120223 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

DECEMBER 2-5, 2023 Volume 33 - No. 96 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Los Angeles sees hate crimes surge in 2022

Lawmakers OK resolutions for Philippines cooperation with ICC

HATE crimes in Los Angeles County

by DeLon PorcaLLa surged in 2022, with attacks targeting a wide Philstar.com spectrum of racial and ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities. The increase is attributed MANILA — Two committees of the House of in part to a rise in reporting locally, but also Representatives have approved and consolidated tracks wider state, national and even global resolutions that encourage President Marcos to allow trends.

The latest data comes from LA County’s Commission on Human Relations, which just released its Hate Crime Report for 2022.

“Reported hate crimes in Los Angeles County have reached the second highest level in more than 20 years,” said Executive Director Robin Toma, speaking at a press conference Wednesday, November 29 announcing the release of the report. “Nearly every race, ethnicity, nationality, and religion has been targeted.”

In all, there were 929 hate crimes reported across the county in 2022, an increase of 18% over the year prior. (Statewide California reported an increase of 22%.) Of the total, 72% were violent, with race being the motivating factor in 57% of attacks.

African Americans were disproportionately u PAGE A4

the Philippines to cooperate in the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s probe into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, meanwhile, said he did not think Marcos intended to have the country rejoin the ICC anytime soon.

Go reiterates: Duterte will face only PH courts

by Marc Jayson cayaByaB Philstar.com

Most Asian Americans face racial discrimination, a new study reveals LOS ANGELES – Almost six in 10 Asian Americans have experienced racial discrimination, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey.

The survey shows 58 percent of Asian Americans have faced discrimination because of their race or ethnicity. Fifty-three percent say they experience racial discrimination from time to time and 5 percent say they experience it regularly.

Asian Americans’ day-to-day encounters with discrimination were not just single events, but often came in several overlapping forms, the report said.

Most of those surveyed (63%) say that too little attention is paid to racial discrimination against Asian Americans.

Stereotypes of Asians in the U.S. as foreigners and a model minority drive discrimination, the report said.

The survey was conducted from July 5, 2022, to Jan. 27, 2023. The survey asked 7,006 Asian adults about personal experiences with 17 different discrimination incidents.

The sample group included Chinese, Filipino, Korean, Japanese, Indian and Vietnamese Americans. Those are the six largest ethnic u PAGE A3

Senators including Ronald dela Rosa, the main enforcer of the war on drugs when he was police chief, had a “casual dinner” with the president and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos at Malacañang on Tuesday, November 28. It was unclear if the ICC u PAGE A2

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING. A fireworks display and lighting of a 59-foot Christmas tree set up the holiday mood at the San Jose Del Monte City Hall grounds in Bulacan on Thursday, Nov. 30. The lighting ceremony kicked off the city’s celebration themed “Kapit Kamay Ngayong (Hands Joined for) Christmas”.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Duterte will only face Philippine courts and not a “foreign nation,” Sen. Bong Go reiterated on Thursday, November 30, as he expressed confidence that the Marcos administration will not cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s investigation on Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity.

“It is the Filipino people who should give judgement, and not a foreign nation,” Go said in an interview on the sidelines of the bicameral conference committee meeting at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati.

He said he is reassured by the statement of President Marcos that there was no need for an international tribunal investigation on the previous administration’s drug war deaths because of the country’s own justice system.

“There is democracy in our country, and the ICC is only investigating lawless countries. We don’t have a dictator here,” Go said in Filipino.

He added that he defers to the moves at the House

u PAGE A3

De Lima: No plans yet to return to Senate by nILLIcent BautIsta Philstar.com

MANILA — Former Senator Leila de Lima on Wednesday, November 29 said she is not yet thinking about returning to the Senate in 2025 following her release from prison after being detained for nearly seven years.

“Will I run for Senate? What I always say is that I have not given it much attention yet.

I have not thought about it because there are more important things I need to address,” De Lima said in an interview with Teleradyo Serbisyo.

She said there are other things she must prioritize as she feels like she is “starting from scratch.”

While her political plans remain unclear, De Lima noted that she will remain a Liberal

Party member.

“I intend to be part of the opposition if I intend, at all, to be part of the political arena,” she asserted.

The former senator served all but eight months of her Senate term in prison after drug charges were filed against her in 2017.

Before becoming senator, she was the Aquino administration’s justice secretary.

On Nov. 13, Judge Gener Gito of the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 206 allowed De Lima to post a P300,000 bail, pointing to the prosecution’s lack of substantial evidence to sufficiently establish her guilt.

Wrong move De Lima, a strong critic of the previous Duterte administration’s war on drugs, said u PAGE A2

Philippine Ambassador to Israel Pedro Laylo, Jr. with Nora Babadilla at Tel Aviv.

Photo courtesy of the Philippine Embassy in Israel

Second Filipino freed from Hamas Michelle Dee takes on new role as tourism ambassador captivity reunites with brother

by Moises Cruz ManilaTimes.net

MISS Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Daniela Marquez Dee will be the country's tourism ambassador.

Dee accepted the invitation to promote the Philippines during her courtesy call to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco at the Department of Tourism (DoT) Central Office in Makati City on Friday, December 1.

"Thank you for the honor that you have bestowed upon all Filipinos by carrying the flag Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Daniela Marquez Dee with Tourism Secretary of the Philippines so excellently Christina Garcia Frasco.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan and by declaring to the world

your love for the Philippines and reminding the world of the many reasons to love the Philippines," Frasco said.

She also invited Dee "to continue to be an ambassador of tourism for our country."

Frasco asked the beauty queen to participate in the DoT's latest promotional initiative, the Philippine Experience Program (PEP), which celebrates the country's rich heritage, arts and culture through a series of regional caravans.

"I'm so excited. I'm so humbled and honored. I didn't expect this kind of overwhelming flow of reception, love, and support," u PAGE A2

by Ian LaquI Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippine Embassy in Israel said on Thursday, November 30 that Nora Babadilla is in “good health” and has been reunited with her brother at a hospital in Tel Aviv, Israel, two days after her release from captivity by Hamas militants.

Babadilla, also known as “Ate Nora,” was the second Filipino released by the militant group on November 28 (Philippine Standard Time), days after the first Filipino hostage was released.

The embassy said that she already underwent a full medical

and psychological evaluation.

“She appears to be in good health, speaks and walks without difficulty, and was even seen assisting an elderly hostage as they left Gaza,” the Philippine Embassy in Israel said in a Facebook post.

“Our hearts are full of gratitude and happiness to have Ate Nora back. We never gave up hope that we would find her and bring her home. The Embassy continues to be with Ate Nora as she begins a long healing process,” they added.

Babadilla was among the fourth group of hostages released by Hamas after a reported 53-day u PAGE A3

A2 DECEMBER 2-5, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

From The FronT Page

Lawmakers OK resolutions for...

PAGE A1 issue was among the main topics discussed.

Through an overwhelming voice vote, officials and members of the joint committee on justice and human rights adopted House Resolution 1477 of Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. and 1-Rider partylist Rep. Ramon Gutierrez, and consolidated House Resolution 1482 of Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman.

The legislators filed the resolutions last Nov. 21, aiming to allow the ICC entry into the country.

“By allowing ICC to come, it’s telling the world that we have nothing to hide here,” Abante, who also chairs the committee on human rights of the House, said.

He added that he only wants to demonstrate that the country’s justice system is functioning efficiently, contrary to claims made by some.

“We just want to show to the whole world and to the ICC that our justice system is running smoothly,” the lawmaker said.

Lagman, the president of the opposition Liberal Party and a vocal critic of former President Rodrigo Duterte, maintained that letting the ICC in is not a surrender of sovereignty but an exercise of it.

“If we believe in the rule of law, then we must let ICC come in,” Lagman said.

He contended that allowing ICC to investigate does not compromise national sovereignty.

The Philippines withdrew its ICC membership in 2017 following an investigation into alleged “crimes against humanity” related to casualties in the government’s war on drugs, as ordered by Duterte, whose term started in 2016 and ended middle of last year.

Bersamin weighs in When president Marcos said that the proposals to return to the ICC are “under study,” he does not mean that the country would be rejoining very soon, according to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

Bersamin expressed belief that Marcos’ response only meant that he did not want to give immediate answers to proposals

for the country to rejoin the ICC. “Well, you cannot just close doors (on these discussions), but I am sure that what the president means is that it cannot be a kneejerk reaction that we can put forward anytime we are asked a question like this,” the executive secretary said.

He added that while he could not second-guess the president in answering to these proposals, “in my view, as far as I know him, he does not mean that we are going back to the ICC very soon.”

“But when (Marcos) says ‘he is studying,’ it is something that you say that you do not react too quickly. You have to look at the consequences, the long-term effects,” Bersamin said.

In making decisions, the president “listens to his own conscience, to his own heart, that is something we have to appreciate in him,” according to the former chief justice, noting that Marcos is “a very prudent leader and is not prone to rush to judgment.”

“Personally, I do not see any reason for us to go back (to the ICC) because the Philippines already has a functioning justice institution and that the procedures are in place. If crimes are committed, the government investigates,” the executive secretary said.

“The ICC is for lawless countries or lawless dictators.

But we do not have a dictator, we have a democratically elected president,” he added.

Also, not all countries are members of the ICC, Bersamin pointed out.

Asked if he had mentioned his opinion to the chief executive, he replied, “We do not need to talk about it because the president is a law follower.”

‘No legal duty’ Meanwhile, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra has reiterated that the Philippines has “no legal duty” to cooperate with the ICC in its investigation of the Duterte administration’s bloody drug war.

“The ICC can no longer exercise its jurisdiction after the effectivity of the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute in 2019,” Guevarra told reporters in a text message last Tuesday.

He issued the remark in

light of resolutions filed in Congress urging the government to cooperate with ICC’s investigation into the drug war killings.

He said that even if the resolutions are adopted, they are only “non-binding expressions” of the Congress’ sentiment.

On the issue of the Philippines rejoining the ICC as a memberstate, Guevarra said it is a policy decision that needs “very serious study because many factors and competing interests need to be considered.”

Investigators from the Haguebased ICC are free to come to the Philippines to investigate allegations of extrajudicial killings, but they cannot expect authorities to cooperate on the basis that the government has issues with regard to jurisdiction.

Guevarra made this crystal clear to members of the House of Representatives who endorsed separate resolutions calling on the Marcos administration to rejoin the ICC. “Your resolutions urge the president to cooperate, but the final say of whether, in fact, the government will cooperate will be with the president,” the country’s chief government lawyer, who served as Department of Justice secretary and deputy executive secretary during Duterte’s term, said.

“We will not cooperate, but we will not stop ICC investigators from doing their job,” Guevarra added.

Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said he respects the opinion of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who served as the Philippine National Police chief when Duterte took over the reins of government in mid-2016.

“We respect his opinion, but we ask for parliamentary courtesy. As he very well knows, the House is mandated to act on resolutions filed by its members regardless of political affiliations in the same manner that the Senate takes action on measures presented by senators,” Gonzales added.

DOJ open to VP’s note The Department of Justice is open and waiting for the legal opinion on the ICC issue that Vice President Sara Duterte said she would send to the DOJ. u PAGE A4

JOB FAIR. More than 20,000 job vacancies from local and overseas firms are available at the mega job fair held at Manila Science High School Manila’s new building on Friday, Dec. 1. The job fair is part of the 90th founding anniversary of the Department of Labor and Employment.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

De Lima: No plans yet to return...

PAGE A1

that the country’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) was a wrong move.

“Why did we leave the ICC in the first place? It’s all for his (Duterte) personal interest. It was selfserving. It was shameless,” she said.

De Lima reiterated that the country must rejoin the ICC, claiming that there is no reason why the Philippines should be having a hard time returning to the international court.

Freed on bail in her third and last drug case, De Lima said she wants “full vindication.”

“The witnesses must tell the story. They must tell the truth this time around. That’s what I need to know. That will be my full vindication because I am a victim of injustice,” she said.

Seven state witnesses in De Lima’s drug cases expressed their intention to recant their testimonies against her.

In a handwritten letter she received, the witnesses said they were coerced to make false testimony due to “unimaginable threats” they received.

De Lima’s motion to summon the seven witnesses has been submitted for resolution, according to her legal counsel Raymund Baguilat

Former Senator Leila de Lima

Philstar.com photo

Among the witnesses were German Agojo, Tomas Doniña, Jaime Patcho, Wu Tuan Yuan, Engelberto Durano, Jerry Pepino and Hans Anton.

She also asked the court to transfer the seven inmates from Sablayan Prison to the New Bilibid Prison for their “safety and security.” g

Michelle Dee takes on new role as tourism...

PAGE A1 Dee said.

"It's no secret that I've always been proud to call the Philippines my home, and I really wanted it to shine on the Miss Universe stage because it is an amazing platform to showcase what you

are passionate about," she said.

Dee was crowned Miss World Philippines in 2019. She competed in the Miss World 2019 pageant in London, England, finishing in the top 12.

She represented the Philippines in the Miss Universe

2023 pageant in El Salvador, and was among the top 10 semifinalists.

"We will spread that goal and that passion to really make the universe know what tourism in the Philippines has to offer," Dee said. g

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Dateline USa

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2-5, 2023 A3

Go reiterates: Duterte will face only PH...

PAGE A1

COLLECTIVE FIGHT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte (upper photos) send their messages via video during the commemoration of World AIDS Day 2023 at the Department of Health Convention Center in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Friday, Dec. 1. Special advisor on HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and infectious disease expert Dr. Edsel Salvana said being diagnosed with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is no longer a death sentence because of effective treatments developed through the years.

PNA photos by Avito Dalan

Second Filipino freed from Hamas captivity...

PAGE A1

period of captivity Her ordeal began when Hamas gunmen attacked Ate Nora and her Israeli partner, Gideon Babani, while they were visiting a friend in Kibbutz Nirim, which stands in the border of Israel and Gaza on October 7.

She was taken captive by the militant group while her partner was killed.

The embassy then called on Hamas to release the remaining hostages they hold.

“The Philippines continues to call for the release of all the hostaged noncombatant civilians who have no part in this conflict – especially women, children,

elderly, the sick, and foreign workers,” the embassy said in a statement.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Wednesday, November 29 has assured Babadilla of full support and assistance upon her arrival in the Philippines.

“The whole-of-government team tasked by the president shall welcome Noralin with open arms and provide her with all the necessary post-arrival support and assistance,” the DMW said in a statement.

On November 24, Hamas released Jimmy Pacheco, who was among the first group of hostages.

The Malacañang said that he will

return home in December.

Around 1,200 individuals lost their lives during an unprecedented assault on Israel carried out by Hamas militants on October 7 to which Israel responded with air, artillery and naval assault, alongside a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, killing nearly 15,000 people.

As of writing, nearly half of the 200 individuals held captive in the attack have been freed by Hamas in exchange for the release of 30 Palestinian prisoners.

On Thursday, November 23 Israel and Hamas jointly declared a 24-hour extension to the truce for the continued release of hostages. g

Most Asian Americans face racial discrimination...

PAGE A1

groups among Asian Americans.

