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NOVEMBER 14-20, 2019

T H E F I L I P I N O –A M E R I C A N C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R

Volume 30 - No. 46 • 16 Pages

2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 201 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Tel: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

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Robredo discusses anti-drugs cooperation with US officials agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs.

The U.S. Embassy in Manila MANILA — Vice President said Robredo met with an interLeni Robredo met with U.S. of- agency U.S. government workficials on Wednesday, Novem- ing-level delegation with officers ber 13, to discuss the status of from the U.S. Federal Bureau of the two countries’ cooperation Investigation, Drug Enforcement on the campaign against illegal Agency, Department of State and drugs.

U.S. Agency for International DeThe vice president recently velopment. assumed a role in the governUpon Robredo’s request, the ment’s anti-narcotics campaign U.S. delegation briefed her on as co-chairperson of the Inter- the status of the Philippines-U.S.

by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com

VIRAY

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

PH envoy meets US senators seeking De Lima release PHILIPPINE Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez on Wednesday, November 13, met with two U.S. lawmakers who sought for the release of Senator Leila De Lima to discuss the case of the detained senator.

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anti-drugs cooperation, which she described as comprehensive.

“Napag-usapan din ang mga kakulangan sa kasalukuyang kampanya at ang mga tulong na maaari pa nilang maibigay para lalong paigtingin ang kampanya laban sa droga (We also talked about the shortcomings of the current campaign and the help that they could provide to improve the campaign against il-

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FULL SUPPORT. Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday, November 13, met with American officials from various U.S. government agencies including International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of State Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and USAID, to discuss possible improvements in the Philippine government’s campaign against illegal drugs, including the possibility of amending the country’s anti-narcotics law.

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Vice President

Marcos camp hits ‘lazy’ Macalintal Palace: ‘Build, Build, Build’ criticism ‘baseless’ over protest dismissal issue by

GABRIEL PABICO LALU Inquirer.net

MANILA — The camp of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos has slammed Vice President Leni Robredo’s lawyer for being “lazy,” saying that the dismissal of their electoral protest should only be based on merits.

Marcos Lawyer Vic Rodriguez said it appears that his counterpart, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal, is merely leaning on the withdrawal of the protest.

“Talk about freeloading. Inferring from his statement, the counsel of Mrs. Robredo

has grown lazy. It has become apparent that he wants us to do his job for him,” Rodriguez said in a message to Inquirer.

“The dismissal of a pending action should be based on merit and not on mere empty politicking or puerile sound bytes. Dream on, Mr. Macalintal!” he added.

Earlier, Macalintal said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum that the best option for Marcos would be to withdraw his protest, setting up a “graceful exit” for him.

Doing so would help Robredo focus on her new task, as co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD),

by AJPRESS

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday, November 12, dismissed Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon’s comment about the government’s P9.2-trillion Build, Build, Build project being a “dismal failure,” saying it was “baseless.”

“Senator Frank, look at the administration you previously belonged, 6 years not a single

infrastructure na nagawa (was done),” Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

He also cited DPWH data, saying the administration has completed 9,845 kilometers of roadways, 2,700 bridges, 4,536 flood control projects, 82 evacuation centers and 71,803 classrooms.

Earlier that day, Drilon said that only 2 percent of the program has been implemented after 3 years, noting that only 9 out

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Massive outrage sparks over Spanish-produced PNP, security adviser back lifting animated feature of martial law in Mindanao on Magellan, Elcano

by DARWIN

Critics accuse film of ‘inaccurate’ depiction of the Philippines, petition to ban the film in Philippine theaters gains traction

SELECTIVITY, historical bias, and cultural disrespect are among the main reasons why Filipinos are calling for a boycott of the release of a Spanish-produced animated film that depicts the first circumnavigation of the world.

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PESCO ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has supported the recommendation of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana not to extend martial law in Mindanao, saying the situation there had improved.

“Sa ngayon, nakikita natin maaari rin talagang tanggalin ang martial law sa buong kapuluan ng Mindanao (Martial law can be lifted on the whole island of Mindanao),” PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac told reporters.

Banac said the peace and security situation

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in Mindanao was getting better.

“Peace and order in Mindanao is under control and continues to show marked stability, a condition that may eventually pave the way for lifting of martial law,” he added.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. also backed Lorenzana’s stance.

“We have the same position,” Esperon told reporters at the sidelines of the 5th Regional Counter-Terrorism Financing Sum- Works Secretary Mark Villar, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Japanese Ambassador Koji mit in Taguig City. “Many of the local ex- Haneda lead the groundbreaking ceremony in February for the Japanese-funded subway project ecutives think that they can manage on their inMetro Manila. Before them is a scale model of a tunnel boring machine.

Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

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Filipino veterans host yearly Veterans Day demonstration to secure rights, recognition for Fil-Am vets The veteran community demands action from lawmakers to secure rights and compensation to Filipino World War II veterans

by KLARIZE

MENDIOLA AJPress

IN Hollywood, Los Angeles on Monday, November 11, dozens of Filipino veterans and their advocates once again came together in support for recognition and rights for Filipino World War II veterans.

Monday’s demonstration was the 19th annual march, estabDozens of Filipino veterans and their advocates once again came together in support for lished by the Justice for Filipino recognition and rights for Filipino World War II veterans last Monday, November 11 in Hollywood, American Veterans (JFAV), and Los Angeles.

AJPress photo by Noel Ty

just like marches past, it called for national recognition and legislative solutions for the concerns of the nearly quarter-million Filipinos who fought under the American flag during WWII. Filipinos of all ages gathered on Hollywood Boulevard and Ivar Avenue in the heart of Hollywood, signs in tow and hearts full of passion for the cause that brought them together.

In 2017, the United States

awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the surviving Filipino WWII veterans and the family members of those who have fallen, but JFAV is calling for concrete solutions that could “appropriately bring justice” to the Filipino veteran community.

“It was a milestone for our Filipino WWII veterans and their families to receive this honor, but today we are asking for four things, four things that could

bring us closer to appropriate recognition of the Filipino World War II veterans,” Art Garcia of JFAV said on Monday. “These four things won’t take away the decades of negligence on the part of our nation’s lawmakers, but it will right the wrongs and build a foundation for the future, the future of how we treat our veterans.”

Garcia explained that the im-

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November 14-20, 2019 • LAS veGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL

PH envoy meets US senators...

PAGE 1 Romualdez met with Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), two of the five U.S. senators that earlier filed a resolution condemning De Lima’s imprisonment as well as a resolution banning the entry of Philippine government officials involved in De Lima’s detention.

The other senators were Marco Rubio (R-FL), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Chris Coons (D-DE).

In their resolution, the five senators said De Lima was a “prisoner of conscience, detained solely on account of her political views and the legitimate exercise of her freedom of expression.”

“The Ambassador (Romualdez) said he will continue to engage the senators on these issues and all aspects of PH-U.S. relations,” said the Philippine Embassy in the U.S. in a tweet.

Romualdez also said that the

Dateline USa

Massive outrage sparks over Spanish-produced...

From The FronT Page

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case of news website Rappler and its CEO, Maria Ressa, was also discussed in the meeting.

In September, a U.S. panel approved a bill titled “Prohibition on Entry” for local officials who had something to do in the “wrongful” imprisonment of De Lima.

Malacañang, for its part, was not pleased with the U.S. Senate resolution, and accused Washington of interference on the Philippines’ sovereignty.

“It seeks to place pressure upon our independent institutions, thereby effectively interfering with our nation’s sovereignty,” said presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo.

De Lima, a vocal critic of President Rodrigo Duterte, has been detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial center in Camp Crame since February 2017. (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress)

Marcos camp hits ‘lazy’...

PAGE 1 as well as aid the Supreme Court which is sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET). “[To me], because of the very busy schedule of the vice president, and the challenge she now faces, [pehaps] Mr. Marcos would act as a statesman …[and withdraw the] protest,” Macalintal said. “[I do not want to speak too soon but] it’s a gentlemanly act, [this would not only help] Vice President Robredo, [but Mr. Marcos would help the] Supreme Court [as well],” he added.

Marcos in 2016 filed an electoral protest against Robredo, after losing in the 2016 presidential elections by a margin of around 280,000 votes. He insists that he was cheated, even if the initial recount by SC revealed that Robredo was able to recover at least 15,000 votes.

However, Rodriguez previously said that this figure — even if it is on Robredo’s side — should be considered significant as it is also possible for Marcos to gain votes at the later stages of the recount.

Macalintal countered Rodriguez, saying that SC should uphold Rule 65 of the PET rules, where failure to recover a substantial amount of votes is a ground for the dismissal of the protest. n

Monday’s march marked the 19th year that JFAV has hosted the demonstration with the intention of raising awareness and showing support for the nearly quarter-million Filipino WWII vets who have gone decades without recognition for their service. AJPress photos by Noel Ty

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND. SM City Manila unveiled recently its Icy Wonderland Christmas display, which features an endless blanket of snow, twinkling snowflakes, Arctic animals coming to life and an enormous Christmas tree. The sparkling attraction will spread holiday cheer among families visiting the mall. Vice Mayor Maria Shielah Lacuna Pangan, City Administrator Felix Espiritu and SM executives led the unveiling. Also present were actress Elisse Joson, TV host Janeena Chan and the National University Chorale. ManilaTimes.net photo

Robredo discusses anti-drugs...

PAGE 1

legal drugs),” Robredo said in a statement.

According to Robredo, some suggestions were setting clear baseline data in the country’s drug situation, reviewing the Comprehensive Dangerous

Drugs Act and strengthening programs on drug use prevention and community-based drug rehabilitation.

Robredo earlier expressed gratitude to U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim for Washington’s commitment to

help solve the country’s drug problem.

Earlier this week, the vice president also met with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime officials to discuss best practices in tackling the drug menace.

Palace: ‘Build, Build, Build’ criticism...

PAGE 1

of 75 Build, Build, Build flagship projects have started construction.

“Sad to say the Build, Build, Build project of the government has been a dismal failure,” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” project was all about building road networks and modernizing the country’s main gateways, in the hopes of spurring economic growth in the country by providing jobs and boosting spending, especially in the construction sector.

Senate Finance Committee chair Sen. Sonny Angara came to the infrastructure program’s defense, saying that the government is expecting to complete 12 projects by next year, 17 more in 2021, and 26 others in 2022.

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEmbER 14-20, 2019

However, Drilon said “any substantial progress could not be achieved” within two years.

“The problem of underspending, bureaucracy not being able to respond and problem of ill-advised projects must be threshed out. Unfortunately, when we asked that question on the floor, they could not even answer. If they could not provide us with simple information, you can imagine their capacity to implement the project,” he added.

Drilon also pointed out that the Commission on Audit earlier cited the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) — both of which are at the helm of Build, Build, Build’s implementation — as the worst performers when it comes to the capacity to disburse.

“It is indicating that the choos-

ing of the projects were haphazardly done,” he said.

“The disbursement will be the one that will create jobs, create roads, not a feasibility study,” he added.

Angara, meanwhile, said the Build, Build, Build program pushed the country’s infrastructure spending to “more than 5 percent as recommended by the World Bank.”

“I would not say ‘a dismal failure’ kasi malalaking proyekto ‘yan at matagal na tayo hindi nakakagawa ng malalaking proyekto (because these are big-ticket projects and it’s been a while since we embarked on major projects),” he said.

“Mahirap talaga mag-implement ng proyekto (It’s really hard to implement projects) and that is not unique to this administration,” he added. n

Filipino veterans host yearly Veterans Day...

PAGE A1 petus of the march, the fourpronged thesis, included passing The Filipino Veterans Fairness Act (HR 2823), reinstate the Filipino WWII Veterans Parole Program, securing pension eligibility for survivors and their families and removing the quitclaim First proposed in 1993, HR 2823 aims to guarantee citizenship to Filipinos who have served under the United States Armed Forces. Despite the bill’s failure in nearly every Congress since 1993, it continues to be re-introduced by U.S. representatives and senators of both parties.

Similarly, the Filipino WWII Veterans Parole Program, established during the Obama administration, was a family reunification immigration program that allowed family members of Filipino WWII veterans (those who were citizens or green card holders) to remain in the U.S. pending approval of their own immigrant visas.

Passed in 2016, the temporary program was set to last until 2021. But the Trump administration announced on Aug. 2, 2019 that it would suspend the program prematurely based on an executive order issued by President Donald Trump.

As the march and protest grew throughout Monday afternoon, protestors began speaking on a so-called “cultural erasure” of Filipinos in American history.

“When we learn about World War II in school, we hardly get

Slated for a 2020 release in the Philippines, “Elcano and Magellan: The First Voyage Around the World” tells the story of the Spanish expedition around the world in the 16th century led by Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and Spanish navigator Juan Sebastián Elcano, the latter of whom took over the journey after Magellan was killed in the Philippines.

“This is the story of the brave seafarers who grabbed the helm of history and changed its course forever,” CrystalSky Multimedia, the film’s Philippine distributor, said in a since-deleted Facebook post. “A journey which, as many people know, was started

by Ferdinand Magellan who was killed by Lapu-Lapu and his men from the Philippines at the battle of Mactan but that not so many know was concluded by Juan Sebastián Elcano.”

As a film rated for all ages, the conceit of “Elcano and Magellan” is similar to that of Disney’s “Pocahontas” in that it is a children-friendly rendering of one of the most well-known cases of colonialism, many denizens remarked. But unlike “Pocahontas,” which humanized the indigenous Americans, critics say that “Elcano and Magellan” is filled with historical inaccuracies that demonize native Filipinos who

fought to protect the land from the Spanish conquistadors.

There was particular outrage at the film’s depiction of Lapu Lapu, the ruler of Mactan who led the Filipinos in the Battle of Mactan, which resulted in the killing of Magellan.

“Portraying lapu-lapu [sic] as a villain when he was just protecting our land??? This film is gross,” the popular Filipino parody account @PANGINOON tweeted.

Another Twitter user @jamaisryuu wrote in a thread, “Please do not, under any circumstances, support the Elcano and Magellan movie. It portrays colonizers in good light like they’re heroes when Magellan brought suffering to the native Filipinos. And it also portrays natives (especially Lapu-Lapu, one of our country’s national heroes) as villains, which is WRONG.” Months ahead of the film’s release in the Philippines, Filipinos have called for a boycott of the film even setting up a change.org petition to get the film banned in the Philippines. (As of press time, more than 4,300 people have signed the petition.)

