113022 - Southern California Midweek Edition

BOXING

This after renowned referee Carlos Padilla, who officiated Pacquiao’s fight with Australian Nedal Hussein 22 years ago, admitted to knowingly aiding Pacquiao avoid an upset loss.

Pacquiao was defending the WBC international super bantamweight title against Hussein on October 10, 2000 at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City in a bout where he was expected to cruise to a win.

But Hussein proved to be a tough customer, knocking Pacquiao down in the fourth round with a short, stinging jab that had him dazed.

It was where Padilla, then already veteran of several high-profile boxing matches, did his dirty work.

“That fight, I’m about to go and leave

Marcos buoyed by poll showing government in ‘right direction’

by KRISTINA MARALIT ManilaTimes.net

A RECENT study from Northwestern University found Filipino Americans to have the highest prevalence of obesity compared to other Asian subgroups.

In the report released by Physician’s Weekly, the university’s findings reported that 16.8% of Filipino Americans are obese, compared to 15.3% in Japanese Americans, 11.2% in Asian Indian Americans, 8.5% in Korean Americans, 6.5% in Chinese Americans, and 6.3% in Vietnamese Americans.

The data was collected from 11,815 Filipino, 13,916 Asian Indians, 11,686 Chinese, 12,473 Japanese, 3,634 Korean, and 2,618 Vietnamese Americans.

According to BMC Public Health, the prevalence of obesity among Asian Americans is especially high among Asian Americans who live in California. In a 20132014 California Health Interview survey, researchers looked at factors such as age, sex, family income, marital status, education level, physical activity, and fast fThe

The

by GAEA KATREENA CABICO Philstar.com

The

Remulla said the invitation to TidballBinz

"more of a follow-up" to the

building under the United Nations Joint Programme.

by DANIZA FERNANDEZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — Decriminalizing the use of illegal drugs does not mean legalizing prohibited drugs and crimes related to them, according to Senator Robin Padilla.

Padilla clarified he and Senator  Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa are only proposing decriminalizing drug use to decongest jails in the country and save small-time drug users by rehabilitating them instead of putting them in prisons.

It was Dela Rosa who filed a bill seeking to decriminalize drug use, while Padilla openly expressed his support for the

measure.

“Ngayon kaya namin sinasabi na  i-decriminalize  po natin, dahil karamihan ng nakakulong ay mahirap na tao,” Padilla  explained in an interview at the Senate.

(We are proposing decriminalizing it because many  of those in jails are  poor.)

“Pag sinabi nating mahirap na tao, yan ang nakuhanan ng  piso, dalawang piso, isang joint, dalawang joint, three joints. Mga driver, labandero, labandera. Yan  po yung mga nakakulong diyan.”

(When we say poor,  they were caught with P1, P2  [worth of illegal drugs], one joint, two, and three. They are the ones in jails.)

According to  Padilla,

"It

Marcos to sign ease of doing business order

by RAMON ROYANDOYAN Philstar.com

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. would sign an executive order promoting ease of doing business in the country, a move that could prove redundant as a similar legislation has been passed already.

In a statement on Tuesday, November 29, Malacañang said the EO would make the country competitive with its regional neighbors in terms of attracting foreign direct investments. To do this, the EO, adopting a proposal from the Department of Trade and Industry, would establish a green lane for “strategic” investments.

The green lane would “expedite and streamline the process and requirements for the issuance of permits and licenses, including resolutions of issues concerning strategic investments,” the Palace explained.

The Palace noted that the proposed EO covers all national government agencies and their regional and provincial offices. This proposal also covers local government and quasi-judicial bodies that issue permits and licenses concerning strategic investments.

by KAYCEE VALMONTE Philstar.com

WHILE the United States' plan to expand coverage of its Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the Philippines is seen as Washington’s "way of being a credible ally," analysts point out the move may also reflect "security anxiety" over regional giant China.

They said the Philippines must be clear on what it wants from engagements with both the U.S. and China.

The announcement was made during U.S.

President

to the Philippines earlier last week. According to her office, the program will be expanding with more EDCA locations "identified." EDCA allows the U.S. military use of facilities in Philippine military bases and camps.

"The U.S. investments

a s recommitment

Guard ship ‘Teresa Magbanua’ at Puerto Princesa Port, on November 22, 2022.

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Vice President Kamala Harris

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, November 29 expressed elation over a recent survey that showed a majority of Filipinos believe that

better days are ahead for the Philippines. The Chief Executive tagged as "very encouraging" the "Tugon ng Masa" poll conducted by OCTA Research, which showed that the majority of adult

Filipinos see the country heading "in the right direction."

is very encouraging that people think we are moving in the right direction... I saw that it crosses

Vice

Kamala Harris’ visit

on additional EDCA sites might be construed as containment and security anxiety against China but it is seen

MANILA — A coalition of human rights advocates renewed its call for a transparent and thorough investigation into extrajudicial killings ahead of the planned visit of a United Nations special rapporteur next year.

International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines welcomed the invitation of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla to Morris Tidball-Binz to visit the country. Tidball-Binz is the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.

"Tidball-Binz’s visit would be an important next step in the process of seeking justice for the thousands of victims of extrajudicial killings under the previous Duterte government, as well as the current Marcos government," ICHRP chairperson Peter Murphy said in a statement Monday.

UN expert is a medical doctor who specializes in forensic science, human rights, and humanitarian action.

is

capacity

icon Manny Pacquiao could have ended up with one more loss in his storied career.

Marcos buoyed by poll showing...

demographics, the number is more or less the same across the demographics. So, that is important to me. Every class of society must feel that they are being served by the government," he said, following his visit to the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños, Laguna.

The survey conducted from Oct. 23 to 27, 2022 showed that 85 percent of the 1,200 respondents believe that the government's interventions are steadily bringing the country out from the slump caused by the coronavirus pandemic. On the other hand, 9 percent remains doubtful and 6

percent are still undecided.

The same poll showed that those in the Visayas registered the highest agreement that the country is moving in the right direction, with 91 percent, while 87 percent in Balance Luzon, or Luzon outside Metro Manila; 84 percent in Mindanao; and 70 percent of adult Filipinos in Metro Manila think the country is moving in the right direction.

Among classes A to E, 79 to 86 percent agree the Philippines is on the right path under the President's leadership.

"With that kind of statistic, it looks like we have at least,

we have made the government felt at every level of society. That's what's important," noted Marcos.

Malacañang, in a previous statement, said the survey is also proof that the public is aware that the President "is determined and committed to making the lives of all Filipinos better, with programs providing job opportunities and ease in doing business and ensuring food security."

The Palace likewise reiterated that the leader and his administration will continue to work "to fulfill his campaign promises to every Filipino here and abroad."

Marcos to sign ease of doing business...

"Until we get to change the procedures... and to say that... this might not be needed. This could be extraneous, might be obsolete. You cut it down as much as we can,” Marcos was quoted as saying by the Palace.

Malacañang noted that the proposed EO will mandate local government units and national government agencies to process a permit of license application within three working days within receipt if it’s a “simple transaction.”

A “complex transaction” should only take seven working days. Meanwhile, “highly technical transactions” should only take 20 working days to be issued under this proposal.

Likewise, the statement said that the DTI’s Board of Investments will create a technical working group will implement the EO.

A BOI-Investment Assistance Service (BOI-IAS) will be the single entry point of investment that avails Green Lane services that were endorsed as nationally significant or highly desirable projects.

Redundant?

As it is, the previous Duterte administration already created an agency with a similar policy thrust.

The Anti-Red Tape Authority was established for the purpose of eliminating bureaucracy and improving the ease of doing business in the country.

Philstar.com reached out to the DTI for comment but has yet to hear a response as of reporting.

For Terry Ridon, convenor of Infrawatch PH, a public policy think tank, the Marcos Jr. administration’s latest efforts would only create another layer of red tape. He said that the timeline commitments stated in

the proposed EO were already part of existing rules.

“There is nothing new in this EO except to establish another bureaucratic layer in the permitting process through the DTI’s BOI,” Ridon said in a Viber message.

“The timeline commitments are already part of existing rules, and agencies and local governments cannot merely dispense with certain permits as sought by the President because these are statutory mandates, such as environmental permits and housing commitments,” he added.

“The main governance complaint by the private sector relating to projects was not so much about the number of permits but the corrupt activities undertaken by various offices issuing these permits,” he continued.

Group renews call for thorough probe into...

According to government figures, over 6,000 suspected drug users or dealers, mostly impoverished Filipinos, have been killed in the government’s “war on drugs.” But rights organizations claim more than 30,000 have been killed since former President Rodrigo Duterte launched the campaign in 2016.

"Given this recent

announcement, we reiterate our call to the Marcos administration for open, transparent, and thorough investigation of these crimes, and justice for all victims and their families," Murphy said. "This means investigation and prosecution of all perpetrators of such crimes, and an end to the state of impunity which has allowed so many members of the police force to avoid prosecution so far," he added.

UN special rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, including child prostitution, child pornography, and other child sexual abuse material Mama Fatima Singhateh is scheduled to visit the Philippines from November 28 to December 8.

Meanwhile, special rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion Irene Khan will visit the country next year.

How expanded EDCA access to AFP sites...

to foster the alliance between the Philippines and United States," Chester Cabalza, founder and president of International Development and Security Cooperation, told Philstar.com.

The EDCA gives legal basis for service members of the U.S. and the Philippines to participate in security cooperation exercises, joint and combined military training, and humanitarian efforts. This complements the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement.