The survey also asked about specific incidents of discrimination.

Here are some of the key findings: • 78 percent of Asians living in the U.S. have been treated as a foreigner in some way, even if they were born in the United States. In day-to-day encounters, strangers have told them to go back to their home country, assumed they can’t speak English, criticized them for speaking a language other than English or mispronounced their name.

• 63 percent have experienced incidents where people assume they are a “model minority.”

Strangers have assumed they are good at math and science or not a creative thinker. The model minority stereotype generalizes Asians in the U.S. as intelligent, well-off and only able to excel in technical fields. More than half (55%) say they have not heard of the term “model minority.”

• 37 percent say strangers have called them offensive names in day-to-day encounters. U.S.-born Asians are nearly twice as likely as Asian immigrants to say this has happened to them (57% vs.

30%).

• 20 percent say they have been held back at a security checkpoint for a secondary screening because of their race or ethnicity. Across regional origin groups, South

Asians (35 %) are the most likely to have this experience.

Additional new findings about Asian Americans’ experiences with discrimination, including by ethnicity and other demographic factors are available at https://www.pewresearch. org/race-ethnicity/2023/11/30/ discrimination-experiences-shape-most-asian-americans-lives/?utm_source=AdaptiveMailer&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=23-11-30%20AA%20 Discrimination%20Gen%20 Distro&org=982&lvl=100&ite= 13021&lea=3056905&ctr=0&par=1&trk=a0DQm000000gZHVMA2.

(Nimfa U. Rueda/Inquirer.net)

of Representatives to adopt a resolution urging the Marcos administration to cooperate with the ICC’s investigation on Duterte and the latter’s police chief, now Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa, for the deaths in the bloody narcotics crackdown.

But should the former chief executive be invited in an impending congressional investigation, Go said Duterte should be accorded due respect.

“Let us give to the former president what is due to him, for his service to the country,” Go said in Filipino.

The senator, who served as Duterte’s longtime aide, was mentioned in the documents submitted for allegedly knowing about the Davao death squad when Duterte was mayor, another subject of the ICC probe, VERA Files earlier reported.

Go also denied that he and Dela Rosa talked to Marcos about protection from the ICC when senators had a casual dinner with chief executive at the official residence on Tuesday night.

Justice for all Allowing investigators and prosecutors from the Haguebased International Criminal Court will not only prove that lady justice is indeed blind in the Philippine justice system, but also means that it applies to all – ordinary or powerful figures alike, Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante said on Thursday.

“By cooperating with the ICC, we send a strong message that justice is blind and applies to all, regardless of socioeconomic status,” the chairman of the human rights committee of the House of Representatives declared.

Abante, who authored House Resolution 1477 along with Rep. Ramon Gutierrez (1-Rider party-list), said such cooperation is vital given the injustices inflicted upon the “marginalized and underserved” during the drug war under the previous administration.

Abante also lamented that the drug war under former president Duterte “affected the most vulnerable members of our society, often the poor who are disproportionately impacted.”

“By cooperating with the ICC, we demonstrate our resolve to hold individuals accountable for grave offenses. This is a precedent and sends a powerful

PAUNAWA NG PAGHAHANDA / PAUNAWA NG LAYUNIN NA MAGHANDA NG ULAT SA PINAGSAMANG EPEKTO SA KAPALIGIRAN/PAHAYAG TUNGKOL SA EPEKTO SA KAPALIGIRAN AT PAUNAWA NG MGA PAGPUPULONG SA PAG-IMBITA SA PUBLIKO NA MAKILAHOK (NOTICE OF PREPARATION / NOTICE OF INTENT TO PREPARE A JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT/ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT AND NOTICE OF PUBLIC SCOPING MEETINGS) Petsa:

Nobyembre 30, 2023

CEQA Lead Agency:

Port of Long Beach

Contact Person ng CEQA Lead Agency:

Allyson Teramoto

Numero ng telepono:

(562) 283-7100

NEPA Lead Agency:

United States Army Corps of Engineers

Contact Person ng NEPA Lead Agency:

Lisa Mangione

Numero ng telepono:

(805) 585-2150

Pangalan ng Proyekto:

Pier Wind Terminal Development Project

Numero ng Aplikasyon para sa Harbor Development Permit: USACE File Number:

message against impunity,” he said, as he wanted to “extend full cooperation” to ICC prosecutor Karim Khan in his investigation of the drug war.

Official records indicate around 6,000 deaths resulting from Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, while human rights groups and the ICC suggest the toll may range from 12,000 to 30,000 between 2016 and 2019.

A 2020 study by the nonprofit organization Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment

through Alternative Legal Services Inc. (IDEALS) revealed that the majority of victims in the drug war are economically disadvantaged.

In its study titled “Beyond the Numbers,” IDEALS compiled a dataset encompassing approximately 500 cases of human rights violations from 2016 to February 2020. The cases predominantly originated from Metro Manila, with additional instances recorded in Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite and Cebu. g

Resources (Mga Tribal na Pangkulturang Mapagkukuna), at Utilities and Services Systems (Mga Utility at Sistema ng mga Serbisyo). Tutukuyin ng EIR/EIS ang mga magagawang hakbang sa pagpapagaan upang maiwasan o makabuluhang bawasan ang mga makabuluhang/masamang epekto.

Mga Alternatibo: Alinsunod sa State CEQA Guidelines at NEPA, ilalarawan ng EIR/EIS ang hanay ng mga makatwirang alternatibo sa iminungkahing Proyekto na kayang makatugon sa mga layunin ng Proyekto at makakaiwas o makakabawas sa makabuluhang epekto ng Proyekto. Maraming mga alternatibo sa iminungkahing Proyekto ang isinasaalang-alang, kabilang ang: No Federal Action (NEPA) / No Project (CEQA), 400-acre na terminal na may karaniwang iskedyul ng konstruksyon, mas maliit na terminal, mas malaking terminal, mga alternatibong lokasyon sa California, single-lift dike lamang, at pagpapalawak ng Pier S. Ang mga alternatibo para sa Proyekto ay higit pang pabubutihin sa panahon ng scoping process. Isasaalang-alang din sa EIR/EIS ang mga karagdagang alternatibong maaaring mabuo sa panahon ng scoping. Tutukuyin ng EIR/EIS ang anumang mga alternatibo na isinaalangalang ngunit tinanggihan ng mga namumunong ahensya bilang hindi magagawa at ipapaliwanag saglit ang mga dahilan kung bakit. Tutukuyin din ng EIR/EIS ang alternatibong higit na nakakabuti sa kapaligiran. Ang pagsusuri ng bawat alternatibo ay isasagawa sa antas ng detalye na naaayon sa mga kinakailangan ng CEQA at NEPA. Pag-access ng Dokumento: Ang NOP/NOI at ang CEQA Initial Study (Paunang Pag-aaral) ay maaaring elektronikong ma-access sa Port of Long Beach website sa: https://www.polb.com/ceqa. Makikita ang kopya ng NOP/NOI at CEQA Initial Study para matingnan sa mga sumusunod na lokasyon:

23-063

SPL-2023-00720

Lokasyon ng Proyekto: Outer Harbor, timog ng Navy Mole at West Basin, silangan ng Pier 400, hilaga ng federal breakwater, kanluran ng Main Channel, Southwest Long Beach Harbor Planning District (District 6); Los Angeles County Alinsunod sa California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) at National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), ang Lungsod ng Long Beach Harbor Department (Port of Long Beach o Port), na kumikilos para sa at sa pamamagitan ng Board of Harbor Commissioners nito bilang CEQA Lead Agency, at United States Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District (USACE), bilang Federal Lead Agency na responsable sa pagsunod sa NEPA, ay inihanda itong Pauna sa Paghahanda at Paunang Pag-aaral / Paunang Layunin (Notice of Preparation (NOP) at Initial Study / Notice of Intent (NOI)) para humingi ng input sa saklaw at nilalaman ng Ulat ng Epekto sa Kapaligiran / Pahayag sa Epekto sa Kapaligiran (Environmental Impact Report (EIR) / Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)) para sa iminungkahing Pier Wind Terminal Development Project (Proyekto). Ang Paunang Pag-aaral, na inihanda alinsunod sa CEQA, ay naglalarawan sa iminungkahing Proyekto at nagbibigay ng paunang pagsusuri ng mga potensyal na epekto ng Proyekto sa kapaligiran.

Dahil ang pagtatayo ng Proyekto ay magreresulta sa pagtatapon ng mga hinukay at/o paglalagay ng materyal sa katubigan ng Estados Unidos, maglalagay ng mga istruktura sa madadaan na tubig ng Estados Unidos o magtratrabaho o makakaapekto sa nadadaanang katubigan ng Estados Unidos, at mangangailangan ng transportasyon ng hinukay o inilagay na mga materyales sa pamamagitan ng sasakyang-dagat o iba pang sasakyan para sa layunin ng pagtatapon ng materyal sa karagatang tubig, kinakailangan ang pahintulot ng USACE alinsunod sa Seksyon 404 ng Clean Water Act (33 USC 1344; 33 CFR parts 323 at 330), Seksyon 10 ng Rivers and Harbors Act (33 USC 403), at Seksyon 103 ng Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act ng 1972.

Ang pagsusuri sa mga aplikasyon ng pahintulot ng USACE ay bumubuo sa iminungkahing pederal na aksyon (Iminungkahing Federal Action).

Port of Long Beach Administration Building Environmental Planning Division, 7th Floor 415 West Ocean Blvd.

Long Beach, California 90802 Billie Jean King Main Library 200 West Broadway Long Beach, California 90802

San Pedro Regional Branch Library 931 Gaffey Street San Pedro, California 90731 Wilmington Branch Library 1300 North Avalon Blvd.

Wilmington, California 90744

Bret Harte Neighborhood Library 1595 West Willow Street Long Beach, California 90810 Panahon ng Pampublikong Pagsusuri: 45 araw (hindi kasama ang mga pista opisyal) – Huwebes, Nobyembre 30, 2023, hanggang Biyernes, Enero 19, 2024, sa 4 p.m. PST (tatanggapin ang mga komento bago isara ang panahon ng pagsusuri).

Mga Nakasulat na Komento: Ang mga nakasulat na komento ay dapat isumite nang nakasulat at matanggap ng CEQA at NEPA Lead Agencies nang hindi lalampas sa 4 p.m. PST sa Biyernes, Enero 19, 2024. Mangyaring magpadala ng mga komento sa: Mr. Matthew Arms, Director of Environmental Planning, alinman sa elektronikong paraan sa pamamagitan ng email sa ceqa@polb.com o sa pamamagitan ng U.S. Mail o courier sa Port of Long Beach, 415 W. Ocean Blvd.,Long Beach, CA 90802.

Sa ilalim ng CEQA at NEPA, ang NOP/NOI na ito ang magpapasimula ng 45-araw (hindi kasama ang mga piyesta opisyal) na panahon ng pag-imbita sa publiko na makilahok sa proseso (public scoping period) na magsisimula sa Huwebes, Nobyembre 30, 2023 at magtatapos sa Biyernes, Enero 19, 2024.

Ms. Lisa Mangione, Senior Project Manager, USACE Los Angeles District Regulatory Division, sa elektronikong paraan sa pamamagitan ng email sa lisa.mangione@usace.army.mil.

Layunin nitong Paunawa ng Paghahanda at Paunawa ng Layunin: Alinsunod sa Mga Alituntunin ng CEQA ng Estado (14 California Code of Regulations [CCR] Section 15082), inihanda ng Port at USACE ang NOP/NOI na ito upang ipaalam sa mga ahensya at interesadong partido na ang magkasamang EIR/EIS ay ihahanda para sa nabanggit na Proyekto sa itaas. Ang layunin ng NOP/NOI ay magbigay ng sapat na impormasyon tungkol sa iminungkahing Proyekto at ang mga potensyal na epekto nito sa kapaligiran upang bigyang-daan ang mga ahensya at interesadong tao ng pagkakataon na magbigay ng makabuluhang tugon na may kaugnayan sa saklaw at nilalaman ng EIR/EIS, kabilang ang mga hakbang sa pagpapagaan at mga alternatibong dapat tugunan (State CEQA Guidelines 14 CCR Section 15082(b)).

Ang paglalarawan ng proyekto, lokasyon, mga potensyal na epekto sa kapaligiran, at mga potensyal na alternatibo ay nakabuod sa ibaba.

Pampublikong Open House at Scoping Meeting: Dalawang In-person scoping meeting at open house ang gaganapin upang magbigay ng impormasyon sa iminungkahing Proyekto. Bago ang bawat scoping meeting, isang open house ang gaganapin mula 5 hanggang 6 p.m. sa lobby ng Port Administration Building kung saan maaaring tingnan ng mga miyembro ng publiko ang mga eksibit at talakayin ang iminungkahing Proyekto kasama ang mga kinatawan ng team ng Proyekto. Susundan ng scoping meeting ang open house simula ika-6 ng gabi. Sa panahon ng scoping meeting, magbibigay ng pangkalahatang-ideya tungkol sa iminungkahing Proyekto at proseso ng EIR/EIS. Ang mga miyembro ng publiko ay bibigyan ng pagkakataon na magbigay ng mga komento sa saklaw at nilalaman ng EIR/EIS na dokumento. Ang mga scoping meeting ay ire-record at ipo-post para matingnan sa website ng Port sa https://www.polb.com/ceqa. Magiging pareho ang format ng bawat open house at scoping meeting.

Ang mga tugon sa NOP/NOI ay susuriin ng Port at USACE sa pagtukoy ng saklaw ng EIR/EIS, kabilang ang mga isyung dapat tugunan at mga alternatibong isasaalang-alang.

Petsa:

Miyerkules, Disyembre 13, 2023 (In-Person)

Oras:

Open House mula 5 hanggang 6 p.m., ang Scoping Meeting ay magsisimula sa 6 p.m.

