120923 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

DECEMBER 9-12, 2023 Volume 33 - No. 98 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages

DATELINE

President Marcos urged to stop USA killings of activists, drug suspects

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Filipino entrepreneur named to Forbes 30 Under 30

by EMMANUEL TUPAS Next gen VC David Ongchoco Philstar.com makes it to the 2024 list of MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. industry leaders in North America should stop the killing of activists and drug suspects

if he wants to distance himself from the policies of his LOS ANGELES – Philippine-born next gen predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, rights VC David Ongchoco has been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for North America.

Ongchoco is the cofounder of Comma Capital, a pre-seed and seed-stage venture capital fund that invests in operators-turnedfounders.

Together with his co-founder Adarsh Bhatt, Ongchoco has backed more than 50 startups including Airplane, Nitra, Dukkantek, Freshpaint and Rillavoice.

Through their 500-plus strong community, The Comma Collective, they help with sourcing, diligence and portfolio support, and host monthly events and programs in New York and San Francisco.

Ongchoco started Comma Capital with his partner almost fresh out of college after completing a double major in Computer

group Karapatan said on Friday, December 8.

Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said their group has documented 87 extrajudicial killings of activists as of November 2023, or an average of five deaths every month.

The killings include five massacres wherein 27 victims were brutally murdered, including children

President Marcos to Pinoys: Share blessings with poor, marginalized

by HELEN FLORES Philstar.com

 PAGE A4

Brutal attack on elderly Asian man is not a hate crime, says LA County Sheriff ’s Department

INSPECTION. Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista (left) and Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan (center) inspect the PCG’s assets to ensure their readiness for the upcoming holiday season at the PCG national headquarters in Port Area, Manila on Thursday, Dec. 7. Bautista said the maritime sector will be on high alert during the holiday season until Jan. 8 next year to prepare for the expected influx of passengers in seaport terminals and to ensure zero maritime incidents.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

THE Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department says it will not investigate as a hate crime the sucker-punching of an elderly Asian American man who was taking a walk in Calabasas, California with his infant granddaughter in a stroller.

by RED MENDOZA “There is no evidence that this is a hate ManilaTimes.net crime,” Detective Sgt. Brandon Painter of the Malibu/Lost Hills division of LASD, told MAJORITY of Filipinos continue to oppose Ethnic Media Services. “The suspect made the passage of a law that would legalize dino hateful remarks,” he said, characterizing vorce in the country, a survey conducted by the attack as a “random incident.”

OCTA Research showed.

“We are following the facts, and the facts OCTA’s Tugon ng Masa third-quarter surdon’t point to a hate crime,” said Painter, vey showed that 51 percent of adult Filipinos adding LASD is not planning to investigate surveyed were not in favor of passing a law the case as a bias-motivated attack. that would legalize divorce, while 41 percent No motive is yet established for what were in favor. appear to be unprovoked attacks.

Nine percent were undecided.

Two concurrent attacks Mindanao had the highest percentage of According to a report from the LA County adult Filipinos who favor passing a law that Sheriff’s Department, on Dec. 5 afternoon, would legalize divorce at 48 percent, fol PAGE A4

and elderly women, Karapatan claimed.

Palabay said that on top of the monthly killings are violations of civil and political rights.

“Under Marcos Jr., Karapatan has documented 12 victims of enforced disappearance; 316 victims of illegal and arbitrary arrest; 22,391 victims of bombing;  PAGE A2

MANILA — President Marcos urged the Filipino faithful on Friday, December 8 to draw inspiration from the Immaculate Conception in fortifying their Christian faith, by sharing their blessings to the poor and marginalized.

“During these challenging times for our country, let us draw inspiration from the narrative of the Immaculate Conception as we overcome our limitations and draw on our strengths to see the world with grateful hearts and explore the deep meaning of our purpose in life,” Marcos said in his message for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

“May this auspicious occasion allow us to fortify our Christian faith and inspire our fellow faithful to share our blessings to the poor and marginalized as a way of perpetuating peace, generosity and kindness

 PAGE A2

Most Filipinos oppose divorce lowed by the National Capital Region at 46 percent, while the lowest is in the Visayas at 33 percent.

Visayas had the most number of respondents who are not in favor of divorce at 59 percent, while the lowest is in the National Capital Region (NCR) at 39 percent.

NCR had the higher number of respondents who were undecided in passing a bill against divorce, at 15 percent.

Broken down by region, Northern Mindanao had the most respondents who support divorce at 78 percent, while Cagayan Valley had the highest number who are not in favor of divorce at 96 percent.

Younger Filipinos ages 18 to 24 were the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  PAGE A4

Malacañang photo

PH sees benefits of making Opposition urges Sara Duterte to resign for ‘meddling’ country conducive to trade

by KRIXIA SUBINGSUBING Inquirer.net

Vice President Sara Duterte

LEADING opposition figures have joined the calls for Vice President Sara Duterte to resign from President Marcos’ Cabinet if she plans on continuing to get involved in affairs that were beyond the mandates of her office.

Among them were former Sen. Leila de Lima and former Office of the Vice President spokesperson and lawyer Barry Gutierrez, who criticized Duterte for “meddling” into issues that were beyond her responsibilities as education secretary. These include the ongoing debate on whether the Photo from Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook Philippine government should

cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC), as well as President Marcos’ decision to reach out again to the Communist rebels to revive the peace talks that stalled under her father and former President Rodrigo Duterte.

In the ICC’s case, Duterte had urged Congress against considering pending resolutions calling for cooperation in the ongoing ICC investigation into the drug war. She and her father are believed to be among those who could eventually face charges for their alleged role in extrajudicial killings committed by the socalled “Davao Death Squad” during their time as mayor and vice mayor of Davao City from  PAGE A3

by HELEN FLORES Philstar.com

MANILA — Governmentled initiatives to make the Philippines conducive to trade and investments are paying off, President Marcos has said, as the country’s inflation and unemployment rates fell to their lowest levels since March 2022 and April 2005, respectively.

In a Facebook post Thursday night, December 7, Marcos said the latest developments show “remarkable progress” in the country.

“With great joy, I share the remarkable progress our nation has achieved. In October 2023,

our unemployment rate hit a remarkable low of 4.2 percent, the lowest since April 2005, accompanied by a sharp decline in inflation to 4.1 percent in November 2023,” the president said.

“This is not just a number, it signifies the lives of millions of our fellow citizens who have found new opportunities. Our dedication to fostering an environment conducive to trade and investment is paying off,” he added.

Unemployment in the country fell to 4.2 percent in October this year from 4.5 percent in the same month last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s  PAGE A2

A2 DECEMBER 9-12, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

President Marcos urged to stop...

PAGE A1 39,769 victims of indiscriminate firing; 24,670 victims of forced evacuation; 552 victims of forced surrender and 1,609,496 victims of threats, harassment, intimidation, including red-tagging,” she said.

The Third World Studies Program’s “Dahas Project” has reported that under the Marcos Jr. administration’s “war on drugs,” there have been 474 drug-war related killings.

As the country is set to observe International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10, Karapatan said the climate of impunity that shielded Duterte and his subalterns from being held accountable for the killings during his term have not stopped in Marcos’ administration.

“Karapatan demands an end to this climate of impunity and calls for justice and accountability for the killings in both the counterinsurgency war and the war on drugs,” Palabay said in a statement.

She said Marcos’ attempts to project a different image of himself

The killings include five massacres wherein 27 victims were brutally murdered, including children and elderly women, Karapatan claimed.

Philstar.com photo

from that of his predecessor are crumbling in the face of killings in his administration.

“Domestic redress mechanisms have clearly failed to exact justice for the victims of Duterte’s bloody drug war, with only three convictions attained in the face of up to 30,000 drug war-related killings perpetrated by police forces and police-sanctioned vigilante death squads since Duterte’s bloody campaign began in mid-2016,” Palabay said.

Karapatan also believes that

the ongoing investigations into Duterte’s drug war by prosecutors of the International Criminal Court (ICC) “offer a glimpse of hope to the victims and their families.

ICC investigators must be allowed into the country for their probe, Karapatan said.

Palabay sayd “the Marcos Jr. regime must also answer for its own perpetuation of Duterte’s fascist counterinsurgency and drug war policies that continue to claim the lives of hundreds of Filipinos.” 

SUSPICIOUS PACKAGE. A K9 of the Manila Police District - Explosive Ordnance Disposal sniffs an abandoned box found at the northbound lane of Ayala Bridge, near the Malacañang compound, in Manila on Thursday, Dec. 7. After thorough checking, the package contained only clothing and was negative of any type of explosives.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

President Marcos to Pinoys: Share blessings...

SOUTHERN PAGE A1 In 2017, former President significance of the tree branches Rodrigo Duterte signed – palm, olive, plane and cypress around us,” he said.

CALIFORNIA REGIONAL The president also asked the Republic Act 10966 declaring trees – etched on the capital PAGE A1 more jobs, but also quality and nation to fervently pray for the Dec. 8 a special non-working pillars that house the statue RAIL AUTHORITY latest Labor Force Survey. meaningful employment that will Lord’s continued guidance and holiday in the entire country to of the Immaculate Conception National Statistician Dennis uplift the lives and dignity of every the intercession of the Blessed commemorate the Feast of the at the altar of the 800-seat RFP No. PO930-24 Mapa on Thursday said the Filipino worker,” Marcos said. Virgin Mary as the people join Immaculate Conception. cathedral.

The chief executive is about hands to build the Bagong The Philippines is one of of unemployed Filipinos Advincula said Mary HYUNDAI-ROTEM number went down to 2.09 million from to complete his five-day isolation Pilipinas that Filipinos aspire the predominantly Catholic possessed the traits of the after testing positive for COVID-19 for. countries in the world. million in October 2022. following trees: cypress EMERGENCY WINDOW 2.24Meanwhile, There are approximately signifying Mary’s strength to Bagong Pilipinas is Marcos’ the country’s Monday night, December 4.

In a previous speech, the brand of governance launched 76 million Catholics in the carry God through her son Jesus; inflation further eased to 4.1 GASKETS Philippines or about 81 percent palm to mean Mary as a symbol percent in November this year, president said his government in July.

PH sees benefits of making...

SCRRA is seeking bids for Emergency Window Gaskets.

Bid documents may be obtained at https://metrolinktrains.com/doing-business (free registration). Electronic Bids are due by 2:00PM (PT) on 2/5/2024.

The contract to be awarded will be funded in part by grants under the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration.

For further information, contact Dorothea Cantero, Contract Administrator, at (213) 452-0302 or CanteroD@scrra. net.

12/9/23 CNS-3760926# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

lower than the eight percent posted in the same month last year and the 4.9 percent registered in October this year.

