HONTIVEROS

PH, SoKor to continue working together vs. Covid-19, terrorism

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines and South Korea will continue working together in responding to various challenges and threats, Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said on Wednesday.

“Our love for our countries, families, ways of life, and democracy will keep the lessons of the Korean War contemporary. Against Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), terrorism, or even calamities, our great veterans will remind us to be resilient, and win together with other members of the community of nations,” Sobejana said during the commemoration of the 21st Korean War Veterans of the Philippines Memorial Day and the 46th anniversary of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) Veterans' Association, Inc. The occasion was observed through a wreath-laying ceremony at the Korean War Memorial Pylon, Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Army spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala said in a statement.

Sobejana led the commemoration honoring the PEFTOK's gallantry and service in the Korean War in 1950 where five battalion combat teams fought in a foreign land alongside United Nations forces to aid South Korea against invading communist forces.

Meanwhile, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man expressed Seoul's gratitude to the contribution and sacrifices of the Filipino veterans whose service led to the freedom of the Republic of Korea.

“Korea will not enjoy democracy without the contribution and sacrifice of Filipino and Korean veterans. Today, on Remembrance Day, we remember their sacrifice, valor, dedication, devotion, and contribution for the freedom of Korea and the world,” he said.

Han also shared the message of President Rodrigo Duterte to South Korean President Moon Jae-in, saying the Philippines will forever stand with Korea to defend freedom.

Sobejana also acknowledged and extended his gratitude to the Filipino veterans of the Korean War for their bravery that led to their victory in the battles of Yultong and Eerie Hill.

“Today, we are again given the privilege to honor the deeds of our predecessors, savor their continuing tradition of valor, and celebrate freedom with our South Korean ally. To our veterans, your courage earned not only the admiration of many nations but raised the pride of our own. Your triumph in the Battle of Yultong somehow reminds us that we have already been a world-class Army all along," he added. (MNS)

DNA confirms bombers in Jolo twin blasts were Asians — police

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The suicide bombers who had caused the August 24 deadly explosions in Jolo, Sulu were two female Asians, a police official said on Thursday.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Kris Conrad Gutierrez, spokesperson of the special investigation task group looking into the blasts, said that the results of the DNA tests did not determine whether the bombers were Filipinos. "'Yung result po ng DNA doon sa dalawang accordingly na suicide bombers ay both Asian female. Ang DNA po kasi ay nagbabased sa evidence, 'yung evidence po na nakalap natin based on the Crime Lab ay sila po ay Asian female," Gutierrez said in a phone interview. "Hindi po madetermine ng Crime Lab natin kasi race lang po ang puwede nating madetermine. It's either Asian o Caucasian, 'yun ang puwede nating madetermine," he added.

Gutierrez further said the age of the suicide bombers were also not determined by the Crime Laboratory.

It was also found out that the bombers in the recent explosions have no blood relation with the perpetrators of the Jolo Cathedral bombing last January 27, 2019, the police official noted. "According din naman po sa kanila, mayroon silang standard, 'yung nangyari doon sa Cathedral, there is no blood relation between doon sa nangyari sa recent bombing and doon sa Cathedral bombers. Ibig sabihin, hindi po sila magkamag-anak o magkapatid," Gutierrez said.

Earlier, Western Mindanao Command chief Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr. said the suicide bombers were Tausugs based on the accounts of witnesses.

Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana said one of the suspected suicide bombers was the wife of Norman Lasuca, the first Filipino suicide bomber, while the other one was possibly the wife of Abu Talha, an ISIS liaison to the Abu Sayyaf Group.

Meanwhile, Gutierrez said pipe bombs were used in the explosions that claimed the lives of 15 individuals and wounded more than 70 others. "Based on the statement na binigay naman po ng mga investigator at 'yun pong sa Crime Lab, we found out na ang composition na may IED o improvised explosive device is ammonium nitrate fuel oil... 'yung type po ng IED is pipe bomb..." Gutierrez said.

Raps filed

According to Gutierrez, criminal complaints have already been lodged against at least 20 individuals for supposedly perpetrating the two bomb attacks. He, however, refused to disclose their names as operations are still ongoing to locate the suspects. "We filed cases [before] the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor last September 4. We filed 15 cases sa first blast and then 14 cases sa second blast. Unfortunately, we cannot divulge the names of the suspects because of the ongoing follow-up operations against them," Gutierrez said.