Paglalarawan at Lokasyon ng Proyekto: Ang iminungkahing Proyekto ay magsasama ng pagtatayo ng 400-acre na terminal at 30-acre na transport corridor para sa pagtanggap, pagtatanghal, at pag-iimbak ng mga bahagi ng wind turbine generator (WTG) (mga seksyon ng tower, nacelles, at blades) at pundasyon ng sub- mga assemblies, nagsasagawa ng panghuling pagpupulong ng mga floating foundation, at pagsasama ng mga bahagi ng WTG sa floating foundation upang lumikha ng mga floating offshore wind (OSW) turbine system na magbibigay-daan sa Estado ng California at pederal na pamahalaan na tugunan ang pandaigdigang krisis sa klima at decarbonization ng mga mapagkukunan ng enerhiya sa pamamagitan ng pagtatatag ng mga wind farm sa West Coast. Ang Proyekto ay matatagpuan sa Southwest Harbor Planning District (Distrito 6) ng Port of Long Beach sa timog lamang ng Navy Mole, silangan ng Port of Los Angeles Pier 400, hilaga ng federal breakwater, at kanluran ng Main Channel. Ang Proyecto ay magtatayo ng bagong lupa sa Port na pinakamahusay na makakatugon sa mga kinakailangan sa lupa para sa mga pasilidad sa waterfront na kailangan para sa mahusay na pagtatanghal, pagsasama-sama, floating foundation assembly, at pagpapanatili ng malalaking floating OSW turbine system gaya ng tinukoy sa 2023 AB 525 Port Readiness Plan ng California State Lands Commission. Ang Proyekto ang mga layunin ng Enerhiya ng Estado at pederal na OSW para tumulong sa pagharap sa krisis sa klima, bawasan ang gastos ng lumulutang na enerhiya ng OSW, susuportahan ang Zero Emissions Energy Resilient Operations Program (ZEERO) ng Port, magbigay ng mga lokal na pagkakataon sa trabaho at suportahan ang pagbuo ng domestic offshore wind industry at magbibigay ng mas malawak na benepisyong pang-ekonomiya sa Estado at sa bansa. Kasama sa mga aktibidad sa konstruksyon sa katubigan ang humigit-kumulang 50 milyong cubic yards (CY) ng paghukay na fill material at surcharge para pagtatayo ng rock revetment dike, at pagtatayo ng terminal wharf, sinking basin, wet storage area, at mga konkretong pier na katabi ng transportasyo koridor. Ang onshore na konstruksyon ay kinabibilangan ng grading at compaction, surfacing, mga pagpapabuti ng koridor ng transportasyon, at pag-install ng mga utility at signage. Tinataya na ang mga aktibidad sa konstruksyon ay magsisimula sa 2027 at tatagal ng kabuuang 9 na taon, na ang konstruksyon ay natapos sa mga yugto at mga operasyon simula sa 2031.

Ang kabuuang konstruksyon ay inaasahang matatapos sa 2035.

Saklaw ng Pagsusuri ng EIR/EIS, Mga Maaaring Epekto sa Kapaligiran, Mga Isyu: Ang Paunang Pag-aaral, na inihanda alinsunod sa CEQA, ay naglalarawan sa iminungkahing Proyekto at nagbibigay ng paunang pagsusuri ng mga potensyal na epekto sa kapaligiran ng Proyekto. Batay sa Paunang Pag-aaral, inaasahan na ang mga sumusunod na lugar ng mapagkukunang pangkapaligiran ay magreresulta sa mga potensyal na makabuluhan/masamang epekto at matutugunan sa EIR/EIS: Aesthetics (Kagandahan), Air Quality (Kalidad ng Hangin), Biological Resources (Mga Biyolohikal na Mapagkukunan), Cultural Resources (Mga Mapagkukunang Pangkultura), Energy (Enerhiya), Geology and Soils (Heolohiya at mga Lupa), Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Mga Pagbuga mula sa Greenhouse Gas), Hazards and Hazardous Materials (Mga Panganib at Mapanganib na Materyales), Hydrology and Water Quality (Hydrology at Kalidad ng Tubig), Land Use and Planning (Paggamit ng Lupa at Pagpaplano), Noise Population and Housing (Populasyon ng Ingay at Pabahay), Public Services (Mga Pampublikong Serbisyo), Recreation (Libangan), Transportation (Transportasyon), Tribal Cultural

Lahat ng mga komento sa mga isyu sa kapaligiran na natanggap sa panahon ng pampublikong komento ay isasaalang-alang at tutugunan sa Draft EIR/EIS.

Open House at Scoping Meeting #1

Lokasyon: Port of Long Beach Administration Building, 415 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802 (Open House at Scoping Meeting) Open House at Scoping Meeting #2 Petsa:

Miyerkules, Enero 10, 2024 (In-Person)

Oras:

Open House mula 5 hanggang 6 p.m., ang Scoping Meeting ay magsisimula sa 6 p.m.

Lokasyon: Port of Long Beach Administration Building, 415 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802 (Open House) at Bob Foster Civic Chambers, katabi ng Port of Long Beach Administration Building sa Long Beach Civic Center, 411 W. Ocean Blvd ., Long Beach, CA 90802 (Scoping Meeting) Mga Serbisyo sa Interpretasyon: Kung kailangan mo ng mga serbisyo ng interpretasyon para lumahok sa open house at/o scoping meeting, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa Port of Long Beach Environmental Planning Division sa (562) 283-7100 o mag-email sa ceqa@polb.com nang hindi bababa sa tatlong buong araw ng trabaho (72 oras) bago ang petsa ng scoping meeting upang matiyak na ang mga makatwirang pagsasaayos ay maaaring gawin upang magbigay ng mga serbisyo ng interpretasyon.

Americans with Disabilities Act: Ang Port of Long Beach ay nagbibigay ng mga makatwirang akomodasyon alinsunod sa Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Kung kailangan ng mga espesyal na akomodasyon upang lumahok sa open house at/o public scoping meeting, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa Port of Long Beach Environmental Planning Division sa (562) 283-7100 o mag-email sa ceqa@polb.com nang hindi bababa sa tatlong buong araw ng trabaho bago ang mga petsa ng meeting upang matiyak na magagawa ang mga makatwirang pagsasaayos.

Impormasyon sa Pakikipag-ugnayan: Allyson Teramoto, Manager ng CEQA/NEPA Practices, Environmental Planning Division, Port of Long Beach, ceqa@polb.com o (562) 283-7100.

Lisa Mangione, Project Manager, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District, lisa.mangione@usace.army.mil or (805) 585-2150.

CNSB #3739329

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Medicare Advantage increasingly popular with seniors — but not hospitals and doctors

by Julie Appleby KFF Health News

A HOSPITAL system in Georgia. Two medical groups in San Diego. Another in Louisville, Kentucky, and nearly one-third of Nebraska hospitals. Across the country, health care providers are refusing to accept some Medicare Advantage plans — even as the coverage offered by commercial insurers increasingly displaces the traditional government program for seniors and people with disabilities.

As of this year, commercial insurers have enticed just over half of all Medicare beneficiaries — or nearly 31 million people — to sign up for their plans instead of traditional Medicare.

The plans typically include drug coverage as well as extras like vision and dental benefits, many at low or even zero additional monthly premiums compared with traditional Medicare.

But even as enrollment soars, so too has friction between insurers and the doctors and hospitals they pay to care for beneficiaries.

Increasingly, according to experts who watch insurance markets, hospital and medical groups are bristling at payment rates Medicare Advantage plans impose and at what they say are onerous requirements for preapproval to deliver care and too many afterthe-fact denials of claims.

The insurers say they’re just trying to control costs and avoid

inappropriate care. The disputes are drawing more attention now, during the annual open enrollment period for Medicare, which runs until Dec. 7.

Stuck in the middle are patients. People whose preferred doctors or hospitals refuse their coverage may have to switch Medicare Advantage plans or revert to the traditional program, although it can be difficult or even impossible when switching back to obtain what is called a “Medigap” policy, which covers some of the traditional plan’s cost-sharing requirements.

For example, more than 30,000 San Diego-area residents are looking for new doctors after two large medical groups affiliated with Scripps Health said they would no longer contract with Medicare Advantage insurers.

“The insurance companies running the Medicare Advantage plans are pushing physicians and hospitals to the edge,” said Chip Kahn, president and CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals, which represents the for-profit hospital sector.

The insurance industry’s lobbying arm, AHIP, said in a February letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that prior approvals and other similar reviews protect patients by reducing “inappropriate care by catching unsafe or low-value care, or care not consistent with the latest clinical evidence.”

AHIP spokesperson David Allen said in an email that

Medicare Advantage plans are growing in enrollment because people like them, citing surveys conducted by an AHIP-backed coalition.

The vast majority, he wrote, said they were satisfied with their plans and the access to care they provide.

The disputes so far don’t appear to center on any particular insurer, region, or medical provider, although both UnitedHealthcare and Humana Inc. — the two largest Medicare Advantage insurers — are among those that have had contracts canceled.

Baptist Health in Louisville, Kentucky, said in a statement that all nine of its hospitals, along with its clinics and physician groups, would cut ties with Advantage plans offered by UnitedHealthcare and Wellcare Health Plans Inc. beginning in January unless they reach an agreement.

“Many Medicare Advantage plans routinely deny or delay approval or payment for medical care recommended by a patient’s physician,” Baptist Health said in its statement.

The system’s medical group, with nearly 1,500 physicians and other providers, left Humana’s network in September.

In a similar move, Brunswick, Georgia-based Southeast Georgia Health System, which includes two hospitals, two nursing homes, and a physician u PAGE A7

MAIN ATTRACTION. A simple but modern depiction of the nativity scene sits atop the canopy of the Philippine Heart Center in East Avenue, Quezon City on Friday, Dec. 1. Twenty-four days before Christmas, malls and other commercials establishments, not to mention major thoroughfares, are sure to get crowded until the celebrations are over.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Los Angeles sees hate crimes surge...

PAGE A1

represented among victims at 53%. Attacks targeting Latinos rose 3%, though 93% of these were violent, the highest of all racial-ethnic groups. Anti-Asian crimes fell by 25%, though the 61 crimes reported still marked the highest ever on record.

Eighteen percent of attacks were motivated by sexual orientation followed by those motivated by religious

identification (16%). Of the latter, 83% were anti-Jewish, with the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict fueling an even greater spike in antisemitic and antiMuslim attacks since fighting began this October.

As reporting increases, so does the hate Toma said increased reporting through the county’s LA vs Hate website and to 211 LA, where victims can call in to report hate crimes and hate related incidents anonymously and in a multitude of languages, have led to higher overall numbers, though he acknowledged the numbers – as high as they are – represent “only a handful” of the actual total.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, nearly half of all violent hate crimes are not reported to law enforcement, while an even greater portion of hate incidents and nonviolent hate crimes are not reported.

Reasons include fear of engaging with or lack of trust in law enforcement, as well as concerns that reporting could invite further attacks.

Toma also described a wider atmosphere of rising intolerance and extremism as helping to fuel the increase in hate in Los Angeles. He ticked off a grim list of incidents, including racially motivated mass shootings in Atlanta, Pittsburgh, El Paso, and the May 2022 mass shooting in Buffalo, New York that claimed 10 lives.

The latter, he noted, was linked to an incident involving an adult white male who targeted an African American teenager, making repeated phone calls and texts warning of his association with the Ku Klux Klan. The perpetrator sent multiple images of firearms, threatening a mass shooting like the one in Buffalo.

“This is an example of how hate and violence outside informs violence in the county,” said Toma.

‘Hate has no boundaries’ LA’s Commission on Human Relations has been tracking hate crime data since 1980. A hate crime is defined as any crime motivated by bias against race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability.

“Hate has no boundaries,” said LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis. “What we are seeing is a

trend across the country and globe … Hate crimes continue to swell.”

It was Solis, along with Supervisor Sheila Keuhl, who in 2018 drafted a measure aimed at protecting LA’s minority communities from hate crimes.

That measure ultimately led to the creation of the LA vs Hate anti-hate initiative. Led by the Human Relations Commission, LA vs Hate works with a coalition of community partners to track and combat hate across LA County.

Visitors to the site will find an array of available resources and can also report hate crimes or hate related incidents.

According to Toma, the LA v Hate site is now the 3rd largest source of reported hate crimes after the LAPD and the Sheriff’s office.

“We have a lot of challenges, but the good thing is we are collecting the data,” said Solis, data that is used to help divert critical funding to anti-hate initiatives, including training for law enforcement, as well as education, data collection and coalition building efforts.

Reporting key to combating hate LA County Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized his department’s commitment to combating the rise in hate and stressed the importance of coming forward when it happens. “When there is an attack of hate, it threatens the entire community,” Luna said.

“When someone doesn’t report it, it feeds into the hands of the perpetrators.”

The LA County Sherriff’s office is one of the only ones in the country that tracks non-criminal hate incidents, explained Luna, noting that doing so “gives the community a voice when hate does not reach the level of a crime” and that it also helps to “prevent acts of hate before they occur.”

LAPD Assistant Chief Blake Chow echoed Luna. “We have to report. If people don’t report, we don’t know what’s going on.”

He also offered this reminder about the numbers contained in the report.

“Each one of these numbers is attached to a victim … to a family,” he said. “This is a commentary on where we are as a society.” (Peter Schurmann/ Ethnic Media Services)

Lawmakers OK resolutions for...

PAGE A1 “We will include her note and comments therein as part of the considerations and study,” DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano said on Wednesday, November 29.

“The issue is multi-faceted, and we must see things from a holistic perspective. In all this discussion, let us not forget that the goal is to attain justice for victims of extrajudicial killings. Plain and simple,” Clavano added.

Duterte earlier said she would urge the DOJ not to cooperate in the ICC’s investigation, saying her office would continue to assert its position and would lay down their legal basis.

The vice president, however, maintained that the position of Marcos on the issue should be respected.

The ICC decided to resume its inquiry into the Philippines’ war on drugs last January.

Casual dinner Senators had a casual dinner with the president and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos at the chief executive’s official residence at Malacañang last Tuesday.

Senators Ramon Revilla Jr. and Bong Go posted on their official social media accounts pictures of the dinner held at Bahay Pangulo.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri joined the dinner with Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda; Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva; Senators Imee Marcos, Sonny Angara, Jinggoy Estrada, Raffy Tulfo, Lito Lapid, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Mark Villar, JV Ejercito, Francis Tolentino, Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar with her husband former Senate president and entrepreneur Manny Villar, Revilla, Go and Dela Rosa.

In a chance interview at the Senate on Wednesday, November 29, Dela Rosa said he was able to speak with the President about his reported openness to rejoin the ICC despite an ongoing probe on the senator for leading the previous administration’s brutal war on drugs. g

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Marcos prioritizes release of 17 Filipino seafarers held in Red Sea

by Kristine Daguno-Bersamina Philstar.com

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has committed to utilizing all available means to ensure the safe return of 17 Filipino seafarers being held hostage by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Marcos expressed regret on Thursday, November 30 evening for not attending a gathering of the Filipino community in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, after canceling his scheduled trip for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28).

The decision was made to address pressing developments concerning the captured seafarers.

“Alam naman ninyo may mga bagay na kailangan agad na asikasuhin. Isa na dun ‘yung ating mga kababayan, mga kapwa

Pilipino natin na na-hostage, 17 sila na na-hostage at ginagawa natin lahat ng paraan upang sila ay maiuwi na,” Marcos said in a video message released on late Thursday.

(We know that there are some things that need to be prioritized, and among them is the well-being of the 17 Filipinos who were held hostage. We are doing everything possible to bring them home soon.)

“Kaya’t binubuo natin ang isang delegasyon para pumunta sa kanila at makipag-usap dun sa mga may hawak sa kanila para makauwi na sila. Kaya’t, siguro naman maunawaan ninyo, na inuna muna natin ‘yan dahil kailangan nating tiyakin ang syempre ang seguridad ng ating mga kababayan,” he added.

(We have formed a delegation to secure the release of the seafarers from the rebel group. I hope you understand that we have

to prioritize it because we need to guarantee their safety.)

Marcos also assured continued government efforts to support Filipino nationals affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict. He noted the successful repatriation of some Filipinos, facilitated by various government agencies.

The Houthis, known to be an ally of Iran, have recently intensified their attacks by launching long-range missile and drone attacks towards Israel, showing solidarity with the Hamas militants engaged in conflict within the Gaza Strip.

