, 2023 Volume 33 - No. 80 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

How US Chief Heat Officers are beating the heat

Marcos admin ‘resolutely dedicated’ to provide good jobs for Filipinos

AS extreme heat — the worst U.S. weatherby Jean ManGaluz Inquirer.net related killer — worsens nationwide, the country’s three new Chief Heat Officers shared MANILA— The administration of President at a Sept. 29 briefing the lessons they learned about how the threat to their cities is changing Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is committed to providing their efforts to protect urban residents.

Los Angeles Marta Segura, Chief Heat Officer (CHO) of Los Angeles, Calif. since June 2022, said that summers in her city are intensifying and lengthening into “heat seasons” which, now run from mid-June to mid-November.

While Southern California — where an average hot day is just under 94 degrees Fahrenheit — currently experiences seven days a year which exceed this average, that number is projected to reach 21 days by 2053.

The summer before this one was the “hottest heat season on record for Los Angeles. We had 10 straight days of an extraordinary heatwave,” she noted — views of how to mitigate this heat are becoming more holistic, involving a collaboration of departments including public

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Fil-Am shooting survivor fights for tougher gun laws Surviving the Parkland shooting in Florida urged him to seek stronger safety measures SURVIVING a tragic school shooting, Filipino-American Robert Schentrup advocates for a cause, even with battle scars on.

The U.S. Supreme Court is back on this agenda as it’s now on a new term. A decision on whether individuals accused of domestic violence can still have a firearm was scheduled to be weighed by the Conservative majority court.

One of the advocates seeking stronger safety measures is Fil-Am Robert Schentrup.

Being a shooting survivor himself, he was the co-founder of Team Enough, a youth-led gun violence prevention organization.

That’s not all; he’s also been a part of Brady: United Against Gun Violence and a former fellow at Rise, a multi-sector coalition of sexual assault survivors committed to empowering all survivors.

good jobs for Filipinos, said the Palace on Friday, the previous 4.8 percent.

“The administration is resolutely dedicated to October 6.

The latest report from the Philippine Statistics providing high-quality, well-paying job opportunities Authority showed that the country’s unemployment for the Filipino workforce. The labor market saw rate decreased to 4.4 percent in August compared to u PAGE A2

Sandiganbayan lets Enrile challenge prosecution evidence in plunder case

by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net

MANILA — Sandiganbayan has allowed former Senate president and now Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile to challenge the evidence presented against him in the plunder case that stemmed from his alleged pork barrel scam involvement.

In a resolution dated September 18, Sandiganbayan’s Third Division granted Enrile camp’s motion to file a demurrer (objection) to evidence, which basically questions the prosecution’s evidence in the case.

Enrile was given ten days upon receipt of the resolution’s copy to submit the demurrer.

After the submission, the anti-graft court will decide if Enrile’s objection has merit.

If it sides with Enrile, then the case against him will HELPING HAND. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hands over a sack of premium rice to a beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique on Friday, October 6. The president also led the distribution of various forms of government assistance be deemed dismissed for insufficiency of evidence. in the province, together with representatives of the Departments of Agriculture, Social Welfare, Health, and Labor; Bureau of Fisheries and If the demurrer is junked, then, the court will Aquatic Resources; Philippine Crop Insurance Corp.; Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Commission on Higher Education.

PNA photo by Rey Baniquet

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Tourist arrivals picking up – BI

by Claire Bernadette Mondares ManilaTimes.net

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday, October 4 said the agency recorded a significant increase in this year's foreign and Filipino arrivals, which showed that "tourism is on a rebound."

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said 8,117,286 Filipino and foreign passengers were processed by the agency from January to August 2023, higher than the 2,873,423 recorded u PAGE A4 during the same period in 2022.

"We are getting there. The significant increase in arriving travelers shows that tourism and international travel are already on the rebound," he said.

Tansingco's remark comes after Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said the country recorded more than 4 million foreign visitors from January to September 2023.

"We are procuring more e-gates for faster immigration processing. Through technology, we can work around the limited space that we have at the airports and improve passenger experience," the BI chief added. n

Philippines 5 back in promised land; night to Confidential funds help remember also marked by Jiu-Jitsu gold, bronze fight crime, terror – Duterte

by AbAc cordero Philstar.com

HANGZHOU — At long last, the gold in men’s basketball.

And for the millions of basketball-crazy Filipinos, as far as the Asian Games is concerned, it’s the one that matters.

It’s the sport they really love, and the gold that they really longed for.

“Six decades,” Gilas coach Tim Cone, almost hoarse, said as he hurriedly walked past a row of reporters heading to the Philippine dugout.

It’s where the celebration The gold medal came exactly 61 years after the great Caloy Loyzaga steered the Philippines to would continue after the victory in Jakarta where they went undefeated in seven games. basketball team, Photo courtesy of Philippine Sports Commission Philippine

denied of the Asian Games gold since 1962, nailed it more than a thousand miles away from home.

It came in the form of a 7060 win over Jordan in the finale that lacked the excitement the Filipinos, and their fans, enjoyed after they beat host and 2018 champion China in the semifinals two nights ago.

The gold medal came exactly 61 years after the great Caloy Loyzaga steered the Philippines to victory in Jakarta where they went undefeated in seven games.

That was the last time Filipinos came home from the Asian Games with gold medals around their necks. From thereon, the u PAGE A2

Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio

Photo from Facebook /@MayorIndaySaraDuterteOfficial

by Red Mendoza

in Butuan City on Wednesday, October 4, Duterte defended the allocation of confidential funds, saying, "In the pursuit of progress, it is imperative that we prioritize the well-being of our citizens and safeguard the peace and order that underpins our society. Let us remember that security and development do not come with a price tag; they are the very essence of a thriving nation."

She said protecting peace and order as well as education are the "cornerstones upon which a prosperous society is built."

ManilaTimes.net

VICE President Sara Duterte said confidential funds play a "vital role" in addressing issues such as terrorism, crime and safeguarding the integrity of the nation.

Duterte had come under heavy criticism after a combined P650 million in confidential funds was proposed for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), which she also heads.

In her speech at the 122nd Police Service Anniversary rites

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A2 OCTOBER 7-10, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Marcos admin ‘resolutely...

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From The FronT Page

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

significant progress,” said the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) in a Facebook post.

The PCO recalled that the president had recently signed the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act to improve the quality and quantity of jobs in the country.

The Senate’s approval of the Public-Private Partnership and the launch of the National Innovation Agenda and Strategy Document for 2023-2032 will also improve job opportunities, said the PCO. “By focusing on these key initiatives, the government aims to propel the nation toward a more resilient and prosperous future, ensuring that the Filipino workforce not only survives but thrives in an evolving job PNA photo by Alfred Frias market,” said the PCO. n

PIECE OF HISTORY. The Santuario del Santo Cristo Parish in San Juan City, one of the oldest churches in the country, is photographed on Friday, October 6. Built in the 1600s, it had been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, and was even used as a shelter during the 1898 Philippine revolution against Spanish forces.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Sandiganbayan lets Enrile challenge... Confidential funds help fight crime...

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continue hearing the case.

The same Sandiganbayan division, however, denied the motion to file a demurrer to evidence by Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes — Enrile’s former chief of staff — for lack of merit.

Enrile is accused of pocketing P172.8 million worth

of kickbacks for allegedly allocating his pork barrel or Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to bogus non-government organizations owned by convicted scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles.

Napoles is currently jailed at the Correctional Institute for

PAGE A1

"We must ensure that our people can go about their daily lives without fear, that our children can receive an education in a safe environment, and that our businesses can thrive without the shadow of insecurity looming over them," Duterte said.

She also defended the speedy use of confidential funds, noting that it should not be constrained by time and its importance "should not be capped by the importance of protecting citizens based on arbitrary timeframes."

Duterte said the people who are attacking the secret funds for the OVP and the DepEd have "insidious motivations" that Presidential Legal Counsel and former Senate "jeopardize the very fabric of our President Juan Ponce Enrile Senate file photo society and hinder our progress."

"We must remain vigilant and Women after she was found guilty in a separate plunder case, this time involving Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., who was acquitted.

Enrile, Revilla, and Senator PAGE A1 Jinggoy Estrada were three of gold proved elusive, and the the senators who faced plunder Philippines could only show a and graft charges for the pork silver in 1990 and a couple of bronzes in 1986 and 1998. barrel scam.

In 1962, there were Loyzaga, The cases were unearthed when whistleblower Benhur Bachmann, Arazas, Bernardo, Jocson, Marquez, Luy complained that his cousin Cruz, Napoles was illegally detaining Nadurata, Pacheco, Ramas, Reynoso, Roque. him. n And now, there were Newsome, Alas, Thompson, Tolentino, Ross, Lassiter, Fajardo, Perez, Oftana, Aguilar, Kouame and Brownlee.

It’s an entirely different bunch of players. But now they have something in common. They are champions in the Asian Games.

Then there’s Cone, who just a week or two ago, wasn’t even sure if he could field a full lineup to this Asian Games. But they managed, and with some players who weren’t even supposed to be here, won it all.

Filipino supporters up in the stands started to celebrate after Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Jordan’s main man, missed a basket with 55 seconds left.

Gilas team manager Alfrancis Chua faced the Pinoy supporters and danced. The players on the bench began exchanging high fives.

It took a while before they let it all out inside the court. It was a victory they will never forget the rest of their lives. It was a night to remember.

The Philippines was in control from start to finish and led by 13 points in the second quarter, then by 10 at the end of the third.

But the gold was really in the bag only in the final minute, when they held on to a 66-55 lead.

Jordan, which defeated the Philippines by 25 points in the group stage, was off the mark.

In the end, the team that had never tasted the championship in the Asian Games, settled for the silver.

“We caught Jordan on an off shooting night,” said Cone.

The Filipinos tried to get off to a fast start against the Jordanians, knowing how important it was, and were quite successful, taking an early 8-5 lead then 11-5.

But the Jordanians, trying hard to lure the crowd on their side, made a quick run and narrowed the gap to 14-12. A triple by Brownlee, for his seventh point of the opening period, gave Gilas a 17-12 lead.