“I can tell the atrocities my ancestors were exposed to will not be in the film (the burning of our writings, the rape and killing of our spiritual leaders, etc.),” Mikael S. Diola, a scriptwriter

based in Davao City, wrote in the campaign’s description. “The Filipinos in the film are also shown to be savages when in reality, that is far from the truth. We were kingdoms that already had diplomatic relationships with other Asian countries, had complex social classes and laws and civilized enough to celebrate art.”

Following public outcry and calls for a ban of the film, Malacañang said that it’s up to the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to determine the film’s release in the Philippines.

“Sila ang magde-decide doon (The MTRCB makes that decision),” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a press conference on Thursday, November 7. “We don’t want to preempt the jurisdiction of that agency.”

CrystalSky Multimedia also respond to the online backlash, releasing a statement on Friday, November 8 that noted that it “has heard the public’s sentiments of the film” and “after careful thought and consideration,” it is reconsidering the film’s future in the Philippines by consulting with historians and academics.

“We will base our next steps and actions on their comments and recommendations,” CrystalSky wrote. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

In addition to WWII veterans, Filipino veterans from the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf wars joined in on the march as an act of solidarity.

any mention when there were more than a quarter-million Pinoys in the war effort fighting on behalf of the Americans, and this is how they’re treated,” Sheryl Lagasan told the Asian Journal.

Lagasan referenced the Rescission Act of 1946 which denied military benefits to the 250,000 Filipinos who fought in the war.

“Though it was a big deal for the veterans to receive the congressional gold medal, we need structural change to address the very real needs of these veterans, a community that has been neglected for so long,” Lagasan said.

Other protestors called for extending the awareness to other concerns of the veteran community and pointed out the dissonance of instituting a federal holiday in the name of veterans

while, at the same time, failing to address the needs of the veteran community through policy and government programs.

“Of course it’s important that we have this day, Veterans Day, to honor, not just Filipino veterans, but all veterans. Of course, it’s a really significant thing we do as Americans,” Filipino American Los Angeles Community College student Paul Chavez, whose grandfather fought in the Korean War, told the Asian Journal after the demonstration. “But it means nothing, all this praise, it means nothing if we don’t have these actions to back that up.

You can’t have this sentiment without addressing the needs of these veterans and their families, and that means looking out for their mental and physical health, housing and, you know, secur- The controversial movie follows the voyage of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and Spanish navigator Juan Sebastian Elcano. The ing all their needs.” n two set sail in 1519 and arrived in Cebu, Philippines in 1521.

Photo from Facebook/Crystal Sky Multimedia

November 14-20, 2019 • LAS veGAS ASIAN JoUrNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678 (702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Annual Travel Trade and Consumer Expo bigger and better in 2020

Dateline USa

As 2020 approaches, many readers have questions about the upcoming census. If you have a question or any doubts about the Census, please write to editor@asianjournalinc.com and we will consult the experts to get the answers. These questions were gathered thru social media.

The Asian Journal’s premier project is going to be one of the biggest Filipino American business events of 2020. Inspired by the positive responses from participants the last two years, the Travel Trade and Consumer (TTC) expo moves to the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California on August 8 and 9, 2020 as a bustling hub for opportunities to do business and travel to the Philippines as well as to reach the vibrant Filipino American community.

Located in the heart of Pasadena (Los Angeles), California, the Pasadena Convention Center’s Exhibit Hall A ( 24,000 sq ft) will be the home for the two-day event focusing on Filipino and Filipino American businesses, travel, trade and consumer opportunities.

Pasadena Convention Center, the location for the annual Travel, Trade & Consumer Expo on Aug. 8 and 9, 2020.

cials, delegations bringing export quality Philippine-made products are expected to participate from various provinces once again.

Past exhibitors have reported growing their sales by participating in past TTC events.

The Asian Journal aims to level up the business, advocacies and representation of the Filipino American demographic through the TTC expo. Approaching 30 years in business, the Asian Journal Media Group is one of the leading media companies, providing news and information, advertising, public relations, and business and brand development. The Asian Journal has a variety of online and offline media platforms, which enable businesses to get inside the eyes, homes, and hands of a fast-growing and prosperous group of consumers.

Sponsorship Packages and exhibit Booths are open for booking for businesses to exhibit Travel Destinations, hotels & Resorts, Tours and Pilgrimages; Trade (Logistics, Consumer Goods, Distributorship, Import & export) and Real estate (house and Lot, Condominiums, Land Development, Architecture & Interior Design.)

The TTC expo is also open to exhibitors for Business Opportunities in Franchising, Agriculture / Farming, Technology and Small Business; Medical Tourism, Beauty & Aesthetic Clinics, Carehomes, hospitals, Medicines, Insurance; Consumer Goods & Services (Jobs, Food & Beverage, electronics, Cars, Technology, Apparel, Legal Services, Financial Services).

Interested parties may contact info@asianjournalinc.com. n

Philippines’ Health and Wellness CONFEX roadshow coming to America

The health and Wellness CONFeX, a global campaign that seeks to promote the Philippines as a world-class health and wellness center, is officially coming to America!

Originally launched in Dubai in 2018, this promotional roadshow produced its first conference-expo in Manila earlier this year in April.

Next year, for 2020, in collaboration with the Asian Journal Media Group, the health and Wellness CONFeX will mark its official entry into the US market at the 3rd annual 2020 International Travel Trade and Consumer expo. Dubbed “TTCe”, the grand event ignites, drives, and fuels business-to-business, business-to-government, and business-to-consumer networking, direct sales and marketing, and brand engagement opportunities and collaboration between the U.S. and Philippines.

To be held at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California on August 8-9, 2020 is a two-day event powered and presented by the Asian Journal Media Group. The

event will feature a health and Wellness CONFeX Pavilion where sustainable wellness, beauty, tourism, fashion, food natural and green living products and services from the Philippines will be showcased including Internationally-accredited Philippine hospitals, award-winning wellness resorts and specialty clinics manned by top Filipino dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons will have booths in the pavilion as well to provide a preview of the various services they offer which are already attracting a rapidly growing traffic of health and wellness tourists to the country.

This should prove particularly helpful for U.S-.based Filipinos planning to go to the Philippines for health and wellness reasons.

As balikbayans, they can avail themselves of medical, dental, and even beauty and anti-aging services that are as good as, if not better than, the services they can get in the U.S. – at a fraction of the cost.

The Travel Trade and Consumer expo 2020 will also have Shown above during the partnership signing ceremonies are Raphael John Oriel and Roger Lagmay Oriel of TTCE and Maricris Soriano, Joyce Selga, Cory Quirino, and Vilma Selga of HWC. a B2B matching session where Philippine manufacturers of initiatives of the hWW team health and wellness products – including the health and Wellcan meet with U.S. importers to ness Confex2020 that will be held explore business opportunities on September 11 & 12 next year and forge mutually beneficial at the SMX Convention Center, partnerships.

Metro Manila’s principal exhiBut the collaboration be- bition venue. After all, although tween the Asian Journal and the based in California, the Asian health and Wellness World team Journal Media Group is headed does not just involve the Pasade- by Filipinos who will be most na event. The Asian Journal will happy to see the Philippines also help promote among to emerge as a leading health and their global audience the other wellness center. n

For sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, please visit the event website at www.TravelTradeConsumer.com, www.healthandwellnessworld.com, or Confex@healthandwellnessworld.com

***

Shown from left during the partnership signing ceremonies are: Raphael John Oriel, Maricris Soriano, Joyce Selga, Cory Quirino, Vilma Selga and Roger Lagmay Oriel. Asian Journal’s Travel Trade & Consumer Expo (TTCE) will be held at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena (Los Angeles), California on August 8-9, 2020 featuring Health and Wellness Confex (HWC).

For more information on the Asian Journal Media Group, visit us at www.AsianJournalMediaGroup.com or call 818-502-0651.

Doubts about the Census: How will the first online census work and who guarantees confidentiality?

Pasadena Convention Center will be the venue on its 3rd year

The Pasadena Convention Center has recently undergone a $1.9 million renovation. It has been awarded the LeeD® Gold Certification, and is one of the greenest convention centers in all of North America. It is a premier hub of mainstream conferences, exhibitions, product fairs and concerts.

There will be zones of health & Wellness, Importing & exporting, Franchising, Travel, Real estate, Agriculture and Consumer Goods & Services. The TTC expo fosters Business-to-Business Opportunities, Business-to-Government Networking and Businessto-Customer Selling. The TTC expo will be open to the public.

The TTC expo will feature the health and Wellness CONFeX 2020, a Philippine Roadshow that was launched in Dubai. It brings a wealth of beauty and green living products, wellness resorts, specialty clinics by top Filipino cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists and more.

Industry talks and panel discussions will be on the main stage earlier in the day, then cultural performances and other live entertainment follow the open stage on the exhibit floor. The requisite expo giveaways will be available, and raffles and prizes shall be scheduled throughout the day.

The seminar room will be booked with focused talks by industry speakers. A VIP Lounge will be available for registered delegates that represent commercial buyers and marketing executives and exhibitors to make a connection and further any business prospects.

Through agreements with Philippine trade and local offi-

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEmbER 14-20, 2019

MILITARY ATHLETES. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana meets with the127 soldier-athletes and coaches who will compete at the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on during the send-off ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday, November 11. The ceremony includes the blessing of over 400 soldier-athletes and coaches, security forces, and emergency preparedness and response teams for the 30th SEA Games the country is hosting from November 30 to December 11, this year. vPNA photo by Joey O. Razon

PH supported 3 UN resolutions on journalists’ safety

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

THE Duterte administration has supported three out of the last four United Nations resolutions to ensure the safety of journalists amid heightened risks members of the media are facing globally, including the Philippines.

A report of Article 19, a British human rights organization with a specific mandate and focus on the defense and promotion of freedom of expression and freedom of information worldwide, titled “Ending Impunity: Acting on UN Standards on the Safety of Journalists,” showed the countries that expressed intent to support or co-sponsor UN resolutions that set out commitments for states to ensure the safety of journalists.

The Philippines was a party to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Resolutions in 2018 and 2016 and UN General Assembly Resolutions in 2017 and 2015.

The 2018 UNHRC Resolution called on political leaders to stop denigrating journalists and undermining trust in independent media, and urges states to bolster digital security, and cease the abuse of defamation laws against journalists.

The 2016 Resolution, meanwhile, spotlights impunity, urges the release of arbitrarily detained journalists, the reform of laws that obstruct journalists’ work, and calls on states not to interfere with tools for encryption and online anonymity.

The UN-GA Resolutions focused on addressing gender-related attacks on journalists and national security and counterterrorism measures that hinder journalists’ work.

The resolutions have also highlighted the growing threat posed by unlawful surveillance, and interference in the right to privacy, including government sponsored hacking.

But despite these, journalists — including those who live in countries that are party to these resolutions — still face heightened risk at work.

“In spite of the adoption of 10 UN resolutions on the safety of journalists since 2006, and the establishment of numerous mechanisms for monitoring implementation of States’ commitments at the international level, the risks facing journalists and media workers have not subsided and, in many contexts, are on the increase,” the report said.

Through the resolutions at the UNHRC and UN-GA, states have increasingly recognized the need to take a holistic approach to enhancing the safety of journalists, addressing the range of interconnected, and often overlapping, threats, whether of a physical, legal, political, technological, or economic nature.

“Public officials and political leaders who denigrate and threaten the media, and undermine its credibility are also acknowledged as exacerbating journalists’ risks of facing other types of attack,” said the report.

Article 19, which took its name from Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and defends freedom of expression and freedom of information, said the international community must ensure that states that require technical assistance to meet their international human rights law obligations and commitments on the safety of journalists are

encouraged to seek it, and that those mechanisms are sufficiently resourced to provide meaningful assistance.

Making resources available to organizations working to enhance media freedom, protect journalists from attacks and ensure their access to remedies, is also essential.

“At the same time, the international community must respond more effectively to States who repeatedly or flagrantly violate their human rights obligations and commitments related to the safety of journalists,” the organization said.

The organization said that states must be pushed to condemn systemic challenges in country situations of concern, as well as to call for answers and targeted action in response to individual attacks, particularly in cases of impunity.

They should work collectively to ensure accountability in these situations, regardless of the political power of the state in which the violation or abuse has occurred.

Article 19 emphasized that “States should also, at minimum, ensure they are reporting on the implementation of their commitments on the Safety of Journalists, including by responding systematically to communications on the safety of journalists by UN Special Rapporteurs, and requests for input by the OHCHR and UNESCO, and by systematically submitting data for the monitoring of SDG 16.10.1.”

UN Resolutions on the Safety of Journalists call on all states to effectively enhance the safety of journalists and break the cycle of impunity through targeted action on three interconnected fronts: prevention, protection and remedy. n

8chan owner sues founder for cyber libel in PH 8CHAN owner James Arthur “Jim” Watkins on October 30 filed a cyber libel complaint against its founder Fredrick Brennan for tweeting that Watkins is “going senile” on September when he appeared before the United States Congress to give his testimony about 8chan.

8chan is an online messaging board that has been used by anonymous right-wing extremists, misogynists, and conspiracy theorists. Brennan left the website in 2016 after the site strayed away from his initial vision of free speech and completely cut ties with it in 2018.

The website has been linked to

atrocities like the shooting in El Paso, Texas, which killed 22 and injured 24 others.

“My theory that Jim Watkins himself is going senile and actually believes in Q is no longer a theory,” Brennan’s tweet read.

Meanwhile, in Watkins’ 12page complaint obtained by CNN Philippines, he said: “[Brennan’s] Twitter posts are not only an innocent commenter, with knee-jerk reactions and comments just to catch in on the controversy. His statements were posted out of pure hate and lust for vengeance to ride on and exacerbate the issue so as to darken [my] reputation and competence.”

He also stressed that free speech had its limits in the Philippines.

“The exercise of the right of free expression and free speech like any other right enshrined in our Constitution comes with an equal burden of responsible exercise of that right. after all, the recognition of a right is not a free license for the one claiming it to run roughshod over the rights of others,” Watkins said.

Both Watkins and Brennan are U.S. nationals residing in the Philippines. Unlike in the U.S., defamation is a criminal offense in the Philippines and could land anyone convicted of it in jail. (Ritchel Mediola/AJPress)

Kai Sotto commits to play for Atlanta-based team

by Luisa

MoraLes Philstar.com

FILIPINO basketball phenom Kai Sotto has agreed to play a season with Atlanta-based squad The Skill Factory (TSF) in the U.S. Taking to his personal Youtube channel, Sotto announced his commitment to the squad as well as the national team.