On Thursday, Marcos, who has often mentioned the need to address climate change in his speeches, unexpectedly CAPTIVATING. Tourists are in awe of the Hinagdanan Cave in Dauis, Panglao Island, Bohol province on Friday, December 1. Sunlight peeps through natural cracks, a deep lagoon gives a green hue due to limestones, and stalactites and stalagmites complete their cave experience. announced on X (formerly PNA photo by Joan Bondoc Twitter) that he would skip COP28.

Marcos said that Environment Secretary Maria Antonia YuloLoyzaga will lead the Philippine delegation in his place. g

MOST TRUSTED AGENCY

PH, US, Japan, Australia hold defense talks

by FRankie Tuyay ManilaTimes.net

OFFICIALS of the Philippines, United States, Japan and Australia gathered in Tokyo to discuss "regional issues of common interest and more opportunities to expand cooperation" among the four allied partners.

Those who attended included Mike Kitcher, deputy chief Joint Operations, Australian Defense Forces; Major General Nobutaka Minamikawa, Defense Plans and Policy Department, J5, Japan Self-Defense Force; Major General Jay Bargeron, director for Strategic Planning and Policy Directorate, J5, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; and Brigadier General Rommel Cordova, assistant deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, AJ5, Armed Forces of the Philippines.

They reaffirmed a shared vision for a "Free and Open IndoPacific" and a collective effort to ensure that the vision continues to thrive.

The meeting from November 28 to December 1 was an

Major General Jay Bargeron, Director for Strategic Planning and Policy Directorate, J5, US IndoPacific Command; AVM Mike Kitcher, Deputy Chief Joint Operations Australian Defense Forces; and Brigadier General Rommel Cordova, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, AJ5, Armed Forces of the Philippines, pose for a photo with General Yoshida Yoshihide, Chief of Joint Staff, Japan Self-Defense Force.

PNA photo

offshoot of the Japan-PH-AUSUS Defense Ministerial Meeting held in Singapore last June 3, 2023.

Public Affairs Chief. Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the AFP's participation is another demonstration of its commitment to its alliance and partnership

with like-minded nations, particularly in protecting Philippine defense and security interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S., Australia, and the Philippines recently concluded maritime cooperative activities in the West Philippine Sea. g

DepEd gets high marks in survey

by Red Mendoza ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Education (DepEd) is the most trusted and top-performing government agency, based on the survey conducted by independent pollster OCTA Research.

In OCTA's third-quarter survey conducted from September 30 to October 4, DepEd got a 79 percent trust rating.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) each got 75 percent; the Department of Health (DoH), 74 percent; and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), 73 percent.

The DepEd's trust rating was highest in the Visayas and Mindanao, (88 percent), and lowest in Balanced Luzon (70 percent).

The trust ratings of CHEd, DPWH, DoH and DSWD were also high in Visayas and Mindanao and low in Balanced Luzon.

DepEd had the highest trust rating among socio-economic Class D and E (80 percent and 78 percent, respectively), and the lowest in Class ABC at 69

percent.

The DoH and DSWD had the highest trust ratings among Class D and E respondents and the lowest among Class ABC respondents. Only CHEd and DPWH scored high in Class E. Government agencies with trust ratings below 40 percent are the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) at 38 percent, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) at 37 percent, and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at 35 percent.

The DMW and DBM, as well as the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, had the highest trust percentage among respondents who were undecided, with 50 percent.

DepEd also topped the list of the best-performing government agencies with an 80 percent rating, followed by DSWD (75 percent), DPWH and DoH (74 percent), and CHEd (73 percent).

The Education department's performance rating across the country ranged from 72 percent to 91 percent, with the highest in the Visayas at 91 percent, followed by Mindanao at 88 percent and Balanced Luzon at

72 percent.

The DSWD also had a high performance card in the Visayas, with 87 percent, and Mindanao, with 85 percent, but fell short in the National Capital Region at 67 percent and Balanced Luzon.

The same trend was observed with the DPWH, while the DoH and CHEd had high performance ratings in the NCR, Visayas and Mindanao and a low rating in Balanced Luzon.

DepEd had high performance marks in Class D and E at 84 percent and 80 percent, respectively, with the lowest in Class ABC. DSWD, DoH and CHEd had higher satisfaction ratings in Class D and E, while the DPWH had the highest satisfaction ratings among Class ABC and E. The DBM had the lowest performance rating among government agencies at 32 percent, followed by the DTI and DMW at 36 percent each, and DHSUD at 38 percent.

The budget agency had the highest percentage of undecided respondents at 54 percent, followed by the DMW at 52 percent.

OCTA polled 1,200 respondents for its survey. g

problem DEALING WITH INSURANCE CLAIMS? We’ll take it.*

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New war room

CYBERCRIME-related cases nationwide have surged by 400 percent this year compared to the same period in 2022, the Department of Justice reported on Friday, December 1. The most common cybercrime cases, according to a DOJ official, involve love, investment and tax scams as well as phishing.

The actual figure is likely much higher, since many people don’t know how or don’t bother to report cybercrime cases. Whether the spike is 400 percent or higher, however, people wonder if the country has the capability to fight this menace, or if there is even sufficient awareness of the problem among those who are supposed to man the front lines.

Among the first laws signed by President Marcos was Republic Act 11934, the SIM Registration Act, which was enacted on Oct. 10 last year. The implementing rules and regulations of RA 11934 came out on Dec. 27, and mandatory SIM registration was carried out until July 30 this year. Deactivation of unregistered Subscriber Identity Modules began shortly. Telecommunications companies reported that nearly 114 million of the 168 million SIM cards in circulation nationwide were registered; the rest, or over 54 million were deactivated.

SIM registration, however, does not cover overseas numbers as well as online messaging

apps such as Viber, WhatsApp and Telegram. The Philippine National Police reported that scammers acquire inactive SIM cards and use these to capture one-time passwords or OTP for entry into Viber, WhatsApp and Telegram. These SIM cards, the PNP pointed out, remain dormant until registered, allowing the user to accept incoming calls and text messages using Wi-Fi connectivity, but restricting outbound communication. Some people with multiple SIM cards also sold the excess to scammers, the PNP reported.

Following the deactivation of unregistered SIMs, the PNP noted an initial decline of about 50 percent in the number of digital fraud cases.

Whether the decline will continue remains to be seen. The DOJ report tells another story. Globe Telecom also said it blocked approximately 2.2 billion messages found to be linked to scam ManilaTimes.net photo attempts in the first six months of 2023.

Other countries have set up the equivalent overseas and targeting government agencies, to put up its own war room, with the necessary of special war rooms to fight cyber attacks, defense facilities, the banking system and critical equipment and skilled personnel to wage this new especially those believed to be emanating from public infrastructure. The Philippines must rush type of warfare. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Duterte to Marcos: Reversing course

Flea Market of Ideas Joel RuIz Butuyan JUST over a year after leaving Malacañang, former President Rodrigo Duterte is witnessing the country reverse course and pivot from his major programs, policies, and actions. Duterte is also witnessing several of his contentious moves backfire against him, and even haunt him.

First, the flagship policy of the Duterte administration was its promise to rid the country of the drug menace through its war on drugs. The Philippine National Police acknowledged that 6,000 died in its hands, but human rights organizations estimate that up to 27,000 to 30,000 fell victim to state-sponsored extrajudicial killings. Hundreds of thousands suffered from various forms of human rights violations such as illegal arrests and unlawful detention. Word on the ground is that the drug menace is back with a vengeance, showing that the war on drugs merely provided a band-aid solution but didn’t actually solve the root causes of the drug menace. While drugrelated killings still persist under President Marcos, there has been a pivot from the savage violence and vicious rhetoric of Duterte.

Second, under the Duterte administration, our country made a major foreign policy pivot by spurning our long-

time ally, the United States, and we embraced instead the Asian hegemon, China. The turnaround was supposedly taken to mollify and befriend China, in order for the latter to pour in huge investments in our country, allow our fishermen to fish in our exclusive economic zone, and tone down China’s hostile behavior against us in the West Philippine Sea. None of the objectives was attained. In particular, we received a pittance from the promised Chinese investments. Under the new administration, we have shifted back to our old alliance with the U.S. Third, the Duterte administration trained its guns on activist and leftist groups, after its war on drugs sputtered.

Extrajudicial killings, illegal arrests and detention, and threats of persecution intensified against activists and suspected communist personalities. Tens of billions of public funds were spent in anti-communists initiatives. Just recently, however, the Marcos administration has issued an amnesty to communist rebels, and has signed an agreement with the communist movement for the resumption of peace talks. This is a complete change of course from the Duterte administration’s scorched-earth policy against the communist movement. This also pulls the rug under Vice President Sara Duterte’s flagship

anti-communist initiatives.

Fourth, Duterte persecuted the opposition and the independent media. He deprived then Vice President Leni Robredo of reasonable funds for her office and intermittently mistreated her. Then Sen. Leila De Lima was imprisoned on trumpedup charges. Rappler and the Philippine Daily Inquirer were harassed. The opposition was silenced with threats or its members were co-opted. Now, facing hostile moves from the Marcos administration, Duterte now complains of the absence of opposition forces with a tone of yearning for help from the opposition forces he mistreated.

Fifth, Duterte spoiled military and police forces with extravagant salaries and retirement benefits. It was viewed as Duterte’s insurance of loyalty from security forces after he left office. With the military coup he has allegedly stirred up, nipped in the bud, Duterte’s pampering of the military has failed to yield the security dividends he had expected.

Sixth, Duterte caused our country’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC). It was a scheme to shield himself from ICC prosecution.

But the withdrawal has not stopped the ICC investigation, and the current administration has turned around by announcing that it’s open to consider cooperation with the ICC. The

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meets with his predecessor former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Marcos administration is now even mulling over the possibility of rejoining the ICC. Seventh, the Duterte administration allowed the remains of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Despite protests, Duterte allowed the old man’s remains to be buried in our cemetery for our heroes. It was a long wish finally granted to the Marcos family. But the debt of gratitude engendered was canceled out

by Duterte’s open contempt for the younger Marcos whom he belittled with scornful names.

Unfortunately for Duterte, the old Marcos he idolized lies six feet under the ground, while the young Marcos he belittled now sits in Malacañang.

The Duterte administration’s policies and advocacies which are now being reversed or ignored by the Marcos administration share one thing in common.

They were undertaken by a leader who was inebriated with

PCO file photo

power, who felt invincible, and who entertained illusions that his powers will be omnipotent even beyond his years in office. What a rude awakening it must be for him. (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.

*** Comments to fleamarketofideas@gmail. com

A discomforting realization about democracy

The Long View Manuel l. Quezon III WHEN I interviewed Maria Ressa last year for this year’s edition of the Fookien Times Yearbook, she said the next two years would make or break liberal democracy depending on the outcome of a whole series of elections to come. The scorecard to date, from her perspective, would be mixed, verging on the discouraging. In Poland, to be sure, the right wing lost; but in Argentina, and most recently, in the Netherlands, right-wing, illiberal candidates have pulled political upsets. As the shrinking number of “Eisenhower Republicans” frustrated at the Stockholm Syndrome daily demonstrated by their party’s relationship with Donald Trump (almost sure to get his party’s nomination again) shows, it took conservatives having a political dalliance with former fringe types

to give birth to a new era of rightwing populism that has liberal democrats and leftists of different kinds, globally, in retreat.

As Ishaan Tharoor recently noted in a Washington Post analysis, “The ability of the far right to break into the castle has always been contingent on the center-right establishment lowering the drawbridge.” In our case, it wasn’t so much the lowering of a drawbridge but instead the use of Rodrigo Duterte as a battering ram to smash the economics-driven succession debate which would have kept the up-to-then discredited Arroyo-EstradaMarcos combination out of power, and with them, a growing list of actually imprisoned former vote-getters (Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Juan Ponce Enrile, and friends, to name just a prominent few) possibly permanently in jail and out of power. Duterte became the incarnation of the formerly marginal now coming into their own, as he channeled

the resentments and fears of a new middle class but also repudiated the old middle class and its politics born in the Ramon Magsaysay era.

This repudiation in turn created the political space for a restoration. There is a longstanding tradition in our politics (which has been challenged in the courts but only recently), and it is this: Election confers absolution. At its best, it brings former rebels or the defeated, back into the political mainstream, a peaceable but arguably, meaningful way, of challenging the colonial order in the days before independence, and of bringing dissident, even radical, voices and views, into the political mix since independence.

It allows individual leaders to submit themselves to a referendum in which the public settles questions that might otherwise divide society for generations.

When this happens, a new political consensus is formed: This

is how tradition helps maintain political stability and can foster political evolution. From this perspective, the Marcoses slowly, but systematically, accomplished their political rehabilitation in a manner that was both democratic and accepting of the very revolution that had thrown them out of power. Lee Kuan Yew, always snidely so sure of himself without having to preside over a society with a far longer history and far more complicated society than his own, failed to see this when he sneered at Filipinos for being soft and forgiving about the Marcoses: as the recent headlines in that city-state have shown, nothing ever stopped Singapore from accepting the ill-gotten money of private and public figures; nor did Lee let facts get in the way of his sweeping pronouncements, it seems (it was the Swiss, who taught the Singaporeans a thing or two about private banking), who insisted the Philippines allow the Marcoses to come

back, in exchange for freezing the Marcos accounts, while insisting European human rights standards be accepted by giving the former ruling family their day in our domestic courts.

It’s important to revisit this historical zig-zag, not just of one family, but an entire society: because, in achieving the first majority presidency however you measure it (since 1969, in an ordinary election; since 1986, in an extraordinary election), Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accomplished what every Fifth Republic president from Marcos to Duterte failed to do—a majority—in a society whose increasing ignorance has had one, political, constant: The constant repetition that democracy is the rule of the majority. So for the first time in 30 years, we have a majority: only for those who wrap themselves in the mantle of democracy to deny him democratic respectability.

The world, oddly enough,

has had no such misgivings.

Whether it’s the United States or the European Union, Japan, or Australia, the democratic verdict has been accepted and what President Marcos has done is bring back the Philippines to that place in the world order in which it formerly, respectably, and credibly, existed: as a supporter of democracy, and the cooperation, stability, and security that comes from accepting international law and human rights.

But this requires pondering the formerly unthinkable: the possibility that the Marcos administration represents the democratic center in our national life. And may do so, for the foreseeable future. (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.

*** Email: mlquezon3@gmail.com; Twitter: @ mlq3

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2-5, 2023 A7

DOTr exec: Enough time to modernize jeepneys MANILA – There is enough time to modernize jeepneys after the consolidation deadline on Dec. 31, assuring drivers and operators of government support, an official of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Friday, December 1.

DOTr Undersecretary Timothy John Batan said the actual deadline for PUV modernization is in 27 months or two years and three months after Dec. 31, which is the deadline for the consolidation of PUV franchise holders into cooperatives or corporations and not the phaseout of traditional PUVs by yearend.

“Ano po ang mangyayari sa December 31? Ito pong deadline ay para sa isa sa mga components ng PUV modernization (What will happen on December 31?