In his message at the DOLE@90 Stakeholders’ Night: Gabi ng Parangal at Pasasalamat in Pasay City on Thursday, Marcos called on employers and other stakeholders to continue producing more and higher quality jobs.

“As we pursue a progressive and inclusive Bagong Pilipinas, I thus call on everyone – employers, workers, government and stakeholders alike – to remain united in ensuring the full recovery of the labor market,” the president said in his speech delivered for him by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

“So let us continue to work together to produce not only

remains steadfast in its commitment to continuously support current and prospective investors as he emphasized that the Philippine government has amended existing laws to further open its economy to foreign investments.

Among these initiatives are the Foreign Investments Act, Retail Trade Liberalization Act, Public Service Act and the Renewable Energy Act, which aim to attract more foreign investors in the country’s telecommunications, port operations, transportation and clean energy sectors.

In February this year, the president also issued Executive Order 18, directing the establishment of green lanes for strategic investments in all government agencies. 

Marcos remained in isolation as of Friday after testing positive for COVID-19 on Monday night, December 4. This is the third time he contracted the disease.

The feast of the Immaculate Conception is a celebration by the Catholic community of Mary’s conception without sin.

Even though the feast day occurs in the liturgical season of Advent, which prepares for the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Immaculate Conception refers to the conception of Mary in the womb of her mother, St. Anne.

The observance of the feast began with a papal encyclical

by Pope Pius IX when he formally defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, Ineffabilis Deus, on Dec. 8, 1854.

of citizens, according to the Catholic World Mission’s website.

Embody Mary’s virtues Meanwhile, Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula called on Filipino Catholics to live by the virtues of the Virgin Mary, traditionally believed to be born without original sin.

In his homily during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception at the Manila Cathedral, he described Mary as a “woman marked by bearing God’s presence, enduring in hope, trusting in God’s providence and modeling honesty and humility.”

“Like our Immaculate Mother, may we also imbibe and practice these virtues,” Advincula said.

He also reflected on the

of hope, like the tree, bringing hope to thirsty and weary travelers in a desert; olive as a symbol of “God’s providence to the chosen ones” like Mary and the plane tree to signify Mary’s humble acceptance of God’s will despite her initial doubts after being told she would bear a child, a Son of God. Mass goers were allowed to honor the Immaculate Conception by going up the altar and praying to the image.

The mass was concelebrated

by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown and around 20 priests and bishops.The Manila Cathedral was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, also the patroness of the Philippines, through a declaration by Pope Gregory XIII in 1581. 

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

DATELINE USA

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 9-12, 2023 A3

Opposition urges Sara Duterte to resign...

PAGE A1

VENERATING MAMA MARY. Dabawenyo devotees offer prayers and flower to Blessed Mary in celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Friday, Dec. 8. After the Holy Mass, some devotees shared food and organized games for the children.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Dodging the Medicare enrollment deadline can be costly

by SUSAN JAFFE KFF Health News

ANGELA M. Du Bois, a retired software tester in Durham, North Carolina, wasn’t looking to replace her UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan. She wasn’t concerned as the Dec. 7 deadline approached for choosing another of the privately run health insurance alternatives to original Medicare.

But then something caught her attention: When she went to her doctor last month, she learned that the doctor and the hospital where she works will not accept her insurance next year.

Faced with either finding a new doctor or finding a new plan, Du Bois said the decision was easy.

“I’m sticking with her because she knows everything about me,” she said of her doctor, whom she’s been seeing for more than a decade.

Du Bois isn’t the only one tuning out when commercials about the open enrollment deadline flood the airwaves each year — even though there could be good reasons to shop around. But sifting through the offerings has become such an ordeal that few people want to repeat it. Avoidance is so rampant that only 10% of beneficiaries switched Medicare

Advantage plans in 2019.

Once open enrollment ends, there are limited options for a do-over. People in Medicare Advantage plans can go to another Advantage plan or back to the original, government-run Medicare from January through March.

And the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has expanded the criteria for granting a “special enrollment period” to make changes in drug or Advantage plans anytime.

But most seniors will generally allow their existing policy to renew automatically, like it or not.

Keeping her doctor was not Du Bois’ only reason for switching plans, though. With help from Senior PharmAssist, a Durham nonprofit that advises seniors about Medicare, she found a Humana Medicare Advantage plan that would not only be accepted by her providers but also cover her medications — saving her more than $14,000 a year, said Gina Upchurch, the group’s executive director.

Senior PharmAssist is one of the federally funded State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, known as SHIPs, available across the country to provide unbiased assistance during the open enrollment season and year-round to help beneficiaries appeal cov-

erage denials and iron out other problems.

“Many people are simply overwhelmed by the calls, ads, the sheer number of choices, and this ‘choice overload’ contributes to decision-making paralysis,” said Upchurch. Seniors in Durham have as many as 74 Advantage plans and 20 drug-only plans to choose from, she said.

Upchurch said the big insurance companies like the way the system works now, with few customers inclined to explore other plans. “They call it ‘stickiness,’” she said. “If we had fewer and clear choices — an apple, orange, grape, or banana — most people would review options.”

In Washington state, one woman switched from a plan she had had for more than a decade to one that will cover all her drugs and next year will save an estimated $7,240, according to Tim Smolen, director of the state’s SHIP, Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors.

In Northern California, another woman changed drug plans for the first time since 2012, and her current premium of $86 will plummet to 40 cents a month next year, an annual savings of about $1,000, said Pam Smith, a local director for California’s SHIP, called  PAGE A5

2011 to 2016.

‘Troubling patterns’ As for the peace talks, Duterte personally appealed to Mr. Marcos not to enter into “an agreement with the devil” and to use his executive powers to review and reconsider the Oslo Joint Statement signed by the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

Gutierrez also flagged Duterte’s habit of cozying up to China, such as sending a congratulatory video message wishing for stronger Manila-Beijing bilateral relations during its National Day last Oct. 1.

“These are all troubling patterns,” he said. “It’s normal for politicians to give their own two cents into issues, but the extent of Vice President Duterte’s involvement in issues outside her primary function raises questions about her focus and priorities as Secretary of Education.”

Duterte’s supposed lack of focus came into sharp contrast after the latest Programme for International Student Assessment report showed that Filipino students were still among the lowest scorers in the world in terms of reading, mathematics, and science skills.

The same study, published on Tuesday, December 5 covering 690,000 students from 81 countries, also showed that the Philippines’ performance in the three subjects “were about the same” as in 2018, when it first took part in the assessment.

These results, Gutierrez said, compounded the “overlapping crisis besetting the education sector in the country, from the lack of teachers, infrastructure and learning materials up to the effectivity of the public school curriculum.”

Incompatible “If Vice President Duterte finds the demands of the Secretary of Education overwhelming or incompatible with her interests and skills, it might be prudent for her to consider stepping down from this role,” he said.

Echoed De Lima: “Maybe she is voicing contrary policy statements because she thinks it’s her role as vice president. As vice president, she can do that—but she must not forget that she is still a Cabinet secretary bound to alter ego principle.”

“If she wants to keep voicing contrary policy positions to the Cabinet, she should be shorn of

her alter ego role first. She cannot eat her cake and keep it, too,” De Lima said.

This was the case, for example, for former Vice President Leni Robredo, who was named housing czar by then President Duterte and was then asked to stop attending Cabinet meetings.

She then resigned from her post on Dec. 5, 2016, hinting that her unceremonious exit had more to do with a “plot to steal the Vice Presidency” than her opposition to several issues, such as the

drug war and the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

De Lima, however, criticized Duterte for acting like “she is a president-in-waiting or worse, a copresident entitled to oppose the president in his own Cabinet.”

“She cannot do that. As a matter of principle, no Cabinet minister in the world can do that without being challenged by the Cabinet to stop singing a divergent tune.

If you are out of tune, you must leave the choir,” she said. 

A4 DECEMBER 9-12, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

DATELINE USA

Filipino entrepreneur named to Forbes 30...

PAGE A1 Science and Cognitive Science at the University of Pennsylvania.

It was at Penn where Ongchoco became hooked on the world of early-stage startups and investing while serving as an investment partner of the First Round Capital-backed student pre-seed venture capital firm Dorm Room Fund.

He was also the founder of YouthHack, a multinational nonprofit spanning 10 countries that helps high school and university students learn more about startups, technology and

entrepreneurship.

During the early days of Comma, Ongchoco also held key operating roles at fintech startup Rutter and NASDAQ-listed data analytics company Amplitude.

He helped SeventySix Capital Managing Partner Wayne Kimmel author a book about building genuine relationships in business. He also worked on numerous startups and projects, including SkillStackers, ThirdEye, AskPery and BlockCrunch.

Jack of all trades “I’m a jack of all trades operator, investor, entrepreneur, builder and storyteller, Ongchoco said in his blog. “Having grown up in the Philippines before coming to the U.S. for college, I’m a big believer in the fact that talent is universal but opportunity is not, and I hope to open up more opportunities for people around the globe through my work.”

Ongchoco has written about startup founders and investors for various publications, including the HuffPost & Inc. Magazine. He is a former student correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The list of notable industry leaders included Kendall Jenner, the model and media personalityturned-entrepreneur.

Jenner launched her tequila brand, 818, in 2021 and quickly built a name for herself in the industry.

According to Forbes, the 28-year-old model made about $25 million in sales in 2022 alone.

The star was featured on the digital cover of the issue, which she has shared on her Instagram to Next gen VC David Ongchoco has been named to the Forbes 30 announce her inclusion in the high-profile Forbes Under 30 list for North America.

Contributed photo 30 Under 30 list. (Nimfa Rueda/Inquirer.net)

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

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 after-the-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 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 in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. 

Most Filipinos oppose...

PAGE A1

most supportive in terms of the passage of a divorce law at 54 percent, while those in the 67 to 74 age group were not in favor. Comes from the 78 percent, Urban respondents were very supportive of the passage of a di-

vorce law, at 43 percent, while 40 percent of both men and women said that they are in favor of passing the law, compared to 50 percent of males and 52 percent of females who are not in favor.

Support for legalizing the measure was also high among adult

Filipinos who have college or postgraduate education.

The survey had 1,200 respondents and had a nationwide margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent and plus or minus 6 percent for Metro Manila, Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. 

Brutal attack on elderly Asian man is not a hate...

PAGE A1

suspect Angel Sanchez, 29, first attacked a young AAPIorigin boy who was walking on a bike trail. Sanchez then went on to attack the Asian American senior, knocking him to the ground. His infant granddaughter was also thrown out of the stroller and fell to the ground.

Sanchez then fled in a minivan.

The suspect was arrested the following day in Oxnard, California, and booked at Malibu/ Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station. He is charged with felony Assault with Force Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury.