TSF is an organization aimed at the continued development of youth in basketball and volleyball across different levels.

Sotto and the rest of the TSF basketball squad will be competing across different tournaments in the United States.

TSF also announced Sotto’s commitment to the squad with an Instagram TV video in their official account.

The video also shows highlights of Sotto’s stint with the team so far. n Kai Sotto

Group.

On Monday, November11, Lorenzana said he was no longer inclined to support the extension of martial law in Mindanao.

But Esperon said should martial law be lifted, “we should be more diligent, and we must have more deployments.”

“Our operations against the Abu Sayyaf and the Maute [Group] have been successful. We of course saw some cases of suicide bombing,” he added.

The military’s Eastern Mindanao Command was also in favor of lifting martial law, especially in

connected to the Internet.

6. You will have more than one opportunity to participate.

“The invitation will also include information about the option of doing it on paper or by phone,” said Guevara. “Then they will send four more reminders until the end of April.” All households that haven’t self-responded by mid-April will receive a paper form in the 4th mailing. The fifth mailing – a “it’s not too late” postcard – will be sent to those who haven’t responded. If there’s no response from a household after that, an enumerator will come to the door.

7. There will be computers in the community: Guevara indicated that his organization, CHIRLA, is one of the “trusted” messengers who is working to answer community questions and to inform them of the importance of filling out the Census. CHIRLA will provide computers in its offices and knock on doors to remind the community that it is important to participate. It is anticipated that Public Libraries with computers will also become a favorite place for those who do not have easy access to the Internet.

8. It takes little time to respond and it means a lot: “We want to remind you that the Census takes little time to complete, but it means a lot to our communities,” said the activist. “Their results help bring resources to their homes and ensure that our values are represented in government.”

Question: How can i be sure that my information will be kept confidential or that it will not be used against me by the government?

According to a survey by the Public Policy Institute of California, 63% of Californians are concerned about the confidentiality of the data they give to the government in the Census. This sentiment is accentuated in communities such as Latinos (74%) and African Americans (74%).

There are two levels of mistrust.

The first is mistrust of the plat-

form or whether delivering data “online” to the government is safe at a time when hacking into private financial companies is often in the news.

The second is mistrust of the government and how it will make use of citizen data.

As for the first question, the Census Bureau says it has worked at various levels to protect the information it will collect online or through its door-to-door enumerators who will also carry phones with a special application that will transmit data directly to headquarters.

The data will be “encrypted” to protect its transmission. Staff must use double authentication to verify users and the government will use the Einstein 3A system to monitor networks and identify malicious activity around databases.

Second, the confidentiality of the personal information is guaranteed by law, according to Census spokespeople.

“The law is clear: no personal information can be shared,” explained in an email Patricia Ramos, regional Census spokeswoman.

“Under Title 13 of the U.S. Code, the Census Bureau cannot disclose any identifiable information about individuals, households or businesses, even to law enforcement agencies. All Census Bureau employees take an oath to protect your information. We have sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of your data. We could go to jail or be fined up to $250,000 if we violate that oath,” she added.

Guevara, of CHIRLA added that the law is on the side of confidentiality. And for those who do not trust this government, the activist asked to trust the vigilance of the legal community and community groups.

“We are committed to serving as guardians of what happens, we are not afraid to take on the fight necessary to ensure that this government complies with the law,” she said. n

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Philstar.com photo

PNP, security adviser back lifting of martial...

PAGE 1 own [the security in the area].”

The PNP will submit in December its recommendation to the National Security Council on whether or not to lift martial law in December.

Mindanao has been under military rule since 2017.

Banac said the crime volume in Mindanao went down and the spread of loose firearms was now under control.

But authorities remain on high alert in some areas, such as Sulu, because of the presence of terrorist groups such as Abu Sayyaf

Question: Do you mean that this Census will be digital and we will have to put our information online? How will this work?

What will happen to people who do not have access to a phone or computer?

1. The census will be online, but not exclusively. As we do with almost any other transaction today, the 2020 Census will be conducted primarily online. This will be the first time this happens in the survey’s 117 years of existence.

2. The way things used to be: Historically, the Census has been conducted through printed forms that are sent to homes. If the form was not returned, a Census enumerator would then be sent to conduct the survey in person.

3. Choosing how to respond: The 2020 Census will be conducted on a variety of platforms. This time, it will be different, explained Patricia Ramos, a Census Bureau spokeswoman. “Responding to the 2020 Census will be easy for everyone. For the first time, you can choose to respond online and you can also choose to respond by phone, mail, or to a Census worker who arrives at your home.

4. You will get an invitation to go online: Esperanza Guevara, director of Census programs for the Human Immigrant Rights Coalition (CHIRLA) explained that beginning March 12, the Census Bureau will send a letter to 80% of all households inviting them to fill out about ten questions online using a special identifier number.

Another 2v0% will get similar letters plus a paper questionnaire.

5. Not everyone has the Internet. But the first online census does not forget that there are sectors of the population that simply do not have easy access to a computer or an Internet connection.

According to a report by the Public Policy Institute of California, 90% of households in California use the Internet and 73% have a cell phone. However, there are populations that are less connected: in low-income communities, rural areas and Latinos or African Americans, only 54% to 67% are

Davao City.

The Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) said martial law should only be implemented in areas where threats are imminent.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom chief, gave assurances that state forces are “on top of the situation” when it comes to the security of the western Mindanao area.

“The security situation here is manageable, especially now that the local government has been very supportive to us,” Sobejana said in a radio interview. n

6

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NOVEMBER 14-20, 2019 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

D ateline PhiliPPines CBCP: Preparations for 500th year

FEATURES

OPINION

Creative cities

by Nestle

semilla Inquirer.net

CEBU CITY –– Preparations for the 500th anniversary of Christianization of the Philippines in 2021 are underway, according to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

In a press conference on Wednesday, November 13, CBCP officials said three major events would highlight the anniversary.

CBCP president and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles said churches and parishes all over the country would recall the “first recorded Easter Mass.”

“We will recall the first recorded Easter Mass in the Philippines which would be celebrated all

larly in furniture and fashion accessories. The artistry is also evident in the new Terminal 2 of the Mactan Cebu International Airport, which is designed to look like a tropical resort. Opened only in July last year, the expanded airport has also received recognition as one of Asia’s best from the sleepinginairports.net travel website.

Apart from producing items that are pleasing to the eyes, creative cities are also expected to promote efforts for sustainable development. Congestion and the consequent urban blight are increasingly bedeviling Baguio and Cebu. Creativity and innovation can help the two cities manage overcrowding and the need for sustainable development. Creativity also boosts tourism, which stimulates economic growth and creates jobs and livelihood opportunities. Other cities across the country should aspire for recognition in creativity. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

TFC honors the true ‘Global Pinoy Idols’ in Las Vegas on Nov. 23: See you all there!

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS IDOL. LODI. I see these words a lot on social media especially in my engagement with kababayans all over the world. Usually they give reference to people in the entertainment industry that they admire, or people who sing very well to qualify and win in the “Global Pinoy Singing Idol” competition they watch on ABSCBN’s The Filipino Channel (TFC).

But ABS-CBN’s Radio DZMM, of which I have been an anchor for more than 12 years, and TFC, led by the Integrated News and Current Affairs Department of ABS-CBN have given “IDOL” a whole new meaning it rightfully deserve.

Going beyond Filipinos’ innate gift of singing, the “Global Pinoy Idol” campaign now aims to keep the spirit of Bayanihan alive by sharing stories of Filipinos help-

Commentary

ANTONIO P. CONTRERAS IT PROBABLY started as a bluff. Or perhaps President Rodrigo Duterte was simply fed up with the incessant criticism from Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo of his war on drugs.

So, out of exasperation, he simply caved in to what would have been an irrational and ill-conceived urge. It was almost like someone who, having failed to do something right and facing a

ing one another around the world.

As MyTFC.com shared, “DZMM Global Pinoy Idol is a global campaign to share and promote inspiring stories of overseas Filipinos who helped their fellow Filipinos. Our Idols will be recognized and acknowledged during the event. Kapamilya artists will also entertain and give tribute performances for our idols, guests and event attendees.”

This campaign has started honoring our Global Pinoy Idols in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, New Zealand. Now, we will share and promote inspiring sto-

ries of Filipinos in America helping their fellow Filipinos here in their time of need.

Our idols will be recognized and acknowledged during the event “Global Pinoy Idol Las Vegas”.

Kapamilya artists Randy Santiago, Jaya and Inigo will also entertain and give tribute performances for our idols, guests and event attendees. I will be hosting this event with DZMM’s Ahwel Paz. Hear the stories of our Global Idols and be entertained by our world-class performers!

The event will be held on NOVEMBER 23, 2019, Saturday, at the International Theatre of the

Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino Tickets are now on sale at $20 for general admission. Go to MyTFC.com for details and where to buy your tickets.

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW! See you very soon, Kapamilya! *** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos.

over the country. We expect big celebrations all over the country,” said Valles.

Valles said they would also recall the first baptism. CBCP would organize a mission congress to be held in Cebu.

It was on April 14, 1521 when Rajah Humabon, the King of Cebu and 50 men accepted to be baptized by the chaplain of the Spanish fleet.

During the reenactment of the first baptism in the Philippines, 500 children with special needs will be baptized.

The year-long celebration will include the arrival of the replica images of Sto. Nino and Jubilee Cross, which will be toured around the country and brought

back to Cebu in time for the quincentennial celebration.

The countdown Mass will start on December 1.

Kick-off The Order of Augustinian Recollects of Basilica Minore del Sto Niño organized the kick-off ceremony for the 500th anniversary on Wednesday.

Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Gabrielle Cacia presided over the 3 p.m. Mass in the Basilica.

As early as 8 a.m. all roads leading to the Basilica were closed and tight security was implemented.

The celebration in 2021 will also coincide with the 500th anniversary of the arrival of the Sto. Nino image in Cebu. n This undated photo shows Manila City Hall at night.

by CatheriNe

ValeNte ManilaTimes.net

SEN. Emmanuel Pacquiao, or anyone who meets the qualifications laid down by the Constitution, can run for president in 2022, Malacañang said on Tuesday, November 12.

“The Constitution gives requirements. So, anybody, any citizen of this country passing those basic qualifications can be president,” Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said.

He issued the statement after President Rodrigo Duterte urged Pacquiao to carefully study any plan to seek the presidency.

“You must remember the housewife, Cory Aquino, became president,” Panelo said, referring to former president Corazon Aquino, who went up against then strongman Ferdinand Marcos in

by CatheriNe

ValeNte ManilaTimes.net

barrage of criticisms, just simply told these critics to take over and dared them to do the difficult job knowing that they, too, would not succeed. This is a typical mindset of someone who in the face of failure just had had it, and threw a tantrum.

His loyal base and apologists would love to divine from this move of the [resident some semblance of reason. Others were even bold enough to paint over it the image of a strategic mind par excellence. Some even described it as pure genius. When the offer to become the drug co-czarina was made,

President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo

they gleefully said that this was a move to quiet Robredo. And when the offer was turned into an appointment, they said that it was a brilliant move to contain Robredo and paint her into a corner. These loyal Duterte supporters even taunted Robredo, daring her to accept the post.

They claimed that the president has brilliantly checkmated Robredo, in that if she refuses the offer then she would lose any moral ascendancy to criticize.

On the other hand, if she accepts the position it would both silence her and give her the opportunity to self-destruct.

Philstar.com photo

The diehard Duterte supporters (DDS) were all banking on their popular belief that Robredo is allegedly both inept and unhinged, judging by the quality of her pronouncements.

She is a walking disaster in the eyes of the DDS. They thought that the president had cornered Robredo.

They forgot one thing.

On her own, Robredo, may not be a strategic thinker. But the political opposition is not totally bereft of strategists and tacticians. They may be down, but definitely not out. It is also a fact that money can certainly easily procure strategists and tacticians. There are many whose loyalties are not to any politician or party, but to the highest bidder.

Many people paint the president as the ultimate strategist.

However, the jury is still out on whether this is just a claim made by believers based on partisan bias, or if it is based on actual empirical evidence. But, certainly, admitting that he overestimated his capacity to wage war against illegal drugs, something he thought could be completed in three to six months, doesn’t offer a comforting proof of a brilliant strategic mind.

One needs to pause and ask what is the genius behind personally diminishing Robredo publicly, even asking people not to vote for her in the future because she is incapable, only to appoint her to a very important post. One has to perhaps read tea leaves or gaze at crystal balls, even make offerings to the oracle, to know where is the

brilliance in the act of the president in appointing to a sensitive position someone who is being investigated by his own people as part of a cabal that is allegedly involved in inciting to sedition. One can argue that it is inherent in the art of war to keep your enemies closer. Indeed, this is true. But if this is the reason why Robredo is now the anti-drug half-czarina, then it is a tacit admission that she is a formidable foe. This is contrary to Robredo being painted publicly both by the president and the DDS as an inept, incapable and clueless vice president.

It is clear that the president bluffed, and the political opposition, and not Robredo, called his bluff.

And now, the opposition has found a pawn and a platform, to troll the master troll Duterte on the very issue that truly vexes him, one for which he has been targeted for global condemnation, and for which he himself admitted to having overestimated his capability. Some people call this a brilliant strategy, a stroke of genius. Others can, nevertheless, call it an epic miscalculation, one that boomeranged big-time.

I read one DDS gleefully arguing that when Robredo accepted the post of co-chairman of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD), the critics of the president will now be silenced. This is simple naïveté. When in the past, critics of the drug war had no official platform to articulate their criticisms, Robredo now comes in bearing these criticisms as she

presides over official meetings.

She will most definitely push for things that the president and the DDS opposed or were skeptical about — decriminalizing drug use, ending killings, shifting to rehabilitative than punitive measures and looking at drugs more as a public health issue rather than a purely criminal one. If the Duterte administration continues to oppose these, the critics will definitely make noise. And if the DDS both inside and outside of government gang up on Robredo for espousing these ideas, which is very likely, then the opposition will paint this as bullying. Robredo can play the victim card.

What supporters of the president fail to appreciate is that in the attempt to paint Robredo into a wall, they have just delivered to the political opposition an early Christmas gift. Undermining Robredo can expose the idiocy of appointing her but not taking her seriously. And if the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and ICAD adopt her policies, and these end in failure, then it will become not only her failure, but a failure of the Duterte administration.