This is the deadline for one of the components of the PUV modernization),” Batan said.

The 27 months allotted for the PUV modernization program (PUVMP), he said, is part of the revised Omnibus

Franchising Guidelines following consultations with drivers, operators and other transportation stakeholders.

“After consolidation, saka sila magkakaroon ng sapat na panahon para mag-modernize sila ng jeepneys (After consolidation, that’s when they’ll have time to modernize their jeepneys),” he said.

In addition, the government has also increased government subsidy for purchasing modern PUVs to PHP280,000 for Class 2, 3, or 4 PUVs and PHP210,000 for Class 1 PUVs. This is an increase from the previous PHP160,000 subsidy which was also an increase from the original subsidy of PHP80,000.

The Landbank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines both offer loan agreements for purchasing modern PUVs. “Mahirap naman kasi na basta sabihan lang sila na magmodernize kayo. Hindi natin iniiwan ang jeepney operators, nandiyan ang subsidy, murang pautang, at social projects

(It’s not right that we just tell to modernize. We’re not neglecting them, we’re providing them with a subsidy, favorable loan terms, and social projects),” he said.

One of these social projects is the ‘enTSUPERneur’ -- a partnership between the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Department of Labor and Employment to provide working capital and business training to transport workers.

Qualified beneficiaries of the program are members of transport cooperatives -drivers, operators, conductors, dispatchers, mechanics, and other allied workers -- whose jobs are affected by the route rationalization and the Local Public Transport Route Plan of the PUVMP. Beneficiaries may receive assistance in the form of equipment for their chosen SHOPPING FOR HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS. A customer checks out the various hanging Santa decors, angels, candy canes, and other Christmas business as working capital, ornaments on sale in this shop along JP Laurel Avenue in Davao City, on Wednesday, November 29. The decors’ prices range from PHP810 basic training, micro-insurance to PHP45,000 for the large statues.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr. from the Government Service Insurance System, and business advisory and monitoring services. (PNA)

by ElizabEth MarcElo

by Singapore (631) and Austria (616), received the “very high proficiency” remark.

The EF said this year’s index covered 2.2 million English proficiency test takers, aged 18 to 60. Of the test takers, 55 percent were female and 45 percent were male.

Twenty-three Asian economies were included in the EPI. The Philippines was followed by Malaysia (ranked 25th globally) and Hong Kong (29th globally).

A detailed fact sheet per country showed that the Cordillera Administrative Region recorded the highest English proficiency among regions in the Philippines with a score of 616, followed by Davao (606),

Eastern Visayas (596), National Capital Region (593) and Central Visayas (589).

Baguio City, meanwhile, proved to be the most English proficient city in the country with a score of 618, followed by Dumaguete (617), Davao City (609), Dasmariñas City and San Jose del Monte City (both with a score of 606) and Bacolod City (605).

Filipinos aged 26 to 30 years old proved to be the most English proficient, followed by those in the 31 to 40-age bracket.

The EF’s Standard English Proficiency test taken by the participants online included tests on reading, listening and speaking skills. g

PH, crisis-prone nations score with Philippines improves in English proficiency index operationalization of damage fund Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines improved slightly in the 2023 English Proficiency Index of international education center and think tank Education First (EF), ranking 20th out of 113 countries and economies, from 22nd among 111 in the 2022 EPI. With an overall score of 578, the Philippines again ranked second in Asia after Singapore.

The Philippines was among 19 countries that got a “high proficiency” remark.

Meanwhile, 12 countries, led by the Netherlands with an overall score of 647, followed

40 boats to join Christmas convoy to Ayungin Shoal

by MichaEl Punongbayan Philstar.com

MANILA — At least 40 boats will be participating in the three-day Christmas caravan being organized by the Atin Ito Coalition in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) next weekend.

The group intends to depart from Palawan on Dec. 10 and sail toward the general vicinity of Ayungin Shoal where soldiers are stationed at the grounded BRP Sierra Madre.

While the caravan is not being allowed to visit and bring Christmas gifts to government troops manning the rusty warship, the National Security Council (NSC) has permitted the civilian boats to traverse its general vicinity.

Atin Ito’s convoy is then expected to visit Patag and Lawak Islands as well as Pagasa Island where they can bring gifts for residents and soldiers stationed there and leave those intended for troops on the BRP Sierra Madre for delivery by the Philippine Coast Guard or the Philippine

This photo shows a an 18-foot buoy effigy afloat the West Philippine Sea in Zambales put by the Association of Masinloc Fishermen in protest of the continuing harassment of China against Filipino fishermen at the Scarborough Shoal.

Philstar.com photo

Navy in a rotation and resupply (RORE) mission.

Akbayan, one of the groups under the Atin Ito Coalition, said one of the 40 boats joining the caravan is a mother vessel that can accommodate a maximum of 100 persons.

“We will still go to the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal and hopefully we will get as near as possible, it depends what is practical and safe,” Akbayan party president Rafaela David told TeleRadyo Serbisyo on

Wednesday, November 29.

The NSC had initially rejected the planned Christmas convoy, citing security risks considering recent incidents in the Philippine Navy’s RORE missions to the Ayungin Shoal.

But after a dialogue, the NSC granted clearance but on condition that the convoy will not really go to Ayungin Shoal but will be allowed to pass in the general area at a safe distance from the Sierra Madre. g

Medicare Advantage increasingly popular...

PAGE A4

network, warned this fall that it would end its contract with Centene Corp.’s Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans in December, citing what it said was years of “inappropriate payment of claims and unreasonable denials.”

In some cases, health systems’ threats to abandon Advantage plans — as well as insurers’ threats not to include providers in their networks — are negotiating tactics, intended as leverage to win concessions on payment rates or other issues. And some have been resolved. Ohio’s Adena Regional Medical Center, for example, said in September it would drop Medicare Advantage plans offered by Elevance Health, formerly known as Anthem Inc., but reinstated them following additional negotiations.

Still, some hospital and policy experts say the conflicts may be the beginning of a trend.

“This seems different,” said David Lipschutz, associate director and senior policy attorney at the Center for Medicare Advocacy, who said hospitals and doctors are becoming “much more vocal” about their frustration with some cost-control efforts by Medicare Advantage insurers.

“There have been serious problems with payment suspensions and reviews that annoy the providers. I would not be surprised if we start to see more of this pushback” as the Medicare market becomes more concentrated among a handful of insurers, said Don Berwick, president emeritus and

senior fellow at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and a former CMS administrator.

While availability varies from county to county, Medicare beneficiaries can choose on average among 43 plans, according to KFF. UnitedHealthcare and Humana account for about half of the nationwide enrollment in Advantage plans.

Studies show that Medicare Advantage costs taxpayers more per beneficiary than the traditional program. But the plans enjoy the backing of many lawmakers, especially Republicans, because of their popularity.

The Health and Human Services Department’s inspector general reported last year that some Advantage plans have denied coverage for care that should have been provided under Medicare’s rules.

The report examined prior authorization requests — a requirement to seek insurers’ OK before certain treatments, procedures, or hospital stays — and claims denials, where insurers refuse to pay for all or part of care that’s already been performed.

Lawmakers have recently demanded additional information from Advantage insurers about the factors they use to make such determinations.

CMS proposed a rule this month to cap commissions for brokers who sell Medicare Advantage plans and require more detail on how the plans’ prior approval programs affect certain low-income enrollees and people with disabilities.

Lipschutz said the HHS inspector general’s study may have encouraged hospitals and doctors to be more outspoken.

The inspector general’s office found that 13% of the denied requests for treatment it reviewed and 18% of denied claims were for care that should have been covered. Responding in part to that report, the Biden administration issued a rule set to take effect in January that requires Medicare Advantage plans to provide “the same medically necessary care” as the traditional program. Every Advantage insurer must also annually review its own policies to make sure they match those in the traditional program.

The American Hospital Association, while lauding the administration’s action, questioned whether it would be enough. In a letter sent last month to CMS, the hospital lobbying group said its members “have heard from some [insurers] that they either do not plan to make any changes to their protocols” or “have made changes to their denial letter terminology or procedures in a way that appears to circumvent the intent of the new rules.”

The letter urged “rigorous oversight” by CMS. Allen, the AHIP spokesperson, did not respond to a request to comment on the AHA letter.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

MANILA – Climate changevulnerable countries, including the Philippines, scored a win after the consensus decision of Parties to the Convention participating at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to operationalize a fund that would compensate for loss and damage.

United Arab Emirates' Sultan al-Jaber, president of the ongoing COP28 climate conference in Dubai, committed USD100 million to the fund; Germany pledged a similar amount; and the United States and Japan also announced contributions, according to the event's website.

“Today’s news on loss and damage gives this UN climate conference a running start. All governments and negotiators must use this momentum to deliver ambitious outcomes here in Dubai,” UN climate chief Simon Stiell said during a press conference Thursday, November 30.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda lauded the "significant agreement."

"This is a welcome development of a decades-long battle on loss

and damage as we continue our call for climate justice and demand the developed countries to deliver on their commitments in the Paris Agreement,” Legarda said in a news release on Friday, December 1.

She said the Philippines is a highly vulnerable country due to its geographical location.

Averting, minimizing, and addressing loss and damage associated with climate change requires the most urgent action, she added.

Legarda said the country’s limited resources spent on recovery and rehabilitation after disasters do not afford enough space to meet development needs.

For a country that has minimal contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, loss, and damage, it becomes an issue of climate justice, she said.

She stressed that there must be clarity and a new roadmap to deliver on this promise and for new commitments, including the loss and damage fund and the doubling of adaptation finance.

“Our stand is that developed countries most responsible for climate change must do more

for countries least responsible.

To pursue climate justice is to exact accountability from the most responsible for climate crisis based on the developed countries' historical responsibility for emissions.

While it is the responsibility of developed countries to address loss and damage, it is also their responsibility to help prevent loss and damage,” Legarda said.

The loss and damage deal was first officially included during last year's COP27 following two weeks of negotiations in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

“I am aware our Philippine delegation has been working hard on putting the loss and damage agenda on the table since last year’s Conference and pushing towards the establishment of the Fund in the ongoing negotiations with G77, the COP28 Presidency of the United Arab Emirates, and other stakeholders,” Legarda added.

Legarda was set to deliver her message on Saturday, December 2 during a high-level dialogue to discuss the Philippines’ National Adaptation Plan and Nationally Determined Contribution Implementation Plan. (PR/PNA)

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Crewman takes his chances for provisional waiver: An inspiring success story on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

TONY entered the United States as a crewman in 2003. While visiting his mother, his family convinced him to jump ship and overstay, so he remained in the U.S. and met his future wife, Georgia. However, because he was a crewman, he could not apply for his green card in the U.S. Provisional Waivers (PW) became available in 2016. This would forgive Tony for having

overstayed. However, his visa must be approved and issued at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

Tony’s provisional waiver was immediately approved in 2017 after leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel proved to the USCIS that Tony’s wife and his mother, both U.S. citizens, would suffer extreme hardship if Tony PAGE B2

Kathryn, Daniel confirm breakup

by Christina alpaD ManilaTimes.net

Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo

ABS-CBN photo

AFTER more than a decade of on and off-screen romance, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla — collectively known as KathNiel — have called it quits, the two stars confirmed.

Bernardo first posted her statement Thursday night, November 30 on Instagram saying, “Chapter closed. I hope this finally helps all of us move forward. I won’t be entertaining questions regarding this anymore. Thank you for understanding.”

She also posted a lengthier message that said: “I’ve been in showbiz for almost 21 years now, 12 years as the one-half of Kathniel, and 11 years as someone who loved Deej even behind the camera.

“I didn’t grow up in this industry constantly being controlled and dictated on. I was lucky to have had the best guidance and support system when I started my career and I’ve continuously worked hard to earn people’s trust. But since I became an adult, I took it upon myself to take charge of my own life-the projects I work on, the way I dress, the people I surround myself with. I’ve always tried to be my own person. I was encouraged to think for myself and decide for myself. Even when it comes to love. Especially when it comes to love.

“I promised to never lose myself in this industry, so I’ve always been as authentic to you as I can PAGE B2

CREWMEN AND PROVISIONAL WAIVERS WILL BE THE TOPIC OF DISCUSSION ON AN ENCORE SUCCESS STORY OF CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! Tony (left) entered the U.S. as a crewman in 2003 and overstayed. As a result, he could not adjust status, even through marriage to his U.S. citizen spouse. In 2016, Provisional Waivers became available. This would “forgive” Tony for having overstayed, but he had to apply for his visa at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. However, the embassy was taking a hard stance on crewmen with provisional waivers and charging them with fraud. In 2022, Tony saw an episode on Citizen Pinoy where Julie, another crewman, took the risk and flew back to the Philippines with her provisional waiver, and she successfully obtained her immigrant visa. Upon seeing that episode, Tony informed leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) that he also wanted to take his chances. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, December 3 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

Kapuso Divas promise ‘queenable’ performances

By Jerry Donato Philstar.com

THEA Astley, Rita Daniela, Mariane Osabel, Hannah Precillas, Julie Anne San Jose, and Jessica Villarubin bring their Diva-esque talent in performing and singing on Friday, Dec. 2, to the Newport Performing Arts Theater. Their show’s title is Queendom: Live.

It refers to their All-Out Sundays (AOS) segment, Queendom, that displays their powerful vocals and engaging

presence to tell stories through songs.

“This is a long time coming — this concert with the Divas, especially the Queendom.

Actually, we’re just responding to the clamor from fans, which is to give platform and opportunity to the Queendom, to share one stage, a brighter spotlight for them,” said GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy SVP and head Oliver Victor Amoroso in a recent virtual press conference.

“They are homegrown talents,

and we take pride in their incredible talent that they have shared with their fans and the network,” added he.

Asked how they describe Queendom as a musical collaboration, Julie Anne San Jose had this to say: “I-dedescribe ko na lang ‘yung mga queen (I would rather describe the queens). Everybody has their own styles and strengths.

Lahat palaging may baon (All have something up their sleeve).

This group is very collaborative PAGE B2

B2 DECEMBER 2-5, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Vina inspired anew following Broadway stint

By Tessa Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

Tony (left) was finally able to get his immigrant visa in October 2023, 20 years after he jumped ship as a crewman in 2003.

Crewman takes his chances for...

PAGE B1 would not be admitted back to the U.S. Tony already had a scheduled interview at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, but since the Embassy was taking a hard stance on crewmen with provisional waivers and charging them with fraud, Atty. Gurfinkel decided to postpone Tony’s trip to the Philippines.

In 2022, Tony saw an episode of Citizen Pinoy where Julie, another crewman, took the risk and flew back to the Philippines with her provisional

waiver. Julie was able to obtain her immigrant visa.

Inspired by that success story, Tony told Atty.

Gurfinkel that he was willing to take his chances and apply for his visa in Manila.

Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, December 3 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

FOLLOWING her unexpected Broadway debut in September — taking on the role of Aurora Aquino from Lea Salonga in the groundbreaking all-Filipino production of David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s “Here Lies Love” for an entire month — Vina Morales has found inspiration anew in her successful and longestablished acting and singing career.