In the second quarter, Brownlee faked RHJ off and hit another triple from the left flank to open up a 24-15 advantage for the Philippines. Jordan had backto-back turnovers and at the 5:00 mark was looking at a 13-point deficit, 15-28.

Gilas could have taken a 15-point lead but Japeth Aguilar muffed a one-handed dunk.

Jordan cashed in on that miscue and dropped a heavy 11-0 bomb to make it 26-28.

A split by Brownlee from the stripe and an RHJ three-pointer tied the game at 29-29. In a short span, it was back to square one.

steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding our people and our nation. Makinig kayo sa lahat ng sinasabi sa palibot ninyo at tandaan ninyo, kung sino man kumokontra sa confidential funds ay kumokontra sa kapayapaan.

Kung sino ang kumokontra sa kapayaan ay kalaban ng bayan (Listen to what is being said around you, and remember, whoever is against confidential funds is against peace.

Whomever is against peace is an enemy of the nation)," she said.

She said that the DepEd's membership in the AntiTerrorism Council and the Office of the Secretary's membership in the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) exemplified the department's

"unwavering commitment to the protection and well-being of our learners, personnel, and other stakeholders."

"By actively participating in these crucial bodies, the Department of Education showcases its dedication to addressing security threats and creating a safe learning environment for our future generations," Duterte said.

Reacting to her speech, Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman, one of the congressmen calling for the removal of the confidential funds, advised Duterte that schools "are temples of knowledge not arenas of surveillance."

"The Secretary of Education must be a teacher, not a centurion," Lagman said. n

Philippines 5 back in promised land...

Jordan took the lead at 31-29 on a basket by 6-foot-10 John Bohannon. The first half ended at 31-31 after a tip-in by Jordan did not beat the game clock.

Gilas committed nine turnovers in the first half against the seven of Jordan.

The third quarter was a slow one highlighted by triples from Newsome, Thompson and Oftana and three free throws from Brownlee, who was fouled while taking a three.

The crowd started to get into the picture and started booing the Filipinos each time they went to the stripe.

Gilas broke loose from a 3737 count with a 14-4 run for a 10-point lead entering the last quarter.

Ramirez gold winner, too Jiu-jitsu star Annie Ramirez of the Philippines swept Galina Duvanova of Kazakhstan off her feet to win her first Asian Games gold medal over at the Xiaoshan Gymnasium.

The 32-year-old Ramirez gave Team Philippines its third precious gold at the 19th Asian Games, and the Jiu-jitsu squad its second after Meggie Ochoa won her own just the other day.

Team Philippines plucked a couple of bronze medals as well – one from Kaila Napolis, also of Jiu-jitsu, and another from sepak takraw (men’s regu), to improve its total haul to three golds, two silvers and a dozen bronzes.

Ramirez has three gold medals in the Asian Championships (2017 and 2023) and another gold in the Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games (2017) under her belt.

But this one is the sweetest.

“Mas mabigat ito kasi nga hirap tayo manalo ng gold dito,” said Ramirez, a brown-skinned fighter who at 5-foot-3 gave up four inches in height against the 24-year-old Kazakh.

Duvanova is also a threetime gold winner in the Asian Championships. She stood over Ramirez 90 percent of the bout but did not have enough grip to win the ne-waza gold on this cool, cloudy day.

It was scoreless until the final 20 seconds when Ramirez swept her opponent from the bottom to earn two points.

That was the key.

“Okay lang naman na siya ang nasa taas basta ako ang may control. Hindi naman siya gumagalaw. Hinintay ko lang siya mawalan ng balance. Then na-sweep-gold,” she said.

Ramirez flashed a big smile as she received her gold at the podium, and stood still as the Philippine national athem was played for only the third time in this Games, after EJ Obiena’s victory in men’s pole vault and Ochoa’s in the women’s 48kg.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino came in rushing from another event but just in time to witness Ramirez´golden moment.

Annie Ramirez Photo courtesy of Philippine Sports Commission

“Apat na sana ‘yan,” said Tolentino, who cried foul over the officiating which in his eyes cost boxer Eumir Marcial the gold in his 80kg final bout against a boxer from the host country last Thursday, October 5.

Ramirez’ coach, nine-time SEA Games judo champion John Baylon, said he never lost hope on his ward pulling it off in the end.

“Nag-focus lang si Annie.

Mas matangkad ‘yung kalaban pero kilala namin. Walang pang-finish,” said Baylon, who represented the country in the 1988 and 1992 Olympics.

It was the fourth meeting between Ramirez and Duvanova, with the Filipina ahead with three victories.

At 32, Ramirez may be older than most competitors – but definitely wiser.

Napolis, gold medalist in the last Asian Championships in Thailand, took the long route to the podium. She defeated rivals from Kazakhstan and South Korea before bowing to Asma Alhosani of the United Arab Emirates to end up in the battle for the bronze against Hessa Alshamsi, also from the UAE. The 27-year-old Napolis got off to a shaky start in the singleround, five-minute contest but found a way to level the count at 2-2 heading to the closing minute. It was where the twotime bronze medalist in the Asian Indoor Games delivered the marginal points.

In sepak takraw, over at the Jinjua Sports Centre Gymnasium, the men’s team of Jason Huerte, Mark Gonzales, Rheyjey Ortouste, Ronsited Gabayeron and Jom Lerry Rafael settled for the bronze medal after losing to their rivals from Malaysia, 15-21, 11-21.

It was the second bronze for the Philippine sepak takraw team following the same team’s podium finish in the men’s quadrant three days ago. n

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Dateline USa

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Fil-Am shooting survivor fights for tougher...

PAGE A1 Schentrup started taking up the cause of Team Enough in 2018 after surviving the tragic Parkland school shooting in Florida.

Unfortunately, his 16-year-old sister Carmen was one of the 17 people who died at the hands of a lone gunman on that tragic day.

Back then, he shared in an interview that he wouldn’t be watching or following his sister’s trial. And even though his sister was killed that day, he still wanted for the gunman to live, as he shared with Washington Post.

Fast forward to now, here’s his insight on the gun law update, “There’s a possibility here for the Supreme Court’s decision saying that removing guns from domestic abusers

is unconstitutional, and that is something that we don’t want to happen,” he said.

Advocates supporting change Schentrup and his fellow advocates are all for change.

They’ve welcomed U.S. President Biden’s decision to establish the first-ever Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

They believe it’s an action that could potentially bring the much-needed coordination and solutions to the table.

“It’s really important throughout the entire government that there’s a place that could coordinate the efforts,” he said, “to really make sure that we have the solutions that we need, implemented in a way that would be most effective.”

Meanwhile, another Fil-Am anti-gun violence advocate, Representative Justin Jones of Tennessee, is also at the White House during the announcement of the recent gun law update.

“Just like FEMA response to natural emergencies like hurricanes, tornadoes, this office is an emergency response to the crisis of gun violence that we are facing as a nation,” Rep. Jones said.

The shocking statistics call for stricter gun laws. Just this year alone, the Gun Violence Archive has recorded a staggering 532 mass shootings in the U.S., as of October. So far, over 1,300 teens and kids have been victims to gun violence in 2023.

If nobody acts, then who would? (Mary Villegas/Inquirer.

OBRA NI MARIA CLARA. Visual artist Marie Claire (right) conveys the context behind “Olondrizism Obra ni Maria Clara” with Quezon City Tourism Department head, Maria Teresa Tirona, during the opening of Gateway Art Fair Year 2 at the Quantum Skyview of Gateway Mall in Cubao, Quezon City on Thursday, October 5. Marie Claire, a pointillism artist, explained that most of her works reflect her views as a woman and a person who suffers from Fibromyalgia, a chronic and lifelong disease characterized by intense sensitivity to pain.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

How US Chief Heat Officers are beating...

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Robert Schentrup

Contributed photo

health, decarbonization, urban forestation, emergency response, and housing.

To prepare for future heat seasons, for example, LA is decarbonizing its transportation and energy infrastructure, as well as from buildings including cooling centers, which have been the most crucial tool for heat help.

Marta Segura, Chief Heat Officer of the City of Los Angeles, explains the multi-faceted approach needed to tackle extreme heat.

Noting that the process of protecting people from worsening heat is inseparable from the process of addressing what worsens this heat, Segura added that the city aims to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from all buildings by 2050.

Heat-related illnesses and deaths disproportionately affect communities of color living in low-income, historically redlined neighborhoods, often in houses with no air conditioning. Key to mitigating the impacts of extreme heat on these vulnerable populations, said Segura, is planting trees to cool these “historically underinvested communities.”

She pointed to the Heat Ready CA campaign, launched last July, as a statewide example of her aim to “align extreme heat and climate goals with equity and health goals,” by focusing outreach about extreme heat upon those most vulnerable to it. LA launched a similar seven-language Heat Relief 4 LA social media campaign last May, and will release a heat resilience action plan in March 2024.

Miami Jane Gilbert, who has served as CHO for Miami-Dade County, Fla. since June 2021, agreed that intensifying heat seasons are creating a need for community heat action which is coordinated across governments: “It’s not just one department that can solve this problem. Extreme heat requires emergency response, communications, urban planning, tree planting, and housing. If you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far and have a great impact, you need to go together.”

Working to achieve both heat and energy resilience with local departments, for example, her office recently installed 1,700 efficient AC units in public housing across the county’s 34 municipalities — fortunately “before this summer, because it was really challenging. While we have an average of about seven days out of the year above the heat index of 105 in the last 15 years … This year we had over 50 days with a heat index over 105.”

Jane Gilbert, Chief Heat Officer, City of Miami, Florida, discusses the impacts of extreme heat in Miami and explains why it’s a top climate concern for residents.

Gilbert noted that heat-related hospitalization varies drastically across Miami-Dade County’s population of 2.6 million people, as “some zip codes have four or five times the number of heat related emergency department visits and hospitalizations than other zip codes. The strongest correlating factors are high poverty rates and high land surface temperatures —

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Bid documents may be obtained at https:// metrolinktrains.com/doingbusiness (free registration).

Electronic Bids are due by 2:00PM (PT) on 11/6/2023.

The contract to be awarded will be funded in part by grants under the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration.

For further information, contact Dorothea Cantero, Contract Administrator, at (213)452-0302 or CanteroD@ scrra.net.