But should Robredo’s strategies succeed, then she wins. It will be easier for the political opposition to use this to boost her political capital. We can just imagine the political opposition proudly announcing to the world: where Duterte failed, Robredo succeeded.

To think that before this, Robredo was just an object of presidential trolling. (ManilaTimes.net)

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

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Philstar.com photo

President Pacquiao? He can run – Palace Manila is Asia’s 38th ‘most innovative’ city a snap presidential election in 1986.

When asked if Pacquiao would be a good or effective president, Panelo said, “Anybody can be a good president until he sits in the office.”

Under Article VII, Section 2 of the 1987 Constitution, only a natural-born citizen of the Philippines may be elected president.

A presidential candidate must also be a registered voter, able to read and write, at least 40 years of age and a resident of the Philippines for at least 10 years immediately preceding such election.

Pacquiao turned 40 on December 17, 2018.

The boxer-turned-senator earlier said he was not eyeing the presidency.

“I don’t have that in my mind right now,” Pacquiao had said.

“I have no plans to run for presi-

MANILA— The City of Manila placed 38th in this year’s index of most innovative cities in Asia, according to data innovation agency 2ThinkNow. Last year, Manila only ranked 48th in the roster of 108 Asian countries.

The nation’s capital likewise improved its ranking globally and jumped 48 spots to 239th place from its 278th rank in 2018.

2ThinkNow makes city rankings of 500 cities globally and

Sen. Manny Pacquiao

PNA photo

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding Chairman Nur Misuari will meet anew next month to finalize the peace talks between the government and the rebel group, Malacañang said on Tuesday, November 12.

Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said Duterte and Misuari, during their meeting in Malacañang on Monday night, November 11, agreed to create a coordinating body between the two parties.

“It (Monday’s meeting) was a continuation of the meeting when Chairman Nur Misuari came, I

think, last August. Ang usapan nila, magmi-meet ulit sila (They agreed to meet again) because there’s a suggestion that there should be a committee that will help in the peace process. Kaya ‘yung coordinating committee krineate ‘yun (That’s the reason why a coordinating committee will be created),” he said in a news briefing.

Panelo would be part of the government panel, along with Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Carlito Galvez Jr., National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and a lawyer from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“So, there will be a meeting again in Davao by December to

President Rodrigo Duterte gives a warm welcome to Moro National Liberation Front Founding Chairman Nur Misuari at the Malacañang Palace on Monday, November 11.

Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez

Pangilinan raises security worries on Chinese-backed telco

by FraNCes

maNgosiNg Inquirer.net

MANILA — Sen. Francis Pangilinan on Wednesday, November 13, raised his concerns on the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Dito Telecommunity Corp. (former Mislatel), the country’s third telco player, to allow the installation of communication towers in military camps.

Because it is a Chinese stateowned firm, there are fears that it will be compelled to be used for espionage by Beijing, whose laws are required to follow orders like access state secrets, if necessary.

“Under their Counter-Espionage Law of 2014 (CEL) and Chinese National Intelligence Law of 2017 (CNIL) the Chinese government lays down instances wherein its citizens and organizations can be mobilized in support of espionage activities as well as information and intelligence gathering,” he said at the plenary budget hearing of the Department of National Defense.

“We are also concerned about the personal information of our kababayans. Again this is information communication technology.

We do hope that before an approval is made, there is serious assessment regarding putting safeguards in place to ensure that the personal information of those using this telco will be protected, that there would be no breach,” he added.

Dito is 40 percent owned by China Telecom, which is controlled

by the Chinese government.

‘AFP systems prone to eavesdropping and interception’ Pangilinan was able to scrutinize the details of the MOA after he requested a copy of it at a Senate hearing in late September. DND also provided him a risk analysis report.

In the risk analysis, he said the DND acknowledged that the AFP’s communication systems are vulnerable to spying and interception.

“The risk analysis states that the AFP fixed communication system, which links together with the military camps and bases nationwide, is susceptible to electronic eavesdropping and interception. The risk analysis further mentions that the equipment to intercept signals is readily and cheaply available. In other words, you can really intercept,” the senator said.

But the AFP also guaranteed in the report that it will adopt physical access security and network security measures to mitigate the risks, he said.

“China Telco is a state-owned company. Their law says that authorities can mobilize individuals or organizations to carry-out espionage. That being the case therefore, there is really a need to ensure that we have the highest safeguards or measures of security in place with respect to this particular memorandum of agreement,” he said.

The senator also emphasized he was not against entering into a MOA but he wants a guarantee that the country’s interests are not

Sen. Francis Pangilinan

Inquirer.net photo

compromised.

“I’d like to stress that I’m not objecting on entering into a MOA. I would just like to make sure that entering into this MOA, we do have clear cut safeguards to be able to protect our national interest and national security,” he said.

For his part, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who has the final say on whether to approve or reject the deal, said he is waiting for the inputs of lawmakers concerned before he decides on it.

He earlier said he was inclined to approve the MOA but now he appears to be thinking it over once more.

“We are not thinking twice, thrice, four times also. Hintayin ko muna ‘yung concerns nila. Kailangan maaddress ‘yung concerns nila (I will wait for their concerns. We need to address it),” he said. n

ranks their innovation in terms of usage of smart technology and support for start-ups.

According to reports, the index looked at more than 100 indicators including transport, infrastructure, citizen privacy, green architecture, property prices, startup office spaces and internet users.

“Our index is designed to measure innovation conditions, and often predicts rising cities before other rankings,” Christopher Hire, director of 2ThinkNow said.

Meanwhile, 2ThinkNow also classified the Philippine capital as a “node” city, which means that it has “a strong performance across many innovation segments, with key imbalances or issues.”

New York City emerged as this year’s most innovative city in the world, dethroning last year’s top two winners, Tokyo and London, which took the second and third spots in this year’s Innovation Cities Index. (Rosette Adel/Philstar.com)

(beer) and alcopops will face a specific tax rate of P45 per liter on the first year of implementation— which will increase by P10 every year until the fourth year. The specific tax rate will increase by 10 percent every year thereafter.

The bill also proposes to increase e-cigarettes (under the heat-not-burn product category) rates from P10 per pack to P45 per pack on the first year.

Wine products will also be slapped with a specific tax of P600 per liter for sparkling, and P43 per liter for still and carbonated wines.

Lawmakers have previously

expressed a possible “win-win situation” with the bill’s passage— as it seeks to “curb” vices while supporting the nationwide health program.

If passed into law, the measure could generate P47.9 billion for the Universal Health Care program next year, and a total of P356.9 billion for the program over the next five years based on Department of Finance estimates.

A counterpart version of the measure was approved in the House of Representatives in August. (Catherine Valente/ManilaTimes.net)

Duterte certifies as urgent Senate bill hiking alcohol, tobacco taxes

dent.”

He has been a legislator since 2010, when he represented SaPRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte rangani province at the House of has certified as urgent a proposed Representatives.

He was reelected in 2013 and Senate bill increasing excise tax on liquor, e-cigarettes, and vapor became a senator in 2016. n products, including electronic cigarettes.

In a letter addressed to Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Tuesday, November 12, Duterte finalize [the talks]. The purpose of called for the “immediate enactcourse is to have peace with the ment” of Senate Bill 1074 “to adMNLF and to ensure the success dress the urgent need to generate of the government,” he added. additional revenue to support the In August, Duterte ordered the effective implementation of the creation of a coordinating com- Universal Health Care Act and to mittee with the MNLF to conduct further protect the right to health peace talks. of the people.”

The Palace said the committee Under the bill, fermented liquor would aid the country in achieving peace by “helping in combating the Abu Sayyaf Group and convincing MNLF relatives to return to the fold of the law.”

In 1996, the MNLF forged a peace pact with the national government that saw the creation of the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), where Misuari ruled as governor.

The ARMM, however, was replaced by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), following the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law anchored on the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a group that broke away from the MNLF several years before the 1996 peace deal.

The MNLF, under the leadership of Misuari, has questioned the supposed inequitable distribution of positions at the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, an interim governing body of the BARMM. n

Duterte, Misuari to finalize peace talks

An epic miscalculation

of PH Christianization underway

EVEN before the year is over, tourist arrivals for 2019 have hit six million — the first time that the figure has been attained. It’s unclear if much of the increase can be attributed to Chinese mainlanders intending to work in offshore gaming operations but entering the Philippines by securing tourist visas on arrival.

Still, the overall visitor figures are up — and they could go even higher. One way of becoming more attractive to foreign travelers is by unleashing the creative juices of residents.

The cities of Baguio and Cebu have received recognition for creativity from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

As part of UNESCO’s “Network of Creative Cities,” Baguio and Cebu can draw more visitor interest from around the world.

Baguio, long known for its distinctive Ifugao designs and craftsmanship, was included in the network in late 2017 as a “Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.” On Oct. 30 this year, UNESCO designated Cebu as a “Creative City of Design,” including it among 66 new additions to the network, which now covers 246 cities.

Cebu is renowned for its craftsmanship particu-

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Peralta revamps Senate,House Electoral Tribunals ChIeF Justice Diosdado Peralta has reorganized the Senate electoral Tribunal (SeT) and the house of Representatives electoral Tribunal (hReT).

The chief justice issued a Special Order assigning senior members of the Supreme Court to the electoral tribunals.

The SeT will still be headed

by Senior Associate Justice estela Perlas Bernabe with Associate Justices Alfredo Benjamin

Caguioa and Alexander Gesmundo as members.

Meanwhile, Associate Justice Mario Victor Leonen shall serve as chairman of the hReT with Justices Andres Reyes Jr. and Jose Reyes Jr. as members.

The SeT and the hReT are mandated to rule on electoral cases involving Senate candidates and congressional candidates.

The most recent case pend-

ing at the SeT was the election protest filed by Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs and former Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino against detained Sen. Leila de Lima. Tolentino placed 13th, while de Lima placed 12th in the May 2016 elections. Tolentino withdrew the case when he again ran for senator in the May 2019 polls.

(ManilaTimes.net)

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Albayalde had control of ninja cops in drug stingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; by evelyn

macaiRan Philstar.com

MANILA â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) said their former boss Oscar Albayalde had direct control and supervision over the multimillion-peso anti-illegal drug operation conducted in 2013 by the team of Maj. Rodney Baloyo IV, tagged as â&#x20AC;&#x153;ninja cops,â&#x20AC;? in Pampanga.

In their 15-page reply affidavit, the PNP-CIDG represented by police Lt. Julius Sagandoy rebutted the counter-affidavit filed

by Albayalde, saying the former PNP chief used denial as his main defense.

They added that Albayalde wanted to downplay the â&#x20AC;&#x153;partial committee reportâ&#x20AC;? of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee headed

by Sen. Richard Gordon and instead supported as gospel truth the testimonies given by Baloyo and his police team.

The CIDG argued: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Senate Blue Ribbon proceedings and the witnesses presented therein under oath are competent enough to establish probable cause against the respondents.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The overt acts of respondent Police General Albayalde, as then acting provincial director, Pampanga Police Provincial Office, were clear. he had direct control and supervision over the operation of respondent Supt.

Baloyo and his team at Lakeshore, Mexico, Pampanga as of 23 November 2013 until he was administratively relieved on 26 March 2014,â&#x20AC;? the CIDG said.

Albayalde claimed he was administratively relieved as provincial director of Pampanga and placed on floating status on March 26, 2014, but the CIDG said this was already four months after the large quantity

Former PNP chief Oscar Albayalde Philstar.com photo

of illegal drugs reportedly went missing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Albayalde was fully informed about every detail that was happening during the raid, including, but not limited to, the marked money, pre-arranged signal, suspectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; arrest and confiscation of suspected shabu placed in one open luggage and one medium-size box, the cash money amounting to P300,000 and the marked money amounting to P100,000,â&#x20AC;? the CIDG said.

It added, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Despite knowledge of the irregularities in the said operations, he remained mum and even applauded respondents Supt. Baloyo and his team for a job well done.â&#x20AC;?

The CIDG also pointed out that the dismissal of the criminal case against Chinese national Ding Wenkun and Roel Cabag strengthened the allegations allegedly committed by the respondents in the case.

There are reports that Baloyoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team originally arranged an anti-illegal drugs operations

against alleged large-scale Korean drug trafficker Johnson Lee in a house he was renting in Woodbridge Subdivision in Mexico Pampanga.

But the 13 policemen allegedly released Lee in exchange for 160 kilograms of shabu worth P648 million, P50 million in cash, brand new sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and, in his stead, presented Ding Wengkun as suspect.

During the fourth preliminary investigation, the DOJ panel of prosecutors led by Senior Associate State Prosecutor Alexander Suarez and members Assistant State Prosecutors Josie Christina Dugay and Gino Paolo Santiago noted that out of the 13 original respondents and Albayalde, only nine of them were present.

Present were Police Sr. Insp.

Joven de Guzman Jr., Senior Police Officer 1 Jules Maniago, SPO1 Rommel MuĂąoz Vital, SPO1 Dante Dizon, SPO1 eligio Valeroso, Police Officer 3 Dindo Dizon, PO3 Gilbert de Vera, PO3 Romeo Guerrero Jr. and Police Officer 2 Anthony Lacsamana.

While Albayalde and Baloyo were not present, SPO1 Donald Roque and SPO1 Alcindor Tinio attended separate court hearings, while SPO1 Ronald Santos never showed up for preliminary investigation.

Prosecutor Suarez said last Nov. 8, Santos sent his counteraffidavit via courier. But the panel decided to no longer accept his counter-affidavit because he submitted it after the deadline set by the panel; the complainant CIDG said they were not furnished a copy and Santos failed to state to whom he affirmed his counter-affidavit.

The DOJ panel gave the respondents seven days or until Nov. 18 to submit their rejoinders. n

VETERANS DAY. Defense Undersecretary Ricardo David (right) and U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission John Law (left) lead the wreath laying during Veterans Day, a United States federal holiday observed annually on November 11, honoring and remembering all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces, held at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday, November 11. The war memorial contains the remains of 17,058 Filipinos and Americans who died in the Pacific, China, India, and Burma during the war.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

Senate to probe rise in child cybersex trafficking

by Paolo

RomeRo Philstar.com

The Senate will look into the rising incidents of cybersex trafficking involving children in the Philippines despite existing laws meant to shield and guard them against all forms of exploitation and violence.

