120122 - Las Vegas Edition

Man in hate crime attack on elderly Filipina in NY gets 17.5 years in prison

A MAN in Yonkers, New York who brutally attacked a 67-year-old Filipino woman in March was sentenced to 17.5 years in prison Tuesday, Nov.  29.

Tammel Esco, 42, had pleaded guilty to a hate crime attack on woman who was walking into her apartment building. He punched and stomped on her 125 times, sending her with a bleeding brain and facial fractures to the hospital, according to court documents.

Moments before the attack, officials say Esco called the victim an “Asian bitch.” A security camera at the building entrance captured images of Esco attacking the women. He did not make a statement at the sentencing.

Westchester County DA Miriam Rocah said, “I want to assure every community in Westchester County that my office will use every resource at our disposal to fight hate and hold perpetrators accountable.”

Filipino referee admits to cheating, helping Manny Pacquiao win ght in 2000

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

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 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

Marcos buoyed by poll showing government in ‘right direction’

by KRISTINA MARALIT ManilaTimes.net

Filipino former decathlete sentenced to 17 years in jail for cannabis-related scam

A FORMER decathlete who also competed with the Philippines national team was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison for fraudulently raising more than $45 million from investors who were told their funds would be used to finance companies marketing cannabis vape pens.

On Monday, Nov. 21, David Joseph Bunevacz, 53, of Calabasas, California, was sentenced to 17 1/2 years by United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer, who also ordered him to pay $35,267,851 in restitution, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

At the sentencing hearing, Fischer noted that Bunevacz had “preyed on individuals who believed he was their friend” and that the “seriousness of [his] conduct cannot be captured in mere dollars and cents.”

Fischer also found that Bunevacz continued to perpetrate his scheme even while serving probation

Group renews call for thorough probe into EJKs ahead of UN rights expert’s visit

by GAEA KATREENA CABICO Philstar.com

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.

The 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, Monday 28.

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

Remulla said the invitation to TidballBinz is “more of a follow-up” to the capacity building under the United Nations Joint Programme.

According to government figures, over 6,000 suspected drug users or

Padilla defends Dela Rosa: We’re not legalizing prohibited drugs

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  PAGE 3

How expanded EDCA access to AFP sites could a ect independent foreign policy

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. Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit 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 on additional EDCA sites might be construed as containment and security anxiety against China but it is seen a s recommitment to foster the alliance between

photo by Rolando Mailo

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.”

“It is very encouraging that people think we are moving in the right direction... I saw that  PAGE 2 by AJPRESS

Sen. Robin Padilla

Inquirer.net photo

US Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks on Philippines Coast Guard ship ‘Teresa Magbanua’ at Puerto Princesa Port, on November 22, 2022.

Photo courtesy of the Office of the Vice President Kamala Harris

Marcos buoyed by poll showing...

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it crosses 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.” g

Filipino former decathlete sentenced to 17 years...

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for a state court conviction, concluding, “Not even a criminal conviction and the threat of jail convinced [Bunevacz] to become a law-abiding citizen.”

Bunevacz pleaded guilty on July 18 to one count of securities fraud and one count of wire fraud. He has been in federal custody since his arrest in this case on April 5.

Going back to 2010, Bunevacz created various business entities, with names such as CB Holding Group Corp. and Caesarbrutus LLC, that he claimed were involved in the cannabis industry and the sale of vape pens containing cannabis products such as CBD oil and THC.

Bunevacz falsely told at least one investor he had a longstanding relationship with a Chinese manufacturer of disposable vape pens and he obtained “raw pesticide-free oil” that was sent to a “lab that infuses the flavors into the oil with our proprietary custom process that renders the vape flavoring smooth and discrete,” according to court documents.

Bunevacz also provided investors with forged documents – such as bank statements, invoices and purchase orders – to support his claims of the businesses’ success and the need for investor funds. Instead of using the funds

to finance business operations – and while some of his victims were suffering severe financial hardship – Bunevacz misappropriated the vast majority of the funds to pay for his own opulent lifestyle, including a luxurious house in Calabasas, Las Vegas trips, jewelry, designer handbags, a lavish birthday party for his daughter, and horses.

To create the false appearance that his companies were engaged in legitimate business activities, Bunevacz registered various shell companies, including several with names similar or identical to those of legitimate cannabis businesses.

To conceal his control of these shell companies and the bank accounts associated with them, Bunevacz listed other individuals, including his stepdaughter, as the corporate officers of the shell companies.

Bunevacz’s blog touts his success as a former decathlete who competed for the Philippines, and his wife and daughter appeared in a reality television show. Despite Bunevacz’s promotion of his background, Bunevacz took efforts to conceal negative information from investors, such as his 2017 felony conviction for the unlawful sale of securities, according to an affidavit submitted in support of a criminal complaint in this case.

After one investor uncovered a lawsuit against Bunevacz, Bunevacz emailed a counterfeit version of the settlement agreement to falsely make it appear that he had been paid $325,000 as part of a settlement.

In reality, it was Bunevacz who had agreed to pay $325,000 to settle the claim.

Operating through his cannabis companies, Bunevacz raised approximately $45,227,266 from more than 100 victim-investors, according to the government’s filing. Judge Fischer found that Bunevacz caused losses of approximately $35,267,851.

“The sense of violation, the assault on personal dignity, and the lasting trauma [Bunevacz] has caused are very much reminiscent of the harm typically associated with violent crimes,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum.

“And, with well over a hundred victims, [Bunevacz] caused these harms at a scale rarely seen.”

The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department investigated this matter. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission provided substantial assistance.

Assistant United States Attorney Alexander B. Schwab of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case. g

Man in hate crime attack on elderly Filipina in...

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The unnamed victim was in court for the sentencing and thanked those in the community who helped her. She said she lost

her home of 24 years and remains “on edge” and did not want the painful experience to happen to anyone else. She could not believe she survived, she said

If anyone has been a victim of a hate crime or bias incident, or has further information on this case, call the District Attorney’s Office at (914) 995-TIPS. (Inquirer.net)

How expanded EDCA access to AFP sites...

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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..” g

Filipino referee admits to cheating, helping...

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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)

CHRISTMAS DECORS. A figurine of Santa Claus is on sale along with other Christmas decorations 24 days before Christmas Day at a store in Sampaloc, Manila on Thursday, Dec. 1. You can find these types of figurines at the Christmas Factory, known for selling large figurines made up of polyresin, which is a kind of plastic that can be carved into durable shapes and fiberglass, a plastic strengthened with glass. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

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

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.

