102622 - Southern California Midweek Edition

FILIPINO American basketball player and NCAA champion Remy Martin may already have a second chance at being in the NBA, only five months after not being selected for the NBA draft.

Minor league basketball team Cleveland Charge has just selected Martin in the second round of the G League Draft. The six-foot 24-year-old Burbank, California native was the eighth player selected in the second round, and the 37th player overall. Notably, he was the only member of the Jayhawks – University of Kansas’ basketball team – who was selected.

The Charge is the G League affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Martin’s selection by the Charge means that he may be called up during the season to fill in for

House hosts Fil-Am History Month celebration

by KLARIZE MEDENILLA AJPress

TO commemorate Filipino American History Month (FAHM), Filipino American community leaders and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) hosted a virtual celebration highlighting the positive historical impact of the vast Filipino American community.

In mostly pre-recorded segments shared in the virtual event on Thursday, Oct. 20, the White House event brought together artists, community leaders,

Filipino American White House officials, and other advocates who highlighted historical milestones and current issues of the Filipino American community.

Jason Tengco, the White House Liason for the Office of Personnel Management), emceed the virtual event and shared a statement from President Joe Biden, saying, “When Filipino American history is preserved and shared, the millions of Filipino Americans [who] helped build this country can see themselves in the story of America.”

(Neither Biden nor Vice President Kamala Harris were present at the event.)

Filipinos are the second-largest Asian subgroup in

the United States, and as of the most recent Census Bureau data, 4.2 million Filipinos live in the U.S. — and that population continues to grow.

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) first officially observed October as FAHM in 1992 to coincide with the first arrival of Filipinos in the 16th century and the birth month of labor leader Larry Itliong.

In 2009, former President Barack Obama became the first sitting president to acknowledge October as FAHM. In 2015, the White House celebrated its first

Lawmakers back Marcos Jr. policy on voluntary mask use for indoor areas

by GABRIEL PABICO LALU Inquirer.net

MANILA — Several lawmakers from the House of Representatives have backed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s policy allowing the voluntary use of face masks even in indoor settings, with some saying that this rule has long been overdue.

In a statement on Tuesday, October 25, Quezon 3rd District Rep. Reynan Arrogancia said that the Philippines is already long overdue for a voluntary masking protocol amid the COVID-19 pandemic — except in crowded areas, mass transportation, and healthcare facilities.

Instead of stringent masking protocols, Arrogancia said that the health authorities should focus on providing the public bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, or shots that are believed to provide better protection against the dominant Omicron variant.

“Our country is long overdue for relaxing the safety protocols. The COVID bulletins show the factual

A NEW $3 million rental aid program for tenants and landlords in Los Angeles’ 13th District, which includes Historic Filipinotown, is now accepting applications.

The CD13 Rental Aid Program, which launched on Monday, October 24, allows eligible tenants and small “mom and pop” landlords to apply for assistance. The application period lasts through November 4.

To be eligible, a tenant's household income for 2021 or 2022 must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and a tenant must owe their landlord unpaid rent on or after April 1, 2022.

A family of two with an annual household income of up to $76,250 would qualify for the program. A family of four with a household income of up to $95,300 would also qualify.

Landlords must be a “mom and pop” landlord of a rental property in CD13 with a tenant who qualifies for the program. A “mom and pop” landlord may own no more than four rental units plus a single-family home in

among ‘persons of interest’ in Percy Lapid slay

by FRANCO JOSE C. BAROÑA , WILLIAM B. DEPASUPIL AND FRANCIS EARL CUETO ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) chief said on Monday, October 24 there are 160 persons of interest or possible suspects, including the chief of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), in the killing of radio commentator Percival Mabasa, more popularly known as Percy Lapid.

PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the list also includes politicians and police and military personalities. He did not identify them.

In a press briefing in Camp Crame, Azurin said that the personalities were among those who were criticized by Mabasa in his program.

He said that since 2021 Mabasa had censured 600 personalities, but only 160 of them could be considered persons of interest.

Asked if BuCor Director General Gerald Bantag was one of them, Azurin said,

announces plan to return to politics

by PAOLO ROMERO Philstar.com

MANILA — Former senator and world boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has expressed his intention to return to politics, citing his “passion” to serve the people.

Pacquiao, who ran for president last May, disclosed his political plans when he and K-pop superstar Sandara Park were guests at the South Korean weekly variety “Knowing Bros” on Saturday.

“I joined (the presidential race) because I want to instill discipline in our people. When it comes to corruption, I want to curb corruption and then for our country to progress,” Pacquiao said in Filipino when asked by

one of the hosts of the show, which features a high school classroom setting.

Park translated the questions for Pacquiao, who was also asked by host and comedian Kim Young Chul if he wanted to enter politics again.

“It’s (political plan) still there. My passion to help people is still there,” the former senator and retired boxing champion said. Portions of the show can be viewed on YouTube.

Pacquiao, the only boxer who won 12 major world titles in eight weight divisions, is in Korea to promote his charity fight with Korean martial artist DK Yoo set on Dec. 10. Proceeds from the bout, he added, would be set aside for livelihood projects for the poor in the country.

PH set to loosen travel restrictions to boost tourism

by XAVE GREGORIO Philstar.com

MANILA — Even as the threat of more contagious and vaccineevasive variants of the coronavirus hangs over the country, the Philippines is on track to loosen travel restrictions further by dropping testing and vaccination requirements.

Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Frasco announced on Tuesday, October 25 that “stringent protocols” including RT-PCR testing prior to arrival in the Philippines and the requirement for foreigners traveling to the country to be fully vaccinated will be scrapped.

Frasco said unvaccinated foreign travelers will be allowed

entry into the country as long as they present an antigen test taken 24 hours before arrival into the country or take an antigen test upon arrival.

“We are optimistic that with all of these restrictions being lifted by the Marcos administration, that this can only redound to the benefit of the lives of millions of Filipinos that serve to benefit as well the reinvigoration of the tourism industry,” Frasco said in a press briefing.

The DOT has yet to announce a date when these new protocols will be effective.

She added that the overarching direction of the administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is to let the country

Tourism Secretary Maria Christina Frasco Philstar.com file photo

Former senator and world boxing icon

Manny

Pacquiao Philstar.com file photo

Politicians among ‘persons of interest...

1

"Oo, kasama siya (Yes, he is included)."

Bantag was suspended last week following the death of an inmate in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), Crisanto Villamor Jr.

Villamor was identified by confessed killer Joel Escorial as the middleman who hired him to take out Mabasa.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA)

INVITATION FOR BID

LACMTA will receive bids for C94286C1222 - Improvements to High Voltage Fall Protection at Bus Maintenance Divisions Bus Bays at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/ Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

This project is a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) SetAside contract. To participate in this IFB, bidders must be SBE certified with LACMTA prior to proposal due date. For information on the Set-Aside program, visit: https://business. metro.net/VendorPortal/faces/ home1/certifications

All Bids must be submitted on forms furnished by LACMTA, and must be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/ CM Department, on or before 10:26 a.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read. Bids received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened. Each bid must be sealed and marked Bid No. C94286C1222.

For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro. net or for further information email Josefina Mellen at mellenj@metro.net. 10/26/22 CNS-3636771# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

The NBP records indicate that Villamor died of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis.

Azurin said Villamor could have provided vital information that could identify the mastermind in the Mabasa slay.

Villamor died on October 18, a day after Escorial surrendered to authorities.

"It's too much of a coincidence. It's an unfortunate incident, but the timing is questionable," Azurin said.

He doubted the report that Villamor died in his sleep sometime at noon.

He said the crowded and sweltering conditions at the NBP made it difficult for an inmate to take a noonday nap.

"We were almost there, isn't it? We have the triggerman, we have the pieces of evidence, and we were almost there to talk to the middleman, and this happened," Azurin said.

Mabasa hosted an online broadcast program "Percy Lapid Fire" at DWBL 1242 and was a columnist for the Hataw tabloid.

He was shot while on his way home in Las Piñas City on October 3.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed on Monday that Bantag was a person of interest in the Mabasa case.

"He has already been preventively suspended, and we have a structural inquiry on how things are being run. Let's not pre-empt anything," Remulla said.

"We are trying to get all the data possible, validate the evidence. I trust the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation], they work together with the PNP to come out with a quick solution, and at least satisfactory answers to all the questions we have on our mind," he said.

The BuCor supervises and manages the NBP.

The broadcaster's brother, Roy Mabasa, said the family will sit down with their lawyers to discuss the filing of charges against Bantag.

"We will evaluate if that would be useful on our side since nobody has yet corroborated the involvement of Bantag," he said.

Remulla said Dr. Raquel Fortun has agreed to do a

second autopsy on Villamor, as requested by the Mabasa family.

He also dismissed the claim of Southern Police District chief BGen. Kirby John Kraft that the case has been solved because the suspects have been identified and have been charged.

"We cannot close the case until we know the details, and we have the proper testimonies in place," Remulla said. "We have not stopped studying all possibilities."

On Monday the Department of Justice (DoJ) started its preliminary investigation of the murder charge against Escorial.

Charged along with Escorial were brothers Israel and Edmund Dimaculangan and a certain "Orlando." All three are at large.

The complaint was filed by the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and Roy Mabasa.

"They planned and executed the same upon inducement or order of a certain Crisanto Palana Villamor, also known as "Idoy," who promised to pay them P550,000. Moreover, alias Orly/Orlando and Dimaculangan brothers joined Escorial because a certain Christopher Bacoto, also known as Jerry Sandoval, talked to his companions to help him in killing Percy Lapid," the DoJ said.

Bacoto has been identified as the second middleman in the Mabasa killing. He is said to be in the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Remulla said he "cannot comment on the guilt or innocence" of Bantag and those who are being investigated by the police.

It was also learned that Social Welfare and Development Secretary Erwin Tulfo was scheduled to meet with Remulla on Monday to discuss the possibility of putting at least three persons under the government's Witness Protection Program (WPP) in relation to the Mabasa case.

The DoJ earlier said Escorial could end up as a state witness if he qualifies for the WPP.

The Manila Times also learned that Villamor's sister is one of the persons being considered as a state witness. g

White House hosts Fil-Am History...

PAGE 1

official FAHM celebration, as previously reported by the  Asian Journal

The event opened up with a recording of rapper Ruby Ibarra, who has been a vocal proponent for Filipino American issues, especially the representation of Filipinos in mainstream American culture.

The celebration then introduced panels of government officials and community leaders who spoke about the growing significance of the Filipino American community throughout history.

“Our numbers are significant enough that we cannot be overlooked as one tiny bit of the population,” said Nani Coloretti, deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, who is the highest-ranking Fil-Am in the current administration. “We are everywhere. And so the role Filipino Americans can play in this very diverse country is really to lead and to lead with values first.”

The White House consists of several Filipino American officials, including Gina Ortiz Jones, the Department of Defense’s undersecretary of the

Air Force.

Ortiz Jones shared her Filipino family’s long legacy of military service and emphasized that her family motivated her to pursue public service as a Filipina lesbian.

“On my day-to-day, when I lead, I think about the fact that I’m honored to be the first woman of color to serve as an Under Secretary of any military department, the first out lesbian to serve as an Under Secretary of any military department,” Ortiz Jones, who is also an Iraq war veteran, said during the panel discussion, adding that she “certainly” wants “to make sure I’m not the last.”

