Weekend Balita- September 7, 2019

LOS ANGELES

ENTERTAINMENT

‘I am so very tired’

Sharon Cuneta mulls ‘semiretirement’ from showbiz

13 VOL. XXVIII NO. 36 LOS ANGELES

THE LEADING SOURCE OF NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR FELLOW FILIPINO-AMERICANS

September 7 - 13, 2019

Carson Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

tHe City of Carson presents the 5th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration with food and music on September 14.

The event is free and open to the public.

“Carson hosts this annual Hispanic Heritage Month event to sample the

richness and variety of Latin-American cultures. I hope that everybody enjoys the great food, the awesome music, the dancing, and all the wonderful festivities this event has to offer. This is becoming a tradition that not only families from Carson enjoy, but friends from all over the South Bay look forward to attending

every year,” said Carson Mayor Albert Robles.

National Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the contributions of Hispanic and Latino-Americans in the United States and celebrates the group’s heritage and culture and was formally recognized and established by an Act of Congress in 1988.

CARSON

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Learn about the dangers of E-cigarette use by youth

soUtH wHittier – The Community Resource Center (CRC) collaborated with Breathe LA to host The Vaping Trend: Clearing the Air, an educational workshop designed for local parents, educators, and community-based organizations working with local pre-teen/teens.

A second workshop entitled, Vaping Gone Viral – Teen Usage focused on awareness of nicotine addiction, health risks, and prompting discussion between parents, educators, a n d y o u t h o n t h e d a n ge r s o f e - c i g a r e t t e s LEARN

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Project Nicole L.A. debuts on Labor Day $1 MILLION HUD GRANT FOR

REMOVAL OF LEAD HAZARDS

tHe Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) joined the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), City of Long Beach Councilmember Al Austin, and Herlinda Chico representing the office of the Chair of the Board, Supervisor Janice Hahn to celebrate a $1 million Lead-Based Paint Capital Fund Grant awarded to the LACDA. LEARN

(From left to right) Filipino american artists namely mary grant, althea de guzman, Carlin James, oliver Carnay, (except for these last three guys) Juan Felipe restrepo, Brandol ruiz and alex Brown, enjoy their red carpet moment during the opening of the Project nicole L.a. Photo by katie ortiZ on Labor Day, the Project Nicole L.A., a full-service special events and entertainment marketing

company, debuts its services through a mixer titled: “LABOR DAY 4 Walls for All.” PROJECT NICOLE

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Alden Richards admits to being ‘frustrated with his chubby cheeks’ so he did something about it FULL story on Page 18

Who’s in

LA?

PAST and present members of the popular Filipino rock band Rivermaya: Mark Escueta, Nathan Azarcon, Mike Elgar and Perf de Castro are in downtown Los Angeles. The four pose in front Noypitz, an emerging chain of Filipino American bar and restaurant in LA and suburbs. PHOTO BY NOEL TY

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DEBUT ROLE FOR BROADWAY STAR EVA NOBLEZADA, STUNNING TALENT ‘Yellow Rose’ modern-day Western; study of immigration heartbreak

By LOUINN LOTA

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Carson, Calif. – In no ordinary story of a girl and her guitar, Broadway breakout Eva Noblezada stars in a modern-day Western, strumming heartstrings and stunning audience-goers with gut-wrenching authenticity in the 2019 feature film, “Yellow Rose.”

PHOTOS BY LYDIA V. SOLIS by the “don’t mess with Texas” honkytonk’s owner, played by television series “Friday Night Light’s” Libby Villari, and alt-country singer-songwriting star, Dale Watson. Rose’s sweet and “adorkable,” according to Paragas; boyfriend is played by Liam Booth. All create a world pulled from the headlines

“Why can’t a girl who loves country western music be Asian?” asked director Diane Paragas, in an audience meet-andgreet Aug. 15 after the film was shown at the Carson, California, Community Center. “And this is a film where there’s no perfect world or white savior.”

Noblezada, the 23-year-old FilAm actress, sang the lead role of Kim in the 2016 fi lmed production of Broadway’s “Miss Saigon,” for the musical’s 25th anniversary, performed live in London. She iÑigo Pascual with apl.de.ap took up the mantle of the original Kim, uralization Service. played by Lea Salonga. Salonga also now “ There’s no bad g uy appears in “Yellow Rose” as Rose’s sister, whose loyalties are torn between an Amer- here,” Paragas said of the ican husband, and her “TNT” tago-ng-tago ICE agents who raided the DireCtor Diane Paragas, 3rd from left, with cast, producers, mother and younger sibling hiding from ICE. fleabag motel where Rose and apl.de.ap It took director Diane Paragas 15 years to (Noblezada) and her mothbring “Yellow Rose” to the big screen. Par- er, played by Princess Punzalan, lived and of what’s happening right now at the U.S. southern agas, a transplant from the Philippines to worked. And later, the Austin, Texas, honky- border with Mexico.

“It doesn’t matter which side of this border issue Lubbock, Texas, sets the film in the clash be- tonk bar and stage where Rose and kitchen tween the Dreamers, undocumented youths worker Jose, played by “Walking Dead” actor you’re on. This film helps you experience what fambrought to the United States illegally by par- Gustavo Gomez, also encounter ICE agents, ilies go through during the separation, the lockup ents or others, but consider the America of to different ends. Gomez, was born in the and the deportation,” Paragas said.

For more information: www.yellowrosefilm.com their dreams their home country, and the United States, but spent his childhood in or email yellowrosefilm@gmail.com federal bureau of Immigration and Customs Mexico, in an ironic twist to his role.

Earlier in the evening, the National Federation of “The face of empathy can be the face of a Enforcement. Before it became part of the Filipino American Associations (NAFFAA) awarded U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ICE so-called enemy,” Paragas said.

Powerhouse performances were delivered performer apl.de.ap the Trailblazer Award for the was called the gentler Immigration and Natrap musician’s contribution to improve the lives of Filipino children. The singer, who is legally blind, has raised money for six retinal scan cameras to help detect eye diseases not seen during regular eye exams.

“I am lucky enough to be in the field that I love.

But what makes me tick are my projects for my Philippines,” apl.de.ap said. “They bring us together for the common goal, to help each other.”

two-time tony nominee eva noblezada

gUstaVo gomez and Princess Punzalan

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“LA Found” is now one-year-old

S

upervisor Janice Hahn today marked the one-year anniversary of the L.A. Found program by visiting Alex Vargas, a man with Alzheimer’s who is one of 12 people who have been found safely using the program.

With L.A. Found, LA County has distributed trackable wristbands to individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and autism so that they can be located if they wander away.

Wandering is a common problem associated with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and autism. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 60% of people with dementia will wander at some point while a study by the Interactive Autism Network found that 49% of children with autism will engage in wandering behavior. While most of these individuals are recovered, wandering cases can end in tragedy.

Supervisor Hahn launched the L.A. Found in September 2018 with the goal of finding people who wander and reuniting them with their families. It uses a system of voluntary, trackable bracelets provided by LA County to individuals with Alzheimer’s, autism, dementia, or another cognitive impairment that puts them at risk of wandering.

Each bracelet corresponds with a unique radio frequency. When a person wearing a bracelet goes missing, the LA County Sheriff’s Department Mental Evaluation Team can use a handheld receiver or receiver mounted on a helicopter to track the person’s location.

Since the program was launched, 12 people with bracelets have gone missing and all 12 were found safely using the LA Found program.

“I launched L.A. Found because I knew that we could find people, give families and caretakers some peace of mind, and ultimately save lives,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn.

“One year since it’s launch, we have been able to reunite 12 missing people with their families and provide peace of mind to families and caretakers across the County.”

The most recent save was of Alex Vargas. Alex is 75 and suffers from Alzheimer’s and is one of 358 people enrolled in the L.A. Found program. On August 11, 2019, Alex wandered away from a home he and his wife, Rose, were staying at in Long Beach.

The Sheriff’s department was able to activate his trackable bracelet and locate him shortly after 2 am.

“Realizing your husband with Alzheimer’s is missing from your home in the middle of the night was a terrifying experience for Rose," said Supervisor Hahn.

"But I am so grateful that through the L.A. Found program we were able to find Alex quickly and reunite him with his wife. This program works. If you have loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s, dementia, or autism, I encourage you to learn more about L.A. Found and see if it is right for your family.”

On the one-year anniversary of having launched L.A. Found, Supervisor Hahn went to the home of Alex and Rose Vargas in Rancho Palos Verdes with Kirk Moody.

Kirk Moody’s late-wife Nancy Paulikas disappearance in 2016 inspired the creation of the L.A. Found program. They were accompanied by the two LASD Search and Rescue officers who located Alex the night he went missing.

“The LA Found Program has given our family piece of mind in knowing that someone will be there to help my husband should he need it,” said Rose Vargas.

“It is difficult, and honestly impossible to be attentive to a person 24/7. This is and has been our safety net.

I helped find my husband when he wandered. We are forever grateful to all the individuals that were instrumental in developing this program!”

“LA Found is proving to be a tremendous benefit to at-risk adults and their caregivers in LA County,” said Kirk Moody.

“Supervisor Hahn and the board are to be commended for getting this program up and running in such a short time. We look forward to increasing the awareness of LA Found in the public's eye through additional interested entities - outside of county government - so that many more people can take advantage of it.”

The L.A. Found program is available to residents Countywide through law enforcement partnerships with the LA County Sheriff’s Department. If a person goes missing in a jurisdiction within the County not covered by the Sheriff’s Department, the local law enforcement agency contacts the Sheriff’s Department to activate the trackable wristband.

“To date, the entire LASD Mental Evaluation Team (34 field teams), LASD helicopter crews, and three Department Search & Rescue Teams have been trained in the use of locator equipment for Project Lifesaver

– the technology used to locate missing persons who are participating in the L.A. Found program in LA County,” said LA Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant John Gannon.

“LASD responds to help find missing persons in any of the 88 cities in the County when called upon 24 hours daily. Team members have had remarkable results in locating critical missing persons who were truly at risk due to wandering. We are certain several of our located patients may have otherwise suffered harm without the use of LA Found wristbands to find them. Two were in remote areas where they would not have otherwise been seen and at least one was lying down out of view, so traditional searches might have missed them. We highly support LA Found in the memory of Nancy Paulikas and the hope that no other family ever have to suffer like her husband Kirk. Our personnel have been inspired by Kirk and the leadership of Supervisor Hahn to bring this program to LA County, where it’s truly making a difference and saving lives!”

The Sheriff’s is aided through a partnership with Los Angeles County’s Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services (WDACS) Department and their dedicated LA Found unit.

WDACS was tasked with developing how LA Found can fit within the County and has worked closely with

their law enforcement partners in developing the protocol, working with families, distributing the bracelets, and ensuring that families are linked up to all of the resources they can be linked up with.

The collaboration has been so successful and unique that Project Lifesaver International asked that WDACS the LASD MET attend their annual conference, to provide an overview of LA FOUND, as well as share best practices and lessons learned with other cities and counties nationwide.

Congresswoman Judy Chu and Brandon Lee's cousin Lauren Quirarte during a press conference at the California-Pacific Conference Center of the United Methodist Church in Pasadena on Wednesday (September 4).

Beauty clinic opens in Harbor City. Philippine Consul General in Los Angeles Adelio Cruz and his wife Catherine pose with entrepreneurs Alexandria Germay M. Oxales and husband Jim Oxales, Carson City councilmember Jim Dear and Pastor Sonny Rivera shortly after the ceremonial ribbon cutting at the Neo Medical Centre, LLC located at 1403 Lomita Boulevard, Suite 307, Harbor City.

The said clinic offers primary care, medical easthetics, IV therapy, weight loss program, skin tightening and body sculpting and cosmetic surgery.

Photo by Tony Garcia

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ON THE ROAD AGAIN

I

hate flying. Hate it. I hate the feeling of being trapped 33,000 feet up in the air. Most people, though, would prefer to fly to get to their destination.

Coming to America has introduced me to road trips.

When Dave and I started our cross country drives, I fell in love with road trips. We would drive for 5 days from west to east. I think people should rediscover the beauty of going off the beaten path.

America is different things to different people. To me, it’s all the things I read and watched in tv shows. Just like most Filipinos, I grew up watching American TV. During the martial law era, we really didn’t have much choice.

My typical mornings would be The Waltons. Primetime would be Little House on the Prairie, Starsky and Hutch and Charlie’s Angels.

Our road trips made these TV shows come alive. The scenes on the road were unique experiences that can only happen on a long drive.

Traveling on i40 as we reached the border of New Mexico Texas, just ahead of us was a high speed chase, with Texas police and some out law. At the border were spike strips and we were asked to stop. The suspect vehicle rolled over and escalated to a shootout. After about an hour of wait, a helicopter landed to get the casualty. It was like watching CHIPS! I get to see in person, what my father read in The Na-

Community tional Geographic - red barns on country roads, people rafting along the Colorado River rapids or looking out for alligators along the alligator alley in Florida.

Mealtimes on the road are really fun. One of the first things I requested was to eat in a local diner - just like in the movies. Unexpected picnics in a rest area in the cornfields of Iowa just took my KFC bucket one notch higher. But eating hotdogs from truck stops, on the go, are just as fun when you are driving through colorful canyons.

Then of course, you witness evidence of power.

Seeing the naval boats and aircraft carrier in San Diego reminded me that I am in a superpower country. The Houston Space Center was another dynamite moment. The rocket space crafts, up close and personal, was awe inspiring.

In the four years I’ve been here, Dave and I have done at least ten cross country drives and I’ve kept these in mind: 1. Plan your route and look for points of interest.

We have done antiquing, Amish village, old western towns and the historical Route 66.

2. Have a good playlist. This is actually the perfect time to listen to America’s Ventura Highway.

3. Enjoy the rest areas. They are clean and well kept. Some rest areas offer free refreshments- even free souvenirs. In Lake Mead visitors center, they even have a small theater.

4. Enjoy even the gas stops. Long drives can be physically taxing. I make sure I walk around the gas station stores to stretch. I get interesting local souvenirs – like a crocodile claw back scratcher and the mandatory fridge magnets of each state.

In New Mexico I got a very nice Navajo rug that now hangs in our bedroom.

5. Try gas stations that caters to truckers. They usually have great food and better facilities.

6. Keep your eyes open for wonders along the drive. You’ll be surprised to catch a glimpse of wild horses running in the desert, deer, coyotes,

Saturday-Friday | September 7 - 13, 2019

alligators, eagles’ nest and wild turkeys.

7. There are long stretches that are monotonous – hundreds of miles of desert, mountains, and prairies. Use this time wisely. I do my nails, meditate, do face masks, write journals.

8. Take detours and do the small country roads.

I love looking at old farmhouses.

9. Finally, don’t play the gas gauge game. Once, we nearly ran out of gas crossing the desert. We had two seniors with us – my mom and my aunt and it was 118 degrees! Luckily, we made it to the only gas station within a hundred miles.

The vastness of America and its diversity must be the reason why a lot of Americans do not travel much outside their own country. There is so much to see within the comforts and safety of the borders.

Enough for a lifetime.

As the landscape changes, so does cultural personalities. The differences between Northerners, Southerners, Midwesterners, Easterners and Westerners are very distinct. Each group has a different accent to their speech as well.

Dave has criss-crossed America for years- but my curiosity and sense of wonder gave him new appreciation for the beauty around him.

Our multi-racial marriage has given us new eyes for our own countries. When we travel, Dave sees his country from my eyes and I see mine from his. This is what helps bridge the cultural divide we face.

As I travel, one thing strikes me most. It is the sense of patriotism and national pride of the people.

The American flag flies proudly in a lot of homes and business buildings. I have never a people so proud of its heritage. This, to me, is the real beauty of America.

LEAH DUDGEON is the Client Relationship Manager of GULDJIAN FASEL LAW Car Accident Attorneys. If you’ve been in a car accident and need help, tawag lang po kayo: (714) 5198214.