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.

fast-casual 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.

Holiday to-do lists should include getting protection against COVID

by

IN addition to making food, preparing shopping lists, and planning travel for the holidays, taking steps to reduce the impact of COVID on your friends, your family, and yourself should be part of your holiday to-do list.

Market, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market will be at the Pearland Town Center, 11200 Broadway St., Pearland, TX, 77584.

As holiday preparations begin, here are some answers to commonly asked questions about COVID and COVID vaccines: Do I need a COVID vaccine this far into the pandemic?

seriously ill over the holidays. Vaccines can help protect you, and since it takes a couple of weeks for the full protection to kick in, it’s a good idea to get vaccinated and get an updated vaccine as soon as you can. You should get an updated vaccine two months after your most recent vaccine dose.

The U.S.-based fast casual burger restaurant has already

“Smashburger is continuing its efforts to elevate the overall

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

It has been expanding in different parts of the globe, especially in the U.S., North America, China and the Philippines. g PAGE 1

illegal drugs], one joint, two, and three. They are the ones in jails.)

According to  Padilla,  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 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 made-decriminalize. 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. g

Group renews call for thorough probe into...

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. g

COVID cases are expected to rise this winter, and no one wants their holiday plans to be disrupted by illness. Dr. Tiffany Moon is a Chinese American anesthesiologist and mother of two who urges everyone to get the updated vaccine, which includes targeted protection against Omicron. “Getting an updated vaccine will help keep your friends and family safe while you’re gathering,” she said in an Instagram post.

In addition to Dr. Moon and other influencers, community organizations all over the country continue to support the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ We Can Do This COVID-19 Public Education Campaign through events and vaccine clinics, including:

• Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) is offering the updated vaccines and flu shots in Miami on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Nanay Health Symposium from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The location is the Nanay Community Center at 659 NE 125 St., North Miami, 33161.

• FYLPRO is also holding a vaccine clinic that same day, Dec. 3, at the Houston Holiday

Yes. Even though COVID has been around for several years, it can still cause severe illness, especially to those who are not vaccinated. People ages 50 and older, and anyone with a chronic condition like diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease, is at increased risk of severe illness if they get COVID. While vaccinated people can still get COVID, vaccines provide protection against the worst outcomes.

What should I know about updated COVID vaccines?

Anyone age 5 or older who has completed the primary series of a COVID vaccine and had their last dose at least two months ago should get an updated vaccine. Updated vaccines provide protection against both the original COVID virus and Omicron.

Why should I get vaccinated before the holidays? No one wants to expose vulnerable family members to COVID or miss precious time with family and friends because they are

What should I do if I test positive for COVID? People who are showing symptoms of COVID should stay home and test for COVID. Those who are positive should stay home for at least five days and reach out to a doctor. People who are 50 or older, or who have a chronic condition like diabetes, heart disease, or lung disease, are at higher risk and should contact a doctor at the first sign of COVID symptoms to see if they need a prescription for COVID treatment to help keep them out of the hospital.

COVID is treatable with antiviral and monoclonal antibody medications that doctors can prescribe based on how high your risk is for complications. When these medications are taken within days of the first symptoms of COVID, they work well to prevent COVID hospitalization and death.

COVID vaccines are currently free and widely available. For more information and to find a vaccine, visit www.vaccines.gov. (Advertising Supplement)

Senator  Ronald Dela Rosa Inquirer.net photo

Dateline PhiliPPines

Marcos, Duterte rated high for trust, performance – poll

by Red Mendoza ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte garnered high trust and performance ratings in October, according to a survey commissioned by OCTA Research.

Based on the Tugon ng Masa poll from October 23 to 27, 86 percent of respondents across the country trust both Marcos and Duterte, 4 percent distrust them, and 10 percent are undecided.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri is the next most trustworthy public official with a 52 percent percent trust rating, followed by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez with 38 percent and Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo with 24 percent.

Both Marcos and Duterte reported high trust ratings across all island groups, and

recorded the highest rating in Mindanao, at 92 percent and 98 percent, respectively.

The area where Marcos had the lowest trust rating was in the National Capital Region, at 82 percent. Duterte is lowest in Balance Luzon at 81 percent.

Marcos and Duterte also garnered high trust ratings in Class E, at 90 and 92 percent, respectively, and 78 and 85 percent in class ABC.

Meanwhile, Marcos reported a 78 percent satisfaction on his performance as chief executive, 5 percent were dissatisfied, and 18 percent were undecided.

He has a high performance rating among respondents in Mindanao at 85 percent and lowest in Balance Luzon at 74 percent.

He also had a high performance rating among classes D and E at 79 and 77 percent, respectively, and 67 percent in Class ABC.

Duterte, meanwhile, had an 80 percent overall performance

rating, with the highest rating reported in Mindanao at 96 percent and the lowest in Balance Luzon at 71 percent.

Satisfaction in her performance was high in class D and E at 81 and 80 percent, respectively, and 75 percent in Class ABC.

Fifty-three percent of respondents said that they were satisfied with the performance of Zubiri as Senate President, with the Visayas and Class D giving him the highest rating. Meanwhile, 44 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with Romualdez's job as speaker of the House of Representatives.

Thirty-three percent of respondents were satisfied with the performance of Gesmundo, 15 percent were dissatisfied, and 53 percent were undecided.

The noncommissioned survey had 1,200 respondents and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent. g

SC vows to resolve public trust on social media to solve legal problems

by TeTch Torres-Tupas Inquirer.net

MANILA –The judiciary must “be dynamic and responsive to current realities” because the public uses social media to solve legal issues, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said on Thursday, December 2.

Speaking at the First Philippine Clinical Legal Education Summit, Gesmundo said it is no longer enough for lawyers to establish a physical office or conduct a one-day legal outreach program to solve legal problems, especially for people belonging to low-income communities.

Currently, there are measures to give the public free access to courts, such as exemption from payment of legal fees for pauper litigants and a legal aid program by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP). In addition, the executive department also provides free legal assistance through the Public Attorneys’ Office (PAO).

Still, Gesmundo said, the

public has been resorting to quick-fix solutions to their legal problems by relying on personalities or social media influencers despite a lack of legal experience or background at the risk of being subjected to public ridicule or comments.

“While I am not in a hurry to condemn these programs which give relief to the public, personally, I cannot but be a little concerned [about] the growing acceptance of our people of a platform for redress with no established rules to protect the rights of all persons involved,” he said.