Without naming the suspects, Gutierrez said most of those slapped with raps are members of the Abu Sayyaf Group while for the others, police are still checking their affiliations. "Definitely, some of them are ASG members pero tinitingnan pa rin po natin 'yung affiliation ng ibang personalities," Gutierrez said. "Kung ganito kadami, hindi lang namin malaman, baka iisa rin lang naman 'to. Sila-sila lang din ang nagplano, maybe 15 personality, sila lang 'yung nagplano ng una, ng pangalawa," he added.

Gutierrez also said a tricycle driver, who allegedly transported one of the suicide bombers to the site of explosion, is now being considered as a person of interest. "Nagvoluntary surrender po itong ating tricycle driver at iniimbestigahan na po ng Jolo MPS. Inaalam pa po natin kung siya ba ay wala talagang kinalaman..." Gutierrez said.

The military had said Mundi Sawadjaan was the mastermind of the twin bombings as well as the previous attacks in Sulu province. Contrary to reports that he is in Zamboanga province, Vinluan has said he is still in Patikul. (MNS)

DOJ reopens probe on Pimentel quarantine breach case

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has reopened the case against Senator Aquino "Koko" Pimentel III arising from an alleged violation of quarantine rules in March.

In an order dated Sept. 9 and released on Thursday, Assistant State Prosecutor Wendell Bendoval asked Pimentel and the complainant in the case, lawyer Rico Paolo R. Quicho to submit a comment on the report of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on the incident by Sept. 21.

The NBI memorandum report dated August 24 was received by prosecutors on Sept. 4 and included a copy of the incident report by Dr. Saturnino Javier of the Makati Medical Center (MMC).

Bendoval, in reopening the case, said it was needed in line with the DOJ's "policy of admitting all evidence that could assist in the judicious resolution of complaints."

Last July, the case against Pimentel was already up for resolution by prosecutors after the parties completed the submission of their respective pleadings.

In his counter-affidavit, Pimentel said the complaint against him "is fatally defective" and "is based principally on news reports. "Considering (complainant) Atty. (Rico) Quicho's lack of personal knowledge, I am being charged based on mere hearsay," the lawmaker added, referring to the copies of online news reports attached by Quicho in his complaint.

The DOJ is evaluating the complaint filed by Quicho against Pimentel for alleged violation of Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act and three Department of Health issuances -- Memorandum Circular No. 2020-0090, Advisory No. 2 and DOH Circular No. 2020-0080, concerning quarantine measures implemented due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

The MMC earlier said Pimentel breached its infection and containment protocols when he went to the hospital with his wife who was about to give birth through cesarean section.

The hospital said Pimentel's visit "unduly exposed healthcare workers to possible infection" after it was found out that he tested positive for Covid-19 on March 25.

(MNS)

HONTIVeROS... fROM PAge 1

encourage them to stay for local employment.

Citing data from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Hontiveros said the salary for entry level nurses in the Philippines ranges from P8,000 to P13,500. "Hindi pwedeng pipigilan natin silang umalis, pero hindi natin sila bibigyan ng dahilan para mag-stay," Hontiveros said. "Kung naaalagaan ang kapakanan nila, hindi na kailangan ng deployment ban sa mga susunod na taon. Mas mapapalakas din natin ang ating pampublikong kalusugan dahil mas maraming health workers ang pipiliing manatili sa bansa," she added.

Last July 17, the DBM issued Budget Circular 2020-4, upgrading the entry level salaries of government nurses from Salary Grade 11 to Salary Grade 15—amounting to around P32,000.

Hontiveros further said that the P13.5 billion allocated for the hiring of additional health workers and provision of additional benefits for them under the Bayanihan 2 bill shall not be used as a justification for the Philippine government to hinder the deployment of those who opt to work abroad.

Earlier this month, seven nurses bound for UK had reportedly been prevented from leaving the country because their visas were issued after March 8, though their contracts were signed before that date.

The Bureau of Immigration later cleared them for departure after consulting with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) over an "ambiguity" in its advisory on exemptions to a deployment ban of overseas healthcare workers.

According to POEA's Advisory No. 47-A issued June 2, the following healthcare workers are allowed to leave for their overseas employment: returning workers with OEC exemption certificates, new hires with contracts signed before March 8 and with OECs, and seafarers who were previously hired as doctors and nurses and will be deployed by the same licensed manning agency.

Senator Joel Villanueva, chairperson of the Senate committee on labor, said misunderstandings like this should immediately be clarified by the DOLE.

Like Senator Nancy Binay, he is also for the lifting of the deployment ban on healthcare workers, stressing the need to balance the regulation with realities on the ground.