The inquiry was prompted by a resolution filed by detained Sen. Leila de Lima directing the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality to inquire into the unabated proliferation of child cybersex abuses in the country and review the status of implementation of existing laws on protecting children from abuses. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cybersex abuse is now terribly advancing and spreading to different platforms from social media networks, dating sites and online chat rooms thus making the investigation and identification of sexual predators harder,â&#x20AC;? she said in raising alarm over the rising cases. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The continuous increase of disturbing and disheartening cases of cyber child sex abuse only shows the utmost need for the government to review, assess and expand the implementation of the laws that are supposed to protect the Filipino youth and children,â&#x20AC;? she added.

Citing a report of the anti-trafficking organization International Justice Mission, the senator said the number of rescue operations related to cybersex trade in the Philippines appallingly increased from 17 in 2015 to 51 in the first quarter of 2018, with age of the victims down to below 12 years old.

A report from the United Nations Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fund noted the Philippines has become â&#x20AC;&#x153;the epicenterâ&#x20AC;? of the livestream sexual abuse trade and the No. 1 global source of child pornography. The same report said Philippine justice department receives more than 3,000 reports from overseas of possible cybersex trafficking cases every month.

Based on the 2019 records of PNP Women and Children Protection Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, among hotspots for child pornography trade in the country is Taguig City, while Iligan City, Cebu, Pampanga and Tarlac are areas with the most recorded cases of cybersex trafficking. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Many victims are exploited by their own families and unable or afraid to speak out, while the encrypted nature of modern technology from messaging to video call apps makes criminals tough to track,â&#x20AC;? De Lima noted.

She said she hopes that the

proposed Senate investigation into the cases of cybersex trafficking in the country could lead to possible legislation imposing stiff penalty and hefty fines against sexual predators. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The pervasive problem of child abuse and sex trafficking in the Philippines calls urgently for more vigilant, tougher and higher penalties to eradicate this growing industry of child exploitation through cyber pornography in the country and consequently ensure that offenders are held accountable, and due justice is delivered to children,â&#x20AC;? she said.

She also underscored the need to coordinate the Philippine governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts with its international allies â&#x20AC;&#x153;to overcome all obstacles in terms of enforcement, particularly in tracking international offenders who are protected by internet anonymity.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is urgent need to take notice and act as these types of crime tend to proliferate quickly with the advent of exponential advancement and sophistication of technologies connected to the internet,â&#x20AC;? De Lima said.

This 18th Congress, De Lima filed Senate Bill No. 621 requiring commercial establishments and public institutions to use appropriate filtering devices that will restrict childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s access to harmful materials on the internet. n

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL â&#x20AC;˘ NOVEmbER 14-20, 2019

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november 14-20, 2019 • LAS veGAS ASIAn JoUrnAL

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VEGAS&STYLE

Health@Heart

Journal Matteo talks about his dream wedding Maja on how she got lucky in life and love

by Ricky Lo

by MJ

MaRfoRi ManilaTimes.net

Philstar.com

Six months before Matteo Guidicelli posted their “sakal” (strangled) photos in his social media accounts, showing his girlfriend Sarah Geronimo wearing what looked unmistakably like an engagement ring on her left hand, Matteo already hinted ”at it“ in an interview with The Star last May. He captioned his post, ”i love you my love, now and forever,“ and his brother Paolo confirmed that Matteo and Sarah have been engaged for a year.

Asked in that May interview if he and Sarah got engaged during a trip abroad, Matteo only laughed and said, “Secret!” in showbiz parlance, that kind of answer (like “no comment”) is interpreted as yes. Even if Sarah is proudly showing the whole world “that ring,” the sweethearts haven’t categorically admitted that they are engaged. Actually, it goes without saying.

What remains is the hint at when and where they would get married. Sarah at 31, two years older than Matteo, needs no parental consent. According to those close to the Geronimos, not even Sarah’s over-protective mom Divine can thwart whatever decision Sarah makes. Proof: Sarah has been traveling un-chaperoned with Matteo and is accepted as

YES, Maja Salvador has got it all. The looks, the talent, a toprated prime time show on ABSCBN and a flourishing love life.

How can anyone get so lucky in life and love, right? Her secret?

“Maging positive ka lang lagi paggising mo. Iba talaga — sobrang powerful — and magtiwala ka sa sarili mo. Isa iyon sa dahilan para maging successful ang isang tao,” she generously spilled. in The Times caught up with the award-winning actress, singer and dancer during her launch as the newest celebrity endorser of fast food chain Jollibee’s Super Meals.

Another blessing come her way, Maja admitted she has always dreamt of endorsing the proudly Filipino brand fast food chain.

“Seventeen years na ako sa industriya pero hindi ko sukat

Matteo Guidicelli and Sarah Geronimo

member of the Guidicelli family. in that interview, Matteo also revealed what kind of wedding he had in mind.

“Of course, getting married has been a topic, we’ve been discussing marriage,” he had added,

Photo from Instagram/@matteog

“after all we’ve been together for several years now. What i want is just a simple and small wedding with family.” (Note: it was Sarah who admitted that she and Matteo have been going steady since 2014.)

PH bet Patch Magtanong finishes at Miss International 2019 top 8

by Jan

MiLo SeveRo Philstar.com

PHiLiPPiNES’ Bea Patricia “Patch” Magtanong lands at the top 8 of the Miss international 2019 pageant held on Tuesday, November 12, in Japan.

Miss Thailand succeeds Venezuela’s Mariem Velazco as the new Miss international.

Philippines’ Ma. Ahtisa Manalo finished as first runner-up at last year’s pageant.

“To cheer all women means to support all women, regardless of the race, religion, or background,” Patch said in her speech, which she wrote.

Miss international 2016 Kylie Verzosa from the Philippines interviewed the contestants about their experiences during the pageant.

Kylie asked Patch: “What’s harder, the pageant or passing the Bar exam?”

“That’s a very difficult question. i would have to say beauty pageant was harder for me because i had training for four years to study, actually, my whole life, i’ve been studying and in Law School, to succeed, you have to study. But here in beauty pageants, there are so many factors. Your walk, your makeup, your hair, and even how you socialize with other people, and it took me so long to learn it and i only had a few months and i had to say it’s harder,” Patch said.

Even before landing at the top 8, the 24-year-old legal counsel from Bataan consistently topped pageant experts’ lists.

Hours before the coronation night, Patch posted a lengthy instagram post saying she felt like she already won with her experiences in the pageant. “i came to Miss international expecting 3 weeks of stress, anxiety and ruthless competition with ultra competitive ladies who were

Maja Salvador

Maja said she will be taking a short break for the holidays as a promise to her family. No matter how busy she is, she makes sure to join their yearly tradition to bond during the season, and is extra excited this year because she will be bringing her non-showbiz boyfriend Rambo Nuñez to meet her mom.

“Mom ko alam naman ng tao nasa Canada na so doon kami sa holidays and kasama si Rambo kasi special request niya. So ipapaalam ko pa si Rambo sa family niya.”

Maja and Rambo first went public as an item in February this year, but the two apparently got together almost a decade ago before rekindling a now more mature romance. What hasn’t changed though is the support of Rambo’s family for their reunion.

She happily shared, “After nine years, nag quadruple pa ‘yung love na binibigay nila, especially ‘yung mga kapatid niya, lalo na si Tita Marilen. Since very supportive sila, talagang ipaparamdam nila na parte ako ng pamilya nila.

Ang maganda roon, ganun din ang kapatid ko at mom ko kay Rambo.”

Maja is pretty certain that Rambo is her real deal but clarified that the rumors of her settling down next year is not true.

“Wala pa. Sabi ko nga sa ibang interviews ko, ito ang first time na sobrang open ako sa relationship ko with the public. Sa instagram, very open ako and hindi ko po ipagkakait ‘yung moment na ‘yun at yung happiness ko ngayon.

Kung mangyari man ‘yun, kung mapag-desisyunan man namin ni Rambo na i-take na namin ito to the next level, malalaman niyo po.”

She also said her posts with Rambo in South America recently were not prenuptial photos, but were done solely for the ‘gram.

“Si Rambo lahat nag-arrange nung trip; hindi ko na kailangan ng travel agent. Nakita niyo naman Best in Pictorial ako di’ba?

Anim ang dala ko na outfits pero three days lang kami. Nagmukang six days. Pag pumunta kami ng restaurant change outfit ako. For Photo from Instagram/@iammajasalvador instagram talaga.”

How Judy Ann feels about being so back in showbiz by nika

Roque ManilaTimes.net

Miss International Philippines Bea Patricia “Patch” Magtanong Photo from Instagram/@patchmag

nothing like me. instead, i got the most amazing cultural experience of my life, and friendships to last for a lifetime,” she said. “i believe i was able to maximize my time here in Miss international. i grew so much, i learned more about the world and other cultures than i ever have before and i experienced Japan in a way i never would have gotten to if i didn’t join this pageant. Most of all, i had a whole lot of fun!” she added.

She said that her pageant journey will remain to her in her entire life as she met different friends along the way. “i will carry my Miss international journey with me my entire life, and i will never forget the beautiful souls i met along the way. i didn’t expect to connect so

deeply with so many of my sisters, because we come from different countries, but it was so easy, and every person i talked to, i felt so at home,” she said.

Patch also asked for prayers to her countrymen and she said she’s honored representing the county.

“The crown is still waiting for its new queen, but i already feel like i’ve won. Thank you to everybody supporting me, to my entire country, and beyond it. it’s been an honor representing the Philippines, and today is the day!

Please say a little prayer for me!” she said.

The Philippines’ Miss international winners are Gemma Cruz (1964), Aurora Pijuan (1970), Melanie Marquez (1979), Lara Quigaman (2005) and Kylie Verzosa (2016).

Cardo Dalisay’s end isn’t happening soon

by Ricky

caLdeRon ManilaTimes.net

SiNCE Pastor Apollo Quiboloy said it was him who stopped the killer earthquake in Mindanao, Vice Ganda issued a challenge on “it’s Showtime” on Monday, November 11, that the evangelist stop Coco Martin’s “Ang Probinsyano” and the horrendous traffic at EDSA. “Alam mo kung sino ang magiging pinakamatinding kalaban ni Cardo? Naku, kabahan na si Cardo. Feeling ko si Quiboloy, yung nagpahinto ng lindol. Si Quiboloy lang ang mapagpapahinto ng ‘Probinsyano.’ Abangan ninyo yan,” said Vice.

The studio audience found Vice Ganda’s words very amusing.

“Hinahamon kita, Quiboloy.

Ipahinto mo na ang ‘Probinsyano.’

Napahinto mo pala ang lindol.

Napakayabang n’yo pala, eh!” the comedian added with seriousness.

“Sabi niya raw, stop. Sige nga, punta ka sa gitna ng EDSA, stop mo yung traffic dun.”

akalain magiging parte ako ng Jollibee. Ito yung prize mo eh nung bata ka pa. Kapag pinaghugas ka ng mommy mo ng pinggan, sasabihan niya mamaya may Chicken Joy ka o Spaghetti. So bata palang talaga ako, parte na siya ng buhay ko.”

The 31-year old actress shares that contentment is another secret to her success; that which she credits for the endless blessings that come her way.

“Walang kulang. Feeling ko sa ating lahat akala natin may hinahanap tayo but sometimes kailangan natin sabihin na kung ano talaga ang para sa atin — no more no less. Katulad nito, nag-perform lang ako sa isang prestigious awards show ng Jollibee and parang sabi ko gusto ko mag-audition so kinareer ko talaga iyong pagsasayaw ko.

Performance level at may dance showdown pa kami ni Jollibee.

And ayon na, here i am.”

To end such a productive year,

Coco Martin

ABS-CBN photo

The pastor who introduced himself as Appointed Son of God and leader of the Davao-based religious group Kingdom of Jesus Christ became a trending topic when he said that it was him who stopped the strong 6.6 magnitude earthquake in Mindanao.

People are wondering why Mr. Quiboloy had the guts to say that. if he really had the power to stop the earthquake by just saying, “Stop,” then he should have prevented the earthquake from happening at all. That would mean no lives lost, no injuries and no destruction to properties.

But why should we believe that Mr. Quiboloy was able to stop the earthquake? is he God? it is only God who can command the forces of nature to stop.

Maybe Mr.Quiboloy was hungry when he uttered those words.

And does he have the power to stop “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” of Coco Martin, which have been the most popular TV show on primetime for four years now? Not even GMA 7 was able to stop it onslaught as all the shows that GMA pitted against “Ang Probinsyano” fell by the wayside.

We doubt it very much if he can stop “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.” The end for Cardo Dalisay is far from happening!

BESiDES a primetime series, Juday has an MMFF entry and of course her family priorities With her teleserye comeback “Starla” well into its second month, not to mention a Metro Manila Film Festival entry in “Mindanao,” and of course, her regular YouTube channel “Judy’s Kitchen” running, as well as her restaurant Angrydobo ironed out, to say that hands-on mom and devoted celebrity wife Judy Ann Santos is busy is an understatement.

Nevertheless, her star shines as bright as ever with her fans and admirers of sheer talent excited to see “Juday” back on the small and big screens, and even their smart phones and tablets.

With so much going on, The Manila Times had to ask the Prime Superstar at the sidelines of yet another endorsement launch if she feels in anyway her showbiz comeback a little overwhelming.

“Actually!” Santos laughed in acknowledgement. She had just come off stage after her official presentation as ready-to-use coconut milk brand Coco Mama’s new ambassador but still granted interviews to waiting media.

“Napapagod na rin naman ako pero i am not complaining. i’m just praying for energy and positivity to be able to do all these properly and to be able to inspire.

Parang pang beauty pageant yung sagot ko,” she joked.

What she said next was surprising though as the Queen of Philippine Soap Opera who started out as a child actress to become a household name to this date, admitted she still had doubts about taking on full plate in showbiz.

“At some point, mawawalan ka ng lakas ng loob [and think] na ‘makakabalik pa ba ‘ko?’ And then when you start doing things that you really love to do, hindi mo napapansin na nakabalik ka na pala.

And then you get overwhelmed with so many things, you get tired, then you just reset again.”

Santos continued, “i just always start my day with a positive note na ‘i am just so lucky because i was given another chance

PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS WHY is lovemaking good for us?

Scientific evidences suggest that clean sex is good for us in more ways than one. Here are some of the dozen reasons why it is so: 1. Sex is a beauty treatment.

Medical tests show that when women make love they produce amounts of the hormone estrogen, which makes their hair shine and skin smooth.

2. Gentle, relaxed lovemaking reduces your chances of suffering dermatitis, skin rashes and blemishes. The sweat produced cleanses the skin pores and makes your skin glow.