Thus, he said the courts must not just sit back and wait for the public to find them.

“The Court itself must go to those in need. If justice delayed is justice denied, justice kept beyond the reach of the underserved and marginalized is no justice at all,” he said as he stressed the need to increase efforts of giving access to justice.

The Court’s latest measure is the Revised Law Student

Practice Rules requiring all law schools to establish a clinical legal education program (CLEP) and law clinics nationwide.

The CLEP and the law clinics are mandated to ensure access to justice for the marginalized sector and enhance legal education by teaching law students the value of legal professional social responsibility and preparing them for law practice through experiential education.

The three-day Clinical Legal Education Summit in Taguig City started Thursday and tackles the needs of communities and services rendered by law clinics in the country.

The PIO said the summit is organized by the Legal Education Board in partnership with the SC, the Philippine Association of Law Schools, and the Association of Law Students of the Philippines, with the support of the Asia Foundation and the United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. g

Push for nuclear energy to face ‘vibrant discussion’ at Senate

by Franco Luna Philstar.com

MANILA — The Senate ma jority bloc is still undecided on the administration's push to construct nuclear power plants around the country, pointing again to safety and funding concerns in one of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr's pet projects.

To recall, the US Embassy in Manila said earlier that among the key outcomes of Vice Presi dent Kamala Harris' visit to the Philippines was the announce ment of the launch of the 123 Agreement for negotiations for civil nuclear energy cooper ation to help increase the Philip pines’ energy security.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva told reporters Wednesday that he has his own reservations on it.

Asked about the prospects of the Senate complementing the move, Villanueva admitted: "We are almost sure that every one of them will have their own opinion, position and we'll have a vibrant discussion on whether the Philippines should consider using nuclear power."

Villanueva said he is open to discussions on nuclear power but that he also has reservations about it.

"We are all aware that nuclear power plants contain radioactive

material that is extremely harm ful to humans and the environ ment. We also need to conduct a thorough evaluation of potential sites for the power plant and waste storage," he also said.

During the election campaign, Marcos said the country should look into reviving his father’s venture—the 621-megawatt Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, which was completed in 1984 but has been mothballed over safety concerns.

Both chambers of Congress are dominated by the presi dent's allies but Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri has promised that the supermajority coalition would not be used to railroad the president's favored bills.

For Villanueva, a number of key questions still remain.

"Can this technology be effi ciently utilized in an archipelagic country such as the Philippines?" he said. "Lastly, we expect this investment would cost billions of dollars. How we can afford these power plants, if the investment would be cost efficient, and how long it would take us to get a re turn on investment are questions that need to be answered."

"That being said, we are more open to exploring the use of modular types of nuclear plants for the country. Using small modular reactors could prove to be an affordable option and

manageable in size and scale for the country."

The "123 Agreement" aims to support collaboration on ze ro-emission energy and non-pro liferation priorities. The agree ment will allow the US to export nuclear equipment and material to the Philippines to help the country achieve energy security and transition to clean energy.

Scientists and advocates op posed to the idea say the deal poses a threat to nearby commu nities and is counterproductive to Marcos' supposed commit ments to addressing climate change.

"Nuclear and fossil gas should be out of the picture today; it’s hypocritical to talk about addressing the climate crisis while prioritizing dangerous energy sources,” Greenpeace Philippines campaigner Khevin Yu said.

For his part, Sen. JV Ejercito brushed off safety concerns, saying "the safety protocols will strictly be followed...So many countries have successful nucle ar energy programs."

"We really need to reconsider nuclear power. We need to bring down the cost of energy for our economy to be able to fully de velop and at same time address the issue of climate change and global warming which will be both addressed by [shifting to] nuclear power," he said. g

FIGHTING AIDS. US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson (3rd from left) turns over the donation of 86,000 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral load cartridges to Department of Health officials in observance of World AIDS Day in Manila on Thursday, Dec. 1. An HIV viral load is a blood test that measures the amount of HIV in a blood sample. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Marcos wants PH-China joint exploration to proceed

by Catherine S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

Hontiveros urges border control, coordination with states to stop trafficking of Pinoys

by FranCo Luna Philstar.com

MANILA — Amid her expose of a Chinese mafia's trafficking operation targetting Filipinos, Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Thursday, December 1 called on the national government to tighten border control mechanisms and coordinate with other governments to ensure the safety of overseas Filipino workers.

In a statement sent to reporters, Hontiveros said that the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality would aim to hold accountable the individuals in the Bureau of Immigration and the Manila International Airport Authority found to be linked to the scam. She also called on other national government agencies to assist any OFWs reaching out to them.

"Border control should be tightened here in the Philippines to make sure that we do not let our countrymen fall into the hands of syndicates," Hontiveros said.

The committee's hearings have found that trafficked passengers were given a fake monthly pass stamped with the logo of the

Manila International Airport Authority, which manages the terminals of the NAIA.

At Tuesday's hearing, November 29, Hontiveros and two survivors of the human trafficking operation also alleged that personnel of the Bureau of Immigration were involved in the scam and were responsible for the entry of the operation's agents into the country.

"Filipinos who have been trafficked to other countries to scam must be sent home first. Rapid coordination is needed with various government agencies, such as the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Migrant Workers, and the Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration, as well as liaison with governments in other countries," she said.

The senator's office unearthed the scheme last month after it found that unsuspecting OFWs looking for jobs abroad were promised a job in a call center as customer service representatives, or as data encoders but were kidnapped and then forced to scam foreigners.

Rescued OFWs have also alleged that the Chinese syndicate is holding similar operations in

Thailand, the Middle East and Myanmar.

"Moving forward, there have to be clear transborder solutions. The Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia are bound by the ASEAN convention against trafficking in persons so there must be tighter coordination to suppress this crime," Hontiveros said.

"It would be good to have cooperation and coordination with the states of the US, Canada, Germany and the UK, especially since their citizens are often the victims of scams."

Amid rising prices locally, the senator also called for programs and policies that can keep Filipinos at home instead of seeking out better opportunities abroad.

A number of the rescued OFWs say they went along with the scheme even once they were kidnapped because of the lack of opportunities at home.