According to his booking record, Sanchez is being held without bail. No arraignment date had been set as of Dec. 7 evening.

Victim grabbed from behind Neither victim has been identified by law enforcement, and the LASD says it is currently not releasing any additional information about them.

Several posts on social media platforms note that the baby, the grandfather, and the juvenile are all okay and did not require hospitalization.

ABC 7 has identified the juvenile as Nathan Manyari, who told the news station he was

attacked from behind. Sanchez allegedly grabbed Manyari by the back of his neck and tried to pull him to the ground.

Suspect targeted victims Connie Chung Joe, CEO of Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, told EMS: “It is hard to ignore the race of the victims. The suspect seems to be targeting the AAPI community in both incidents.”

She acknowledged that proving a hate crime can be difficult. “If the attacker didn’t say anything, it is much harder to prove that the incident rises to the level of a hate crime.”

However, said Chung Joe, many law enforcement jurisdictions are mindful of the alarming rise in biasmotivated attacks against the AAPI community over the past three years. “They have investigated more broadly to determine whether there is racial animus.”

Motivation unknown AAAJ does not advocate for hate crime enhancements on cases, said Chung Joe. “We do encourage law enforcement to be more sensitive as to what motivated an attack.”

Too often, she said, cases such as these are dismissed without a proper investigation

as to the motive. “This makes our community feel invisible, as though we’ve been gas lit, and just making up what has happened to us.”

The LASD is the largest sheriff’s department in the country, in a location with a large AAPI population. “Beyond this case, it is important for LASD to show that it is being sensitive and looking at such cases with a broader view,” said Chung Joe. “They need to be more proactive and show sensitivity to a community that is being victimized.”

Stop AAPI hate More than 11,000 acts of hate against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been reported to the Stop AAPI Hate web portal since March 2020, amid the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Sunita Sohrabji/ Ethnic Media Services) EMS’ Stop The Hate initiative is made possible with funding from the California State Library (CSL) in partnership with the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA). The views expressed on this website and other materials produced by EMS do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the CSL, CAPIAA or the California government. 

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

HOLIDAY STAPLE. The famous Philippine lechon (roasted pig) is ready for picking in La Loma, Quezon City on Friday, December 8. The lechon is always the star of every Filipino family’s dinner table during celebrations, especially during the Christmas season.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Dodging the Medicare enrollment deadline...

PAGE A3

the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program.

And in Ohio, a woman sought help after learning that her monthly copayment for the blood thinner Eliquis would rise from $102 to $2,173 next year. A counselor with Ohio’s SHIP found another plan that will cover all her medications for the year and cost her just $1,760. If she stuck with her current plan, she would be paying an additional $24,852 for all her drugs next year, said Chris Reeg, who directs that state’s program.

In some cases, CMS tries to persuade beneficiaries to switch.

Since 2012, it has sent letters every year to thousands of beneficiaries in poorly performing Advantage and drug plans, encouraging them to consider other options.

These are plans that have received less than three out of five stars for three years from CMS. “You may want to compare your plan to other plans available in your area and decide if it’s still right for you,” the letter says.

CMS allows low-scoring plans to continue to operate. In an unusual move, officials recently found that one plan had such a terrible track record that they will terminate its contract with government health programs next December.

CMS also contacts people about changing plans during open enrollment if they get a subsidy — called “extra help” — that pays for their drug plan’s monthly premium and some out-of-pocket expenses. Because some premiums will be more expensive next year, CMS is warning beneficiaries that they could be in for a surprise: a

monthly bill to cover cost increases the subsidy doesn’t cover.

But many beneficiaries receive no such nudge from the government to find out if there is a better, less expensive plan that meets their needs and includes their health care providers or drugs.

That leaves many people with Medicare drug or Advantage plans on their own to decipher any changes to their plans while there is still time to enroll in another. Insurers are required to alert members with an “annual notice of change,” a booklet often more than two dozen pages long. Unless they plow through it, they may discover in January that their premiums have increased, the provider network has changed, or some drugs are no longer covered. If a drug plan isn’t offered the next year and the beneficiary doesn’t pick a new one, the insurer will select a plan of its choosing, without considering costs or needed drug coverage.

“Every year, our call volume skyrockets in January when folks get invoices for that new premium,” said Reeg, the Ohio program director. At that point, Medicare Advantage members have until March 30 to switch to another plan or enroll in government-run Medicare. There’s no similar grace period for people with stand-alone drug plans.

“They are locked into that plan for the calendar year.”

One cost-saving option is the government’s Medicare Savings Program, which helps low-income beneficiaries pay their monthly premium for Medicare Part B, which covers doctor visits and

other outpatient services. The Biden administration’s changes in eligibility for subsidies announced in September will extend financial assistance to an estimated 860,000 people — if they apply. In the past, only about half of those eligible applied.

Fixing a mistake after the open enrollment period ends Dec. 7 is easy for some people. Individuals who receive “extra help” to pay for drug plan premiums and those who have a subsidy to pay for Medicare’s Part B can change drug plans every three months.

At any time, beneficiaries can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan that earns the top five-star rating from CMS, if one is available. “We’ve been able to use those five-star plans as a safety net,” said Reeg, the Ohio SHIP director.

Other beneficiaries may be able to get a “special enrollment period” to switch plans after the open enrollment ends if they meet certain conditions. Local SHIP offices can help people make any of these changes when possible.

Reeg spends a lot of time trying to ensure that unwelcome surprises — like a drug that isn’t covered — don’t happen in the first place.

“What we want to do is proactively educate Medicare patients so they know that they can go to the doctors and hospitals they want to go to in the upcoming year,” she said.

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 9-12, 2023 A5

A6 DECEMBER 9-12, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

FEATURES

OPINION

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

Still at the bottom

CONSIDERING that schools were under lockdown for about two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with education shifting to remote learning, the results of the Program for International Student Assessment taken in 2022 were not unexpected. Education officials had in fact debated whether the country should undergo the assessment again, four years after the PISA conducted in 2018 showed dismal learning competencies among Filipino 15-year-old students.

The latest PISA results confirm the gravity of the problem, which education stakeholders have been aware of for years. This didn’t make the results less disheartening. In 2018 – the first time the Philippines participated in the PISA – 15-year-old Filipino students ranked at the bottom among 79 participating countries and economies in terms of reading comprehension, and the second lowest in science and mathematics. The PISA assesses reading, math and science competencies for meeting reallife challenges.

In the latest assessment conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Philippines ranked 76th among 81 participating countries and economies.

Average Filipino scores for reading, math and science were about the same as in the 2018 assessment, all below the global average. There were incremental increases in the Filipinos’ scores for math and reading comprehension, but these were still lower than the average in OECD countries. The Philippines ranked third to last in mean science performance.

With full in-person classes resuming nationwide only in November last year, education officials have been focused on post-pandemic learning recovery.

Students and educators alike had struggled through distance learning. About 10 percent of basic education students stopped schooling during the lockdowns, many due to the economic devastation arising from the pandemic. Apart from families being unable to afford the required gadgets, students and their parents, whose involvement in their children’s formal education became necessary, found distance learning too difficult.

The public school system was also swamped with students transferring from private schools because their parents, who lost jobs or livelihoods during the pandemic, could no longer afford the expenses in private schools. The exodus led to the shutdown of several private schools across ManilaTimes.net photo the country.

The OECD said the latest PISA is the first large- math and science, however, can only be partly in the quality of Philippine education. The latest scale study on the impact of the pandemic on attributed to the pandemic, the OECD stressed. PISA results merely reaffirm the urgency of students. Declines in performance in reading, There are multiple factors behind the deterioration reversing the slide. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Emerging alternative leaders

Flea Market of Ideas JOEL RUIZ BUTUYAN WHILE the Marcoses and Dutertes are locked in conflict, who are the emerging alternate leaders outside of these two political dynasties? How will the reconfiguration of alliances between these two families, affect political personalities who are either opposed to them or independent of them? It’s still more than four years away from the 2028 presidential elections, but it’s worthwhile observing how the political horizon is fast shaping up this early.

Three women stand out as leading figures of the mainstream opposition at this point.

There’s obviously former Vice President Leni Robredo whose electoral support of 15 million voters in the last elections will constitute a formidable force if the split between the Marcoses

and the Dutertes results in the fielding of separate candidates in 2028. From all indications, Robredo’s support base remains intact because its members still hold on to the belief that she’s the best president our country could have had. It’s a potent support base because it’s a sizeable group of citizens who will not only vote, but who are willing to spend to convince others to vote like them.

The second emergent torch bearer from the opposition ranks is former senator Leila de Lima. Imprisoned for six years on fabricated charges, De Lima is the most highprofile victim of the Duterte administration’s assault on our constitutional liberties. In the more upright world of the past, she would have generated massive sympathy and support approximating those experienced by the late senator Ninoy Aquino when the latter was incarcerated by the Marcos dictatorship equally on trumped

TRUE to form, Vice President Sara Duterte did not mince words in voicing her strong opposition to the resumption of peace talks between the Philippine government and the CPP-NPA-NDFP. A peace accord with the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) is a pact with the devil, she cautioned the Marcos administration.

Given Inday’s knowledge and experience in dealing with insurgents, the concurrent covice chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has the authority to speak on the issue. Even if it contradicts the position of her UniTeam alliance partner, President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. One of the VP’s crowning achievements as former Davao City mayor is ending the diabolical reign of the CPP-NPA. It is a success story that bears repeating. And for the national government to take careful note of.

As the local chief executive of the first Mindanao city to be declared ‘insurgency-free,’ Sara institutionalized localized

groups that support Robredo and De Lima.

Based on their personalities, these three women will rally behind whoever will have better chances at breaking the reign of the Marcoses and the Dutertes.

But even if they rally behind one among them, their success will depend on pirating disillusioned supporters of the Marcos and Duterte camps, as these two engage in mutual destruction.

Apart from the three women, two others are emerging in the horizon as candidateconsiderations for 2028.

These are Sen. Raffy Tulfo and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong. The presidential potentials of these two stem from two factors. They are perceived as independent from both the Marcos-Duterte groups and the mainstream opposition, so they are immune from the disappointment or stain associated with those political forces. They will benefit from voters’ continuing intoxication

with, and unsatisfied yearning, for a strongman leader. Tulfo has cultivated a reputation of being a deliverer of swift justice against abusive private and public citizens. With his military background, Magalong fits the mold of the late former president Fidel Ramos.

President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte both garnered more than 30 million votes in the last elections. The ambitions of both their families are now on a head-on collision.

Where will the 30 million UniTeam supporters go as the two camps attempt to demolish each other?