There are currently five military sites identified under the EDCA: Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu, Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, and Basa Air Base in Pampanga.

More support to come?

Since the agreement was inked in 2014, Washington has allocated over $82 million for its implementation and a senior administration official said more funding may be on the way. This will help back 21 projects of the United States, all of which will be completed by Philippine firms.

"We’re again engaged with our Philippine counterparts through our Department of Defense and obviously, this needs to be a mutual decision so we’re working on expanding the program, but the precise number of locations and where those locations will be is not for now," a senior administration official told reporters in a background briefing on Harris' visit.

The Marcos administration is already pursuing warmer ties with the U.S., compared with the

previous administration’s pivot to China, with a foreign policy of being a “friend to all and enemy to none.”

Julio Amador, founder and CEO of Amador Research Services, noted that "it should be expected [the U.S.] will show more efforts to help its less capable ally build up its capabilities to respond to external security threats."

"Earlier, the U.S. has also promised to increase its foreign military financing to Manila; the question is, how will the [Armed Forces of the Philippines] and the [Department of National Defense] maximize this assistance? How will they use this to improve military capabilities?,” Amador told Philstar.com last week.

'Warmongering' However, the Asia Pacific Research Network warned that the announcement of a $100-million foreign military financing comes "amid the continued deterioration of the human rights situation in the country."

"It is really hard to believe that the U.S. and Harris are oblivious to the continuing rights violations by the Marcos government," APRN Board of Convenors Chairperson Azra Sayeed said in a statement. "Apparently, they are willing to turn a blind eye to these abuses for the sake of securing their interests in the country and the region."

Local fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) separately raised concern that U.S. involvement in the country would further provoke China. APRN also warned that Washington’s

military financing may be "warmongering", which could threaten peace and security in the region.

Harris during her visit to Palawan reiterated U.S.’ promise to back its longest treaty ally in Asia and former colony in case of armed attacks.

Test of alliances?

However, analysts have pointed out that talks on WPS issues should also be complemented with stronger alliances, aside from improved military capability. An independent foreign policy means that the Philippines’ relationship with one country should not affect another.

"What this simply means is that the Philippines has the capacity to choose its ally, friends, or partners. For as long as it has that agency, then it is independent," Amador said.

"Moving forward, the Philippines should be clearer about what it expects from Washington, D.C. Stand with it when interests and principles converge, or stand up to it if it feels that its ally does not seriously give consideration its concerns."

Cabalza also said the Philippines should wait and see before moving to set policy on U.S. and China relations.

"Marcos Jr. must listen to what the U.S. and China want before a potent independent foreign policy will be carved and implemented," he said.

"No matter what happens in the power competition of China and U.S., our alliance with Washington will remain. It will be tested as EDCA becomes the new instrument of our alliance with the U.S.."

Filipino referee admits to cheating, helping...

the following day. They told me, ‘Carlos, please… this is an important fight for Manny Pacquiao because the winner will have the chance to fight for the world championship,'” Padilla recounted in a recent interview during his induction to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, a video of which has been posted by the World Boxing Council on its YouTube channel.

“So, you know the opponent, Hussein, or whatever his name was. He is taller, younger, stronger, and [a] dirty fighter, managed by Jeff Fenech.

“So in the seventh round [it was the fourth], I think, Manny got knocked down. I thought he was going to get up, but his eyes were cross-eyed,” he continued.

Padilla then said he administered the mandatory eight-count — a standard practice when a boxer is knocked down — longer than usual, which gave Pacquiao the chance to beat it and eventually recover.

“I’m Filipino, and everybody watching the fight is Filipino, so I prolonged the count. I know how to do it. When he got up, I told him, ‘Hey, are you okay?’ Still prolonging the fight. ‘Are you okay?’ ‘Okay, fight!’” Padilla said.

“Then Hussein, because Manny was not like Manny is now, and he wasn’t trained by Freddie Roach yet, he holds on for his dear life. The guy throws him, and he goes down again.

“I said to the opponent, ‘Hey, you don’t do this.’ You know, I was prolonging the fight. ‘You don’t do that. Okay, judges, [point] deduction [for throwing an elbow].'”

Padilla then admitted to another wrongdoing when he

declared an ugly cut under Nadal’s left eye as being caused by a Pacquiao punch instead of a head butt — which is crucial in boxing as gashes caused by legal blows will result in a TKO win for the fighter who dealt it if the fight gets stopped by the doctor.

“Because he [Pacquiao] is shorter, he head-butted the other guy. There is a cut, but I declared it a punch,” Padilla continued.

“If there is a head butt, you have to stop the fight and declare to the judges a point deduction. But I didn’t do that, meaning the fight could continue.”

Pacquiao indeed ended up being declared winner by TKO in the 10th round after the ringside doctor deemed Hussein unfit to continue because of the cut.

‘Upset for full 24 hours’

Hussein got wind of Padilla’s revelations and expressed his disappointment.

“Honestly, after watching the referee video, it really hit a nerve. I was upset for a full 24 hours,” Hussein said in a report by World Boxing News.

“It’s not the fact that he said

what he said. It’s more because we already knew it. But the way he said it with a smirk and a smile like he was proud of what he had done, like the depth of corruption, it’s obviously in his veins and his heart,” added Hussein, who moved on from the incident, winning several regional titles but not a single world championship.

The 88-year-old Padilla, a former actor, shot to boxing fame when he served as the third man in the ring during the historic “Thrilla in Manila” heavyweight fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier that was held at the Araneta Coliseum in 1975. He went on to officiate many major bouts, and the PacquiaoHussein bout was his last.

Pacquiao, for his part, continued his path to greatness with a record eight world titles in as many divisions. He hasn’t completely closed the book on his boxing career, returning on December 11 with an exhibition fight with Korean YouTuber DK Yoo in Seoul. (Dino Maragay/ Philstar.com)

GETTING READY. The Davao City Hall is starting to come alive with Christmas decorations on Tuesday, Nov. 29. Residents are looking forward to the annual month-long event “Pasko Fiesta 2022” that will kick off with the lighting of a giant Christmas tree, 3D lights show and gift-giving at Magsaysay Park and People’s Park on Thursday, Dec. 1. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Carlos Padilla in this screenshot of his interview during his induction to the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. Photo screengrabbed from WBC's YouTube video

A work-from-home culture takes root in California

by PHILLIP REESE Kaiser Health News

Even as pandemic lockdowns fade into memory, covid-19 has transformed California’s workplace culture in ways researchers say will reverberate well beyond 2022.

According to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, working from home for some portion of the week has become the new normal for a large segment of Californians. The data shows high-income employees with college degrees are more likely to have access to this hybrid work model, while lower-income employees stay the course with on-site responsibilities and daily commutes.

At a basic level, that means lowwage workers will continue to shoulder greater risks of infection and serious illness as new covid variants sweep through job sites, alongside seasonal waves of flu and other respiratory viruses.

Multiple studies have found that covid took its greatest toll in lowincome neighborhoods, whose workers were deemed essential during early pandemic lockdowns — the farmworkers, grocery clerks, warehouse packers, and other service employees who continued to report to work in person.

In addition, researchers say the shift will ripple across the broader economy in ways big and small, as more employees have the flexibility to live farther from a job site and as workplace traditions like lunch outings and bar nights fade or evolve.

The U.S. Census Bureau interviewed roughly 260,000 Americans from June through October, including about 20,000 Californians, as part of a wideranging questionnaire called the Household Pulse Survey.

Surveyors asked dozens of questions about pandemic-era lifestyle changes, including some about working from home.

The survey found that nearly 20% of California adults lived in households in which at least one person had telecommuted or worked from home five days or more in the previous week. About 33% of California adults lived in households in which someone had worked from home at least one day the previous week.

Nationwide, the survey found that almost 30% of adults lived in households in which at least one person worked from home for some portion of the previous

week. About 16% lived in households in which someone worked from home at least five days the previous week.

The results mark a notable shift from previous Census Bureau surveys that asked about working from home, though in different terms. In 2019, before the pandemic, about 6.3% of employed Californians and 5.7% of employed Americans said they “usually worked from home.”

Researchers who specialize in workforce issues said the findings mirror their own and are indicative of a cultural upheaval that will outlive the pandemic.

Jose Maria Barrero is an academic economist and a cofounder of WFH Research, which is documenting the shift toward working from home. Before the pandemic, about 5% of workdays in the U.S. were conducted from home, according to his group’s analyses. In contrast, its surveys this year show that about 30% of working days in the U.S. are now work-from-home days.

The 2022 survey by the Census Bureau revealed disparities in the kinds of families that are adapting to hybrid work, mostly centered around income.

About 64% of California adults in households with annual incomes of $150,000 or higher said at least one household member had worked from home some portion of the week. Nearly 40% of adults in those high-earning households said a household member had worked from home five days a week or more.

By comparison, just 15% of California adults in households with annual incomes of less than $50,000 said a household member had worked from home at least part of the week.

“It’s very hard for you to work remotely if you are a barista in a coffee shop or you’re working in a manufacturing plant,” Barrero said. “The sorts of jobs that people with low education tend to do are jobs that require them to be physically present.”

Racial disparities also exist.

Nearly 45% of California adults who identify as Asian and 40% who identify as white lived in households in which someone worked from home some portion of the week, compared with 26% of Black adults and 21% of Latino adults.