On Tuesday, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said he is looking on the possibility of also exempting nurses who have completed their requirements as of August 21 from the overseas deployment ban. (MNS)

Consumer confi dence to pick up if infections go down — Concepcion

PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP JOEY CONCEPCION

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Consumer confidence can be restored if people see a continuing decrease in the number of COVID-19 infections, Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said Wednesday.

Concepcion underscored the need to continue measures aimed at preventing the spread of the virus such as aggressive testing and localized lockdowns.

“Confidence will come back only if the people see that the infection goes down. But if the infection continues to rise, then what do you expect? Maski ako hindi ako lalabas kasi delikado,” he said.

“If they are seeing na ‘yung infection natin nag-iimprove, they have to spend. Kasi kung hindi sila gagastos, they will not buy products, they will not eat in

DOF chief Dominguez expects P2.5T gov't revenues this year amid COVID-19 pandemic

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III on Wednesday said the government projects a total of P2.5 trillion revenue collection this year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a Senate budget hearing, Dominguez said the revenue collection from January to July 2020 amounted to 1.69 trillion.

The total government tax and non-tax revenue projection of P2.5 trillion for 2020, equivalent to 13.4% of the country's gross domestic product, is lower than the P3.1 trillion collected in 2019.

Dominguez said this is expected to slightly pick up to P2.7 trillion in 2021 as the economy starts to recover.

Government revenues are projected to further increase in 2022, pegged at P3 trillion.

Dominguez said the drop in revenues in 2020 and increase in government spending to meet the challenges posed by the pandemic "pushed the fiscal deficit to P700.6 million" which was six times higher than what was incurred during the same period in 2019, he added. "Our deficit to GDP ratio is projected to reach 9.6% at the end of 2020 as the government spends more to beef up our health system and provide relief," he told senators.

The deficit to GDP ratio is seen to improve to 8.5% in 2021 and 7.2% in 2022. "We aim to keep our deficit below or at the median of our ASEAN neighbors and credit rating peers so that we can continue to access financing on highly concessional terms on behalf of the Filipino people," he added.

Dominguez maintained that the strong fiscal position with restaurants, then the economy cannot the cooperation of the general public in also move.” following the minimum public health An expert from the University of the standards. It also urged the people not Philippines earlier said Metro Manila to be complacent. and Calabarzon had flattened the curve “The enemy that is COVID-19 is still after the reproduction number in the two in our midst, and unless a cure or vacregions dropped below 1. cine has been made available, we must The reproduction number refers to continue to remain vigilant and observe the average number of people that one health protocols, such as wearing of COVID-19 patient can infect. masks/face shields, washing of hands President Rodrigo Duterte also ac- and maintaining a physical distance,” knowledged the development, telling presidential spokesperson Harry Roque the nation on Monday that “there's a Jr. said. (MNS) flattening of cases.” Malacañang, meanwhile, No fund for COVID-19 cash aid under thanked the med- proposed 2021 budget — DBM chief Avisado ical frontliners, private sector, and MANILA (Mabuhay) — There will be no appropriations for around 18 million households earlier this year, and another the social amelioration pro- P6 billion under the proposed gram (SAP) or more common- Bayanihan 2 were provided ly known as "ayuda" under because of the lockdowns the proposed P4.5 trillion na- that hampered many Filipitional budget for 2021, Budget nos from working. Secretary Wendel Avisado "For next year, we're hopsaid Wednesday. ing that we can go back to the During a Senate budget regular programs of DSWD. hearing, Minority Leader That is the reason why there is Franklin Drilon asked why no provision for SAP for next there is no allocation for the year," Avisado said. emergency cash aid when the Further, he said the govnumber of Filipino families ernment is also investing in that would go under the pov- infrastructure projects which FINANCE SECRETARY erty line is seen to increase have "multiplier effect" in CARLOS DOMINGUEZ III because of the COVID-19 generating jobs and would pandemic. facilitate more sustainable in"For 2021, we only have reg- terventions to uplift the ecowhich the Philippines entered ular programs for the DSWD," nomic situation of Filipinos. 2020 has made it better prepared Avisado said. He added that this is better than at any point in recent his- "We're looking at the im- than merely giving dole-outs. tory for difficult times, such as provement in the economy In response, Drilon said he the COVID-19 pandemic. and the opportunity for peo- would further scrutinize the "The effects of this pandemic ple to be able to work already DSWD budget. would have been much worse and we still have the regular Under the proposed budget had it caught us in a weak fiscal programs, the 4Ps that will be for 2021, the DSWD gets position. Fortunately, when it continued," he added. P171.2 billion while P667.3 hit us, we had sufficient means He said the P200 billion billion was earmarked for the to fight the battle and ramp up budget for SAP under the Department of Public Works public spending," he said. (MNS) Bayanihan 1 law to benefit and Highways. (MNS)

Entertainment Liza Soberano vows to support retrenched Star Magic sta

Kapamilya star Liza Soberano vowed to support the future endeavours of retrenched staff of Star Magic, the talent management arm of ABS-CBN.