In terms of learning about Filipino American history, many guests highlighted how scant Filipino American history actually is in American classrooms. Despite Filipinos being integral to the U.S. military, conversations about American imperialism, and the labor movement, Filipinos are largely left out of history books.

“We’re part of U.S. history, but we’re not,” said Luisa Blue, a member of the President’s Advisory Commission on AANHPI issues.

In more recent times, Filipinos have been integral to the tech and entertainment workforces, essential contributors in medicine and hospitality, and the small business sector — an exclusion made starker by the recent attacks on Asians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When you have unfortunate instances like the rash of antiAAPI hate, hopefully, the telling our stories encourages people to see how critical our contributions have been to this country,” Ortiz Jones said.

But despite the disturbing uptick in violence toward Asian Americans, there have been recent milestones in Filipino American representation, which all panelists and guests agreed helps bring the Filipino American community out of the shadows and places our issues on the front lines.

“When Fil-Ama have a seat at the table, everyone benefits,” California’s first Filipino American Attorney General Rob Bonta said. “It’s not just about having a seat at the table; it’s about using our seat. The  manongs and  manangs –they didn’t sit idly by, and neither should we.” g

WET COMMUTE. A man rushes to get on a public utility jeepney during a heavy downpour along Taft Avenue in Manila on Tuesday, Oct. 25. Most parts of the country will continue to experience scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the intertropical convergence zone.

PNA photo by Alfred Frias

An abortion rights question on the California ballot revives the debate over ‘viability’

by April Dembosky Kaiser Health News

AS California voters decide whether to amend their state constitution to explicitly protect abortion rights, lawmakers still do not agree on whether the amendment would enshrine those rights, which by state law allow abortion up to 24 weeks, or expand them, permitting abortions at any point in pregnancy, for any reason.

During the legislative debate over the amendment, dubbed Proposition 1 on the November ballot, there were several awkward moments after a question from Republicans stumped Democrats — most notably when Assembly member Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) posed it point-blank before the final vote in June. “California law generally bars the performance of an abortion past the point of fetal viability,” he said. “Would this constitutional amendment change that?”

The floor went quiet. For a full 30 seconds, no one said anything. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon whispered with Democratic colleagues, asked to have the question repeated, and then promised to answer later. He never did.

Viability has long been a controversial concept, plaguing

ethicists on both sides of the abortion debate since it was embedded in the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973. The Supreme Court justices wrote that a woman’s right to privacy was protected only up to viability — the point when a fetus is capable of “meaningful life outside the mother’s womb.”

The court said that occurs between 24 and 28 weeks after conception.

Since then, many doctors have bemoaned the legal and political bastardization of the medical concept, arguing that viability is much more complex than gestational age alone. But the public has clung to it, and both opponents and supporters of abortion rights have looked favorably on restricting access to the procedure later in pregnancy.

Current California law incorporates the viability limit from Roe, allowing abortion for any reason through most of the second trimester and after that only if the patient’s or fetus’s health is in danger.

But the constitutional amendment outlined in Proposition 1 doesn’t contain the word “viability.” Even among legal scholars, there is no consensus about whether that means the viability standard in place now will remain if

Proposition 1 is approved or if time limits on abortion will be eradicated in California.

“It at least opens the door,” said Mary Ziegler, a law professor at the University of California-Davis, with courts likely making the final interpretation of Proposition 1 after the vote, if it’s approved.

The V-Word Debate Revived

When Assembly member James Gallagher (R-Chico) spoke during the final floor debate in June, his voice wavered with emotion. He could not support the constitutional amendment, he said, “because of what’s missing from it.”

He choked up at one point talking about his twin boys, who were born 2½ months premature and almost needed heart surgery in utero.

“They were alive, and they were people,” he repeated throughout his speech, pointing at the lectern for emphasis each time, as he recounted his wife’s pregnancy at 18 weeks, 23 weeks, and 30 weeks.

With no time limits on abortion, Gallagher said, the amendment got the balance wrong between the rights of the mother and the fetus.

“We can do better,” he said.

Proponents of Proposition 1 have said the intention was only PAGE 5

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LONG COVID

Studies have shown that one in five adults infected with COVID-19

long COVID conditions, which

Symptoms of long COVID vary. People

a ect

Lawmakers back Marcos Jr. policy on voluntary...

and evidentiary bases of the pandemic spread being severely limited despite the detection of new variants,” he said.

“What the country needs is more of the bivalent booster vaccine supplies, availability, and accessibility to anyone who wants them,” he added.

Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua aired the same sentiments, saying that it seems health officials are “overly cautious”.

According to Chua, there is a need to lift the mask mandate as the country opens tourism sites and educational institutions.

“Health authorities seem to be unnecessarily overly cautious and have needlessly delayed further relaxing of Alert Level One public health safety protocols. They should instead make more of the bivalent booster vaccines available and readily accessible now and more so in the coming weeks. The boosters are the better alternative to maskwearing,” he said.

“It would be better to get bivalent boosted than to always have to wear face masks,” he added.

Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co meanwhile stated that the relaxed masking protocols would lead to improved public health and a higher output for the economy.

“The lifting of some mask mandates indoors I believe is quite justified. Further calibrated lifting of COVID restrictions plus the economic impact of the 2022 and 2023 national budgets will result in more economic growth,” Co said.

“With the continuing reopening of the economy and lifting of COVID restrictions, I expect gross domestic product or GDP  to further improve in the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2022,” he claimed.

Just a little over a month after he made the wearing of face masks optional in uncrowded outdoor settings, Marcos is slated to make masking indoors voluntary too.

In a press briefing earlier, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said that the President would make outdoor masking optional, as stated during Tuesday’s cabinet meeting.

However, she said that wearing

$3 million rental aid program...

the City of Los Angeles, according to the eligibility requirements.

The 13th District covers neighborhoods like Historic Filipinotown, Echo Park, East Hollywood, Thai Town, among others in the heart of LA.

“My rental aid program will help renters in the 13th District stay housed, and that’s my top priority,” said Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, who represents the district. “I’ve been a renter for most of my life and my family repeatedly faced eviction when I was a child, so I know firsthand the burdens faced by some renters. That’s why we’ve worked

so hard during the pandemic to provide relief to people affected by COVID-19.”

Eligible residents can apply online at at http://cd13.com/ rentalaid. If a tenant or landlord does not have access to a computer, applications can be submitted by calling the CD13 Rental Subsidy Hotline at (855) 490-3481. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. O’Farrell’s District Office, located at 1722 Sunset Boulevard in Echo Park, is also accepting applicants who prefer to complete their application in person and who need assistance. (AJPress)

PH set to loosen travel...

“convey an openness and a readiness to the world to receive tourists and investments.”

Asked about concerns over the XBB and XBC variants — the first cases of which were detected last week and have reached the level of local transmission — Frasco said these were not the first variants of the coronavirus.

“In the end, we simply cannot

go on in a pandemic perspective because we have to give our country an opportunity to thrive while maintaining basic health protocols on one hand and safeguarding and protecting livelihood and the economy on the other,” she said.

The easing of travel restrictions were announced along with the plan to make masking optional indoors. g

of face masks will still be highly encouraged for unvaccinated individuals, persons with comorbidities, and senior citizens.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

LACMTA will receive Proposals for PS95419Ridesharing Services & Regulatory Compliance Support at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

All proposals must be submitted to LACMTA in one of two ways, either (1) sealed envelopes by mail or hand delivered to the address above, or (2) electronically via email to bids@ metro.net. All proposals must be received on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, November 21, 2022. Proposals received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the proposer unopened. Additionally, it is recommended that proposer’s email(s) are sent with a Delivery and Read receipt for their records. Lastly, proposers should send a verification email to the named Contract Administrator of the RFP after the email submission(s) of proposal to bids@metro.net. The verification email should indicate that a proposal has been submitted by Vendor Name for RFP# on X number of emails.

A Virtual Pre-Proposal conference will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 31, 2022. Refer to solicitation for details.

For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro. net or for further information email Yamil Ramirez Roman at ramirezromany@metro.net. 10/26/22

CNS-3636799#

ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

fatigue, fever, shortness

long COVID

breath,

taste

COVID-19 increases risk for long-term brain disorders. Research is showing an increased

dementia, epilepsy, psychosis and cognitive deficit two years after contracting COVID-19.

COVID-19 can affect many organs and body systems long-term.

The heart, lungs, kidneys, skin and brain can be a ected. COVID also can cause multi-system inflammatory syndrome (inflammation of multiple organs), autoimmune conditions and other new health conditions

Children are not immune to long COVID. A recent study found that 10 percent of children hospitalized with COVID-19 experienced fatigue, weakness, coughing, di culty breathing and shortness of breath three months later. The study also linked higher numbers of symptoms with an increased likelihood of developing long COVID.

Long COVID can occur regardless of the severity of the infection. Although long COVID-19 conditions are more likely in people who had severe COVID illness, even mild and asymptomatic cases can result in long-term e ects.

Seek medical attention. If your COVID-19 symptoms do not improve after four or more weeks, contact your health care provider. While long COVID is still being studied, you and your provider can come up with a medical plan to help improve your symptoms and quality of life. Parents and caregivers should monitor children and follow up with their provider if symptoms linger or new symptoms occur.

Road, Barangay Burol 1, City of Dasmarinas,

photo by Gil Calinga

Ex-US Embassy in PH exec pleads guilty of engaging sexual activity with minors

by Zacarian Sarao Inquirer.net

A FORMER officer of the US embassy in the Philippines pleaded guilty in engaging an illicit sexual conduct with minors from 2020 to 2021.

According to the US Department of Justice in a statement, Dean Edward Cheves, 63, is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 20, 2023, and faces a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison.

He served in the US embassy

in the Philippines from 2017 to 2021.

During this period, Cheves engaged in sexual acts with a second 16-year-old minor who he met online on two separate occasions in the Philippines. He also used his government-issued phone to film himself doing so on at least one of those occasions.

The department said that child sex abuse material that Cheves produced and received of these minors were found on devices seized from Cheves’s embassy residence in the Philippines.

It also said that Cheves knew the ages of both minors at the time he engaged in the conduct.

A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

On Oct. 26, the Pasay City Regional Trial Court ordered the arrest Cheves for engaging in sexual activity with a 16-year old Filipino.

He faced charges for violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Child Abuse Law. g

An abortion rights question on the California...

3

to preserve the status quo. But in various committee hearings, supporters at times seemed confused by the language of their own bill and scrambled to answer definitively when asked whether the amendment would preserve the viability limit or discard it.

But physicians involved in drafting the amendment, like Dr. Pratima Gupta, said no mistake was made: The word viability was left out on purpose.

“Every pregnancy is individual, and it’s a continuum,” said Gupta, an OBGYN in San Diego. People come into pregnancy with a range of preexisting health conditions, she said, including diabetes, anemia, high blood pressure, and obesity. They may not have much money or access to good medical care, with the latest technology. All these very nuanced factors determine whether a fetus is viable, she said, not some arbitrary number.

“If I see a patient who has broken their bag of water at 23 weeks of pregnancy, that doesn’t mean that it’s viable or not viable,” she said, explaining that the fetus may survive premature delivery at this stage in some cases but not in others.