The connection between income and hybrid work played out nationally, as well. States with greater portions of high-

income residents tended to have more workers who reported telecommuting.

For example, fewer than 20% of adults in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Virginia lived in households in which at least one member had worked from home the prior week. The median household income in each of those states last year was between $48,000 and $56,000.

By comparison, 35% or more of adults in Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, and Washington lived in households in which at least one member had worked from home.

The median household income in each of those states last year was between $71,000 and $91,000.

The disparities also clustered along educational lines. About 56% of California adults with a bachelor’s degree lived in households in which someone worked from home at least one day during the prior week, compared with 17% of California adults with only a high school degree.

The gaps will have consequences.

Andra Ghent, an economist at the University of Utah who studies work-from-home patterns, said tens of millions of Americans are settling into “hybrid” arrangements, in which they work from home a few days a week and occasionally go into the office. Before the home-work option, she said, many didn’t want to live too far from the urban core, concerned that commutes would become unmanageable. But with routine daily commutes out of the picture, many will move to the suburbs or exurbs, where they will have more space, she said.

On the one hand, commuting less, particularly by car, is often good for the health of the environment, Ghent noted. “But if people move to places where the usual mode of transit is cars instead of something that’s more pedestrian- or cyclist-friendly or more likely to use public transit, that’s not such a good thing,” Ghent said. “It sort of increases our urban sprawl, which we know is not good for sustainability.”

When higher-income people move away, cities lose a valuable source of tax revenue. That could exacerbate challenges in urban areas, as resources for social programs and infrastructure

JFC expands Smashburger footprint

MANILA — Smashburger has taken a bigger bite of the Big Apple, opening a new store in New York as Jollibee Foods Corp. widens the footprint of the casual burger chain in North America.

The newest store of Smashburger is in the Upper East Side at 804 Lexington Ave. in New York.

This is the second corporate Smashburger in the U.S. to open with a full-service bar, a wide array of drinks, including signature cocktails. The U.S.-based fast casual burger restaurant has already

opened eight new stores this year.

The move is part of the Jollibee Group’s aggressive expansion program in the region, which is consistent with its vision to become among the top five restaurant companies in the world.

Smashburger likewise expanded its products with a new line of chicken wings.

Carl Bachmann, president of Smashburger, said the company continues its efforts to strengthen its presence in the U.S. and by elevating the quality of the store’s service and offerings.

“Smashburger is continuing its efforts to elevate the overall fastcasual dining experience with

the opening of our second full bar restaurant in New York City,” he said.

“More and more diners are looking for a place they can socialize and eat out, and the Upper East Side and the surrounding community now have the opportunity to enjoy a high-quality burger with firstclass cocktails and draft beers in a fun environment,” he added. The Jollibee Group took full ownership of Smashburger in 2018.

It has been expanding in different parts of the globe, especially in the U.S., North America, China and the Philippines.

Padila defends Dela Rosa: We’re not legalizing...

PAGE 1

decriminalization should be based on the amount of illegal drugs in one’s possession.

“Halimbawa piso, dalawang piso o tatlong  joint e  bakit natin kailangan ikulong?” he said.

(For instance, one or two pesos or three joints. Why do we need to jail them?)

“At hindi ko sinasabi at di sinasabi  din  po ni Senator Bato ng ating General Bato, na ilelegal. Kalokohan  po yun.  Hindi  kailanman male-legal ang mga drugs. Ang sinasabi po  namin ay itong mga mahuhulihan ng mga konting konti  ay di kailangan idiretso sa kulungan,” the senator stressed.

(Senator Bato and I are not saying that we are legalizing it. That’s foolish. We can never legalize drugs. We are saying that those caught with a small amount should not be sent directly to prison.)

Unlike critics of the proposal, Padilla said he  and Dela  Rosa

Study nds Fil-Ams to be the most...

PAGE 1

prevalence of overweight and obesity among Asian Americans in California was found to be 23.3% for obesity and 40.0% for overweight. The rate of obesity was especially high among men between the ages of 45 and 64 with higher family income, who smoked, frequently ate fast food, never got married, and had a lower education level with low physical activity. (Christyanne San Juan/Inquirer/net) PAGE 7

have first-hand knowledge of what is happening inside detention cells.

Padilla spent more than two years in jail after being convicted of illegally possessing firearms in 1994. He was pardoned by former President Fidel Ramos and released in 1997.

Dela Rosa, meanwhile, headed the  Bureau of Corrections after his stint as head of the  Philippine National Police.

“Gusto ko lang linawin hindi po  natin dito sinasabi na ang mga krimen na may kinalaman sa droga ay sila madedecriminalize. Malaki pong kalokohan yan. Ang sinasabi lang po natin possession lang ng

small quantity,” Padilla said. (We want to clarify that drug-related crimes will not be decriminalized. That’s a big lie. What we are saying is the possession of a small quantity of (drugs]) Padilla said he decided to speak up and defend  Dela Rosa because he could not sit idly while the latter was being criticized over his bill.

His only request to colleagues who may disagree with the proposal: “Magpagawa kayo ng kulungan.”

Hindi po pwedeng ganito sitwasyon natin, isang selda na ang dapat laman na 40 ay 100  ang laman,” he said.

Booster doses are important for those who are at increased risk of severe illness.

You are best protected when you stay up-to-date on all your COVID-19 vaccines by receiving your primary series and the updated booster. It is recommended that you receive this booster dose as soon as you’re eligible, at least two months after receiving your last dose.

Your booster can be a di erent vaccine brand than you received previously.

The booster dose is recommended even if you've already had COVID-19 infection.

The CDC recommends boosters for people who are undergoing cancer treatment or have compromised immune systems or some types of disabilities.

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

DFA welcomes UN Special Rapporteur on sexual exploitation of children Faithful urged to pray for Tagle

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs welcomed on Monday United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children Mama Fatima Singhateh.

Singhateh will be in the country until next week, December 9. Her visit is the first official visit of a UN Special Rapporteur to the Philippines since 2015, which she said is reflective of the country’s openness to engage when it comes to human rights issues.

DFA Undersecretary for Multilateral and International Economic Affairs Carlos Sorreta said Singhateh will note “the achievements and best practices of the Philippine government to eradicate [the] online sexual exploitation of children.”

“International cooperation and shared responsibility amongst countries is required to address external demand factors that fuel online exploitation of children.”

The government previously noted that the country has become a hub for explicit materials for pedophiles around the world, starting by launching its program to go after parents who participate in the abuse.

While in the country, Singhateh

by ROBERTZON RAMIREZ Philstar.com

MANILA — An official of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino (PCF) urged the Catholic faithful to pray for former Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle after Pope Francis assigned him to several tasks when he was ousted from Caritas International, the charity arm of the Catholic Church.

In an interview with Churchrun Radyo Veritas, PCF Rector Gregory Ramon Gaston said that Tagle needs the people’s prayer as he emphasized that Pope Francis gave Tagle other assignments, including efforts to assist the new officials of Caritas International.

“We really need to pray for Cardinal Tagle because he has so many assignments in different offices of the Vatican. Even other groups of the church, governments, private organizations and individuals all over the world,” Gaston said in

Filipino.

He added that many people also want to talk to and consult with Tagle.

Gaston clarified that Tagle was not removed from Caritas International, but the decision of Pope Francis to name temporary officials in the organization came in at the last term of the cardinal who was elected president in 2015.

He also emphasized that Tagle will be able to give more attention to expanding the services of Caritas International as he is no longer focused on the central office of the Vatican alone, since he was tasked to coordinate with the social arm in every diocese around the world.

Pope Francis appointed organizational consultant and administrator Pier Francesco Pinelli as the new administrator of Caritas International, to be assisted by Caritas Internationales advocacy and campaigns manager Maria Amparo Alonso.

Tagle, prefect for the

Congregation of the Evangelization of Peoples, reiterated that Pope Francis’ decision to change the leadership of the Caritas International was a result of a “careful and independent study” of the Vatican.

He added that the decision does not concern cases of sexual abuse or mismanagement of money as it was meant to be “a call to walk humbly with God” and “a process of discernment.”

Tagle left the Archdiocese of Manila in February 2022 after he was appointed to the Vatican, where he was named as a member of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic Sea (APSA), which served as the Vatican’s central bank.

Pope Francis also elevated Tagle to the order of “cardinal bishops,” which is the highest rank within the College of Cardinals, making him eligible to become part of the “Dean of Cardinals” that presides at the conclave when there is no pope.

will meet with civil society representatives, private sector stakeholders, as well as children and their families. Her itinerary includes trips to Valenzuela City, Angeles City, Cotabato City and Cebu City.

She will also meet officials from the Council for the Welfare of Children, the Department of

Justice, the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat, the Philippine National Police, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, among others. Following Singhateh’s visit, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion Irene Khan will also visit the country in 2023. (Philstar.com)

DFA Undersecretary for Multilateral and International Economic Affairs Carlos Sorreta with Mama Fatima Singhateh, UN Special Rapporteur on the Sale and Sexual Exploitation of Children. DFA photo

SENATE FANS. Barangay Ginebra resident import Justin Brownlee (in Barong Tagalog) poses with senators during the plenary debate on the

proposed bill granting him Filipino citizenship at the Philippine Senate in Pasay City on Tuesday, Nov. 29. Once granted Filipino citizenship, Brownlee will be qualified to play for Gilas Pilipinas in the sixth and final window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers that will be hosted by the country in February 2023, and the FIBA World Cup 2023 to be co-hosted by the Philippines, Indonesia, and Japan.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

The other global pandemic

EVERY hour somewhere on the planet, more than five women or girls are killed by members of their own family. This is the estimate of United Nations Women, which notes that violence against women and girls remains the most widespread and pervasive human rights violation in the world, affecting over one in three women. UN Women calls it a global pandemic of VAWG as it noted increased repression, violence including online and impunity against defenders of women’s rights.