"There is no immediate solution to the hardships of the lives of our countrymen who are motivated to take chances in other countries. Therefore, the implementation of programs and policies that can really provide a decent life to every Filipino must be accelerated," she said. g

The

is also being claimed by Beijing. The Permanent Court of Arbi tration (PCA) in 2016 upheld the Philippines' claim and dismissed China's argument that the territory belonged to them by virtue of the historical "nine-dash line"."I think there might be other ways para hindi gawing (so that it doesn't become) G2G or I don't know. We'll have to find a way. Kasi kailangan na natin eh (We need it already).

We already need --- kung may mahanap diyan, kailangan na ta laga ng Pilipinas (if there's a way, the Philippines really needs it)," the President said during a chance interview.

"'Yung China, hindi ba, maliit na bagay sa kanila 'yun. Sa atin, malak ing bagay 'yan. So kailangan talaga natin ipaglaban at mapakinabangan kung mayroon mang oil talaga (For China, it's just a small thing but it's something big for us. So we really need to fight and tke advantage if there really is oil)," he added.To recall, the Duterte administration announced the termination of joint exploration talks with Beijing.

The two countries signed the memorandum of understanding in 2018, but the Philippine govern ment said the goal of developing the oil and gas resources was not achieved. g

Group calls for treaty to protect people, environment from plastic pollution

by Gaea Katreena CabiCo Philstar.com

MANILA — A toxics watchdog group called for a global agreement that will halt the harms caused by plastic and their hazardous chemical ingredients on humans and the environment.

Representatives of almost 200 nations gather in Punta del Este, Paraguay to discuss measures to combat plastic pollution.

EcoWaste Coalition urged governments present at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC1) to adopt a strong treaty that will ban toxic

chemicals in plastics, put a cap on the unrestrained production of plastics and their additives, and disallow the burning of plastic wastes in cement kilns and incinerators, including waste-toenergy facilities.

The treaty should also bar plastic waste exports in order to halt toxic pollution and environmental injustice, the group added.

“The plastics treaty must uphold the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment,” said Aileen Lucero, national coordinator of EcoWaste Coalition.

Health Care Without Harm also called for transparency for

chemical information in plastics, stressing the need for publicly available information about toxic ingredients in plastic materials and products throughout the lifecycle. The meeting in Uruguay comes after the parties at the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi agreed to create an intergovernmental committee to negotiate and finalize a legally binding plastics treaty by 2024. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the total plastic in the ocean has increased 50% in the past five years despite an increase in policies to fight plastic pollution. g

DOH braces for new COVID spike

by KriStina Maralit ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, November 28 gave assurances that the country's health facilities are ready for any spike in coronavirus disease infections that may be triggered by the entry of the highly transmissible Omicron BQ.1 subvariant.

Fourteen cases of BQ1 have been recorded in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Central Visayas, and the National Capital Region (NCR).

BQ1 is a sublineage of the BA-5 subvariant, is more transmissible than the other subvariants and is immune evasive.

A triage system and step-down facilities are now in place should there be an increase in the health care utilization rate.

The DoH said that sticking to health protocols and strengthening of the country's health surveillance on infectious diseases are still the best defense against the virus.

"Kaya ang mas importante talaga ay pigilan ang pagpasa sa virus para maiwasan ang pagmutate nito. At lalong importante na laging handa ang ating health care system to respond to these emerging variants (It's important to stop the spread of the virus to prevent its mutation. And it's more important that our health care system is always ready to respond to these emerging variants)," DHH Officer in Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

She gave assurances that available COVID -19 jabs are effective against the virus and provide an added layer of protection against infections.

Meanwhile, infectious disease expert Dr. Edsel Salvaña said a

spike in COVID-19 cases is likely to be seen during the holiday season but that it would not be as high as the first COVID wave.

"Should there be a higher number of cases, it won't be as big, I don't think it will surpass 5,000 cases. And again, most of these cases will be mild and won't need hospitalization," Salvaña said in a press briefing.

"So, if ever the number goes up, it is because of the activity of the public during Christmas. I do not think it will be as dramatic as the number of cases that we saw last January, after Christmas. I think what will happen here, although there might be an increase (in cases), it will be minimal because many are already vaccinated," he added.

He urged the public to help keep the number of positive cases at manageable levels amid the relaxed policy on the wearing of face masks. g

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bong bong"Marcos Jr. on Thursday, December 2 said the Philippine government will find "other ways" for the joint exploration with China in the area of the West Philippine Sea to proceed if the govern ment-to-government (G2G) talks would not work.Speaking to report ers in Quezon City, Marcos said that the oil exploration is just a "small thing" for China but something important for the Philippines.

West Philippine Sea, which is a part of the South China Sea,

LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS. Mayor Lani Cayetano and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano lead the opening of Christmas By The Lake with The Lights of Christmas (TLC) park lights show, train ride, interactive murals and food park at the Lakeshore Area on Laguna Lake Highway in Lower Bicutan in Taguig City on Wednesday, Nov. 30. The TLC uses more than a million bulbs using energy-efficient technology on the lake, featuring laser beam animation and a largerthan-life walkthrough kaleidoscope. 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

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 about sexual harassment, abuse

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

that members of the fishing 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

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.

* * *

ROBERT

RANDY DAVID

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

Anne on how to be pursuer of dreams, goal maker

by Jerry DonAto Philstar.com

IT’S always refreshing to see celebrities who go beyond their limelight persona and talk about ideas they are passionate about.

One of them is Anne Curtis, who, years back, shared her advocacy for children’s rights with UNICEF, and now, encourages everyone to be a goal maker.

“I hope it has been common knowledge that I’ve always been a pursuer of dreams,” said Anne in an intimate, virtual group interview. Her body of work as an actress, host and performer is a clear proof to that. “When you think about it, it kinda goes hand in hand being a pursuer of dreams and being a goal maker,” added she and drew the line that separates one from the other.

“I mean being a dreamer is a little bit more romantic, whereas being a goal maker is really more productive, attainable and it really speaks to everyone, who is so serious about life… I think there’s a big difference there, but I still won’t take away that culture of being a dreamer, especially for the young ones.”

In this endeavor, Anne finds a partner in Manulife. They both are on the same page to inspire everyone in achieving their goals for health, wealth, savings,

retirement and business. Although one might see its connection to advocating financial literacy, it is, however, all about making that personal and professional decision of attaining financial stability.

“If you’re all set and prepared and you have that financial stability, it will help you do a greater good in having that extra income for yourself to be able to share with others,” said she, whose first financial advice that she received “was to separate my savings. One would be for savings. One would be for tax, like separating it in different accounts,” added she. “When you reach a certain point for your savings, you have that extra account for when you can splurge for yourself and treat yourself to anything that you want to spoil yourself with.”