Doctors who consulted on the amendment were following the lead of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the leading advisory group for OB-GYNs, which removed the term viability from its guidance on abortion in May. The term has become so politicized that it barely has any medical meaning anymore, the group said, and deciding whether and when to have an abortion should be left to the patient and doctor.

Strangely, the demise of Roe

v. Wade has freed doctors from the vagaries of the viability framework as it was outlined in that ruling. Physicians seem to be saying that if the Supreme Court could put an end to 50 years of constitutional protections for abortion, the court could take all the flaws of the decision with it.

“In a world where there is no Roe, I think you’re seeing California legislators trying to write into law a kind of blank slate, a better idea of what reproductive autonomy could be that isn’t just Roe Part 2,” Ziegler said.

Why Women Get Abortions Later in Pregnancy

In recent years, at least three other states — Colorado, New Jersey, and Vermont — and Washington, D.C., have removed gestational age limits from their abortion laws.

Abortion opponents argue that if California follows suit, it will be a free-for-all, with women lining up for abortions when they’re eight months pregnant.

“We already currently have abortion up to 24 weeks. Why do we need to push it beyond that?” said Jonathan Keller, president and CEO of the California Family Council, a religious nonprofit. “Aren’t we able to say that that is a step too far, even for California?”

Research indicates such scenarios are highly unlikely. Abortions at or after 21 weeks represent only 1.2% of all abortions, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And studies show the reasons women seek abortions at that point vary, from medical complications that threaten the life of the patient or fetus to, increasingly, legal and logistical barriers.

“It may be that they’re delayed because there are

lots of restrictions they have to comply with; it may be because they need to travel for an abortion,” said Elizabeth Nash, a policy analyst at the Guttmacher Institute, a research organization that supports abortion rights. “It may be that they can’t get time off of work. Or it was a wanted pregnancy and something happened.”

Still, even in California, which positions itself as an abortion sanctuary, voters become more uncomfortable with the procedure the later a pregnancy gets. An August poll found that only 13% of likely voters said they were OK with abortion through the third trimester.

But a different poll found that on the question of securing abortion rights in general, 71% of California voters said they would vote for Proposition 1.

“The politics of viability have changed,” law professor Ziegler said.

With the Supreme Court toppling the federal right to abortion, and more than half the states banning or trying to ban the procedure, she said, “these viability arguments — that had obviously been compelling for decades — don’t land the same way.”

The polls indicate that voters are not inclined to nitpick. Ziegler predicted they’ll accept the ambiguity in Proposition 1 and let the courts sort out the details later. g

This story is part of a partnership that includes KQED, NPR, and KHN.

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

Fil-Am basketball player Remy Martin gets...

injured players, something that has happened with other members of the G League.

Remy Martin’s collegiate career

Martin previously played for four years at Arizona State University, before transferring to the University of Kansas as a super-senior. At KU, Martin averaged 8.6 points a game for the Jayhawks, who won Big 12 regular-season, postseason tourney and NCAA titles.

Martin shined in the NCAA Tournament, hitting four three-pointers and scoring 14 points in KU’s 72-49 win over North Carolina in the title game. Additionally, he had an important blocked shot in the second half of the game. After the game, he received the Midwest Regional most outstanding player award.

Martin’s time with KU earned Martin the welldeserved support of fans and spectators who look forward to his bright future in basketball.

(Christyanne San Juan/Inquirer.

‘UNTRASH UNDAS’. EcoWaste Coalition members, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority personnel with some dressed as “Zombasuras” (cemetery litterbugs) at the Manila North Cemetery campaign for an eco-friendly and waste-free observance of “Undas” on Tuesday, Oct. 25.

The awareness drive was in anticipation of the surge of visitors in cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria during the Undas observance. PNA photo by Alfred Frias

Fighting the new COVID strains

HEALTH experts say that the latest Omicron subvariant XBB and variant XBC have become so evasive to COVID vaccines that they might as well be new pathogens. Last Friday, the Department of Health announced that “definitely,” there is now local transmission of XBB and XBC, with 81 and 193 cases, respectively, detected so far.

Epidemiologists note that XBC is a combination of the BA.2 sublineage of the Omicron and Delta variants. Both are highly transmissible. Delta caused more severe infections and a far higher number of deaths last year, although health experts attributed this to the COVID vaccination coverage still not widespread enough when the variant entered the country.

XBB and XBC, however, are proving to be more evasive to both natural and vaccine immunity. The virus strains have caused rapid COVID spikes recently in countries with high vaccination rates such as Singapore. Several governments are considering the return of mask mandates to contain the transmission.

While the fully boosted and vaccinated get more protection from XBB and XBC, the vulnerable sectors – the immune-compromised, those with comorbidities and the weak elderly – can still suffer serious infection, especially if unvaccinated, and death is still possible. There is also the risk of developing debilitating long COVID even for mild infections.

Fortunately, as in the spread of the highly contagious Omicron, the world has weapons against the new COVID strains. Bivalent vaccines are now available, specifically targeting the Omicron mutations. Last Aug. 31, the US Food and Drug Administration approved an amended emergency use authorization for the COVID vaccines of Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech. The amended EUA allows bivalent formulations of the vaccines for use as a single booster dose within at least two months after primary or booster vaccination. The second generation Pfizer bivalent booster is allowed for ages 12 and older; Moderna’s Bivalent is for ages 18 up.

The next-generation bivalent vaccines, unlike the monovalent first-generation shots, include an mRNA component of the original strain plus an mRNA component common to both the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages of the Omicron variant. The BA.4 and BA.5 are currently the culprits behind most COVID infections in the US, and are predicted to circulate in the fall and winter.

Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna already have EUAs for their COVID vaccines in the

Philippines. Uptake of the current boosters is believed to have slowed down as Filipinos wait for the bivalent shots to arrive. Health experts and the business community alike are pressing for the speedy availability of the next-generation vaccines.

The pandemic is not over, and another major outbreak, apart from impacting public health, can set back economic recovery. The Department of Health and the FDA should not drag their feet in securing and distributing the bivalent boosters, if possible before Christmas. (Philstar.com)

Leyte landing: Old friendships never die

alliance, liberating us from one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history.

BABE ROMUALDEZ

WHEN General Douglas MacArthur made that historic landing on the shores of Palo, Leyte on Oct. 20, 1944, he fulfilled the promise he made to the Filipino people, summed up in those three famous words: “I shall return.”

That famous line has become “immortalized” in the hearts and minds of Filipinos spanning many generations, because history tells us the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation during World War II could not have been possible if not for the return of MacArthur.

Last Thursday, October 20, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the commemoration of the 78th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings with a ceremony at the MacArthur Leyte Landing Memorial National Park. Joining him were U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, local officials from the province of Leyte and 31 World War II veterans awarded with U.S. Congressional Gold Medals to honor their heroism.

It was a significant occasion as it reminded us of the shared history we have with the U.S., and why our friendship has remained strong. Many Filipinos consider General MacArthur’s return as the personification of America’s commitment to the

I still remember when the man dubbed as the “American Caesar” returned to the Philippines for the last time in July 1961. I had just graduated from grade school at the Ateneo when my father – a history buff who was a young major and doctor in the Philippine Army during the war – told me to line up along Taft Avenue. I waited for the open car carrying General MacArthur, his motorcade traversing the street slowly as he waved to the thousands of spectators cheering and enthusiastically waving flags, confetti pouring down from buildings.

I have been an admirer of the General since then. MacArthur was legendary in making sure his image was always perfect. He was very conscious of his bearing, even the way he stood as shown in photos, especially in that famous photo of the Leyte landing. The story goes, they took the photo three times especially because General Carlos Romulo was barely above water when the photo was first taken because of his height –“a dime among nickels,” the General would retort when asked about the photo.

October is also Filipino American History Month in the United States, and last Wednesday, I delivered the keynote address at an event titled “From Stewards to Flag Officers:

Filipinos in the U.S. Navy” at the U.S. Navy National Museum.

The Bataan Legacy Historical Society in collaboration with the U.S. Naval Judge Advocate General’s Corps and the Naval Legal Services Command organized the event which centered on Filipino Americans serving in the U.S. Navy and their vital contributions to promoting global peace and security, and as the event title aptly puts it, how they have risen through the ranks from stewards up to the level of Flag Officers.

The event was also an opportunity to give special recognition to Telesforo de la Cruz Trinidad, a Filipino sailor who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1915 for saving other crew members when one of the boilers of USS San Diego exploded. For his courage and heroism, a future ArleighBurke class destroyer will be named USS Telesforo Trinidad in his honor.

As I said during my remarks, the decades-old alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines has significantly evolved over the years, despite the rough patches at one point or another. As President Marcos himself has described it, the relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines is long and special.

I have absolutely no doubt that the historic landing in Leyte of the “American Caesar” has left an indelible imprint not only

among Filipinos who suffered atrocities during World War II, but also their children’s children who have come to understand the significance of MacArthur’s fulfillment of that promise he made. The return to Leyte became a thread that served as a strong tie that continues to bind Filipinos and Americans to this day.

No wonder why close to 90 percent of Filipinos look upon the U.S. as our most trusted and most reliable ally, the one that comes through during the most critical times like in November 2013 when Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) pummeled Central Visayas, killing 10,000 people. I vividly remember the call I got from Congressman Martin Romualdez, his voice quivering as he described Leyte being “completely ravaged!” He told me, “Only the Americans can help us on this.”

Hearing that, I immediately called the U.S. military attaché who then called the U.S. Pacific Command. They immediately dispatched the USS George Washington (docked in Hong Kong at the time) to the Gulf of Leyte, equipped with choppers, water desalination equipment and personnel for the conduct of rescue and relief operations. The immediate response from the U.S. was so tearfully moving that I wrote a column titled, “Thank God for the United States!” ending it with, “God bless America!”

The sense of relief and encouragement felt by Yolanda survivors at seeing the USS George Washington was almost like the return of General Douglas MacArthur on the shores of Leyte in 1944, bringing with it a sense of inspiration and, most of all, hope.

In 1951 when General MacArthur addressed the U.S. Congress to announce his retirement, he said: “Old soldiers never die; they just fade away.”

Remembering how the U.S.

On the Move Two questions for Marcos Jr.

SEGUNDO ECLAR ROMERO

RESPONDING to gentle suggestions that he should appoint a full-time agriculture secretary, President Marcos Jr. is adamant that he will hold on to the position, saying he is “still needed there.” He explains that there are things that only a president can do that a secretary cannot. The problems in the agriculture sector are “so difficult that it will take a president to change and turn it around.” The President says that he will appoint a full-time secretary when he has properly institutionalized the functions of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and he has completed the necessary structural changes.

The President has been the agriculture secretary for almost four months. In that period,

there have been some revealing tests of his caliber as a leader and manager of the agricultural sector. His boast during the elections that he will bring down the price of rice to P20 per kilo is now out of reach. His policy and managerial decision-making in resolving the critical sugar shortage was erratic, causing the resignation of his well-regarded undersecretary, Leaocadio Sebastian, and exposing signs of disarray in his Cabinet.

Being agriculture secretary is not a problem if there are functioning, motivated, and selfconfident undersecretaries that have the “hand-in-glove” trust and confidence of the President.

But no self-respecting competent undersecretary would think of being creative, innovative, and proactive, only to get the “Sebastian treatment.” What remains in DA is undersecretary Domingo Panganiban who served as deputy minister of the

Ministry of Food and Agriculture as early as 1984 during the dictatorship of Marcos Sr. Panganiban, at 83, is past his prime for the present challenges in Philippine agriculture.