"First of all I just want to say thank you so much. Thank you for the friendship, for the guidance, for everything that you have done for the Star Magic family, for me and for Mr. M (Johnny Manahan) and Tita Mariole (Alberto). I know a lot of you guys are going through a really hard time right now and it just breaks my heart to think about it. But I just want you guys to know that there's always a rainbow after the storm as cliche as it may sound. It's true and this may all be part of God's big plan for all of us. And I just want to wish you guys nothing but the best," LIZA SOBERANO

Soberano said in a video message was shared by Star Magic executive Thess Gubi on Instagram.

"If you guys ever need support, I'm here to give it in any way or form. If you guys have new businesses that you guys are planning on opening up or new ventures that you guys are looking into, I want to show my 100% support all the way through just please let me know how to," she said.

Soberano also said that she is not losing hope that ABS-CBN will make a comeback. "I don't believe this is the end for all of us. I believe that ABS-CBN will one day come back stronger and better than ever and I believe that all of us will be together again," Soberano said.

Aside from Soberano, her fellow Star Magic artists Zanjoe Marudo and Enchong Dee also shared their messages for laid off employees of Star Magic.

Last Friday, August 28, thousands of employees spent their last day in ABS-CBN as a result of the company's retrenchment program, after its franchise application was killed by 70 lawmakers despite several government agencies clearing the network of supposed violations. (MNS)

JOSHUA GARCIA STILL HOPES TO CLEAR THE AIR WITH GERALD ANDERSON

MANILA (Mabuhay) — If there is someone he would want to have a no holds barred conversation with, Joshua Garcia said it would have to be Gerald Anderson.

“Siguro si Kuya Gerald, pero hindi online. Hindi ko kailangang i-online. Siya. Kasi na-realize ko nung quarantine, nung nag-lockdown, ang hirap, ang liit ng industriya namin. Ang hirap nung may ka-awkward-an,” he said.

According to Garcia, he already reached out to Anderson but the latter has yet to reply to him.

“Ang ginawa ko, tinext ko siya, sabi ko, ‘Bro, Joshua ito. Gusto ko lang maging honest, lahat.’ Tinext ko siya ng ganun, pero hindi pa siya nagre-reply,” he said.

Explaining why he wants to talk to him, Garcia said: “Para ma-clear lang 'yung air sa lahat ng nangyari.”

“Nahihirapan akong gumalaw, parang ganun 'yung feeling. 'Yun 'yung isa sa na-realize ko nung quarantine, nung lockdown. Ang hirap nung may ka-awkward-an ka. Nagka-issue kayo, ganyan,” he added.

Saying he has no more issues with Anderson, Garcia said he considers him his older brother especially because they have the same handler. GERALD ANDERSON JOSHUA GARCIA

“I'm being honest lang ha, kasi ako wala naman akong kaso sa kanya. Ako, sobrang cool na ako sa kanya. Ako, okay na ako sa kanya,” he said.

Garcia used to be in a relationship with Julia Barretto until they broke up mid-2019.

Later that year, Barretto was rumored to be the third party in Anderson’s relationship with Bea Alonzo, a matter which Anderson has already denied.

(MNS)

Bailey May marks third year with pop group Now United

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Bailey May is celebrating his third anniversary as a member of global pop group Now United.

The former "Pinoy Big Brother" housemate on Tuesday took to Instagram to express his gratitude for being part of the group, which was formed by Simon Fuller, who famously created the reality TV grateful for everything thats happened in the past 3 years," May wrote in the caption. "Thank you to Simon Fuller for giving me this amazing opportunity and most of all so grateful to you guys for your kindness, love and unconditional support. I’m very proud to be representing my country in Now United. The best is yet to come," May added.

Now United is an "interactive pop group for the new generation" composed of "incredible young performers from all over the world."

May, who is half-British, fi rst became known on the Internet after covering OPM songs. (MNS)

Melai Cantiveros on marriage with Jason Francisco: 'Iwo-work out niyo talaga every day'

MELAI & JASON MANILA (Mabuhay) — Melai Cantiveros revealed her marriage with Jason Francisco is going strong although they also go through some bumps just like any other couple.