Anne also recalled that the pandemic as well as the time she became a mother had given her the time “to relax and take a step back, being someone, who was such a workaholic, na talagang every day trabaho, Showtime, movie, mall show, kung saansaan (that every day, I had work like hosting It’s Showtime and doing a movie or a mall show, and other activities), I was focused on that entertainment work, acting life that I had or hosting

life.” It afforded Anne, the brand ambassador, too, to foray into her other passions like putting up a business with her co-founders.

“With Solenn (Heussaff), we did Tili Dahli (a baby apparel brand) at the peak of the pandemic because we were newborn mothers and we wanted to be able to, you know, have an organic Filipino brand for children. And then, we did, of course, Recess, which is an activewear brand for women… It gave me an opportunity to discover this other side of me.”

Following her line of thought, one can say that having a policy has helped her be prepared for the rainy days and the time to consider investing her hard-earned money.

“So, I think it’s all about working hard and learning how to prepare for those rainy days and seeking professional advice from people who can help you.”

As you and I know, she marked her return to show business via the LUV-ANNE: The Comeback concert in June and resumed her hosting career in It’s Showtime.

“I started with once a week. I spoke to my co-hosts about it saying that ‘I’ve been out of the limelight for almost two years, hindi ko na alam if I can keep up with everyone,’ yung batuhan ng jokes, alangan pa ako. So, I did once a week and then, I built up my confidence,” she said. “So

ngayon, nasa twice a week na ako. And then, I also wanted to have a proper time management of being a mom and being a wife, and of course, my businesses as well, now that I’m a co-founder and creative director. For now, it’s twice a week, pero kinakausap nila ako kung pwede next year thrice a week. So, from baby steps, I’m starting to take a huge step into this world again.” Part of it, too, is seeing her essay roles on the big and small screens in various acting genres.

“Hopefully, next year, I could do a film or a series. Abangan (Let’s see),” Anne, a wife to Erwan Heussaff and mother to two-yearold Dahlia, piqued her followers’ interest. “And I think, especially now that Dahlia is a little older, she is a little bit more independent, mas may confidence na rin ako to do projects which would require me being away from her for longer hours. During the first two years of her life, parang hindi ko pa kayang iwanan. So, now that, you know, she’s nearing three na and she’s confident and she’s going to school na rin, parang feeling ko kaya na rin na bumalik to do a series. It’s really my passion to act din. So, excited din ako bumalik sa (acting) industry.”

As a goal maker herself, Anne will take things slowly but surely or one day at a time. Who knows?

Richard, Sarah enjoy ‘alone time’ in London

by Anne PASAJol Inquirer.net

RICHARD Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati spent some “alone time” together in London as a way to “keep the flame burning” in their marriage.

The celebrity couple gave a glimpse of their trip, with the actor showing them holding hands while walking in the city, through his Instagram page on Wednesday, Nov. 30.

“Finally some alone time with you in a beautiful city we’ve never been to before,” he said, addressing his wife. “As busy parents, we’ve promised ourselves to always make alone time for each other, either through taking trips, exploring new places or just going on date nights to continuously rediscover each other.”

Korean beauty named Miss Earth 2022

by chArMie Joy PAgulong Philstar.com

A COMMUNICATIONS student at the University of Illinois, who represented South Korea, was proclaimed the winner of this year’s Miss Earth pageant held Tuesday night at the Cove in Okada Manila.

She is the first Korean beauty queen to win the Miss Earth title.

According to her profile, Mina Sue Choi was born in Sydney, Australia and lived there until she was seven years old. She attended Korean schools in South Korea when she was seven until 11. She has also lived in Canada, the United States and China.

The “most unusual thing” she has ever done in her life was going on a trip to Bali.

“I went on the trip without letting my parents know. My

layover time was short, and I missed my flight, so the wait was about 10 hours at the airport. It was my first time traveling alone to an unfamiliar place, but I recall feeling very adventurous, lost, yet curious. Despite the long flight hours and delays, it was worth the risk. Not to mention, Bali was absolutely beautiful,” she said.

Her advocacy is “promoting reduction of carbon footprints in cities with sustainable mobility and encouraging lifestyles that will help reduce carbon emission in our daily lives.”

Choi was asked during the question and answer portion about what she would like to correct in this world and how she would correct it.

“We often mistake kindness as being empathetic, but what being empathetic (means) is really putting yourself in someone

else’s shoes. And when it comes to climate issues and other issues in this world, one has to be empathic,” she said.

“You need to really see how the other person perceives this world. You need to understand their pain by being in their shoes. And that, I feel like differs from being empathetic. Kindness and [empathy] can be different. And if I get the chance to really define it differently, that’s how I would define it,” she added.

Rounding up the winners of the just-concluded beauty pageant were Miss Fire 2022 Andrea Aguilera of Colombia, Miss Water 2022 Nadeen Ayoub of Palestine and Miss Air 2022 Sheridan Mortlock of Australia.

The Philippines’ Jenny Ramp finished in the Top 20.

Destiny Wagner of Belize was the previous winner.

Darren on relationship with Cassy

by JAn Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA singer Darren Espanto admitted that he’s not rushing things with his relationship with Cassy Legaspi.

In an exclusive interview with Philstar. com during the Star Magic Christmas Party last weekend, Darren said Cassy and him are always there for each other.

“Cassy and I, we're always there for each other. I say this for all the interviews, we're not rushing things naman po. We're just always there for each other, we're supporting each other,” he said.

“Kami po 'yung walang tinatago, lahat alam ng sa isat-isa,” he added.   Darren also said that he’s thankful to Cassy’s parents Carmina and Zoren for their trust to him.

“Thankful po ako kasi pinagkakatiwalaan nila ko kay Cassandra tsaka their house is always open for which is, I'm grateful po,” he said.

“They are such a wonderful family. Grabe po 'yung hospitality nila. Saludo rin po ako sa kanila for being parents,” he added.

“We figured out that getting lost together is as important as growing together,” he added. “Keep the flame burning.”

Gutierrez and Lahbati also attended an event for a luxury

Mel

by AllAn PolicArPio Inquirer.net

AS much as she wants to give her “24 Oras” co-anchor Mike Enriquez a call and ask how he’s doing amid his leave, Mel Tiangco just couldn’t bring herself to do it.