More educated moms, most likely to work T

By BRIAN KNOP

he “opt out” revolution of high-earning women exiting the labor force to have babies, widely publicized in the early 2000s, may have been overstated.

This phenomenon of opting out is actually not widespread.

Among women with a graduate or professional degree who gave birth in the past year, only 18.1% were not in the labor force, compared to 48.9% of women with a high school degree or less.

In fact, recently released historical fertility tables show an increase in labor force participation rates in the last decade among women ages 16 to 50 who gave birth within the last 12 months.

The Education Factor The increase in labor force par-

ticipation of women with a recent birth may be explained by trends in educational attainment: a growing share of women who have completed four or more years of college and people who are highly educated are more likely to be in the labor force.

Using data from the 2017 American Community Survey (ACS), the figure below explores the relationship between education and labor force participation among women with a recent birth.

The labor force is made up of the employed and unemployed. ACS respondents who were employed indicate whether they were at their

job or on leave (e.g., annual leave or parental leave) the previous week.

The unemployed are those who were jobless but actively searching for employment.

New Moms and Work While many women with a recent birth are in the labor force (employed and working, employed but on leave, or unemployed), there are educational differences in labor force participation within this group.

Highly educated women with a graduate or professional degree who gave birth recently are more likely to be employed — either working or on leave — and less likely to be unemployed or out of the labor force entirely, compared to all other women with a recent birth.

More than 4 out of 5 (81.9%) women with a graduate or professional degree who gave birth in the last 12 months were in the labor force: 71.2% were working, 9.2% were on leave, and 1.5% were unemployed.

Among women with a graduate or professional degree who gave birth in the past year, only 18.1% were not in the labor force, compared to 48.9% of women with a high school degree or less.

Among women with a bachelor’s degree who gave birth in the past year, 60.9% were employed and at work, 8.2% were employed but on leave, 2.3% were unemployed, and 28.6% were not in the labor force.

These findings show that most women with a recent birth are in the labor force — especially those with an advanced degree.

Brian Knop is a family demographer in the Census Bureau’s Fertility and Family Statistics Branch.

In remembrance of Fire Captain Ted Hall and Fire Fighter Specialist Arnie Quinones Ten years ago on Sunday, August 30, 2009, Fire Captain Ted Hall and Fire Fighter Specialist Arnie Quinones made the ultimate sacrifice when the vehicle they were driving tumbled 800 feet to the bottom of a canyon while battling the Station Fire, the largest wildland fire in the history of Los Angeles County.

It was a heavy day for our Department and one that continues to fill us with a profound sense of tragedy and sadness.

Today, and always, we have vowed to “Never Forget” Ted and Arnie’s dedication and commitment to wildland firefighting and acts of heroism in giving their all to protect the residents of Los Angeles County and their team members at Camp 16 that fateful day.

“Ted and Arnie were extraordinary firefighters, greatly respected by their peers and cherished by their families. They were steadfast in their dedication and commitment to this Department and will remain, true heroes, in every sense,” said Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby.

Earlier this week, on Wednesday, August 28th, we gathered and stood alongside the Hall and Quinones families, at a newly erected monument in Acton Park, to honor and celebrate the lives and careers of Ted and Arnie at a special memorial event.

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$1 MILLION... FROM PAGE 1

PROJECT NICOLE... FROM PAGE 1

The event was also supported by the offices of Congressman Alan Lowenthal and Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia.

“HUD is committed to protecting families from harmful exposure to lead in-and-around HUD-assisted housing,” said HUD Regional Administrator Christopher Patterson.

“To this end, we are proud to partner with the Los Angeles County Development Authority by deepening HUD’s investment in proven lead remediation solutions. The residents of the Carmelitos Public Housing Community and in public housing across Los Angeles County deserve nothing less.”

Overall, HUD is providing more than $28 million to 38 Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) in 25 states. These funds will target approximately 2,800 public housing units in the United States and help to identify and reduce leadbased paint hazards, provided through HUD’s Public Housing Capital Fund.

In Los Angeles County, the awarded funds will help rehabilitate the interior and exterior of units at the Carmelitos Public Housing Community. This will positively impact 194 children under the age of six living at this community.

“Throughout the years, the LACDA has taken aggressive measures to ensure that its properties are safe for our residents,” Monique King-Viehland, LACDA Executive Director, said. “We are honored to be one of the PHAs who received this grant so we can continue to maintain a healthy environment.”

The LACDA also plans to couple this grant with the 2019 Capital Fund Program Grant for full kitchen rehabilitations. So far, the LACDA is in its third phase of updates and has successfully completed 190 kitchens.

The Carmelitos Public Housing Community, which is owned and operated

by LACDA, has the historical distinction of being the first public housing development in Los Angeles County with 713 units.

The community provides innovative resident programs that further enhance the Long Beach community and its residents, including a community clinic, urban farm and community garden, senior and family community centers, family resource and learning centers, and a recreation center.

The red carpet event brought together members of the e nt e r t a i n ment industry, local residents of the Los Angeles community and international press to prov ide a nig ht of music, entertainment and charity.

It was held at the Innerspace L.A. at 110 Winston St, Los Angeles.

The celebrity-hosted media event will benefit The Downtown Women’s Center, as a portion o f t i c k e t s niCoLe Day, the event’s organizer poses with photographer katie ortiz.

Photo by tony garCia sales will go viewed live art hosted by The Happy to the said organization.

The Downtown Women’s Center Joy and listened to a live DJ Set by (DWC) is the only organization in DJ Palina La Diva.

Celebrity guest came, some of Los Angeles focused exclusively on serving and empowering women ex- them Filipino Americansand had the periencing homelessness and former- chance to network with Hollywood influencers and community leaders. ly homeless women.

The event was launched through Guests celebrated by sipping on champagne and hors d’oeuvres spon- partnership with Search to Involve sored by Kapoor’s Akbar. They also Pilipino Americans (SIPA).

LEARN... FROM PAGE 1 and vaping.

With more than three million youth in middle school and high school using e-cigarettes, the workshops delivered powerful messages regarding the need for education and action to stop a growing epidemic in our communities.

Nearly 30 participants joined the workshops to learn how to protect their families from this growing epidemic.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recently announced that more than 30% of Los Angeles County high school students have reported ever using e-cigarette products and 10% of high school students regularly use e-cigarette products according to the latest data from the 2017-18 California Student Tobacco Survey and the California Healthy Kids Survey. This is up from 6.4% last year.

Janice Hahn, Chair of the Board and Los Angeles County Fourth District Supervisor, who supports the CRC, stated, “The lack of awareness of the dangers of vaping and e-cigarettes is an increasing concern in our communities. While these products are often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, they involve the ingestion of nicotine and other harmful chemicals and metals into our children’s developing lungs and brains. We have to make sure our communities are more educated about the harm these products can do – especially when speaking to our children and young adults.”

The CRC, a project of the Los Angeles County Development Authority, is located at 10750 Laurel Avenue in South Whittier.

For information on services provided by the CRC, please call (562) 9462425, or visit the website at swcrc.org.

CARSON... FROM PAGE 1 The festivities will take place at the Carson Community Center from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. There will be non-stop entertainment on stage, including the Susie Hansen Latin Band and a special appearance by actress, choreographer, and novelist Eliana Alexander as the headliners.

The event will be hosted by comedian Ernie G. who is an empowerment comedian, corporate speaker, a mental health coach who teaches and trains in leadership, empowerment and purpose.

Playing lively Afro-Cuban salsa and Latin jazz, electric violinist and vocalist Susie Hansen has been a favorite for over twenty-five years.

Her ensemble, the Susie Hansen Latin Band, has performed to hundreds of thousands of people.

Susie and her band play familiar and traditional salsa in Spanish, many original salsa and Latin Jazz compositions, Latin-style interpretations of American jazz standards, Cuban charanga music, and great salsa and cha cha in

English. Their music also includes the popular Latin dance styles of cumbia, merengue and bolero. Susie has toured nationally with her band, and has personally appeared and/or recorded with Tito Puente, Orquesta Los Van Van, and many more. The band has opened for Los Lobos, Diane Schuur, Andy Montanez, and more.

Eliana Alexander is a multi-talented singer, dancer, and actress.

She pursued both dance and acting upon moving to L.A. from Mexico City. She opened EDGE performing arts center, Kids Dance LA, and LA Dance Force.

A l l t hree ent it ie s bec a me world-renown for training topnotch dancers and choreographers.

Her legacy continues to touch lives around the world through performance on camera that has earned her an Alma award and choreography that has earned her an Imagen Award.

For more information, please call Recreation and Human Services at (310) 835-0212 ext. 1467.

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Witness: Good conduct time allowance being sold by BuCor execs MANILA (UPDATE)—A witness on Thursday appeared at a Senate hearing and alleged that several Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officials and personnel sold “good conduct time allowance” for her husband who is imprisoned at New Bilibid Prison.

Yolanda Camelon told the Senate blue ribbon and justice committees that she shelled out P50,000 to a group led by Staff Sergeant Ramoncito Roque, who heads the BuCor’s documents division, in exchange for the early release of her husband.

“Iyung issue na GCTA, isa kami na naging biktima, nagpapatunay na mayroon talagang GCTA buying sa New Bilibid Prison,” Camelon said.

(On the issue on GCTA, I was one of the victims who can prove that GCTA is indeed being sold at the New Bilibid Prison.)

Camelon said it was Correctional Senior Inspector Maribel “Mabel” Bansil who approached her and told her that she could take advantage of the GCTA system to secure the freedom of her husband, who was set to walk free next month, at an earlier date.

She said Bansil told her she could pay the P50,000 in tranches. She made three payments in February, expecting her husband’s release in March.

Bansil then introduced Camelon to Roque and another BuCor personnel she identified as Veronica Buno.

Camelon said it was at Roque’s house where she handed an initial P10,000 payment, before she paid P20,000 twice on separate occasions.

Camelon also met with Ruperto Traya Jr., a chief administrative officer 3 at the BuCor's inmate document processing division, during the course of her supposed negotiation with Roque’s group.

Traya was killed on August 27.

Camelon added it was also through Bansil that she learned of the threats to Traya’s life.

“Huwag kayong mag-alala kay Traya, kasi meron na siyang death threat, papatayin na ’yan,” Camelon quoted Bansil as saying.

(Don't worry about Traya because he already has death threats. He will be killed soon.)

Camelon said she has no personal knowledge of the extent of Traya’s involvement, if at all, in the alleged GCTA-for-sale scheme.

But she said several families of Biilibid prisoners admitted transacting with Roque and Bansil’s group.

DEAL BROKEN But Camelon said the BuCor officials’ promised March release for her husband did not take place.

It was pushed to June, but nothing happened, too, until the controversy involving alleged abuses in the GCTA system became public in August.

When Camelon tried to get the money back from Roque and Bansil, she said they passed the responsibility of returning the cash to one another.

Camelon said her husband, who is imprisoned at Bilibid’s minimum security compound, told her that Bansil warned him over their insistence to get the P50,000 back.

“Ang sabi sa kanya, ‘Konting halaga hinahabol niyo samantalang ang iba P300,000 ang binigay di naghahabol,’” Camelon said.

(She said, ‘You want such a small amount returned to you when those who paid P300,000 don’t bother anymore.’)

Roque, who was incidentally at the Senate when Camelon appeared at the hearing, denied Camelon’s allegations against him.

“Hindi po namin magagawa iyan, sir,” Roque told Sen. Richard Gordon, chair of the blue ribbon and justice committees.

But Roque acknowledged Camelon gave him an envelope containing the P10,000 at his house at the Bilibid compound. He said he has since returned the amount, a claim Camelon denied.

“That’s bribery. If you are an officer of the law, you should have known they could go to jail for doing that,” Gordon said.

Roque replied: “Hindi ko na rin po maano sa dami ng iniisip ko,” (I didn’t know what to do because so many things were running through my mind.)

Gordon said that, as the official handling prisoner records, Roque wielded so much power, but Roque said he was incapable of doing the things Camelon was accusing him of.

Former BuCor chief Nicanor Faeldon, who was fired by President Rodrigo Duterte over the issue, said it was the first time he heard of such a scheme since he took the post in October 2018.

“Masahol pa ’yan sa heinous crimes. Kahit maliit na pera, iyung hinihingian nila ng pera, mga preso, they are the lowest member of our society, tapos aapihin mo pa ng ganyan?” Faeldon told

◘ Camelon late Thursday told the Senate blue ribbon and justice committees that she shelled out P50,000 to a group led by Staff Sergeant Ramoncito Roque, who works at the BuCor’s documents division, in exchange for the early release of her husband. Mike Alquinto, ABS-CBN News

reporters after the Senate hearing.

(That’s worse than heinous crimes. Even if that was a small amount, the one they are asking money from, the prisoners, are one of the lowest members of our society. And they will oppress them that way?)

GCTA ABUSE The implementation of Republic Act 10592, which expanded the GCTA of prisoners, has come under scrutiny after the justice department announced that convicted rapist-killer Antonio Sanchez could be released from prison because of supposed good behavior.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Sen. Risa Hontiveros have both claimed receiving information that the GCTA was being sold to prisoners and their families.

Families of the released convicts' victims have expressed anguish over revelations of corruption in the system, originally meant to decongest prisons and given chance to deserving reformed convicts.

Senators said the BuCor has to seek the approval of the Department of Justice before releasing any convict on account of good allowance, but Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said no such request was coursed through his office since he took the post. (ABS-CBN News)

Pangilinan: PH has right to exclusive economic zone, bare details of oil deal with China MANILA — The Philippines has the right to explore resources in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) with or without China, Senator Francis Pangilinan said as he asked the executive department to bare the details of its agreements with China, particularly on oil exploration in the West Philippine Sea. "Teritoryo natin ito at likas-yaman natin ito. Karapatan nating mga Pilipino na malaman ang mga detalye nito (It's our territory and it's our natural resources. The Filipino people have all the right to be informed and know the details)," he said.

Pangilinan said the executive department should submit a report of

Since 1995

such agreements to the Senate.

"Kailangan alam ng taumbayan ang laman ng kasunduan. Sila ang maghuhusga kung makakabuti sa atin o madedehado tayo rito (The Filipino people should know the contents of the agreement. They will say whether this is good for us or disadvantageous to us)," he said.

While the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the oil deal has been signed with China late last year, he said the Duterte administration should be very cautious in drafting the final agreement and should bare its details to the public.

Pangilinan also called on the executive department not to sign any

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agreement that would diminish the Philippines' exclusive right to explore, develop, and use its natural resources.

President Rodrigo Duterte just returned from his fifth visit to the Asian power, with both China and the Philippines agreeing to form working groups to explore commercial oil and gas agreements in the West Philippine Sea. President Xi Jinping said the "steering committee should prepare a substantive program on the matter" when Duterte raised the possible joint gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea during their bilateral meeting on Thursday.

Earlier, the Philippine chief executive said he is amenable with a 60-40 sharing deal.

Pangilinan acknowledged that talking business with China over the disputed territory is better than fighting.

However, he urged the people to remain vigilant to ensure that the administration would not get into any deal that would be lopsided and would put the Filipinos on the losing end. " Ta nd a a n kampi sa atin ang UNCLOS at

ang pasya ng Permanent Court of Arbitration na kinilala ang sovereign rights ng Pilipinas sa pangingisda at paggagalugad ng yaman sa West Philippine Sea (Remember we have the UNCLOS on our side and the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that recognized the Philippines' sovereign rights to fish and explore for resources in the West Philippine Sea)," Pangilinan s a i d .

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DOLE eyes deployment of more OFWs to Canada MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday said it is looking to deploy more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Canada.

“Sa (In) Canada, meron kaming (we have a) joint communique that will pave the way for the deployment of skilled workers in (Yukon) Canada,” Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said in an interview.

