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LOS ANGELES ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2026
Ensuring Child Safety and Best Interests: Health The Implications of California Family Code 3011 @Heart Barrister’s Corner A tty . K enneth U rsua R eyes FAMILY Code 3011 represents a significant development in family law, specifically addressing cases where there are allegations of a history of abuse by one parent. When allegations of abuse have been brought to the attention of the court and the court makes an order for sole or joint custody o unsupervised visitation to that parent, Family Code 3011(a)(5) mandates that the court state its reasons, in writing or on the record, for determining that an order is in the best interest of the child and ensures the safety of both the child and the parties involved. This article explores the key aspects of Family Code 3011 and its implications for child custody cases. Child custody cases often involve complex considerations, particularly when allegations of abuse by one parent are present. In the past, courts may have struggled to adequately address these concerns and provide appropriate safeguards for the child's well-being. Family Code 3011 seeks to address this issue by requiring the court to provide explicit reasoning for its decisions, ensuring transparency and accountability. Family Code 3011 emphasizes the paramount importance of the child's best interest in custody determinations. The court is now obligated to consider factors
such as the child's health, safety, welfare, and any history of abuse or domestic violence when making custody decisions. In cases where there are allegations of a history of abuse by one parent, the court must prioritize the safety of the child and the parties involved. Family Code 3011 requires the court to consider the nature, severity, and frequency of any past abuse when evaluating the appropriateness of custody arrangements. A significant aspect of Family Code 3011 is the requirement for the court to provide a detailed statement of reasons for its custody orders. This includes a clear explanation of how the order serves the child's best interest and protects the safety of the child and the parties involved. The purpose of this provision is to enhance transparency and enable meaningful review of custody decisions. The introduction of Family Code 3011 brings several notable benefits to child custody cases involving allegations of abuse: 1. By explicitly considering the history of abuse and prioritizing the safety of the child, Family Code 3011 aims to provide greater protection for children who may be at risk in contentious custody disputes. 2. Requiring the court to articulate the reasons for its decisions promotes accountability and transparency in the judicial process. This allows parties involved to understand the court's rationale and facilitates effective review of custody orders. 3. Family Code 3011 ensures that allegations of abuse are given due consideration and weight in custody determinations. This provision
helps prevent potential biases and ensures a fair evaluation of the facts and circumstances of the case. The implementation of Family Code 3011 represents a significant step forward in ensuring child safety and best interests in custody cases involving allegations of abuse. By requiring the court to explicitly state its reasons for its custody orders, this legal provision promotes transparency, accountability, and fairness. It is crucial for legal professionals, parents, and other stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the implications of Family Code 3011 to navigate child custody cases effectively and safeguard the well-being of children involved.
*** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH U. REYES, APC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
On the Virtue of Humility How often do we think we are better than others? How often do we refuse to listen because we believe we already know the answer? How often do we hear the call to be generous, yet turn away from someone in need? And Reverend perhaps most importantly, how often do we struggle to surrender Rodel G. Balagtas our plans, desires, and expectaHUMILITY is perhaps one tions to the will of God? of the most difficult virtues to True humility is not thinking practice. Just when we think we less of ourselves. It is recognizing have become humble, something who we truly are before God— happens that reveals how much with our gifts and weaknesses, we still need to grow. our successes and failures—and
realizing that everything we have is ultimately a gift. For us Catholics, one of the most beautiful examples of humility is Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Her entire life was an act of surrender to God. At the Annunciation, she responded with words that have echoed through the centuries: “May it be done to me according to your word.” Mary did not know everything that awaited her. She did not have all the answers. Yet she trusted. PAGE 10
EMPLOYMENT
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Pastor’s Notes
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Medicine and Music
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS FOR sixty centuries, medicine and music have come together, like a mixture of tinctures, to soothe and heal people, with roots tracking back to prehistoric times. As early as 4000 BCE, priestphysicians in Egypt and Mesopotamia called music “physic for the soul.” Ancient Chinese culture intrinsically linked the two fields, medicine and music. By the 6th century BCE, historical figures like Pythagoras, Plato, and Aristotle formalized music’s clinical application. Modern neuroscience today utilizes advanced brain-imaging and cardiovascular studies to prove what our ancestors always knew: music actively lowers blood pressure, stabilizes heart rates, and triggers biochemical changes necessary for deep healing. World Doctors Orchestra Today, we are blessed not only with medicine and music, the sound, but with physicians and surgeons of various subspecialties, who are polymaths, music virtuosos in concerts at night, physician-surgeons providing medical care or doing surgery during the day. The 100-men-and-women physician-musician ensemble is popularly known as the World Doctors Orchestra (WDO), an independent non-profit humanitarian association, which made its debut in May 2008, with an inaugural concert in the Berlin Philharmonie. Their membership includes 2000 physicians from 60 countries around the world. One hundred of them perform as a team at each concert they do. All proceeds are donated to local charities in the country and city where they perform. As of 2025, WDO has donated more than 2 million euros ($2.321 million US dollars) to medical charities. It has performed 48 concert sessions around the world. Proud of WDO My family and I were privileged to attend the Chicago 2026 Charity Concert of the World Doctors Orchestra at the Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville, Illinois, on September 11, 2026, as the United States remembered the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers in New York and honored the heroes in that soul-devastating