In the Philippines, Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act was passed in 2004. The abuses, however, continue. A report published in respected medical journal The Lancet this year said COVID lockdowns worsened the problem in the Philippines, with victims often trapped at home with their abusers, and their ability to seek help from authorities restricted.

Editorial

The pandemic also rendered many women unemployed and economically dependent on their partners, making it harder to fight domestic violence or report them to authorities, the report pointed out. While the country ranks high in gender equality in the Western Pacific and groups working against VAWG are active, an estimated one in four Filipino women has experienced gender-based violence, and 41 percent of the victims do not seek help.

At least the current President of the republic no longer publicly makes rape jokes or encourages

Babe’s Eye View

BABE ROMUALDEZ

THERE was absolutely no doubt that U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to the provincial island of Palawan, where she met with the fisherfolk of Barangay Tagburos in Puerto Princesa City, sent a clear message that the United States fully supports The Hague Arbitral Tribunal’s unanimous decision on the Philippine territorial claim.

The fishing community has a USAID-funded project in the area, and while the program’s focus is on countering illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing or IUU fishing, it also aims to promote good fishing practices and ensure a sustainable source of food and livelihood for the local communities, according to the University of Rhode Island’s Coastal Resources Center that implements the project.

We joined the U.S. Vice President during the visit to Tagburos, and it was clear that members of the fishing

Public Lives

IN the secretive and rarefied air of the Vatican, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle’s rapid rise to higher responsibilities as one of Pope Francis’ most trusted confrères has been an object of keen interest among papal watchers.

Recent reports therefore of the total overhaul of the top leadership of Caritas Internationalis, of which Cardinal Tagle has been president since 2015, sparked speculations of his fall from papal favor. Caritas Internationalis oversees the worldwide network of 162 official Catholic charitable organizations.

The local media’s frenzied reports of this momentous event were almost uniformly sensational: “Pope Francis removes Cardinal Tagle, other Caritas Internationalis leaders”; “Pope sacks Tagle, leadership of Caritas International”; “Cardinal Tagle replaced as head of Vatican charity.” Then followed the expected effort to manage the fallout, which only added more fuel to the bonfire of speculations: “Tagle: Caritas revamp ‘not

the military to “shoot women ‘communist rebels’ in the vagina.”

He is also on good terms with his female Vice President and accords her respect both as the nation’s second highest official and as a woman.

More, however, must be done to end VAWG, including increased funding for the campaign.

The country has had women holding positions of power and taking on jobs in traditionally maledominated fields. RA 9262 also has some of the toughest provisions against VAWG.

Yet the abuses continue, with many women particularly in impoverished communities unaware of their rights and avenues for help under the law.

There are also numerous reports of barangay officials who refuse to assist victims of VAWG. Either the barangay personnel are unaware that they are tasked by law to provide frontline assistance to VAWG victims, or they are ignoring the law, dismissing such cases as private domestic

disputes where outsiders should not intervene. Counseling services are also needed to persuade women to file complaints against abusers who are members of their family. Even women who are affluent, educated and aware of the law can hesitate to file complaints, fearing humiliation or stigma that might affect their families.

From Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, UN Women is carrying out “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence” worldwide. Launched in 2008, this year’s theme is “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls.” This is another pandemic that calls for an intensified response. (Philstar.com)

VP Harris’ high impact Palawan visit

community really appreciated the presence of VP Harris as she listened to their stories and expressed understanding of their concerns.

As she noted in her remarks delivered aboard the Philippine Coast Guard ship Teresa Magbanua, generations of families have fished in the waters of Palawan, providing not only food for their everyday subsistence but also serving as the economic lifeblood of their community. She also narrated her encounter with a young woman with a successful fishdrying business who helps other women by teaching them how to dry fish and derive some extra income for themselves and their families.

As explained by the URI, the “Fish Right” project uses “coastal science and fishery reform to improve the Philippines’ fishing industry – one of the largest in the world – which was endangered by destructive fishing practices, storms and coastal degradation. The program seeks to build resilient fishing communities while ensuring that women and other marginalized groups participate as equals in coastal

stewardship.”

Actually, the project is also a classic example of the saying that goes, “If you give a man fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.”

But one might add that when you deprive a man of his livelihood and prevent him from feeding his family, then you are asking for trouble. We Filipinos are known to have a long endurance for patience and sacrifice, but like any normal human being, we have a limit to our patience, hitting a boiling point. Our forefathers fought hard for our independence and certainly, our fathers have fought many battles in the past. But as a peace-loving nation, we only have one wish for our region – “peace and prosperity for all.”

Nevertheless, 90 percent of Filipinos support President Marcos when he said – we will not give up one square inch of our territory to any foreign power.

And as VP Harris noted, the lifeblood of communities like Tagburos would be put at risk “when foreign vessels enter

Philippine waters and illegally deplete the fishing stock; when they harass and intimidate local fishers; when they pollute the ocean and destroy the marine ecosystem.”

In fact, many people have told me that they have never heard the United States send a more direct and clear message the way Vice President Harris put it when she said, “As an ally, the United States stands with the Philippines in the face of intimidation and coercion in the South China Sea,” not mincing words when she added that the U.S. will continue to rally its allies and partners  against unlawful and irresponsible behavior. “When the international rules-based order is threatened somewhere, it is threatened everywhere,” she emphasized. Naturally, the U.S. vice president’s visit generated a lot of interest. In my separate interviews with Karen Davila and Pia Hontiveros, and during the lunch of the Consular Corps of the Philippines where I was invited to speak, I was pleased to describe the significance of the historic visit – signaling a renewed commitment to the

alliance between our two great nations.

There is no doubt that the U.S. places a lot of importance on its bilateral relationship with the Philippines, as also evidenced by the past visits of high-level officials such as State Secretary Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and the Congressional delegation led by Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts. All of these developments tell us that the U.S. is squarely behind us with regard to the security situation in the West Philippine Sea.

There is also an effort from the United States to enhance its relationship with the Philippines by exploring new areas of cooperation to boost the alliance and, at the same time, strengthen their positions relative to the Indo-Pacific, given the evolving nature and emergence of security threats in the region.

During VP Harris’ meeting with her counterpart, Vice President Sara Duterte at the Aguado residence of Speaker Martin Romualdez, the interaction was very cordial and pleasant as they exchanged notes on a number of topics that included Filipino

food. Apparently, the U.S. Vice President is familiar with some Filipino dishes like lumpia or fried spring rolls, because there are Filipino-Americans in her office.

VP Kamala’s courtesy call on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañang covered a wide range of concerns that included the economy and how both nations can expand their investment and trade partnership across several sectors. They also discussed food security and clean energy.

Both President Marcos and VP Harris welcomed the start of negotiations on a civil nuclear cooperation agreement. As we all know, the climate crisis has made the transition to clean energy even more urgent now, considering the Philippines is one of the nations that is most vulnerable to natural disasters. (Philstar.com)

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

The rise and false ‘sacking’ of Cardinal Tagle

about sexual harassment, abuse or mismanagement’”; “Cardinal Tagle: Caritas relaunch not prompted by dark secrets.”

The reports made him sound as though he was desperately defending himself.

The subtext of all these headlines was, of course, this: “There goes the country’s fair hope for a first Asian pope.”

The Nov. 22 announcement of the massive changes in the leadership of Caritas was so cryptic that it allowed plenty of room for diverse interpretations.

Though it made clear that the professional audit team designated to perform the review of Caritas’ operations saw no signs of financial or sexual misconduct, the findings seemed serious enough to warrant the removal of the organization’s entire leadership.

The Vatican statement said: “Real deficiencies were noted in management and procedures, seriously prejudicing team spirit and staff morale.” What these deficiencies were exactly was not spelled out. Adding to the confusion was the positive observation that the organization had indeed met its fundraising and allotment goals.

The inclusion of two psychologists in the audit team perhaps provides a clue to what

prompted the review which began early this year. The focus of the commissioned study was “the workplace environment of the CI General Secretariat and its alignment with Catholic values of human dignity and respect for each person.” Interviews were done with present and former employees of the organization, vaguely suggesting that the organization may have been hit by an unusual turnover of staff.

A more careful reading of the events, however, would have shown the very opposite of the supposition that Cardinal Tagle was the principal target of the cleanup at Caritas. But then the resulting reports would have been less shocking, and less newsworthy. In fact, it appears more likely that it was Tagle himself who initiated the performance audit, preparatory to the election of his successor in mid-2023. (First elected in 2015, he ends his second term as president of Caritas Internationalis in 2023.)

In the first place, if he was being sacked, the Filipino cardinal would have been spared the ignominy of reading the papal decree announcing his own dismissal before the plenary meeting of his organization. But, it was to him, as “president emeritus” of

Caritas Internationalis, that the Pope gave the difficult task of announcing the findings of the audit and the Pope’s order to carry out a sweeping leadership revamp of the organization. The biggest casualty in this revamp was the incumbent Caritas secretary general Aloysius John, who did not attend the session.