3. Lovemaking can burn up some of those calories you piled on during that romantic dinner, albeit only about 90 calories (22.5 calories after 15 minutes of foreplay and about 67.5 calories during actual intercourse for 15 minutes).

4. Sex is one of the safest sports you can take up. It stretches and tones up just about every muscle in the body. It’s more enjoyable than swimming 20 laps, jogging a couple of miles, and you don’t even need special sneakers! But this is not enough exercise, and not a substitute for daily brisk walking, dancing, aerobics, etc.

5. Sex is an instant cure for mild depression. It releases endorphins into the bloodstream, producing a sense of euphoria and leaving you with a feeling of well-being.

6. The more sex you have, the more you will be offered. The sexually active body gives off greater quantities of chemicals called pheromones. These subtle sex perfumes drive the opposite sex crazy! But this is not a reason for not taking a shower because the body continues to give off this hormone after a bath or shower.

7. Sex is the safest tranquilizer in the world. It is 10 times more effective than Valium and other sedatives when it comes to providing the individual the sense of relief, satisfaction, fulfillment and tranquility.

8. Kissing each day will also keep the dentist away. Kissing encourages saliva to wash food from the teeth and lowers the level of the acid that causes decay, preventing plaque build-up.

9. Sex actually relieves headaches. A lovemaking session can release the tension that restricts blood vessels on the surface of the brain.

10. Lovemaking can unblock a

Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond MONETTE ADEVA MAGLAYA

Judy Ann Santos

in show business.’ i am just so happy that people still watch me, people still get inspired with what i do, with what i say. And yung gratefulness ko that people appreciate and accept whatever role i play, OK na OK na ako because i get to play around already with the characters given to me.”

Life lessons With a career spanning decades, Santos has definitely played every role there is and has earned to be more adventurous in choosing what projects to do today.

“OK na ko maging adventurous when it comes to characters.

Tapos na ‘ko sa sabunutan, sampalan factor,” she laughed again, explaining she wants roles that would challenge her artistry.

“Just like my role in ‘Starla’ na bida-contrabida,” she noted.

Given her vast experience in the biz, what advice can Judy Ann Santos give to endless generations of young Filipinos hoping to become like her?

ABS-CBN photo

“if you put your heart and passion in your work, it will never feel difficult,” she declared. Hindi ka mapapagod, ‘di ka mabubugnot.

Hindi ka magiging diva sa set kasi maiintindihan mo na yung mga kasama mo nagtatrabaho dun, nagtatrabaho ng mas doble, triple sa ‘yo pero ikaw isa sa mga pinaka malaking bayad. it’s unfair to give them a hard time just because you’re tired. it’s not acceptable.”

Most of all, she calls on the young ones in showbiz “to make it real.” “i am not the smartest celebrity out there but you know whatever i say, alam nilang ganun ako magsalita at naiintindihan nila na nagiging totoo ako sa sinasabi ko. Sana at some point, magtranscend din sa ibang celebs na you just have to show the real you and all the more people will appreciate you. You believe your truth and as long as you’re happy with what you do, i don’t see you going wrong.”

(Part 2 of 2) (Continued from last week …)

FORTUNATELY, the dollar’s value is holding up pretty nicely, this time around but don’t go crazy spending like a drunken sailor. If you are still in the work force, you know deep down in your bone marrow that each dollar is hard earned.

Tame that ego that wants to flaunt your dollar-earning status.

It can trigger jealousy and envy from others. Come down from your high horse when buying stuff but go big-hearted when giving tips and gifts to others in your immediate and far-flung orbit especially strangers down on their luck.

If you have a good-paying job or a thriving business during this booming American economy in the Age of Trump, realize you are one of the blessed ones. Gratitude translates to generosity and benevolence. After all, each of us is God’s conduit or tool to spread His graces.

Depending on your persuasion, God or the devil, is in the details. You map out the daily schedule from Day One to the end date and get all the advance information you need.

Why? Because unlike in the US where information is like water available on tap, the flow of information in the Philippines, unless you are wired with a laptop and always in a place with wi-fi access, may be spotty. Information may be inaccessible. Paying an extra $20 hotel rate per day for wifi access in your room is a stinker. A better way is to get a cellphone with local access and be good at texting. Filipinos are champion texters and they will leave you in the dust, if you aren’t.

Even the magtataho and tricycle driver owns a cellphone.

Why go to the Philippines when there are a lot of choices out there at far less cost? Ask any emigre. A trip to the native country is in a class by itself when it comes to travel choices.

For many first generation ex-

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 14-20, 2019

Health benefits of sex Calendar of Events across

stuffy nose. Sex is a natural antihistamine by producing adrenalin in the blood stream. In many cases it can help prevent asthma, hay fever or mild allergies.

Individuals who have special concerns on this matter should consult with their physician for appropriate medical advice.

However, lovemaking is only a small part of true love and caring between husband and wife or lovers. As long as you are able to feel and give love to that special person in your life, the actual physical and sexual expression of this sentiment is secondary. And as couples grow older together, the physical affection is gradually transformed into a longer lasting, sacred, and spiritual love for each other. A love that truly binds two soul mates into one for the rest of their life.

Will cervical cancer be a disease of the past?

Hopefully so. A vaccine to prevent cancer of the cervix has been developed and impressive clinical studies showed it is practically 100% effective in warding off malignancy of the cervix, a significant killer cancer among women.

However, there are numerous HPV strains causing cancer that are not covered by this vaccine.

Scientists are still working on a common vaccine that will protect women from all types of cancercausing HP Viruses.

Does high cholesterol increase the risk for heart attack?

There is no question that high blood level of cholesterol (from eating pork, beef, eggs, etc) increases the risk for heart attack and even stroke. The popular ongoing Framingham Heart Study in Massachusetts initially conducted in 1948 with 5127 male and female subjects revealed in no uncertain terms that a 1% rise in cholesterol level results in 2% increase in the risk of coronary heart disease in both sexes. Cigarette smoking is a most deadly factor in the causation of heart attack and stroke, not to mention cancer of the lungs and other organs in the body. Lack of daily exercise is also an important cause of heart disease. As far as diet is concerned, the healthiest one is a daily menu consisting of fish, vegetables and other hi-fiber foods.

Are all antibiotics effective for all infections?

No, not all antibiotics have the same spectrum of activity against bacteria. In general, different microorganisms respond to specific antibiotic drugs. While there are broad spectrum antibiotics, which could cure various infections, no one drug will be effective in curing all types of infections caused by all bacteria. This is the reason why specimen (either sputum, blood, wound drainage, urine, stools,

etc.) are obtained and sent to the laboratory for culture and sensitivity tests to find out what type of antibiotic(s) the culprit bacteria are sensitive to, before prescribing the appropriate antibiotic to a patient. With the experience and training of physicians, they also know which infection usually respond well to what antibiotic(s).

Self medication is strongly discouraged because antibiotics, just like any drug, could have some serious, even fatal, side effects for some individuals.

Why do breasts get larger with pregnancy?

Obviously, this is nature’s way of preparing for the birth and feeding of the newborn. Large quantity of fats are deposited in the breasts with the onset of pregnancy. But the actual sequence of physiologic event starts with the development of the placenta during pregnancy, which produced enormous amounts of estrogen.

Acting together with other hormones produced by the placenta, the pituitary and other glands in the body, estrogen makes the mammary ducts grow in size and form more branches. Progesterone, also from the placenta, causes the glandular tissues to enlarge and proliferate. The alveoli (sacs) are lined with milkproducing cells which respond to hormonal stimulation and “instruction” and suppress milk production until the baby is born.

Immediately after the neonate is born, the loss of the placenta and its hormones, the hormone prolactin (secreted by the pituitary gland) becomes unopposed by the placental hormones and stimulates milk production.

What is Ecstasy pill?

Ecstasy drug, which has gained notoriety some years ago, is a hallucinogenic substance that is derived from stimulant amphetamines. The chemical name of ecstasy is 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). This dangerous drug causes hyperpyrexia (high fever), electrolyte imbalance (especially sodium), stroke secondary to cerebral infarction (death of brain tissue from blood clots), liver failure and coma. The drug is not only illegal but quite deadly. No one in his/her right mind would even think of taking this poison.

*** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus in Northwest Indiana and chairman of cardiac surgery from 1997 to 2010 at Cebu Doctors University Hospital, where he holds the title of Physician Emeritus in Surgery, is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Philippine College of Surgeons, and the Denton A. Cooley Cardiovascular Surgical Society. He is the chairman of the Filipino United Network – USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian foundation in the United States. Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com

Getting the most out of a Philippine visit “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

—St. Augustine patriates, the Philippines holds a special place in one’s heart. It’s a place you’ve seen before but would like to look at again with fresh eyes — notwithstanding the negatives— the seemingly endless spate of negative news, disconcerting tales of horrific traffic congestion, the heat, the pollution, extremes in poverty and wealth and the vicious inanity of politics.

Okay then, it’s not perfect but no place in the world is. Nonetheless, it’s still a special place.

Period. No ifs and buts about it.

Warts and all, there are a million and one reasons a Philippine trip is all worth it — particularly during Christmas.

With few exceptions, there can be no happier group of people come Christmastime than Filipinos. Of course, I’m biased.

Anyone else can claim the same.

Nonetheless, it’s a perplexing phenomenon that the world has taken notice of with somewhat of a jaundiced eye.

Christmas begins in September and ends with a bang in January of the New Year, the longest season of merrymaking anywhere in the world. It is as commercial and profit-driven as anywhere else, with cavernous shopping malls and a slew of holiday activities that can give other international shopping malls a run for their money.

Dining out in restaurants can have you wearing clothes 2 sizes bigger in no time at all, if you don’t watch it. There’s just something about the Philippines during Christmas. Despite crass commercialism, Christmas joy among the multitudes seems genuine.

The churches still get filled to the rafters with the faithful, unlike some churches in Europe that are more like empty, tomblike museums than churches with just a handful in attendance. In a largely cynical, jaded world as we have

today, JOY as pure, unfettered, unfeigned and childlike as all that, cutting across all social strata in a poor country, is a phenomenon as rare as the appearance of Halley’s comet.

Why do we come home? Part of the reason is the people — a complex combination of goodness and wickedness, of intelligence and ineptitude and of humility and pride. In the world stage, the Filipino has become the unofficial poster child of what an imported model worker is — and for good reason.

Our best export is our overseas foreign workers, whose remittances, put together, from everywhere in the world, have been propping the Philippine economy, for decades now, IN A HUGE WAY. There are large numbers of OFWs that come home for Christmas just to be with their loved ones. The Filipino is an amazing worker. Whether we like it or not, the work we do has become our sense of worth. To be sure, we have our fair share of scumbags and scalawags whose shenanigans make us cringe and cower in collective shame.

We DO have a disproportionate share of character flaws we laugh off self-deprecatingly with jokes we use in spades as we poke fun at ourselves. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. Maybe it’s time we did, so the world will sit up, take notice and render to us the respect that we deserve.

All told and for the most part, we are a God-loving and Godfearing mass of people — close to 100 million plus strong with about 3 million Fil-Ams and several millions more scattered about the globe— who, in droves, contribute to the general good of humanity in an increasing number of places in the world in myriad capacities.

Edith Wharton was right when she said of travel, “ … you find out

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Arts and Glamour Night in Long Beach, CA Emerald Lantern Group and Pangasinan Brotherhood USA on Saturday, November 16 proudly present dinner-dance at the Long Beach Marriott from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. This unique concept is the vision of Rosemarie De Vera and the Emerald Lantern Group who want to showcase the world-class caliber of Filipino American Visual Artists.Receiving Emerald Awards for Excellence in the Arts are international architect Wilson Deomampo and author of “Visual Diary” A celebration of Creative Spark in 30 years of Architecture. Another recipient is Archie Gadon, Senior Designer and Architect of Freidmutter Group Newport Beach, Project Designer of Ceasars Forum Convention Center, Solaire Resort and other international properties. Also receiving an award is Filipino-American muralist Eliseo Art Silva, the creator of the landmark mural in Historic Filipinotown’s Unidad Park. Emerald is proud to honor Trailblazer Emmanual E-Man Coquia, celebrity who was names Director of Programming of several radio stations after an exhaustive nationwide search. Mereulo Media’s CEO Otto Pardon selected Coquia for his sensible plan and vision that lined perfectly with the company’s goals. Coquia head programming for 3 stationsL Power 106FM, Classic HipHop 93.5, and Cali 93.9 Latin Music Station. Also to be bestowed recognition are Faith Bautista as a Community Hero awardee for her tireless work in retrieving $331 million dollars back into the housing fund amongst other non-profit efforts.

Special Recognition will be given to Henry Sadang, for his charitable work for “Gabay”, parents group of children with autism and cerebral palsy. Gabay is also the beneficiary who will receive part of the proceeds from this event. The art exhibit shall feature the works of Alberto Dulay, Butch Lara, Napoleon Merana, Roland Escalona, Micah V. Javier, Gani, Dino, Rodolfo Mora, event art curator Ron Tuanquin, and more. The Art Exhibit will be open for the duration of the event, open doors at 5:30pm. Guests shall enjoy dinner before the awarding ceremonies, followed by social dancing with DJ Luigi Dizon. Part of the proceeds shall benefit “Gabay” Parents Group of Children with Cerebral Palsy and Autism in the Philippines. Tickets are regularly $100, but readers of this article can use the discount code “AJ” for a 25% discount online at www. artsandglamournight.eventbrite.com, or call Vanie (818) 284-7966 or Wawan (818) 648-4709.

For more information, email emerald@musicartsevents.com or visit www.emeraldlanterngroup. com. Event starts at 6:30pm on November 16 at the Long Beach Marriott Hotel at 4700 Airport Plaza Dr, Long Beach, CA 90815.

N OV E M B E R 2 0

FACCGLA General Membership Meeting in Northridge, CA FACCGLA General Membership Meeting and Networking Mixer “Winning Together” on Wednesday, November 20 features motivational speaker William Hung. He burst onto the scene via American Idol, and now he is a sought after speaker and author, featured on TEDTalks. Members must attend (free admission) to vote for a new Board of Directors. Guests and future members can get early bird tickets for only $20, and after Nov 15 at $25, available online at www.faccgla.org (EVENTS tab). Venue is Ninong’s Pastries and Cafe at 19524-3 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91324 at 6:30 p.m.