“In fact in the province of Yukon, we are planning to deploy on a government to government basis skilled worker s,” Bel lo added.

T h e DOLE ch ief noted

LABOR SECRETARY SILVESTRE BELLO III

that the needed workers are machine operators, cooks, and chefs among others.

However, mostly needed are equipment operators and engineers since the area is a mining territory.

He added that a bilateral agreement will be signed between the two countries and will be crafted by their technical working groups.

“They will designate their technical working group and we will have our technical working group and they will have the discussion on the preparation of a bilateral agreement which will also provide a contract template of employment,” Bello explained.

With this, he reported that Filipinos in Yukon, numbering about 3,000 out of the 20,000 total population, are happy with their lives there.

“Because in my conversation with the Filipino community doon (there), it seems that the condition of our workers there are well-protected. Not a single Filipino

worker or OFW gave a negative comment of their stay there. They all appear to be very prosperous,” the DOLE chief said.

“That is why I immediately proposed to (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) administrator Bernard Olalia that we will adopt a government to government arrangement for us to be able to deploy our overseas workers with minimum requirements. Kasi ang ganda ng kalagayan nila doon (It's because their condition there is good). They have no complaints about their pay and other privileges and this will entitle them to bring their family if they want to,” he added.

Bello said they are eyeing to start the deployment in November.

“I think we are talking of a timeline as early as November. Gusto ko nga (sana) lahat ng overseas workers natin doon na lang lahat (If that's the case, I would like if all of our overseas workers are there),” he added. (PNA)

Sanchez’s wife admits asking Duterte’s help for ex-mayor’s release, bares death threats THE wife of former Calauan, Laguna, mayor Antonio Sanchez, on Tuesday admitted that she sought help from President Rodrigo Duterte and other government and elected officials to facilitate the release of her husband but denied that she lobbied for it.

“That’s all what we did,” Elvira Sanchez told senators on Tuesday, the second day of their inquiry into the controversial Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) law, which allows the release of prisoners for “good behavior,” including those convicted of heinous crimes, former Calauan, Laguna mayor Antonio Sanchez, among them.

She said she had written retired Justice Arturo Brion, Representative Imelda Marcos, Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, mayor Sanchez’s lawyer; and the Bureau of Pardon and Parole (BPP).

Sanchez also claimed that she had received death threats following reports that her husband would be released.

Sanchez’s children, former Councilor Allan Antonio Sanchez 2nd and Councilor Ave Marie Tonee

Sanchez-Alcid, were present at the Senate blue ribbon committee inquiry presided by Senator Richard Gordon.

Sanchez was sentenced to seven life terms in 1999 for the rape-slay of University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) student Eileen Sarmienta and the murder of her friend and fellow UPLB student Allan Gomez.

Sanchez’s wife testified that she received a text on August 20 from an unidentified person informing her that her husband would be released.

But when asked to produce her cellphone, she said she no longer used it as she had removed the SIM (subscriber identification module) card.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon asked Sanchez whether she knew the texter, she said, “‘Di po talaga kilalala (I really don’t know the sender).”

Asked whether she brought her cellphone with her, Sanchez said, “Wala po akong cellphone. Tinanggal ko ang SIM. Ang dami kasing death threat (I don’t have a cellphone. I removed the SIM. It’s because there are a lot of death threats [that I receive]).”

Sanchez said that, together with her children, she met with Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Nicanor Faeldon on August 21 to seek clarification about reports that Sanchez may be released in two months.

“I told him, andito po kami to clarify things kasi kahapon narinig namin lalaya na asawa namin (I told him, we’re here to clarify things because yesterday [August 20] we heard that my husband will be released),” she told the senators.

“Ang sagot niya, ‘Mrs., hinold ko proseso kasi first in, first out.’ (His reply was, ‘Mrs., I held the process because [there is a policy] of first in, first out),” said Sanchez, quoting Faeldon. (The Manila Times)

DEBT PROBLEMS?

TAX PROBLEMS? Don’t Stress!

Revilla bill seeks to provide additional benefits, privileges for solo parents SENATOR Bong Revilla has filed a new bill seeking to provide additional benefits and privileges to solo parents in the country, particularly to provide discounts from milk formula, supplements, diapers, medicines, vaccines, clothing, school supplies, and other necessities.

Senate Bill No. 951, "An Act Amending Republic Act. No. 8972, otherwise known as the Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000," will help more than 15 million solo parents, 95 percent of which are women, lighten their load of raising children especially infants.

According to t he bi l l, solo parents can avail of a 20 per-

REVILLA

cent discount from all purchases of baby's milk, food, food supplements, vitamins and sanitary diapers, clothing materials, basic necessities and school supplies.

Solo parents may likewise get 20 % discounts on all purchases of medicines and other medical supplements, supplies, accessories and equipment, vaccines, consultation and laboratory diagnostic fees.

They are also entitled to a 20 % discount on tuition fees per child from kindergarten to college level in both private and public colleges and universities and schools, on top of any scholarship grants, if any; and all private and public recreational facilities.

In addition to leave privileges, under existing law, Bong Revilla is also pushing for a new, non-cumulative "parental leave" of not more than seven (7) working days with pay every year to any solo parent employee who has rendered service of at least one 1 year and six months.

R e v i l l a's b i l l s u p p o r t s t h e long-standing advocacy of the Department of Social Welfare and Development to amend the existing law supporting solo parenthood. (senate.com.ph)

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IN-HOME CAREGIVERS:

ARE YOU PAID OVERTIME?

If you are employed as a 24-hour caregiver, working around-theclock to provide care and assistance to an individual inside their home, you are most likely entitled to overtime compensation.

If you are paid a fixed daily rate, regardless of the actual hours you work or the quality and quantity of work you perform, you are not receiving overtime compensation and likely have a valuable claim for wage theft. This is true whether you are hired directly by the care recipient or paid though a home care agency.

In 2014 the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights (“DWBR”) became law in California. The law was passed as part of a movement to enhance the rights of domestic workers, whom the California Legislature deemed to be some of the most invisible and vulnerable workers in the state.

Now, under the DWBR, in-home caregivers are entitled to receive overtime wages for all hours worked in excess of 9 in a day or 45 in a week.

In Los Angeles County, most 24-hour caregivers must be paid a minimum of $378.00 per day to comply with the requirements of the DWBR. The first 9-hours of work should be paid at the legal minimum wage rate in Los Angeles of $12.00 per hour, which equals $108.00. Then, for the remain-

ing 15 hours, the law requires overtime payments at a rate of $18.00 per hour, which amounts to an additional $270.00.

Unfortunately, in actual practice, most caregivers working in Los Angeles receive far less than the applicable minimum, often earning as little as $120 to $180 per day. A 24-hour caregiver in Los Angeles who is earning less than $378.00 per day likely has a very valuable claim for wage theft.

For example, if you are a caregiver working 24-hours per day, 5 days per week for a salary of $800 per week (or $160 per day), your weekly unpaid overtime claim is calculated as follows: Your weekly salary of $800 is divided by 40 hours to calculate a regular rate of pay, equal to $20 per hour. Your overtime rate is 1.5 times your regular rate of pay, which amounts to $30 per hour.

Your pre-determined salary does not compensate you, at all, for the 15 daily overtime hours you work. So, each day, you accrue $450 of unpaid overtime wages.

Employers, who willfully fail to pay an employee the requisite overtime compensation, are also subject to liquidated damages, which could add an additional $157.50 per day to the wage theft claim. Plus, the law provides for interest, attorneys fees, and penalties.

In the above example, the hypothetical caregiver is owed over $3,000 in unpaid overtime wages per week. On a yearly basis, the claim exceeds $150,000. We help many caregivers whose claims exceed $500,000 in potential damages after working for several years.

Caregivers, who are victims of wage theft, may recover their unpaid wages going back 4 years from the date a lawsuit is filed in court. We have helped many caregivers file claims against their former employers. Even if you last worked several years ago, you still have time to pursue a claim.

The one exception is if the care recipient patient has passed away. In that instance, a claim against the care recipient’s estate must be filed within 1 year of their passing, or sooner if an estate has been opened.

If you are a caregiver and are hesitant to proceed with claims for wage theft against your current or former employer please visit our website at www.cr.legal/getmyot to review our article that addresses many of the common concerns we have heard from caregivers.

If you are a caregiver working 24-hour shifts without overtime compensation, we want to talk with you about your legal rights. We provide compassionate and confidential consultations. Please contact us at (818) 807-4168, for a free case evaluation.

This article is an attorney advertisement written by Daniel Chaleff, employment law attorney at Chaleff Rehwald in Woodland Hills. Our examples are of a general nature and are not a guarantee regarding the outcome of your individual matter. The law firm focuses on caregiver rights. Please call us at (818) 807-4168 for a free case evaluation. Or visit us at www.cr.legal to learn more about caregiver overtime law. We offer a 24-hour chat line on our website.

DA to buy all palay from local farmers DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Duterte has ordered the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the National Food Authority (NFA), to buy all locally harvested palay in an effort to help Filipino farmers recover from the prevailing low buying prices of their harvest.

“What the solution should be or will be for the secretary of agriculture is to buy all. In a democracy, officials are elected and their duty is to do the greatest good for the greatest number.

You have seen people going wild, others hungry because there is no rice,” the President told a press briefing at Malacañang the other night.

Farmers have been complaining of low buying prices for palay because the market is flooded with imported rice.

Aware that the NFA could be at the losing end if it buys palay at a rate above the prevailing market price of P7 per kilo, Duterte said the government should subsidize a portion of the buying price.

“As the NFA engages in palay buying spree, farmers cannot demand a price,” Duterte said. “You arrive at a compromise of how much you are willing to lose a little bit. Buy at a rate that compensates their labor.”

Farmers from Ilocos and Central Luzon regions earlier complained that the prices of palay dipped from P21 to only P7 per kilo. They blamed the implementation of the Rice Tariffication law, which they said impacted heavily on local palay prices.

But Duterte said the tariffication law was passed to serve the greater interest of the majority. The govern-

ment does not waste an industry and the President said his administration is “helping an industry.”

Meanwhile, rice watch groups Amihan and Bantay Bigas said the P15,000 loan that the DA offered to farmers is not even enough to help farmers get out of their predicament.

“Fifteen thousand is just 22 to 33 percent of the entire cost of production for a hectare of land which is at least P45,000 to as much as P68,000 that included farm inputs, rental equipment, post-harvest facilities,

land rent and interest in farmers’ loan,” said Cathy Estavillo, Amihan secretary general and Bantay Bigas spokesperson.

She pointed out that the low palay buying prices resulted in a loss of P25,000 to P31,000 to farmers.

“How will they be able to pay their debts? If we are to divide the P1.5 billion, only 100,000 from the 2.4 million farmers or four percent will be reached by the government’s SURE Aid (Expanded Survival and Recovery Assistance Program for Rice Farm-

ers),” she also said.

Estavillo suggested that the government make efforts to bring the prices of palay up and lower production costs by extending support services and subsidies to farmers. The rice watch groups said the damage of rice liberalization they warned about is now evident, especially in the farmers’ situation and the local rice industry. They urged various sectors and rice stakeholders to defend the Filipino farmers’ livelihood and the local agriculture sector. (Philstar.com)

View POINT MORTGAGE rates dipped lower for the week ending Aug. 22, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) plunging to its lowest level since November 2016. Another opportunity to cash out at these all time low rates.

The results of the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed that the 30-year FRM dove to 3.55% with an average 0.5 point. The rate went down from 3.60% the previous week. Rates where pushing towards 5% nine months ago.

The 15-year FRM also dropped from the prior week’s 3.07% average to 3.03% with an average 0.5 point. Last year, the 15-year FRM was 3.98%.

Lastly, the five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) fell to 3.32% with an average 0.3 point, down from 3.35% the week before and 3.82% a year ago. Five, Seven & Ten year ARM ( Adjustable Rate Mortgages) are gaining popularity especially in the high balance markets.

The drop in mortgage rates continues to stimulate the real estate market and the economy.. Home purchase demand is up 5% from a year ago and

Saturday-Friday | September 7 - 13, 2019

has noticeably strengthened since the early summer months, while refinances surged to their highest share in three and a half years.

With refinancing on the upswing, households that refinanced in Q2 2019 can save an average $1,700 per year or $140 every month if they refinanced again now.

The benefit of lower mortgage rates is not only shoring up home sales but more importantly also providing support to homeowner balance sheets via higher monthly cash flow and steadily rising home equity. Homeowner that can refinance to pay off high interest yield debts will benefit the most. These outstanding low rates are in a way free money as far as the banks are concerned.

The continuous drops in mortgage rates bring many advantages. The sound and fury of the financial markets continue to warn of an impending recession. However, the clearer picture is that mortgage demand reached a three-year high this week. The decline in mortgage rates over the last month is causing a spike in refinancing activity – as homeowners currently have $2 trillion in conventional mortgage loans that are in the money – which will help support consumer balance sheets and increase household cash flow. On top of that, purchase demand is up 7% from a year ago.

Freddie Mac has projected that housing supply shortage will boost the rental market and multifamily volume growth this year.

they work…Feeling hopeless about their situation.

This is what most people are going through when

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Mortgage Refinancing Boom!

Trapped In Debt And Have No Choice But To File Bankruptcy?

SL E E PL E S S n i g h t s …

Stressed out… Worried about the future… Always broke no matter how hard

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they are considering bankruptcy in order to get out of debt. The word “bankCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

The rental market will rise 4% for the whole year due to high vacancy rates, according to Freddie Mac's Multifamily 2019 Midyear Outlook.

“A strong labor market and a persistent housing shortage have continued to fuel a robust rental market,” said Steve Guggenmos, who leads Freddie Mac Multifamily’s research and modeling team.

“As of June, multifamily completions outpaced the prior two years, but demand remains high in the majority of markets, allowing them to absorb most of the new supply. These strong fundamentals and lower-than-anticipated interest rates have supported growth in multifamily originations, which are forecasted to grow to $336 billion in 2019.”

Despite the increased multifamily construction, housing supply continued to fall short due to a surge in demand. The Census Bureau recorded more than five multifamily units nearing completion this year, up to 365,000 units annualized as of June. A year ago, the bureau reported 345,000 units.

With the robust growth, Freddie Mac anticipated multifamily originations to climb 9.1% to $311 billion. The GSE also predicted a strong volume growth of 8% or $336 billion, if interest rates stay at an average 2.2% for the rest of 2019.

For you who is thinking about investing in a rental property. All signs are good, just do your number properly and pick the right location and tenants.

Thanks for your support and inquiries, call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group at 562-5087048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

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MODIFYING DOWN CHILD AND SPOUSAL SUPPORT OBLIGATION AFTER A DIVORCE DIVORCED parties are sometimes ordered to pay child support and spousal support in the divorce judgment. The support orders are generally based on the parties’ financial situation and custody arrangements at the time of the settlement or trial. However, what if your income decreases after the divorce or what if your spouse’s income increases after the divorce due to a promotion or a better paying job? Do you have the right to modify your support obligation?

If your income has gone down substantially from the time that the child or spousal support determination, you may be able to file a modification of your support obligation. Losing a job or having less income constitutes a material change of circumstances that would allow the court to modify down your support obligations.

Child support in California is based on guideline formula. One of the factors that is considered in the guideline formula is your gross income. Usually the court would look at several months or even an average of the last 12 months income. If your average income has decreased, you may be able to modify your child support to a lower amount. Bear in mind that there are other factors that come in the equation such as the amount of actual timeshare you spend with your child and the income of the other parent. If the other parent’s income has gone down, this may adversely affect your child support obligation.

Spousal support may also be modified unless you stipulated in a divorce judgment that it is non modifiable. However, spousal support are usually calculated

differently than guideline. The court will look at other factors in deciding whether to modify this.

Those factors are listed in family code section 4320.