As a matter of prudence, considering that the nation is facing food and energy crises, Filipinos, especially in media, the academe, and policy institutes, should help the President identify the key issues in agriculture and the promising initiatives that might constitute solutions.

There are many discussions of agricultural issues happening across the land. For instance, in the Future Earth Philippines Filipino SDG Hour online symposium last Friday, Dr. Ted Mendoza, an agronomist and retired professor of UP Los Baños made a provocative presentation on “Diet Change: The Filipino Answer to Climate Change and Food Shortage.”

(https://youtu.be/K7z2XtNlAR0)

He suggested that looking at the world situation, the grains fed to animals yearly can supply the food caloric requirements of 8.3 to 10 billion people. Reducing by 50 percent the grains fed to animals can feed 50 to 60 percent of the growing world population by 2050. His recommendation is for Filipinos to shift more toward a plant and fish-based diet for food self-sufficiency, environmental sustainability, and health reasons.

His presentation on the Philippine agricultural situation had the audience groping for answers to two imbalances—our rice shortage and the resourcecarrying capacity deficit of the Philippines.

I thought these questions should properly be directed to Mr. Marcos as agriculture secretary and president, so I coached the questions accordingly:

Question 1: With a population of 115 million by 2023, the rice output per hectare to be selfsufficient should be 12.5 tons.

The current yield is only 4 tons. This translates into a rice deficit of 17 percent. With the estimated 10 percent reduction in production due to costcutting and floods, the deficit is estimated at 27 percent, requiring the importation of 3.5 million tons per year. By 2030, with a projected population of 124 million, the Philippines will be importing 4.8 million tons of rice. What level of rice self-sufficiency should the Philippines aim for by 2030 and what creative feasible strategy would you adopt to attain this?

Question 2: Filipinos have always been told that the Philippines is rich in natural resources. If we take our population into account, this is no longer true. With an arable land area of 13.42 million hectares

has stood by Filipinos during good times and most especially during the bad, allow me to paraphrase the General’s words: “Old friendships never die; they will never fade away.” (Philstar. com)

* * *

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

out of our total 30 million hectares, our ideal population should only be 33 million. We reached this threshold around 1965, 57 years ago. We have been in deficit since, and the demands of our population at present exceed threefold the carrying capacity of our land and natural resources. How would you mobilize the Filipino nation and people to redress this fundamental gap between population and resources?

Wouldn’t it be reassuring if Mr. Marcos can give us his thoughts on these questions? If he obliges, he might demonstrate he is indeed his best agriculture secretary.

* * *

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.

* * * doyromero@gmail.com

ManilaTimes.net photo

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the commemoration of the 78th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings with a ceremony at the MacArthur Leyte Landing Memorial National Park. Joining him were U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, local officials from the province of Leyte and 31 World War II veterans awarded with U.S. Congressional Gold Medals to honor their heroism. Malacañang photo

Dateline PhiliPPines

77 years since charter, Philippines says committed to UN values, ideals

MANILA — The Philippines is reaffirming its commitment to the United Nations as it marks the 77th anniversary of the UN Charter's entry into force, with Manila promising to uphold its principles and further deepening ties with member nations to ensure global peace and security.

"Throughout the years, the Philippines has been an active member and staunch advocate for the values and ideals of the United Nations," Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said in a statement on Monday, October 24.

"We have always stood up for [the] sovereign equality of states, peaceful resolution of disputes, equal rights of women and men, inclusive social development, the rule of law, and justice for all."

The Philippines was among the 51 countries that inked the UN Charter in 1945, paving the way for the international body’s ratification.

UN in the Philippines

UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzales noted that the Philippines “has demonstrated its commitment to the values inscribed in the UN Charter.”

“[This includes] upholding its UN treaty obligations, working toward development, and taking steps towards addressing humanitarian situations,” Gonzales said in a separate statement.

There are currently 11 funds, programs, and specialized agencies of the UN in the Philippines, on top of six project offices, five non-resident agencies, and three secretariat offices. Over 2,000 UN personnel are working in the country, most of whom are Filipinos, while 657 Filipinos are serving various UN bodies overseas.

According to the UN, the Philippines is also the only Asian country to have ratified eight of the nine core international human rights treaties.

The Philippines was elected in October 2018 to its second consecutive term on the UN Human Rights Council, its fifth time being a member of the UNHRC.

The Philippines has also reinforced the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Hague ruling on the South China Sea, which invalidates China’s nine-dash claims over waters that include parts of the West Philippine Sea.

MANILA – Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula on Tuesday, October 25 said clergy members should practice what they preach in the pulpits.

"People today are no longer satisfied with words alone. We want to hear words backed up by concrete actions. We want a Church that walks the talk and puts into action what we preach," he said in an interview with Church-run Radio Veritas.

This comes as church data showed that only 41 percent

While Gonzales on Sunday said "we are living in complex times" with multiple crises overlapping, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in his speech at the 77th UN General Assembly last month mentioned how the international body has "provided an example of how states should resolve their differences, through reason and through right," taking note of the 1982 UNCLOS.

Marcos also underscored the role of the UN in creating a peaceful global environment.

“We need the United Nations to continue to work and we, the Philippines, are determined to be part of that solution,” Marcos said.

While at the UNGA, he also called on other member states to support the Philippines’ bid for a seat at the UN Security Council, the sole agency that can oblige states to implement under the charter and issue sanctions to erring member states.

Philippines in the UN

UN Resident Coordinator Gonzales also recognized the Philippines’ work in the UN, which include taking part in negotiations for the Sendai Framework for Natural Risk Reduction in 2015 and batted for the inclusion of migrants’ contributions in the document.

Gonzales also said the Philippines was one of the first countries to provide a report on its 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals in July 2016

Meanwhile, the country was also recognized through its work to protect migrants through the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration since it was adopted at the UNGA in December 2018. The said document was also taken into account in preparing the 20172022 Philippine Development Plan.

Aside from this, Gonzales also highlighted the government’s cooperation with projects related to pandemic recovery and responding to natural disasters, such as for Typhoon Rai, among others.

“We welcome the engagement of the government to support the UN reform to ensure that we are better able to adapt to the challenging times and effectively respond to national priorities,” Gonzales said. (Kaycee Valmonte.Philstar.com)

of the Philippines' over 80 million Catholics are actively participating in religious gatherings, especially the weekly celebration of Masses.

The Manila archbishop noted that many people lose their faith and abandon the church because of the lack of feeling of favor, especially to those who are in need.

"Not a few have drifted away from the Church because they felt that the so-called religious people are nothing but a

collection of hypocrites and posers," he said.

Advincula, however, emphasized that the church strives to uphold and implement every teaching of the Lord and be a good example in the community.

Earlier this month, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines called on the faithful to go back to attending in-person Masses every Sunday, citing the country's improved coronavirus situation. (PNA)

Bigger witness protection budget urged for whistle-blowers

by Delon Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA — It will be better, if not best, if the government will consistently increase the budget for the Department of Justice (DOJ)’s Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Program (WPSBP) so as to encourage more witnesses to testify against criminal masterminds, according to a lawmaker.

As the Senate continues with its budget deliberations for the 2023 national budget, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel made a proposal where an increase in the allocation for the DOJ’s WPSBP may be crucial and necessary.

The WPSBP has an allocation of only P238 million in the proposed 2023 General Appropriations Act.

The WPSBP “seems to be working well,” but the program must be supported with greater funding so that it can extend highly improved financial, relocation and livelihood assistance to witnesses, according to Pimentel, citing the case of slain journalist Percival Mabasa, also known as Percy Lapid.

“This way, we can encourage more witnesses to cooperate in law enforcement investigations and judicial proceedings without fearing not only reprisals, but also economic dislocation,” Pimentel said, noting the roller-coaster ride developments in the case.

“We also want the WPSBP to establish additional safe houses to accommodate witnesses and, if necessary, to allow them to stay together with their families,” he added.

The vice chairman of the House committee on good government and public accountability lamented that the program currently has only 48 hideouts nationwide.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said he is “open” to the possible inclusion in the WPSBP of Joel Escorial, the self-confessed gunman in the Oct. 3 murder of Mabasa near his home in Las

Piñas.

“If that is the only way to resolve the case, that’s possible,” Remulla said in an interview over dzBB radio.

The DOJ chief, however, said Escorial did not seek witness protection when he voluntarily surrendered to the authorities out of fear for his personal safety.

A total of 512 witnesses have been covered by the program at the end of 2021, up from 490 at the end of 2020, Pimentel said.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION

AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR INFORMATION AND QUALIFICATIONS (RFIQ)

LACMTA will receive Proposals for PS45150Investment Management Services Bench at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

All Proposals must be submitted to LACMTA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, November 23, 2022. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. PS45150.

For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https:// business.metro.net or for further information email Shannon Thoene at thoenes@ metro.net. 10/26/22 CNS-3635435# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

Covered witnesses have aided or are helping in the prosecution of dozens of sensational criminal cases, such as the kidnapping and murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo, the hazing death of University of Santo Tomas law student Horacio Castillo, the Maguindanao massacre and the murders of Kian delos Santos, Carl Arnaiz and Reynaldo de Guzman – three teenagers who became victims of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. g

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) INVITATION FOR BID

LACMTA will receive Bids/ Proposals for C1212 - Purple Line Extension Section 3 - VA Parking Structure Construction at BIDS@ metro.net.

A Pre-Bid conference will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2022, 10:00 a.m taking place Virtual Meeting: Online. All Bids must be submitted to BIDS@metro. net no later than Thursday, December 15, 2022, 2 p.m. at which time bids will be opened and publicly read. Information for this venue to follow. Bids received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each Bid must be sealed and marked Bid No. C1212.

For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https:// business.metro.net or for further information email John Tor at torj@metro.net. 10/26/22

CNS-3637374# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

Manila archbishop cites need for church to ‘lead by example’

Marcos vows to improve sugar industry

by Alexis RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA — President Marcos vowed to fix the problems hounding the country’s sugar industry, admitting that these have long been neglected.

During the distribution of aid to various sectors in Talisay City, Marcos said that while the Philippine economy is doing well, it was not spared from the problems confronting its trade partners. He cited the need to make some adjustments and to find ways to assist sectors hit by economic shocks.

The President then mentioned the plight of the sugar industry before residents of the city, which is located in the country’s top sugar-producing province Negros Occidental.

“What we are doing is we are fixing things. For example, the problem of the sugar industry, we have a lot of problems to fix because they were neglected in the previous years,” said the President.

“For now, we are trying to ensure that the people will have enough, not just sugar but all agricultural products so that we can say that we have enough food supply that is affordable to all,” he added.

Marcos, also the agriculture secretary, did not provide specifics on how he would uplift the sugar industry, which contributes about P90 billion to the country’s economy every year.

The President was in Negros Occidental to attend the culmination of the Masskara Festival, which began as the administration of his late father and namesake was dealing with a sugar crisis – a global oversupply that dropped the prices of the commodity.

What needs to be done

In a text message to The STAR, Pablo Luis Azcona, Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Board planters’ representative, said there was no meeting over the weekend between sugar industry leaders and the President during his visit for the MassKara Festival.

The sugar industry’s prime movers believe there is a need to carefully assess the current sugar production capacity versus the projected market demand against a backdrop of challenges, such as high input costs and smuggling.