national catastrophe. As physicians ourselves, my wife, Farida, daughter Sheillah, her husband Tony, and our son, Felipe, Jr., together with some of our close friends, were all deeply proud of our 100 colleagues performing marvelously like professional musicians at this concert and its conductor, Stepan Willich, who himself is also a physician. They rendered each symphony with flawless and magnificent precision, truly an architectural masterpiece for each piece. Yes, physicians and surgeons, displaying their musical talent with synchrony and perfection. Among the symphonies they played were Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's Russian Easter Overture, Aaron Copland's Lincoln Portrait, Florence Price Concert Overture No. 2, and Sergei Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances, op. 45. Closing my eyes once in a while during the concert, I felt as though I was listening to the Royal Concertgebouw of Amsterdam, the Berlin Philharmonic, or the Vienna Philharmonic, with my novice, uninitiated ears. A collective genius The amazing, unparalleled ability of the World Doctors Orchestra to blend dozens of unique instrumental voices into a single breathtaking harmonious soul is the pinnacle of human collaboration, where individual virtuosity surrenders to collective genius, instantly transporting the listener into a world of profound emotion, timeless beauty, and cognitive clarity and psychological wonders. Each of the 100 physicians pays WDO 400 euros ($465 US dollars) as a session fee, uses their own funds for air travel, hotel, and other expenses, bring their own musical instrument, except for the large ones, like the cello, bass, and tuba, which WDO rents for each concert. Indeed, a rare breed of compassionate men and women who care for and inspire their fellowmen and make this world healthier, happier, and more wonderful. Although all of the physicians share a passion for music, the
FOR RENT
driving force behind WDO is the conviction that neither national borders nor political or economic interests should limit access to adequate healthcare. With its series of charity concerts, WDO strives to raise global awareness that healthcare is a basic human right and a precondition for human development. An impressive conviction and goal for the betterment of mankind. We were particularly proud of my 56-year-old nephew, Joel Chua Ang, MD, a Family Medicine specialist from Washington, DC, who is a founding member of WDO and a violinist with this humanitarian group. The Chicago concert was his 39th WDO concert. They will perform in Manila at the Solaire Casino-Hotel on February 27, 2027, and proceed to Hong Kong with the Asian Doctors Orchestra Concert (an offshoot of WDO) on May 2nd, then to Venice and Verona, Italy, for the 56th Concert session, October 8-12, 2027. For Taipans, philanthropists, and those interested in supporting this 501(c)3 tax-exempt public charity international humanitarian program, please email: office@world-doctors-orchestra. org.The proceeds are donated to local charities in the Philippines, a noteworthy cause. For direct online donation for donors in the Philippines only, kindly use this link: https://pay. sumup.com/b2c/QP5R5WF3 *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, conferred by then Indiana Governor, later Senator, and then presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Sites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com - scalpelpen@gmail.com
10 SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2026 • LOS ANGELES ASIAN JOURNAL
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Hoag Hospital Irvine Sun Family Campus Now Open, Introducing a New Model for Specialized Care in Orange County • Six-Building Expansion Brings Specialized Hospital and Outpatient Care Together on One Integrated Campus • Dedicated Cancer, Women’s Health, Digestive Health and Surgical Facilities Expand Access to Advanced Care in Orange County IRVINE – Hoag announced the opening of the Hoag Hospital Irvine Sun Family Campus, a major expansion that brings specialized hospitals, outpatient facilities, advanced surgical services and nationally recognized clinical programs together on one integrated campus in Irvine. “This expansion is more than a collection of state-of-the-art buildings. It reflects Hoag’s commitment to growing alongside Orange County, while continuing to redefine what healthcare can look like,” said Robert T. Braithwaite, President & CEO of Hoag. “The Hoag Hospital Irvine Sun Family Campus was envisioned as a healthcare village, bringing specialized care and clinical expertise together in a place where every aspect of the patient experience was designed to make care more connected, more convenient, and more personalized.” A New Chapter in Irvine Hoag Hospital Irvine first opened in 2010, extending Hoag’s hospital-based care into one of Orange County’s fastestgrowing communities. In the years since, Hoag has continued to expand its presence in Irvine alongside the community it serves, adding new services, specialists and facilities to meet growing and increasingly complex healthcare needs. The opening of the Sun Family Campus marks the next chapter in that evolution, building on Hoag Hospital Irvine’s strong foundation with a significant expansion of advanced specialty care. The campus brings together dedicated facilities for cancer, women’s health, digestive health and advanced surgery, along with emergency and orthopedic care. Across Sand Canyon Avenue, additional Hoag outpatient facilities offer primary care, urgent care, imaging, physician offices and specialty services, creating a connected destination where patients can access care across a broad range of needs. Designed Around Patients The campus was designed to make that care easier to
navigate and the experience of receiving it less stressful. Hospital and outpatient services are connected to reduce friction as patients move through diagnosis, treatment and recovery, while the physical environment reflects the same attention to the patient experience. Natural light, landscaped outdoor spaces, intuitive wayfinding, welcoming gathering areas and amenities for patients and families are integrated throughout the campus to promote comfort, connection and healing. Together with a care model that brings specialists and services closer to patients, these elements create an environment designed around both the clinical and human needs of patients and families. “We had the rare opportunity to build around the patient experience from the ground up,” said Robert Brunswick, Chair of the Hoag Hospital Board of Directors. “That meant thinking not only about the medicine and technology inside these buildings, but also about how patients and families move through them, how they stay connected to their care teams, and how the environment itself can support them during some of the most important moments of their lives.” Women’s Health Hoag’s new Women’s Hospital and Women’s Outpatient Pavilion bring together specialized care for women across every stage of life, from pregnancy and childbirth to breast health, gynecology, menopause and wellness. The Women’s Hospital features 24 private labor, delivery and postpartum suites, a 24/7 OB Emergency Department and a 17-bed Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with private rooms designed to support families. Just steps away, the Women’s Outpatient Pavilion provides breast health, maternal-fetal diagnostics, OB-GYN and midwifery care, advanced imaging and wellness services, connecting care across different stages of a woman’s life.