Disillusionment with the Marcoses will be caused by the faltering economy, Mr. Marcos’ failure to live up to being a strongman, and his administration’s inability to deliver on its promise to be a virtual welfare state to the masses. The disgruntlement with the Dutertes will be caused by the many skeletons

that will be exposed from their closet. The Duterte support base will also be greatly diluted by these factors: if the Duterte patriarch is sent to the International Criminal Court for trial; if the media mouthpiece of the Dutertes, Sonshine Media Network International, is given the fate suffered by ABS-CBN, and; if VP Duterte’s indiscretions as Davao City mayor and vice president are exposed and made the basis of prosecution.

It’s too early for predictions and bets, but the elements that will greatly influence the direction of political currents are already visible on the horizon. (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

Insincerity and treachery

The Broader View

HARRY ROQUE

up charges. In other countries, the release from prison of a persecuted leader like De Lima would have been greeted with confetti parades and multiple rallies. But we currently live in a world turned upside down, and De Lima’s liberation has met lukewarm reception from a public overfed with fake news.

She has firm support, however, from hardened anti-Duterte and anti-Marcos constituents.

The third political figure evolving outside of the Marcos-Duterte axis, is Sen. Risa Hontiveros. Of the three women, she’s the only one holding a public post as senator.

Hontiveros has been a genuine fiscalizer, not hesitating to call out shenanigans committed by the Marcoses and Dutertes.

In a bygone era, she would be generating tremendous political goodwill from a grateful citizenry. But in our morally bankrupt contemporary era, Hontiveros’ support base remains confined to the same

peace talks with communist rebels, particularly in the latter’s erstwhile stronghold of Paquibato district. Between 2019 and 2021, at least 125 rebel returnees benefited from the city government’s peacebuilding initiatives. The Peace 911 program addressed the root causes of insurgency in remote barangays through peace economy, good governance and rule of law, ancestral domain protection and rehabilitation and healing.

Reign of terror So, I applaud our ‘ballsy’ leader for hitting the nail on the head. The reason why the armed struggle has become one of the world’s longest is not for the lack of trying on the government’s part. It is due to the treachery and duplicity of the terrorist group. History has taught us that the CTG’s insincerity has led to the demise of negotiations with our previous administrations.

In 2017, former President Rodrigo Duterte officially terminated all government engagement with the CTG. Digong accused the terrorist group of killing soldiers, law enforcers and innocent civilians while negotiating for peace.

The United Nations Security Council, through a 2001 Resolution, refers to terrorism as criminal acts against

civilians that provoke a public state of terror or compel a government or an international organization to do or abstain from doing any acts which are considered offenses under international conventions and protocols. The Resolution states any acts related to terrorism cannot be justified by political, philosophical, ideological, racial, ethnic or religious considerations.

Thus, Inday Sara reminded the government to honor the fallen heroes and victims of the CTG’s reign of terror since the 1960s. The conflict has already claimed 40,000 lives, according to a Reuters report. Even Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Romeo Brawner admitted in an interview that many Filipinos and soldiers share the VP’s sentiments. Hence, some soldiers are reluctant to support the government’s decision.

I am also glad that Sen. Imee Marcos agrees with the VP’s stance. Imee is among the few vocal supporters of Sara, who has been targeted by several politicians closely or strategically allied with Speaker Martin Romualdez.

(It is no secret that there is a gap between Sara and Martin.)

The brilliant legislator also quashed the opposition’s call for Inday to resign due to her

policy differences with the Marcos administration. The alliance between PBBM and VP Sara can survive their differing views on the issue. Further, I do not recall the opposition demanding the same from exVice President Leni Robredo when the latter criticized the Duterte government while still a Cabinet member. The double standard is plainly ridiculous.

Opposing views I share the opinion of Inday Sara that discourse and debates are the hallmarks of a vibrant democracy. In Borjal vs. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court notes that the healthy efflorescence of public debate and opinion are shining linchpins of truly democratic societies.

Therefore, the government should welcome disagreements and divergent views on issues that threaten the lives and well-being of the citizenry.

The VP remains deferential to the president’s foreign policy decisions, and rightfully so. The Constitution grants PBBM with the power to chart the course of our international relations.

But the administration or the opposition should not expect the NTF-ELCAC official to keep mum on issues such as national security, peace and order and terrorism. Sara has a personal

stake in these issues. In the past, she witnessed individuals killed or maimed by terroristic attacks.

She welcomed rebel returnees to the fold of the law. Her city administration extended continued assistance to former rebel-infested communities.

I understand her frustration and apprehension. If the government compels the military to lay down their arms against the CPP-NPA, I expect the CTG members to resume their illegal and extrajudicial activities in the countryside.

For instance, demanding revolutionary taxes from telecom companies and other businesses, recruitment and conscription of young people especially from indigenous communities and the killing of soldiers, police officers and fellow Filipinos not aligned with their ideology.

Moreover, the agreement between the government and NDFP was done in haste. I am not even sure if the NTF-ELCAC has any involvement in the matter. Was Sara even consulted by the government peace panel?

Unlikely alliance Seemingly, the Makabayan bloc has become strange bedfellows with the majority coalition in the Lower House.

The communist sympathizers have assumed the role of an

attack dog against the vice president. I cannot help but wonder if there is a strategic alliance between these leftist politicians and the speaker/ House leadership. And whether the peace accord is some sort of a ‘quid pro quo’ for the Makabayan bloc.

More or less, these are the forces against the VP’s request for confidential funds; responsible for the impeachment rumors against Sara; supporting the International Criminal Court investigation that might include Inday and threatening to revoke the franchise of the Sonshine Media Network International, a known media platform of the Dutertes and their supporters.

I believe the country is close to winning the war against communist terrorism across the archipelago. With the deaths of Joma Sison and the Tiamzon couple, I think the terrorist group has become a headless organization. The government should not give the CPP-NPA any opportunity to regroup and strengthen their numbers. I appeal to PBBM to consider VP Sara’s opinions. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

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

ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President

MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor

US HEADQUARTERS: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0858 • (213) 481-0854 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York/New Jersey Las Vegas, San Diego, Philippines

IVY MANALANG Vice President - Marketing Los Angeles Asian Journal

DING CARREON Videographer

ANDY TECSON Photographer

Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases.

Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication.

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material.

AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement.

Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively.

Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome.

Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.

Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please call the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

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

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 9-12, 2023 A7

Suspect in MSU bombing arrested

by FRANCISCO TUYAY ManilaTimes.net

MANILA — A suspect in the bombing of the Mindanao State University (SU) in Marawi City has been arrested, a spokesman for the Armed Forces of the Philippines told The Manila Times.

Citing an initial report, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chif of the AFP Public Affairs Office, said the suspect was identified as one Jafar Gamo Sultan, alias Jaf/Kurot, whose affiliation to a terror group remains uncertain.

Trinidad said Sultan was allegedly one of the accomplices who caused the blast using a 60mm mortar in the middle of a Catholic mass at about 7 a.m. on December 3. At least four people were killed and scores were injured in the incident.

Sultan was apprehended in an operation by Task Force Marawi in Barangay Dulay Proper in Marawi, on the basis of an

intelligence report and witnesses accounts outside of MSU. The task force is a special contingent created by the AFP and Marawi City police.

The captured suspect, Trinidad said, had a companion, a certain Omar, the alleged person identified by witnesses who had placed the improvised explosive device at the Dimaporo Gymnasium.

During the capture of Sultan, troopers also seized two motorcycles.

"This development shows the seriousness of the government in capturing the perpetrators of the terrorist attack on innocent civilians and in ensuring that similar incidents will not happen again," Trinidad said.

"It also demonstrates the AFP's commitment to its mandate as protector of the people and the state," he added.

The suspect will be turned over to the police for further investigation.

AFP Chief Romeo Brawner who was attending the Christmas party sponsored by the Defense department for members of the Defense Press Corps in Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday night, December 7, was informed of the arrest.

Brawner instructed his lieutenants to furnish him with a progress report of the ongoing follow-operations against other suspects involved in the explosion.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday, December 5 released a cartographic sketch of two suspects, identified as Kadapi Mimbesa alias Engineer, and Arsani Membisa, alias Katab/ Papitos, alleged operatives of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group.

Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP Public Affairs chief, said the two suspects fit the description of the individuals who were seen SM MOA, in its statement, assured the public that "the foundation of the SM Mall of Asia Complex is built on concrete piles that reach the bedrock and will withstand extreme situations," it said.

ManilaTimes.net nphoto entering the MSU premises and inside the gymnasium before the explosion. 

Philippine students still among lowest scorers in reading, math, science – Pisa

by JANE BAUTISTA Inquirer.net

MANILA — As the Department of Education (DepEd) had anticipated, there was no significant improvement in the average scores of Filipino students in reading, mathematics, and science, which remained low compared to students from other countries that participated in the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa).

Based on the 2022 Pisa study published Tuesday, December 5 covering 690,000 students from 81 countries, the Philippines’ performance in the three subjects “were about the same” as in 2018, when it first took part in the assessment.

In the 2018 Pisa, the country scored the lowest in reading and second lowest in math and science among 79 participating nations.

For the 2022 assessment, the Philippines ranked sixth to the last in reading and mathematics while in science, it ranked third to the last among 81 countries.

The 7,193 Filipino students from 188 schools scored an average of 355 points in mathematics, still way below the OECD average of 472. Their average scores of 347 in reading and 356 in science were also lower than the global averages of 476 and 485, respectively.

Compared to the country’s 2018 average scores of mathematics (353), reading (340), and science (357), the latest results did not show any significant improvement, the report noted.

‘Minimum level’ Pisa is a global study conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which evaluates the academic performance of 15-year-old students in the three subjects every three years.

It is also the first to offer a glimpse into the impact of the pandemic and school closures on education systems worldwide.

From 2018 to 2022, the study noted that the gap between the highest-scoring Filipino students and the weakest or lowestscoring learners narrowed in mathematics, although it did not significantly change in reading and science.

“In mathematics, low achievers became stronger, while performance did not change significantly amongst high achievers,” it said.

Only a small proportion of Filipino students, compared to the average across OECD countries, were recognized as top performers in at least one subject.

“At the same time, a smaller proportion of students than on average across OECD countries achieved a minimum level of proficiency (Level 2 or higher) in all three subjects,” the report added.

In mathematics, the Philippines ranked sixth to the last and only fared better than Guatemala, El Salvador, Dominican Republic, Paraguay and Cambodia.

According to the report, 16 percent of Filipino students reached at least Level 2

proficiency in the subject, which was significantly less than the average across OECD countries.

It noted, however, that more than 85 percent of students in Singapore, Macao (China), Japan, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei and Estonia performed at this level or above.

A Level 2 proficiency means that at the very least, students could interpret and recognize how to mathematically represent a situation without direct instructions like comparing the total distance across two alternative routes, or converting prices into a different currency.