In fact, Cantiveros said that they had a big fi ght at the beginning of the lockdown that left them not talking to each other for days.

Sharing what happened, the TV host said: “Nung unang month kasi, hindi kami naggo-grocery sa amin. Sa loob lang talaga kami ng bahay. Ang nago-grocery sa amin, 'yung guard namin, pinapakiusapan namin. Para safe talaga kami.”

“Dumating 'yung time na kailangan talaga niyang asikasuhin 'yung mga [bagay] and pwede na lumabas. Ako takot ako kasi hindi ka pa marunong. Kapag lumabas ka, dapat alcohol ka bago ka humawak sa mata. Napunta na sa trust issue. So ako naman, kapag dadaldal na siya, magwo-walk out na ako,” she added.

Cantiveros said their fi ght was aggravated when Francisco told her that he would be needing the help of his personal assistant to settle some work matters.

“Nagalit ako. ‘Huwag ka na personal assistant kasi papapasukin pa dito.’ 'Yung personal assistant niya, kaibigan niya din. Nagtampo siya. Ako naman, pakinggan mo ako kasi para sa kabutihan [natin ito]. Grabe ang sigawan dito,” she said.

Despite this, Cantiveros said both of them came around and that’s when they talked about their misunderstanding.

“Tahimik kami mga one week, hindi kami nag-iimikan. Hanggang sa bigla na lang siyang may kailangan sa akin tapos bigla din akong may kailangan sa kanya. Nag-usap na lang kami. Doon na kami nag-usap after one week na, wala na kaming galit sa isa’t isa. Nung nag-usap na kami, okay na,” she said.

Cantiveros said it is important for every couple to always choose to put their family as their top priority.

“Iwo-work out niyo talaga every day. Magkakaroon kayo ng understanding. I-choose niyo talaga ang isa’t isa kasi alam mong kailangan ng mga bata,” she said.

“Hindi ka na sarili mo lang ang iisipin mo. Kasi nung kayong dalawa pa lang, ‘Ayaw ko, ayaw ko.’ Pero ngayon, lagi mong iisipin ang mga bata kasi kapag nag-away kayo, maghahanap sa papa nila. Ito pa namang dalawa, papa’s girl,” she said.

Having said this, Cantiveros is certain she and Francisco can overcome any obstacles that may come their way. (MNS)

Settle down? KC Concepcion focuses on working on herself fi rst

Unlike her mother and grandmother, KC Concepcion revealed she can never imagine herself as a politician’s wife.

Concepcion said she’s having trouble thinking that she would be settling with someone in politics because that’s not the life she wants for herself.

“I have trouble thinking that I would be with a politician and be a politician’s wife. I have trouble with that. I don’t know if that’s the life that I want. But I’m sure it’s a wonderful life. My mother is a politician’s wife. My grandmother is a politician’s wife. I think that’s wonderful for the women that are in it. I just don’t know that’s it for me,” she said.

Saying she would love a “very global life,” Concepcion shared what she’s actually looking for in a partner.

“I see myself as a global Filipina. I’m still very much Filipina. Fluent ako sa Tagalog, fluent din ako sa English. Mahal ko din 'yung culture natin but at the same time… I would like to be with someone na hindi lang Pilipinas ang mundo niya. Or maybe hindi nga siya taga-dito baka taga ibang bansa pa,” she said.

For Concepcion, it is ideal to have somebody that “helps me build at the same time that he’s building, somebody that will help me also explore and see the world.”

Despite saying this, Concepcion made it clear that her current focus is working on herself fi rst.

“I was never ready in my 20s to really settle down talaga. Hindi talaga 'yun ang hanap ko. I thought when I hit 30 that I would be ready. That I would be ‘Okay, Aly (Borromeo) is it’ nung time na 'yun. I thought everyone was it ‘di ba? And then parang mare-realize mo na ako pala 'yung hindi ready din,” she said.

Concepcion said she is really trying to be “independent outside of all the relationships I’ve been with.”

“It’s fun to make your life and your days revolve around a guy. But at the end of the day, the guy will only want to be with you however interesting your life is,” she said.

“Wherever, however happy you are with your life will be what he gets. More than ‘I want this or I want that. I don’t want this, I don’t want that.’ No. What kind of life do I want? What kind of life do I want to share? So that when the guy enters frame, maganda 'yung eksena na papasukan niya,” she added. (MNS) KC CONCEPCION

KIM CHIU TO STAY A KAPAMILYA

McCoy de Leon signs up with Viva

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Actor McCoy de Leon is the latest ABSCBN artist to make a career move amid the crisis besetting the network.