If you are unemployed, the other party may be expected to try to impute income on you. However in light of the recent cases in California, they would have to prove that you had the ability and the opportunity to obtain employment.

If your income has gone down or your spouse’s income has increased as a result of a new job, a promotion, or you got laid off or hours cut, it may be possible to modify both your child support and spousal support obligation.

Without modifying the order, the current order will continue to be in effect and the same amount will accrue regardless of whether your income declined or your spouse income increased. It is important to file a post judgment request for order to modify support as soon as your financial situation changes.

Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.

This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC This article is not a solicitation.

Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was

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Weekend Balita is a Publication of Balita Media Inc., the leading source of news and information for the Filipino-American community, which also publishes US Asian Post. Views & Opinions expressed by contributing writers and syndication partners are solely theirs and do not necessarily reflect that of the publishers. All advertising materials are subject to the paper’s editorial standards and discretion. All rights reserved.

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

MINDING YOUR FINANCES… FROM PAGE 9 ruptcy” often produces negative feelings because some people equate it with failure. They think that filing bankruptcy means they have failed and that they are admitting defeat. But nothing can be further from the truth.

Listen to me! Bankruptcy is not about failing; it’s about starting again and putting the past behind you so that you can move on to bigger and better things.

A lot of creditors will lie to you when you’re in debt and tell you that bankruptcy is the ‘worst mistake’ you can ever make because your credit will be ‘ruined forever’ and that you will never be able to buy a car or house again. Wrong again.

The truth is that bankruptcy is a fact of life. At one time or another, everyone experiences financial difficulties. When you’re in a situation where you have done everything you can to pay your creditors but nothing has worked, bankruptcy may be your only option so you can start a new life. And this is exactly what Congress intended when they passed bankruptcy laws. So with bankruptcy, you get another chance. You wipe the slate clean and move on with your life, free from the burdens of debt.

Can you just imagine what would happen if we had no bankruptcy laws that can help people get out of debt when they can no longer help themselves? Filing for bankruptcy means that you are filing a petition for relief from the bankruptcy court. The court reviews your application and determines whether on not you are entitled to the relief you are seeking. It is not for dishonest people who are trying to cheat the system.

Contrary to what others think, most people who file for bankruptcy are honest, hard-working people who have gotten themselves in a big financial mess. In some cases it is caused by factors beyond their control. In other cases, it is a result of making bad financial decisions. But who hasn’t made a bad decision in their life at least once? Life is not perfect. Neither are you.

Filing bankruptcy can help you regain your footing if you have lost control of your finances. If you are living your life without a financial plan for the future, you will never achieve financial security. So you can say that bankruptcy is a tool that allows you to reorganize your finances so you can plan a better future for yourself and your family. It is neither good nor bad in and of itself.

You can use a tool for the wrong or right reasons. Using it for the wrong reasons is NOT the intent of our bankruptcy laws.

Is it for you? Maybe, yes. Maybe, no. It certainly is not for everyone.

But when appropriate for your situation, it could be the best thing that ever happened to you- and it could be a big turning point in your life if you are drowning in debt. This is what you need, isn’t it?

If you need some straight talk about bankruptcy and get all your questions answered, I will give you a free initial consultation so we can talk about your situation. Just call 866-477-7772 and schedule an appointment. I have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia.

(None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772).

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Visit www.Balita.com

Weekend BALITA

Saturday-Friday | September 7 - 13, 2019

Minority Chinese Uyghurs or Uighurs now living here in Alhambra fear for the lives of their relatives in China Bar, Santa Clarita, San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley, San Diego and San Francisco. Most of them related stories of their families being placed in "reeducation" camps. located approximately 7,000 miles away from the city. Some of them also learned that members of their families were detained by auhis writer recently met Bugra Arkin, thorities in Northwest China. everyone in this group claimed that some of their family members Chinese Uyghurs or Uighurs now have or friends have "disappeared" after being taken by doing business in the City of Alham- the Chinese police. Most of them are left to wonder bra, seeking asylum in the United States, where their relatives and friends have been taken if they're still alive. have revealed that they "fear for the lives andThough some of them are able to still communicate of their relatives in China." This group of with some of their relative via text message on Wepeople as described on Wikipedia are a Chat once a month, the group here knows that all of communications they receive are monitored, so tHe scheduled Uyghurs rally on sunday, sept 8, 2019 on "minorityTurkic ethnic group originating the the group just engage on small talk. Their "reeduca- wilshire Blvd., Los angeles from and culturally affiliated with the tion" camps has around 3,000 of these people from Mountains. It has been begeneral region of Central and East Asia. Uyghurs in the camps, according to Bugra. lieved that the Uighurs are According to a recent United NaThis group of people are recognized as all of mixed "Caucasian," tion communique "there is an estinative to only one region in Xinjiang, an Auand East Asian original mated 1 million Muslims, mostly ethtonomous Region of the People's Republic of identified with the Tarim nic Uighurs but also other minorities China. The group is recognized by China only mummies. They are the - in the autonomous Xinjiang territory, as a regional minority within a multicultural people whom "old Russian and most of them are "held incomnation and rejects the idea of them being an travelers called "Sart" (a municado" without being "charged or indigenous group. name which they used tried under the pretext of countering Traditionally, the Uyghurs or Uighurs live for sedentary), for Turkterrorism and religious extremism." across the Talamakan Desert in the Tarim ish-speaking Central Further, Chinese officials have Basin, a territory which has been controlled Asians in general. claimed that the measures they're takby many civilizations including China, the Recently, the World ing are "needed for national security in Mongols, the Tibetans and the Turkic world.

Uyghurs Congress estithe Xinjiang region, which is home to During the tenth century they were Islamised mates that the Uyghurs around 10 million Uighurs, where thouand by the 16th century, they became largely population outside of sands of violent incidents - which Chinese Muslim and Islam played an important role China is about 1.0-1.6 officials claim were "terrorist attacks," in their culture and identity. million and they have have occurred since the 1990's. But, last The province of Xinjiang has an estimatsignificant communimonth the same Chinese officials claimed ed 80% of Uyghurs still living in the Tarim ties established in the that a majority of the detained Muslims Basin, the rest of Xinjiang's Uyghurs mostly Central Asian counhad been released from internment camps live in Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang, of Uyghurs gly tries of Kazakstan, and 'returned to society' without a proof UAR, which is located in the historical rety e ri a v a s ample so enticin ’s Kygrvzstan, Uzbekiof evidence. gion of Dzungaria., but the largest community ich looks n stan and Turkey and Foreign international experts say that cuisine wh ng offered at Dolo of Uyghurs living in Taoyuan County is in BUgra arkin in his Dolon’s ri o v a s h Uyghurs Cuisine smaller communiTurkic minorities are being subjected to north-central Hunan". wort uisine ties in Afghanistan, intense political indoctrination, forced The Bugra Arkin, who was born in UrumUyghurs C Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norqi, came to the US in 2016 and studied International Policy. confessions, and intimidation, and many of these Uighurs He spoke to this writer where he opened his new restaurant end up scared on speaking out for fear of their families who way, Sweden, Russia, Saudi Arabia. Australia, Canada and called "Dolans Uyghurs Cuisine, (whish used to be Boiling Crab), still live in Xinjiang.

United States.

History has it that the term Uyghur has an increasingwhere they now serve Central Asian cuisine and where several Let us all hope and pray that these Uyghurs be allowed to of their group meet. Their group has around 1,000 members, ly expansive definition which signified only a small coali- live freely someday. There is a rally on Sunday, September 8, spread throughout to various communities such: as Diamond tion of Tiele tribes in Northern China, Mongolia and Altai 2019 on Wilshire Blvd. Hope you can come and support them!

T

Saturday-Friday September 7 - 13, 2019 Visit www.Balita.com

E ntertainment

Weekend

BALITA 13

John Lloyd Cruz, Ellen Adarna allegedly reunite after actor’s new look

K

apamilya actress Beauty Gonzalez said she is clueless on the real score between her friends Ellen Adarna and John Lloyd Cruz.

Beauty said she had no idea on what is happening in Ellen and John Lloyd’s relationship, which was recently reportedly to have ended. "'Di ko alam kung ano ang pinagdadaanan nila. Nung nandun kami sa Bangkok, wala akong yaya, so wala kaming time na magtsikahan sa kakaalaga sa anak ko. 'Di ko talaga alam kung ano

ang sitwasyon nila, e. Basta I wish them all the best," Beauty told Pep in an in-

terview.

When asked for Ellen’s comeback in the limelight with an advertising gig, Beauty said she is happy for her friend but, she does not see Ellen returning to showbiz anytime soon.

"I'm happy for her. I've been waiting for that and sana bumalik siya. It's up to her naman kung babalik siya o hindi. I think she's open to endorsements, 'di na siguro 'yung acting-acting, kasi she's really a full-time mom right

now," Beauty said.

Apart from the top-rating afternoon series “Kadenang Ginto,” Beauty also stars in the iWant movie “Abandoned” with Seth Federlin. The horror movie was written and directed by Kip Oebanda.

Meanwhile, a report from veteran entertainment columnist Aster Amoyo said that John Lloyd and Ellen are fixing things up.

“Halatang nagkausap nang masinsinan ang mag-partner dahil nakitang nagpagupit na si John Lloyd at nag-ahit ng kanyang balbas. Hindi na siya mukhang ermitanyo ngayon,” the report stated.

‘I am so very tired’

Sharon Cuneta mulls ‘semi-retirement’ from showbiz

A

fter 40 years in the entertainment industry, actress-singer Sharon Cuneta is considering “semi-retirement” from showbiz.

Dubbed the Megastar, Cuneta revealed her plans following an emotional parting with her daughter, Frankie Pangilinan, who is pursuing her college degree in New York.

Cuneta said she is thinking of semi-retiring to take a rest and enjoy her "private life."

"On another note, and this is important- Since last year l have seriously been thinking of semi-retiring. I am so very tired. It has been 41 years of work, work,

work for me, and at some point, kailangan na rin sabihin sa sarili na 'tama na.'

When will it ever be enough? Sometimes you just have to put your foot down and say it’s okay, and it’ll all be okay," Cuneta shared.

"Maybe I’ll do a concert here and there every once in a while, or a movie that I feel will really be worth the few months it’ll take me away from my home and family. Sinasabi ko na sa inyo ito, mga mahal kong Sharonians. Mahal na mahal

PALA CASINO CELEBRATES THE MID-AUTUMN MOON FESTIVAL person. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.palacasino.com and clicking on Entertainment.

In addition, Pala Casino will also have a special decorative area in the casino lobby to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival. The area is designed for guests to take selfies and photos. This photo area will be available all weekend long from Friday – Sunday.

For more information about these events, or other exciting events and promotions, visit the Pala website at www.palacasino.com. All events and promotions are subject to cancellation without notice.

About Pala Casino Spa & Resort Pala Casino Spa & Resort includes a Las Vegas-style casino with 2,000+ slot machines, 84 table games, eight poker tables and a 15,000-square-foot smokefree casino area; a 507-room hotel; five swimming pools with two hot tubs and 14 luxury cabanas; a 10,000-square-foot, full-service spa and salon that features 17 treatment rooms, two cabanas and a state-of-the-art fitness center.

Pala also offers 10 restaurants and 40,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. Pala Casino Spa & Resort is an AAA Four-Diamond Award winner for 15 consecutive years. Pala received the award for Best Casino in LA Travel Magazine’s 2019 Readers’ Poll.

For more information, visit www. palacasino.com, www.facebook.com/ palacasino, or www.twitter.com/palacasino.

ko kayo...pero pagod na rin si Mama...Di naman siguro ako biglang forever na mawawala...pero konting-konti na lang siguro ang kakayanin kong ibigay until magpahinga na ako at i-enjoy naman ang tinatawag na private life na alam ng karamihan pero tungkol saan kokonti lang ang alam ko...I know you will all understand," she added.

Cuneta said her daughter's going off T:4.75” to college has

nothing to do with her own plan to go into semi-retirement. Frankie is Cuneta’s eldest child with Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.

"Like I said, last year ko pa naiisip at nararamdaman ito, at kinausap ko na rin ang pamilya at manager at team ko noon pa tungkol dito. I love you all so much, and I will try my very best to give you the best of me before I say goodbye. God bless us all."

Cuneta, who started her singing career with the hit song "Mr. DJ", was recently seen on television as one of the jury members of "Your Face Sounds Familiar" and as a coach in "The Voice Teens" and "The Voice Kids." (ABS-CBN News)

SCE HAS MONEY-SAVING PROGRAMS. About 30% off your energy bill Free appliances

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PALA, CA – Pala Casino will celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival with exciting specials and promotions. The celebration includes restaurant specials, giveaway promotions, entertainment events, and more.

Noodles, Pala’s very popular Asian restaurant, will offer a special Black Pepper Fish with steamed rice. Available starting Friday, September 13 at 11am through Sunday, the dish will be $15.95.

On Saturday, September 14, the special Moonlight Lucky Money Giveaway will run 11am—7pm.

Every 8 minutes for 8 hours, one guest will be chosen to win a lucky $118 Added Play prize. All prizes will be loaded directly to each guest’s Privileges Card. To participate, guests must use their Privileges Card at a slot machine, table game or poker table. Guests must have their photo ID to claim, and guests can win more than one prize.

Guests can visit the Pala Privileges Center for more information.

Following the Moonlight Lucky Money Giveaway promotion on Saturday, Pala will present the Khoanh khac “Moment” Vietnamese concert featuring Lam Truong, Tran Thu Ha, Ngoc Ha, Truong Vu, Danh hai Kieu Oanh, Danh hai Hoang Nhat and MC Quoc Thai at 8pm. Admission to the show starts at $40 per

Sharon Cuneta

(Philstar.com)

For qualifying households, SCE offers some helpful ways to lower your monthly bill and conserve energy. You could get about 30% off your energy bill with the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program or, you may qualify for the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program. You may also be able to receive free energy-efficient appliances, lighting, weatherization and a free home assessment with the Energy Savings Assistance Program (ESAP). To learn more or to see if you qualify, visit sce.com/HelpMeSave.

14

Weekend BALITA

Visit www.Balita.com

Saturday-Friday | September 7 - 13, 2019

Cerritos Mitsubishi “New and old customers are welcome, dito lang po sa Cerritos Mitsubishi.

Kaya TAWAG NAMU!!!” — Eugene

EUGENE CASTRO Internet Fleet Manager

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MIRAGE

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All payments are plus tax, first payments, license and acquisition fees included in lease.

ANY CREDIT SITUATION WE CAN HELP YOU., BEST IN CLASS PAYMENT

269

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PALO VERDE AVE.

PRICE LISTED AFTER ALL APPLICABLE REBATES. ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE PRICES PLUS GOVERMENT FEES AND ANY DEALER DOCUMENT PREPARATION CHARGE AND EMISSION TESTING CHARGE PLUS DESTINATION CHARGE ALL FACTORY REBATES IN LIEU OF SPECIAL RATES OFFERED BY MITSUB TOMER & LOYALTY REBATE. NOT ALL CUSTOMERS QUALIFY FOR LOYALTY RABATE. TO QUALIFY CUSTOMER MUST BE A CURRENT MITSUBISHI VEHICLE REGISTERED OWNER. ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE PRICES PLUS GOVERMENT FEES AND ANY DEALER DOCUMENT PREPARATION CHARGE AND EMISSION TESTING CHARGE. ALL FACTORY REBATES IN LIEU OF SPECIAL RATES OFFERED BY MITSUBISHI CREDIT AND SPECIAL RATES ARE NOT AVAILABLE WITH ANY ADVERTISED VEHICLES. SEE DEALER FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.

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Weekend BALITA

Saturday-Friday | September 7 - 13, 2019

Visit www.Balita.com

15

Nissan of Mission Hills

Out to be the #1 Nissan Dealer in the Nation*

Serving the Filipino Community for more than 20 years.