Ranking from bottom “Almost no students in the Philippines were top performers in mathematics, meaning that they attained Level 5 or 6 in the Pisa mathematics test (OECD average: 9 percent),” the report said.

On the other hand, six Asian countries and economies had the largest shares of top math performers: Singapore, 41 percent; Chinese Taipei, 32 percent; Macao (China), 29 percent; Hong Kong (China), 27 percent; Japan, 23 percent; and Korea, 23 percent.

Students who reach this proficiency are capable of modeling complex situations mathematically and can select, compare and evaluate appropriate problem-solving strategies for dealing with them, the report said.

In reading, the Philippines also ranked sixth to the last with an average score of 347, followed

by Kosovo (342), Jordan (342), Morocco (339), Uzbekistan (336) and Cambodia (329).

Only 24 percent of Filipino students attained Level 2 or higher in reading, which was just a third of the OECD average of 74 percent.

“At a minimum, these students can identify the main idea in a text of moderate length, find information based on explicit, though sometimes complex criteria, and can reflect on the purpose and form of texts when explicitly directed to do so,” the report said.

It added that the share of 15-year-old learners who reached the minimum level of reading proficiency varied globally from 89 percent in Singapore to 8 percent in Cambodia.

In science, the Philippines ranked third to last with an average score of 356 points, followed by Uzbekistan with 355 and Cambodia, 347.

Almost one-fourth or 23 percent of Filipino students who took the test attained Level 2 or higher in science, which is, again, significantly lower than the OECD average of 76 percent.

“At a minimum, these students can recognize the correct explanation for familiar scientific phenomena and can use such knowledge to identify, in simple cases, whether a conclusion is valid based on the data provided,” the report said.

The dismal performance of the Philippines in the 2018 Pisa prompted DepEd to address issues and challenges in attaining quality basic education in the

For the 2022 assessment, the Philippines ranked sixth to the last in reading and mathematics while in science, it ranked third to the last among 81 countries.

Inquirer.net photo

country.

The agency, under then Education Secretary Leonor Briones, decided to lead “aggressive reforms” such as the review and updating of the K-12 curriculum, improvement of learning facilities, and upskilling and reskilling of teachers and school heads through professional development programs. 

‘Sinking SM MOA fake news’

by FRANCIS EARL CUETO ManilaTimes.net

THE Pasay City local government branded as "fake news" messages and social media posts claiming that the SM Mall of Asia will collapse due to its alleged damaged foundation.

In a statement in Filipino, the local government also warned the public against spreading the news.

In separate statements, the city government and the management of SM MOA warned

the public against spreading such messages on social media, where shoppers are discouraged from going to the mall.

A part of the message quoted an engineer saying that he and his colleagues were summoned by management because the foundation underneath had been damaged, causing water from Manila Bay to seep through the structure.

It likewise claimed that the pumping system was the only mechanism forcing the water from the mall back to Manila

Bay. They said that the mall buildings could collapse if the pumps malfunction.

But SM MOA, in its statement, assured the public that "the foundation of the SM Mall of Asia Complex is built on concrete piles that reach the bedrock and will withstand extreme situations," it said.

It added that "rigorous annual checks were being conducted on the mall and its surrounding buildings for "strength and durability." 

A8 DECEMBER 9-12, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 9-12, 2023 B1

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

Saturday, DECEMBER 9, 2023

Asian Journal

WKND

LIFESTYLE CO N S U M E R G U I D E COMMUNIT Y MARKETPLACE

Atty. Gurfinkel answers more immigration questions from Kapamilya in Woodside, New York, on Citizen Pinoy

LEADING U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel returns to Kabayan Bistro at Little Manila along Roosevelt Avenue in Woodside, New York, to answer more questions from our Kapamilya.

• When Aurora became a U.S. citizen, she petitioned her two sons, who were already over 21 years old. She wants to know how long they

must wait for their visas.

• Ed has been a green card holder for more than 40 years. He wants to know what he needs to do to bring his grandchild to the U.S. • Rose petitioned her son in 2009. According to the National Visa Center (NVC), her son is in line for his medical and visa interview. Rose PAGE B2

Bea calls out cheaters to stop

by Kristofer Purnell

KAPAMILYA IN WOODSIDE, QUEENS, NEW YORK, GET ANSWERS TO THEIR IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS FROM LEADING U.S. IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL ON PART 2 OF ‘YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT.’ Atty. Gurfinkel (right) answers the following questions – From Rose (left): I petitioned my son in 2009. The National Visa Center (NVC) says he is in line for his medical and visa interview. Can I now include my grandchildren in my petition?; From Ed (2nd from left): I have been a green card holder for over 40 years now. How can I bring my grandchild to the U.S.?; From Aurora (3rd from left): When I became a U.S. citizen, I petitioned my two sons, who were already over 21 years old. How long do we have to wait for their visas? Stay tuned for the answers to these questions and more from Kapamilya in Woodside, Queens, New York, on Part 2 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, December 10 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

Philstar.com

ACTRESS Bea Alonzo had a direct message for individuals cheating on their partners, and appeared to make a subtle dig at an ex.

Bea appeared on an episode of fellow actress Ivana Alawi’s YouTube channel, where the two participated in a question & answer mukbang feasting on a king crab. It was the first time they collaborated for content.

One of the questions asked

by Ivana’s sister, former child actress Mona, who behind the camera, were Bea and Ivana’s messages for cheaters.

“Tigilan na nila ‘yan. It’s so 2020... charot pala, 2019!” Bea joked. “Doon tayo sa mabait.”

Prior to her engagement with actor Dominic Roque, Bea’s last relationship was with actor Gerald Anderson, whom she broke up with in 2019.

Gerald later got into a relationship with Julia Barretto, who broke up with another

Daniel does storytelling, gift-giving days after split with Kathryn

By Kathleen a. llemit Philstar.com

Bea Alonzo: ‘I am at my happiest now!’

actor Joshua Garcia also in 2019; interestingly, Gerald and Ivana starred in the 2022 series “A Family Affair.”

“Ako, wala kayong mapapala.

You’re never going to be happy in life,” said Ivana, leading to

Philstar.com photo

the two actresses discussing the topic of karma.

In the same video, Ivana admitted that she is seeing someone and is happy about their current relationship status. g

ACTOR Daniel Padilla’s latest update after his much-talkedabout split from actress Kathryn Bernardo was a reading session with kids and young cancer patients.

His talent agency, Star Magic, posted on Instagram a clip where he is seen reading for the kids. He was accompanied by his sisters, Magui and Carmella.

Daniel was reading a story PAGE B2 Singer-actor Daniel Padilla

Philstar.com photo

B2 DECEMBER 9-12, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Andrea grants first interview but mum on KathNiel issue

by CHRISTINA ALPAD ManilaTimes.net

Ed (left) with Atty. Gurfinkel

Rose (left) with Atty. Gurfinkel

Atty. Gurfinkel answers more immigration...

PAGE B1 wants to know if she can include her many new grandchildren in her petition for her son.

Atty.

Gurfinkel answers these questions in the second installment of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in Woodside in Queens, New York. Watch this encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, December 10 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)

Aurora (left) with Atty. Gurfinkel

FOR the first time since netizens linked her to the break-up between Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, popularly known as KathNiel, Andrea Brillantes granted a media interview, but chose not to address the issue.

In the TV newscast “Frontline Pilipinas” aired on Thursday, December 7, Brillantes talked to MJ Marfori for the promotion of her ongoing prime time drama, “Senior High.”

The young actress, however, wasn’t able to evade the question regarding the controversial split.

“Di pa puwede mag-stop.

Ang dami pa akong kailangan gawin in life. Madami pa akong kailangan bayaran (I can’t stop [working]. I still have so many things to do, and so many bills to pay),” she answered when asked how she was holding up.

Seemingly unaffected by the accusations, Brillantes instead went on to describe the lessons she learned in portraying her

feisty character Sky in Senior High.

“Siya yung laging palaban, siya yung laging sumusugod pero doon mo rin maaaral na hindi dapat sumusugod, dapat nag i-i-strategize ka rin and pino-process mo muna ang emotions mo (She’s the fighter but I learned from her that you should also strategize and process your emotions for any battle),” Brillantes said.

Meanwhile, Padilla was also spotted in his first public appearance since the muchtalked about breakup.

On December 6, Padilla was seen with sisters, Magui and Carmella, spending time with orphans and young cancer patients. They led the storytelling and gift giving activities organized by the “House of Treasures.”

Bernardo and Padilla announced on November 30 that they have ended their 11year off-screen romance but did not mention the cause of the Andrea Brillantes Photo from Instagram/@blythe separation. 

Jimmy Bondoc passes 2023 Bar

By KATHLEEN A. LLEMIT Philstar.com

SINGER Jimmy Bondoc is among the passers at this year’s Bar examinations.

Born James Patrick Romero Bondoc, the singer is among the 3,812 passers out of the 10,387 examinees.

The singer is known for the hit ballad “Let Me Be The One.” In recent years, he was appointed to several positions in Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), including vice president for corporate social responsibility, assistant vice president of the Entertainment Department, and member of the board of directors.

Bondoc posted about his recent feat on his Facebook

Jimmy Bondoc

Philstar.com photo

account.

“Nasa Aromata lang po kami the whole day, to praise God and to celebrate friendship.

EVERYONE is welcome. 3pm to midnight, drinks, prayers, laughter. Glory to God and God alone,” he wrote. 

Reggae singer Kokoi Baldo dies after road accident

By ANNE PASAJOL Inquirer.net

REGGAE singer Kokoi Baldo, one of the finalists of “The Voice Philippines Season 2” in 2015, died after figuring in a vehicular accident in Bacolod on Friday, Dec. 8.

“It is with a heavy heart to inform the public, especially the fans, that Kokoi Baldo has passed

Kokoi Baldo

away earlier this morning,” his wife, Sam, announced through the singer’s official Facebook page.

“We kindly ask for privacy during this hard time in respect to his family and friends,” she requested, adding that updates on Baldo’s death will be shared through his page. “He will be missed, loved and forever in our hearts.”

Photo from Facebook/Litratiks via Kokoi Baldo Official

In a separate post, Sam appealed to the public to refrain from sharing photos from the accident. “I am humbly asking everyone to take down the posts pertaining to my husband, Kokoi Baldo’s accident scene as it is already causing distress to our entire family.”

Baldo’s “The Voice” coach, singer-actress Sarah Geronimo, paid tribute to the reggae singer via her Instagram page.

“Maraming salamat at ibinahagi mo sa amin ang talento mo sa musika.. Marami po akong natutunan sa inyo lalo na ang prinsipyo niyo sa buhay,” Geronimo wrote. “Maraming salamat Sir Kokoi. May your soul rest in God’s presence.”