“Sorry, but I don’t know [his current condition] … Nahihiya akong tumawag, but I really want to. He might think, ‘Ano ba ‘to, pati ako tsini-tsismis.’ And I might only get sad if he says he’s not so well,” she told reporters at a recent press conference for the 20th anniversary celebration of the GMA 7 drama anthology “Magpakailanman.”

After undergoing a kidney transplant last year, Enriquez returned on air in March in time for the coverage of this year’s national elections. But the broadcaster is currently back on leave.

“The last time we talked was before he took a leave. He told me that he needed to have something tested,” related Tiangco, who can’t help but feel shocked when she sees malicious fake news about her colleague.

Another topic brought up during the interview was the longstanding rumors about her supposed rivalry with fellow broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez. “There was never anything with me. And I don’t know where that comes from … We met each other in Rome (while covering the canonization of Pope John Paul II). She went up to me, calling out my name,” she said.

“When I see things like this, I’m like, ‘Ganito pala? Ako mismo nagugulat,’” she added.

Although there’s no bad blood between the two, Tiangco said she can’t do an interview on Sanchez’ YouTube channel, “Rated Korina.” Because of Karen Davila’s recent appearance on Sanchez’ page, some observers wondered if Tiangco could do the same.

Contract restriction

“You know the problem is that I can’t appear on any other network or platform. That’s very strict, it’s in my contract,” Tiangco explained.

As part of the “Magpakailanman’s” 20th anni versary, the show will offer two special episodes. The controversial life of Maegan Aguilar—the singer-songwriter daughter of OPM icon Freddie Aguilar—will be a two-part special titled “Listen to My Heart” (Nov. 26) and “Love Me for What I Am.” Playing Maegan is Sanya Lopez.

Meanwhile,

Sincerity of storytelling

Asked what she thought helped the show last for 20 years, Tiangco said it’s the sincerity of the storytell ing. “We offer something sincere to the televiewers. These are real stories. All of us have stories that can be featured. We have our own challenges, we have our own stories and triumphs. The viewers identify with these,” said Tiangco, who’s hands-on when it comes to the show’s script and casting.”

“What I want is not just to entertain the audience. We want them to be inspired and have realizations. I want to uplift people,” she added. “We want to leave them with something they can look back to. In its two-decade run, “Magpakailanman” has adapted countless stories. Is it challenging to continue finding new material? “It’s a challenge for us to keep on look ing for beautiful stories to share with our viewers … There are people who message us. We look for things that trend online. Social media also helped us to tap more people and stories … We look for whatever is touching and inspiring; something that will uplift peo ple’s lives,” program manager Elaine Lozano said.

on co-anchor Mike Enriquez’s condition, ‘rivalry’ with Korina Sanchez

South Korea’s Mina Sue Choi is crowned Miss Earth 2022 at Okada Manila in Parañaque on Tuesday, November 29. She is the first Korean to win the pageant. The other winners are Sheridan Mortlock of Australia, Miss Air 2022; Nadeen Ayoub of Palestine, Miss Water, and Andrea Aguilera of Colombia, Miss Fire. Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban

The next time we will see her again, she’s in the thick of things talking about her acting project and how the character is different

from the ones she has done before. For now, let Anne remind one the importance of saving for the rainy days.

Being a pursuer of dreams herself, Anne is on board in this endeavor that makes a person reflect whether he or she is a dreamer or a goal maker. Photo from Instagram/@annecurtissmith

in her first “Magpakailanman” appear ance, Bea Alonzo will breathe life to the experiences of Lezlie Hombre, who found herself vulnerable to malevolent forces and entities while reeling from the death of her mother and the infidelity of her husband. Titled “Haunted Soul,” the episode airs on Dec. 10.

Mel Tiangco GMA photo

watch brand, which the latter described as a “night to remember in London,” as seen in an earlier post.

During the trip, Lahbati was able to reunite with her Moroccan father and her friends including actress Bela Padilla.

Gutierrez and Lahbati had been a couple for seven years before they tied the knot in March 2020. They share two sons together, namely Zion and Kai.

Last October, Gutierrez threw an intimate party to celebrate Lahbati’s 29th birthday.

Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati Photo from Instagram/@richardgutz

Hyatt Hotels acquires Dream Hotel Group

by RealtoR Fely Quitevis-Bateman

DREAM Hotel Group, which is developing Dream Las Vegas, has been acquired by Hyatt Hotels Corp. This was announced on Tuesday, November 29, and was featured in local paper Las Vegas Review-Journal

According to the article, “the buyer is slated to pay a base price of $125 million, with up to an additional $175 million over the next six years “as properties come into the pipeline and open,” according to a news release.

The deal will include 12 managed or franchised hotels with another 24 management agreements for hotels that haven’t opened yet, the article added per the release.

Dream Las Vegas, one of the projects within the Dream Hotel Group that is being developed by Shopoff Realty Investments and Contour, both Southern California firms, will benefit from the deal, per a company official, citing the

“depth of the Hyatt reservation system” and “the combined benefit of Dream’s creativity and Hyatt’s scale.”

Dream Las Vegas is a 531-room resort that is expected to open in 2025, and is situated on Las Vegas Boulevard, just south of Russell Road. It is slated to offer a smaller, boutique-style experience for its patrons.

The Dream Las Vegas is just one of the many projects or events slated to open in the next few years – and even decades – in Las Vegas.

Construction is booming in the town, with the massive projects planned along the Strip and elsewhere that have kept unemployment numbers down.

An anticipated project that many have seen towards the north end of the Strip is the Fontainebleau, with its massive, bluish structure towering near the convention center location.

One of the tallest structures in the city, it is located in the 2000 block of South Las Vegas Blvd. and has an “fb” etched prominently in the structure facing the street. Slated to open in late 2023, it features a huge space of meeting space (about 550,000 square feet), a two-floor retail area for high-end retailers, a casino and more than 3,700 hotel rooms, in addition to a nightclub, performing theater and a dayclub.

With conventions and expos coming back to Las Vegas, the Fontainebleau is positioning itself in the meet space industry, owing to its proximity to the Las Vegas Convention Center. It is expected to add luster to the northern part of the Strip, which has seen a lot more activity in the last few years.

Another project that is slated to open in 2023 is an Atomic Range near The Strat, also in the northern end of South Las Vegas Blvd. It is expected to be a premier golf destination in Las Vegas with facility users able to have an immersive experience. The facility will feature the latest in golf and entertainment technology, and will certainly create memorable experiences for facility visitors.