“Tawagin or hanapin niyo lang ako”

MANUEL LAVA

Internet | Fleet Manager

Cell: (661)-644-0944

“KAYANG-KAYA NYO ANG DOWN AT MABABA LANG ANG MONTHLY PAYMENT!”

Ikaw ba ay problematic dahil sa Bad Credit/No Credit?. No Driver’s License? No SS? Ok na ang TIN!. Bankruptcy? WALANG PROBLEMA!!!

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2019 NISSAN

SENTRA S

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$

2 AT THIS PRICE VIN #3N1AB7AP2KY228824 VIN #3N1AB7AP6KY228504 MODEL #12069 EXP 09-13-2019

2019 Nissan Sentra S. Model #12069. VIN # 3N1AB7AP2KY228824 and3N1AB7AP6KY228504. Sale Price $17,054. Net Cost $14,554. Nissan Bonus Cash $500.

Select model Nissan retail only dealer cash $2,000. Not everyone will qualify. See dealer for details. Illustration shown may not be the same as actual vehicle sold.

Net Cost

2019 NISSAN

16,400

$

KICKS S

2 AT THIS PRICE VIN #3N1CP5CU8KL497683 VIN #3N1CP5CU1KL496262 MODEL #21019 EXP 09-13-2019

2019 Nissan Kicks S. VIN # 3N1CP5CU8KL497683 and 3N1CP5CU1KL496262. Sale Price $17,900. Net Cost $16,400. Nissan Retail Only Bonus Cash $1,000.

Nissan Customer Cash $500. Not everyone will qualify. See dealer for details. Illustration shown may not be the same as the actual vehicle sold.

Net Cost

2019 NISSAN

ALTIMA S

20,465

$

2 AT THIS PRICE VIN #1N4BL4BV4KN313564 VIN #1N4BL4BV7KC215611 MODEL #13119 EXP 09-13-2019

2019 Nissan Altima S. Model #13119. VIN #1N4BL4BV7KC215611 and 1N4BL4BV4KN313564. Sale Price $21,465. Net Cost $20,465. Nissan Customer Cash $1,000. Not everyone will qualify. See dealer for details. Illustration shown may not be the same as actual vehicle sold.

Net Cost

2019 NISSAN

20,702

$ SUV

ROGUE S

1 AT THIS PRICE VIN #JN8AT2MT7KW256426 MODEL #22119 EXP 09-13-2019

2019 Nissan Rogue S. Model #22119. VIN #JN8AT2MT7KW256426. Sale Price $23,202. Net Cost $20,702. Nissan Customer Cash $2,500. Not everyone will qualify. See dealer for details. Illustration shown may not be the same as actual vehicle sold.

PRE-OWNED CARS AVAILABLE ‘16 HYUNDAI SONATA 2.4L SE SEDAN

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Offers subject to availability. Net cost based on current rebates. *Nissan Customer Cash in lieu of Special Financing. ** Must finance through NMAC. ***All U.S. Military personnel (active and reserve) All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document processing charge, any electronic filing charge, any emission testing charge and dealer add-ons or accessories. Vehicles subject to prior sale. Interest accrues from date of contract. NMAC financing may be required on some vehicles see dealer for details. All financing subject to credit approval. Factory rebate in lieu of special APR. Certificate Program, see dealer for details.

Weekend

16

BALITA

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Visit www.Balita.com

Saturday-Friday | September 7 - 13, 2019

Filipinos spend ‘most time’ on Huawei phone with same chipset social media in the world — poll MANILA, Philippines — A recent flagship report on the latest trends in social media revealed that the Philippines is the leading country that spends the most time on social media globally.

The latest survey of market research company Global Web Index released mid-August showed that Filipinos spend, engage with, or connect to social networks for an average of four hours and five minutes during a “typical day.”

as flagship P30 to retail for P18,990

the previous survey in the third quarter of 2018 when the poll showed that time spent on social media hit a plateau.

The report explained that the decrease in social media usage could be caused by the “proliferation of digital well-being tools.”

“A look at the trended data here suggests that we might be approaching saturation in social media consumption,” Global Web Index said in its report.

“This is likely a result of many internet users having a better awareness of the time they spend looking at screens, as well as the perceived negative effects associated with social media usage, and wanting a digital detox as a result. This trend has continued,” it added.

‘Younger groups more enthusiastic about social media’ Global Web Index said that “younger groups are the most enthusiastic about social media.”

Majority of the social media users across the world are aged between 16 to 24 years old.

Of which, 72% said they use social media while they are watching television.

“The importance of messaging apps to this demographic is a key reason behind this, as is the centrality of smartphones to their digital lives.

Additionally, it is important to note that this consumption is simultaneous rather than sequential,” the report said.

The marketing firm added that “the internet populations of fast-growth markets tend to be younger than most mature markets.”

“This provides clear context for why the topline figures for daily time spent on social media differ so significantly between countries, from a high of 4 hours in the Philippines, to much lower figures of around 1 hour 15 minutes in some European countries,” the report said “But the effects aren’t down to age alone. Even among 16-24s, certain markets primarily in Asia and Latin America stand out for their occupation with social media. Particularly notable are Argentina (4:17), the Philippines (4:16) and Colombia (4:12),” it added.

In 2017, special reports from MSNBC and Bloomberg said that social media, particularly Facebook helped in handing the chief executive position to Rodrigo Duterte.

Facebook also took down several pages, accounts, groups and Instragam accounts early this year for “coordinating inauthentic behavior.

These pages—a combination of authentic and

This record was hours higher than 44 other countries in the world as the survey found out that digital consumers spend only an average of two hours and 23 minutes per day on social networks and messaging.

The Philippines was followed by Brazil with an average of three hours and 45 minutes of social media usage daily. Colombia and Nigeria were tied at the third spot with three hours and 36 minutes spent on social networking sites.

Argentina also ranked fifth on the list with three hours and 27 minutes of social media usage.

The global poll revealed that the Philippines has been topping the list for seven years now.

Here’s a breakdown of social media usage of Filipinos (in hours and minutes) since 2012: 2012 – 2:49 2013 – 3:06 2014 – 3:25 2015: 3:41 2016 – 4:07 2017 – 4:00 2018 – 4:08 The flagship report also found that in the first quarter of 2019, the time spent on social media has either decreased or stayed the same compared to the 2018 data on the majority of the 48 countries they surveyed. This was similar to

MANILA, Philippines – Xiaomi isn’t the only brand now that’s putting flagship chipsets on sensibly priced phones.

Months ago, Xiaomi did it with the Mi 9, which came with the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset and a P22,990 price tag.

Now, Huawei, with its newly announced Nova 5T, has a phone that offers a similar price-to-processor-performance ratio. The 5T, priced at P18,990, is equipped with the same processor found in the brand’s flagship P30 line, the Kirin 980.

Xiaomi’s 9T Pro, which also has a Snapdragon 855 processor, is expected to launch this September in the Philippines at a price that’s very similar to the Nova 5T. Pre-orders for the 5T run from September 6 to 13. Pre-orders will come with Huawei surround sound speakers and a one-year iFlix membership. You can pre-order on Lazada here.

Here are the specs: • 6.26-inch, 2,340 x 1,080 LCD display with punch-hole notch • Kirin 980 chipset • 8GB RAM • 128GB storage

• 32MP f/2.0 front camera • 48MP + 16MP (wide) + 2MP (macro) + 2MP (depth-sensing) camera array • Fingerprint sensor on the side • 3,750 mAh battery • USB Type-C 22.5-watt charging • Android 9 + EMUI 9.1 • Colors: Black, crush blue, midsummer purple

fake accounts that frequently post about local and political news—were linked to a network organized by Nic Gabunada, who handled Duterte’s social media campaign.

The Palace, however, shrugged off criticisms on the suspected links between Duterte and the fake pages, citing that he would have won the

election even without social media because “most of his supporters are not even online.”

Global Web Index conducted waves of research from the fourth quarter of 2018 and the first quarter of 2019. They surveyed 278,359 respondents from across 45 countries.

NOVA 5T. Photo from Huawei

Local Huawei representatives have also confirmed that the 5T will still ship with Android and Google services and apps, in spite of recent reports that new Huawei phones after the May 2019 US trade ban will not be able to use these services and apps.

Huawei, currently on its second 90day reprieve from the US trade ban, will also be launching the flagship Mate 30 on September 19.

(Rappler.com)

(Philstar.com)

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Saturday-Friday | September 7 - 13, 2019

Ricci Rivero’s highlight dunk catches US sports website’s eye

UP’s Ricci Rivero hangs on the rim after making a dunk in the Fighting Maroons’ UAAP Season 82 opener against the FEU Tamaraws on Wednesday, September 4. Philstar.com/Erwin Cagadas

MANILA, Philippines — Ricci Rivero had a rousing debut for the UP Fighting Maroons in their UAAP Season 82 opener against FEU on Wednesday.

The former Green Archer

reintroduced himself to the league with a bang, scoring his first two points with a highlight reel dunk off of a lob from Jun Manzo.

Rivero’s athletic jam made so much noise on so-

cial media that even San Francisco-based sports website Bleacher Report had to take notice.

Bleacher Report posted the video of Rivero’s dunk across all their social media platforms.

“THIS DUNK IS WILD,” said the caption.

The tweet of the video alone already has about 23,100 likes and 4,700 retweets.

Rivero played a total of 31 minutes in his UAAP debut with the Diliman squad.

He finished with seven points and six rebounds in the game. (Philstar.com)

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FIBA: Serbia coach’s frank assessment: Blowout losses reflect Gilas’ ‘lack of quality’ fOShAN, ChINA - Serbia coach Sasa Dordevic (Sasha Djordjevic) certainly isn’t too fond of Philippine basketball.

Dordevic delivered a scathing assessment of Gilas moments after his world No. 4-ranked side dealt the Philippines its worst loss in a Fiba World Cup game at the GBA International Sports and Recreation Center.

“I think you showed some balance and quickness but obviously you’re missing quality and these two games (including one against Italy) are the result of that,” the former Yugoslavia star guard said.

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Harsh as his opinion may sound, it’s hard to argue when his Serbian team, led by NBA players Nikola Jokic and Bogdan Bogdadovic, handed the Philippines a 126-67 defeat in a terribly one-sided group game on Monday night.

Dordevic, who had a brief stint with the Portland Trail Blazers in 1996, fumed over what he felt was a ‘dirty play’ delivered by Gilas guard Paul Lee on his starting guard Marko Guduric in the final minutes of the blowout.

“I don’t like dirty plays and I don’t like when you seem to have an intention to hurt a player,” he said.

Dordevic also made no effort to sugarcoat his words when asked what he thought of the Philippine side, who tasted the lead briefly in the first five minutes, 9-7, before being buried in an avalanche of Serbian highlight plays.

“Two European top teams who know how to play tough, physical basketball. [These are] results to think about in the future,” said Dordevic. The other team he referred to was Italy, which beat Gilas by 46, 108-62, two nights earlier.

“What can I say, a tough loss is always a tough loss,” he added.

As for his own team, Dordevic said he was happy to see his players take the games against Angola and the Philippines seriously, which bodes well for their keenly awaited clash with Italy for the top spot in Group D on Wednesday.

“We respected each and every [Filipino] player and we played as hard as we can,” he said. “We knew that the third game in our group will be the crucial one so we wanted to get better the past couple of days.” (spin.ph)

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Arci Muñoz opens up about open relationships

K quits.

apamilya actress Arci Muñoz cried during a recent interview with TV host Boy Abunda, admitting that she and non-showbiz boyfriend Anthony Ng called it

During Abunda’s late night show “Tonight With Boy Abunda,” the host asked Arci if the rumors of the breakup were true, and she answered that she needed a sad background music to answer the question.

While singing I Belong To The Zoo’s “Sana,” she broke down and covered her face with her hands.

"I always keep this private life private. I want to keep it that way. Thank you po," Arci said.

Before her guesting in the show, the actress-rock star admitted that she and Anthony decided to split. She said this during the recent press conference of her upcoming ABS-CBN teleserye “Pamilya Ko.” But she clarified that there was no third party involved and the decision was mutual.

"No, no, nothing like that po. It's shallow. It's just really... Maybe it's not the right time," the actress shared.

Arci was a guest in “Tonight With Boy Abunda” to promote her upcoming movie with JC Santos, “Open,” a Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino entry about a couple who entered an open relationship.

During the press conference of the movie, Arci said she has no plans of trying an open relationship.

“Gusto ko longterm. Committed talaga ‘ko, so wala akong balak. Para po kasi sa akin it's cheating with consent,” she stressed.

(Philstar.com)

Arci Muñoz

‘Killer Bride’ scares ‘Better Woman’ with back-to-back record

The ABS-CBN gothic drama “The Killer Bride” is on a winning streak as it soared to its highest television ratings on consecutive days in the last week of August, widening its lead over its rival program.

The RCD Narratives production’s nationwide viewership on August 29 — at 24.6% against “The Better Woman’s” 12.1% — was its biggest since its August 12 debut on primetime.

But “The Killer Bride’s” national TV rating the following night, August 30, broke that record, with a new all-time high of 25.6%. That’s more than double the audience of its competing show, which only got 12.3%.

The latest numbers were announced by RCD Narratives

Saturday-Friday | September 7 - 13, 2019

Alden Richards admits to being ‘frustrated with his chubby cheeks’ so he did something about it

If you think there's something different about Alden Richards, you're right.

At the press conference post-signing on Tuesday, Alden admitted to changing everything — from how he dressed to how he looked — after spending nine years in GMA looking just the same.

After being frustrated with his "chubby cheeks," The Asia's Multimedia Star admitted he underwent the jaw-slimming treatment Ulthera with the Belo Medical Clinic.

"Nafru-frustrate na rin ako na I have had this huge chubby cheeks since I started," Alden began during his media conference on Tuesday.

"In-encourage ako ni Doktora Belo na gawin ko 'to kasi this is non-invasive. This is high frequency laser lang."

According to Alden, he said yes to the procedure after the film project "Hello, Love, Goodbye" was offered to him and underwent the procedure three months before the film's shooting started.

The Asia's Multimedia Star considers his total makeover as a rebirth. "Nine years, itsura ko pare-pareho. Tumaba, tumaba nang tumaba nang tumaba pa rin. So ngayon it's a total makeover, galing sa sarili ko ang initiative."

Alden is set to have his primetime comeback with his new drama series "The Gift" which will premiere this September. (GMA News)

on Monday, citing data from Kantar Media.

The ratings performance of “The Killer Bride” is notable, given its 9:15 p.m. schedule, which traditionally sees a steep decline of television viewers from the preceding time slots.

The primetime thriller’s ratings stride coincides with the unraveling of a twist involving the characters of Camila and Emma, portrayed respectively by real-life relatives Maja Salvador and Janella Salvador.

After deceiving the superstitious Las Espadas (and apparently, the show’s viewers, going by shocked reactions on social media), the “possessed” Emma is revealed to have been conniving all along with Camila to hatch her plans of revenge. (ABS-CBN News)

Janine Gutierrez reacts to Filipino film shortlisted for Oscars; reveals project with Paulo Avelino

K

apuso actress Janine Gutierrez was surprised that her film “Dagsin” has been shortlisted as a possible Philippine entry to the International Film Feature Category of the Oscars.

In an exclusive interview with Philstar.com during the "TRESemme Runway Ready 2019: Color The Runway" event held recently, Janine said she did not expect that the movie will be shortlisted in the Oscars, especially because it was shown three years ago.

“I was so surprised. We did that (film) three years ago, so it’s like ‘Totoo ba 'to?’

Parang dumadami na 'yung nagpo-post so tinext ko 'yung producer namin. I saw the news, they were so surprise also," shared Janine, who now sports a strawberry-colored hair, which she said is made "glowing and vibrant thanks to (the new) Ttresemme Pro Color Series."