10/7/23 CNS-3743023# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

in other words, urban heat islands … more asphalt, less trees.”

While 20% of the county has tree canopy coverage, she aims to raise this to 30% by 2030 through collaboration with communitybased urban forestation organizations.

Given that most crucial to heat outreach is a focus upon the areas and demographics most vulnerable to heat, Gilbert added that community-based organizations are also key to placing information about extreme heat — in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole — on social media, traditional news media, the radio, and on bus shelter ads, and in-person at the organizations themselves.

Phoenix David Hondula, CHO of Phoenix, Ariz. since October 2021, said that, as responses to heat become more comprehensive, involving a collaboration across communities and local government departments, the barrier to this collaboration becomes one of communication.

He noted, as an example of this barrier, the initial absence of nonbilingual information about urban forestation efforts in Phoenix: “When a community organization wants to do business with the city government to put more money into forestation but not all of our information is available in English and Spanish, it’s a lot harder to engage the community in tree planting. We’re hopeful that our efforts to make every step bilingual will spill over into the rest of our work in Phoenix.”

The need for more comprehensive heat outreach was especially crucial this summer, which Hondula said “set a new record for the number of 110 degree days in July … after a relatively mild June,” July made history as the hottest month ever recorded in a U.S. city. Every day in it but one topped 110 degrees.

By September, Phoenix had topped its overall record with 54 days reaching 110 degrees, above its 2020 record of 53 days. Consequently, “firefighters responded to about twice as many heat-related 911 calls that month compared to years past, and we’re tracking about 25% more heatrelated deaths confirmed than last year.”

David Hondula, Director of the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation in Phoenix, notes that at the local level communities are not as divided on issues of climate and how to manage rising temperatures.

The population most vulnerable to heat-related illness and death in Phoenix are the unhoused. “Here, the heat challenge and homelessness challenge are really one and the same,” he said. “Some years, 40%, 50% of our heat-associated deaths occur among people experiencing homelessness.”

The most effective outreach on this front has been word-ofmouth, and the more it succeeds, he continued, the most it raises the question of “What it means to have accessible cooling centers” for those who may not be able to leave their belongings to access them?

Despite the political divisiveness of climate change on the national scale, the immediate threat of heat spurs on action at the community scale, Hondula said: “I don’t have a strong sense that the broader climate politics have really interfered with our mission. I don’t think there’s a strong public objection here to the idea that people are suffering in the heat.”

“Even the reddest hats that we encounter will talk about how much cooler the city used to be,” he added. “They’ll talk about playing in bare feet when they were children here … They feel like the environment here has changed so much that the urban climate story does not seem to be as politically charged as the global climate story.” (Selen Ozturk/ Ethnic Media Services)

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Dateline PhiliPPines

CAAP: All commercial airports on heightened alert after bomb threat

by John Eric MEndoza Inquirer.net

MANILA — Commercial airports across the country are placed on heightened alert after the Air Traffic Service (ATS) received a bomb threat via electronic mail (email) on Friday, October 6.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said the email claimed that aircraft from Manila, going to Puerto Princesa, Mactan-Cebu, Bicol, and Davao international airports would be set off by a bomb.

The CAAP immediately put all 42 commercial airports in

the country on heightened alert and ordered the deployment of additional security personnel.

“All CAAP airports and area centers shall augment adequate security personnel to manage the expected high volume of passengers and vehicle traffic,” it said in a statement Friday.

“Continuous foot and mobile patrols are also being conducted within both the airside and landside areas of the airport complex,” it added.

Authorities also advised passengers to prepare for intensified security inspections at the airports.

“Stringent access control

procedures for both personnel and vehicles will be implemented, accompanied by thorough inspections of passengers and cargo,” the CAAP said.

“We advise passengers who will be traveling internationally to arrive at the airport at least three (3) hours before their scheduled flight to avoid any inconvenience.”

“We also urge the public to cooperate fully with security personnel and to remain vigilant while at the airport. Safety and security remain our top priorities, and these measures are being taken to safeguard all those who use our airports,” it added. n

ABS-CBN will not appeal ‘It’s Showtime’ suspension: But we didn’t break laws by adrian Parungao Inquirer.net

MANILA — ABS-CBN has decided not to appeal the 12day suspension meted out by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to its noontime show “It’s Showtime.”

“After careful consideration, ABS-CBN has decided not to appeal to the Office of the President the decision of the MTRCB on ‘It’s Showtime’ and instead serve the 12-day

suspension starting October 14,” it said in a statement Friday, October 6.

However, it insisted that the show did not break any pertinent laws.

“We respect the authority of the MTRCB, but we humbly maintain that the program did not break any pertinent laws,” it added.

On September 4, the MTRCB issued a 12-day suspension to the show for alleged indecent acts of its hosts. The suspension will begin on October 14.

The MTRCB also denied the motion for reconsideration filed by the production team of ABSCBN’s “It’s Showtime” and GMA on September 28.

ABS-CBN also thanked the viewers of the noontime show, and said that the show will return “stronger and better than ever.”

“Our heartfelt thanks to our viewers for their unwavering love and support for “It’s Showtime,” which will return on Oct. 28 stronger and better than ever,” it said. n

IDLED. Facade of ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center on Sgt. Esguerra Street in Quezon City.

Inquirer.net file photo

For the Love of Water, California.

Conserve, rain or shine.

Despite winter storms, keep saving water. Conserving now helps us prepare for hotter, drier days ahead.

Find ways to save at SaveOurWater.com

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 7-10, 2023 A5

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OpiniOn

Features

Digital vulnerability

AN anti-cyber scam advocacy group is urging the public to prepare for the worst as the Medusa ransomware group began leaking on Thursday, October 5 data hacked from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. PhilHealth has been reassuring the public that its membership data is secure, but has acknowledged that it has yet to determine the full extent of the breach.

PhilHealth has downplayed the threat posed by the Medusa gang and its demand for $300,000 or about P17 million in ransom to unlock the data that was accessed in an attack on Sept. 22. Initially claiming that the situation was under control, PhilHealth said only application servers and employees’ workstations were affected by the ransomware attack, but not the membership database.

On Oct. 3, an official of the Department of Information and Communications Technology reportedly said those application servers and employees’ workstations may contain member information. The data leaked reportedly included not only PhilHealth employees’ identification cards, but also copies of employees’ payroll and information pertaining to their “regional offices, memos, directives, working files… hospital bills.”

PhilHealth has said user data including names, addresses, dates of birth, sex, phone numbers and of course PhilHealth ID numbers were compromised. Cyber security experts have warned that the data can be used for scams or identity theft, with PhilHealth employees most vulnerable.

The data breach has raised alarm over the vulnerability of the government’s digital network

to hacking. The issue is critical as the government touts its shift to digitalization and e-governance, with the public pushed to embrace digital technology.

Digitalization, when it works, promotes efficiency and cuts corruption. But the shift to e-governance calls for adequate and secure digital infrastructure, with sufficient trained manpower to prevent data breaches. The network must be inter-operable across all national and local government agencies, unlike the disjointed digital contact tracing platforms operated by the national government and a few local government units during the COVID pandemic.

These requirements are lacking or missing in the Philippines. Worse, digital literacy is woefully inadequate; many people are clueless about practicing cyber hygiene, as advised by the anticyber scam advocacy group. The SIM Registration Act has hardly made a dent in stopping text scams and other unwanted and malicious digital messages. Medusa ransomware has exposed the vulnerability of the government’s digital infrastructure. Before rushing into e-governance, the country’s digital network must first be sufficiently secured. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

Insensitivity to the hardship of people

Glimpses

Jose Ma. Montelibano IT has not been a good period.

The last several weeks have been besieged with negativity, from unending oil increases to higher LPG costs, runaway rice prices that needed to be capped, and revelations about confidential funds while ordinary Filipinos struggle to survive. I cannot seem to open the television, read the news, or listen to the radio – aggravated by constant conversations in fast food areas (used to be barber shops) – without more reports of the same sad stories.

Of course, it is not bad just for most Filipinos who cannot afford to take more blows to their monthly budgets, For the country and our future as a whole, we are seeing the continuing erosion of whatever economic strength we had built up in the past. It was only about 10 years ago when our peso-to-dollar exchange rate was 43:1, and now it is over 57:1, a deterioration of over 31%.

Commentary Chantal hildebrand/allianCe for Girls ethniC Media serviCes IT has been eight years since the global #MeToo movement started. And while many institutions have changed, public transportation, which for many girls* is how they travel to and from school and work, still remains a space where few policies have been implemented to protect them.

Earlier this year, Senator Dave Min and the Stop AAPI Hate coalition introduced SB 434, Public Transit for All: Improving Safety & Increasing Ridership. The bill would require California’s top ten public transit systems to collect qualitative and quantitative data about rider experiences with harassment and is awaiting Governor Newsom’s signature.

This comes after the passage of SB 1161, also authored by Senator Dave Min, which was signed into law last year. It called for the Mineta Transit Institute to create a survey tool focused on rider safety on public transportation and help develop data-driven

Naturally, when a country thinks of spending more instead of producing more, it will end up borrowing more. So, ten years ago, our outstanding national debt was about 5.7 trillion pesos while it is now around 14.3 trillion pesos, an increase of 150%. Our children and grandchildren will be paying a painful price for the mismanagement of the Philippine economy and treasury.

And this will not stop. How can it? We are not earning more, we are not saving more, because we are not producing more. We are only borrowing more, and paying much more when the exchange rate favors our debtors more than our people.

Senator Bato said that the noisy controversy about confidential funds are politically driven. Is he serious, or is he really just that dense? When Filipinos suffer, unable to buy enough rice from earnings that are not enough for food, transport, electricity, and cooking gas, confidential funds in the billions, spent in ways exempted from proper explanation, are like salt rubbed on open wounds.

Political? Of course, it is political. But it is not from a political opposition that hardly exists, it is political from the people of a country who are crying out for relief. It is political from a people who, by all survey and Comelec figures, overwhelmingly voted for the same political officials who live in bright abundance in an otherwise morose economy.

The pain, Senator Bato, is in the deep contrast between plenty and want, and huge confidential funds in the context of an economic crunch. Oh, yes, it is politically driven by the political insensitivity of the powerful.