It can be recalled back in August — when the announcement came that Vina would be joining the disco-infused musical on the rise and fall of Imelda and Ferdinand Marcos for a limited engagement — how grateful the 48-year-old celebrity was for the once-in-alifetime opportunity, more so that she had the guidance and support of the role’s frontrunner herself to go for it. Lea, the Broadway and West End star, is of course, Vina’s fellow artist at ABS-CBN, and the Philippines’ original pride on the global theater stage.

Finally getting to share her New York experience at a minigathering in Quezon City on Wednesday, November 29, the beautiful balikbayan effused, “All these years, I’ve always been

Vina Morales, fresh from her Broadway debut as Aurora Aquino in ‘Here Lies Love.’

ManilaTimes.net photo

driven. I mean, I don’t think that I would’ve lasted this long in showbiz if I wasn’t.

“But in receiving an opportunity like this at this point in my career — when you don’t think anything totally brand new would come along — I can’t help but become so inspired to do more for my craft and keep improving my acting and singing skills.”

Broadway is indeed another level after all and even if Vina — a true triple threat from the very start — has been in the spotlight since age nine, performing on

the world’s foremost theater capital proved extremely nervewracking.

Apparently, she only had one run through with the show’s cast before making her theater debut the following day.

“For the first time, I was completely on my own in New York during my month-long run and just before my first performance, it dawned on me, ‘Kaya ko ba ito?’ [Can I do this]?

I had to take a long walk around Manhattan to shake off the nerves but I still ended up crying PAGE B4

The homegrown GMA talents bank on their distinct singing styles to deliver a cohesive show like no other.

GMA photo

Kapuso Divas promise...

PAGE B1 and when all those strengths are put together, they become stronger.”

“I think it’s one of the advantages when you’re in Queendom. It seems your talent is top-tier, especially when you are with these queens. I can also say they are very versatile,” shared Julie Anne.

Although the concert has its origins in the Sunday variety show, Queendom: Live presents something new that viewers can only experience by watching it live — inside the theater.

“I think it’s very different because there will be a lot of prods (production numbers) that we will do. There are (vocal) harmonies that we haven’t done before even on All-Out Sundays stage.

Busog sa mata talaga, hindi lang sa ears. Busog sa ears, sa mata, at sa puso ‘yung na-prepare namin na concert, which is Queendom: Live,” said Rita.

As for the creative contributions of each Diva of the Queendom, the show’s repertoire, and themewise, Jessica said, “We were also asked regarding what we would like to do in the actual concert. We suggested songs. I think all of us contributed a lot, and we did plan what else we really wanted to do, ‘yung di pa namin nagawa sa AOS na sa concert lang namin maipapakita. They (the people behind the show) were open to our suggestions. Tinupad nila ‘yung mga dream prod namin (They’ve made our dream productions come true).”

Hannah shared, “When it comes to the songs and feels, we made our own suggestions like, ‘Mariane, maganda kapag parang mellow lang ‘to sa’yo (Mariane, I think this suits you well if it’s sung mellow.’) Then there were things we would like to do. So, we just suggested them, and we’re very happy na nasunod din ‘yon dahil isa rin yun sa mga pangarap namin gawin as a group.”

To find out what these dream collaborations are, audiences need to troop to the Newport Performing Arts.

Yes, the producers and fans may have an idea of what Queendom is, but it’s also nice to get the Divas’ two cents’ worth on it.

“Queendom is very unique when it comes to performing and singing,” said Thea. “Like what has already been said, nag-re-reflect talaga onscreen and on stage ‘yung friendship namin (Our friendship reflects onscreen and onstage).

Kaya hindi talaga siya ‘yung madaling ma-replicate kasi very personal ‘yung relationship namin with each other (It cannot be easily replicated because our relationship is very personal). That’s why our harmonies, blending and chemistry on stage really work. It’s because of that friendship and that’s what makes Queendom unique, that’s what makes it ‘queenable’ in terms of performing.”

For her part, Mariane said, “We in Queendom, we’re very easy to work with because we support each other when it comes to, for example, blending. Sinasabi namin kung ano pa ‘yung kulang, kung ano pa ‘yung pwede namin maimprove (We would tell each other what’s lacking and what needs to be improved).

“For instance, kung gusto namin mag-adlib, sinasabihan namin ‘yung isa’t isa kung ano ‘yung pwede (If we want to adlib, we simply tell each other about what could be done). And in performing, napakadali rin nila na maka-perform kasi nga ang tatalino rin ng mga babaeng ‘to, so ang dami nilang ideas na pwede mabigay sa isa’t isa (It’s easy to work with them because these ladies are very smart, so they have lots of ideas to share and give).”

So, the women of Queendom are ready to deliver a musical evening like no other. n

Kathryn, Daniel confirm...

PAGE B1 be. I know what many of you are thinking right now. I’m well aware of the rumors and speculations going around, and as hard as it is to put everything into words, I want you to hear it straight from me: It’s true that Deej and I have decided to part ways.

“What Deej and I had was real. It was never for show. We were together not because of the cameras, not because of the fans, not because of the money that comes with a successful love team. We were genuinely in love.

We grew up together, dreamed together, and saw many of those dreams become a reality-still together.

“That’s almost half of my life that I would never regret and would never trade for anything in the world. These are 11 years that brought me joy, adventure, and the feeling of being home.

Years that taught me the real meaning of unconditional love and friendship. He knew me more than anyone else. He was my first boyfriend. He was my comfort zone. He was my person.

I will always have love for him.

“Like any other relationship, we tried our best to make it work.

We’ve been drifting apart for a while now, and we ultimately had to accept that we can’t go

back to where we used to be. It just won’t be fair to pretend that everything is still the same.

“These past few months have been tough, but thank you for giving us the time we need to process the pain and finally face the elephant in the room.

Our love story began with respect and ended with respect.

“Kathniels, we know you are hurting, and trust me, this also hurts us both more than you can imagine. The last thing we want is for this family to break apart with everyone taking sidesplease don’t.

“Deej and I will continue to support each other as we try to heal and move forward from this. We will continue to love you and make you proud, but we hope you understand that this is something we really need.

We hope you can join us in this healing process and not let those precious memories go to waste.

Kaya natin to.”

Bernardo ended her statement with a message for her former boyfriend: “Deep, you gave me 11 beautiful years and the kind of love I will forever cherish. I will always be grateful for you.”

A few minutes later, Padilla followed suit and posted a poem on his Instagram account, @ supremo_dp.

“11 years.

KD Pagibig.

Sa mundo, buhay at sa limitadong oras na tayo ay nandito, Isang malaking biyaya ang pagmamahal.

Ang mahalin ka. At mahalin mo.

Ang mga alaala natin ay laging kong baon sa aking puso at magiging liwanag sa mga madidilim kong araw.

Thank you for dancing with me during my highs and thank you for singing with me during my lows Our lives may drift away, but our love will still ride that tide.”

He then said, “Kathniels, maraming salamat sa pag mamahal ninyo.

Maraming salamat sa napaka gandang pinag samahan natin. Hinding hindi namin ipag papalit at hindi makukumpara kahit anong pang gawin nila. Hinding hindi nila pwedeng sirain yun. This is beyond show business. Pamilya kayo at mga kaibigan.

Magiging mahirap pero kailangan natin yakapin ang kinabukasan.

“I pray for us to grow, and heal.”

“Bal [their term of endearment], ang pag mamahal ko sayo ay walang hanggan at walang katapusan.” n

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Maja, Rambo expecting first baby

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

ACTRESS Maja Salvador is expecting her first born with husband Rambo Nunez.

In her Instagram account, Maja shared a series of posts announcing her pregnancy.

“Christmas came early,” Maja wrote in a video she posted.

“The best Christmas present we could ever ask for, “ Maja said in another post showing her baby bump.

Celebrities such as Anne Being a mom to Athena has helped Rufa Mae access feelings associated with drama such as care, love, empathy, and longing, to name a few, and a level of emotionality.

Photo from Instagram/@rufamaequinto

How motherhood changed Rufa Mae’s brand of comedy

By Jerry Donato Philstar.com

“(IT’S) half-half. It’s still more on the Philippines.”

That was Rufa Mae Quinto giving everyone an idea of her current work setup, which sees the ace comedienne shuttling between the U.S., where her family is based, and the Philippines, where she continues her thriving career, in a recent virtual press conference.

Rufa Mae is in town to promote the Allen Ansay and Sofia Pablo starrer, Sparkle U: Ghosted, in which she plays the ghost literature teacher Agnes Gaspar, whose presence is felt at the school library. The character’s demise is shrouded in mystery.

Also seen making guest appearances on GMA shows, Rufa Mae played Mommy Barbie to Uno, Dos, and Third (portrayed by Kelvin Miranda, Shaun Salvador, and Abdul Raman) in the GTV family sitcom Tols prior to Sparkle U. She also graced the fifth anniversary special of Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko on GMA. “I’m happy to be working with people with whom I haven’t collaborated before,” shared she, “and I’m happy that we have done this. I’m happy to have worked with the new

generation of stars.”

Rufa Mae was referring to director Barry Gonzalez, Sparkle Sweethearts Allen and Sofia, and Sparkle Teens Liana Mae, Marco Masa, and Princess Aliyah.

“I’m happy to have played a ghost,” shared Rufa Mae. “Halos lahat kami dyan ay walang make-up. Nakakatuwa kasi may puso din habang nakakatakot, nag-drama na din ako. Sana nakakaiyak, ‘di ba?

(Almost all of us there have no makeup. It’s interesting because although it’s scary, it has heart. I also did drama. I hope it )” So, Rufa Mae’s flair for comedy and drama is shown in the weekend youth-oriented anthology series.

“Tinodo ko na po ang lahat (I have given my all),” said Rufa, reminding one about her trademark lines such as “To the highest level,” “Go, go, go,” and of course, “Todo na ‘to (I’m giving my all).”

“It’s enjoyable to work with the new generation,” said she. “Nakakatuwa, tas ang gagwapo, ang ga-ganda, at ang gagaling. Ang saya, saya sa set (I had fun working with them, who are good-looking and pretty, and very good at acting).”

At the time of the interview, Rufa Mae was on the set of PAGE B5

Curtis, Julia Barretto, Alex Gonzaga, Richard Gutierrez, Sarah Lahbati, Iya Villania, Angeline Quinto, Jessy Mendiola and Iza Calzado, to name a few congratulated Maja.

Maja and Rambo tied the knot in Bali, Indonesia last July.

Prior to that, the couple had an intimate civil wedding in Manila last February.

Maja and Rambo got engaged last April 2022.Maja confirmed that she and Rambo got back together in March 2019. The Maja Salvador with husband Rambo Nunez couple first dated in 2010. n

Photo from Instagram/@maja

Marian shares her parenting style

By Kathleen a. lleMit Philstar.com

MARIAN Rivera comes off as a strong personality onscreen, and to some extent, she is in real life, as admittedly she is a strict mom to her kids.

But the actress is quick to clarify that she knows how to balance her strictness with her being a “malambing” (affectionate) mother.

Marian was asked by the press after the launch of Ajinomoto Philippines’ newest campaign that calls for more Filipinos, especially children, to eat more vegetables held a few days ago in Taguig.

She was asked for her parenting tips. For her, she wants to keep an open communication line with her two children, Zia, who recently turned eight, and Ziggy.

“Ang ganda na involved ‘yung mga anak ko. Gusto ko na transparent sila sa akin. Anything na may kailangan sila, kaya kong agapan ang mga sitwasyon na ito,” she said.

She sees the wisdom in giving

Marian Rivera

Photo from Instagram/@marianrivera

her children time to speak out their minds so that she would be made aware of everything that they have done or are planning to do.

“Kasi mas maganda siguro na open ‘yung mga anak mo sa’yo ke maganda ‘yung mga nangyayari, ke hindi. At least may awareness ka kung papano sila papalakihin nang maayos, paano mo protektahan sa mundong ito.

So mas maganda talaga na open

communication. Ke magagalit ka sa sasabihin nila, matutuwa ka, at least hindi sila natatakot na magsasabi. ‘Yun ‘yung mahalaga,” she reasoned.

When one of the press members commented that she seemed like a strict mother, Marian agreed but clarified about how she handles her children.

“Strict ako pero malambing kasi akong nanay e. Kapag may mali, mali kasi ‘pag mali, hindi

mo pwedeng sabihing tama.

Paano niya malalaman at walang ibang magsasabi sa anak nila na mali ‘yun kung hindi ang mga magulang?” she said.

She cited an instance when one of her kids approached her to say something but made a disclaimer.

The actress shared how she responded.

“Minsan, magsasabi siya na, ‘Mama, I wanna tell you something but don’t get mad.’

Sabi ko, ‘Kung magagalit si Mama, magagalit ako. Kung walang dahilan para magalit ako, hindi ako magagalit’,” she shared.

While the actress is busy with her commercial endorsements and appearances, she is set to star in her and husband, Dingdong Dantes’ comeback film “Rewind,” an entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival.

She is also finally starring with Gabby Concepcion in the upcoming fantasy show “My Guardian Alien.” They were supposed to star together in “First Yaya,” but she begged off because she was expecting her second child. The role eventually went to Sanya Lopez. n

Rob and Paolo debunk myths about men’s behavior

I RECENTLY had a fascinating conversation with Rob Gomez and Paolo Gumabao whose perspectives on matters concerning men were both interesting and entertaining.

Our “usapang lalaki” began with Rob saying that there is truth to the idea that men, in general, are not body conscious.

“Yes, I can say that I am not conscious (with my appearance) as compared to a woman. I care less about how I look, like now (before he sat down for our conversation), I picked my own outfit as opposed to a girl who has to put on her makeup first and with a hair stylist

also, aside from thinking or choosing what clothes she has to wear,” Rob said.

He is also not particular when it comes to working out in the gym. It’s no big deal whether the place is fully air-conditioned or not.

“I don’t have any preference since my focus is to work out. There’s no need for an air-con so I can perspire more” Rob said.

“I don’t know with others, but me, I don’t even wipe the sweat, hindi ko rin pinupunasan ‘yung pawis ng iba sa (gym equipment),” he laughed.

Paolo agreed to what Rob had revealed, and added that he, too, is not meticulous. He can do his workout routine inside or outside the gym.

Paolo said, “I’m also not particular about where to go basta may mabubuhat na exercise equipment, it’s fine with me.”

However, Rob and Paolo have differing views on the general notion that men don’t articulate their emotional pain. The former affirmed he would rather keep to himself instead of letting emotions influence him to PAGE B6

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Carmina posts cryptic messages for twin kids Cassy, Mavy Last November 25, Carmina posted on X (formerly Twitter) a black and white image of actor Morgan Freeman with word directed at Mavy ACTRESS Carmina Villaroel has been sharing and his twin sister Cassy, the latter currently in a a series of cryptic messages on her social media rumored relationship with singer Darren Espanto.

“People can destroy your image, damage your accounts, this as rumors of her son Mavy Legaspi calling it quits with singer Kyline Alcantara began personality, create rumors about you but they can never take away your good deeds,” the message circling. said. “Because no matter how they describe you, you will always be admired by those who know you best.”