"Even to be considered is such a blessing and surprise so ayon nakakatuwa lang kasi hindi naman namin ever inasahan na masasali 'yung movie na 'yon sa anything Oscars-related,” she added.

A 2016 Cinemalaya Film Festival entry, “Dagsin” was the first film of director Atom Magadia, with screenplay by his wife Anne. It tells the story of Justino (played

by Tommy Abuel), World War II hero and Death March survivor who lost his legs,

Janine and Paulo and as such, became an atheist.

When his wife, Corazon (portrayed

by Marita Zobel) died, Justino yearned to believe in life after death to be with her. As such, he looked for ways to hold on to the memory of his wife, including reading her diaries, from which he unearths a Pandora's Box of secrets.

"While the Philippines has been sub-

mitting movies in the foreign film Oscar category (now known as international feature film) since its inception in 1956, the country has yet to win," USbased news site The Hollywood Reporter said in a report.

Meanwhile, Janine said that she is doing a movie with K apamilya actor Paulo Avelino.

“A c t u a l l y I ’m starting a movie with Paulo Avelino. Ang title niya, ‘If We Don’t Make It.’ I guess it’s a crossover kasi nga; he’s from channel 2 and I’m from 7. Excited ako. I’ve done it before with Enchong sa 'Elise' and it’s always fun to work with people that you wouldn’t normally get to work with,” Janine said. (Philstar.com)

Saturday-Friday | September 7 - 13, 2019

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How — and why — do we celebrate Mary’s birthday?

T

he Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 8) is one of the most tender and natural feasts on the Church calendar. And although we date the liturgical feast to at least the sixth century, we can actually trace the celebration much farther back. After all, don’t you think Jesus celebrated Mary’s birthday?

Join Him in the celebration. We shouldn’t feel silly for celebrating Mary’s birthday just like we would celebrate the birthday of a family member or friend. After all, she’s our Mother, and I’m assuming you celebrate your earthly mom’s birthday. So why not your heavenly Mother’s birthday?

I think that’s why this feast is one of my favorite Marian feasts. Mary had a birthday, just like you and I have birthdays. When we think of Mary’s life, we tend to think of two things: the Annunciation, when Gabriel came to ask her to be the Mother of God, and the Crucifixion, when she stood at the foot of the Cross to watch her Son give His life for us.

Two moments. Two life-changing, earth-shattering, history-will-never-be-the-same moments.

But what about the rest of her life? Sure, there’s the birth of Jesus, the wedding at Cana, or the Presentation in the Temple. Or that little incident of losing Jesus when he was twelve. But these are just a few moments in a whole lifetime.

If we look at Mary’s life as a whole, we realize that most of her life was not spent receiving messages from angels. It was spent: Doing laundry.

Making dinner.

Preparing for the Sabbath.

Praying.

Sweeping the floor.

For as extraordinary her vocation was, most of her day-to-day life was, presumably, quite… ordinary.

Just because Mary was sinless, perfect, and the model of our holiness does not mean life wasn’t ordinary. Rather, it is what she did with the ordinariness that made the extraordinary events possible. It was because she was faithful in the ordinary that she was able to be faithful during the extraordinary.

Mary was able to vulnerably answer the angel, “Let it be done to me” because she was a girl of prayer, a girl who obeyed her parents, who surrendered to God in the everyday life of a Jewish daughter. Mary was able to stand at the foot of the Cross and faithfully suffer the greatest pain a woman has ever suffered because before that she had suffered the little pains faithfully—the self-

gift it takes to nurse a child when you want to take a nap or wash dishes when you want to visit with your neighbor.

Holiness doesn’t have to be dramatic. In fact, it rarely is. It usually looks less like a Nobel-peace-prize-winning-action and more like a sweeping-the-fiftieth-Cheerio-off-the-floor-thismorning-action. Not that Nobel peace prize winners aren’t saints—ask anyone who knew Mother Teresa. But she would be the first to say it was the smallest acts of her life that made the biggest difference.

Sometimes holiness is about life-changing events or heroic acts. But far more often, holiness

makes the ordinary extraordinary. It transforms the mundane or the monotonous into life-giving channels of grace. It makes the normal, everyday acts—our commute to work, our laundry, paying the bills, or carrying for a loved one—acts of love.

They might not feel any different, we might still dread them, or they might still be a little painful. But when we do them out of love, He transforms them and He transforms us. That’s how we become saints.

Celebrate Mary’s birthday on September 8. Sure, with cake

and ice cream and treats. But most of all, by living this ordinary day pursuing holiness: completing our daily tasks well, offering up annoyances, and spending a little extra time in prayer. (integratedcatholiclife.com)

Meet the five Filipino clinicians who pioneer UK’s NHS 111

(Clockwise from Left to Right) Suzette Basilan-Graduated in 1996 at Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation, Tacloban City and currently works as Anticoagulation Clinical Nurse Specialist; Shiela Caluya - Graduated in 1997 at University of Santo Tomas, Manila and currently works as Breast Reconstruction and Practice Surgery Clinical Nurse Specialist; Marissa SamsonGraduated 1995 from Iloilo Doctors’ College, Iloilo City and currently works as Clinical Lead Clinical advisor; Kit Torres- Graduated in 1999 at Angeles University Foundation, Angeles City and currently works as a Staff Nurse in Orthopaedics specialising in Bone Infection Unit and Surgical Enhanced Recovery Unit; and Mary Grace Mallorca-Graduated in 1998 at Riverside College, Bacolod city and currently works as Junior Nurse Practitioner.

“NHS 999, what’s your emergency?”

These are the words you will hear from an operator when you dial 999 —a UK based emergency service for police, ambulance, fire, and coastguard. It is the UK’s National Health

System’s version of the well-known 911 emergency service in the US. In 2016, a new service called NHS 111 was introduced. The service is available 24/7 and is intended for “urgent but none life-threatening”

health issues and complements the long-established 999 emergency service number for more serious matters.

In preparation for the launch of NHS 111, the service needed qualified nurses who will need to undergo rigorous and laborious training program for three weeks to become a certified Clinical Advisor who will carry out an essential role for the assessment of the health and clinical needs of patients who phone 111, utilizing their professional clinical judgement to provide advice, signpost to appropriate care and treatment or escalate to 999 services.

According to the five Filipino nurses, the training was truly challenging. “You really must put your heart, mind, and body into it because at the end

of the training, you will either just pass or fail.”

The training consisted of daily quiz, two major exams, and Pathway training. They were also required to complete 50 hours of call consolidations to complete the training program.

These Filipino nurses have passed the program with flying colors. According to them, “You really must prove that you can do it. Yes, we are naturalized British citizens but we are still considered Asians.

We are still Filipinos. So we showed them that we can pass.

We can do it and we did!”

Today, some of them still work in their respected field in Nursing but continue to work as a Clinical Advisors in NHS 111.

(GMA News)

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Saturday-Friday | September 7 - 13, 2019

Houseplants That Don’t Need Sunlight

These Low-Light Houseplants Can Survive Even the Darkest Corner

T

By Sarah Dooley, Associate ASID

hese indoor varieties are perfect for gardening beginners. Our top ten low-light houseplants thrive in unexpected conditions and are super easy to grow.

Peacock Plant (Calathea)

Its patterned and colorful leaves makes this plant a lovely addition to any room – it grows well in medium to low light and requires consistent moisture for best performance.

Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia)

The Dumb Cane plant is a fan favorite – happy with standard potting soil, average home temperatures, and average humidity.

This plant’s leaves are variegated in greens and cream colors and can reach a height of up to 5 feet.

Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)

The Dragon Tree is another plant that is near impossible to kill. Direct sunlight and over-watering is not something the Dracaena Marginata takes well to.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Hands down, this is one of the most popular house plants and is extremely easy to grow. It actually can stand up to a lot of neglect, and will thrive in indirect sunlight.

doors year-round without complaint, but they do enjoy an occasional stay outdoors in a shady spot when the weather permits.

Bromeliads

This tropical houseplant can actually survive on fluorescent light alone and thrives in humid conditions like bathrooms. A small Bromeliad on a vanity can add life to any bathroom!

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

This popular, shade-loving house plant is SUPER low-maintenance and actually needs to dry out between waterings. It re-blooms several times a year and is extremely easy to grow.

Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)

The Chinese Evergreen can make even the novice “indoor gardener” look like an expert. This tropical foliage plant is one of the most durable houseplants you can grow, tolerating poor light, dry air, and drought.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Caring for the Snake Plant is very heart-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron straightforward.

These plants can be nescandens) This sweetheart of a plant can thrive in-

glected for weeks at a time; yet, with their

Can your pet ward off evil spirits?

By Honor Whiteman

Leedy Interiors

stripy leaves and architectural shape, they still look fresh. Additionally, they can survive low light levels, drought and have few insect problems. Now, that’s our kind of plant!

Cast-Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

The Cast Iron plant is one of the easiest house plants to care for. While this species does prefer bright light, it survives well in shaded spots and rooms lacking natural light. Really, the only way to harm this guy is by over-watering or re-potting too often.

Happy Planting! (leedyinteriors.com)

least three times during the past month.

Around 25% of cat owners said they saw their feline hissing or growling at an empty space twice over the past 4 weeks, while other respondents said they have seen their cat follow an invisible presence around a room with their eyes.

Some respondents also reported seeing their pets behave oddly around areas where someone has died.

But our pets’ abilities may stretch further than fending off heinous spirits - they may also have psychic capabilities.

Your pet may be psychic, too

According to the survey results, many pet owners believe

Psychology Today

H

as your dog ever barked at something that wasn’t there? Has your cat ever hissed while staring at an empty space? There’s some bad news if the answer is yes: your home could be haunted by evil spirits. But do not fear! The good news is your pet is busy warding them off.

The new survey reveals that many pet owners believe their furry friends protect them from evil spirits.

According to a new survey of more

than 2,000 pet owners in the UK, conducted by animal charity Blue Cross, more than 30% of people believe their pets protect them from ghosts and spirits.

Many pet owners reported that their dogs or cats alert them to a supernatural presence by barking, growling, or staring at nothing, or by backing away from something that cannot be seen. Some respondents said their pet also displays flared neck fur when a spirit is nearby.

Among dog owners, around 25% said they have seen their four-legged friend bark or stare at nothing at

their animals can sense when a family member is heading home or when they are about to leave the house. Others said their pets know when it is time for dinner, while some said their animals can sense when a storm is on the horizon.

“Pets can soon learn subtle changes in our behavior and their environment that alert them to something we’re about to do or changes to the atmosphere like a storm brewing,” says Tamsin Durston, veterinary nurse and dog trainer at the Blue Cross. “They are quick to learn a routine so they know when their owners are due home, when it’s dinnertime and when you are about to go out without them.” (medicalnewstoday.com) Medical News Today

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Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the

PRAYER TO SAINT THERESE (NEAR CANOGA PARK AND WOODLAND HILLS AREA!)

Most Holy Apostle St. Jude Thaddeus, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master into the hands of the enemies has caused you to be forgotten by many, but the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases and of things despaired of. Pray for me who am so needy; make use, I implore you of that particular privilege accorded to you to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolations and succor of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings particularly (here mention your petition) and that I may bless God with you and all the elect throughout eternity. I promise you, O blessed Jude to be ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you as my special and powerful patron and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to you. Amen. THANK YOU - ARDY

and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank You for

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O Glorious St. and inspire the h You are so pow the Heart of G Miracles... the beseech you t out your promi letting fall from me your childli experiences of Therese, my C known everyw through you. A

O Glorious St. Therese, whom Almighty God has raised up to aid and inspire the human family, I implore your Miraculous Intercession. everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated You are so powerful in obtaining every need of body and spirit from from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. the Heart of God. Holy Mother Church proclaims you ‘Prodigy of (PLEASE CALL BETWEEN 9 AM. AND (A person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating Miracles... the Greatest Saint of Modern Times.’ Now5I PM. fervently his wish. After the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how beseech you to answer my petition (mention here) and to carry difficult it may be. Promise to publish this as soon as your favor has been granted. Grateful Thanks) - God bless - OMEL out your promises of spending Heaven doing good on earth...of letting fall from Heaven a Shower of Roses. Little Flower, give JOB OPPORTUNITIES? SERVICES? RENTAL SPACES? NEW me your childlike faith, to see the Face of God in the people and OR P WTD is seeking for an Administrative Assistant that H[SHULHQFHV RI P\ OLIH DQG WR ORYH *RG ZLWK IXOO FRQÂżGHQFH 6W 7KHUHVH P\ &DUPHOLWH 6LVWHU , ZLOO IXOÂżOO \RXU SOHD ÂľWR EH PDGH is driven, enthusiastic, self-motivated and able to known everywhere’ and I will continue to lead others to Jesus do multi-tasking of various administrative tasks, to through you. Amen THANK YOU - ABA provide support for the activities of the Executive way to reach my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive

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RECIPES / MEAL IDEAS / COOKING GUIDES

Breakfast Sausage Hash BREAKFAST Sausage Hash is a cheesy way to make sausage and hashbrown casserole. This recipe makes use of two kinds of cheeses: salsa con queso and shredded cheese. Having a little kick is alsobest for this dish, but the amount of hot sauce that you will use should depend on your heat tolerance.

This Breakfast Sausage Hash goes well with croissant with tomato ketchup on the side.

Let’s get cooking!

Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 50 minutes Total Time 1 hour Servings 5

s o n a b a L g n i w Kila ring f prepa a ro y a w ilipino n be m is t he F egetables ca nt i l f u l ly t I . e h a nd v cid) u o cev ic h mous t . Fish, meat, a nsi (cit r ic a k i ng t h roug y n o n , y o d s h i m o s s c a i i c l a d a a N I c in ra tr KIL AW ma r i nat i ng et ic acid), or hat need ex s has da ikon w it h t h y o c food b n v i nega r (a r ta i n d ishes aw ing laba n ices of rad is l l i e i s i nated . T here a re c d exa mple. K a nos. T h i n b o cooked s dish is a go red to a s L a ite v i nega r. i r h res i ne h f w T e ocedu nega r l ly r f ire. ed i n r t a p a c o n o l i r w s t i a at in v i re a re w h ic h d l i v er a r e m y. T he dish a nd me be cooked s n a a e k s r i po t he ra a no s e at to té e d i ng lab s ma r inat ing nt for t he m ds to be sau nd w a l i k e g ta e co re Ma k i n e f irst requi . It i s i mpor e m i x t u re n us to t he se r h i ed ds .T nt volved r t ia l ly cook eason, t he e s, wh ich lea a r e t p s i u l i h n t mi un or t it h a st 2 5 etely. F d r ub w lt. n a compl ked for at le , s e o e t he sa i n piec a n d c o r e. i nto t h ards to remov h s i u d d a e r proc ce t he r af ter w toget h ish. Sl i se w it h wate d a r dients a r for e e r h n t g i e n R i r . v i neg Prepa he juice out a ll t he bining h a nd pork i n tt m le o o c t s lt e is sa t u r e. t involv he rad on pa r . Ma r i nate t ok s t he m i x i t a n i r o c a for 25 The m for t he ga rl i s pa r t ia l ly c . Cook omt o p e i t Th ep d i sh c i nto t h er, exc 15 m i nutes. i x t u re h is cook s t he m t e s h a t e at l pper. T nd add a rl ic a sa lt a nd pe yable to eat. g e t u a h s it jo Si mply nd season w a nd more en r ice. a r s e e f t a wh ite g it s m m i nu r n i a k w a m t wa r m a nd pletely s er v e i d f i sh y e i a r f m h er. You sh w it t h is d i ppet i z a d o o Enjoy for a g m a ke s o s l a h is T h is d Prep Time 15 minutes . d l o or c Cook Time 25 minutes king! o Servings 4 people o c t e Let’s g Calories 260kcal

INGREDIENTS 1 package (1 lb.) frozen shredded potatoes, thawed 11/2 cups beef broth 6 pieces sausage links 3 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon canola oil 10 oz. salsa con queso 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 tablespoon hot Cayenne pepper sauce 3 tablespoons chopped green onion 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon onion powder DIRECTIONS 1. Heat a pan, pour-in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Add the sausage links and butter. Parboil the sausage links until the beef broth evaporates.