Secondly, the leadership change meant that the entire secretariat was ordered to step down and give way to the interim administrator Pier Francesco Pinelli and his staff, who undertook the review process. A new president who will formally take the place of Cardinal Tagle will be elected at the organization’s general assembly next year. In the meantime, the Pope has asked him to help Pinelli in effecting the transition.

Thirdly, on top of the many other hats he wears in the Roman Curia, Cardinal Tagle is expected to devote a good part of his time now to his new responsibilities as “Pro-Prefect” for the Section of Evangelization of the Dicastery for Evangelization, an appointment he has held only since June 2022. The Pope himself heads this particular dicastery or department.

And finally, it is noteworthy that the young Filipino cardinal, who is sometimes called the

“Asian Francis,” in reference to the progressive views he shares with Pope Francis, was elevated by the latter to the highest rank of cardinal-bishop in May 2020.

This makes him one of only 11 senior cardinals, and the first Filipino cardinal ever to attain this rank.

Cardinal Chito was Archbishop of Manila from 2011 to 2019. But since his elevation to the College of Cardinals by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, he has spent much of his time in Rome, right at the center of the Vatican but away from his own country and people.

Much was expected of him in Manila, where the late Cardinal Sin’s style of leadership continues

to serve as a template of episcopal presence for many Filipinos. Alas, relatively little is known of what the quiet and self-effacing 65-year-old Cardinal Chito has done for the global Church in the past 10 years. Judging from the way Pope Francis relies on him, we can assume that he plays a critical role in the realization of the embattled pontiff’s reform agenda. (Inquirer.net)

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

* * *

RANDY DAVID

ANDY

DING

ManilaTimes.net photo

Then-Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle and Pope Francis. Inquirer.net file photo

Robredo says inequality, broken promises fuel disinformation

by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net

MANILA — Former vice president Leni Robredo said on Tuesday, November 29 that the rampant spread of falsehoods and propaganda in the Philippines could be linked directly to the vast wealth gap in the country and the people’s anger at the democratic system for its failure to deliver on its promises.

Robredo said during the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung’s Solutions Conference on Fighting Fake News, Misinformation, and Disinformation on Tuesday that political forces took advantage of the years-long frustration of Filipinos over unfulfilled promises, channeling the people’s anger to benefit their own agenda.

She highlighted the sources of deception by quoting substantially from research on misinformation and disinformation conducted by sociology professors Jonathan Ong of the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Nicole Curato of the University of Canberra.

“If we are to come up with truly long-term solutions, then we have to understand — this is the most important — the roots of the problem. The reality for the vast majority of the Filipinos is one skewed towards the welloff, the well-connected few. The ultimate question is, so why are Filipinos so vulnerable to fake news?” Robredo said in her keynote address.

“It is one where following the rules and working hard does not guarantee the achievement of their dreams — this is what starts the frustrations. The promise of fairness and equality put forward by our democratic order has, for many gone unfulfilled. Such a situation has become deeply entrenched over the generations, yielding a deep undercurrent of

frustration that was transformed into anger and set into overdrive by the purveyors of disinformation,” she added.

According to Robredo, when this anger is amplified by disinformation — just like what happened during the campaign period for the 2022 national elections — it becomes hard to start even simple conversations between persons from opposing camps.

She said that this was evident in how people branded the opposition using the color they used.

“Meaningful conversations become almost impossible.

Facts, trust, and the sense that we are all in this situation together fall by the wayside.We come to view our fellow citizens as little more than adherents — to one story or its opposite; supporters of one politician or the other.So polarities are created,” she said.

“‘Even before the campaign, they have branded us based on what color we are wearing. So that is the biggest indication that polarities already exist in our society,” she added.

Experts and observers have described the campaign season for the 2022 presidential elections as polarizing, with the country split between supporters of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Robredo, and other candidates.

Along with this divisiveness is a very hostile social media landscape, with supporters of each camp waging word wars on comments sections despite leaders like Robredo pleading to be more gentle and inclusive in starting discussions.

Robredo said that this is also part of why her camp copied Turkey’s “radical love” mindset, where she encouraged her supporters to understand that people from opposing camps are still Filipinos. However, with this failure, they changed their strategy and opted for a house-

A work-from-home culture...

shrink. To avoid that fate, cities will need to make themselves attractive places to live, not just work, Barrero said.

“What you don’t want to be is a city of basically office towers, and everybody at the end of the day leaves, and there’s nothing to do in evenings and on weekends,” he said. “Because that means that basically all of the people can be remote or hybrid.”

The migration to telecommuting also allows employers to look to other states or even other countries for hires. Tobias Sytsma, an associate economist at the Rand Corp., recently authored a report detailing how U.S. companies may increasingly “offshore” remote work to employees abroad.

In addition, higher-income workers could see their wages rise or fall, depending on where they live, Sytsma said. High-paid workers in San Francisco will compete for remote jobs with lower-paid workers in places like Fresno, California, or Boise, Idaho.

“So we should start to see these wages fall in cities like San Francisco and New York and Seattle, where they’re already really high,” Sytsma said, “and we’ll probably start to see them rise in more rural areas.”

Barrero said employers recognize that many people have found they prefer working from home — and that it gives companies leverage to ask workers to accept less money in exchange.

He said his research also indicates that today’s work models — for both at-home and on-site employees — are likely to endure for months and years.

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“We’ve had in our survey a question asking people, ‘Is this the long-term plan that your employer has, or are you still waiting to implement part of the plan?’” Barrero said. “And consistently we get more than 80% of people saying that they’re already following the long-term plan.”

Phillip Reese is a data reporting specialist and an assistant professor of journalism at California State UniversitySacramento.

This story was produced by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.

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

to-house campaign.

She believes that even though she lost to Marcos by a wide margin, the house-to-house campaign was a victory — in the sense that it showed how to address disinformation, which is to build damaged communication lines between people.

“If the grand strategy of disinformation actors is to stop us from talking to each other as citizens of goodwill, then the goal of the counter-disinformation agent must be to have people talk to each other again,” Robredo said.

“If disinformation wants to prevent consensus, and has eroded the spaces that allow for such consensus to be built, then we must either repair those spaces or build new ones,” she added.

After visiting the United States and Switzerland, Robredo returned home to comply with various local engagements. She will fly out of the country again later this week to attend to various invitations from academic circles.

Earlier, she revealed that the massive number of requests for her to talk in front of students and the academe comes from an interest in the Philippines’ disinformation woes.

According to Robredo, people have labeled the Philippines as a petri dish for entities who weaponize social media to their advantage. They are also curious as to how the country would solve the problem.

MANILA — While US support for the Philippine position on the West Philippine Sea is wlecome, the Philippines should not rush to accept offers to expand coverage of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and for American assistance on nuclear energy, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said Monday, November 28. In an interview with the ABS-CBN News Channel’s "Headstart" on Monday, Hontiveros said she appreciates support in recognizing the 2016 Hague ruling, which invalidated China’s nine-dash claims over waters that include the West Philippine Sea. She said she also welcomes the prospect of more joint military exercises but is wary at allowing more US access to military sites for the sake of that support.

"I don’t want us to get stuck choosing between our former colonial master and one that wants to be the new regional or global colonial master," Hontiveros said.

In her visit to the Philippines last week, US Vice President Kamala Harris announced that additional EDCA locations having been identified, but not named.

The EDCA allows the US to use Philippine military facilities as training sites and as a base for humanitarian relief efforts.

A senior US administration official said talks with the Department of National Defense are still ongoing.

So far, the US has spent $82 million for the implementation of the 2014 agreement, with 21 projects underway.

'Nuclear energy might not be

best option' The US also announced that it will be initiating negotiations on a civil nuclear cooperation agreement, which will be the legal basis for exporting nuclear equipment and material to the Philippines.

However, Hontiveros noted that a nuclear energy program might not be the best option for the Philippines since it would mean the country would import materials needed for it, on top of having to worry about the radioactive waste the program would produce.

"I continue to believe that we have much better, safer, and cheaper renewable energy sources compared to the prospect of opening a nuclear energy program here in the Philippines," Hontiveros said. (Kaycee Valmonte/Philstar.com)

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Sen. Risa Hontiveros

Philstar.com file photo

Miss Earth delegates gather strength from friends, family, Filipinos

By Armin P. AdinA Inquirer.net

THIS year’s batch of Miss Earth delegates has had an exhausting stay in the country, with a punishing schedule that saw them traveling to different destinations in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in just over a week. But the international beauties are tapping into different motivations to power them through the competition all the way to the end.

“I think what keeps me going is, of course, the girls, their drive, and also the support I have from my family,” Canada’s Jessica Cianchino told the Inquirer during a tree-planting activity at the future site of The Forum, an Information Technology Park in Batangas City being developed by Pontefino.

“If not for my family, I wouldn’t be where I am today. So I’m doing this for them, I’m doing this for myself, and I’m doing this for my country,” continued the Canadian-Filipino, who was also proclaimed Miss Pontefino Hotel during an auxiliary event held in Batangas, just after they visited Romblon in the Visayas and Zamboanga City in Mindanao.

For Colombia’s Andrea Aguilera, who was a Top 13 finisher in the 2021 Miss World pageant that concluded just earlier this year, representing her country on the international stage keeps her going.

“This is not Andrea Aguilera anymore, so I have a big responsibility that I face with so much love and passion. And it keeps me always happy and motivated and energetic, and

be a voice for environmental protection. So I think it’s my country and of course environmental cause,” she shared.