Even those who are against the Marcos-Duterte administration cannot wish for economic and political disasters. Any disaster at this point is everyone’s disaster.

As the doctors would say it, the country has underlying health conditions, like political diabetes and weak productivity. Any virus or bacteria can lead to dialysis or a heart attack. Food and fuel expenses are hurting everyone, pro or anti administration.

It is not yet an emergency

because there is no single illness or group that will threaten the political life of those in power today. Despite many issues, the intensity of suffering is not yet crucial. In other words, surveys say the same people who run government remain popular despite the hardship of the people. So far, then, the trials of life are not yet painful enough to make most Filipinos blame those they elected to national positions.

Therefore, there is still time to make things turn for the better.

Things may be bad but can be made better. We can all tighten our belts, but the belts of those in power must be the first to be tightened the most. Either they set the example or they will be the target of a people’s ire when the last straw breaks the camel’s back. And those with great wealth can be the first to create massive opportunities because only they have the capital to do so. Power and wealth must motivate the people to hope, to work, and produce more.

We cannot drift from day to day without a plan for the country.

No vision has been articulated,

no specific missions have been laid out to support any vision, and no roles are described and assigned to the citizenry. Unless government wants to simply subsidize from more borrowing.

With inherited poverty still crippling the lives of tens of millions, I want support for the tens of millions of victims. At the same time, subsidies must find a path of development, a path of empowerment that will bring the impoverished out of poverty.

What is that plan? How is it doing?

After all is said and done, after all that our collective resources have been spent on, decade after decade, have we become a more productive people, a more honest government?

I was always against federalism because I saw how it will feed local and regional warlords – and political dynasties. But I am also aware that our country survives on the extraordinary efforts of progressive and dedicated local governments rather than the national government. In the absence of inspiration from the very top, we have to depend on the good examples of community

leaders and local politicians, and especially the captains of business who may have the foresight to take risks for all of us.

Our country is ripe for a radical shift. Towards where, I am not sure. But away from what, I am sure – away from where we are and away from how we are only drifting every day. Because anyway, with or with a major planned change, disruption will simply be forced on us by circumstances not far from now.

And when nothing will bind us strongly enough in the bad times, it will then be each one for himself and herself.

My long years in our motherland have made me realize that we are a resilient people, not so much because we are capable of producing what we need, but because we can endure so much suffering. Time to break that sad pattern. (Inquirer.net) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

Governor Newsom, please sign SB 434 and make public transit a truly safe space for everyone initiatives to help prevent street harassment on public transportation systems.

Physical and verbal harassment Together, the bills will direct transit agencies to measure and center riders’ sense of safety, comfort, and dignity as a key priority and metric of success.

These state laws will help ensure that transit throughout California, not just in the Bay Area, is safer for riders, and we urge Governor Newsom to sign SB 434 into law.

Ensuring that girls and gender-expansive youth are protected is a key component of Alliance for Girls work and why we support SB 434. In 2020, AFG published the Together We Rise research report, a girlled research study outlining the lived experiences and needs of girls and gender-expansive youth of color between the ages of 9-24 years old in the Bay Area. The research found that 100% of youth who participated in our focus groups highlighted that they experience some form of physical and/or verbal

harassment when taking public transit every day.

Not one more girl We knew that research alone was not enough, and needed to put these findings into action.

Over the next two years, AFG and a core group of member organizations with input from over 100 hired youth, community leaders, and girl-serving organizations, collaborated with Bay Area Rapid Transit to create and launch the Not One More Girl Phase I Initiative.

The campaign aimed at building awareness and uplifting the voices of those most impacted in order to prevent sexual harassment and violence in their communities and on transit. Girls and genderexpansive youth should never be afraid to travel anywhere, and collectively systems should be protecting them. Our recent case study captures our journey, impact, and learning from this first phase.

Throughout the campaign, AFG and our collaborating members worked closely with BART’s administration, board,

and the BART Police Chief to effectively implement the girl and community-created recommendations.

These recommendations resulted in the addition of a new “BART Watch Reporting Category,” and increased resources and non-police options for BART staff and riders. In addition, we implemented improved training for BART staff and riders on sexual harassment, using the bystander intervention training video.

Girl-centered public safety legislation AFG is excited to see that BART and some of the collaborating organizations from NOMG Phase I have launched and are implementing Phase II. Simultaneously, AFG is working with BART to develop the first youth-informed evaluation framework. The framework will help BART to examine how it approaches addressing sexual harassment and gender-based violence on its trains and platforms, and how this data can inform future policies and programming.

Public safety legislation like SB 434 and SB 1161 drew its inspiration, in part, from the girl-centered solutions from the NOMG Phase I campaign that were implemented by BART. It showed us what’s possible when community voices are uplifted and a public transportation agency wants to do better by its diverse riders.

Rebuilding trust NOMG impacted one transportation agency.

However, the work is not done until every single transportation agency in California focuses on safety in meaningful and effective ways. That is why we are asking Governor Newsom to sign SB 434 and take a step toward collecting the data we need to keep our most vulnerable riders safe.

As mass transit agencies around the country struggle to recover from the loss of ridership stemming from the pandemic, passing this bill would not only ensure that rider safety is a priority, it would rebuild trust between these systems and the

community. BART is the fifth largest public transit system in the country, and more cities around the globe are also starting to take action to ensure vulnerable populations are protected. Protect girls and let communities know that their safety is a priority. The world is watching. *** 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.

*** Chantal Hildebrand is the Deputy Director of Alliance for Girls. AFG is a network of girl-serving organizations which has been facilitating development, coordination, and collective action for systemic change across the girl-serving sector since its inception in 2012. AFG works strategically, passionately, and collectively to dramatically shift gender norms and realities and to ensure that the next generation of girls and genderexpansive youth realize their full potential.

At Alliance for Girls, girls and genderexpansive youth refers to cis girls, trans girls, non-binary youth, gender nonconforming youth, gender queer youth, and any girl-identified youth.

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 7-10, 2023 A7

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS. The giant pink ribbon symbolizing the courage to fight breast cancer is unveiled at SM City Davao on Friday, October 6 to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Medical services are offered onsite such as free screening and breast cancer risk assessment.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Mar Roxas joins President Marcos during rice distribution in Capiz

by Helen Flores

and JenniFer rendon Philstar.com

MANILA — President Marcos led a rice distribution event in Capiz on Friday, October 6 with “longtime friend,” opposition Liberal Party stalwart and former senator Mar Roxas, triggering speculation about the latter’s possible return to public service under the current administration.

“Maybe you’re not aware, Mar and I have been friends for a long time even though we sometimes disagree on politics,” Marcos said in Filipino.

“We spent a long time together in New York and I hope that while he’s here, he doesn’t talk about what happened anymore to us when we were in New York because we were still bachelors and we had many adventures together,” the president said in jest.

“That’s why I’m happy. I haven’t talked to him in a long time and it’s good we have a chance to talk here in Capiz,” Marcos said.

Roxas is a second cousin of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil said Roxas, who hails from Capiz,

President Marcos chats with former senator Mar Roxas, whom he described as a ‘longtime friend,’ before speaking in a rice distribution activity in Capiz.

Philstar.com photo

was invited by local officials to join the rice distribution.

Former representative of the 1st District of Capiz, Roxas is a partymate of Marcos’ political opponent, former vice president Leni Robredo in the Liberal Party. The LP served as a vocal opposition party to the dictatorship of Marcos’ late father and namesake.

He also served as interior secretary under the administration of the late president Benigno Aquino III, son of the late senator Benigno Aquino Jr., arch critic of Marcos Sr. Roxas’ late father Gerardo

Roxas, a former senator, was also a critic of the late strongman.

In July, Marcos’ son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, denied rumors that Roxas would be tapped as full-time Department of Agriculture secretary, a position long held by the President in concurrent capacity.

The 25-kilo bags of rice distributed by the president to beneficiaries of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Capiz, Antique and Aklan yesterday were part of the 42,180 sacks of rice seized by the Bureau of Customs in Zamboanga City. n

Charting New Waters: Dalian Shidao’s Potential Foray into U.S. Manufacturing Landscape Bolsters Hope for Heavy Industry Sector

by RichaRd Lee

As autumn leaves herald a season of change in late September, a pivotal dialogue transpired between international industrial stalwarts at the China-US Business Summit, promising potential transformative collaborations for the heavy industry sector. Ms. Lin Lu, the formidable leader of Dalian Shidao, the world’s leading marine machinery manufacturer, was invited to discuss the possibility of embedding the company’s rich manufacturing legacy into the U.S. industrial tapestry by opening a marine machinery factory on American soil.

Dalian Shidao has made a name in global marine machinery markets with its impressive products and strong leadership.

The company is rapidly expanding and widely recognized for its innovative advancements in marine machinery production.

The company’s leader, Ms. Lu, is at the forefront of this success. Her inspiring journey from a modest background to becoming a leader in a male-dominated industry embodies the company’s strength and vision.

Ms. Lu’s story brings with it not just the

technical acumen that has powered her company’s success but also a testament to overcoming adversities and shattering glass ceilings. Growing up amidst financial hardships, her journey to steering a company that is now synonymous with toptier marine machinery production speaks to the indomitable spirit that has also been a hallmark of Dalian Shidao’s ascendancy on the global stage. “Having enough to eat was a major problem for me growing up. But the hunger in my stomach was nothing compared to the hunger in my brain, which was a problem for my family as they struggled to put me through school,” said Ms. Lu. The expansionary vision of Ms. Lu comes at a juncture where the United States is recalibrating its focus towards the heavy industry sector, recognizing its quintessential role in sculpting a robust, manufacturing-centered economy.

Ms. Carol Shen, Secretary-General of the California-based China-US Business Summit, underscored this imperative: “A strategic focus on the heavy industry sector is crucial for the U.S., complementing its

advancements in high-tech sectors like chip-making. It serves as the bedrock upon which a manufacturingcentric economy thrives.”

Marine machinery, a pivotal component within the maritime industry, sails beneath the prominent visibility of global commerce, yet its significance cannot be overstated. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, nearly 80% of global trade by volume is conducted by sea.