2. Once the broth completely evaporates, continue to fry the sausage links using the remaining butter in low to medium heat for 5 minutes.

4. Remove the sausage links from the pan, let cool down. Slice into thin pieces.

5. Combine the remaining butter and add the canola oil, apply heat.

Once the mixture heats up, put the sliced sausages in. Cook for 1 minute.

6.Add the shredded potatoes. Stir and cook for 5 to 7 minutes.

7. Transfer the cooked potato and sausage in a mixing bowl. Add the salsa con queso, shredded cheese, hot sauce, salt, and onion powder.

Fold until the ingredients are well blended.

8. Preheat the oven to 400F. Arrange the mixture in a baking plate.

Top with chopped green onion. Bake for 35 minutes.

9. Remove from the oven. Serve for breakfast.

INGREDIENTS 1 piece daikon radish 5 ounces pork, minced 3 ounces pork liver, minced 3/4 cup white vinegar 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar 1 piece onion, sliced 4 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons cooking oil 2 tablespoons salt for prep Salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS

Share and enjoy!

—Vanjo Merano

(panlasangpinoy.com)

1. Slice the daikon radish into thin pieces. Arrange in a bowl and add 2 tablespoons salt. Rub salt all over the radish slices and let stay for 15 minutes. Squeeze the juice out of the radish. Rinse with water until all the salt goes off. Squeeze to release water.

2. Combine the prepared radish, pork, pork liver, sugar, onion, and white vinegar in a large bowl. Toss until well blended.

Marinate for 20 minutes.

3. Heat the oil in a cooking pot. Saute garlic until golden brown.

4. Add the marinated mixture. Let boil. Stir and then adjust the heat between low to medium. Cover the pot and continue to cook for 20 to 25 minutes.

5. Season with salt and ground black pepper. Serve with warm white rice.

—Vanjo Merano (panlasangpinoy.com)

Saturday-Friday | September 7 - 13, 2019

Health & Beauty

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SOCIAL SECURITY CLAIMING AS PART OF RETIREMENT INCOME PLANNING STRATEGY

A

t 65, you can enroll on Medicare and start claiming your Medicare benefits.

With Social Security pensions, you have different options: you can claim early at age 62, or at full retirement age (FRA) either at 66 or 67 depending on your birth year, or at age 70.

Actuarially, you get 75% of your full retirement pensions if you claim at 62; 100% if you claim at full retirement age; or, 136% if you claim at 70.

Now, if you have already claimed your pension and you or your spouse, have a less than16 y/o child or less(it does not matter if he or she is a stepchild, or adopted, or biological), the child/ren and spouse may be entitled to some benefits (50 to 80% more of your pension).

Choosing when to claim is important because it may impact not only the amount of your income for the rest of your life, but that of your spouse as well.

More than 90% of Americans have claimed at age 62. Many reason that they have claimed at that age because they need money and they just don’t know how long they’re going to live.

No one knows how long anyone will live. Statistics (facts), however, shows that at age 65, men have a life expectancy of 84; and, women, 86. That is a good 20 long years after full retirement. And, 1 in 4 lives up to 90; 1 in 10 lives up to 95.

And, considering that 1/3 of Americans totally depend (100%) on their Social Security pensions at retirement and 2/3

depend on Social Security for 50% or more of their retirement income, a very careful thought must be given on when to claim Social Security benefits.

Of course, you, or your spouse as the case may be, must have contributed at least 40 quarters (10 years) to Social Security to be entitled to the benefits. Even if you are now divorced, you may still be entitled to the benefits.

Even if your ex had 1 or more other spouses before you. There are rules. And, you have options.

35 is the number of years of indexed contribution that Social Security considers to determine the amount of your pension. It is, therefore, to your advantage to work and contribute longer because Social Security chooses those years where you have contributed the highest.

Will your Social Security pensions be taxed? That depends.

Your tax accountant has to take into consideration your adjusted gross income (AGI) and a portion of your Social Security income (50%) to arrive at your provisional income. Depending on the total, you are taxed accordingly, or not at all. Furthermore, there are some states that do impose taxes on your Social Security income. For taxes, you have to consult your tax accountant.

Despite the fact that you may not receive regular statements

from Social Security, you can always set up and register an account online where you can get confidential information about your personal circumstances. Furthermore, you can use their online calculator to estimate your future monthly pensions.

Since to most Americans, Social Security is the largest retirement asset – more than double their home equity and 5 times their financial assets (401k/IRA), consider thoroughly the factors like age, health, financial status, assets, tax rules, other company benefits, spouse’s benefits, longevity, inflation, etc. before diving into an unknown deep hole such as Social Security claiming.

Even if you have already claimed early, you may still have options to amend your decision to improve your future.

If you need help, you may call 323-535-7373 or, e-mail at: leo.balita@gmail.com.

About the author: Joleo “Leo” Monsalud holds CA license # 0G55218 as well as Non-Resident licenses for Nevada and Michigan. He helps Medicare members choose the right Medicare plan for them. He studied for MBA and Law at the University of the Philippines. He used to work for United Laboratories, Inc. where his last position held was vice-president assigned as general manager of a division.

‘A lot of work’ needed to address PH teen pregnancy woes

PageOne

MANILA -- Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said last week the government still had “a lot of work to do” in addressing teen pregnancy despite its decreasing rate.

“While there is (a) downward trend in the rate of adolescent or teenage pregnancy, it should not be missed that the rate in

the country is twice as high compared to the rates in Southeast Asia. Thus, we have a lot of work to do,” Duque said in his speech at the Kapit Kamay Summit in Pasay City.

The summit aimed to discuss and forge a multi-stakeholder solution -- from the sectors of education, health, development,

Looking closer: Curbing the increasing rate of myopia MANILA -- Look closely and you see everything. Look from a distance and you see nothing. This is the ordeal people with myopia or nearsightedness have to face every day.

There is a way to delay the development of this disorder, however, especially among children -- through getting outdoors and setting aside for a while one’s computer or smartphone.

“There is no sure way to stop the occurrence of myopia but it can be delayed, and in Singapore, the government has taken this seriously that it changed the school curriculum for the children. They don’t do physical education indoors anymore, they send the students outside so they can get more exposure to sunlight,” Dr. John Ang, vice president for Education and Professional Services of Essilor Asia Pacific, Middle East, Russia and Africa, said at the 22nd Asia Pacific Optometry Congress held in Manila recently.

Ang explained Singapore is one of the countries with the highest prevalence of myopia, adding that the number of seven-year-old children with myopia or myopes has

an increase rate of 28 percent while twelve-year-old myopes increase in number at 65-percent rate.

Causes and prevalence

Myopia or nearsightedness is one of the most common eye disorders in the world which is characterized by blurry vision when looking at distant objects.

“There are myths regarding the causes of myopia like, you’re most likely to get it if you look at green things and if you eat food with lots of fats and sugar. Let me tell you, looking at things that are color green are good for the eyes and it’s good to reduce fat and sugar intake but myopia doesn’t have anything to do with nutrition,” Ang stressed.

Genetics and ethnicity are two factors which eye experts relate with myopia.

“If both parents have myopia, their children have a big chance of inheriting it. Studies also show that East Asians are more prone to having myopia compared to Westerners but there’s no proof yet if this is about ‘pure ethnicity’ factor,” Ang said.

Citing that myopia is often first de-

child protection, media and technology, and the community -- to address teen pregnancy.

Duque cited the results of the 2017 National Demographic and Health Survey, which showed the prevalence of adolescent fertility rate or birth rate had gone down to 47 out of 1,000 females aged 15 years to 19 years, from a high of 87 out 1,000 in May 2013.

The number of women aged 15 years to 19 years who have begun child bearing has slightly decreased by 10 percent in 2013 to 9 percent, he said.

Apart from social implications, Duque said early pregnancy poses greater risks of complications to both mother and child compared to “delayed” pregnancy.

“There is preterm delivery where a child is born in less than the normal 37 weeks. It also results (in) low birth weight, which affects the health of the child before it could even lead to death, and children born to adolescent moms are more likely to die com-

tected during childhood and diagnosed during early school years, Ang explained most children may not even realize or complain of myopia symptoms.

“Kids around six years old may get it, especially now that gadgets have replaced the baby sitters. It may progress rapidly throughout their school years when they’re six to 16 years old, and until they are 18 to 24 years old,” he added.

Ang said parents can suspect their children of having myopia if “they have blurry vision when looking at distant objects, sit closer to the television or the front of the classroom, squint or partially close their eyelids to see clearly and experience headaches caused by eyestrain”.

He added studies on common eye problems are increasing at an alarming rate with almost two billion myopes reported in 2019 worldwide.

In 2030, myopes are expected to increase to almost three billion worldwide and to five billion myopes in 2050 as urbanization and inPNA- essilor door lifestyles continue to prevail.

“Even in the Philippines, myopia prevalence has been steadily increasing each decade, with nearly 40 percent of the overall population currently, being myopic,” Ang said.

Stressing that neglect of myopia in children could affect their learning, he cited one out of three children worldwide has poor academic performance because he/she cannot see the board clearly.

“About 80 percent of what children learn is through their eyes, so, if children’s vision suffers, chances are their

pared to children of older mothers,” he said.

Quoting a 2015 data from the World Health Organization, Duque reported that maternal conditions rank first in all the common causes of death among females aged 15 years to 19 years.

To address early pregnancy, the DOH established an adolescent development program aimed at ensuring the health and wellbeing of all adolescents.

“It provides interventions to reduce occurrence of teenage pregnancies, including health promotion and advocacy campaigns through quad media, establishment of adolescent health care facilities, and capacity building for program managers and frontline health workers to be equipped in providing adolescent-friendly health services,” Duque said.

The program also includes continuous conduct of research to ensure a multi-sectoral approach in solving the problem.

school work are suffering too. It can affect their growth, their future,” he said.

“Myopia may also affect long-term eye health, high myopia, - 5.00 D or more may increase the risk of longterm eye diseases, like 2.46 times risk of glaucoma, 5.5 times risk of cataract, 21.5 times risk of retinal detachment and 40.6 times risk of myopic macular degeneration,” he added.

Treatment and eye health tips

Myopia can be detected, corrected and managed. Its early detection can reduce the risk of its development in the later years of life.

According to Essilor’s 2017 Parents’ Awareness of Myopia Control Survey,

around 95 percent of parents do not know about myopia management solutions.

“Eyeglasses are the simplest and safest way to correct and manage myopia. Essilor has developed myopilux which is myopia management spectacles. It is a non-invasive, simple, and safe solution to help slow down myopia progression, and also there are eye care tips you can observe to keep childhood myopia at bay,” Ang said.

He added other eye health practices

(PNA) include eye exam every six months, taking a break when doing work with computers or using digital devices, encouraging children spend at least two and a half hours outdoors daily, and using light and maintaining proper distance when reading or working.

“Changing lifestyles is very important like in Sydney where students have two hours outside play per day, they are three percent myopic. I’m not sure, but maybe we Asians push our children more to be indoors and study, unlike the Australians, they are more the sporty type,” Ang said.

Emelita Roleda, general manager of Essilor Philippines, said their group believes in the importance of improving one’s vision in order to have an improved life.

“With this conference, we aim to educate the optometrists in the Philippines about myopia’s prevalence and to raise public awareness. The optometrists can impart the knowledge they will get here to the children’s parents, so myopia cases can be reduced,” Roleda said.

She added they are coordinating with the Department of Health and other government agencies in line with the celebration of myopia awareness month in August.

“We went to Cebu, Davao and Pasig to educate parents and children alike about myopia, its symptoms and treatment. We provided also free eye exams to ensure early detection of myopia especially among the less privileged,” she said.

Essilor is an ophthalmic optics company that designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of lenses to improve and protect eyesight. It supports researches by the International Myopia Institute which covers essential topics in advancing clinical knowledge and practice related to stemming the expanding impact of myopia. (PNA)

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Lulugayan Falls

Samar’s Lulugayan Falls reopens doors to tourists CALBIGA, Samar -- Residents living near Lulugayan Falls in this town are confident that the improvements done on their tourism asset will unlock economic opportunities in their community.

Last week, Lulugayan Falls was reopened to visitors with basic facilities meant for the convenience of tourists visiting Samar’s most famous waterfalls.

“More visitors mean more income for us. We will be more financially capable to support our children’s college education,” said Bella Malubay, president of Literon Women’s Association.

For several months, Lulugayan Falls was closed to the public due to improvement activities that were implemented and capability training for local service providers from Liter-

Saturday-Friday | September 7 - 13, 2019

on village.

The project is in partnership with Samar provincial government, Department of Tourism (DOT), and Bantay Kalikasan founded by late Gina Lopez.

Lulugayan, dubbed as the mini-Niagara Falls, is Samar’s most popular waterfalls. It is located 14 kilometers from the town center.

The road leading to the waterfalls is now concreted through a funding from the DOT. However, tourists are not allowed to use cars from the village center to the waterfalls to preserve its natural environment. Cars must be stationed at the parking area located at the tourism eco-lodge near the community.

From Literon village, a tourist has to hike the 740-meter trail, passing upland rice plantation and a local organic farm.

“It’s easy to identify what projects will be implemented, but the difficult process is to select where this will be implemented,” Vice Governor Michael Tan said.

Lulugayan Falls spans about 50 meters in width, making it one of the widest waterfalls in the country. Its highest drop is about 30 meters.

The water that flow at the falls starts at Lake Kalidongan, which has more than 100 waterfall cascades on its 14 kilometers rapids before it reaches Lulugayan and drains in Calbiga River.

Guests who will visit the waterfalls will see many pools that provide the perfect respite from the heat.

For those who do not want to swim, there is an area where one can take a picnic or hang-out within the view of the waterfalls.

A treehouse was also built near the function hall, connected by a hanging bridge, giving guests a better panoramic view of the waterfalls and its cascades.

Unlike in previous years where guests can swim in any part of the waterfalls, this time there are areas designated for swimming and off-limits for guests as a safety measure.

Only 150 tourists are allowed to explore Lulugayan Falls on a daily basis.

Guests who are interested to visit the eco-tourism site are advised to inform the local tourism office of Calbiga. (PNA)

Bangsamoro: A basin of Luring tourists through Filipino food, flavors undiscovered destinations MANILA — Food native to the destination suceso said this slow food revolution has is already established as a key element in already started in the Philippines. luring tourists. This is why the Depart“There is now a slow food revolution in ment of Tourism (DOT) is seeking to ac- the Philippines. Slow food as opposed to centuate attention on unique Filipino cui- fast food, you make use of ingredients and sine and the experience that goes along elements that make food and gastronomy with it to attract more visitors to the country.

“Food tourism is quite important not only in the Philippines but all over the world. If you’d notice, people who travel in their itinerary, it’s not only museums and the sights, the restaurants are included,” Tourism chief Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

Just recently, the DOT partnered with Jollibee Food Corporation in launching the “Eats. ‘EATS MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES’. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (3rd from left) together with Jollibee Food More Fun in the Phil- Corporation officials lead by its CEO Ernesto Tanmantiong (2nd ippines”, a campaign to from left) indulge in the Filipino boodle feast during the DOT and highlight the top dishes Jollibee launch of “Eats. More Fun in the Philippines” at the Islas the country has to offer. Pinas Food & Heritage Village, Double Dragon Plaza in Pasay City For the part of the on Saturday (August 31, 2019). The campaign highlights the top agency, Romulo-Puyat dishes the country has to offer. (PNA photo by Gil Calinga) said the DOT is planning to craft a roadmap to further develop more nutritious,” she said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency. the tourism product.