The next day, Carmina posted a graphic that read, “Mom knows best,” and on November 29 yet another graphic, this time of a man peering out of lake dock, which said: “Protect your peace.”

The same day of Carmina’s initial post, her husband and fellow actor Zoren Legaspi posted a video on his Instagram account of a dinner he had with his two kids and Winwyn Marquez, Dasuri Choi, and Arra San Agustin.

“Keep Smiling guys. It’s good to have GENUINE FRIENDS. Ingat kayo,” Zoren wrote for the post, to which Carmina commented: “Maraming salamat sa mga tunay na nagmamahal sa mga anak namin.

Mahal din namin kayo.”

Last week, Kyline had posted on at least two social media accounts, “I knew it,” which led to many fans speculating she and Mavy have split, some even linking the latter to Dasuri, who coCarmina Villaroel and Zoren Legaspi with their twins, Cassy and Mavy Legaspi Photo from Instagram/@mina_villaroel hosts “Eat Bulaga” with Mavy. n

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

SexBomb Girls reunite for intimate Christmas party FORMER members of the iconic Filipino girl group the SexBomb Girls gathered for a reunion Christmas party.

Rochelle Pangilinan-Solinap, Izzy Trazona-Aragon, Weng Ibarra, CheChe Tolentino, Jacky Rivas, Sunshine Garcia-Castro, Cynthia “CY” Yapchingco-Lim, Mhyca Bautista, and Aifha Medina-Cheng all shared on their Instagram accounts photos of the girls hanging out.

Photos and videos on the ladies’ Instagram stories showed the ex-SexBomb Girls played party games and exchanged gifts.

“Ang saya lang makita at makasama kayong muli. Dati sabay kumain, maligo, at matulog. Ngayon may kanyakanya nang buhay,” Rochelle wrote in one of her posts. “Sarap ng kwentuhan at tawanan kagabi.

Ulitin natin to!”

Other members wrote similar captions like Izzy’s “Night with them is (heart emojis),” Weng’s

Former members of the SexBomb Girls

Photo from Instagram/@rochellepangilinan

“So Happy Together,” and Aifha’s “We all come from the same root, but the leaves are all different.”

Fans noticed that among the original members missing from the party were Aira Bermudez, Jopay Paguia-Zamora, Johlan Veluz, Yvette Pabalan, and Louise Bolton.

It can be recalled that Jopay was the inspiration for rock band Mayonnaise’s song of the

same from 2004, which saw a resurgence during and shortly after the pandemic.

Several former members of the SexBomb Girls had minireunions for advertisements, including one for Netflix, which made fans assume that the group’s iconic show “Daisy Siete” would be arriving on the streaming platform. (By Kristofer Purnell/Philstar.com) n

Some of the cast members for “Every Day Vanilla”: (from left) Anthony Erum Jongco (Andrew/Brûlée), Gingerlily Lowe (Auntie Sam), Gretchen (Principal Alexander, Cherry, Freya), Earl Paus (director), Lani Gobaleza (playwright/Frankie), Sasha Foo (Francesca), Hillary Soriano (Flora), Kate Nguyen (Jesse), and Kyle Blaine Tiglao (Aubrey).

Photos courtesy of Enrique + Charlene Siliezar/Studio Luniste LLC

Queer Filipina American coming-of-age play to debut in San Diego this December

SAN DIEGO – Spare Pen presents the premiere of “Every Day Vanilla,” the debut play of writeractor Lani Gobaleza. Performances begin at MOXIE Theatre on Thursday, December 14 through Friday, December 29, 2023. This production is presented separately from MOXIE Theatre’s programming.

According to a release sent to media, the plot for the play goes like this: The year is 2006. Seventeen-year-old Filipina American writer Frankie Robles dreams of escaping San Diego for somewhere less “vanilla.” Over the course of 10 years, she begins to reexamine her relationship with her hometown through the eyes of her family, friends, and lovers.

The release adds that this play contains some mild language, LGBTQIA+ stories, and intergenerational conflict. Trigger warnings include references to domestic abuse and domestic suicide.

The cast for “Every Day Vanilla” includes Lani Gobaleza as Frankie, Sasha Foo as Francesca (TV reporter-turned-playwright known most recently for “Choice Words”), Hillary Soriano (actress and producer) as Flora, Kate Nguyen as Jesse, Kyle Blaine Tiglao as Aubrey, Gingerlily Lowe (Asian Story Theater/Chinese Story Theater founding producer and educational director) as Samantha, Anthony Erum Jongco (IT by day, artist by night) as Andrew/Brûlée, and Gretchen Conrad (Meisner- and Chekovtrained actress) as Principal Alexander, Cherry Castillo, and Freya.

The play is directed by Earl Paus (They/He/ Siya), a queer Pilipinx-American award-winning director and actor. Earl harnesses the magic of theatre and film to act out the truth so others can live theirs. They studied Theatre Arts for social change at SFSU and created liberating art, theatre, and film in the Bay Area for over 10 years. This year, Earl also wrote, directed, and acted in their first short film “Glimpse” which premiered at the San Diego Filipino Film Festival and won the Audience Choice Award.

They are honored to have “Every Day Vanilla” be their directorial stage debut in their hometown of San Diego.

Supporting playwright Lani Gobaleza and director Earl Paus, the creative team includes Miki Iwasaki and Jessica Falstad of Sunset Projects (scenic design), Diana Corpus (costume design), Eliza Vedar (sound design), Sierra (lighting design), Coza Joy “CJ” Mendoza (stage manager), and Bianca Nialani (assistant stage manager). Filipino American filmmaker Marissa Roxas will also be contributing as cinematographer for video content that will be included in the play, and Vietnamese-American artist Anie Quynh will contribute original

Earl Paus (director) and Lani Gobaleza (playwright, Frankie)

Actor-writer Lani Gobaleza grew up in Southeast San Diego, and studied history and theater at UC Berkeley. She went back to San Diego after living and working in Japan, and currently works as a copywriter and co-owns a specialty tea business in La Jolla with her partner.

artwork.

Playwright Lani Gobaleza answered a few questions posed to her. Following is the brief Q&A: Question (Q): Tell us about your upbringing.

Lani Gobaleza (LG): “I grew up in the Valencia Park neighborhood of Southeast San Diego, or PAGE B7

Vina inspired anew...

PAGE B2 when I got back to my apartment.

“I think I just needed a little reassurance,” Vina chuckled, “so I called my manager who did that and thankfully, the reviews came out really well.”

Much as the Philippines’ newest Broadway actor would have wanted to continue portraying the role of freedom fighter Ninoy Aquino until the production concluded on November 26, all her schedule could accommodate was a month away from Manila.

“I needed to come home to finish projects I left off, like a movie that I’m doing with Viva Films. I’m grateful they were so understanding the shoot had to be put on hold so I could live out this dream I’ve long had.”

Vina shared she first fell in love with theater in 2018 when she decided to give it a try and was in a local production of “Rock of Ages.”

“I really enjoyed doing that — performing the same role, the same show night after night

— so you can imagine how I felt doing eight shows a week in Broadway.”

Vina definitely thrived in the discipline the production called for — from doing her own makeup and costume changes night after night, expecting just notes from the directors preshow if she made a mistake she needed to amend from the previous performance, and of course, making sure she was at her utmost best every curtain call.

“As you know, Here Lies love is historic in Broadway for being the very first production to feature an all-Filipino cast. Nakatatak ang Pinoy sa Broadway ngayon, and I’m so proud to be part of the Here Lies Love family so everyone really gave their best.”

Vina added that being disciplined went beyond her performances since she likewise experienced for the first time having to do everything for herself in New York.

“Until this [project], I’d always have my manager or someone

from the production or my family accompany me on shows abroad.

That whole month in Broadway, we did eight shows over six days every week and with Monday being our only free day, that was when we had to do our chores — cleaning the apartment, laundry and everything. It was very humbling and a really good experience for me.”

Moving forward, Vina can’t be happier to have such a renewed passion for her craft as she returns to the movie set, her ABS-CBN programs and an upcoming series of shows this December as American singer David Pomeranz’s special guest for his anniversary concert at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

What if Broadway calls again though? Would she take it again?

“Yes, definitely. It’s like going through a refresher’s course and keeps someone like me who’s been in showbiz for decades from being complacent. I’d love another opportunity to be in Broadway.” n

Calendar of events DECEMBER DECEMBER 19

Simbang Gabi 2023 7pm Church of The Good Shepherd 504 N. Roxbury Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

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Pastor’s Notes ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas “FATHER, I love your article this Sunday, but I’m sorry that you have to write and remind us of the problems of the world all the time,” a concerned parishioner told me.

I appreciated her affirmation, but her remark made me reflect further on the conflicts, wars, divisions, corruption, and lack of good leadership present in our world today. It’s hard not to lament the problems, evils, and sinfulness of this present age and not bring them up in conversations, prayer, and preaching. After all, we are all citizens of this world and deeply connected with one another as human beings. The sufferings of other people make us suffer too.

We hope and pray for the end of their pains and troubles.

Our First Reading from the Book of Isaiah (63:16b17, 19b; 64:2-7) expresses a similar lament about the state of God’s people during the time of Prophet Isaiah. People had wandered from God, and their hearts were hardened. They blamed God for the evils that befell them. Yet, they asked

Christ in our hands God for his intervention and acknowledged their sinfulness and the power of God to redeem them from their sufferings.

Here, the Prophet Isaiah offers a strikingly mournful prayer: “Behold, you are angry and we are sinful; all our good deeds are like polluted rags; we have all withered like leaves, and our guilt carries us away like the wind. There is none who calls upon your name or rouses himself to cling to you, for you have hidden your face from us and delivered us up to our guilt.

Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.”

On this First Sunday of Advent, God invites us to engage in a communal lament concerning the current state of our world. However, it is crucial that this lament not only allows us to recognize our failures and sinful nature but also ignites within us a desire to be catalysts for change, promoting Gospel values such as love, mercy, respect, inclusivity, and kindness. It should be a lament that acknowledges our shared heritage as citizens of this world and children of God, deserving of dignity, respect, and a decent standard of living. Similar to the lament of Prophet Isaiah, it should not be one that dwells in

despair but one that embraces the hope of Advent, trusting that God will come again to restore our lives and establish justice and peace in our land.

This Sunday’s (December 3) Gospel urges us to be watchful, alert, and prayerful.

However, being watchful does not imply a passive waiting; rather, it calls us to actively fulfill our responsibilities with conscientiousness and dedication until the Second Coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

We can approach our desires and responsibilities with confidence, knowing that we have the ability to make a positive impact on this world and prepare ourselves for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Through the Sacraments of the Church and our faithful adherence to the Gospel of Love, we possess Christ in our hands and our hearts, and His Spirit dwells within us. With Christ in our lives, all things are possible.. *** 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. *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.

How motherhood changed...

PAGE B3 a new project. So, fans have something to look forward to from the comedienne besides her stint in Sparke U’s second story.

“Talagang feel na feel ko na yung tears ko, kumbaga nakakatuwa pa rin ang itsura ko, basta ako feel na feel ko ang mga sinasabi ko, ang drama (I really felt where my character was coming from in those tear-jerking scenes.

Regardless of appearances, I had this connection to every dramatic line that I said),” said she, acknowledging the contributions of writers and fellow actors in crafting and making those sequences work. Reading between the lines, one might guess her character’s true persona.

Being a mom has helped Rufa Mae access feelings associated with drama such as care, love, empathy, and longing, to name a few, and a level of emotionality.

“Kasi mommy na rin ako, kapag roles na mommy ako, talagang totoo yung tears (Now that I’m a mom, when I take on mommy roles, my tears are real),” shared she, adding jokingly, “Walang Vicks (to help me cry).”

Rufa Mae shared that she can do drama even if her expertise is comedy, you know making people laugh with her and laugh at her.

EMPLOYMENT

“Binigay ko yung best ko, so yun yung tingin kong kakaiba dito (I’ve given my best and I think it’s something new or different that I offer here),” added she.

Away from the klieg lights, Rufa Mae is a handson wife to husband Trevor Magallanes and mom to their daughter Athena.

“Siyempre ang showbiz No. 1 sa puso ko yan, pero ito yung isang side ng buhay ko na yung nagpa-kumpleto at talagang masayang masaya ka dahil busy ka sa kakaalaga at pagmamahal sa kanila, yun lang yung wala sa akin ng matagal na panahon (Of course, showbiz is still No. 1 in my heart, but this is one side of my life that completes me, and I am truly happy because I am busy taking care of and loving them. It’s the only thing that was missing in my life for a long time),” said she.

“I’ve been working in showbiz for 30 something years,” added the actress. “Masayang, masaya ako na kumpleto, may career, may pamilya at alam mo yun, na may abroad, may travel (I’m very happy that I have this sense of completeness.

I have a career, I have a family, and I get to go abroad and travel).”

With that, Rufa Mae is a picture of a fulfilled, happy artist and woman. n

EMPLOYMENT

My Filipino accent cost me a promotion: Is that legal?

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights atty. C. Joe sayas, JR. Q: I AM a college graduate in business management from the Philippines who migrated to the United States. I got work as a caregiver at a nursing facility.

After a few years, I was promoted to a supervisor position: still providing direct care but also overseeing other caregivers. The patients and my co workers like me, so I enjoy the work.

Recently, I learned that the facility was hiring for a manager position. The job wouldn’t involve providing direct care to patients, but would instead be on the business side. My college degree in business management, and the fact that the job description shows that knowledge of our organization’s caregiving operations would be an important part of the job, appears to make me qualified for the position.

I showed the job opening to one of the managers at the facility, and she agreed that I seemed qualified for the job opening, so I applied.

When I went for the job interview, the person who interviewed me was from corporate. I had never seen him before in the facility. He was friendly, but it seemed weird when he said he was surprised to see that I was Filipino because I use my husband’s English last name. We talked about the job and I did my best to show him that I was qualified.

He told me that he was impressed by my interview, but that he had concerns about my accent. He said that the manager position involves a lot of interactions with patients’ families, and that because the facility is in a predominantly white community, the clients might not be able to understand my accent. He said that, from

past experience, the clients in this community like Filipino caregivers but not Filipino managers. He said he has nothing against me and other Filipinos, but that the company has to respect the clients’ feelings.

I didn’t get the job. The company hired a white woman for the manager position. She seems nice, but she doesn’t even know what we do here.

And when I spoke to her, I found out that she is much less qualified than me. I feel like my accent cost me the job. Isn’t that illegal?

A: What you experienced likely violated the California Fair Employment and Housing Act

different race, national origin and ancestry.

It’s curious that the interviewer specifically noted that he personally does not harbor ill feelings towards Filipinos, and that it is the customers who are instead prejudiced against Filipinos.

But this does not excuse the discriminatory conduct. While the discrimination laws make exceptions for seemingly discriminatory decisions otherwise based on what’s called a bona fide occupational qualification, simply catering to customers’ biases and prejudices do not fall under that exception.

Instead, the antidiscrimination laws and the cases brought under them make clear that employers may not segregate employees of a particular national origin from customers. By choosing not to hire you for the manager position due to their customers’ preference that Filipino employees be limited to caregiver positions, and excluded from managerial positions, it seems your company violated protections against discrimination based on race, national origin and ancestry. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic.