Cancer Care Hoag’s cancer facilities bring specialized hospital and outpatient care together to make a complex cancer journey more coordinated and convenient. The Cancer Outpatient Pavilion brings oncology specialists, infusion therapy, imaging, pharmacy and supportive services together in one location, while a Cancer Hospital just steps away provides dedicated inpatient rooms for patients undergoing cancer treatment. The campus is also home to Orange County’s first dedicated Cancer Urgent Care, providing evaluation and treatment for cancer-related symptoms and therapy-related side effects. Available to both Hoag and non-Hoag cancer patients, the service gives patients another option for timely, specialized care outside of a traditional emergency department. Digestive Health Hoag’s digestive health facilities bring together specialized physicians, advanced diagnostics, procedures and hospital care for patients with digestive conditions, creating a more connected path from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. The Digestive Outpatient Pavilion features six specialized procedure suites supporting advanced digestive health and interventional pulmonology care, with technology for minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment. From routine screenings to highly specialized procedures, these spaces allow physicians to identify and treat conditions while helping many patients recover more comfortably and return home the same day. Meanwhile, the adjacent Digestive Hospital provides dedicated rooms and specialized care teams for patients who need hospital-based care. Advanced Surgical Services The Surgical Pavilion expands Hoag’s capabilities for complex surgery and critical care with eight state-of-the-art operating rooms, including a hybrid suite for highly complex cardiovascular and vascular procedures;
My Experience Attending the LEC Investment Forum in Manila
A day before the Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum, we were told to pick up our media/press badges at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City. The next day, just before 8 a.m., I was already inside the venue and seated at Table No. 27. I met a young Indonesian business executive, Willy Halim, co-founder and chief technology officer of BANIQL, a sustainable nickel extraction technology company. Later, I met three Filipinos: Engr. Panfilo S. Jurilla of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Mary Lou Cunanan of The Manila Times, and Ma. Consolacion C. Mercado of Energy Secure Philippines. The guests were waiting for the arrival of Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., and there was a delay in the schedule. U.S. Ambassador Lee Lipton was already at the venue. I also saw Thomas R. Hardy, deputy director and chief operating officer of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. Also present were Department of Finance Secretary Frederick Go, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and Ono Sho, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to the Republic of the Philippines. Later, I joined my boss, Asian Journal Publications Publisher and CEO Roger Oriel, a Filipino American, at a table where many media representatives were seated. There, I met Taisuke Kikuchi, Manila bureau chief of Kyodo News. I remembered that years ago, I had worked as a correspondent for Asahi Shimbun and The Japan Times. The LEC Investment Forum was hosted by the governments of the United States, the Philippines and Japan. It brought together more than 600 investors, industry leaders and government officials. The forum served as a platform to foster commercial partnerships and mobilize private-sector investment across
Agnes Devanadera with Rogelio Constantino Medina.
Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer Thomas R. Hardy of the US Trade and Development Agency during a joint press conference.
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as guest of honor.
Philippine Department of Finance Secretary Frederick Go.
US Ambassador Lee Lipton.
(From left) Rogelio Constantino Medina, Mary Lou Cunanan and Engr. Panfilo S. Jurilla of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
Afternoon refreshments during the LEC Investment Forum.
Ono Sho, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to the Republic of the Philippines.