Therefore, efficient, technologically advanced, and reliable marine machinery such as engines, navigation systems, and cargo handling systems ensures that goods, resources, and commodities traverse oceans effectively and securely, keeping the wheels of global and domestic trade in perpetual motion. In the context of the United States, a nation with vast coastlines, pivotal geographical trade junctures, and robust international commerce, marine machinery emerges not merely as a sector of industry but as a linchpin securing the nation’s economic and global stature.

While the discussions between Ms. Lu and the

U.S. stakeholders are nascent, the implications of such a collaboration reverberate through the corridors of global heavy industry and international relations. In an era marked by challenges and opportunities in the

global industrial sector, the alliance between a powerhouse like Dalian Shidao and a nation seeking to reinforce its manufacturing backbone promises strategic growth, technological augmentation, and socio-

economic development.

As the leaves of change continue to fall, the seeds of a flourishing future in the U.S. heavy industry, fortified by a legendary female entrepreneur’s expertise and innovative strength, await to be sown.

A8 OCTOBER 7-10, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Saturday, OCTOBER 7, 2023

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LIFESTYLE CONSUMER GUIDE COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

Family petitions family for employment, this Sunday on Citizen Pinoy MOST people think they can only file family petitions for relatives. Actually, they can also petition their family member for a green card through employment.

In this encore episode, viewers can learn how Ana petitioned her aunt, Susan, as a housekeeper.

Since the minimum requirement for the job was three months of experience in housekeeping, Aunt Susan was qualified since she worked as a housekeeper in the Middle East and Canada for years.

Ana consulted with and retained leading U.S.

Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, who prepared and submitted all necessary documents, including police clearances from Canada and other countries where Aunt Susan has worked before.

Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, October 8 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

Judy Ann Santos explains new series about real ‘artista’ life

By KatHleen a. lleMit Philstar.com

MANILA — Judy Ann Santos has wrapped up filming her upcoming series adapted from a French show, “Call My Manager.”

She also answered if she is open to handling other talents apart from herself.

“Finally we’re done. After 10 months of filming,” said the chef-actress at the sidelines of her recent launch as the ambassador of popular milk brand Alaska.

“Call My Manager” is adapted from the popular French series “Call My Agent.” The Philippine adaptation is directed by Erik Matti and also stars Gina Alajar and Edu Manzano.

“It’s a very, very, very fun project and I’m so excited for everyone to see it kasi it’s different in a way na it

NIECE PETITIONS HER AUNT AS HOUSEKEEPER, THIS SUNDAY ON CITIZEN PINOY. Many people believe the only way to bring relatives to the U.S. is through a family petition. This is not true. Family can petition other family members through an employment-based visa, which can be much faster and is perfectly legal. This is exactly what Ana (center) did when she petitioned her aunt Susan (left) as her housekeeper, through the help of Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right). Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, October 8 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

Dolly de Leon calls for safeguards in entertainment industry amid rise of AI

By HannaH Mallorca Judy Ann Santos (right in red) with event host DJ Cha Cha at her launch as the newest ambassador of milk brand Alaska.

Philstar.com / Kathleen A. Llemit

showcases the real story in what’s happening inside the industry. Hindi lang ‘yung basta gumawa ka ng istorya at ginawa mong pelikula at ginawa mo siyang teleserye.

“Ito, nakakatawang makita o mapanood kung ano ba ‘yung

mga usapan ng mga managers, ng mga artista. But, of course, hindi ko naman pwedeng sabihin na lahat ng mapapanood ninyo dito ay actual na nangyayari sa tunay na buhay because it’s quite unfair. Most PAGE B4

Inquirer.net

WITH the emergence of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in television and film, Dolly de Leon lent her voice and influence to call on entertainment industry leaders to provide safeguards to those who are at risk of losing their jobs to the fast-rising technology.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, which was uploaded on its YouTube channel, De Leon said show business should be wary about the emergence of AI as it is starting to make a mark in the entertainment industry.

“Papunta na tayo ‘dun. We’re lagging behind, but I think it will happen. Ngayon pa lang, may sportscasters na AI. Nangyayari Dolly de Leon PAGE B4 Photo from Instagram/@starcinema

B2 OCTOBER 7-10, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Pira-Pirasong Paraiso stars feel ‘intimidated’ by Maricel Soriano

By CharMie Joy Pagulong Philstar.com

MANILA — Given her stature in the showbiz industry, the cast members of Pira-Pirasong Paraiso couldn’t help but feel “nervous” and “intimidated” while doing their scenes with Maricel Soriano.

Maricel recently joined the afternoon drama series as Amanda, the guilt-ridden grandmother of the long-lost Paraiso sisters, namely, Hilary (played by Elisse Joson), Baby (Loisa Andalio), Alexa Ilacad (Beth), and Diana (Charlie Dizon).

The four actresses made a surprise appearance during the press conference for the Diamond Star and shared their experiences working with her.

Charlie, who has long been a fan of her “idol” Maricel, said that after she filmed her first scene with the latter, she went to the bathroom and cried because she was “overwhelmed.”

She recalled, “I told her, ‘Nay, sobrang hindi ko po mailabas yung acting.’ Then Inay said, ‘Anak, sabayan mo lang ako.’

Charlie admitted feeling “scared,” adding that “as in feeling ko, bawal magkamali (that you’re not allowed to make a mistake) when you do a scene with her. There’s a certain kind of

Maricel Soriano with Pira-Pirasong Paraiso cast members Elisse Joson, Loisa Andalio, Charlie Dizon, and Alexa Ilacad during the press conference.

Philstar.com photo

pressure, really.”

She continued, “I also told her while doing the scene, ‘Nay, I’m really nervous. Hindi umabot yung luha ko. I’m sorry.’”

But Maricel would just give the young actress a hug and tell her not to be nervous. “She would always say to me, ‘It’s just me. Kumbaga sabay lang tayong nag-e-eksena,’” shared Charlie.

Elisse chimed in and said she had cold hands during the first day of filming because she was “star-struck” with Maricel.

Prior to their first scene together, Elisse had asked around how Maricel was as a co-actor. The staff would

tell her that Maricel is kind but that she needs to be prepared because she will be collaborating with a veteran actress.

“When I entered the room, (Maricel) had this aura na ang ganda po niyang dalhin ang sarili niya yung sobrang mata-tameme ka and then, ang powerful,” Elisse recalled and confessed how “intimidated” she was.

But after they met and talked, she got to discover how “sweet” Maricel is. “Yung pagka-powerful niya pag nameet niyo siya or when you see her from afar, that’s the exact opposite (impression) when you get to know her. She

is very sweet and caring. She is really like a mother (to us).

So I said, someday, I wanna be like that. Yung powerful ka but when (people) get to know you more, (they will say) you are very warm and inviting.”

Loisa, on the other hand, recounted how she would come to the set “prepared.”

“But ang ending pagdating sa set, natigalgal ako. Parang nawala lahat ng inaral ko. As in, I experienced a mental block.”

During the first day of taping, Maricel would crack jokes while delivering their lines. “I was really laughing. I didn’t expect (that). I didn’t know if I should exchange jokes with her because (she might react), ‘Huh? Close ba tayo (para) makiki-banter?’”

Later on, as they got to collaborate on more scenes, Loisa also grew more comfortable with her veteran co-star. “I was really impressed na ‘pag sinabing, ‘Action! Huh, ang galing niya.’

Wait lang, dapat makapasok na rin ako sa character ko.

Kasi siya ambilis po talaga.

That’s one of the things I really admire in Inay.”

Loisa further described Maricel as “really caring” as the latter would often offer them advice.

“All of us experienced that different level of nervousness like (experiencing) sweaty and PAGE B7

Lovebirds Coco Martin and Julia Montes.

ABS-CBN / Released

‘My knight in shining armor’: Julia Montes didn’t deny rumored wedding, engagement with Coco Martin

by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

MANILA — Kapamilya actress Julia Montes didn’t admit nor deny that the ring she wore during the ABS-CBN Ball 2023 was a wedding or engagement ring from partner Coco Martin.

In her guesting in “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda” on Friday, October 6, Boy asked Julia if, “Talk or Dare.”

“Parang nakaka-stress po yung dare. Talk na lang. Parang mas nahihiya po akong sumayaw sa harap ng mga tao,” Julia answered.

Boy asked if the ring she wore during the ABS-CBN Ball was engagement or wedding ring.

“Let’s cross the bridge when we get there. ‘Yun lang, puwede ba ‘yon? Okay na po ‘yun, please?” Julia said.

Boy also asked who is Coco for her.

“My knight in shining armor,” Julia said.

Last May, Coco and Julia finally admitted that they are in a relationship since 2011.

In a report by TV Patrol, Coco said that they have been together for 12 years.

“Napakasarap ng pakiramdam namin dahil 12 years na kaming magkasama, pero pareho pa rin tulad ng dati,” Coco said.

“Nilu-look forward namin kapag may project na magkasama kami and then kapag may pagkakataon, nakakalabas kami, nakikita kami ng mga tao pero name-maintain namin ang privacy sa buhay namin,” he added. n

Dolly de Leon, Bretman Rock and Kathryn Bernardo.

Photos from Instagram/@starcinema, @jerabraham via @bretmanrock

Bretman Rock attends Hollywood premiere of Kathryn Bernardo, Dolly de Leon’s ‘A Very Good Girl’ by anne PaSaJol Inquirer.net

BRETMAN Rock was among the celebrities who “mothered” alongside Kathryn Bernardo and Dolly de Leon at the Hollywood premiere of “A Very Good Girl.”

The Filipino-American social media personality served looks in his black-and-white jumpsuit, while Bernardo and de Leon donned dresses in shades of white, as seen on Star Magic’s Instagram page on Thursday, Oct. 5.

“These photos scream MOTHERS,” it captioned its post.

Bretman Rock also treated fans to moments from the event through his Instagram Stories, and showed photos of him with Filipino-American drag queen Manila Luzon who was also

present at the premiere.

Other attendees at the movie premiere were actress Bianca De Vera and ABS-CBN executives CEO Carlo Katigbak, ABS-CBN Films Managing Director Kriz Gazmen, COO for Broadcast Cory Vidanes and Head of TV Production and Star Magic Laurenti Dyogi.