Aurelio Valderrama, president of the Confederation of Sugarcane Farmers (CONFED) – one of the major planters’ federations in the country, said they are currently looking at various factors affecting the industry, such as the prevailing domestic prices and negative reactions from policymakers, legislators and end-users, and the possibility of renewed sugar smuggling.

He cited the delay in importation caused by the temporary restraining order on Sugar Order No. 3, issued during the Duterte administration.

This, he said, “resulted in forgone production output and lost market opportunities for producers of sugar-sweetened products and, at the same time, enabled various players to exploit the tight market situation and jack up retail prices to the detriment of consumers.”

Valderrama enumerated several measures that need to be in place, beginning with government taking “concrete continuing measures, together with the industry, to effectively curtail this nefarious practice.”

Government must also find ways to effectively address the high costs of production, particularly the prices of fertilizer, fuel and other direct costs.

There must be strong support for research, development and extension to enhance both farm productivity and milling efficiency, said Valderrama.

The CONFED also called for measures to improve program implementation and fund utilization under the Sugar Industry Development Act (SIDA). This year’s SIDA funding amounted to P500 million, a significant reduction from the original P2-billion allocation.

SRA: Sugar supply stable till yearend Stable sugar supply is seen until the end of the year as local production improved by over 20 percent year-on-year, according to Azcona.

“So far, as of Oct. 16 based on our inventory, we are already 20 percent better than October last year. The mills in Negros are running at full capacity,” he said in a radio interview on Monday, October 24.

In terms of pricing, the farmgate price of raw sugar has

gone down significantly.

“As the farmers’ representative, the selling price of raw sugar is now around P62 per kilo based in Negros. Based on estimates from the farmers, this should become P85-90 per kilo of refined sugar in Manila,” Azcona said.However, not factored in this pricing estimate is the involvement of traders, which is beyond the control of farmers and millers, he said.

Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture (DA) showed the current retail price of sugar in Metro Manila has gone as low as P95 per kilo and as high as P120 per kg.

Last week, SRA started selling sugar at P70 a kg at its Quezon City and Bacolod City offices. In addition, the Kadiwa rolling stores are set to sell directly to consumers at the same price.

Kadiwa is a marketing initiative of the DA, which seeks to empower the farming community by providing a direct and effective farm-toconsumer food supply chain.

Azcona said some Robinsons Supermarket branches are also selling refined sugar at P70 a kg, same as at 23 outlets of CSI Supermarket in Luzon.

To reach more consumers, the SRA is also looking at distributing cheaper sugar to wet markets through the local government units (LGUs).

“The effort to distribute (the P70-per-kilo sugar) in markets, we’re also thinking if some LGUs want to participate. We’re studying that also,” Azcona said.

Distributing affordable sugar is part of the commitment of importers to allot 10 percent of their stock to be sold through the DA at P70 a kg.

“That is equivalent to 300,000 bags or about 15 million kilos. For retail, we limit it to three kilos per person for supply to last long for households,” Azcona said.

Meanwhile, the DA and SRA are still working on the suggested retail price (SRP) for sugar to allow consumers access to cheaper sugar.

“There are still ongoing discussions for the SRP, spearheaded by SRA. The target is before Christmas,” DA Assistant Secretary for consumer and political affairs and spokesperson Kristine Evangelista said in a radio interview. g

Foreign tourism sales hit record

by Ghio onG Philstar.com

MANILA — Record-breaking sales for foreign tourism was achieved in this year’s Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) event, which officials believe is a sign that the country has recovered from the ill effects of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) logged a “record-breaking P172,602,851.00 business sales leads in just two days” during the 21st PHITEX at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

In the previous four years of PHITEX – including physical and virtual events from 2018 to 2021 – the country earned sales ranging between P43 million and P94.8 million, the DOT said.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the “aggressive campaign to revive our tourism industry and rollout”

resulted in the “turnout of buyers and sellers and the recordbreaking numbers.”

This year’s event welcomed 116 buyers from 32 countries, 53 of them physically present and the other 63 participating online.

They successfully held business meetings and negotiations with the country’s tourism firms and the sales derived from these were both confirmed and pencilbooked, reported the DOT.

After the PHITEX, 80 percent of the foreign buyers present would also travel the so-called tour circuits in Cebu-Bohol, Negros Oriental-Siquijor, Ilocos, CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Davao and Metro Manila.

“The impressive turnout of buyers and sellers and the record-breaking numbers encapsulate the positive outlook for our country and growing interest in our destinations,” said

Frasco.

“As we embark on an aggressive campaign to revive our tourism industry and roll-out with never seen before projects that will facilitate an enhanced connectivity into and around the Philippines and provide a more convenient and seamless travel experience for guests, we anticipate more interest from local and international tourism stakeholders,” she added.

The secretary commended the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the DOT’s marketing unit, for organizing the PHITEX, which remains the country’s largest tourism trade event organized by the government.

In response, TPB chief operating officer Margarita Nograles said Frasco “has always emphasized the importance and opportunity in equitably promoting all our regions and not just our popular destinations.” g

VP Sara debunks ‘martial law rebranding’ claims vs. DepEd

MANILA – Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte debunked Tuesday, October 25 claims thrown at the Department of Education (DepEd) for allegedly "rebranding" martial law and revising historical facts.

In a statement, Duterte insisted that the DepEd is not in the "business of erasing" historical facts, particularly those which happened during the martial law period.

"Ang Department of Education — na kasalukuyang abala sa mga programang naglalayong maiangat ang kalidad ng basic education sa Pilipinas — ay walang panahon para sa historical revisionism na pilit na iginigiit ng ilang mga anti-Marcos groups (The DepEd, which is currently busy on programs aimed to raise the quality of basic education in the Philippines, has no time for historical revisionism being insisted by several anti-Marcos groups)," she said.

"Una nang nasabi ng DepEd spokesperson na hindi totoo ang sinasabing rebranding ng ating kasaysayan. At inuulit ko ang sinabi ni Atty. Michael Poa: hindi totoo ang rebranding ( The DepEd spokesperson has earlier denied the so-called rebranding of our history. And I'm reiterating

what Atty. Michael Poa said, the rebranding is not true) ," Duterte added.

The Vice President made the statement after critics slammed the DepEd following the posting of a copy of a learner's module in Marinduque via social media, showing the use of the term "New Society," which is being linked to the years of martial law.

"The terms New Society/ Bagong Lipunan and martial law are both historical facts.

It is a historical fact that New Society refers to the program launched by Former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. during his administration. And it is another historical fact that martial law refers to the 14-year rule of the former President," Duterte said.

The Vice President said that these terms were already used in DepEd textbooks as early as the 2000s.

Duterte, meanwhile, recalled how as a child she had contributed to the anti-martial law movement in her own small way.

"Bilang bata, hindi ko mabilang ang mga yellow pages sa directory ng telepono na ginupit ko para gawing confetti ng mga Yellow Friday Movement demonstrations sa pangunguna ni Soledad Duterte, ang aking yumaong lola, sa Davao City. Mukhang mas

marami tayong ambag sa mga pagkilos laban sa martial law kaysa sa ilang maiingay na antiMarcos ngayon (As a child, I can no longer count the yellow pages of phone directory cut to be confetti for the Yellow Friday Movement demonstrations, led by my late grandmother Soledad Duterte in Davao City. It seems like we have more contribution to the movement against martial law compared to those noisy anti-Marcos groups nowadays)," she said.

Duterte assured the public that learners are provided with factual discussions on martial law and the EDSA People power revolution. (PNA)

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte Philstar.com file photo

Miss Universe suspends Miss USA 2022 organizers over Filipino American’s alleged ‘rigged’ win

By Earl D.C. BraCamontE Philstar.com

MANILA — Days after R’bonney Gabriel of Texas won the Miss USA 2022 crown, allegations of favoritism were hurled against her and the Miss USA Organization; claiming that the Texan beauty queen’s victory was predetermined and that the pageant result was rigged.

R’bonney denied all these rumors of favoritism. As the first Asian-American to have won the state title, her victory was historic and one for the books - a far cry from former state winners, who all sported the trademark Texan cowgirl look.

The controversy started when Miss Montana 2022 Heather Lee O’Keefe pointed out a photo shoot done in a sponsor’s resort nine weeks before the Miss USA pageant; fueling speculations that the pageant outcome was predetermined. She also emphasized the Texas connection in this brouhaha.

“I think this is a big issue that a lot of us are trying to bring light to is the fact that Ms. Stewart owns so much of the organization. She owns the main organization, Miss USA, and she also owns the main sponsor of the organization which is a big issue we all have with it.

“The Miss Academy sponsored Miss Texas much more than they sponsored the rest of the contestants,” alleged Miss Montana.

But Crystle Stewart countered the allegation by saying, “With Miss Academy, every single contestant had training through an eight-week program and we offered state directors the same opportunity as a state-level sponsorship as well.”

The PR material in question, of a photo shoot done in Cancun with one of the pageant’s sponsors, would still air even if Miss Texas did not win the crown.

Concurring with Stewart was pageant juror Aaron Potts who said that, “The contest was very, very strict with its judges

and there was no bias in choosing this year’s winner.”

Last year’s winner Elle Smith said that, “They are discrediting R’bonney’s win this year because they (co-candidates) also attempted the same to me last year.”

The 28-year-old Filipina-American beauty queen obtained her Fashion Design degree from the University of Texas. She operates an eco-friendly clothing line, R’bonney Nola.

In the meantime, the Miss Universe Organization has suspended The Miss Brand entity, headed by Crystle Stewart. The MUO, which owns both Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageant systems, has taken over the reins of the national organization while a third-party investigation by law firm Holland & Knight is being undertaken.

“As a former titleholder, I know firsthand how much hard work, mental preparation, and dedication goes into

the process of being on the main stage. The last thing I would even want to do is discredit or deny the contestants an equal opportunity to a fair competition. I would never jeopardize my dream of running an organization that empowers these women,” shared Stewart, who competed at the 2008 Miss Universe edition.

It would seem that the flow within the Miss USA communication channels is the real culprit behind this issue. And with the situation not managed well, the allegations simply caught fire. Pageant fans and supporters are hoping the investigation clears up the allegations in due time.

R’bonney is the 10th Texan representative to win the Miss USA title since its inception. She will be competing with other international delegates at the 71st Miss Universe competition slated on January 14 (January 15, Manila time) in New Orleans, Louisiana. Stay tuned!

Janine has no plans of settling down at 33

By annE Pasajol Inqurier.net

JANINE Gutierrez disclosed that she has no plans of settling down anytime soon as she reminded fans that everyone has their own timeline in life.

The actress, who recently turned 33, spoke about this in a vlog where she answered several questions from her fans, as seen on her YouTube channel on Saturday, Oct. 22. One of the questions was: “At 33, are you ready to settle down?”

“This is so funny kasi because this is a question that girls get every time they celebrate their birthday, and kanya-kanya talaga siya (they celebrate their birthdays, and it really varies for everyone). For other people, they’re happy to get married younger and other people don’t even want to get married at all,” she responded.

“Ako, personally, it’s not in the plans for this year. Wala pang plans,” she added. (For me, personally, it’s not in the plans for this year. [I have] no plans yet.)

Gutierrez then addressed fellow women and stressed that they should not feel pressured to get married just because they reached a certain age.