(Thank you for sharing with us your talent in music. I learned a lot from you, especially your principle in life. Thank you so much, Sir Kokoi. May your soul rest in God’s presence.)

Aside from his “The Voice” stint, Baldo—who was dubbed by his fans as the “Philippines’ Bob Marley”—also won the ABSCBN reality competition “Your Moment” along with his rock reggae band Juan Gapang. 

Daniel does storytelling, gift-giving...

PAGE B1 about Jesus, his parents, Joseph and Mary and the beginnings of Christmas.

“A heartwarming Christmas surprise from the ‘Supreme Idol’ and sibs!” wrote Star Magic on the caption. “Daniel Padilla and sisters, Magui and Carmella, made orphans and young cancer patients smile with storytelling and gift giving organized by the ‘House of Treasures.’”

It was not made clear when the event took place, but it was uploaded on Star Magic’s

Instagram account on Thursday, December 7.

He has not posted on his own personal Instagram about the charity event. His last post was his confirmation last November 30 that he and Kathryn have broken up after 11 years.

It came just seconds after Kathryn posted her own confirmation on her own Instagram account.

Kathryn, meanwhile, has been receiving praises for her new look. She posted about her ginger hair just days after their confirmed breakup. 

Calendar events DECEMBER DECEMBER 19

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

of

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 9-12, 2023 B3

B4 DECEMBER 9-12, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From Bombs to Bounties Falling Like Rain Rupert Ouano’s altruistic endeavors led to him becoming the first-ever recipient from Cebu, Philippines in history of the prestigious Knight Grand Cross Medal of the Royal Order of Cambodia.

In September 2023 at the request of King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia both Rupert Ouano and Grace Mercado Ouano were honored to receive the Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Cambodia, which was presented by the Cambodian Ambassador during a special ceremony at the

United Nations in New York City.

Nominated by King Sihamoni, the Cambodian Prime Minister confirmed Rupert was to receive this highest humanitarian award for all the work he is doing in Cambodia on behalf of the Cambodian people. Since 2012, Rupert has been helping a Cambodian village rise out of poverty. In accepting this award, Rupert stated that “working with the villagers has been one of the happiest and most fulfilling experiences of his life.”

Now, Rupert plans to apply what he has learned in

rebuilding a village in Cambodia to creating a village in remote, impoverished, rural areas in the Philippines. He first plans to offer his help to Barangay Punta Engano in Mactan, Cebu for livelihood sustenance, literacy improvement, and access to health care. Rupert’s vision is to also enhance tourism without causing any displacement of villagers by introducing a unique approach that involves tourists in a cultural immersion experience, ensuring the community’s well-being and preserving their way of life.

Rupert Ouano RN has a story to tell.

by RupeRt OuanO PRELUDE: In an official visit on September 6, 2016, to Laos, which was the host of the 49th ASEAN conference (Turning Vision into Reality for a Dynamic Asian Community) , then President Barack Obama in his speech mentioned that “over nine years from 1964 to 1973, the United States dropped more than two million tons of bombs here in Laos (which bordered Cambodia and Vietnam) – more than we dropped on Germany and Japan combined during all of World War ll. As one Laotian said, the ‘Bombs Fell Like Rain’.

Villages and entire valleys were obliterated. The ancient Plain of Jars (a valley that shared borders with Cambodia) was devastated.

Countless civilians were killed.

That conflict was another reminder that, whatever the cause, whatever our intentions, war inflicts a terrible toll especially on innocent men, women, and children. Today, I stand with you in acknowledging the suffering and sacrifices on all sides of that conflict. These are the values that guide us.

And this is the partnership that America offers across the Asia Pacific. Respect for your sovereignty. Security and peace through cooperation. Investment in the health of children.

Education for students. Support for entrepreneurs. Development and trade that creates jobs for all of us and protects our environment. A commitment of rights and dignity that is borne out of our common humanity.”

On September 11, 2016, as I lay on my bed in Siem Reap, Cambodia, I wrote, “From September 6 to September 8, 2016, it rained heavily in Vientiane, Laos. It rained from early morning sunrise, to briefly stop in midday and then rain again at night. What a somber feeling to remind us of that fateful day in 1969 when bombs were dropped by the U.S. Air Force on the Plain of Jars in the province of Phonsavan, Laos.

As I lay sleeping, the raindrops falling in the eaves and on the roof of my dwelling, eerie sounds and thunder would wake me up.

Looking into the skies I saw no clear clouds, only ominous dark silhouettes of gray. A swift wind arises and I see a little clearing

in the sky. One streak of a bright ray of sun passes by, but this is all I need to open my eyes to see a dream not of bombs but of bounties falling like rain to wipe my tears.”

THE BEGINNING: Five years before President Obama’s speech, I was already in Cambodia where I initially volunteered as an American citizen for an NGO called FRIENDS WITHOUT BORDERS with a special mission at the Angkor Hospital for Children, Siem Reap. What started as a supposedly only two-week stint brought me to Cambodia for another span of 7 years flying from Los Angeles to Siem Reap once every quarter.

My greatest challenge: How to unravel Cambodia’s root cause of poverty, pave my way through understanding the foundation of Cambodia’s basic societal element, which is the family, and how families build villages, how villages make up the towns, and how towns develop into provinces, with the provinces making up the whole country.

Undeniably there was a looming poverty problem in Cambodia, and poverty still currently reigns in Cambodia where in 2012 the minimum wage for an unskilled laborer hovered around $2 a day or $60 a month. But that is going to change MY CALLING: I was only 53 years old when I ventured into a new world.

Strong, adventurous and ready to take the challenge. On January 8, 2018, seven years have passed since that day in 2011 when I set foot on foreign soil. Who could have known that a trip meant for 2 weeks would stretch for 7 years and is still continuing. My last travel to Cambodia was in September of 2018 after which I returned to my full time work as an RN in a nursing rehabilitation long term care facility in Sylmar, California. Then, Covid19 hit the U.S. in March of 2020. I have not traveled since then until December of 2022 to celebrate my wife’s birthday in the capital city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The seven years I spent in Cambodia were the happiest time in my life.

MY MESSAGE: On October 29, 2016, I wrote to the U.S. Embassy Phnom

Penh, Cambodia that “I have witnessed the enthusiasm of the Cambodian youth in their involvement in nation building, built on nationalistic pride coupled with an historical fervor of the past struggles of their forefathers who have equally dreamed of a peaceful and progressive Cambodia.

Town hall meetings like these with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Daniel R. Russel confirms the United States of America’s approach in nation development based on the premise that a nation can only progress from within by sustained educational initiatives, leadership training, advancement in opportunities, and opening the doors to liberal ideas with the welfare of the common people in mind.

The United States of America believes in a systems approach in problem solving, exchange of ideas, debates in current issues, with a unified thought to ensure that the voices of the common masses are heard. It is only then that guarantees for equality in access to information and equality in participation based on the democratic process of decision making, policy formulation, and enforcement of policies are altruistic of the voice of the people, investing in the goodness and potential of people, tapping their talents, and honing in their beliefs of equity, honesty, industriousness, talent, respect for their fellow man, Godliness, and resourcefulness will bring this country together to greatness. A blank check in the form of foreign aid is ephemeral while a core of values ingrained in an enlightened populace will last and continue to sustain a country far beyond than greatness. Congratulations Cambodia, you are in the right track, and you will be great again if not greater than any other nation on earth today.”

THE PROMISE: General elections were held in Cambodia last July 23, 2023, to elect the current Prime Minister, Dr. Hun Manet, the son of Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, the retiring Prime Minister. Dr. Hun Manet’s speech before the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2023, revolved around this year’s theme: “Rebuilding trust

and reigniting global solidarity; accelerating action on the 2030 agenda and its sustainable development goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all.” These tasks have already begun, and barely two months into Prime Minister Dr. Hun Manet’s leadership he has been making significant progress boosting local employment and improved living standards, although he is the first to acknowledge much more needs to be done. Cambodia ranks in the lower bracket of GDP among the Southeast Asian countries (Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Burma, Laos, Timor Leste).

In 2016, a group of more than 250 “Grade A” young Cambodians passed the National High School Exam making them eligible to attend college in Cambodia or the United States under the Education USA Cambodia program. The United States believes the future of Cambodia lies in a well-educated population who can share their talents and expertise in strengthening the core of society, which is the local community. Educational

aids, leadership training, and skills development have been proven to be the most sustainable solutions in nation building. The Women in Public Service Project, the Harpswell Foundation, and the Pannasastra University are focused 0n opening the doors for women by providing workshops on critical thinking, leadership, ethics, and public service and focusing on opportunity, equality, and access for all Cambodian women.

MY JOURNEY: My journey to Cambodia began on December 10, 2011, while anticipating a two-week stay in the cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap and then returning to Los Angeles on December 23 in time for Christmas eve. My final destination was Angkor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap.

My first encounter with a native Cambodian (Khmer) was a tuktuk driver with a freelance tuktuk (motorized rickshaw) who spoke English and was waiting for passengers at the airport. He was also my first tourist guide.

He acquainted me with Angkor Vat, Bayon Temple, and the Temple of the Elephants (where the movie Tomb Raiders was filmed). The first Khmer words I learned were “Niam Tuk “ (drink water) and “Niam Bai” (eat rice).

Angkor Vat Temple was vast, impressive, and the carved frescoes in sandstone were perfectly executed, a feat impossible to follow at a time in 900 AD when hand tools were crude and scarce.

Bayon Temple was more impressive with massive Buddha heads positioned on terraced platforms, facing in all directions and pointing to the skies. The Temple of the Elephants was at a commune ruled by King Jayavarman. Each trail led to a cordoned quarter walled by massive granite blocks in a geometric pattern like a block of Legos, defying gravity without the support of steel bars or cement to hold the blocks together.

MY MISSION: In December of 2016, I was introduced by Vanda to the Chief of Police of a thriving village of 50 households located in the foothills of Khulen Mountain, which is about 50 kilometers northeast of Siem Reap City.

The Chief of Police, whom I respectfully called “Bong Proh,” was also the village captain, a

farmer, a peacemaker, a law enforcer, an entrepreneur, and most importantly the fundraiser for an upcoming temple to be built in the village. I was called to donate funds and to quell a looming threat to the villagers from a Chinese investor who wanted to purchase the whole tract of land of about 100 hectares on the right side of the road facing Khulen Mountain.