“A Very Good Girl,” which premiered in Philippine theaters on Sept. 27, is the first Star Cinema film to have its Hollywood premiere. The Petersen Vargas-helmed movie opens in US cinemas on Oct. 6.

Aside from Bernardo and de Leon, other cast members include Angel Aquino, Chie Filomeno, Jake Ejercito, Donna Cariaga, Gillian Vicencio, Ana Abad Santos, Kaori Oinuma, Althea Ruedas, Nathania Guerrero and Nour Hooshmand. n

‘It’s Showtime’ to return on October 28 after 12-day suspension

By Kathleen a. lleMit Philstar.com

MANILA — ABS-CBN on Friday, October 6 said its popular noontime show “It’s Showtime” will return on October 28 “stronger and better” after serving the 12-day suspension handed

down by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

“After careful consideration, ABS-CBN has decided not to appeal to the Office of the President the decision of the MTRCB on ‘It’s Showtime’ and PAGE B3

‘It’s Showtime’ hosts during the historic signing between ABS-CBN and GMA ‘It’s Showtime’ via Facebook

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Pechanga presents APO Hiking Society on Nov. 3-4 PECHANGA Resort Casino proudly presents the APO Hiking Society 50 Years USA Concert Tour 2023 that will be held on Friday, November 3, and Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 8 p.m., at the Pechanga Theater.

APO Hiking Society is one of the pillars and icons of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Formed in 1969, the group has released 27 albums, with two successful tribute albums produced in 2006 and 2007 featuring numerous young bands.

The group started with 12 members, but only 3 remained to pursue music — Danny Javier, Jim Paredes, and Boboy Garrovillo. They have gone on to win many awards, including the first Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino by Awit Awards, the Filipino equivalent of the Grammy.

In 2009, APO was inducted to the Philippines Eastwood City Walk of Fame. In 2010, Javier, Paredes, and Garrovillo retired the group’s name after 41 years of performing. Unfortunately, in 2022, the group lost Danny Javier due to a prolonged illness. Now, to celebrate 50 years of performing, APO Hiking Society members Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo are coming to the Pechanga Theater to put on a show for their fans.

Hurry! The APO Hiking Society 50 Years USA Concert only happens once! This is a show not to be missed!

Buy your tickets now from the Pechanga Box Office, or by calling 888-810-8871, or visit www.pechnga.com.

Shows in the Pechanga Theater offer a comfortable and intimate concert experience.

With 1,200 seats in its theater, each show features state-ofthe-art, acoustically perfected sound, plus comfortable chairs, and an up-close view from every theater seat.

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Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Instagram, Facebook and on X (formerly Twitter) @ PechangaCasino.

(Advertising Supplement)

‘It’s Showtime’ to return on October...

PAGE B2 instead serve the 12-day suspension starting October 14,” read the statement released on October 6.

The management said it respects the authority of the review board but said it stands by its program.

“We respect the authority of MTRCB, but we humbly maintain that the program did not break any pertinent law.

“Our heartfelt thanks to our viewers for their unwavering love and support for ‘It’s Showtime,’ which will return on October 28 stronger and better

than ever. Maraming salamat, Madlang People!” the statement ended.

“It’s Showtime” currently airs on GTV and also streams on the multiple digital platforms of ABSCBN. The beleaguered noontime show caught the attention of the MTRCB after the board said it received complaints from several viewers, including the July 25, 2023 episode where hosts and real-time couple Vice Ganda and Ion Perez were seen licking cake icing from their fingers. n

B4 OCTOBER 7-10, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Elijah Canlas gets dream role in ‘Keys to the Heart’

By Christina alpad ManilaTimes.net

IT’S no surprise to hear veteran actors fully-immersing themselves into a character they’re portraying. But, to find out that Elijah Canlas — a young actor at 23 years old, who started acting less than a decade ago — is already going beyond his mandate to give justification to a special character is nothing short of amazing.

Canlas’ latest role is that of Jayjay in the Filipino adaptation of “Keys to the Heart.”

Now streaming on Netflix, he plays an autistic pianist with whom troubled and washed-up boxer Joma (Zanjoe Marudo) reconnects with.

“This is a dream role of mine — something that’s physically and mentally challenging to play,” Canlas said in a roundtable interview.

Surely, he could have just gotten away with watching the original film and revisiting classics that featured characters in the autism spectrum such as “I Am Sam” and “Rain Man” — all of which he admitted doing — but, after taking an extra step, Canlas said he realized he had to adopt a different acting device.

“We started to do seminars and immersions here in the Philippines. It’s completely different from how it is abroad because the healthcare and education systems here are different. I’ve met different levels of people in the spectrum and they were all such beautiful and kind human beings.

“So, I had to scratch my plan and [instead of taking away points from other foreign films], just focus on what I studied, what I learned from my teacher, what we saw, and who we met. What we did is Philippine-based so it’s completely different from the original material,” the actor said.

Besides preparing for mentally and emotionally for the character, Canlas also had to learn a new skill to convincingly play Jayjay.

Elijah Canlas with his ‘Keys to the Heart’ co-stars Dolly de Leon and Zanjoe Marudo.

“I started learning piano about a year ago, before I even knew about this project. But it was for songwriting, not classical, which is a different game. Thankfully, we managed it,” the actor humbly revealed.

He further detailed having a piano teacher on the set, watching videos of hand placements and learning basic musical note reading so he can play bits and pieces in the film.

His efforts didn’t go unnoticed as his costars Michelle Dee and Zanjoe Marudo could not help but praise his portrayal.

“I just love the way Elijah invested and jumped into the role. If I saw anything different from how people with autism spectrum act in real life, then I would be one of those people to call it out. But because of his dedication, he really imbibed Jayjay. And to top if off, he had to play classical music. I was in awe,” Dee said.

Netflix photo

“He was not acting, he actually became the Jayjay character. Everyone in the set would call him Jayjay, as if his character didn’t end when the director says cut,” Marudo recalled.

Director Kerwin Go, especially, was delighted to see Canlas become one with his character.

“If Elijah did not get this part right, the whole movie will not work. So, imagine the pressure he had to endure. Kudos to him for really studying the role and spending time with people in the spectrum and absorbing it all in,” Go shared.

In ending, Canlas said that besides effectively playing Jayjay, he hopes the movie will help lose the stigma around autism in the Philippines and start better conversations for the benefit of people living with it.

“Keys to the Heart” — based on the 2016 South Korean hit movie of the same title — is now available for streaming on Netflix. n

Filipina fashion icon Heart Evangelista

Photo from ManilaTimes.net

Heart Evangelista graces cover of Harper’s BAZAAR Indonesia

HEART Evangelista’s follower base continues to expand due to her exposures in major international fashion events such as the Milan Fashion Show, the New York Fashion Show, and the on-going Paris Fashion Show.

“Say hello to our October 2023 digital cover star, fashion darling @iamhearte in @ tiffanyandco jewelry,” BAZAAR said in an Instagram post where it bannered the social media influencer actress in various fashion poses.

“In the wake of her first visit to Indonesia, Filipina-born actress Love Marie Payawal OngpaucoEscudero made time for a photo shoot with BAZAAR while sharing her life experiences and love of fashion,” it added.

The BAZAAR article is written in Bahasa Indonesia titled “The Heart of the Matter.”

The photoshoot and interview

was conducted when Evangelista visited Jakarta in August for an event of Tiffany’s & Co. It will be recalled that Evangelista was also the cover girl for the August issue of Singapore’s fashion magazine ICON, of which she was dubbed as the “Fashion Queen.”

Meanwhile, Evangelista’s recent Instagram posts highlighted her time at the Paris Fashion Week, where she attended and the collaborated with iconic designers such as Dior, YSL, Roberto Cavalli, Fausto Puglisi, Tod’s, Balmain, Bally, Versace and many others.

The Instagram posts of @ parisfashionweek included Evangelista’s photos taken by renowned fashion videographer @sametgorgozfilms in her street style looks for Women’s wear Paris Fashion Week Spring/ Summer 2024 collection.

(ManilaTimes.net) n

Dolly de Leon calls...

PAGE B1 na ‘yun (We’re getting there… Currently, there’s such a thing as AI sportscasters. It’s happening.) It’s something that we need to watch out for,” said the Golden Globe and BAFTA nominee, and FAMAS Best Supporting actress.

The actress then noted that people appear to be fascinated with what AI can do, they should keep a watchful eye on AI since more than replace the jobs of many workers, it can affect the industry in general.

“Kailangan nating bantayan. Huwag tayong mag-relax at matuwa masyado sa AI kasi that could mean lost jobs for the people (We must be vigilant. Let’s not get too complacent or celebrate AI too much lest we forget that it could mean lost jobs for other people),” she said.

Hollywood, of which De Leon has had a taste of with “Triangle of Sadness,” recently came under protests mounted by actors and writers who enjoined studios to provide them AI protection.

De Leon is currently in the U.S. for the Hollywood premiere of “A Very Good Girl” with co-star Kathryn Bernardo.

Eddie Garcia Bill Meanwhile, de Leon is “very hopeful” that the Eddie Garcia bill would eventually be turned into law, saying “many sectors” are in favor of it.

“We’re in the middle of talks now. We’re all making sure that the Eddie Garcia bill will be passed. We’re very hopeful because many sectors support it. Nasa upper house na siya (It’s currently in the upper house),” she said.

The bill, which is named to pay tribute to the late actor Eddie Garcia, aims to protect the rights of workers in the TV, film, and radio industry. It was approved by the House of Representatives on third reading last February.

During the interview, the “Iti Mapukpukaw” star noted that the film industry would return to its rightful position in entertainment since she said watching movies in cinemas has a “different experience.”

“People kind of lost hope na parang hindi na talaga babalik, tapos magiging streaming at ‘yun na lang ang way of watching entertainment. Pero ako, I always knew na hindi mawawala ang cinema. Iba pa rin ang experience watching sa theater, diba,” she said.

(People kind of lost hope, as if the film industry wouldn’t return and streaming would be the only way of watching entertainment.

But for me, I always knew that cinema wouldn’t go away. Nothing beats the experience of watching a film in a theater, right?) n

Judy Ann Santos...