“I hope you don’t feel pressured or left behind dahil lang ang daming nagtatanong. When it comes down to it, you’re always on your own timeline and it’s up to you kung anong gusto mong gawin with your life,” she stated. “To the people asking naman, ‘wag naman kayong mang-pressure. Kanya-kanyang journey talaga ‘yan and there’s no correct timeline in life.”

(I hope you don’t feel pressured or feel left behind just because a lot of people are asking [about your marriage plans]. When it comes down to it, you’re always on your own timeline and it’s up to you whatever you want to do in your life… To the people asking, please do not put pressure on others. Everyone has their own journey and there’s no correct timeline in life.)

Inevitably, Gutierrez was also asked about the real score between her and actor Paulo Avelino, but the actress opted to give an indirect answer with a “cat with heart eyes” emoji.

“I’m so happy that there are a lot of PauNine fans. Sobrang ramdam ko ‘yung love and

Continued on Page 10

Miss USA 2022 R’bonney Gabriel of Texas wearing her own creation (left) and a design by Filipino designer Patrick Isorena Photo from Instagram/

Janine Gutierrez

Photo from Instagram/@janinegutierrez

‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’ director Zig Dulay on banning foreign content, show’s success

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

THE discourse about foreign television shows and movies being favored over local content continues after a senator claimed the Filipino entertainment industry is detiorating as a result of the said indulgence.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada admitted he considered banning Korean dramas and other foreign content to better support local projects, claiming that local actors are losing their jobs because Filipinos support Korean shows and actors.

Estrada later clarified his statement “stems from frustration” as he called the Filipino entertainment industry “at best, barely surviving” but had nothing against the success of South Korean dramas.

Such conversations come amid rave reviews and internet praise for GMA’s “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” directed by Zig Dulay. The historical portal fantasy series follows a nursing student who is transported to the world of Jose Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” set during the tail-end of the Spanish colonial era.

In an exclusive interview with Philstar.com, Dulay shared his views on Estrada’s remarks as well as talked about the success of his new show.

‘Inspirasyon at suporta’

As a result of globalization, Dulay shared that younger

Filipinos who consume and praise international content cannot be avoided. Many cultural products, such as shows and movies, share similarities, and this is true for the Philippines and its neighboring countries.

The director of the 2022 Cinemalaya Best Short Film “Black Rainbow” does not see the need to ban South Korean and other foreign content, but rather agree with Estrada that they could serve as inspiration.

“Magsilbing inspirasyon at hamon ang mga ito upang mas lalo pang pagyamanin at palakasin ang sariling atin (This can serve as an inspiration and challenge for us to enrich and make better shows),” said Dulay, adding that government support plays a big part in Philippine TV and movie’s success moving forward.

Dulay expounded by saying those in power should realize just how pivotal the industry and the arts is to the country.

“Kailangang makita muna siguro ng mga nakaupo ‘yung mahalagang ambag ng art and entertainment industry sa pagpapa-angat ng ekonomiya ng bansa (Perhaps those in position need to see how the arts and entertainment industry can help uplift our country’s economy),” the director said.

“Sa ganung siste, mas magiging malinaw marahil ‘yung papel na kailangang magampanan ng gobyerno para matulungan ang naturang industriya (In this sense, it will be made clear to

them on how the government’s support can help the industry).

Acknowledging history and nation-building

The director is full of pride and gratitude for his show “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” which garnered over 200,000 related tweets generated in its debut week. The show premiered on GMA-7’s nightly block last October 3.

Dulay said he owes it to the show’s team, from the creatives, production and postproduction, who all contributed to its success.

“Nakakataba ng puso ‘yung mga magagandang sinasabi ng mga tao ukol sa serye at nagsisilbing motibasyon ‘yun para sa amin na mas lalo pang pag-igihin ‘yung aming nasimulan (It warms our hearts to read the positive reviews of the show, and these motivate us to continue doing what we have started),” he told Philstar.com.

The seasoned Cinemalaya director said he is proud of the initial weeks of “Maria Clara at Ibarra” because the show served its purpose.

“Nakapagbigay ito ng aliw sa manonood at kasakilop ng aliw o libang na ‘yun ay ang unti-unting pagtatanghal sa kahalagaan ng kasaysayan at literatura mula noon hanggang sa kasalukuyan (The show entertains the viewing public while it illustrates the importance of history and literature then and now),” Dulay continued. He also noted the youth’s increased interest in Rizal’s novels.

He touched upon how the show tackles issues like social class or stratification, women empowerment, and the separation of church and state, all while revolving on the relationship between the titular characters.

The director also expressed how happy he is to be part of “Maria Clara at Ibarra” and the viewing public’s warm reception is a welcome bonus.

“Unti-unting naitataas ‘yung konsepto ng pag-ibig na ‘yun sa nasyunalismo o pag-ibig sa bayan, at pag-big sa sarili bilang Pilipino (Apart from romantic love, the show also elevates different kinds of love — love for country and oneself as a Filipino),” Dulay ended.

Jolina admits being self-conscious at being called an ‘icon’

By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

WHEN one thinks of Jolina Magdangal, an image of a 90s teen star with full bangs and multicolored hair strands in equally colorful, trendy outfits of the time comes to mind.

She of numerous romcom hits under her belt also has a beautiful singing voice to match her acting prowess when girls her age were into heavy acting.

Thus, it is no surprise that the actress-TV host would be considered an icon of her time.

Magdangal, however, said she feels self-conscious when people would call her an “icon,” when she reflected on her more than three decades of career in show business during a vlog in fellow actress Camille Prats’ YouTube channel last Wednesday, Oct. 19.

“‘Yung pagiging icon, kahit sinasabi sa akin, parang nahihiya ako. Kasi feeling ko — ano ba ang basehan ng pagiging icon? Para masabi mong icon talagang tumatak ‘yan sa mga tao, e paano ‘pag wala nang butterfly, wala na ring icon?”

Magdangal said, referring to her trademark hair clip that formed part of the whole fashion trend that she famously started.

(The idea of being an icon — when people tell it to me — I

feel shy. I feel like, what is the basis of being an icon? To say that someone is an icon, they must have really left a mark to the public. So what if I lose my butterfly, then would I still be an icon?)

Magdangal, who has been in the showbiz industry for 32 years, then underscored how her love for what she does has kept her in the industry despite the hardships that came with it. She also talked about how she aimed to be an inspiration to those who love her and look up to her, and how this has been her purpose for continuing what she does.

“Siguro ‘pag wala na akong

nababasa na natutuwa [sa mga ginagawa ko sa TV] — pero kahit may isa na lang [na] naiinspire dahil sa napapanood nila sa akin, I think [lalaban] lang ako dito sa industriya,” she stated.

(Maybe when I no longer receive comments that people find joy in what I do on television — but if I still inspire even one single person then I think I will soldier on in this industry.)

“Hindi madali ah lalo na’t alam mo naman na hindi rin fair ‘yung iba, kung paano sila lumaban sa industriya. Pero basta alam mo na wala kang inaapakan and ayon nga, meron ka pa ring nai-inspire na tao, gogo ako,” Magdangal added.

(It’s not easy especially when you know that others do not fight fairly in the industry. But as long as I know that I do not step on others and that I still inspire people, then I would still go for it.)

Aside from her singing career, Magdangal is also known for her hit films “Labs Kita Okey Ka Lang?” (1998), Kung Ayaw Mo Huwag Mo” (1998), and “Hey Babe!” (1999) where she starred with her then love team partner Marvin Agustin. She was also part of several TV shows including Ang TV” (1992), “Gimik” (1996) and “Arriba Arriba” (2000).

Janine has no plans of settling...

From Page 9

support niyo,” she said. “Sobrang naa-appreciate ko na parang kilala niyo na ko enough to know and ‘di niyo ako kinukulit to explain things. I’m so grateful for you guys and I’m super happy now with everything in my life, so ayon — cat with heart eyes emoji.”

(I’m so happy that there are a lot of PauNine fans. I really feel your love and support. I also really appreciate that you guys seem to know me well enough, that you do not insist for me to explain things. I’m so grateful for you guys and I’m super happy now with everything in my life, so there —

cat with heart eyes emoji.)

Speculations that Gutierrez and Avelino are dating arose after they were frequently spotted together even after their TV series “Marry Me, Marry You” ended. Earlier this month, Avelino revealed as well that the two of them are still going out and that their relationship is “OK.”

Gutierrez’s mom, actress Lotlot de Leon, also earlier spoke about her daughter’s rumored relationship with Avelino, saying she is in “full support” of whatever would make her children happy.

PHILIPPINE Ballet Theatre, the foremost classical ballet company from the Philippines, will perform an exclusive one-night only recital of work in Los Angeles on Sunday, October 30 in the last leg of their 2022 U.S. tour.

The company comprised of 13 dancers – brings their expanded repertoire of ballet pieces mixed with contemporary movement and native Philippine dance to the historic Wilshire Ebell Theater in a dazzling display of poise, energy, grace, and style.

Philippine Ballet Theatre’s (PBT) new program features the extraordinary and unforgettable songs by singer/songwriter Jose Mari Chan. “I am elated to see the PBT choreography fill the audience’s hearts and longings of love as they perform to my songs including “Beautiful Girl”, “Mamang Sorbetero”, “Please Be Careful with My Heart”, “Be Gentle” and “Tsuper Ng Aking Buhay” stated Mari Chan.

Marilou Magsaysay, President of PBT, echoed Mari Chan’s sentiments and said, “we are both honored and thrilled to feature works put to Jose Mari Chan’s music. This is going to be a very exciting performance!”

“The PBT enchanted the L.A. audience with a with a showcase of dances that told the story of the Filipino spirit during their 2019 performance. Today, I am delighted to bring the PBT experience to our L.A. audience once again for their much anticipated “Encore!” performance!” exclaimed Executive Producer Rosie Chua. “I’m also very happy that Rev. Fr. Rodel Balagatas, the first Filipino pastor at

Incarnation Catholic Church in Glendale, and the Filipino Ministry are part of this special night” said Chua who will be donating a significant portion of the ticket sales to the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

Presenting sponsor for the PBT “Encore!” performance is The Geoffrey Jimenez Corporation with sponsors that also include Philippine Airlines, unMeat by Century Pacific Food, Inc., The Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel, Island Pacific Supermarket, The Bookkeeper, Arko Foods Market and Asian Commodities. The PBT production is grateful to acknowledge the support of Mr. Manny David and Mrs. Ofie David and Edwin and Dr. Lani Raquel.

Philippine Ballet Theatre’s “Encore!” is executive produced by Rosie Chua for in association with the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and the Office of the Philippine Consulate General under the aegis of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. It is presented by LXV Enterprises, LLC. ***

Philippine Ballet Theatre “Encore!”

Benefiting the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Sunday, October 30 at 4:00 p.m.

The Wilshire Ebell Theater 4401 West 8th Street Los Angeles, CA. 90005

Tickets: $75/$50 on www.EventBrite.com or by calling 818-859-3108

Fil-Am actor Sumalee Montano headlines Hollywood film ‘The Deal’

By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

FILIPINA American actress Sumalee Montano stars in Hollywood film “The Deal” produced by Dean Devlin, the same producer of hit films “Independence Day” and “Godzilla.”