N OV E M B E R 22-24

World Education Summit on Sustainability and Transformation in Las Vegas AThe World Education Summit on Sustainability and Transformation is a call to action and transformation to finding solutions to the challenges of our times. Join on November 22-24 for three days of activities, learning, networking and events, such as panel discussions and presentations, industry leader keynote speeches, and a dinner and gala featuring an eco-fashion show. The summit aims to gather stakeholders from educational institutions; business and civic organizations; government agencies and international development organizations to galvanize collaborative and strategic partnership to achieve a common goal in environmental sustainability.

We are expecting delegates from different countries. The Summit will serve as a collaborative platform to achieve a unified mission. The venue is The Convention Center at The Orleans Hotel (4500 W Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103). For more information and to register, please visit http://worldsummit.info.

N OV E M B E R 24

#HashtagLunchbag/SIPA food drive in LA The Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) and #Hashtag Lunchbag are joining forces to create positive changes in Historic Filipinotown on Sunday, November 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

SIPA will be hosting a Food Drive with #HashtagLunchbag to create letters of encouragement, decorate lunch bags, and assemble sandwiches for those in need in Historic Filipinotown. When finished, they will be giving out lunch bags to homeless youth, women, and families. Registration contact and link: Maria Carmel Valendez at maria@sipacares.org or (213) 382-1819 ext. 107.

N OV E M B E R 25

UPAAGLA presents Fil-Am authors on artificial intelligence and sustainability in LA Two Filipino-American authors, Dr. Cris Liban and Elzar “Dodjie” Simon, on Monday, November 25 will discuss two current and relevant topics: artificial intelligence and sustainability.

Liban is the executive director for environment and sustainability for the LA County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Simon is director of global infrastructure for New York University. The discussion, moderated by LA Deputy Mayor for Budget & Innovation Miguel Sangalang, will take a deeper dive on: What should you know? Why do they matter to you? How do understanding and embracing these fields help countries like the Philippines be an emerging market? The event, organized by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Greater Los Angeles (UPAAGLA), will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Los Angeles Public Library -Echo Park Branch (1410 West Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026). “A.I. Hacked” books will be available for purchase and signing. A portion of books sold will be donated to the UPAAGLA Endowment Fund.

D EC E M B E R 1

Kalayaan Incorporated’s Christmas Party and induction of officers in Monterey Park, CA Kalayaan Incorporated’s Induction of Officers 2019-2020 will be held during its Christmas Party on Sunday, Decemeber 1, from 12 to 4 p.m., at the Monterey Hill Event Center. The hilltop venue offers a spectacular view of the San Gabriel Valley, and is located at 3700 Ramona Blvd., Monterey Park, Calif. 91754. Kalayaan Incorporated, a non-profit public benefit corporation in the State of California, classified as a public charity organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, holds the annual celebration in Southern California of the anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence. Chairing the Induction and Christmas Party is Violet Mislang with Lady Hope Robillos, Co-chair, and Nonie Belarmino, Program Coordinator. Cost of lunch is $40.00. For more information, please contact Violet at (562) 644-4073, vmislang@gmail.com; Lady Hope at (310) 500-0917, lhopepr@yahoo. com; or Nonie (310) 357-0222, Idancenonie@outlook.com.

Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown anniversary & Christmas Party On Sunday, December 1, the Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown will celebrate its 13th anniversary and Christmas Party during a major FUNdraising event. Expect a night filled with food, drinks, entertainment and activities such as raffle prizes and silent auction prizes. The Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown was chartered in 2007 originally of Filipino descendants, who are leaders of the community, professionals and entrepreneurs. Today it has members from different cultural backgrounds. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. at Capital Seafood Restaurant (50 N. La Cienega Blvd. Ste 130 Beverly Hills, CA 90211). Attire is business casual. Donation is $65.

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to post it, please email us the details at info@asianjournalinc.com or calendar@asianjournalinc.com how many good, kind people there are.” This is true of this Philippine trip. With fresh eyes, you find out that our native land is worth coming home to again and again.

More importantly perhaps, a trip such as this forms part of a lifelong journey of self- discovery.

This trip and others I have taken over the years in different other places, reveals to me those secret places about myself that I would not otherwise have known.

I have brought back with me thousands of digital images as a

future, foreseeable crutch to my memory, to help me remember over time. I have brought back spare change and worthless trinkets and a string of pearls from the Philippine deep, some burnay pottery and some Ilocano woven cotton blankets from Vigan.

But the intangibles I’ve taken home with me are the best by far — shared experiences of grief, tears and laughter, rekindled friendships, a heartfelt appreciation of people I have met and will probably never meet again,

a sense of genuine gratitude for life on both sides of the globe and above all, a deeper, newer and fresh understanding of our tiny, yet brilliant and beautiful place in the universe.

So go ahead, head home this Christmas, kabayan — for a visit or maybe, for keeps. You’ll be glad you did. *** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com

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13

Ogie denies Liza’s rumored pregnancy Anne, Erwan announce coming of first baby Karaw Craftventures: Sustainable,

LIZA Soberano did not have an abortion when she was in the United States, nor was she ever pregnant. Soberano’s manager, Ogie Diaz, said that he was willing to put his credibility on the line to clarify this misinformation.

Diaz slammed the rumors that surround Soberano’s finger operation in Los Angeles last July, as he answered questions on “Tonight with Boy Abunda”, posted on the show’s YouTube channel last Thursday, November 7. He cited how rumor-mongers speculate that the actress was either hiding a pregnancy or had an abortion.

“Hindi nangyari kay Liza ‘yun kahit kailan. Hindi dahil ako ‘yung manager n’ya, dahil alam ko ‘yung totoo (A pregnancy or abortion never happened to Lisa ever, and I am saying this not because I am his manager, but because I know the truth),” he declared.

He stressed that he was even with her in the United States at the time of the medical procedure. He explained that they shared with the public details about the operation Soberano undertook in anticipation of rumors that she is pregnant or had an abortion. Diaz commended the

ManilaTimes.net

Liza Soberano, Ogie Diaz and Enrique Gil.

actress’ openness to him, and described her as someone who tells him almost everything, even the “super-mega personal” things.

Soberano acquired a finger injury when she was taping for the television series “Bagani” and went to Los Angles for her surgery. During this period, the actress shared several graphic photos from her operation on Instagram. The first one was posted on June 6, when her bone infection was discovered.

The next one was about her

Photo from Instagram/@ogie_diaz

last operation, when she expressed relief for still being able to keep her finger, despite it not ever going to function 100% anymore.

Diaz also confirmed in the interview that Soberano and Enrique Gil are taping for a new television series, “Make It With You”. Diaz declined to say when the release date of the new show directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina would be, but he assured LizQuen fans that it will air very soon. (Cha Lino/Inquirer.net)

Is Nadine doing an ‘ST’ revival?

by Ronnie

CaRRasCo ManilaTimes.net

iii

IF you have it, flaunt it.

Such is the rational, if narcissistic take on a person whose physical endowments are meant to be displayed rather than left unnoticed for no one to appreciate.

This may well apply in the case of Nadine Lustre who opted to go a bit too daring in a photo shoot marking her birthday on October 31.

One of the three photos, the most eye-catching of all, had the topless yet jeans-clad Gawad Urian Best Actress awardee, covering her breasts with her right arm. Surely, it wasn’t a sight to behold as far as the moral crusaders are concerned. But who gives a hoot?

Even if Nadine’s birthday photos may relatively appear in bad taste, can these be far worse than getting publicized for living in with rumored boyfriend James Reid while projecting a supposedly saccharine image?

Truth is, we find Nadine’s coming-out photos reminiscent of

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imaginative creativity with a heart

by iza iglesias

the ‘90s’ major sexy stars either collectively or individually known as ST (Sex Trip) Queens appeared in titillating films one after another as LPAs would subsequently hit the country.

The era, now consigned to history, is Nadine reliving it in photographs minus the films of similar texture.

Add to that is the obviously glaring chasm that (save for Rosanna) Gretchen, Cristina and Rina had dismally failed where Nadine has triumphed. The latters’ predecessors in the “cheesecake category” traversed a career path co-terminus with the existence of the now-defunct Seiko Films.

We deem it as Nadine’s way of reinventing herself. Gone are the days when slipping into wholeNadine Lustre some roles got the giddier of her.

Photo from Instagram/@nadine She needs to mature as an actress, many a Seiko Films pictorial back after all.

What sets her apart is that in the ‘90s featuring the likes of Gretchen Barretto, Cristina “Kring she’s no so-so actress who bares Kring” Gonzales, Rina Reyes all flesh either for the oft-abused “art’s sake” mien or probably the way to Rosanna Roces.

With their eye-popping photos for the heck of it. Certainly not competing with tabloid front page in the mold of the ‘90s’ so-called headlines in spatial prominence, “hubaderas.”

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AFTER two years of marriage, Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff have announced that they are expecting their first child.

The celebrity couple made the announcement on their respective Instagram accounts early Sunday showing a video of them taken during their recent trip to Seoul, South Korea.

Accompanied by the song “Nothing’s Gonna Hurt You Baby” by pop band Cigarettes After Sex, the popular YouTuber and entrepreneur was seen walking around fields of flowers and a forest.

Near the end of the video, the actress happily joined her husband on a park bench, took off her coat and revealed a baby bump.

Curtis wrote, “I think you should know something… Another reason to love November… @ erwan.”

Meanwhile, Heussaff simply wrote “5/9” as his caption, which their followers interpreted to mean that Curtis is already five months pregnant.

Just minutes after their posts, closest friends from the fashion and showbiz industries congratulated the parents-to-be.

Solenn Heussaff, Curtis’ sister-in-law and also pregnant with her first baby with husband Nico Bolzico, uploaded a photo of her and Curtis showing their baby bumps.

“4 humans in a photo, happy to grow with you,” Solenn wrote. Afterwhich, Solenn then posted a photo on her Instagram story where Curtis and Erwan were seen gathered with their extended family for a simple Sunday lunch.

Meanwhile, during an episode of noontime show “It’s Showtime,” Curtis — who is one of the main hosts — confirmed the pregnancy news.

“Erwan and I are expecting. I’m pregnant!” Curtis announced.

“Magiging mommy na ako. Erwan and I are very, very happy and again, maraming-maraming salamat to everyone — the overflowing love talaga na we received after [the announcement]. Maraming salamat for the love na ibinigay niyo — sa akin, sa asawa kong si Erwan and for my little one,” she added tearfully.

Vhong Navarro, her co-host, said that while they were happy for the news, they were also worried that Curtis should have probably skipped her very physical performance in “Magpasikat 2019” last October even though she apparently knew she was pregnant.

For the show’s anniversary special, Curtis astounded the audience with death defying German Rhonrad wheel acrobatics.

“Kaya nga yun lang yung ginawa ko. Hindi ako sumampa. Very simple lang yung ginawa ko. Safe na safe naman. Ang nakakaalam lang, ang trainer ko,” she said.

Comedian Vice Ganda also shared how he and Curtis shot action-packed scenes recently for their Metro Manila Film Festival movie “The Mall, The Merrier.”

“Nung sinabi niya sa akin eventually na buntis nga siya, merong eksena na sa pelikula na sinalaksak ko siya sa basurahan. Yung ulo niya nasa ilalim ng basurahan, hawak ko yung paa niya. Tapos tinatadyakan ko yung basurahan,” Vice Ganda recalled.

“Sabi ko bakit niya hinahayaan na gawin ko yun.

Sabi niya, ‘Kaya ko naman,” he added.

Curtis thanked even more the people who sup-

By Malou liwanag-Bledsoe / AJPress

Anne Curtis with husband Erwan Heussaff Photo from Instagram/@annecurtissmith

WHAT initially started as a business college project is now a social enterprise with a passion to help the community. It may sound so simple, but Paul Orpiada and together with three other group mates, started KARAW! Collections and Souvenirs as a hands-on application of what they learned while in their business course at Ateneo de Naga University.

However, towards the end of the semester in 2011, the group decided to stop their operations because all of them were about to graduate. With assets divided and while others decided to work, Orpiada decided to continue on, once he acquires enough funds for capital.

The opportunity came via the British Council’s “I am a Changemaker Ideation Camp,” and Orpiada decided to re-structure KARAW, but with the objectives of a social enterprise, renaming it to Karaw Craftventures.

“I was joined by some friends who have the same passion in art and who were also eager to make change for the society,” shared Orpiada in an interview with Asian Journal. My two friends and I, including one facilitator who was also a graduate of BS Entrepreneurship and a student in Ateneo de Naga University, decided to re-organize KARAW.”

What is Karaw?

The word “karaw” is a Bicol term which is associated with “playing and doing certain things using one’s imagination,” Orpiada said. Using the term for their enterprise, Karaw is aimed to show that recyclable and scrap materials can be transformed into a piece of useful creative artwork such as plush toys, keychains, trophies, bags, shirts and shoes. Karaw is an advocate of environmental sustainability through recycling, and is able to respond productively to the alarming deterioration of the environment.

“The products are a realization of our creatively playful minds.

Our products introduce uniqueness in their designs because [the] materials which will be used are of great variety,” Orpiada shared.

“These designs cater not only to Filipinos who share common love for arts, environment, and fashion but to all nationalities and cultures as well.”

Under Karaw Craftventures are the following brands: • The Ragpet Project • Munequeta • Encatures - Re-imagines and re-creates Philippine mythical creatures into adorable plush forms and other merchandise.

Made by the partner artisans of Karaw Craftventures, Encantures

also retell the stories and origins of traditional characters from Philippine folklores.

• Best of Pinas - A collection inspired by the popular tourist attractions and icons of the Philippines. From the the majestic Mt. Mayon of Albay, to the gentle giants of the sea of Sorsogon, to the guitars of Cebu, and to the sweet mangoes of Guimaras, these icons prove that Philippines is a country that is richly blessed with amazing things Filipinos can really be proud of. These icons are re-created into handcrafted pouches, keychains, and ref magnets.

They also customize items according to clients’ preferences, such as corporate giveaways.

Art with a heart Business wise, Karaw may have it all down. However, it is not just about creating business and generating income, as its main interest is to help the community.

“We strongly believe that, as a social enterprise, we can contribute to social progress by empowering our stakeholders to collaborate and to improve their outlooks in life by providing them opportunities for self-growth,” explained Orpiada. “We give and show love by combining art enthusiasm with passion to take part in community development advocacy and promotion of environmental sustainability. It aims to empower the marginalized women’s groups in Naga City

ported her from the start of her career, unable to hide her emotions, “Ang saya lang kasi we celebrated 10 years. Ang dami nang nangyari sa 10 years ng buhay ko sa ‘Showtime.’ From being single, nagkaroon ng boyfriend, nagkaroon ng asawa, and now I’m going to be a mom. So I’m just so happy to share it with you and the madlang pipol,” she enthused.