PAGE B1 of the scenes are, of course, exaggerated dahil fictional siya kasi nga it’s a series. But may iba pinanggalingan talaga ng tunay na kwento na ino-OA na lang namin,” she explained.

Judy Ann was asked if she had personal inputs in writing the story for the series since the show’s plot is quite similar to her own story — that of a popular star in the glittering world of the entertainment industry.

“Ah wala, wala, wala,” Judy Ann said, laughing and drawing laughter from the press.

It is not a secret that Judy Ann, who is also fondly called Juday, was a ward of the late talent manager, Alfie Lorenzo.

She was among his stable of talents that included Gretchen Barretto, Karla Estrada and

Sunshine Cruz. He died in August 2017.

Lorenzo is known for his colorful personality, often attributed as an upfront and strict talent manager.

“Baka sa susunod. Actually ito, mga nangyari na matagal na matagal na kasi ito ‘yung mas masarap pag-usapan kasi ‘yung mga taong involved, hindi naman dahil sa sumakabilang buhay na ‘yung iba, pero dahil napagtatawanan na ‘yung sitwasyon. It is a situation that everybody learned a lot from and, at the same time, ‘pag pinagkwe-kwentuhan, nakakatawa na lang talaga siya,” she said.

Does she have plans to manage other talents?

“Parang okay na ako i-manage ang sarili ko,” Judy Ann replied. n

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Nova Villa returns to ABS-CBN after 13 years

by Deni Rose M. AfiniDAD-BeRnARDo Philstar.com

MANILA — After almost 13 years of doing projects with mostly GMA Network, film legend Nova Villa has returned to ABS-CBN. Nova’s first Kapamilya series after 13 years is “Can’t Buy Me Love,” top-billed by so-called “New Gen” love team Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano and directed by Mae Cruz Alviar.

The series is set to premiere on Netflix on October 13, 72 hours ahead of free TV and 24 hours before it’s shown on pay TV.

At the press conference early this week for “Can’t Buy Me Love,” Nova walked the red carpet along with her fellow costars.

She thanked ABS-CBN for welcoming her back.

“Talaga hong iba ang feeling kasi 36 years ako sa ABS-CBN when I transferred to other station and then, nandito po akong muli…” began Nova, who first rose to fame via the ABSCBN sitcom “Chicks to Chicks” from 1971 to 1991, followed by

Veteran actress Nova Villa (left) and with the cast of ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ Philstar.com / Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo; ABS-CBN / Released

“Home Along Da Riles” opposite the “King of Comedy” Dolphy from 1992 to 2003.

Her last project with ABSCBN was the comedy drama series “Kokey at Ako” in 2010, before she briefly moved to TV5 and stayed with GMA from 2011 to 2023, where among her most notable programs is with the Michael V-starrer “Pepito Manaloto.” Her last project with GMA so far was the TV drama series “AraBella.”

Nova is so pleased with her first comeback role with ABSCBN, as the grandmother of the leading man Donny.

“Napakaganda ng role na ibinigay nila sa akin and I’m trying my best talaga na magampanan ko nang mahusay at napakaganda po ng role na ‘yon sapagkat mga bida po ang mga kasama ko at ako ang kanilang lola – typical Filipino lola na nagmamahal sa kanyang mga apo.”

According to her, she loves how ABS-CBN takes care of her – from the crew to her co-stars, everyone, she said, have always been warm, caring and attentive to the 77-year-old actress’ needs.

Apart from several Best Actress awards, Nova was honored with a Star Awards’ Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award. n

‘BURUGUDUYSTUNSTUGUDUNSTUY’

Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical rocks this 2024

THE word in the country’s theater scene is out. It was no less than Parokya ni Edgar frontman Chito Miranda that dropped Newport World Resorts’ upcoming musical title, “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy.”

One look and ‘90s OPM enthusiasts will instantly recognize the musical’s title as the band’s sophomore album that spawned some of their smash hits. The tongue twister of a title, “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy: Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical” is set to rock its way to the Newport Performing Arts PAGE B7 Parokya ni Edgar is one of the country’s most iconic rock bands of all time. Contributed photo

Can employees suffer retaliation without discrimination?

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. ERNIE Flores worked for about two years as a school principal for the Palo Verde Union School District in Tulare County, California. The students within the school district are predominantly Hispanic and Spanish was their first language. During Flores’ tenure as principal, student enrollment at the school increased.

No one on the school board expressed any problem with his job performance.

In early 2018, Flores complained to the school board that it was discriminating against a job applicant on the basis of the applicant’s race.

He was terminated in February 2018.

The reason for his termination was that there were “anonymous” complaints that he spoke Spanish to students and played Latin music throughout the school during breaks. One complaint read, “Also, someone please remind him we are in America and that if he’s going to play music that we would like it to be in English and not in Spanish.”

Another complaint stated, “Morning announcements by Flores continue with ‘mijo/ mija’ and it needs to stop already.”

Flores sued the Palo Verde Union School District, alleging discrimination and whistleblower retaliation. He sought recovery for past and future loss of earnings and past and future emotional pain and suffering. Flores claimed that he suffered from emotional distress and had to switch careers as a result.

Flores contended that he

was discriminated against for speaking Spanish to the students and playing Latin music and that the School District retaliated against him for complaining about a school board applicant’s failure to hire due to racial discrimination.

The employer argued that Flores was terminated for non-discriminatory business reasons related to his job performance, that the school board had lost trust in him, and that his termination had nothing to do with him speaking Spanish to his students.

the jury may have believed that Flores was terminated because the school board had indeed lost trust in him, which is a legitimate business reason.

However, the jury concluded that Flores suffered retaliation.

Retaliation exists where an employee engaged in a “protected activity” and was then “punished” by a firing, a demotion, a reprimand, etc. for engaging in that activity.

A “protected activity” includes an employee’s “reasonable” and “good faith” act of opposing a practice which is forbidden by law (e.g. discrimination).

In the case of Flores, his “protected activity” was his complaint that the school board engaged in discrimination in its failure to hire an applicant. The jury believed that by terminating him after the complaint (even though he had no prior performance issues and was, in fact, performing well), the employer engaged in retaliatory conduct against him. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.]

(Advertising Supplement)

Discrimination exists if an employee is fired, demoted or disciplined based on the employee’s protected characteristic (in this case, Flores’ race/ethnicity). However, the jury was not convinced that enough evidence was shown to indicate that the employer targeted Flores because of his race/ethnicity.

The case went to trial. The jury did not find that Flores experienced discrimination but found that he was retaliated against for complaining about discrimination. Flores was awarded $3,625,752 in damages.

Why did the employee win on retaliation but not on discrimination? These are two different and separate employment violations.

Discrimination exists if an employee is fired, demoted or disciplined based on the employee’s protected characteristic (in this case, Flores’ race/ethnicity).

However, the jury was not convinced that enough evidence was shown to indicate that the employer targeted Flores because of his race/ethnicity. In other words,

B6 OCTOBER 7-10, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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What to do if you find out that you are not the biological father of the child after you have signed the voluntary declaration of parentage (VDOP) Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes THE famous Michael Jackson song from 1982 called “Billy Jean” lays out the typical parentage situation where a mother accuses a man as being (“the one”) the biological father of her child and demands that he steps up to the responsibility of fatherhood or at the least pay child support.

In that song, Michael Jackson was being a cool character and simply denies being the father of the child. This can be easily resolved by denying parentage and requesting a genetic test in response to a parentage action by mom.

However, some men are a bit more honorable than Michael Jackson in “Billy Jean” in that they actually believe that they are the biological dad and actually steps up to the responsibility of being a father by admitting that they are the biological father the child.

They do this by signing the VDOP (voluntary declaration of parentage) and having their name stated as the father in the birth certificate of the child.

What is a VDOP? A voluntary declaration of parentage (VDOP) is a legal document that establishes paternity without the need for a court order. The child of a woman and a man executing a declaration of paternity under this chapter is conclusively presumed to be the man’s child. The presumption under this section has the same force and effect as the presumption under Section 7540. Family Code Section 7581(a). It is typically signed by the mother and the man who believes himself to be the father of the child. Once signed, the VDOP

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has the same legal effect as a court judgment establishing paternity.

The real complication occurs when years later dad finds out that he is in fact not the biological father of the child. A common situation that comes about is when he notices that the child does not resemble him at all as the child is growing up. Another situation that triggers this suspicion is mom accidentally telling the child that dad is not actually your dad or mom telling dad that your child is not your child during a heated argument.

This suspicion would trigger dad to obtain a non-ordered dna test of the child and find out that there is 0% probability that he is the father based on the genetic test.

Once dad finds out that he is not the biological father, the big question is “what is dad to do in order to undo the VDOP that he signed and get himself off the hook from child support and parental responsibility.”

One way is to rescind the VDOP but this would require mom’s cooperation and requires that it be done within a short statutory time period.

Family Code Section 7575(a) provides that “Either parent may rescind the voluntary declaration of parentage by filing a rescission form with the Department of Child Support Services within 60 days of the date of execution of the declaration by the attesting parents, whichever signature is later, unless a court order for custody, visitation, or child support has been entered in an action in which the signatory seeking to rescind was a party.”

If mom refuses to cooperate in rescinding the VDOP or if it is beyond the 60 day statutory period, then a VDOP may be set aside in two circumstances: 1. If the man who signed the declaration is not the biological father of the child.

2. If the declaration was

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FOR RENT

signed as a result of fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact.

If the man who signed the declaration is not the biological father of the child.

To set aside a VDOP on the grounds of non-paternity, the person must show that they are not the biological father of the child. This can be done by opening a parentage case and filing a motion for a court ordered genetic testing.

Family Code 7581 (d) provides that “The presumption established by this section may be rebutted by any person by requesting genetic testing pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 7550). The notice of motion for genetic testing pursuant to this section shall be supported by a declaration under oath submitted by the moving party stating the factual basis for placing the issue of paternity before the court. The notice of motion for genetic testing shall be made within three years from the date of execution of the declaration by the attesting father, or by the attesting mother, whichever signature is later. Cal Fam Code § 7581 If the declaration was signed as a result of fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact Dad can file a proceeding and a motion to set aside the VDOP within 2 years of the filing of the VDOP with the state.