Montano plays the role of Tala Bayani, a mother who “fights to save the life of her ailing daughter after an unprecedented pandemic ravaged the planet.” She stars in the film alongside Emma Fischer, Lisa Brenner and Taz Skylar, among others.

Montano, who co-wrote and co-produced the movie as well, stated that the film was inspired by her real-life relationship with her Filipino mother, Linda Montano, who passed away in 2014. Montano also described the project as a “love song” to Linda.

The Hollywood movie also became an official selection in this year’s Trieste Science + Fiction Festival in Italy, as per Devlin’s Instagram page

The Ataydes conquer Cannes in Filipiñana

By tessA MAuricio-ArriolA ManilaTimes.net

THE Ataydes are very much in the news these days, for they deserve to be so. Not only have they partnered with ABS-CBN International as coproducers of Nathan Studios to bravely break into the global entertainment scene, but they have done so this week with every ounce of the Filipinos they proudly are.

The Ataydes — led by Quezon City First District Congressman and internationally awarded actor Arjo Atayde have been busy in the south of France for the world premiere of the stunning six-part series, “Cattleya Killer” to screen at the 2022 Marché International des Programmes de Communication or the International Market of Communications Programmes trade show.

Arjo, of course, is the lead in this compelling series, while sister Ria also plays a significant role in the compelling murder mystery. Parents Art and Sylvia Sanchez Atayde are with them too, as the principals of Nathan Studios, but more importantly, as the supportive parents they have always been to their brood.

Arriving for the official Mipcom Cannes opening on Monday and busily attending related events before gracing Cattleya Killer’s grand premiere Wednesday, all four proudly walked back and forth the facade of the iconic Palais des Festivals, before getting down to business inside the home of the largest film festival in the world.

Kudos to Frankie de Leon for elegantly dressing up Papa Art and Mama Sylvia in modernized but dignified Barong Tagalog pieces and Filipiñana-inspired suits, respectively;

Proudly Filipino fashion house Light Shine White for Ria’s standout deep purple off-shoulder mauve gown at the trade show opening with styling by Myrrh Lao To, her exquisitely simple and pristine

white terno by Isle with styling by Cath Sobrevega, and her mid-length mauve terno dress by Chynna Mamawal and styling by Danae Verniese for the big premiere; And last but not the least, man of the hour Arjo’s dapper black suit, perfectly classic and tastefully stylized barong tagalog pieces for a gala and the preem, respectively, all done by Suit it up Manila and styled by David Milan.

Barbie Forteza, Dennis Trillo and Julie Anne San Jose (from left) star in GMA-7’s historical portal fantasy series “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” inspired by the novels of Dr. Jose Rizal, namely, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo.” GMA photo

Jolina Mgadangal

Photo from Instagram/@mariajolina_ig

Ria Atayde in a pristine terno gown by Isle and styled by Cath Sobrevega, side by side with brother Arjo Atayde in a stylized barong by Suit It Up Manila with styling by David Milan for the trade fair’s red carpet. Photo from Instagram/@

Sumalee Montano Photo from Instagram/@sumaleedotcom

last Friday, Oct. 21.

“The Deal,” directed by Hungarian filmmaker Orsi Nagypal, premiered last September and is available for streaming on American streaming service The Roku Channel.

Plans revealed for huge resort-casino in competitive LV strip

By RealtoR Fely Quitevis-Bateman

THE ever-changing Las Vegas cityscape continues to attract huge developers who want to establish their niche in the gaming and hospitality industries.

The latest to reveal plans for a huge resortcasino is billionaire Tilman Fertitta, who owns the Houston Rockets as well as the Golden Nugget casino in downtown Las Vegas and Landry’s Dining, which has a varied number of brands under its portfolio.

Fertitta, who bought a piece of land along the Las Vegas Strip early this year, has long been rumored to covet a place in the competitive avenue. A recent report by the Las Vegas Review Journal said that the billionaire’s company has filed plans to build a 43-story hotel-casino on the property located on Las Vegas Boulevard and Harmon Avenue.

Along with 2,420 rooms, the new development will feature restaurants, a spa, wedding chapel, convention space, theater with about 2,500 seats and an auto showroom, as well as VIP salons, suites and villas, and a bar/lounge for high-limit gamblers, the report added.

Currently, that piece of property has a shuttered motel and some closed retail stores, which need to be torn down before a massive build could take place.

While the cost may be massive for the project on the piece of land that Fertitta owns, which is estimated to go over $1 billion, it may not reach the level of the Resorts World Las Vegas that cost around $4.3 billion to build. Still, that is another huge investment for Las Vegas.

With this project, Fertitta stakes his claim on the large pie of tourists/visitors who have started coming back to Las Vegas since the pandemic began. The last few months have seen about 3.7 million to 3.8 million people pass through McCarran International Airport, which is near pre-pandemic levels. The kind of project that he is reportedly building on the property is a high-end one, which will compete with Caesars, MGM, Wynn and other high-end casino-resort developers.

Currently, many of the major players in the competitive boulevard have shored up their portfolios, with MGM selling the Mirage and buying Cosmopolitan, and Caesars replacing Bally’s with its Horseshoe brand.

Resorts World Las Vegas, from the Genting Group, which opened in 2021 was the site of the Stardust Resort and Casino until 2007. It houses three Hilton hotels and is said to be the most expensive resort property ever developed in Las Vegas. It also currently has a station underground which can take patrons to the Las Vegas Convention Center and back via Tesla vehicles for a fee, courtesy of the Elon Musk founded The Boring Company. The station is part of the planned Las Vegas Loop, whose goal is to reduce travel time for visitors and locals in the gambling and entertainment haven, and ease the traffic in the city’s busy corridors.

In late 2023, the Fontainbleau is scheduled to open, which will feature a two-floor retail area for high-end brands, lots of meeting spaces, a theater, nightclub, and more than 3,700 rooms, aside, of course, from a casino area. With its location near LV Convention Center, the resort will have a focus on conferences.

There are many other projects on the way in Las Vegas, including a planned guitar hotel by Hard Rock International (to replace the Mirage Hotel), a boutique resort casino being built near the airport, the Oak View Group’s $3 billion entertainment development near the I-15 and I-215 freeways, and Red Rock Resorts plans to develop a new casino in the southwest valley of Las Vegas.

This means an ongoing stream of construction jobs in Las Vegas. It also means many employment opportunities once these projects become completed and begin their operations.

Clearly, real estate in Las Vegas, particularly near the Strip area, is valuable. In fact, some industry analysts have said that real estate values have appreciated by more than 200% over the last decade, more so if you had bought properties decades ago. Still, if you are looking to a change in scenery and searching for affordable real estate, Las Vegas and its neighboring towns/cities may be an option for you.

Nevada has not been immune to the real estate slowdown, which is being experienced in many parts of the United States. But in terms of affordability, land and real estate prices in Nevada are very competitive. In fact, the affordability factor may be one of the reasons why people and families from other parts of the U.S. are moving to Nevada. Plus, of course, the cost of living is lower, especially when you compare living in a major city

like Las Vegas to, say, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Miami and Hawaii. An industry expert has put the cost of living in Las Vegas as 1.9% lower than that of the national average.

Now may be one of the best times to take a look at what’s out there in the market, and negotiate your way to a great deal!

The growth in Nevada, especially in Las Vegas and neighboring cities and towns, have been tremendous. I can tell you that from experience – I have many decades under my belt, assisting clients who are looking for their first home, second/vacation homes, investment properties or land (for future use/development). I can assist you in looking for these opportunities,

given your budget and things you are looking for. Many of my clients have begun to reap the benefits of their investments, including turning their properties to rentals or Airbnb, or getting a good return on investment for the properties they bought in previous years.

My company, Precious Properties, is a fullservice company that has served its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-559-2476 and 702-538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@ precious-properties.com or fely.precious@gmail. com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.

(Advertising Supplement)

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman attended the Philippine Business Expo in Manila Hotel to help promote Pahrump, Nevada. She is part of the Philippine Trade Mission from the Silver State promoting Pahrump and Las Vegas in the

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman is bringing in American investors who will provide reasonable and affordable energy to Filipino households, which is in line with one of the main goals of current Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong”

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman and Russ Bateman at their residence in Vermont Royale in Antipolo City.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman is shown in photo above attending another convention in Manila.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including loans for small businesses. For more information, call (702) 538-4948, or send email to fely@ precious-properties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com.

Yasmien is lucky to fulfill her dream as K-drama fan

By Jerry Donato Philstar.com

YASMIEN Kurdi is one of GMA 7’s homegrown talents who remains visible and reliable this new normal. Although trained to be versatile, she has found her niche in drama. Her previous project, the Afternoon Prime series Las Hermanas, saw the actress as Dorothy, the loving eldest among three daughters and the family’s anchor, especially when things seemed to fall apart.

In the now-airing local adaptation of the 2020 Korean series, Start-Up PH, essentially a family drama, Yasmien plays Katrina, the passionate CEO and older sister of Bea Alonzo’s Dani. The Kapuso primetime drama series simply fits her acting leaning and forte. Besides, her being a self-confessed K-drama addict or fan comes in handy as well.

“Before the Start-Up PH project was given to me, mahilig na ako sa K-dramas (I love K-dramas and I’ve been watching them),” said Yasmien in a virtual interview with The STAR. “I watched it (Start-Up) during the time it was being aired in Korea. I followed it per episode. It was (in the early parts of) the pandemic, so, yun yung masasarap abang-abangan. Start-Up was one of the Korean shows I watched when we were in lockdown.”

Yasmien added that starring in a Philippine adaptation of a Korean drama did cross her mind and, it’s safe to say that the mere thought of it thrilled her.

“Actually, if you’re a K-drama fan, to be included in a Korean drama adaptation is part of your bucket list,” shared she. “When I got in, it was my daughter who reacted and said, ‘Ma, bucket list mo, nasama ka na sa adaptation (Mom, you’ve just ticked off an item in your bucket list and you’re now part of an adaptation).”

Yasmien recalled that Ayesha Zara saw how she religiously followed Start-Up during the lockdown period. That’s why when the adaptation project was pitched and offered to her, she accepted it right away and was tapped to play Katrina, described as Dani’s estranged and fierce sister. Perhaps to refresh her memory, she watched the Korean series again. The dream project landed in her lap at the time when she had already finished a previous work commitment.

Every time there would be an adaptation of a K-drama, the fan in Yasmien said, “I don’t want it to be changed, ayokong binabago yung character… That’s why when I portrayed her (Katrina), as much as possible, I would stick to the original version.”

That means Yasmien has to blend some nuances, like the smirk, which she got from the original actress but with the Filipino flavor, performance-wise. She is up for the challenge of staying true to the Korean character and still

Yasmien Kurdi Photo from Instagram/@yasmien_kurdi presenting newness, with Filipino audiences in mind.

“I would stick to (the original character) na mahinahon lang siyang magsalita, hindi siya pala sigaw (who is calm and collected when speaking, and doesn’t raise her voice). She’s not bossy.

Nanduon lang talaga ako, hindi ako lalabas (I played the character within those bounds).” If there are points in the narrative that are Filipino in essence, Yasmien handles them by asking herself what the Korean character’s course of action or manner of speaking will be.

In playing her character, Yasmien finds that they are both “competitive and driven.” She also remembered her StarStruck days when competition, as one may put it, was stiff. This is similar to her character, Katrina, who has entered the Sandbox PH as one of the 40 CEOs. Katrina will be pitted against Dani in the succeeding episodes.