News anchor Karina Basrewan from Indonesia said, “I still want to keep pushing because I do have the heart to really want to change and make a great impact, not just in Indonesia, but in the world. And I see this as the unity between me and my sisters from 85 different countries, how we can create relations, a bond that could go even beyond the two and a half weeks, and how we can work together long term to make sure the Earth is a better place.”

Cuba’s Sheyla Ravelo cites her “grateful heart” for giving her the strength to go on. “This

Continued on Page 11

Rocco gets to tell the tale of Elias after playing Jose Rizal

By jerry donAto Philstar.com

HIS work in the historical, documentary drama Pluma: Rizal, ang dakilang manunulat gave Rocco Nacino the privilege to get to know more about Jose Rizal, the prolific writer. More than a decade after, he has the opportunity to be acquainted with the novelist’s character Elias in the GMA 7’s historical portal fantasy series, Maria Clara at Ibarra. The latter’s narrative is based on the national hero’s novels, Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not), in which Elias is an ally of Crisostomo Ibarra, and El Filibusterismo (The Reign of Greed) Rocco, hands-down, is fortunate to have essayed the real- and reel-life personas, symbolisms of national identity and independence.

“It was a very nice concept that GMA had,” said the Kapuso actor in a virtual interview with The STAR. “Nakakatuwa we’re starting to dwell back in our history, for this generation to learn more about anong meron sa history natin and how we can actually be better as a country.” The characters in Noli, as the usual class lecture tells, are reflective of the life and times of Rizal, whose intention for writing his first novel was to show the colony’s status quo or the then present plight, as one historian said. Rocco’s Elias is a representation of the native and indigenous people, who are having a social-political awakening.

“When the character of Elias was offered to me, I was very interested,” shared he. “Actually, (through it), I appreciated my being moreno, na appreciate (ko) yung pagkakaroon ng features ng pang-Filipino. Dun talaga pumapasok yung mga roles na di ko akalain (With it, I got roles I never thought I would have played). I did Jose Rizal before, I did a character for Ibong Adarna (Prinsipe Sigasig in the modern film version of the epic titled Ibong Adarna: A Pinoy Adventure) and now, Elias of Noli Me Tangere. It was very humbling, siyempre kinilig ako (and of course, I got thrilled) that they wanted me to be part of this project, especially when direk Zig (Dulay) was explaining that apparently Elias is the Andres Bonifacio of Noli Me Tangere.”

All of that factored in his decision to give his yes to Maria Clara at Ibarra after starring in the drama series To Have & To Hold and the political romantic-comedy First Lady.

“It was very easy for me to accept the role, especially knowing that when it comes to these things that you know will give lessons to the now generation, to today’s young people, you’ll be part of a tool that, you know, will actually reach out to the younger audiences,” said Rocco. “Maganda na maka-throwback sila kumbaga.”

As for his creative process in preparing for the role, the actor had this to say: “The easy part was, the story is already there, the complete story. You know the flow (of events) that the character went through and there are also materials (available) on the character and story. So, it was easy to research.” Rocco added that he also looked for different portrayals of Elias and reflected on what look people behind the show wanted for the character. This required him to read between and beyond the lines.

“Basically, it was more of reading about what Elias went through,” said Rocco. “Kung naaalaala natin na dati siyang ilustrado (if we can recall that he used to be an enlightened and educated one) and I dug deep into (his) hatred towards the prayles (the Spanish friars) and tapped the being maka-bayani (patriotic in me).”

To access that, Rocco revisited his memories

of becoming a navy reservist, which also brought him back to the time when he was playing a soldier (technical sergeant) character in the local adaptation of the Korean TV series, Descendants of the Sun. He remembered thinking of a way to help the community, and that could be in the form of “kawang-gawa (act of service) like (doing) good works, talking to people, boosting the morale of soldiers, frontliners and civilians,” said he. “Every time Elias has a line about inuuna ang bayan (putting the country and people’s needs before yours), those are the first things that I tap into like why I became a navy reservist. (As an actor,) you have to make do with what you have.”

Lucky for him, Rocco can connect his becoming a navy reservist to Elias’ being patriotic, which has helped him in his portrayal. Knowing that viewers have already a preconceived notion and personal interpretation about the character is a challenge for the actor to deal with.

“That was one of the things that kinda got me nervous when people are saying, ‘Elias, Elias, ganito siya eh (This is how he is),’” said Rocco, who had discussions with the director on Elias’ way of speaking and conduct with people, especially the friars. “When it came to that, what I did was, hindi muna ako masyadong nag-social media (I didn’t do social media for a while)… I gave in to what the director wanted and what I wanted and how he envisioned Elias and all other characters.” Rocco added that there’s freedom in approaching his role “and that’s the kind of collaboration that actors and directors always love doing.”

At home, Rocco and his wife Melissa Gohing would take turns in taking care of their first born, named Ezren. The couple are aware that the first three months would be challenging because their son’s feeding, sleeping and waking up routines are changing.

“It’s been very hard but fulfilling, I’m really enjoying it,” said he, whose taping schedule is every other day. “(I enjoy) giving the needs of the baby… It’s more fun because I get a smile (from the baby) and (it) makes everything worth it, yung kada pagod and puyat nights. Now, we have a bundle of joy.”

What also keeps him busy are his businesses like the boxing gym, but his top priority is acting.

“When it comes to TV and film, the roles are never ending, that’s why I always try to stay open. I try to absorb everything like a sponge as to all the opportunities that come my way,” said Rocco, who will be seen in another TV project and a Brillante Mendoza film soon, on future characters and projects he would like to do. “I try to make the most out of it”.

Moira on her glow-up after split with husband: ‘I just healed’

By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

MOIRA Dela Torre opened up about her separation from husband, fellow singer Jason Marvin Hernandez, saying she is already healed and is now more confident about herself.

The singer revealed that she was somehow “prepared” for the heartbreak as she already had a “weird feeling” in the beginning of 2022, in an interview with entertainment reporter MJ Felipe for the news program “TV Patrol” on Friday, Nov. 25.

“I think when the year started, I was getting this weird feeling that I was about to enter into a new season and I didn’t know what it was,” she said. “It’s been a long time coming and I think my heart was prepared for it.”

For Dela Torre, her breakup with Hernandez felt like she was “released from a prison,” allowing her to regain her creative self which she “lost for a little bit.” Now, the singer has been “very careful” in letting people into her life.

Dela Torre then spoke about her after-breakup glow and how going through the healing process boosted her selfconfidence.

“I think I just healed. There was a long time when I wasn’t confident in how I look and how I felt,” she told Felipe. “Ngayon ko lang siguro naramdaman na (Maybe I just recently felt that) I don’t look so bad after all.”

When asked if she is ready to fall in love again, the singer laughed it off and admitted that she is “open” to the idea. Felipe followed up and asked, “Are you looking?” to which she responded, “No. I know it will come.”

Dela Torre and Hernandez, who got married in 2019, confirmed their breakup

in May, with the latter confessing that he cheated on her. Dela Torre initially kept mum on the matter but eventually broke her silence, dismissing speculations that she also cheated on him.

Earlier this month, Dela Torre announced her first world tour which will kick off in Araneta Coliseum in February 2023.

Meanwhile, Hernandez recently released two songs entitled “All I Can Do” and Ako Nalang,” which fans speculated to be about his separation from Dela Torre.

Miss Earth delegates

Inquirer.net photos by Armin P. Adina

Moira Dela Torre

Photo from Instagram/@moiradelatorre

More than a decade after portraying the national hero in the documentary drama Pluma: Rizal, ang dakilang manunulat, Rocco has the opportunity to be acquainted with the novelist’s character Elias in the GMA 7’s historical portal fantasy series, Maria Clara at Ibarra. GMA photo

Pahrump guided tours to start soon

By RealtoR Fely Quitevis-Bateman

A GUIDED tour to the points of interest in the town of Pahrump will start soon, according to local newspaper the Pahrump Valley-Times

With the October 26 ribbon-cutting behind them, Cheers! Nevada will focus on offering specially-curated tours to those wanting to take in what Pahrump has to offer. Per the article, the company may start with their guided tours on Thanksgiving weekend.

According to owner Stefanie Kai Brant, the guided tours, have been created to highlight the town’s unique and diverse businesses – including wineries, eateries and more – with the help of the Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Southwest Central Regional Economic Development Authority and local business owners.

She added that it was important that the community was on board with the plans, as providing quality tours is of utmost importance to them.

Although the tours will showcase the various wines, meads, ciders and beers from Pahrump’s local artisans, Brant is careful not to make it look like a purely alcoholic-driven spectacle. Instead, she wants it to be a fun, educational and allinclusive experience for each of the passengers. To that end, videos in the tour vans will present information about each destination as the tour goes along. Brant also wants to make sure that the tours will showcase the artisans’ passion in making their products and the quality of the products they come up with.

Among the points of interest in Pahrump that may be included in the Pahrump Town Tour

include Coffinwood, Death Valley Marketplace and Chicken Ranch.

A great component of the guided tours is that that the company behind it is giving back to the community a part of what it earns to develop and enhance after-school programs for the youth.

Said Brant in the article: “The biggest motivation behind this tour company is community. We see a need for after-school programs. We want to give at least 10 percent of everything that comes in for youth art programs with the goal that other businesses will join as well to start supporting that.”

The announcement comes in the heels of a long-time event that drew thousands of people to Petrack Park in Pahrump for three days of family fun.