This land had boundaries and titles taken from a GPS locator and signed by the Ministry of Land. To quell such fears I and Vanda bought 50 hectares of the land at $1 per sq meter or $10,000 per hectare to block the Chinese investor from buying the land. On the 50 hectares that I donated to the villagers we were able to build a wooden Khmer house for their school teachers, a villager’s waiting shed, cultivate 20 hectares of the land for a cassava plantation, build a monk’s quarters with communal toilet and baths, expand the temple, and build a playground for the school children. Two tanks of about 2,500 gallons of fresh drinking water holding capacity were erected by the school building so villagers no longer need to walk for miles to access clean water. The school was composed of 6 rooms, which can house a total of 100 children, and was named the H.E. Prime Minister Hun Sen Elementary School in honor of the Cambodian Prime Minster.

The village has grown from 50 households to 1,000 households as of today and plans to expand structures to house a farmer’s market and a basic medical dispensary for the sick while they wait for transport to a provincial hospital.

On October 3, 2015, I wrote on my Facebook page: “Words of wisdom I learned from working in a village. Things that were not taught in school, I learned in a village. The greatest wisdom I have gained from learning as I seek to teach, the greatest joy I have sought, from sharing as I seek to give, and the greatest love I have found as I seek to help. For what does it matter for man to live if he has only lived a few and not a lifetime. To live a lifetime is to live the fullest, out of bounds, out of the cube, out of this box, out of this world, but into the realm of God’s heavenly word.”

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 9-12, 2023 B5

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

Advent: A call to conversion Pastor’s Notes ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas The overarching message of Advent is one of hope. However, hope can only emerge through the commitment and willingness of individuals to change their ways, to undergo a deeper conversion of the heart that enables them to embrace generosity, love, and forgiveness.

Therefore, a significant theme of Advent is the conversion of hearts. This conversion entails viewing the arrival of something new with excitement and joy — a new way of life, a new expression of being a part of the Church, a new understanding of what it means to be a Christian, priest, or minister. Conversion is focused on encountering the One who is coming, wherein sins are forgiven, and a people who have been affected by their wrongdoing are made new again. It signifies new life, fresh perspectives, and the emergence of new possibilities and opportunities.

The First Reading from the Book of Isaiah portrays God speaking about the need to comfort His people, describing forthcoming developments as if they are already taking place in the present moment. He calls upon them to imagine the things that are yet to come — to live as if they are already saved, to live in anticipation of the promises. With

the human imagination sparked by the assurance of the God, we can grasp the future becoming a reality in the present.

God invites His people to envision valleys being filled, mountains and hills being leveled, rugged lands being made smooth, and rough territories being broadened.

Those involved in the restoration of these highways and challenging terrains are urged to act as if the restoration has already begun. They are to herald the processions of victorious kings into the city, even though they themselves have not yet witnessed such events. What they possess is the word of the prophet, whose message asserts that future occurrences are already accomplished in the present.

This notion is exemplified in the Gospel of this Sunday (December 10), where John the Baptist baptized throngs of people in the Jordan River, proclaiming, “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.” John demonstrates the anticipation of something greater, even as he partakes in baptism, knowing that he plays a role in preparing the way for the one who is to come.

The call to conversion and its promise have profound implications for us in the present day. It encourages us to maintain a positive outlook and to envision the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. It reminds us that hope can emerge with renewed vigor, even when faced with

what may seem like impossible situations.

Pope Francis, in his book “Let us Dream,” echoes this message of hope specifically in the context of the pandemic. He highlights that from this crisis, we have the potential to either regress or to create something new. It is an invitation to change, to make room for the emergence of new ideas, new ways of living, and new solutions. Pope Francis references the words of God to Isaiah, emphasizing the importance of being open to dialogue and ready to listen in order to forge a great future. He cautions that refusing to listen and change may lead to negative consequences.

Therefore, the call to conversion of hearts holds the promise of joy and peace. By examining our inner selves and making necessary changes, we can remove the rough edges from our hearts and minds, creating space to welcome Jesus, who is heralded as the Prince of Peace.

This conversion allows us to align our lives more closely with the teachings of Christ, embracing love, forgiveness, and generosity.

Through this transformation, we can experience a deep sense of joy and inner peace, not only during Advent but throughout our journey as Christians.. *** 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.

Vanessa Hudgens, Cole Tucker wed in Mexican jungle

by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

FILIPINA American actress Vanessa Hudgens and professional baseball player Cole Tucker have tied the knot after three years together.

Photos of the couple in Mexico, with Vanessa in a white dress, spread online and some media sources said they had wed last December 2.

It was later confirmed that

Vanessa and Cole had a private wedding at the Azulik City of Arts in Tulum, situated in the Mexican jungle.

“I felt like I was transported to some kind of utopia, unlike anything I had ever been to before. It was whimsical and magical, and I just fell in love,” Vanessa told Vogue Weddings magazine.

Vanessa wore a custom ivory Vera Wang Haute cowl-neck slip dress with a plunging back

and a matching veil that had “Mrs. T December 2nd, 2023” embroidered in gothic font.

Cole wore a Me by Canali offwhite double-breasted wool jacket with tan trousers.

The bridesmaids all wore bronze dresses. At the wedding reception, Vanessa changed to a custom-made strapless ivory A-line gown with lace and a silk mousseline.

“I put it on, and I was like, PAGE B7

$3 million jury award for caregiver misclassified as independent contractor Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights atty. C. Joe sayas, JR. CAMILE Almada worked as a caregiver for elderly clients assigned to her by her employer, Heaven Heights. However, Ms. Almada was treated and paid as an independent contractor, which meant that she was not paid overtime or given the other benefits and protections guaranteed to employees under California law. When she complained to Heaven Heights, she was berated and fired.

Recently, a Riverside County jury awarded Ms. Almada $3 million in damages for the retaliatory firing.

After 2 years of working as a caregiver for Heaven Heights, Ms. Almada began to suspect that she was misclassified as an independent contractor. When she complained to Heaven Heights’ owner, Ms. Almada was told that she could not return to work for her elderly client.

In a series of very aggressive text messages, Heaven Heights then terminated Ms. Almada’s employment.

The circumstances of her firing strongly suggested that the decision to terminate was made in direct retaliation for her complaining about being

misclassified as an independent contractor. She filed a lawsuit alleging unlawful retaliation, wrongful termination and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Employment laws applicable in California make it illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who complain of violations of the wage-andhour laws. For example, under California Labor Code Section 1102.5(b), it is unlawful for “an employer, or any person acting on behalf of the employer,” to “retaliate against an employee” for complaining to a person with authority over the employee about “violation[s] of [a] state or federal statute,” including wage-and-hour statutes defining who may or may not be properly classified as an independent contractor.

Under Section 15(a)(3) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers are expressly prohibited from retaliating against employees for filing any complaint, or instituting or causing to be instituted any proceeding under or related to wage-and-hour rights.

If an employee prevails on a claim for unlawful retaliation, he or she may be awarded monetary compensation for lost wages and benefits, as well as for any emotional distress you suffered as a result of the unlawful retaliation. In addition, the court is authorized to award attorneys’ fees and litigation

costs the employee may have incurred in successfully bringing the claim, so that the employer is ordered to pay those fees.

In the case of caregiver Camile Almada, a Riverside County jury awarded $3 million in damages for the unlawful retaliation she suffered, including $2 million for her emotional distress damages alone. The award provides a stark warning to employers who unlawfully retaliate against employees who are simply seeking a fair enforcement of the rights guaranteed to them, and all employees, by California law. *** 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, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.]

(Advertising Supplement)

Why Matteo’s ‘Penduko’ stunts didn’t worry Sarah Geronimo

By AllAn PolicArPio Inquirer.net

LIKE the Filipino comic book hero Pedro Penduko who draws power from a magical amulet, Matteo Guidicelli wears items he believes bring him energy like a gold necklace with a crucifix, miraculous medal, South Sea pearl pendants and an Italian talisman called the cornetto.

However, Matteo didn’t get to bring with him his ultimate lucky charm in his recent round-

table interview for his upcoming film, “Penduko.”

“The real agimat is back home, my wife Sarah (Geronimo),” he said, laughing.

Perhaps their fans would be so lucky to see them work on an acting project again?

“It all depends on our boss, Vic (del Rosario Jr., Viva Entertainment chair). Sarah is particular about the projects she does and what she likes.

She believes in representing Filipino culture and art. She wants original songs and music,” Matteo PAGE B7

B6 DECEMBER 9-12, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

4 ways filing for divorce can benefit your immigration case Barrister’s Corner ATTY. KENNETH URSUA REYES COUPLES get divorced for various reasons. California is a no fault state. The reasons why a couple is getting divorced are often irrelevant to the issues of the family law case. Divorce is often a difficult and negative experience for most families.

However, getting divorce may have some unintended benefits in the immigration law arena.

Four situations in which filing for divorce can be beneficial to your immigration case are as follows: 1.

Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens If you were petitioned for legal permanent residence by your U.S. citizen parent as a married son or daughter 21 years old or over, you are classified in immigration law under family sponsored third preference (F3) which usually carries a long wait time. The wait time for Filipinos for example is currently 22 years.

The priority date is normally the date the petition was initially filed by your U.S. citizen parents.

If you get divorced, you revert back to single status and your category automatically becomes reclassified to first preference (F1) where the waiting time is substantially shorter.

For example, for Filipinos the wait time under F1 category is 10 years shorter than F3 category.

This means if your parents filed your immigration petition 12 years ago, then you can adjust to a green card now instead of waiting another 10 years.

2.

Married sons and daughters of legal permanent residents If your parents are legal permanent residents, getting divorced will convert you back single status making you eligible to be petitioned by your legal permanent resident parents under the family based second preference (F2b) category if you are 21 years old or older or under the family based second preference A (F2a) if you are under 21 years of age.

EMPLOYMENT

For those who married after they were petitioned by their LPR parents (F2A and F2B), the petition is automatically revoked under operation of law the moment you get married and cannot be reclaimed by a divorce.

In theory, it can be argued that filing a subsequent petition after your divorce under the same category inherits the previous petition’s priority date under 9 FAM 42.43 N10 and 8 CFR 204.2(h), Part 205. However, success of such argument is not clear since the old petition was automatically revoked the moment you married. The best thing that can be done in this situation is to have your LPR parent repetition you as an F2A or F2b even if you are unable to reclaim the previous petition’s priority date.

3.

Conditional legal permanent residents in failed marriages For those who obtained their legal permanent residence status through marriage based petition by their U.S. citizen spouse of less than 2 years marriage, the legal permanent residence status conferred is usually a “conditional legal permanent residence” valid only for 2 years. The couple would need to sign and file a joint petition to remove this condition prior to the expiration of the 2 years or the conditional legal permanent resident spouse would fall out of status.