Atomic Range is seen as a center that will welcome all ages and people with different golf skill sets. Flite Golf and Entertainment, the developers of Atomic Range, see the project as a way to allow people of all ages to come and learn to play golf in a non-intimidating environment, while having fun in a facility that will be about four stories high. When finished, it is expected to add hundreds of jobs to the local economy.

Also in late 2023, Formula 1 Racing comes back to Las Vegas when the Las Vegas Grand Prix event takes place in Sin City, where the sport’s top drivers vie for the win as they navigate a 3.8

mile, 14-turn course where top speeds are expected to hit around 212 miles per hour.

Las Vegas’ iconic landmarks will serve as the backdrop for the race that will feature three straights, a high-speed cornering sequence and a single chicane section, with Grand Prix drivers running over 50 laps and trying to outmaneuver each other to capture the trophy. Not since the 1980s has there been a Grand Prix event in Las Vegas, and racing fans are excited at the prospect of witnessing Formula 1 Racing again and seeing their favorite drivers, most of whom are excited to visit the city and see what it has to offer.

Of course, entertainment seems to be a big attraction in Las Vegas. Country star Garth Brooks just committed to a residency at Caesars Palace in 2024, Carrie Underwood will be back at Resorts World in 2023, rap superstar Jack Harlow, Tiessto, Zedd and Kaskade are going to be headliners at Resorts World’s Zouk Nightclub, and fans and industry insiders are hopeful that Celine Dion will finally open her latest Strip production, also at Resorts World, in 2023.

Meanwhile, Adele, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Aerosmith, Maroon 5, Barry Manilow, Sting, Foreigner and Shania Twain are in the midst of their residencies or will be starting their shows in various casino-hotel properties in the first trimester of 2023.

Most of the big gaming-hotel developers in Sin City are in the midst of consolidating, renovating or developing their own portfolios, which is a win-win situation for both locals and visitors.

This just means that the demand for Las Vegas will remain strong in the future, even as mortgage rates are higher nowadays. Currently, there is a good inventory in the

market for properties available in and near Las Vegas; buyers can negotiate more with sellers and get a good deal.

If you are in the market to buy real estate – whether it’s a house, land, condo, or even a commercial property – this is a good time to see what’s out there. I have decades of experience in the real estate industry and can help you find the property of your dreams and something that will suit your budget. Many of my clients who have invested in real estate have begun to reap the rewards of their investments via rentals and Airbnb.

My team and I would be more

than happy to help find your slice of land in one of the most exciting cities in the world, and help you achieve the American Dream of home/land ownership.

My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service 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@preciousproperties.com or fely.precious@ gmail.com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.

(Advertising Supplement)

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

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman’s (extreme left) young investors from Palm Springs are looking at Las Vegas properties after closing their escrow in Pahrump recently.

Russ and Fely Bateman hosted a dinner for their Manila investors at the Stirling Club in Las Vegas.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman’s repeat investors in Pahrump is the mother/daughter team of Rose and Jessica Pacheco.

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

NOT a well-known entity even to many physicians is the Overlap Syndrome. One example of this is the combination of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea), with closely related respiratory symptoms. There is a 66 percent association between COPD and OSA in the general population. In the United States, there are about 81 million people with OSA. The U.S., Brazil, and Colombia have the highest incidence of OSA, with about 170 million in the Americas.

COPD is a long-term inflammation of the lungs, commonly caused by smoking and environmental air pollution, which irritates and destroys the lung tissues, making it harder to breathe. OSA is a condition that causes breath-holding for a prolonged period during sleep, resulting in lowering of the oxygen level in the blood. It adversely affects vital organs deprived of normal oxygen level, and the patient is not able to have a restful sleep. People with OSA wake up tired and feel sleepy. The impaired sleep leads to increased risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and even cancer.

Having both COPD and OSA is a common combination among people. Each has its own treatment. Smoking cessation and breathing healthier air are both beneficial to COPD and OSA. Newer expensive inhalers, like Breztri and Trelegy, are effective in improving airway exchange and easier breathing for this overlap duo.

When confirmed by a Sleep Study, OSA is effectively treated with the use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) machine during sleep. This is the stateof-the-art, clinically proven, effective, standard management for OSA. Other advertised nasal and oral gadgets are a scam, a waste of money, and provide a false sense of security. These purveyors of fake treatment are doing a great disservice to humanity. They are basically criminal. Their gadgets do not treat the pathology which is in the throat. The CPAP does open the airway in the breathing pipe effectively with positive pressure, allowing normal oxygenation of the lungs and all other organs and provides a more restful sleep.

The marketed “Insure” surgically implantable nerve stimulator is recommended for those unable to tolerate CPAP machine. It requires an operation and not guaranteed to work for

Anthony Taberna returns to TV Overlap Syndrome

everyone. The gold standard in the management of OSA is still the use of CPAP device, which could even be monitored (from the patient’s home) wirelessly (thru the internet) by the treating pulmonologist in the office.

If one has restless sleep and wakes up tired, sleepy by mid-afternoon, always feeling “blah,” a Sleep Study is in order.

Frequent breath-holding while asleep is dangerous to health and to life itself. Some who died in sleep were suspected of dying from heart attack brought on by too much prolonged breathholding. The body needs nonstop normal oxygen blood level to stay healthy and sleep is vital.

If you think you might have OSA, talk to your physician if you need a Sleep Study.

Oxygen and a restful sleep are two wonderful commodities that are free for the taking. Let’s ensure our body gets both in a healthy fashion.

Heart angiogram

Cardiac catheterization, known to laymen as heart angiogram, is a radiologic video procedure using dye to view the function of the heart and patency (or blockages) in the coronary arteries (responsible for angina or heart attack). The goal of a coronary angiogram is to find out what heart arteries are blocked, which could then be stretch-opened with a balloon at the end of the catheter inside the artery and a coil spring-like stent is left inside to prop it open. Or, in multiple blocked coronary arteries, coronary bypass could be done, preferred over angioplasty.

Since coronary angiogram was accidentally discovered by cardiologist F. Masson Sones, Jr., on October 30, 1958 at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, the symptom of angina (chest pain) was enough indication (with a positive stress test) for the performance of cardiac cath and coronary angiogram.