De Leon, 25, was a Star Magic artist for almost a decade. He announced on Friday that he is now under contract with Viva Artists Agency.

“Na-realize ko na hindi lahat nabibigyan ng opportunity,” de Leon said during the media conference welcoming him as a Viva talent. “Wala naman masama kung i-grab ko ‘yung opportunity.”

Signing up with Viva, de Leon clarified, doesn’t necessarily mean leaving ABS-CBN. It is possible he will still be seen in more projects with the Kapamilya network.

“ABS-CBN will always be my home. That will remain with me for the rest of my life,” de Leon said.

Under Star Magic, de Leon McCOY DE LEON

appeared in several TV series, notably “The Good Son” wherein he was among the lead stars. He was also part of the dance group Hashtags on “It’s Showtime,” and formed half of the “McLisse” tandem with Elisse Joson.

The love team starred in the 2019 fi lm “Sakaling Maging Tayo.” De Leon was most recently seen on the big screen via Star Cinema’s “Block Z.”

“Family,” was de Leon’s answer, when asked what he will miss most about being part of Star Magic. In fact, his handlers in the talent agency understood his decision to transfer to Viva.

“Sabi lang nila sa akin na, ‘Sige lang, mag-grow ka lang soar high,’” de Leon said.

With ABS-CBN no longer able to broadcast on free television, Star Magic is looking to expand its reach by having talents star in projects outside the network. Formerly, Star Magic artists were exclusive to ABS-CBN.

“I guess this is also the time for everyone to connect with one another since we’re doing the same thing – to entertain the people, make them happy, and at the same time to have work,” de Leon said.

Noting that he is currently fi lming an ABS-CBN series, de Leon said he is open to the possibility of also working in other networks.

(MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Kim Chiu will remain a Kapamilya.

She was asked about whether she’s considering options outside ABS-CBN with her drama, “Love Thy Woman,” about to conclude.

“Sa ngayon, nasa Kapamilya network pa naman ako. …May ibinigay sa aking project that, of course, I am very happy to do. Still, Kapamilya,” the actress said, in a press conference for the fi nale week of “Love Thy Woman” held online.

The question hinged on the recent announcement of Star Magic head Johnny Manahan, who has encouraged their talents to explore opportunities elsewhere, after ABS-CBN was denied a franchise. This included possible work for rival networks GMA-7 and TV5.

Chiu said that she understands the jobs in their industry are limited at the moment, given also the pandemic. “Binibigyan lang din kami ng chance kasi ‘yung iba wala namang work. On my side, sobrang lucky ako that ABS still [gives] me projects para manatili sa Kapamilya network.”

KIM CHIU

She begged off detailing her next project, though she said that one of them will be with Xian Lim. “Malapit na rin kaming magsimula so it’s a surprise to all our solid supporters,” she teased.

Chiu and Lim are part of “Love Thy Woman,” which is set to conclude this week.

(MNS)

Julia Barretto wants to play mistress in Pinoy version of 'World of Married Couple'

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Actress Julia Barretto said that she wants to play the role of Yeo Da Kyung, the mistress turned wife, if ever they do a Filipino version of the hit South Korean series "A World of Married Couple."

In a television interview, Barretto admitted that she's a fan of "everything Korean." "'A World of the Married Couple.' If you guys have seen that. It’s one of the best in the world. I want do something like that,” Barretto said.

“But I want to be Da Kyung, the young girl. If you've seen it you would know. She's the young girl there, she's so pretty," she added.

Da Kyung was portrayed by Korean actress Han So-hee.

Aside from Korean dramas, Barretto also revealed that she's a fan of the K-pop group BLACKPINK. (MNS)

Ina Raymundo's daughter Erika Rae to join showbiz, signs with Cornerstone

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Erika Rae, the daughter of actress Ina Raymundo, is set to join show business.

Talent management agency Cornerstone Entertainment Inc. welcomed Erika Rae as its newest artist.

Erika is the eldest daughter of Raymundo and her husband Brian Poturnak.

On Instagram, Raymundo expressed support to her daughter as she shared ERIKA RAE the post of Cornerstone welcoming Erika Rae.

In a previous interview, Raymundo said that she won't stop her daughter from joining showbiz.

Erika has been widely praised for her beauty and sensual ap-