The problem arises when the marriage is in trouble. Often it becomes difficult to obtain the cooperation of the U.S. citizen spouse specially when the couple has separated. U.S. citizen spouse often refuse to sign the I-751 for or appear at the I-751 interview if one is set by the USCIS. Filing for divorce would terminate the marriage and allow you to file a “waiver” of the joint petition to remove the conditional LPR status based on entering into the marriage in good faith. Terminating the marriage by filing a divorce is a requirement in order to file the “waiver.” It is important to time this correctly as soon as the marriage starts falling apart because by terminating the marriage early on, you might be able to file the waiver before the expiration of your 2 year

conditional LPR thus allowing you to extend your LPR status in 1 year increments until a final decision is made in your case.

4. Married aliens in nonimmigrant visas and those without status For those who enter the U.S. as a non-immigrant and are separated from their spouse but still married, filing a divorce would open up opportunities in case they meet a new significant other who is a U.S. citizen and who can petition them as an immediate relative.

This is usually the fastest of process in obtaining legal permanent residence. In countries such as the Philippines where there is no divorce, many people come to the U.S. to start a new life after they have been separated from their old spouse (often still married to them). Even if the alien over stays their status as a visitor, the alien can still adjust to that of a legal permanent residence if petitioned by a U.S. citizen spouse.

If the alien was never inspected, the alien can still adjust to legal permanent residence if they are grandfathered under INA 245(i) and there are no special restrictions on their status. To be grandfathered under INA 245(i), the alien must have been a beneficiary of a legal permanent residence petition filed no later than April 30, 2001.

Finally, a common concern of divorcing immigrants is “What happens if my spouse refuses to sign the divorce papers?” The truth is you do not need your spouse’s signature to obtain a divorce in California. You only need to provide your spouse notice that you filed a divorce by personally serving your spouse the divorce petition and summons.

In countries that are members of the Hague Convention, special procedures need to be followed to effect service. So yes it is possible to divorce your spouse even if your spouse is in a country that does not recognize divorce among its citizens such as the Philippines.

For some immigrants, filing for divorce opens up opportunities in this land of milk and honey. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

The article is intended to provide only

EMPLOYMENT

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

Removing the conditions of your permanent residence without your petitioning spouse’s participation Legal Advice ATTY. DARRICK TAN A PERSON who obtains his/ her green card via marriage to a U.S. citizen spouse, and who is married for less than 2 years has conditional permanent resident status. A conditional permanent resident has a green card that is valid for 2 years.

In order to continue to have permanent resident status after 2 years, the conditional permanent resident and his/her U.S. citizen spouse must file an I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence during the 90 days before the expiration of the green card. 8 CFR 216.4(a)(1) But what if things don’t work out with the U.S. citizen spouse after getting married, and the conditional permanent resident can no longer get the participation of his/her U.S. citizen spouse in filing the I-751 petition? In such a case, the conditional permanent resident may seek an I-751 waiver of the joint filing requirement. In order to qualify for an I-751 waiver of the joint filing requirement, the conditional permanent resident must show that the marriage upon which his/her status was based was: 1) entered into in good faith, and 2) terminated. 8 CFR 216.5(a)(1)(ii) With respect to the required showing that the marriage was entered into in good faith, the conditional permanent resident

must show that his/her marriage was not a “sham.” A marriage is considered a “sham” if, when they married, the couple did not intend to establish a life together.

An intent to obtain something other than or in addition to love and companionship (such as a green card) from that life does not make a marriage a sham.

Matter of Soltan, A76 888 125 (BIA 2001). Documents such as joint bank and credit card statements, and photos that demonstrate that the marriage was entered in good faith should be presented.

Also, in order to qualify for an

An I-751 waiver of the joint filing requirement cannot be approved in cases where the conditional permanent resident is legally separated or in divorce proceedings that are still pending.

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.

I-751 waiver of the joint filing requirement, the conditional permanent resident must show that the marriage was terminated. By “terminated,” the USCIS requires a valid, formal divorce judgment.

An I-751 waiver of the joint filing requirement cannot be approved in cases where the conditional permanent resident is legally separated or in divorce proceedings that *** 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

EMPLOYMENT

FOR RENT

are still pending. Also, once the marriage is terminated, the conditional resident may file the I-751 petition immediately, and does not have to wait until the normal 90 days before the expiration of the conditional green card.

It is worth noting that if the conditional permanent resident and his/her U.S. Citizen spouse live in California, a valid divorce judgment must be obtained in the California courts. I have had numerous Californiaresident clients in the past who have obtained a “quick” divorce judgment in Nevada only to face USCIS scrutiny after presenting the Nevada divorce judgment in support of an I-751 waiver request (since one must be a Nevada resident to obtain a divorce in Nevada). The assistance of an experienced attorney in handling the divorce as well as the I-751 waiver request is accordingly recommended. *** 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. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles (CAALA), and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association (PABA).

LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: 323-639-0277.

Email: info@dtanlaw.com (Advertising Supplement) 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.

(Advertising Supplement)

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 9-12, 2023 B7

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

Why Matteo’s ‘Penduko’ stunts didn’t worry Sarah...

Composite image shows talent manager Annabelle Rama (right) and showbiz couple Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati (left).

Philstar.com photos

Annabelle Rama reveals amid RichardSarah split rumors

By Kathleen a. llemit Philstar.com

TALENT manager Annabelle Rama set showbiz fans and observers on alert as she revealed that her son, actor Richard Gutierrez has been staying with her for a month now.

The feisty talent manager revealed to ABS-CBN News entertainment reporter MJ Felipe that Richard’s sons are also with the actor. “’Di pa ko pwede magsalita, pero sasabihin ko sa’yo si Richard nasa akin ngayon,” Rama said on Thursday, December 7.

Breakup rumors between Richard and his wife, actress Sarah Lahbati surfaced this year when the couple were not seen together in parties and functions.

Last October, Richard walked the red carpet alone at the Star Magic Ball. He also went solo at his twin brother, Mond’s Opulence Halloween Ball, where many of the Gutierrez family members were in attendance.

Last month, Sarah made news when she cut her into a bob from her usual long waves.

The couple has not addressed any of the split rumors that resurfaced this year.

They are parents to two sons. g

Vanessa Hudgens wed Cole Tucker in Mexico last December 2.

Photos from Instagram/@vanessahudgens

Vanessa Hudgens...

PAGE B5 ‘It’s perfect. It’s easy, it’s simple, and it’s chic,” Vanessa said of her dress. “It was exactly what I wanted, but we obviously had to spruce it up a little and add some extra love to it so that it was special, just for me.”

The actress called it the most magical weekend of her life, especially upon seeing her loved ones come together to celebrate her and Cole.

“Literally talking about it right now, I’m getting teary-

eyed. I couldn’t have dreamt it to be any better. I knew it was going to be magical, but it exceeded my expectations,” Vanessa ended.

The wedding ceremony was officated by author Jay Shetty, the former monk who hosted the Zoom meditation where Vanessa and Cole first met in 2020.

Cole reportedly proposed to Vanessa during the latter part of 2022, and the two confirmed their engagement last February. g

PAGE B5 said. “But working together is something I’m open to.”

Asked if starting their own family is also part of their conversation, Matteo told the Inquirer that it is one of their priorities. “At the end of the day, my priority is my wife and family, and that’s part of the plan,” the 33-year-old star related. “But we can’t plan too hard, because it’s God who gives us his blessings. We just hope for the best and do what we have to do.”

Case in point: “Penduko,” a modern retelling of National Artist Francisco V. Coching’s iconic folk hero Pedro Penduko, was first conceptualized about four years ago with James Reid in mind. After injuries forced James to pull out of the project, Matteo was tapped to step in.

But due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and other unforeseen factors, the movie had to be shelved. For a while, Viva was unsure whether to stick with the original plan or turn it into a television series. Because of a stroke of luck, it ended up becoming an entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), which starts on Dec. 25.“It’s all about timing. How can you say no to this kind of project? It almost didn’t happen because of several factors, but this only goes to show that sometimes you can’t really force things.

They will inevitably fall into place. You just have to be ready. When the doors open, you have to be able to get in,” Matteo said. “It’s when you’re too impatient that things don’t materialize.”

True enough, he didn’t have to think twice when the role was offered to him.

The physicality of the role didn’t daunt him because Matteo has always been athletic.

“Aside from the physical aspect, you also have to be ready mentally, emotionally and spiritually. You don’t know when these blessings will come your way. If you say no to something, you might not get a second chance … And so, I make sure I train every

Matteo Guidicelli

Photo courtesy of Viva Films

day. I try to strengthen my faith, be a good person and do my best,” he said.

Natural As one would expect from a Penduko reboot, the upcoming movie, directed by Jason Paul Laxamana, will be filled with magic and action-packed set pieces. And in such high-octane scenes, Matteo—a former kart racer, adrenaline junkie and Army reservist—is a natural.

“We were put in different difficult situations, but it was natural for me. I didn’t have to pretend or try to be something else.

I just had to remember my training, so that everything else comes out subconsciously,” said Matteo, who dropped from 175 to 160 lbs. for the movie. “They wanted me to be leaner and more agile. I couldn’t be too buff.”

The fight scenes, choreographed by mixed martial artist Erwin Tagle, showcase Filipino disciplines like “arnis” and other local handto-hand and knife combat methods.

“For one week, we locked ourselves up in a beautiful studio where we did nothing

but fight scenes. There were no injuries save for bruises there and there, but that’s part of it. Erwin did a brilliant job. We trained for months before we shot our scenes to make sure everything went smoothly,” he said.

Well, good thing Sarah wasn’t too worried about Matteo doing his own stunts. “‘Di naman. She knows that that’s what I want.

She knows I love what I’m doing. I love putting myself in uncomfortable, dangerous situations. But it all came out nicely. I hope the fans get to see the rush and intensity of our work,” he said.

Something new While he did watch clips of past Pedro Penduko adaptations with Ramon Zamora, Janno Gibbs and Matt Evans, Matteo intentionally avoided watching them in full, so as to not influence his own portrayal.

“Direk Jason Paul created a new story that reflects what’s happening in the world today in the age of social and digital media.

And he interlaced that with Filipino culture and tradition. So, I had to come up with something new,” he said.

“I was a bit worried that I would end up mimicking previous portrayals. I wanted to go in with a fresh slate,” added Matteo, who described his approach to the character as relaxed and subdued, but with occasional moments of childlike joy and energy.

He had to do a bit of comedy, but nothing too drastic. “We did it in a way that was natural for me. In terms of acting, I dissected my script with Ruby Ruiz (acting coach and award-winning actress). She really helped me with it and was very patient with me. I just wanted to be prepared in every way,” he said.

While other entries or actors are worried about awards or box-office success, Matteo just hopes he can give viewers a fun and exciting experience in the cinemas. “I’m nervous because this is my first MMFF film.

I don’t want to expect too much. But I know the movie will be great,” he said. g

B8 DECEMBER 9-12, 2023 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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