Family Code Section 7576 (a) provides that “ After the period for rescission provided in Section 7575 expires, but not later than two years after the effective date provided in subdivision (c) of Section 7573 of a voluntary declaration of parentage, a signatory of the voluntary declaration of parentage may commence a proceeding to challenge the declaration on the basis of fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact. (b) The limitations period provided in subdivision (a) shall not apply PAGE B7

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Pira-Pirasong...

PAGE B2 cold hands,” admitted Alexa.

She herself would mentally prepare and get a good sleep before coming to the set but would still feel nervous.

“But when I arrived on set, the staff would tell her (Maricel), ‘Inay, Alexa is feeling nervous.’ Tapos binasag po niya agad yung kaba ko. She turned it into something very light actually. She told me not to get intimidated by anyone.

‘We are all equal here. Don’t let your fear get ahead of you, otherwise you wouldn’t be able to give your best.”

“She is really caring and she would hug me. We also both like aromatherapy and diamonds,” furthered Alexa.

When asked about her experiences with her four coactors, Maricel said they were “shy.” “I’d say to them, ‘‘Wag nga kayong ganyan. Hindi naman ako nangangagat’ para matawa sila. I don’t know why they are like that.”

To make her co-actors feel comfortable, Maricel would tell them not to get intimidated because that would affect their acting.

“Always think that you are always ready,” she advised them. “Whoever that is, kahit ano pa yan, do what you are ought to do. I would also hold Loisa’s hand and tell her to relax.”

Nevertheless, the awardwinning actress praised Elisse, Charlie, Loisa and Alexa, saying, “They are great actresses and I’m proud of them.”

For her part, Maricel disclosed that she doesn’t really get intimidated by anyone. “That’s the problem, I don’t get intimidated. Because I am a happy person. I know who I am (and) I know what I am. I know that I belong to Papa God.” Comparing her younger self to the new breed of actors she has worked with, she pointed out how different it was back in the day.

Maricel began her career in showbiz at the tender age of six via the 1971 film My Heart Belongs to Daddy with Tirso Cruz III and Snooky Serna.

“Siyempre ako nagpaalam ako na kailangan kong magtrabaho so that I can put food on the table for my family,” she recalled. “You know, when I was younger, I was in a rush to mature so that I could understand everything that was happening in my life.”

“I was just six years old and they called me ‘lola.’ Kasi masyadong advanced yung utak ko sa liit kong yun. I understood then that I was part of a broken family. I understood that even at a young age. Of course, you want(ed) your family to be whole but it didn’t work that way,” she went on.

“I also thought about my siblings and their education.

So natupad naman lahat yun,” she added.

Moreover, Maricel is very

thankful for all the blessings that have continuously flowed into her showbiz career since her stint in the series The General’s Daughter (2019).

“Hindi na ‘ko nawawala ngayon kasi alam ko na ang daan,” she stated.

All the projects she is involved in right now (a series, a comedy show and a vlog) are an “answered prayer” for her.

“I really prayed for it. I said, ‘Lord, I want to be responsible again kaya dapat meron akong ginagawa, meron akong napapatawa, marami akong napapaiyak and maraming nakakaintindi.

Yumuyugyog pa. And I really want that.

(Those are) answered prayers,” she said.

Given the chance, she would love to essay a bidakontrabida role just like what she did in Kaya Kong Abutin Ang Langit (1984).

On why she was called “Taray Queen,” she explained, “Nung araw kasi diretso ako kausap. Kung anong tanong, yun ang sagot. That’s why they say, ‘Ay mataray pala ‘tong babae na ‘to.’ I asked, why did they call me mataray when I was just saying the truth?”

Reminiscing more about her early days in showbiz, she recalled an experience with the late director Ishmael Bernal while filming Galawgaw (1982). “With Ishmael Bernal, (he wanted things to be) perfect. Hindi pwede sa kanya yung good lang. You have to hear him say, ‘Cut, perfect, very good, (and) thank you.’”

Maricel was running a fever at the time of filming Galawgaw.

“I had 40 degrees Celsius fever but I still went to the set. I was 10 minutes late and he got mad, ‘We cannot be late.’ But he explained and I understood.

‘Kasi mga tao na yan, they had to go home. Kayo sasakay na lang kayo sa kotse ninyo. The crew still had to do a lot of things’ (direk Ishmael said to her).”

“But it was true. That’s why we cannot be late. Mabuti nga hindi ako nabato ng magic flying chair. Yung iba nabato,” she quipped.

She also mentioned Dolphy as the mentor who had a great impact on her life. The late Comedy King would always remind her to be “humble.” “’Wag masyadong matayog ang lipad ng saranggola ni Pepe. Kailangan ko daw maintindihan na kung minsan hindi tatayo yung isang tao kasi nahihiya. He said, ‘You have to give way, anak.’”

“Then, I told him, ‘Dad, what you want me to do is difficult.’

‘Bruha ka,’ he said to me.

But when he passed on, that was the time I realized (the importance of) what he said,” she added.

(Pira-Pirasong Paraiso airs Mondays to Fridays at 3 p.m. and on Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, and TFC.) n

Ang Parokya ni Edgar Musical...

PAGE B5 Theater’s marquee.

When lead rocker Miranda made the announcement on the NWR Musicals social media pages, the post further revealed that the musical, developed by Newport World Resorts’ production outfit Full House Theater Company, is slated to make its epic debut on the grand stage next year.

In-person auditions for the cast will take place from October 16 to 18. Aspirants who pass this initial screening will receive an invitation for the final callback auditions on October 24 to 26.

Then from there, rehearsals will begin and the show should hit the stage before you can even say, “Buruguduystunstugudunstuy.”

(ManilaTimes.net) n

What to do if you find...

PAGE B6 if the voluntary declaration of parentage is void under Section 7573.5.

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facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC This article is not a solicitation.. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist with extensive trial experience. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He was a former CPA prior to law practice.

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Michael V: It’s much harder to do comedy today ONE Filipino at a time,” said comedian Beethoven del Valle Bunagan, also known as Michael V or Bitoy, as a way to explain how he intends to educate local audiences and “elevate the standards of Philippine comedy.”

Bitoy was one of seven comedians honored at the closing ceremony of the recently concluded 2023 Philippine Film Industry Month (PFIM), organized by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). The monthlong affair, which carried the theme “Tuloy Pa Rin ang Tawanan,” paid tribute to iconic Filipino comedians and how they took part in shaping and nurturing popular culture.

“This award is significant because it was given at a time when it’s already very difficult to do comedy, what with all the restrictions we have to consider. To be recognized as an advocate of comedy in the Philippines is a huge honor,” Bitoy told reporters during the recent awards ceremony held at Acacia Hotel in Alabang.

“When I first read the news, I thought it was a joke,” Bitoy said, laughing. “Soon after, I received a proper invitation from the FDCP. I made a promise to personally accept the award. To be lined up alongside these heavyweights, for my photo to be put on the same page as theirs, is a big deal for me.”

The other honorees that night were Vice Ganda, Eugene Domingo, Ai-Ai delas Alas and the comedic trio TVJ (Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon). The late Dolphy was also given a trophy, “an overdue recognition for somebody who should be a National Artist,” declared FDCP technical consultant Jose Javier Reyes.

In his “thank you” speech, Bitoy, one of the main cast members of the gag show “Bubble Gang,” talked about the struggles of today’s comedians. “It has already become the objective, especially of those of us in ‘Bubble Gang,’ to at least try to elevate the standards of Philippine comedy. This is difficult now

Michael V

FDCP Facebook

because of all the restrictions, but we learn and find ways to move forward. Our wish is to be able to come up with more projects that will educate people and widen their appreciation of comedy.”

Restrictions These so-called restrictions were set by society, Bitoy stressed. “Once you work with a network, restrictions are automatic—it will not allow you to do anything that might offend the sensibilities of the audience or anything that will put them in trouble. Selfcensorship? We take it upon ourselves to watch out for each other,” the comedian said, recalling the only time in the early 2000s when the show was “summoned” as a result of several complaints filed before the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

“One of these days, I will post that memo just to remind people that similar situations really happen, even years before. As I’ve said, we learn from our mistakes. We didn’t have lawyers sitting with us on the set before.

Now, we do. I’m always open to meeting with my bosses halfway,” he declared. Eric Quizon accepted the award on behalf of his late father’s family. “When you honor him, you honor us as well,” the actor-director told FDCP chair Tirso Cruz III. “In his book, Dad said, ‘I didn’t achieve all of these on my own.’

Remember that in comedy, situations are always give and take. Your coactors also have to be good in order for you to really shine.

During the last couple of years, comedy has become like a dying art. I hope that with what the FDCP has been doing, we would be able to encourage people to create and patronize comedy more, not just in the cinemas, but also on TV.” Eugene Domingo, who is vacationing in Barcelona, Spain, asked her long-time friend, writer-filmmaker Chris Martinez, to accept the trophy for her. Meanwhile, actor Sancho delas Alas was the representative of his mom, Ai-Ai, who is currently in the United States.

Tito, Vic and Joey were represented by their sons, Gian, Oyo and Jako, respectively.

“Our fathers wanted us to deliver this simple message to all. These words have always been in their hearts: ‘We rise by lifting each other up.’ To be honest, they never dreamed of anything else for the industry, except to entertain people, to make them laugh,” said Gian, who is vice mayor of Quezon City. “Our prayer is that we continue to help lift each other up because this is the only way for Philippine cinema to be known throughout the world.”

Meanwhile, Jako also shared a quote that he considered meaningful and deemed appropriate for the occasion. “’No person has ever been honored for what they’ve received, but for what they’ve been given.’ TVJ, that will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has given so much to comedy, music, film and television. Receiving something like this, even for us, their sons, is very humbling.

We thank the FDCP and everyone who have ever appreciated their work,” Jako said.

Also part of the ceremony was the announcement of Carl Joseph Papa’s animated film “Iti Mapukpukaw” as the official Philippine entry to the best international feature film category of the 96th Academy Awards. The show, hosted by Ryan Agoncillo, featured live performances from BGYO, Jed Madela, Sheryn Regis, Drei Sugay, Jeremy Glinoga and Marlo Mortel.

(By Marinel Cruz/Inquirer.net) n

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