All inquiries are confidential and at no cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw. com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine for 11 years, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.]

(Advertising Supplement)

The courts have made clear that basing hiring or promotion decisions on a person’s accent may support a finding of employment discrimination on account of race, national origin or ancestry. (“FEHA”) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which make it an unlawful employment practice to refuse to hire, employ or promote someone because of that person’s race, national origin or ancestry, among other classifications.

The courts have made clear that basing hiring or promotion decisions on a person’s accent may support a finding of employment discrimination on account of race, national origin or ancestry. That would appear to be what happened in your situation, where your interviewer specifically noted your accent in the interview as a reason not to hire you, and then the company hired a less-qualified person of a

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B6 DECEMBER 2-5, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes ESTABLISHING parentage rights for Moms is a lot easier than establishing one for unmarried Dads.

Moms can establish this by simply showing proof of her having given birth to the child. Family Code §7610.

Establishing parentage rights, including custody and visitation rights, becomes more problematic with unmarried Dads because proving yourself as the biological father does not automatically make you the natural father of the child.

Under the family code, there are competing presumptions of paternity which allows the non biological father to be deemed the natural father of the child.

A typical situation is when boyfriend gets girlfriend pregnant. Girlfriend for some reason decides to exclude boyfriend from baby’s life so she breaks up with boyfriend, does not give the boyfriend any information about her delivery, and does not state the boyfriend as the father in the birth certificate or decides to name someone else as the father.

Girlfriend does this because her parents disapprove of the ex boyfriend.

One way a presumption of Paternity is created is by executing a voluntary declaration of paternity.

A Voluntary declarations executed before 1997 give rise to a conclusive presumption of paternity and can be overcome only by blood or genetic tests ordered on noticed motion by the mother or presumed father must be made within three years of the date of execution of the voluntary declaration Family.Code. § 7576; Kevin Q. v. Lauren W. (2009) 175 CA4th 1119, 1133, 95 CR3d 477, 485 If the voluntary declaration of paternity is executed after 1996, it is not characterized as a conclusive presumption.

Instead, it “shall establish the paternity of a child and shall have the same force and effect as a judgment for paternity issued by a court of competent jurisdiction” and trumps §7611 presumptions discussed below. A post 1996 voluntary

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How to obtain custody and visitation rights for unmarried dads declaration of paternity “shall be recognized as a basis for the establishment of an order for child custody, visitation, or child support.” Family .Code §§ 7573, 7644; Kevin Q. v.

Lauren W., supra, 175 CA4th at 1132, 95 CR3d at 485; In re J.L. (2008) 159 CA4th 1010, 1019, 72 CR3d 27, 33.

Another way of establishing presumed father status is if you fall under any of the categories listed (a) to (f) under family code §7611: (a) He and the child’s natural mother are or have been married to each other and the child is born during the marriage, or within 300 days after the marriage is terminated by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce, or after a judgment of separation is entered by a court. (b) Before the child’s birth, he and the child’s natural mother have attempted to marry each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and either of the following is true: (1) If the attempted marriage could be declared invalid only by a court, the child is born during the attempted marriage, or within 300 days after its termination by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce.

(2) If the attempted marriage is invalid without a court order, the child is born within 300 days after the termination of cohabitation. (c) After the child’s birth, he and the child’s natural mother have married, or attempted to marry, each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and either of the following is true: (1) With his consent, he is named as the child’s father on the child’s birth certificate.

(2) He is obligated to support the child under a written voluntary promise or by court order. (d) He receives the child into his home and openly holds out the child as his natural child. (e) If the child was born and resides in a nation with which

the United States engages in an Orderly Departure Program or successor program, he acknowledges that he is the child’s father in a declaration under penalty of perjury, as specified in Section 2015.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

This subdivision shall remain in effect only until January 1, 1997, and on that date shall become inoperative. (f) The child is in utero after the death of the decedent and the conditions set forth in Section 249.5 of the Probate Code are satisfied.

An alleged biological father who does not meet any of the § 7611 conditions for presumed father status has no constitutionally-protected “liberty interest” in establishing a parentage relationship with a child as against the rights of a presumptive father who has an extant parentage relationship with the child. Dawn D. v.

Super.Ct. (Jerry K.) (1998) 17 C4th 932, 940–942, 72 CR2d 871, 876–877 The facts get even more complicated if the girlfriend, whom boyfriend gets pregnant is married to another man because the law provides a conclusive presumption of paternity to the husband of the girlfriend. Under Family Code §7540, the child of a wife cohabiting at time of conception with her husband, who is not impotent or sterile, is “conclusively” presumed to be a child of the marriage. This conclusive presumption may be challenged by showing that the husband was sterile. It may also be challenged by filing a motion for blood or genetic testing under Family Code §7541 but this has to be done within 2 years of the childs birth. In addition, only persons with standing can bring this motion which is limited to the husband, child, mother and a presumed father as listed in Family Code §7611 and 7612.

Even absent a recognized rebuttal, the court has discretion as a matter of due process not to apply § 7540 conclusive presumption of paternity when it would not further the statute’s underlying policies of preserving the integrity and stability of

an extant marital family, protecting children from the stigma of “illegitimacy,” and promoting individual rather than State responsibility for child support ... as where the ostensible § 7540 presumptive father never developed a parental relationship with the child and the only established parent-child relationship is with a third person. Brian C. v. Ginger K. (2000) 77 CA4th 1198, 1200–1201, 92 CR2d 294, 296; In re Kiana A. (2001) 93 CA4th 1109, 1115, 113 CR2d 669, 675.

Procedurally, the ex boyfriend should file a Petition for Parentage as soon as the child is born. While the case is pending, the ex boyfriend may seek temporary visitation order although this may be on a limited or even monitored basis. If successful in proving parentage, the ex boyfriend may be granted custody and visitation rights. However, the ex boyfriend would also have the obligation of paying child support based on California guidelines. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010.

Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

Paolo Gumabao

Rob Gomez

GMA photos

Rob and Paolo debunk...

PAGE B3 do or say things he would later regret.

“It’s more difficult when you try to explain and explain and then someone would say something that wouldn’t give any bearing, ‘yung parang hindi naman kailangan (sa sitwasyon) ‘yung ambag na solusyon. It’s better to try to solve it internally. But if you couldn’t handle it anymore then that’s the time you can tell someone,” Rob stated.

Paolo is not the type who would hide his feelings.

“Yes, I do talk about my feelings because I grew up with my mom na talagang magsasabi ng, ‘Hey, Pao, what’s going on? Is there something bothering you?’ Kumbaga nasanay na ako since I was young that I talk about my feelings,” he shared.

Everyone experiences sadness or pain. Thus, both actors stressed their respective points on the impression that a man shedding emotional tears is perceived as weak or less masculine.

According to Rob, crying is good as it can help ease the physical and emotional pain brought by a difficult situation while Paolo believes that crying shows how strong a man is.

Rob and Paolo also gave insights on the belief that brave men never surrender or step back from anything.

For Paolo, a man can display his bravery not through any form of fights but from having a great sense of responsibility. “Matapang hindi dahil sa away pero matapang sa desisyon sa buhay,” he said.

“Ang pagiging matapang ko ay ‘yung pagharap ko sa problema ng buong-buo, pagtanggap ng mali,” Rob uttered.

“You pick your battles. You don’t always have to win and when that happens, it doesn’t mean you lose, too. Ang pagpapakumbaba, ‘yun ang mas matapang for me.”

Paolo never denies that men can be flirtatious, too. And what are the tell-tale signs that a guy is flirting with a girl?

“Simple lang, if you see someone you like, you go to her and speak to her. It’s all in the body language kumbaga titingnan mo depende sa sitwasyon,” replied Paolo.

Do they believe what other people have been saying that men are more likely to cheat?

Rob deemed it as an unfair notion about men given that regardless of gender, it will happen if one places himself or herself in a situation that will lead to cheating.

“Me, I think the whole cheating game right now sobrang uso because I believe it comes from your environment,” declared Paolo, who is currently romantically involved with a non-showbiz girl.

“But she has plans of joining (showbiz) soon,” he added.

Everything that Rob and Paolo articulated was definitely on fleek as the Gen Zers would say. Need I say more? (By Boy Abunda/ (Advertising Supplement) Philstar.com) n

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2-5, 2023 B7

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Queer Filipina American...

PAGE B4 ‘Daygo’, where I was raised by a Filipina immigrant single mother, my grandparents, my aunties, and my uncle.

My father was in the Navy, and I saw him infrequently.

I attended Nye Elementary, O’Farrell for middle school, and Morse High School. I started working at Seaport Fudge Factory when I was 16 years old so that I could start saving for college. Whenever I mentioned that I was from Southeast San Diego, I would almost always get comments about how [it is] ‘growing up in the hood.’ I feel very proud to have grown up where I did, and I wish more people felt the same. A lot of people from the area are doing some amazing creative work. After that, I studied history and theater at UC Berkeley and lived and worked in Japan. I’ve since returned to San Diego, where I work as a copywriter and coown a specialty tea business in La Jolla with my partner.”

Q: Tell us about your background in theater.

LG: “I was involved in theater and performing arts since the fifth grade through the First United Methodist Church of National City, the San Diego Youth Master Chorale, and Morse High School drama productions. I participated in Theater for Social Change at UC Berkeley but ended up pursuing academic and technical writing roles after graduating. That’s probably more than you asked for, but it’ll all make more sense when you see the play. ‘Every Day Vanilla’ is inspired by my personal experiences, more or less. There are definitely some parallels. For example, my mother’s name is Leila, and she named me Leilani. In the play, the mother, portrayed by the talented Sasha Foo, is Francesca. I play her daughter, Frankie.

Q: What was the inspiration for the play?

LG: “Besides my upbringing, this play is very loosely based on a creative non-fiction story I wrote for a local anthology.

When I wrote this short story, I was living in a rural town in Japan, teaching English through the JET Program. I didn’t have WiFi, and my rent was $200. I was in my mid-20s, and it was the first time in my life that I had my own room.

And I just remember breaking down that first night because I felt so guilty enjoying myself while my family was struggling to pay their mortgage. I talked to my mom, and she reassured me — as mothers do — that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. But other firstgeneration college graduates understand that it’s incredibly difficult to enjoy things like this without thinking of family, especially coming from a family that is so group-oriented. I was grateful that Jim Miller and Kelly Mayhew recognized the

value in my story because I doubted it had any value at all.

“Fast forward to 2019, my partner gifted me a mentoring session with author Chavisa Woods. During my session, I expressed feeling disconnected from San Diego as an adult.

Chavisa encouraged me to explore that disconnect in my writing. A few years after that, I revisited that advice and turned my short story into a play. I’d written short plays in college and edited screenplays, but this was my first stage play. I went about it with very clear goals — I wanted to include everything I wish I saw in stories growing up: single mothers, mother figures, representation of Filipinos who aren’t Catholic (I grew up Methodist, and I would get made fun of for that growing up), Southeast Asian representation, the introvert’s struggling of feeling punk rock but presenting like a pushover, sapphic love that doesn’t end in death, drag queens, firstgeneration guilt, depression and anxiety in its many forms, and more.”

Q: Why self-produce?

LG: “I decided to independently produce the play for many of the same reasons that authors self-publish their books. I didn’t really want to wait for someone to validate my story. Sometimes, you have to make the magic happen yourself. I received a lot of helpful feedback through table reads and workshopping sessions, which included industry professionals and members of my own family. I’d love to explore more traditional routes in the future — in both theater and film — but I felt like this was something I had to do.

“It’s been a whirlwind.

Self-producing a play — or producing one in general — feels very similar to running a business. I’m learning a lot and feel fortunate because the community, which includes friends and strangers alike, has been really curious, supportive, and receptive.”

Q: Anything else?

LG: “Thank you for considering writing about ‘Every Day Vanilla’ in your publication. It truly means the world to me to have the opportunity to share something so personal to me.

Gobaleza is a 2023 recipient of the William Male Foundation grant. She will use the funds for production costs, including artist and scenic design stipends. Meanwhile, Spare Pen is a writers club based in San Diego, which was started

by Gobaleza in 2021.

To keep up-to-date with the “Every Day Vanilla” on social media, log on via Instagram at @everydayvanilla_play. More information about the play, including cast and crew bios, sponsorship opportunities and ticket information, can be found at https://everydayvanilla. com.n

Enchong Dee says injustices in GomBurZa’s time still happening today

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

MANILA — Kapamilya actor Enchong Dee believed that the injustices that happened in the time of Padre Mariano Gomez, Padre Jose Burgos and Padre Jacinto Zamora, also known as Gomburza, are still happening in the present time.

After the special screening of the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Gomburza” held in Gateway last Monday, November 27, Enchong said that he wished that justice will prevail all the time.

“It is still happening to this day. Kanina ina-analyze ko ‘yung pelikula, nakakalungkot.

Sa lahat ng tao na naaakusahan, ilan lang ang nabibigyan ng ganitong magandang kwento...

Imagine 151 years after, doon natin na-realize na wow, I wish may hustisya nang panahon na ‘yun,” Enchong said.

“Ang sakit ng nangyari sa kanila. ‘Yung injustices na nangyari 151 years ago, nangyayari pa rin. Imagine those people without proper justice or due process, ano nararamdaman,” he added.

The film’s director Pepe Diokno said Filipinos really don’t know the story about the martyr priests and he learned so much from doing the film.

“It made me realize in the same way na hindi kilala ng maraming Pilipino ‘yung

Enchong Dee at the ABS-CBN Ball 2023

Gomburza. Kami, madaming natuklasan na hindi alam. I learned so much from their story na nilagay namin dito.

Watch this film to learn and experience what happened,” he said.

“Para ma-inspire po ulit lahat. Na-inspire ako if mabuti ba ako na Pilipino. Kung itong tatlong pari binigyang buhay, ano magagawa pa natin? Their life helped shape the country.

The way na-inspire si Jose Rizal sa kanila, sana ma-inspire tayo sa lahat,” he added.

“Gomburza” is a historical film that will move and inspire

Enchong Dee via Instagram

today’s Filipinos. It tells the story of three martyr priests — Mariano Gomes (Dante Rivero), Jose Burgos (Cedrick Juan), and Jacinto Zamora (Enchong Dee) — who were executed by garrote in 1872 after being falsely accused of sedition and treason.

The film chronicles the struggle that began with the secularization movement led

by Padre Pedro Pelaez (Piolo Pascual). From this movement, the advocacy for Filipinization of the Church was continued and championed by priests.

They inspired the educated

middle class, liberal intellectuals and students, including Jose Rizal’s brother Paciano Mercado (Elijah Canlas). The martyrdom of Gomburza never silenced the enlightened.

Their deaths influenced others to continue the struggle, eventually inspiring our national hero, Jose Rizal, who dedicated his novel “El Filibusterismo” to the three priests. A heroic drama laden with intrigue, battle scenes and love of country, GomBurZa is an epic tribute to the people behind the birth of our Filipino consciousness. n

B8 DECEMBER 2-5, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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