The 9th Annual Balloon Festival this year was organized by the Dubin family, in partnership with Doug Campbell of Balloons Over Pahrump. They took over from the Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce, the previous organizer, ensuring that people would not miss out on a local tradition that has been embraced by the community.

The event also honored the men and women who have served in the military as the event’s first day took place on Veteran’s Day (November 11), with a Veterans Day Sunrise Service and a special balloon honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action flying the American flag above the park.

This is another case of community members coming together to showcase what’s special about the town of Pahrump. From food vendors, to artisans, to featured games/tournaments, and other local vendors, the balloon festival attendees – young and old – were entertained.

Indeed, the town of Pahrump has improved noticeably since its humble beginnings. Originally inhabited by the Southern Pauite, settlers eventually came to live in the area by the late 19th century. Initially the town had mostly large ranchstyle holdings where livestock were raised and crops like alfalfa and cotton were grown.

Today’s Pahrump has seen its share of development. In addition to various wineries and establishments, it also has local hotel-casinos.

It also features Spring Mountain Motor Sports Ranch which features the longest road course in North America (6.1 miles) and has nearby Spring Mountain Estates, luxury trackside homesites where homeowners have full access to all the amenities offered at Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club.

Another often-visited and highly-regarded jewel in Pahrump is the Mountain Falls Golf Club, which features an 18-hole layout co-designed by Nicklaus Design Group and Cal Olson Design. There are also homesites available in Mountain Falls. I hosted the late Philippine President Fidel Ramos, who was an avid golfer, in one of his trips to Nevada, and he was profuse in his compliments about the place.

Pahrump is located just 62 miles west of Las Vegas, and it is an easy drive for those who want the taste of big city life and entertainment of Sin City (Las Vegas) but who want the peace and quiet of living in a developing town, away from bustling

traffic and big city headaches.

The town has many parks for avid walkers/ joggers, off-road trails for trail bikes, ATVs and motorcycles, bird-watching and hiking for those who prefer to commune with nature, and other recreational clubs that offer a host of activities.

I have seen its development through the years, and its proximity to Las Vegas makes it an ideal choice for those who are priced out of the Las Vegas market. With real estate prices in the state still higher than it was from a year ago, or even a decade or two ago, it may be an opportune time to look for your piece of real estate heaven –whether you’re looking for a new home, a vacation place, or looking for an investment property.

Some of my clients have begun reaping the benefits of their investments, as they have turned

their properties into rentals or Airbnb.

I have decades of experience helping clients look for the right piece of property for their budgets. My team and I will work hard to look for the best real estate opportunities in Pahrump and other areas so you can achieve that American dream.

My company, Precious Properties, is a fullservice company that has served its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805559-2476 and 702-538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@precious-properties. com or fely.precious@gmail.com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.

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Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman was recently in Egypt where she visited the world-famous pyramids, one of the ancient wonders of the world.

Guided tours will soon start in Pahrump that will feature the town’s local wineries, eateries and more. The tours will showcase the products made by local artistans and is projected to be fun, educational and all-inclusive for all tour participants. Photo above shows the Sanders Family Winery in Pahrump, NV. Screengrab from internet/www.

One of two gas stations (Coyote Corner) in Pahrump that will open soon.

A second Circle K gas station will open in town on Homestead Road.

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

Travel light

THIS

Travel is a pure metaphor for our life’s journey.

There are two choices in the way we can travel. We can travel light or we can load up on stuff and literally become a beast of burden. The reality for most of us is that we heft and carry far too much physical and emotional baggage over time. I am focusing on the physical baggage aspect only. The emotional baggage aspect is yet for another day.

Our journey becomes tedious and cumbersome. All we want when we are too heavily laden with stuff while on the road, at sea or in flight, is to get to our destination fast so we can rest our weary bones and aching muscles and put our feet up. The fun is gone because tedium and fatigue have taken over.

It shouldn’t be so because there is truth in what they say about any journey. Half the fun should be getting there.

Very few of us are born wise old souls who already know what is important and what is frivolous at the get-go from a very young age.

For most of us ordinary beings who have to learn from scratch, our learning curves can be steep. It takes a long while for us to know the difference between a NEED and a WANT.

We all know the drill. Needs are the things required for basic human existence: food, shelter and clothing. Wants are those that our ego or an infomercial tells us we should acquire to feel better, look better and improve our status in society such as the latest car model, the new smartphone, large screen TV sets or luxury items or anything

else that advertisers tell us we ought to have to make our lives better or feel important.

The distinction should be easy enough if our mental faculties are grounded in common sense and just basic understanding of what is important and what isn’t.

Those of us who have wise parents may try to tell us so until they are blue in the face but for the most part, unless and until we go through life experiences that shape our understanding and appreciation of what truly matters in life, it is guaranteed that we will bungle our way through just learning to distinguish between a basic need and a frivolous want.

A need is probably owning one quality watch to help us manage our time. A want is having 12 different watches to match what we wear.

We will acquire mountains of stuff through our lifetimes. It’s not our fault we live in a consumer society where acquiring stuff is the default behavior. Consider the success of companies that rent out public storage spaces. If you are one of those who rent such spaces in addition to your home’s bulging garage and storage spaces for long periods of time, it may be time to assess the quality of your life’s journey and begin divesting promptly, either gradually or drastically and choosing to travel light.

The stuff we acquire is just that. Stuff and nothing more ……

When we own something, that something owns us. We are responsible for its care and maintenance to keep it functioning and useful. When that something has outgrown its usefulness or has become passé, we are responsible

for its disposition. When we acquire something new, we probably need to dispose of 3 other items, just to keep us in balance.

One day, if we let ourselves listen and learn from that small, quiet and wise voice within us, we will discover that important things are not stuff. They are largely intangible things — like health of mind, body and spirit, faith, hope and love, joy, sacrifice, a sense of wonder and humor to cushion us from the rough shocks of life. So next time we find ourselves meandering about armed to the teeth with credit cards in those huge shopping malls, outlets or flea markets, try to go on browsing mode only. Hold off on splurging next month’s paycheck. This is likewise true for those who go online shopping, indulging themselves in retail therapy in the comfort of their own homes in their pajamas. Look at the merchandise and appreciate the craftsmanship and give yourself time to decide if owning it will answer a need or just satisfy an impulsive want.

Window shop, if you must. It would be like going to a museum where you can look, appreciate beauty and quality while having a great time and leaving as light and unencumbered as you came in, without a shopping cart full of stuff.

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

Dream Come True: Fil-Am Trinity Mijares cast as Clara in America Ballet Theatre’s production of ‘The Nutcracker’

by AJPress

Last year, she performed with the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) as Clara in Alexei Ratmansky’s The Nutcracker under the direction of Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie and Regisseur Susan Jones. She auditioned again and is honored to be cast as she reprises her role as Clara this coming December.

Mijares, who now resides in Costa Mesa, California, began training and dancing at the age of 3. At 13 years old, she moved to Southern California to advance her ballet training and joined the Pre-professional program with American Ballet Theatre (ABT) William J. Gillespie School at Segerstrom Center for the Arts under Director Ms. Alaine Haubert. After the pandemic with the hiatus of large gatherings and live performances, her dream of dancing not only as Clara but with a world renowned professional ballet company became within reach.

Hundreds of hopefuls audition every year to be Clara in many local and professional companies, but only a handful gets selected each year. In 2021, she auditioned for American Ballet Theatre’s (ABT) “The Nutcracker.” She was cast for the coveted children’s principal role of Clara, making her dream as a little girl come true.

How will your 401k retirement plan be divided in a divorce case?

FOR most families, their 401K retirement plan from work is the second largest asset an average family holds (second only to their family residence). How is this treated in a divorce proceeding in California which is a community property state? It depends on how it is characterized whether separate property, community property, or part separate and part community.

If all your contribution to your 401k plan made prior to the marriage or after separation, then your 401k plan will be characterized as your separate property. In a divorce, your separate property 401k plan will not be divided and will be awarded 100% to you.

On the other hand if all your contribution to your 401k plan was made during the marriage, then the retirement plan will be characterized as community property. Marriage is the period from date of marriage to date of separation. This means your 401k retirement plan will be divided 50/50 between you and your spouse. Since 401k retirement plan is subject to ERISA, a QDRO is necessary to divide the plan. A QDRO is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order prepared by your

Insurance Made Easy

AvecillA

STARTING a business is no joke. It’s not for everyone. If someone says starting a business is a walk in the park, they are lying to you. From idea to implementation, the journey involves a lot of moving parts. Lot of questions to be answered and intense planning is required. Some examples of questions to ask during the initial stages are: Are you going to have a storefront, or will you only do ecommerce? Will you be a solopreneur, or will you hire help right away? What type of marketing are you going to do? Do you need a website, logo, trademark, patent, and the list goes on.

Once a business is off the ground, more work and more questions present itself. Who to hire, how to train, when to start hiring, what payroll to use, where to bank, do you do LLC or S Corp and more decisions to be made.

When it comes to insurance. There are some essential types that you wish to be familiar with:

1. General liability insurance – This protects from bodily injury or property damage claim that your business has caused. Example 1: Slip and fall at your shop. This indemnifies the injured party if business is found liable. Example 2: If your worker went on a house call and damages property of the client, this policy could cover damages to the other party’s belongings.

2. Workers’ compensation – This is mandatory in most

attorney filing with the Court subject to the retirement plan administrator’s approval. Once the QDRO is approved by the plan and signed by the Court, the QDRO is sent back to the plan which implements the division of the 401k plan. Half of the community interest in the 401k plan will be transferred to a new account set up under the non-employee spouses’ name.