the Luzon Economic Corridor. During lunchtime at the Grand Hyatt Manila’s garden pavilion, I joined a press conference held in connection with the LEC Investment Forum. Later in the afternoon, I participated in a virtual press briefing on the forum’s outcomes with Ambassador Heather Variava, senior adviser in the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs; Thomas R. Hardy; and Dan Petrie, acting chief of staff of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. During a break, I met Jean Jacquelyn Nathania A. De Castro, CEO of ESCA Engineering. We had a lengthy and pleasant conversation. Later, together with other media representatives, I briefly interviewed Agnes Devanadera, president and CEO of Clark Development Corporation. The forum highlighted efforts by the United States, the Philippines, Japan and other partner governments to advance infra-
structure projects intended to strengthen supply chains, improve connectivity and support long-term economic growth in the Philippines. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Associate Professor lII Rogelio Constantino Medina is an award-winning Filipino international journalist, columnist, and academic. He is well-regarded for his extensive contributions to both local Philippine media and major international news publications. He has built a career spanning several decades across various domains, including news, business, travel, lifestyle, science, sports, and health. He has written for major global outlets like the Far Eastern Economic Review in Hong Kong, The Japan Times in Tokyo, and Gulf News in Dubai. Notably, he made history as the first Filipino journalist to interview Japan’s first astronaut, Dr. Mamoru Mohri. He is a credentialed member of the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Press Centers in New York City and Washington, D.C. *** Email: rogelio.medina@asianjournalinc.com
advanced robotic-assisted technology; and minimally invasive surgical capabilities. The pavilion was designed to support coordination throughout the surgical experience, from preparation and surgery through recovery and critical care. Dedicated pre-operative and recovery areas, spacious intensive care rooms and amenities for families further reflect the campus’s focus on both clinical excellence and the patient experience. Community Investment Made Possible Through Philanthropy Philanthropy has been a cornerstone of Hoag’s growth since its earliest days, when community donations and a landmark gift from the Hoag family helped establish the flagship hospital in Newport Beach. Today, that tradition continues through the Boldly Hoag campaign, which fueled the expansion of the Hoag Hospital Irvine Sun Family Campus. Thousands of community donors and partners have contributed to the expansion, along with transformational gifts that have accelerated the campus’s growth. These include $100 million from campus namesakes Diana and David Sun and $25 million from longtime Hoag supporters Benjamin and Carmela Du, whose gift established the Du Family Hospital Pavilion. “Philanthropy is one of the forces that makes Hoag’s privademic model possible, giving our physicians and clinical leaders the resources to move quickly, invest in innovation and build programs around what patients need,” said Caroline A. Pereira, MBA, president of the Hoag Hospital Foundation. “The Hoag Hospital Irvine Sun Family Campus is an extraordinary example of what can hap-
pen when a community invests in its own health. Every donor who contributed to this vision helped create a place that will serve Orange County families for generations.” Hoag Hospital Irvine Sun Family Campus at a Glance • $1 billion expansion • The expansion adds six new buildings to the hospital campus. • The expansion adds 155 inpatient beds to the campus, bringing the hospital’s total bed count to 251. • The expansion adds 11 operating rooms and two procedure rooms. • The expansion includes 120,000 square feet of ambulatory facilities • The project brings dedicated cancer, women’s health, digestive health and augmented surgical facilities to the campus. • The expansion builds upon the hospital’s existing 24/7 Emergency Department, inpatient medical care, and Hoag Orthopedic Institute, a nationally recognized orthopedic specialty hospital. • The Sun Family Campus includes Orange County’s first dedicated Cancer Urgent Care.
• The new Women’s Hospital includes a 24/7 OB Emergency Department. • A 17-bed Level III NICU is part of the expansion ABOUT HOAG Hoag is a nonprofit, regional healthcare delivery system in Orange County, California. Delivering world-class, comprehensive, personalized care, Hoag consists of 1,800 top physicians, 17 urgent care facilities, 13 health & wellness centers, and two award-winning hospitals. Hoag offers a comprehensive blend of healthcare services that includes seven institutes providing specialized services in the following areas: cancer, digestive health, heart and vascular, neurosciences, spine, women’s health, and orthopedics through Hoag’s affiliate, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, which consists of an orthopedic hospital and five ambulatory surgical centers. Hoag is consistently named a best hospital by U.S. News & World Report, and is a designated Magnet® with Distinction hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). For more information, visit hoag.org. (Advertising Supplement)
Keeping Children Safe One Ride at a Time by Helen Arbogast, DrPH, MPH AJPress
EVERY parent, grandparent, and caregiver wants the same thing: for the children they love to be safe. This Child Passenger Safety Week (September 20 to 26), I am proud to partner with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Caltrans to encourage families to take simple steps to protect children on every trip. Keeping children safe in a vehicle starts before the engine is turned on. It begins with making sure a child is riding in the right car seat and that the seat is being used correctly. The good news is that one simple action can make a big difference. Using the right car seat for a child’s age and size can help reduce the risk of serious injury. As someone who has dedicated my career to injury prevention and child safety, I have seen how small choices can save lives. I have also seen how easy it is for busy families with the best of intentions to make an honest mistake when using a car seat. Many people are surprised to learn that car seat misuse is common. A harness may be too loose. A seat may not be installed tightly enough. A child may transition from a rear-facing seat to a forward-facing seat, or from a harnessed seat to a booster, before they are ready. More than half of car seat installations are incorrect. Parents and caregivers should know that help is available. Sometimes a small adjustment can make a meaningful difference. To find a certified child passenger safety technician in your area visit: https:// cert.safekids.org/find-tech. To learn more about selecting and using the right car seat, visit the California Department of Public Health website.
It is also important not to rush through the different stages of child restraints. Moving to the next stage too early can reduce protection during a crash and result in devastating injuries. Based on child passenger safety recommendations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), OTS and Caltrans encourage families to: · Keep children in rear-facing car seats until 2 years old. · Use a forward-facing car seat with a harness until a child reaches the seat’s height or weight limit. · Transition to a booster seat only when a child is ready. Starting January 1, 2027, children ages 8 to 16 years old must pass all steps of the 5-Step test before they can safely use a seat belt without a booster seat. · Have children aged 13 and younger ride in the back seat whenever possible. Child passenger safety is not just a parent’s responsibility. It is a community responsibility. Grandparents taking children to school, aunts and uncles helping with pickups, relatives driving to family gatherings, trusted friends, childcare providers, and church members all play a role in keeping children safe. Anyone who transports children should take a moment to make sure children are properly restrained. During Child Passenger Safety Week, I encourage California families to take a few minutes to check their child’s car seat to confirm it fits the age and size of the child. Every child deserves the opportunity to arrive safely, every time they travel. By making child passenger safety a priority, we can help prevent injuries, save lives, and protect our children. To learn more about the work we do at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, visit our website.