During the interview, Yasmien also gave this paper an update on her family life.

“He’s very busy when it comes to his work,” said the actress of her pilot husband Rey Soldevilla, “ang daming flights, balik na kasi sa normal, halos lahat ng schedules. He’s always tired. Ayesha is back to face-to-face classes, though (her school is) now still in hybrid learning, (you know) three days for face-to-face (sessions) and two days online. I think hybrid is good in preparation for the full-blast face-to-face classes.” The young mother added that her daughter is enrolled in piano, gymnastics and journalism classes.

Keeping a journal also helps Yasmien fulfill her responsibilities at home and manage her time.

“I think sobrang importante yung time

Jaya, Pops Fernadez and Kuh Ledesma: Three Divas concert

Get out of debt and change your life for the better

Minding Your Finances

Atty rAymond BUlAon

ARE you currently struggling with debt problems and don’t know what to do?

To most people, finding themselves in that situation is pretty scary. They constantly worry about their finances and wonder whether they will ever be able to get out of the financial mess that is causing them a lot of stress. But what led to your present situation? The answers can be different in every situation.

I was counseling someone the other day in my office. He looked shocked and confused as we sorted through all the credit card statements on my desk and added up how much he owed. $65,000! That’s how much the statements said he owed! How could this be? He said he remembered paying a lot of these debts off just a few years ago. When I asked him how it was possible for him to owe that much again, he replied: “Honestly, I don’t even remember”.

For the vast majority of people, their debt problems usually stem from a series of events or bad financial

decisions. It can be that a lot of people simply don’t keep track of what they charge on their credit cards. So they use their credit cards for everyday purchases without realizing how much debt they are accumulating. Some use their credit cards for so-called “emergencies”.

The problem is that anything could pretty much qualify as an “emergency”.

The “emergency” could be new furniture that they don’t even need, a new car or an unplanned family vacation. Months or years go by and before they realize it, their debts have skyrocketed beyond their ability to repay. And unless their income has increased over that period of time, it becomes a struggle to make the debt payments every month.

If you don’t have the extra cash lying around every month to make those increasing debt payments, it will only be a matter of time before you start defaulting. And from there it just gets worse and worse until one day you have a big financial emergency in your hands.

Some people even resort to borrowing from some credit cards just to pay other credit cards but quickly realize that this strategy doesn’t work and that they are only digging themselves into a deeper financial hole

with no way out.

The truth is that your debt problems didn’t just suddenly appear out of nowhere. Experience is often our best teacher. It would help to understand what past decisions led you to your present financial circumstances so that you can avoid making the same mistakes again.

This can be a good first step to solving your debt problems. The late author and motivational speaker, Jim Rohn, said: “You may not be able to change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight.” It’s never too late to make the change and today is a good day to start.

If you need help, call my office at (866) 477-7772 so that we can discuss your situation. The initial consultation is free.

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NOTE: Due to pandemic safety concerns, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems.

* * * None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped more than 5,000 clients get out of debt. To schedule a free attorney consultation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-888224-7224 or 1-866-477-7772.

Can I enforce a form I-864 affidavit of support in divorce proceedings?

Barrister’s Corner

Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes

THE Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 requires that U.S. Citizens sponsoring an alien for legal permanent residency execute an immigration form I-864 Affidavit of Support. This is an agreement between the U.S. Government and the Sponsor to promise to support the immigrant beneficiary seeking admission to the U.S. at a level not less than 125% of the national poverty level. The purpose of the I-864 Affidavit is to prevent the noncitizen from becoming a public charge. The sponsor’s obligation continues until either 1) the intended immigrant becomes a permanent resident; 2) the intended immigrant is no longer permanent resident by departing the U.S. or relinquishing his or her residency; 3) the immigrant is subject to removal or deportation but applies for and obtains anew adjustment of status based on a new affidavit of support; 4) the intended immigrant or sponsor dies; or 5) the intended immigrant worked for 40 qualifying quarters under the Social Security Act.

The I-864 affidavit is legally binding and enforceable contract between the Sponsor

and the U.S. Government.

The enforceability even goes beyond this. The sponsored immigrant spouse can also enforce this contract against the sponsor and file an action to enforce the sponsor’s support obligation separately from any support rights the sponsored immigrant spouse may have under Family Code Section 4320. Erler v. Erler, 824 F.3d 1173 (9th Cir. 2016)

This obligation becomes an important issue where the marriage between the Sponsor and the immigrant beneficiary breaks down and a Divorce Petition is filed. The I-864 obligation does not terminate with divorce or dissolution of marriage. Pursuant to Erler, neither a divorce judgment nor a premarital agreement may terminate an obligation of support under the I-864 affidavit. The obligation is not dischargeable even if the immigrant spouse is later supported by a third party or attempts to be self-sufficient.

Further if a Joint Sponsor also signed an I-864 affidavit, the Joint Sponsor is jointly and severally liable for the support of the immigrant spouse.

The immigrant spouse has an independent standing to enforce the obligation under the I-864 affidavit against the sponsor either in state court or federal court. In re Marriage of Kumar, 13 Cal. App. 5th 1072 (2017). This means the sponsor’s support obligation under the I-864 affidavit may be enforced within the family law case/ divorce action. In addition, the Court in Kumar held that immigrant spouse has

no duty to seek employment to mitigate his or her damages. The bottom line is that in any divorce proceeding, one has to consider whether one spouse has signed an I-864 affidavit in the past for purposes of conferring a green card to the other spouse and whether that obligation continues on. It may be a separate claim for support available to the immigrant spouse within the family law case.

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

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Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. 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 has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice.

LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)

Supplement)

EXCITEMENT is mounting in Southern California for the Three Divas, the

Filipino

concert featuring Jaya, Pops Fernandez, Kuh Ledesma

Fantasy Springs

Casino

buses in the following pick points: TAMBULI LOS ANGELES

North Vermont Ave Los Angeles

TAMBULI CYPRESS

Lincoln Ave, Cypress

up time is 1 pm and return is 10:30 pm. EAGLE ROCK and PANORAMA locations will be announced later.

call 702-8569723 for reservations and $10 with a ticket purchase will give you a good bus seat. Also $10 paluy money will be given to each guest.

Precious Paula Nicole pops off as the PH’s first Drag Race Superstar

AFTER an exciting two months of Pinoy-flavored mini and maxi challenges, fierce runway looks, and regular doses of drama, Precious Paula Nicole bested 11 other Filipino drag queens to become the Philippines’ firstever Drag Race Superstar.

The hit global drag phenomenon “Drag Race Philippines” historic first season premiered on August 17 on discovery+, HBO GO, and WOW Presents Plus featuring 12 of the fiercest, most fabulous Filipino drag artists from all over the world competing for the crown.

The Precious Bicolana Queen and member of the drag group “Divine Divas,” first entered the werk room in a campy ensemble reflective of her playful personality. From the beginning of the competition, she showcased true creativity, uniqueness, nerve, and talent which helped her gain the title of president and number one competitor at the Ru-lections.

Her ‘Regine Velasquez’ performance garnered praise from the “Asia’s Songbird” herself during the OPM Divas: The Rusical and her Pearl of the Orient Seas look proved that she could serve eleganza extravaganza.

Quickly enough, Precious Paula Nicole became a crowd favorite especially when her heart shone through during Twinning! as she transformed her youngest brother into a drag queen. She not only showcased the best of Pinoy drag but also embodied the Filipino spirit of unconditional love and dedication to family.

“Life is precious and so are we. Let’s continue to inspire and let’s continue to love,” said Precious Paula Nicole in the finale of “Drag Race Philippines” Season One.

The other finalists also served their remarkable talent and tenacity. Eva Le Queen, best known for her Snatch Game performance as comedian Rufa Mae Quinto, brought out the Tampalpukean in every viewer, gaining the respect of many for her poise and wisdom. Marina Summers, a fan-favorite who served sultry summer looks, charmed the country with her wit and humor. Finally, Xilhouete, respectable drag mother to many, wow-ed the fans with not just couture-inspired looks but also her determination and will to be worthy of one of the spots in the finale.

In the finale, viewers were welcomed by the Season 1 queens of “Drag Race Philippines” and an electric performance by “Drag Race Philippines” host, Paolo Ballesteros.

The Miss Congeniality title was bestowed to Lady Morgana before the final four showdowns. Kicking off the final lip sync battles were Eva Le Queen and Precious Paula Nicole followed by Marina Summers and Xilhouete. It ultimately came down to Precious Paula Nicole and Marina Summers who performed Sirena by Gloc9 for the crown. Precious Paula Nicole secured her victory, receiving a one-year supply of ONE/SIZE beauty cosmetics by Patrick Starrr and P1,000,000 powered by Kumu. (ManilaTimes.net)

Nadine claps back at remark on her ‘old’ skin

IF there’s one thing crass netizens have learned from actress Nadine Lustre, it is to be prepared for the actress’ clapback.

The “Deleter” star, as usual, did not take it sitting down as a netizen rudely commented about the actress’ skin.

“Gurl ang dumi at dry kasi ng balat mo kaya mukha kang matanda,” wrote the netizen who retweeted Nadine’s previous post.

“Atleast di kasing dumi ng ugali mo,” Nadine replied.

Nadine’s clapback earned more than 10,000 likes and over thousands of retweets and comments as of this writing.

It all started when the actress posted about her

observation on how some people comment about how her look has changed.

“I find it so weird when people say I’ve changed and I look older. What? Were you expecting me to be the same person when I was 21?

Im turning 29 next week,” the actress tweeted.

Nadine will be celebrating her 29th birthday on October 31.

It is not the first time that the actress has replied to some netizen’s below-the-belt comments.

She also slammed bodyshamers and bashers who posted mean comments on her posts. (by Kathleen A. Llemit/Philstar.com)

Yasmien is lucky to fulfill her dream as...

From Page 12

schedule, kung paano mo i-ba-balance lahat ng mga time mo for everything in your life (It’s very important to schedule activities and allot time for them and how to strike a balance in everything in your life),” said she.

“Siyempre, hindi ka pwedeng nakatutok ka lang lahat sa work mo. Kailangan nandyan din yung time mo for your family (Of course, you’re

not just focused on your work, you also need to have time for your family). I make sure I always have my journal. I always write down my schedule every day para wala akong ma-mi miss out, especially because there are many responsibilities that I need to attend to.”

Although the Start-Up PH story and its interesting details have just been unfolded and revealed, Yasmien is also excited about her next show

after and looking forward to it. For this recent project, she is happy to have worked with established directors Dominic Zapata and Jerry Sineneng and co-stars Alden Richards, Bea Alonzo, Jeric Gonzales, Gina Alajar, Jackielou Blanco, Ayen Munji-Laurel, and Gabby Eigenmann. The actress has fun and fond memories with them.

Given her humble beginnings in show business as a reality-based talent search

hopeful before becoming an actress, Yasmien had these pieces of advice to those who want to enter the entertainment-creative industry and find a profession in it: “Never stop learning and continue learning when it comes to your craft. Try to research when you’re doing a role. Come prepared on set. Then, magpakatotoo ka (be real) and be kind to everyone.”

‘Drag Race Philippines’ first-ever winner Precious Paula Nicole Photo from Instagram/@preciouspaulame

Nadine Lustre

Photo from Instagram/@nadine