Today, after decades of peer reviews, the indication (justification) to do coronary angiogram is much stricter. For those with chest pain, the cardiologists are now required to try maximal intensive medical treatment first (using calcium channel blocker and beta blocker pills). On top of this, a CTA (Computed Tomography coronary Angiogram) is also required to be tried to find out if there are any significant blockages in the coronary arteries. Only when medical trial fails to relieve angina on a long-term basis would coronary angiogram be officially justified medically and reimbursable by insurance companies.

Clinical studies (COURAGE and ISCHEMIA Trials) confirmed this protocol as the medically

sound standard practice in interventional cardiology. This has significantly reduced the number of coronary angiograms around the world.

Weight loss cures diabetes Obesity has been known to be one of the causes of diabetes mellitus Type2 (DMT2) for decades. Being overweight not only increases the risk for diabetes but actually causes this metabolic disease. Worldwide, there are about 463 million adults with DMT2. Many are undiagnosed. In the United States, about 37.3 million people have diabetes mellitus T2.

DIRECT (Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial) in the United Kingdom has shown that among T2 diabetics, who lost significant weight (more than 10 kilos or 22 pounds) sustained over 12-24 months) could lead to remission (reversal) of DMT2.

I know of patients who lost 40-50 pounds and achieved their normal weight of 130150 pounds for 12 months or longer by staying away from carbohydrates and controlling their daily total calorie-intake and exercising, and who were able to stop taking their insulin shots and maintained normal blood sugar level. Is this remission or a cure? Whichever it is, this “transformation” is amazing and is definitely an inspiring discovery for all diabetics. Obviously, this takes a lot of discipline, hard work, and personal sacrifices. Knowing how diabetes damages our organs, increases our risk even for cardiovascular illnesses, including cancer, and how it shortens lives, the great hurdle, and pains of dieting and exercise (not by taking pills, which are dangerous) is worth it. Health is, indeed, wealth!

* * *

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

* * *

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

* * *

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

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 self-confidence.

“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

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.

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

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. (Inquirer.net)

by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

ANTHONY Taberna or popularly known as "Ka Tunying" is known to be one of the staples when it comes to the world of radio and television because of his fearless and witty commentaries. It will be remembered that Taberna spent most of his entire career with ABS-CBN before joining Manila Broadcasting Company's AM radio station DZRH in August 2020, when his erstwhile home network failed to get a new franchise.

While Taberna continued his radio duties, he was also able to put up his own presence in the world of social media having able to gain more than 622,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel and 2.2 million followers on Facebook.

But despite all these, Taberna admitted that he still missed being seen by the Filipino audience on the mainstream television.

Last September, Taberna surprised his followers when he signed a contract with Advanced Media Broadcasting System's (AMBS) ALLTV.

"Actually, hindi naman talaga ako gigil na gigil na magbalik sa telebisyon. Noong naging jobless ako for a time, talagang tinignan ko din naman yung mga opportunities sa iba, pero itong

ALLTV, hindi sila nakipagusap lang. Bukod sa talk, umaksyon agad. Kumbaga nagiisip pa lang ako kung magdedesisyon ako o hindi, pero nandiyan na pinapatawag na kami sa isang meeting," he added.

According to him, despite ALLTV being new in the business, he immediately agreed to join the network because of their vision, as well as the management's generosity.

"They gave me an offer that I couldn't refuse. Sino ba naman ako para tumanggi. Ang sabi nga nila, 'Ang tumatanggi sa grasya, lalabo ang mata.' Our management is a very generous

management," he jested. 'Kuha ALL!'

Carving another milestone in his 30 years of broadcasting career, Taberna returns to television through ALLTV's first public service program "Kuha All!"

Premiering today, November 26 at 5 p.m., "Kuha All!" aims to be a vehicle where they can educate, entertain and serve viewers by discussing different issues and concerns captured on camera by people from all walks of life.

Aiming to present meaningful human interest stories affecting Filipinos across the country, "Kuha All!" will have three segments in each episode. "Kuha Rin!" highlights snippets of the latest and trending videos while "Kaya All!" will be the part of the show where the featured case study will be assisted through any means of support needed to resolve the issue being discussed. The show ends with Ka Tunying's no-holds-barred commentaries about the topic at hand through the segment, "Kuha Mo?"

"Kuha All's" pilot episode will feature the story of the massive e-wallet scamming that happened recently in Nueva Ecija. A resident from Cabiao, Nueva Ecija posed as a promotional agent of an e-wallet company in the Philippines and scammed at least 20 store owners from different municipalities of the province.

Aljur still loves Kylie, open to reunite with wife

by Jan MIlo severo Philstar.com

ACTOR Aljur Abrenica is not closing his doors on the possibility of rekindling his romance with wife Kylie Padilla.

In his recent interview with veteran showbiz columnist Aster Amoyo, Aljur was asked: “But you’re not closing your doors to the possibility [of reconciliation]?”  “May nagsarado ba?” Aljur answered.

“‘Yung iba nga sinasabi nila wala na talaga pero meron pa, ‘di ba? Wala namang nakakaalam kung anong mangyayari. Hindi ko nga alam na maghihiwalay kami e. Hindi ko nga alam na magkakaanak kami, ‘di ba?” he added.

Aljur said that he and Kylie always talk because of their coparenting setup.  “Sa co-parenting kami nagfofocus ngayon kasi iisipin niyo

na ‘yung mga bata e. Almost every day nag-uusap kami. Kahit hiwalay kami, we’re still learning from each other how to be good parents,” he said.

Aljur said Kylie will never leave his heart because of their connections.

“Hindi naman siya mawawala [sa puso ko]. Isang dekada kami magkasama, part of myself is siya na e. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko mapu-put into words pero hindi siya mawawala do’n,” Aljur said.

“Naa-appreciate ko ang lahat, thank you. Even though ‘yung iba nagagalit and may sinasabi sa aking masama, I appreciate that kasi naramdaman ko ‘yung sakit nila. Nasaktan din naman ako, nasaktan kaming dalawa,” he added.

Aljur and Kylie broke up in 2021. Kylie's dad Robin Padilla revealed that the reason of the split was a third party. Aljur denied that AJ Raval was the reason of

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 pangFilipino. 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 makathrowback 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”.

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.

Moira Dela Torre Photo from Instagram/@moiradelatorre

Photo from

Anthony Taberna returns to television through ALLTV’s first public service program ‘Kuha All!’ ALLTV photo

Actor Aljur Abrenica Photo from Instagram/@ajabernica

the breakup, but admitted that he and the VivaMax star were in a "getting to know each other" stage.  Kylie and Aljur have sons, Alas and Axl.

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