On the Virtue of Humility... PAGE 9 Her humility allowed her to place her life in God’s hands. And, of course, the perfect example of humility is Jesus himself. St. Paul beautifully describes Christ’s self-emptying love in his Letter to the Philippians: “He emptied himself, taking the form of a slave… he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:7–8) It is through this lens of humility that we can understand this Sunday’s Gospel, the Parable of the Two Sons (Matthew 21:28–32). The first son initially refuses his father’s request to work in the vineyard. But later, he changes his mind and goes. The second son immediately says, “Yes, sir,” but never follows through. There is something beautiful about the first son: he was will-
ing to change. Perhaps this is one of the clearest signs of humility—the willingness to admit that we were wrong, to change our minds, to change our ways, and to begin again. Pride says, “I know. I am right. I don’t need to change.” Humility says, “Lord, I still have much to learn. Show me your way.” The Christian life is not about pretending that we are perfect. It is about allowing God to change us again and again. We stumble, we learn, we repent, we grow, and by God’s grace, we begin again. Everything that happens in our lives—success or failure, health or illness, abundance or scarcity—can become an invitation to humility. In our successes, humility reminds us to be grateful. In our failures, it teaches us to learn. In abundance, it calls us to generosity.
In times of difficulty, it invites us to trust and surrender. Perhaps, then, one of the most beautiful prayers we can offer each day is simply: “Lord, give me a humble heart—a heart willing to listen, willing to change, willing to serve, and willing to surrender to your will.” May God give us the grace to become humble enough to say with Mary, “Let it be done to me according to your word,” and courageous enough, like the first son in the Gospel, to change our ways and return to the vineyard whenever God calls us. Much love, Fr. Rodel Balagtas *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California
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LOS ANGELES ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2026
LOS ANGELES JOURNAL
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S E P T E M B E R 26 , 2 0 26
LIFESTYLE • CONSUMER GUIDE • COMMUNITY • MARKETPLACE
‘Forgotten Island’ soundtrack brings Kim Chiu’s sister pleads not guilty, posts BINI, SB19 and Filipino music to PHP5.6-million bail in qualified theft case Lakambini Chiu released after arraignment on 124 charges global audience involving disputed corporate funds
by AJPress LOS ANGELES — Filipino music is central to DreamWorks Animation’s “Forgotten Island,” whose soundtrack brings together BINI, SB19, Lea Salonga and other Filipino and Filipino American performers alongside composer Nathan Matthew David’s Philippine-influenced score. The film opened in U.S. theaters Friday, Sept. 25, after beginning its Philippine theatrical run Sept. 23. Back Lot Music released the 37-track soundtrack Sept. 18. David, a Filipino American composer born to Filipino parents, said he hopes the DreamWorks production encourages audiences to explore Filipino artists and musical traditions beyond the film. In developing the score, he traveled to the Philippines and worked with Filipino artists and cultural advisers, incorporating instruments including kulintang, gandingan and agung. BINI performs “A Parallel World,” written by David and Shawn Wasabi, with another version featuring Salonga. SB19 recorded “Mga Kababayan,” written by Francis
by AJPress
BINI at the Philippines Premiere of Forgotten Island Instagram/@forgottenislandmovie
Magalona and Jimmy Antiporda and produced for the group by RADKIDZ. The soundtrack also includes “BRB,” performed by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano and co-written by H.E.R. and Ryan Tedder; Sophia Laforteza’s version of INXS’ “Never Tear Us Apart”; Ruby Ibarra and Carl Angelo’s “Salbahe Ako”; and Guapdad 4000 and P-Lo’s “Double Up.” Salonga also appears as a featured vocalist throughout David’s score. Written and directed by Joel Crawford and Filipino Ameri-
can filmmaker Januel Mercado, “Forgotten Island” follows longtime friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by H.E.R. and Soberano, who enter Nakali, a fantasy world populated by creatures inspired by Philippine folklore. The cast also includes Dolly de Leon, Manny Jacinto and Jo Koy. David has said he sees the film as an opportunity to introduce wider audiences to Filipino music and filmmaking while encouraging them to discover more work by Filipino artists beyond the production itself.
Bimby Aquino begins new chapter with first brand endorsement as an adult by AJPress MANILA - Bimby Aquino is taking another step into his adult career as an ambassador for health maintenance organization iCare, which describes the partnership as his first brand endorsement since reaching adulthood. The company announced the 19-year-old as an ambassador for its Individual and Family Plans on Sept. 22, adding a commercial partnership to a year in which Aquino has returned to television and taken on more public-facing work. The campaign draws on his family’s experience with the health problems of his mother, television host Kris Aquino, who has publicly discussed undergoing treatment for multiple autoimmune conditions. In campaign material released by iCare, Bimby said his family had been fortunate to afford medical treatment and argued that access to health care should not depend on financial means. “Health should not be a priv-
Instagram/@yestoicare
ilege, nor should it be a struggle. It should be a given,” he said. iCare said Bimby obtained HMO coverage for himself and his older brother and also extended health coverage to members of their household who had helped care for the family over the years. Kris Aquino publicly welcomed the campaign, saying she was a “very proud mama” and praising her son for speaking from the heart.