This division of the 401k plan is not a taxable event and will not have any tax consequence since the nonemployee spouses’ portion will simply be transferred to another tax deferred account under the non-employee spouse’s name.

It gets more challenging when the contributions to your 401k plan occurred partly before marriage and partly during marriage. In that situation, an apportionment would have to be made between separate property and community property. Your spouse will be entitled to half the community interest in your 401k plan. The community portion of the 401k plan gets to share in its pro-rata share of investment gains and income of the 401k plan and not just the original contributions. As stated previously, the non-employee spouse’s half of the community interest in the plan will be divided via a QDRO.

If your divorce case is resolved by settlement rather than trial, it is also possible to negotiate that your entire 401k retirement plan be awarded 100% to in exchange for either

a cash buy out to your spouse or offering your spouse other assets in exchange for your spouse’s half of the community interest in the 401k plan. In that scenario, there will be no need to divide your 401k plan with a QDRO. The divorce judgment would simply award the entire plan to you with a corresponding asset awarded to your spouse.

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

* * * Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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What type of insurance do you need for your business

states. This provides benefits to workers if they suffer injury or illness that are work related. Example: A deli worker accidentally cut his fingers while preparing sandwich for a customer. This policy could provide treatment cost and lost wages.

3. Commercial property –This helps protect your owned or rented building, equipment, and furniture. Example: If there is fire or theft, this policy could replace your property from covered losses.

4. Commercial umbrella – This provides extra layer of liability protection over and above your other underlying liability coverage. In short, it kicks in when the liability coverage for your other policy is exhausted. Example: Judgement to an auto claim against your company is $1.5 Million and say your auto policy only has $1M. The remainder of $500k will come from the commercial umbrella subject to terms of policy.

5. Professional liability/ errors and omission – This covers claims from mistakes arising from professional services rendered by your business. Ex. You are beautician, and you made a mistake by putting wrong chemicals to client’s hair or face that caused injury to the customer. If they sue, this policy can cover legal costs and payment to the injured party.

6. Commercial auto – This covers your company car as well as property damage and bodily injury type of claim.

Example: Your staff rear ends another car while running errands for work. The insurance

will cover the claim to repair or replace the other car, the company car as well as injury to the other party subject to limits of coverage selected.

7. Business office policy insurance or BOP – it is the most common requirement since it covers commercial property, general liability policy and loss of income among other things.

There are more insurance policies that an entrepreneur may potentially need like Cyberspace liability, Identity Theft, Employment Practice Liability, Bond, etc. The list can go on. A trusted insurance advisor can guide you through these selections.

They say being an entrepreneur is like going through a roller coaster ride every day. There seems to be no “pause button”. There’s constant action and reaction. Each day brings new challenges and excitement. It involves a lot of risk, courage, foresight as well as sweat and the obvious need for financial capital to name a few. While it is challenging to own a business, it is also one of the most rewarding things to accomplish. There is a certain badge of pride that is associated with it.

So, while starting a business could seem like a daunting task. Don’t be discouraged. When it comes to insurance, choosing the right agent can simplify things for you. They can also assist with giving you options and help narrow down what your business really needs. Let the insurance expert do the heavy lifting and help guide you. Look for someone who

Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya writes for Asian Journal. Email monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.com for comments.

is culled out from the series “The Bucket List” written in 2018.

“He who must travel happily must travel light.” — Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Melody

Trinity Mijares at ABT William J. Gillespie School, Costa Mesa, CA Image courtesy of Zach

YOUNG Filipina American Trinity Mijares knew she wanted to become a ballerina at the age of 3 after watching her first live performance of “The Nutcracker.”

“It’s a dream come true! I’ve always wanted to be Clara ever since I was 3 years old. It’s always so exciting to perform on stage, but performing with a professional ballet company and dancing with professional ballerinas is so surreal,” shares Mijares.

Richard proud dad to daughter Juliana who won a fencing tilt in Thailand

By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

JULIANA Gomez proved once and for all that she takes after her father, Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez in more ways than one after she won a fencing competition in Thailand recently.

The actor-politician documented Juliana’s winning

moments during the Thailand Open through a video compilation that he posted on his Instagram page last Saturday, Nov. 26.

“Congratulations [Juliana Gomez] for winning the Thailand Open Fencing Championship today,” he greeted his daughter. “May you keep on winning and bring more honor to the country.”

Juliana is Gomez and wife, Lucy Torres’ only child. Lucy is currently the mayor of Ormoc City.

Fellow celebrities like Aga Muhlach, Ariella Arida and Ben Chan of fashion label Bench also expressed awe at Juliana’s achievements, sending their congratulatory greetings via the comments section.

Richard himself was a former SEA Games athlete who represented the Philippines in the fencing category. He is currently the president of the Philippine Fencing Association.

Miss Earth delegates...

From Page 9

is incredible, we are in a new country representing our respective countries, really on a vacation, getting to see all the beautiful sites with the red carpet rolled out everywhere we go, so much hospitality,” she said.

She also said being a long-time eco activist, her drive to save the planet powers her through the hardships. “You have to have a ‘why.’ If you don’t have a strong reason for being here, and then sometimes things can fall out of sight or they might not seem worth it anymore. And my why is my environmental advocacy,” she explained.

Australia’s Sheridan Mortlock credits the Filipino people. “Every time we rock up a new location, they are so excited to greet us and so happy and so hospitable. So you just can’t help but smile back and be excited as well,” she said.

The student of global sustainability and politics also said she gets her strength from her “Miss Earth sisters,” her fellow delegates. “I’ve been able to connect really well with some of them, and so we keep each other’s spirits up,” she continued.

The 2022 Miss Earth coronation program will be staged at Cove Manila on Nov. 29, where reigning queen Destiny Wagner from Belize will turn over her crown to her successor.

To date, four Filipino women have received the title—Karla Henry in 2008, Jamie Herrell in 2014, Angelia Ong in 2015, and Karen Ibasco in 2017.

This year, American-Filipino psychology student Jenny Ramp from the province of Tarlac is representing the country in the annual pageant.

What type of insurance...

From Page 10

you can trust and who has been around longer because experience matters. You already put up with so much in running your business, let getting the right coverage be as painless as possible. Put your mind at ease with an agent who knows and who cares. Visit us at www.costwiseinsurance.com.

For questions or a free noobligation quote email info@ costwiseinsurance.com.

* * * Melody Avecilla is an insurance expert. Her one-stop-shop agency has been a

preferred go-to insurance resource for over a decade. She has a Masters in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount and earned her CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) designation at The American College. Her team has been voted best in the industry for years in a row. Fun fact about her. She has multiple patents for the world’s first retractable high heels. In between work, she hosts a global leadership podcast called “dreamers to leaders.” She’s takes a hyper focused approach in elevating customer experience in running her businesses. Insurance is her flag ship enterprise.

Dream Come True: Fil-Am Trinity Mijares cast...

From Page 10

The young dancer aspires to be a professional ballerina and trains four hours a day, six days a week at the pre-professional level. She has attended summer intensives and programs in New York and California with American Ballet Theatre, Kaatsbaan, Complexions Ballet, Alvin Ailey, and was awarded a scholarship for Bolshoi Ballet Academy SI. She enjoys dancing other styles such as modern, contemporary, lyrical, jazz, character, musical theater, and hip hop, but classical and contemporary ballet is her passion.

She also likes to dabble in creating her own choreography. She continues to work hard and have fun honing her craft to share her love of dance and bring joy to others, especially to all the little girls who dream of being Clara.

Her advice to anyone who wants to be Clara, or anything in life, is “If you want it, go for it!”

Trinity knows it takes hard work, discipline, and determination to reach her goals and dreams, and not be afraid of rejection and failure. “I learned to just put myself out there and go for opportunities,” she says.

This past summer Mijares had the privilege to have worked and trained with one of her biggest role models and

inspiration Stella Abrera, the first Filipina American principal ballerina with American Ballet Theatre (ABT). Abrera says about Filipino dancers, “In general, I’d say there’s a wonderful musicality and innate sense of artistry in Filipino dancers.”

As a Filipina American, Mijares is proud of her heritage and understands how Filipino representation is important and inspires her and others to continue pursuing and working towards their dreams. The talent and skill of Filipino Americans are more and more

recognized and promoted to principal, the highest rank within a professional ballet company.

Some Filipina American principal ballerinas include Stella Abrera with American Ballet Theatre, Noelani Pantastico with Pacific Northwest Ballet, Angelica Generosa with Pacific Northwest Ballet, Lia Cirio with Boston Ballet, and others ascending their positions.

Through their example of dedication and perseverance, Mijares passion and love of dancing inspires her to work

hard to achieve her goals and dreams. She hopes to become one of them. She is grateful for the continued support from her Filipino community.

American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California. American Ballet Theatre and its professional dancers travel to California from New York to perform Alexei Ratmansky’s The Nutcracker. The show runs from Dec 9-18, 2022. Tickets are now available at www. scfta.org/events/2022/thenutcracker.

Richard Gomez and his daughter Juliana

Photo from Instagram/@richardgomezph

Trinity Mijares for the ABT’s The Nutcracker at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, CA on December 10, 2021. Image courtesy of Elaina Francis Photo

Trinity Mijares and Stella Abrera at Kaatsbaan Summer Intensive in New York, August 2022