“It’s been quite a journey. We decided talaga na ikeep muna sa amin ni Erwan. Just because we wanted to keep the baby for us muna. It was really such a nice journey. Medyo nahirapan din kami noong una na kung paano hindi ipahalata pero ang galing din kasi hindi muna siya nagpakita masyado pero it was nice just to share it with Erwan and I. It was our little secret, and now we’re ready to share it to the whole world. Kaya ayan nagpapakita na talaga siya,” Curtis added.

Her husband Erwan also made a surprise video for Curtis on the show and said, “I’m excited to go on this journey with you. I think we’re going to kill it, I can’t wait to be a father to your child, and you, the mother to my child. I love you.”

Last October, the actress pointedly asked media to stop asking women about pregnancy plans and children during “It’s Showtime’s” 10th anniversary press conference, explaining that it can be a sensitive subject for some women.

“I think I should take this opportunity to say that the press should stop asking that [question] to any woman, because you don’t know what they’re going through,” she had said, according to an ABS-CBN News online report.

“For me, it will happen in God’s time, and I think at any time I’m ready for it. But I’m speaking for every woman,” she added.

She shared that many of her friends are struggling to conceive — making the question both inappropriate and hurtful.

“Medyo nakakasakit when people keep asking them, ‘When are you going to have a baby?’ Maybe they just don’t want to have a baby,” Curtis said.

“I hope you guys don’t take this the wrong way, but I think in respect to every woman, you should stop asking when they’re going to get married, why don’t they have a baby, or when they are going to have a baby,” she pointed out.

Curtis and Heussaff tied the knot in a private ceremony in Queenstown, New Zealand back on November The Encantures collection re-imagines and re-creates Philippine mythical creatures into adorable plush forms and other merchandise. Made by the partner artisans of Karaw Craftventures, Encantures also retell the stories and origins of traditional characters from Philippine folklores.

12, 2017 after being a couple since 2010.

SERVICES

Paul Orpiada, one of the founders of Karaw, when the enterprise was chosen as one of the finalists for the search for Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) last January 24.

while spurring economic mobility by providing career and training opportunities, capacity building activities, and guidance in financial savings.”

Guided by the core values of (RAGPET): R-ediscover creativity and imaginative play, A-ppreciate Filipino cultre and arts, G-ive and show love to others through gifts, P-rovide sustainable livelihood, E-mpower society’s underserved sectors, and T-ranform scraps into artisanal products; Karaw aims to become a powerful source of hope for the marginalized communities in the Philippines.

Orpiada’s active involvement in outreach activities when he was still in college opened his eyes and heart into reaching out to those who belong in different marginalized communities and sectors such as the poor, street children, orphans, PWDs and the elderly. But with just one experience of visiting the jail struck a chord in him.

“I have heard their stories of physical, emotional and psychological struggles inside the jail.

Some of them rarely get a visit from and already abandoned by their families, others suffer from severe depression that leads to suicide attempts. The congested prison cells also deprive them with breathable space. All of these lead to the dehumanizing condition that makes their rehabilitation difficult

Inmate artisans at the Naga City Jail learning how to make mini plush toys.

to achieve. Those insights during my visit have lingered on me as I thought of ways to pay them a visit again and do something that will help in alleviating their pains.

“When we were targeting our possible partners for the project, I thought of the instance wherein maybe we could possibly help in positively touching the lives of those who are incarcerated in the prisons. Our team has come to realize that among the vulnerable groups in the society, the prisoners are a sector that is neglected most of the time. Only a limited number of cause-driven organizations help in the rehabilitation activities for this group. With this premise in mind, our team decided to tap the prisoners to realize the projects for Karaw Craftventures because we believe that, whatever their individual backgrounds are, these people still be subject to basic human rights. They also have a right to a livelihood, a basic privilege to be given good and dignified opportunities for the welfare of their and their families’ futures.

These people should not be left to simply idle away in confinement but be empowered towards better tomorrows,” he said.

Orpiada also said that the “common concern of the involved stakeholders is for the livelihood to provide them with sustainable income since integration with regular jobs is illusive due to lack of capacity, educational background, and the social stigma for the exprisoners to the available jobs in the society.” With this in mind, Karaw wants to address these by empowering these skillful and talented inmates to achieve their full potential and prepare them when the re-integrate into society when they are released.

“As of now, Karaw Craftventures creates sustainable livelihood opportunities for the woman inmates in Naga City District Jail and introduces in-prison skills development program for poverty and crime reduction,” shared Orpiada and added, “This community is treated as suppliPAGE 14

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RobeRto VillanueVa, FoundeR oF balaSole dance company

Filipino American dance artist gives back to his homeland

By MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress ROBERTO Villanueva, acclaimed Filipino-American dance artist, is set to embark on a mission trip to the Philippines to offer master classes, lectures and workshops as his way of giving back to the country of his birth.

“About five years ago, I did some assessment of my life, career, experiences, and future.

Then I asked myself the question “what have you done to positively impact others?” Villanueva shared.

For the past few years, he has been grappling with this thought and this year, he arrived at the decision of pursuing a mission trip to the Philippines to share his skills and knowledge with the dance community as a professional artist.

Villanueva thought of BalaSole Dance Company, a non-profit dance organization he launched in the U.S. back in 2010 and how it has been helping a lot of dance artists, as well as young and elderly people. This organization provides visibility and mentoring to dance artists who are marginalized and overlooked because of their size, shape, color, age and style.

“I also asked myself another question—“Are there opportunities for me to do more?” Then I had the idea of doing a mission project/trip outside of the U.S. and I immediately thought of the Philippines,” Villanueva shared.

“At that time I also came to the

realization the discipline and strong work ethic that led to my successes were attributes to my upbringing and formative years in the Philippines.”

Born in the Philippines, Villanueva left the Philippines in 1984 and didn’t revisit the country again until after about two decades. He recalls instantly reconnecting with his roots and the culture after his initial visit and he has been doing his annual visits ever since.

He has 28 years of professional experience in the field of dance as a producer, director, performer, choreographer, adjudicator and educator in the U.S., Europe and Asia, as well as 25 years of professional background in business, financial, non-profit, operations, organizational and arts management.

Villanueva currently serves as Director of Dance and Adjunct Professor at the College of Mount Saint Vincent and as Group Sales Manager for the world-renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem. He trained at the Alvin Ailey School, SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance and University at Buffalo, where he received his B.A. in Dance Performance. Villanueva has produced and directed 19 New York City concert seasons for BalaSole Dance Company.

From November 8 - 16, 2019 he will be donating his performances, lecture presentations, workshops and master class to some of the top universities in

Manila —namely University of the Philippines (UP), De La Salle University (DLSU), De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), and Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU).

Villanueva has thought of a multi-pronged approach for the classes he is planning to hold, in order to maximize impact.

For the master dance classes, he wants the students to learn a different style of contemporary dance and efficient approach to movement. For the lectures, he wants the students to have a more holistic understanding of the professional field of dance—the creative process, the business aspect, its value, career options, financial sustainability and physical longevity.

For the workshops, he wants the students to understand and recognize the interdisciplinary aspect of and innovative thinking in the field. For the show/performance, he wants the students to witness and learn about how he applies everything that he covers in his master classes, lectures, and workshops.

Hailed for his technical virtuosity and compelling personality, Villanueva has received several accolades from various critics in the dance community.

According to Villanueva, he attributes the successes in his personal, corporate and artistic life to his upbringing and formative years in the Philippines.

He has performed with dance companies such as Complexions

Contemporary Ballet, Alpha Omega Theatrical Dance Company, Steeledance, Marie-Christine Giordano Dance, Pick of the Crop Dance, and Buffalo City Ballet.

He has worked/mentored artists from world renowned companies including the Martha Graham Dance Company, Limón Dance Company, Lucinda Childs Dance, Parsons Dance, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Joffrey Ballet, Les Ballets Trocadero De Monte Carlo, Ballet Frankfurt, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Twyla Tharp Dance, Giordano Dance Chicago, and Rockettes.

Villanueva won the national title “Mr. Dance of America” from Dance Masters of America. He has been nominated for The Outstanding Filipino Americans in New York Award under the Arts & Culture category for his achievements as a dance professional. He also received a “Distinguished Alumni Award” from the University at Buffalo’s Theater & Dance Department for his contributions in the field of dance.

Follow Villanueva’s journey in the Philippines in the following venues: • November 8, 2019, De La Salle University – Villanueva will be providing solo performances and brief lecture presentations for physical education students as part of DLSU Culture and Arts Office’s “Art in Action” Program. The lecture presentations will cover topics such as Value

Proposition, Creative Process, and Careers in Dance, and The Business of Dance.

• November 11, 2019, University of the Philippines – Villanueva will be conducting a Contemporary Dance master class and a lecture presentation on “The Well-Rounded Dance Professional” for UP College of Music Dance Program students. The lecture presentation will provide the students valuable insight and holistic perspective on the professional field of Dance and cover topics such as Value Proposition, Audience Engagement & Creative Process, Basic Financial Literacy, Strategic Career Trajectory, The Business of Dance, The Optimal Body, as well as other key concepts/practices taught in business schools and corporate settings as they relate to the field of Dance.

• November 12, 2019, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde – Villanueva will be providing DLS-CSB School of Design and Arts Dance Program students and other field experts a lecture presentation on “The Well-Rounded Dance Professional.” The lecture presentation will provide the students valuable insight and holistic perspective on the professional field Dance and cover topics such as Value Proposition, Audience Engagement & Creative Process, Basic Financial Literacy, Strategic Career Trajectory, The Business of Dance, The Optimal Body, as well as other key concepts/practices taught in business schools and corporate settings as they related to the field of Dance.

• November 14, 2019, Ateneo de Manila University – Villanueva will perform several solos in the remake of his one-man show titled “Pieces of Me: An Inside Look At A Filipino-American Dance Artist’s Journey on November 14, 8PM-10PM, at Doreen Black Box, Soledad V. Pangilinan Arts Wing, Areté. The production, an evening of solos, is being sponsored and presented by Areté and the School

Photo by Eric Bandiero

of Humanities, Loyola Schools, Ateneo de Manila University. To further expand the involvement of the Philippine dance community, Villanueva will personally select five local Filipino artists to also perform his solos in the program.

Through Villanueva’s personal commentaries, the audience will get a unique glimpse of his life as a dance artist in New York City, his perspective on the challenges and imbalances in the field of concert dance, and his inspiration for each solo. Never one to hold back, Villanueva’s show is distinguished for its intelligence and honesty, and designed to reveal both his artistic strengths as well as his personal vulnerabilities. Villanueva will also perform and premiere his new solo “Arugain” as a tribute to his mother, other mothers worldwide, and his motherland.

Tickets are free for students upon presentation of an ID card, or PHP 200 for non-students (Buy tickets at bit.ly/piecesofme19).

• November 15-16, 2019, Ateneo de Manila University – Villanueva will conduct two workshops on “Design Thinking For Everyone Through Dance Making” for dancers and non-dancers on November 15, 6PM-8PM, and November 16, 10AM-12PM, at 2F William and Claire Tan Untiong Performing Arts Studio, Areté – Ateneo’s Creative Hub. This dance-making workshop is for anyone who wishes to explore design thinking and innovation through movement as a tool to express ideas, develop themes, tell stories, visualize phenomena, and create products. The workshop is ideal for people who desire to explore interdisciplinary work in or between the arts and the STEM/business fields. After a familiarity with movement patterns, participants get the chance to design their own movement sequences to reveal unique insights on a given subject. Tickets are P150 (Register at bit.ly/DTDMArete).

Karaw craftventures: Sustainable...

PAGE 13 ers or production units, where 36 inmate-artisans craft the products during their idle time inside the jail. The interventions to this sector help the inmates maximize their time productively and earn income for their daily needs. We also conduct activities that help them reconnect with their loved ones such as Christmas Party, and puppet shows staged by the inmates themselves.”

Karaw also has expanded their artisan communities to the urban poor women — mostly mothers — in Naga City and some rural areas in Camarines Sur. Orpiada admits that it is a big challenge implementing and operating a social enterprise. For one, Karaw is ran by a team on a part-time basis.

“We have to allocate extra time and effort for the social enterprise while attending to our work commitments in our respective jobs,” shared Orpiada.

Also, dealing with inmates is a bigger challenge, as Karaw want to make sure that they are fulfilling their commitment to offer them sustainable livelihood opportunities to complement the reformation activities provided by the jail management. Add into the mix are expectation of production vs the reality of distance, communication and lack of monitoring between the enterprise and inmates.

“One thing I learned in the process is that I should always be hands-on in the production aspect of the enterprise,” Orpiada said.

“Otherwise, you can designate someone from the group who will effectively monitor the production.

In our case, since we only have very limited time to visit the jail, it became essential in the operations of the enterprise to entrust the monitoring of the production processes to one or two of the inmate artisans. This could also mean empowerment for them and at the same, building of trust to what they can do for the success of every project.”

Orpiada shared that they are looking to expand production five times, create more artisanal product concepts, set up a retail space, and empower additional inmate artisans in Camarines Sur, as well make Karaw Craftventures a well-recognized Filipino brand.

He is also thankful that their products are getting attention not only locally, but also outside the Philippines.

“It actually inspires us to do more for our communities since there are people from other parts of the world who believe in what we as a social enterprise. Right now, the international exposures that we’ve been getting already provide us the jumpstart to be noticed and be supported,” Orpiada said. “By purchasing our products or supporting our cause through donations, we would be able to continue to expand to more communities. Thus, providing livelihood support to poor and marginalized communities in the Philippines. We would also be grateful to personally showcase our works should there be opportunities for international trade expositions.”

They have also been overwhelmed by inquiries from Filipinos here in the United States, wanting to purchase their products so they can share culturallyrelevant stories to their kids.

“We’re just happy to know how supportive Filipinos abroad are whenever they notice fellow Filipinos doing good things that they also want to amplify that same goodness in order to create positive impacts. It is evident that the members of Filipino American community are able to extend invaluable cooperation in helping the initiatives of fellow Filipinos, which means that they are always proud of and still rooted on their identity as Filipinos,” he said.

For more information on Karaw Craftventures and their products, you can check out their social media accounts: Facebook/KarawCraftventures and Instagram @ karawcraftventures.

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