One of the destinations promoting this “Definitely, it’s more of we want to highlight the lesser-known destinations is the Cordillera Administrative Region and one way is to show the cuisines,” she (CAR), which is where most of the countold reporters on Saturday. try’s heirloom rice is proLast year, the agency also launched the duced.

“Kain Na”, a food-travel fest held simultaIn a recent interview neously in Legazpi City, Albay and Cebu with the PNA, DOT-OIC City, Cagayan de Oro City, Laguna, Clark, Regional Director Jovita Ganongan said they want Pampanga, and Davao City.

According to the agency, this initiative to introduce “food that is will continue under the government’s bid sustainable”.

“It has to be really to position the Philippines as a “center of sustainable in a way that food and gastronomy”. the foods served are local and those in season. In a ‘Slow food revolution’ Aside from initiating food fairs and way, that will also help public-private partnership, the govern- the local community and ment is also trying to ride on the slow food will encourage farmers movement which seeks to preserve tradi- to plant, produce food tional cooking and promote native ingre- that is traditional or redients found in a specific destination. ally what we call mounDOT Assistant Secretary for Product tain products,” she said.

PageOne and Market Development Verna Buen- (PNA)

MANILA -- The newly-established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), composed of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, and Basilan, is not only a melting pot of diverse cultures but also a basin of unspoiled destinations the people have yet to discover.

At the 30th Philippine Travel Mart in SMX Convention Center on Friday, the region highlighted these through a colorful booth that showed the vibrancy the Philippines’ southernmost tip has to offer.

In Tawi-Tawi, the booth boasts of the Bud Bongao and the Sheik Makhdum Mosque-the oldest in the Philippines-- which symbolizes the propagation of Islam in 1380 in the province by an Arab missionary named Sheikh Karimul Makhdum.

The Panampangan Island, which has a sandbar that stretches to 3,128 meters, is also located in Tawi-Tawi and is hailed for its crystal blue waters and pristine white sands.

The region also showcased the Masjid Dimaukom, popularly known as the Pink Mosque-- an important symbol of Islamic religion which stands tall and pink in Maguindanao-- as well as the Lami-Lamihan Festival that highlights the Yakan Tribe from Basilan’s rich custom and age-old music.

In Sulu, the region invited potential tourists to the island province’s beaches including the Manisan in Banguingui Municipality, the home of the native Sama-Banguingui

people who fought against the Spanish invaders back in the olden days.

The image of Sulu in general including other provinces in the now BARMM has suffered a huge blow due to conflict, threats of piracy, and the existence of terrorist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf.

Although a number of areas in the island province such as the Patikul in Jolo are off-limits to tourists, Sulu provincial tourism officer Jainab Abdulmajid said parts of the place are now open for visitors to enjoy with the option of tapping government forces for security while in the area.

“In my 25 years as provincial tourism officer, walang na-kidnap sa pangangalaga namin (nobody under our care was kidnapped). The key there is you coordinate with the right agency. In our case, you coordinate with the provincial tourism office, which is under the provincial government,” she said in an interview.

In Sulu alone, registered tourists already reached hundreds said the tourism officer.

“Our conservative target is 400 to 500 this year,” Abdulmajid said.

“We don’t really count because there are a lot of tourists who want to visit during Ramadan. We don’t allow it because our tour guides are fasting. With regard to the recent bombing of the Jolo Cathedral, of course, when there are security advises we don’t allow tourists, but now, Sulu is open to everybody,” she said.

Abdulmajid is optimistic about the future of Sulu’s tourism industry with the BARMM government’s assurance to assist in the promotion.

“Even before BARMM, people have always been interested and curious about Muslim culture.

With this, we have new leadership, the BARMM government promised to bring in more tourists and I see a lot of optimism with the BARMM,” she added. (PNA)

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Seven Philippine fashion brands to present at Premiere Classe Paris

S

even notable and well-loved Filipino fashion accessory and ready-to-wear brands are heading to Paris to participate in the Premiere Classe fashion trade show happening from September 27 to 30, 2019.

Held annually since 1989 and happening in the midst of Paris Fashion Week, Premiere Classe showcases fashion design and accessories by brands and designers from all over the world.

The event registers over 10,000 visitors each year, including buyers and media editors over the course of four days. It is an international platform for fashion accessory designers to present their products in categories that include jewelry, footwear, bags, leather goods and ready-to-wear items.

Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (DTI-Citem), whose mission includes promoting Filipino brands and talents to be recognized internationally, the Philippines will be proudly represented at Premiere Classe this year by noteworthy local brands. Aranáz, Beatriz Accessories, Mele + Marie, Joanique and Zacarias 1925 will be presenting their bags and accessories; Merriam

Batara for jewelry; and Filip + Inna’s ready-to-wear line completes the roster.

First on the Philippine delegation lineup is Aranáz, which was founded by

like abaca, raffia and wicker.

Beatriz Accessories, led by Founder and Chief Designer Carissa Cruz Evangelista, offers a more luxurious take on handcrafted bags with clutches made

Becky, Amina and Rosanna Aranaz in 1999. Aranáz has enjoyed a steady local following over the years and continues to gain popularity internationally. The brand’s handmade bags have perfected that signature balance of polished and artisanal, while bringing to the spotlight the use of indigenous materials,

with vibrant color combinations and eye-catching graphic details. This is true for Mele + Marie’s elegant purses, as well. Created by the husband-andwife team of Melecio and Rosemarie Oamil, the brand’s bags boast refined artistry through the use of iridescent abalone shells and lightweight acrylic.

A timepiece that reconnects you with nature

TU LAN, VIETNAM — Thickly foliaged karst mountains are dewy with this morning’s drizzle. Backlit by the rising sun, looming and large, they even appear to shine.

It’s difficult to fathom now that this untamed scenery of the Tu Lan Cave system was once littered with landmines; now a demilitarized zone, paper and peanut plants rapidly flourish on its surrounding fields which it shares with grazing buffaloes that are much smaller than their reel-life counterparts in the 2017 monster Montblanc 1858 Chronograph blockbuster Kong: Skull Island, which was filmed here, the first Hollywood movie shot in Vietnam.

This palette of wild nature inspires the new editions of Montblanc 1858. Two new 1858 Automatic models, 1858 Automatic Chronograph, 1858 Geosphere—which is dedicated to the world’s Seven Summit mountaineering challenge, the holy grail of mountaineering adventures—and the Montblanc 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition 100. All c ome in an elegant pairing of khaki-green details and a bronze case enriched with aluminium that captures a new dimension of mountain exploration for the heritage brand as it goes far beyond the chilling, snowy terrain of the highest peaks of the Alps.

Tu Lan lies The 1858 Chronograph Super Luminova next to the miglows in the absolute darkness inside nority village the Tu Lan Cave System. of Tan Hoa in northern Vietnam and 70 km away from the UNESCO World Heritage Phong NhaKe Bang National Park. The lush greenery is fortified by months of rain. Tan Hoa is typically submerged for a month of the year, once hitting a maximum of 13 meters high that villagers have taken to not only build their homes on a foundation of tall cement stilts, but supplement it with rows of empty wooden barrels attached underneath a compact wooden shack so the temporary housing solution floats during the worst case scenario.

The journey commences with a 2.5- kilometer hike to Tu Lan which you can only access through a trek. Trudging through thick, humid heat, crossing the cool Rao Nan River despite its currents was

Founded by designer Malou Romero in 2011, Joanique creates contemporary bags and accessories with a cultural reference. Its Maskara collection of minaudières mimic the intricate designs and carvings of the masks featured in the MassKara Festival in the southern city of Bacolod. Zacarias 1925, on the other hand, references architecture, art and even cinema in its progressive designs. Designer Rita Nazareno cleverly mixes materials like leather and shaped rattan to add even more personality to her pieces.

Jewelry designer Merriam Batara hails from a family with a background in crafting fine jewelry and hand-beaded accessories. Her work emphasizes the immense detail and precision of hand beading, as seen in her collection of shoulder-grazing earrings.

Finally, Lenora Cabili’s clothing label Filip + Inna applies to each garment age-old and traditional techniques of weaving and embroidery, and incorporates these into more current silhouettes.

Each brand brings its own distinct style to the table to highlight local materials, styles and craftsmanship that further define fashion’s visual codes in this day and age. (Business Mirror)

a relief. Ashore is a 30-meter climb up a steep rocky hill. I put on thick gloves to evade poisonous plants and protect myself as I hold on to sharp rocks and for dear life, climbing and then going down into a 100-meter descent in elevation, emerging into the idyllic Hung Ton Valley, into Hung Ton Cave.

Being deep into the jungle feels worlds away from the cultivated fields of Tan Hoa. It might not compare, but I imagine this is a fraction of what the world’s very first explorers on expedition must’ve felt like, guided by the legendary professional Minerva pocket watches The 1858 Split Second and chronographs Chronograph Limited Edition 100 that were conceived for military use and exploration waterfall entrance of Ken Cave. There is no way from the 1920s and through but to plunge into the deep, cool, under1930s that are re- ground rivers and swim. The blue lagoon entrance interpreted in the of Tu Lan Cave and 180 meters downstream leads to land—finally—for more hiking, climbing, rappelling, new 1858s.

The more expe- squeezing into narrow openings, and a trek to the rienced members adjacent Kim Cave, exploring into its 600 meters of our team—some and a total of 350 meter swims of varying lengths have summited and depths. The daylight streaming from the enMont Blanc—are trance of the cave has faded and gone.

The 1858’s dial details glow in the absolue darkequipped with the ness.

Its Arabic numerals, a railway minutes track 1858 watches, seand the original Montblanc logo from the 1930s cured with refined era with its historical font and emblem of the Mont yet durable and Blanc mountain are pigment-coated with beige comfortable woven SuperLumiNova, a strontium aluminate–based NATO straps, handcrafted in France at a traditional non-radioactive and nontoxic photoluminescent. weaving manufacturer that has been producing it for Seen only by the light of my head torch, I swim over 150 years. First worn by the British Ministry of through majestic limestone formations and marvel Defence for extreme conditions, the one-piece strap once again at how tiny I am in this big world. I have slides underneath the case so that the skin never barely scratched the surface of what’s out there. touches metal. Its material wicks moisture away Back in Dong Hoi and then Ho Cho Minh for a from the skin. It stays on the wrist even if a spring layover to our return flights, the polished, satinated bar pops out. bronze cases have oxidized, taking on a patina that The jungle and cave areas boast some of the greatcan only be unique to its wearer.

Like the 1858, I am est biodiversity in the country and home to endannot the same person that I was, standing on the engered wildlife. I spotted monkeys. Accessible only trance of the Tu Lan. through a guided tour, our local guides say there Montblanc is available at Rustan’s Makati, are also deer. Tigers hide in the shadows. Because Rustan’s Shangri-La, Rustan’s Cebu, Greenbelt 5, they are not hunted in these protected lands as the City of Dreams and Resorts World. locals turn to agriculture and tourism as their main (The Philippine Star) sources of livelihood and sustenance, they peacefully coexist with animals who have not learned to fear predatory humans. I’m more wary of poisonous plants like poison ivy and mosquitoes that are bigger than those at home.

This journey is not about the destination. In this case, we truly are not “there” yet. It’s another three-kilometer trek through dense rainforest shaded by a canopy of trees and limestone mountains on all sides, all the way to Mango Mountain and Tu Lan Valley where rivers that wind through mountains and river valleys merge, forming a natural beach that Mother Nature made just for a night of rest, sleeping under the stars.

Plunging into waterfalls and deep, cool underground rivers that wind graceful through mountains and river valleys By daybreak, we follow the rivers as they lead into vast caverns. First is the

Environment P20-M US grant boosts PH Unify disaster mitigation, climate fight vs. plastic pollution change adaptation, LGUs urged 26

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MANILA – The US government is helping the country battle marine debris.

On Thursday, the US government awarded local environment advocate, Mother Earth Foundation, and public interest network EcoWaste Coalition grants totaling some PHP20 million to support anti-marine debris projects the groups had committed to undertake in the country.

“We’re proud to work with the Philippines in finding and funding solutions to the plastic waste problem in our oceans,” US Deputy Chief of Mission John Law said at the grant-signing event in Quezon City.

He raised the urgency for action, noting that plastics’ invasion of marine waters is already harming ecosystems and biodiversity aside from threatening people’s health.

“Every year, eight million tons of plastic waste are dumped in the world’s oceans,” he said.

Such waste ends up inside the bodies of people who eat fish that ingest this debris, he noted.

The grants are part of the Municipal Waste Recycling Program (MWRP) of USAID, the lead US government agency for international development and disaster assistance.

MWRP “supports solid waste management and water recycling efforts by local and national governments, civil society organizations and academic institutions in the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam,” US Embassy in Manila said in its press release.

According to Mother Earth Foundation chairperson Sonia Mendoza, the group will use the said grant to transform the 30 barangay units in Batangas City into zero waste villages “We’ll do a house-to-house information and education campaign there to teach people how to achieve zero waste,” she said at the grant-signing’s side.

Achieving zero waste will help mitigate the flow of debris -- particularly plastics -- into marine waters, she noted.

Zero waste is the concept of generating little or no waste.

Mendoza said the foundation will undertake its project during the next 18 months.

EcoWaste national coordinator Aileen Lucero said this network’s share of the total grant will fund research on plastics pollution in Manila Bay and waste collection efficiency there.

“Data we’ll generate will serve as baseline for the national action plan on marine litter,” she said.

She also said such data will help the environment department assess its marine debris-relevant policies so this agency can either enhance or change these.

The research project will last for 18 months, she noted.

Environment undersecretary Benny Antiporda thanked the US government for awarding the grants, noting such support will boost efforts for addressing the country’s marine debris problem.

“You, me, we’re the environment -- let’s take

Saturday-Friday | September 7 - 13, 2019

DUMAGUETE CITY – The head of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division of Negros Oriental said on Thursday local government units (LGUs) must harmonize climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM).

Adrian Sedillo, the province’s DRRM Officer, said CCA and DRRM go hand-in-hand like “husband and wife” that should be addressed as one.

Although the country is celebrating National Disaster Resilience Month this July, issues and concerns on climate change should also be covered, he said.

“We are given 5 percent of our (LGU) annual budget for DRRM but I would like to emphasize that this is not only for disaster risk reduction and management but also for climate change adaptation,” he added.

That is the reason that while some guidelines for the budget focus on DRRM expenditures, the LGUs can now also include environmental programs and projects for CCA, Sedillo said.

With Republic Act 10121 (An Act Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System) in effect, every LGU must look at the climate and disaster risk in their areas, he pointed out.

Sedillo believes that the province and its LGUs are more resilient now, having recovered from disasters like strong earthquakes and massive flooding in the last 10 years.

LGUs are doing their best to address challenges brought about by “climatic variabilities”, which in essence are believed to be the cause of disasters, calamities, and other emergencies, he said.

To celebrate National Disaster Resilience Month, the province has lined up several activities, one of which is a forum in cooperation with the Office of Civil Defense and DRRM officers from the various LGUs. (PNA)

very good care of it,” he said at the grant-signing event.

Earlier, the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB) called for increased cooperation on mitigating plastics pollution in oceans to avert the further environmental degradation and biodiversity loss there.

“Saving our oceans is not the responsibility only of our governments and marine scientists -- each one of us can do our share to protect our rich marine heritage,” said ACB Executive Director and the environment department’s former biodiversity chief Dr. Theresa Mundita Lim. Properly disposing of waste and using reusable materials and products are among ways people can do to help prevent more plastic waste from reaching and polluting oceans, she noted.

“By working together, we can protect our shared oceans,” she said.

Lim made the call noting that land-based activities and waste -- particularly plastics -- already account for over 80 percent of marine pollution. (PNA)

Saturday-Friday | September 7 - 13, 2019

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