The endorsement is not Bimby’s first experience with advertising. Philippine entertainment reports from his childhood document his appearances in commercials and endorsement projects, including campaigns involving his mother and brother. The distinction in the iCare announcement is that the partnership is being presented as his first brand endorsement as an adult. Bimby grew up in the public eye and appeared in films as a child, including the 2013 comedy My Little Bossings, with Vic Sotto and Ryzza Mae Dizon. He returned to Eat Bulaga! in June, first appearing during Dizon’s birthday celebration before serving as a guest co-host on the noontime program. Kris Aquino later made a surprise appearance on the show while her son was co-hosting. Bimby is currently listed among the artists represented by Cornerstone Entertainment, marking a more formal return to entertainment work as he builds an adult career separate from the projects he undertook as a child.
Bea Alonzo weighs next career moves after European trip with Vincent Co by AJPress MANILA — Bea Alonzo has yet to announce her next major career move following a recent European trip with husband Ferdinand Vincent Co, as her interim manager handles pending contracts and endorsement inquiries. Chris Cahilig, who stepped in after veteran talent manager Shirley Kuan resigned in August, said he had not yet met with Alonzo following her recent overseas travel. He said discussions before her trips centered on contractual matters and endorsement opportunities. Asked whether Alonzo might take a break after her current television commitments, Cahilig did not confirm such a plan, saying the decision would be hers. Co, meanwhile, has resumed public business engagements. The president of Puregold Price Club Inc. participated in the company’s Hakot Relay event Sept. 19 at Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite, which
MANILA — Lakambini “Lakam” Chiu, the older sister of actress and television host Kim Chiu, pleaded not guilty Thursday, Sept. 24, to 124 counts of qualified theft involving about PHP44.4 million in disputed corporate funds and was released after posting a PHP5.6-million surety bond. Lakam appeared at her arraignment before a Quezon City court by videoconference, while Kim attended proceedings at the Quezon City Hall of Justice with Star Magic head Laurenti Dyogi. Lakam’s lawyer, Dominic Solis, confirmed the not-guilty plea. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology said Lakam was released from the Quezon City Jail Female Dormitory at Camp Karingal at about 5:30 p.m. after posting the surety bond. She had been arrested Sept. 20 in Mandaluyong City. The charges stem from a complaint involving House of LittleBunny Philippines Inc. A Quezon City prosecutor’s resolution found sufficient basis to pursue 124 counts involving withdrawals and transfers totaling PHP44,396,331.65. That determination allowed the cases to proceed but does not establish that Lakam committed the al-
Photo from Instagram/@kamchiu
leged offenses. Lakam has denied qualified theft and has disputed the characterization of the transactions as unauthorized. Kim said after the arraignment that the case concerns company funds rather than her personal money. She said the charges currently cover transactions from January through July 2025 and that she would not discuss other matters while the proceedings remain pending. The cases remain before the court, which has yet to determine the allegations.
Ken San Jose set for Broadway debut in ‘Evita’ revival by AJPress FILIPINO American performer Ken San Jose will make his Broadway debut in the 2027 revival of Evita, joining the ensemble of director Jamie Lloyd’s production starring Rachel Zegler as Eva Perón. Previews begin Feb. 27 at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York, with opening night set for March 25, according to the production and the Internet Broadway Database. IBDB identifies the engagement as San Jose’s Broadway debut. San Jose is part of the announced ensemble, alongside a principal cast that includes Diego Rodriguez as Che, James Olivas as Juan Perón, Bella Brown as The Mistress and alternate Eva Perón, and Ángel Lozada as Agustín Magaldi. The engagement follows San Jose’s return to musical theater in Manila earlier this year, when he played Mark Anthony in Theatre Group Asia’s production of A Chorus Line at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati. San Jose gained wider recognition in the Philippines during the inaugural season of World of Dance Philippines in 2019, representing the Junior
Ken San Jose will star in the upcoming Broadway revival of "Evita" via Instagram/@ kensanjose
Division and finishing second runner-up, or third overall. Zegler is reprising the role she played in the 2025 West End production of Evita at the London Palladium, a performance that earned her the 2026 Olivier Award for best actress in a musical. The Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical, first staged on Broadway in 1979, traces Eva Perón’s rise to become Argentina’s first lady. San Jose’s casting marks his first Broadway engagement.
Vilma Santos revisits ‘Sister Stella L.’ as restored classic returns to Manila by AJPress
MANILA — Vilma Santos revisited one of the defining films of her career as the newly restored 4K version of Mike de Leon’s “Sister Stella L.” received its Philippine premiere Sept. 20 at the Metropolitan Theater. The 1984 political drama stars Santos as Sister Stella Legaspi, a nun whose involvement with striking workers draws her more deeply into questions of labor rights, social responsibility and political participation. Cast members Laurice Guillen and Pen Medina were also reported among those attending the Manila screening. Santos said seeing the film again brought back memories of colleagues who have died, including Jay Ilagan, Anita Linda and Tony Santos Sr. She also remembered de Leon, saying the late director had long wanted “Sister Stella L.” restored and had spoken to her about the difficulty of locating its master copy. The restoration was completed by the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ Philippine Film Archive, Bologna-based L’Immagine Ritrovata and de Leon, in collaboration with Regal Films. Presented internationally as “Sangandaan (Sister Stella L.),” the restored film had its world premiere in June at Il Cinema Ritrovato in Bologna, where it was selected for the Recovered & Restored section.
FDCP hosts a special screening of the newly restored Sister Stella L at the Metropolitan Theater, with Vilma Santos joined by Laurice Guillen, Pen Medina, and fellow cast members. Facebook/@ vsrecto
Santos described the film as a turning point in her acting career, saying it pushed her beyond her comfort zone. She also connected Sister Stella’s involvement in public issues with her own years in government. The screening was part of Philippine Film Industry Month, whose 2026 program marks the 50th anniversary of what the FDCP calls the Second Golden Age of Philippine Cinema. The monthlong program has featured restored Filipino classics and works associated with filmmakers from the mid-1970s through the late 1980s.
Pokwang hopes to work with Sharon Cuneta, Maricel Soriano after Best Actress win by Evangeline Valderrama Inquirer.net
Photos from Instagram/@beaalonzo
drew more than 4,000 runners, according to organizers. Alonzo and Co married July 13 in a private civil ceremony at Makati City Hall officiated by Mayor Nancy Binay. In September, Alonzo shared photographs and videos from travels in Italy, including Venice and the Dolomites. Although some entertainment reports described the trip as the couple’s honeymoon, they have not publicly characterized it that way.
Alonzo is also working on GMA Network’s “Whispers From Heaven,” directed by Zig Dulay and co-starring Tom Rodriguez. The production had previously said her existing commitments were taken into account in its taping schedule. Kuan ended her six-year management relationship with Alonzo on Aug. 11. Cahilig has since been handling the actress’s professional matters on an interim basis.
FOLLOWING receiving critical acclaim at the 2026 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival for her dramatic role in “2 Valid IDs,” Pokwang is relishing her “drama actress” era, with a hope to work with the likes of Sharon Cuneta and Maricel Soriano. During a chat with entertainment reporters where she bared that “2 Valid IDs” will now be up for theatrical release beginning Pokwang’s Cinemalaya film “2 Valid IDs” now set for theatrical release. October 14, Pokwang said she is Image from Instagram/@ itspokwang27
happy that the movie where she was able to showcase her serious acting chops was offered to her. For “2 Valid IDs,” Pokwang used her real name Marietta Subong to distinguish her work as dramatic actress from being a comedienne, eventually winning the Cinemalaya Best Actress award and tying with fellow actress Ruby Ruiz for the film “Status: Rejected.” “Kasi sabi nila pag [Marietta] ang ginamit ko dito, ibig sabihin seryoso na. At lahat ng pinagdaanan ni Sylvia dito seryoso. PAGE 12
12 SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2026 • LOS ANGELES ASIAN JOURNAL
Sheryl Cruz: Better Than Her Last
FOR Sheryl Cruz, longevity in show business has never been about simply staying visible. After growing up before the public and building a career across film, television and music, she still approaches each project with something to prove—not to anyone else, but to herself. “My competition is myself,” Cruz told me during our recent Chat With Mic conversation. Her philosophy is straightforward: “I have to top my last project or my last character.” That drive has followed Cruz almost from the beginning. Born into one of Philippine entertainment’s most recognizable families, she grew up surrounded by actors and performers, including her aunt and uncle, screen legends Susan Roces and Fernando Poe Jr. Yet Cruz said she understood early that a celebrated family name did not eliminate the need to establish an identity of her own. “I had to do my own body of work to be known for my own body of work,” she recalled. That meant deliberately pursuing different genres—from comedy and drama to horror, action, romantic
comedy and musicals—while expanding into television, hosting, recording and live performance. Cruz’s career began when she was only four years old, after an impromptu audition led to her first film. Audiences would eventually watch her grow from a child actress into a teenage star, singer and leading lady. Her popular pairing with Romnick Sarmenta became one of the defining love teams of her generation, something Cruz remembers as an important chapter in her career even as she sought opportunities to establish herself independently. Decades later, that willingness to evolve remains visible in her work. In the GMA musical drama Born to Shine, Cruz plays Giovanna “Vanna” Grande, the head and vocal coach responsible for training aspiring P-pop performers. The series also reunited Cruz with fellow former That’s Entertainment performers Manilyn Reynes and Tina Paner, recreating their popular ’80s singing trio, the Triplets, for a new generation of viewers. Her film Kappa-tiran takes her into more serious territory. During our conversation, Cruz
described the story as one that examines hazing, abuse and the sometimes dangerous lengths people may go to in their desire to belong. For her, the film’s value lies in its ability to start conversations within families and encourage greater awareness about initiation practices and violence. Cruz is also looking beyond individual roles. She told me she wants to continue performing live with longtime friends and pursue more advocacy-driven films—stories with moral lessons and themes capable of reaching audiences beyond the Philippines. After decades in entertainment, Cruz remains focused on what comes next. Her career has evolved across film, television, music and live performance, but the drive to challenge herself remains. Each new role gives her another opportunity to grow as an artist. For Cruz, success is not about competing with the person standing beside her. It is about being better than the performer she was the last time around— and finding a way to top her last project.
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Ogie Diaz and Mama Loi: Trust Behind the Chika AFTER nearly four decades in Philippine entertainment, Ogie Diaz knows that credibility is harder to build than a viral headline—and easier to lose. In my Chat With Mic conversation with Ogie and Mama Loi, the longtime collaborators opened up about their careers, their partnership and how they have adapted to an entertainment industry transformed by digital media. Ogie’s career stretches back to 1986, taking him through comedy, acting, entertainment reporting and talent management. He also learned the craft of entertainment journalism under veteran columnist Cristy Fermin. Mama Loi followed a different path, working in banking before eventually finding his way into entertainment, comedy, events and fashion. Their partnership reached a new audience through Ogie Diaz Showbiz Update, which emerged during the pandemic and turned their natural conversations about show business into a successful
digital program. What audiences see as entertaining chika, however, comes with a responsibility they take seriously: researching stories, verifying information and protecting the credibility they have built with viewers. The conversation also explored how dramatically entertainment reporting has changed. Social media has made information faster and more accessible, but it has also created an environment where rumors can spread instantly. For Ogie
and Mama Loi, navigating that landscape means balancing entertainment with responsibility while accepting that criticism comes with being public figures. At the heart of their partnership is trust. Their contrasting personalities and easy chemistry have become part of their appeal, but beneath the humor is a working relationship built over the years. Their success demonstrates how traditional entertainment experience can evolve for a new generation without abandoning the fundamentals of good storytelling. For Ogie, reinvention continues beyond entertainment reporting, with acting and other projects adding new chapters to a career that refuses to stay in one lane. Together, Ogie Diaz and Mama Loi have found a way to change with the industry while holding on to what has sustained them: credibility, connection and the ability to keep audiences listening.
Julia Barretto, Joshua Garcia mark 10 years as on-screen partners by AJPress JULIA Barretto and Joshua Garcia are marking 10 years since they first appeared together on the big screen, highlighting the evolution of one of Philippine entertainment’s most recognizable screen partnerships. The two first worked together in Vince & Kath & James, an entry in the 2016 Metro Manila Film Festival. The film introduced the pairing that became widely known as “JoshLia” and led to several projects over the following years. Their films together included Love You to the Stars and Back and Unexpectedly Yours in 2017, I Love You, Hater in 2018 and Block Z in 2020. Their screen partnership also coincided with a highly publicized off-screen relationship that later ended. Both subsequently pursued separate projects before reuniting for the 2024 film Un/Happy for You, directed by Petersen Vargas. Star Cinema said the film surpassed P200 million in Philippine ticket sales during its second week in theaters. A decade after their first collaboration, Barretto and Garcia
Photo from Instagram/@ starcinema
are working together again in Always Yours, Never Mine, directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana. At a Sept. 18 media conference, the actors reflected on the years they have worked together and on how their careers have developed since their first film. Both have since established individual careers in film and television, giving their latest collaboration added significance for audiences who have followed their partnership from its early years. Always Yours, Never Mine opens in the Philippines on Sept. 30, with overseas screenings scheduled to follow.
Pokwang hopes to work with... PAGE 11 Pag Marietta na, award-winning na,” she said in jest during a chat with entertainment reporters on Monday. After her award-winning performance for a serious role, Pokwang was asked if there are any particular dramatic actors that she would want to exchange lines with in a film or series and the names of Soriano and Cuneta came to mind. “Nakatrabaho ko na si Ate Vi (Vilma Santos) sa ‘The Healing.’ Si ‘Nay Maricel (Soriano) hindi pa e. And of course, si Mega (Megastar Sharon Cuneta), yun talaga sila ang mga gusto kong [makasama]…. Sayang nga si Ate Guy (Nora Aunor), nakasama ko sya sa isang event, pero kung nandito pa sya sana sayang di kami nabigyan ng pagkakataon. Si ‘Nay Maricel nag guest lang ako sa vlog nya, tapos si ate Shawie (Cuneta) hindi pa rin. So sana mabigyan tayo pagkakataon na makatrabaho sila,” she said. Among comedians that she would want to work with next, she said it would be Vice Ganda in a drama-action genre. “Tapos na kami ni Kumareng Eugene (Domingo). Parang gusto kong maka one-on-one sa serious naman, kami ni Vice. Vice, di pa tayo nagkatrabaho, ‘nak! Wala pa kami ni Vice,” she said. “Gusto ko yung drama na may action, wow!” Asked if her talent fee went up after winning Best Actress, Pokwang smoothly said that she is more interested in leaving behind a good legacy as an actress. “2 Valid IDs” marked Pokwang’s second Cinemalaya movie after 10 years, after “Mercury is Mine.” Aside from
her Best Actress award, the movie also received the Audience Choice Award and Special Jury Award. It also ranked No. 1 at the festival’s box office. Eye-opener Pokwang said the movie is close to her heart because she, too, walked in the shoes of her character Sylvia, as she too had to source out valid identification cards when she was hoping to work abroad for her family before she became an actress. She also experienced how hard it was to get help when she brought her late son to a public hospital in 1998. “Kwento po ito ng buhay natin araw-araw… Naranasan ko yung sistemang ganito bago ako nag artista, nung nag OFW ako at kukuha ako ng passport. So ang haba ng pila, kukuha ng ganito, babalik ka, titipirin mo yung pamasahe mo. Pinagdaanan lahat ito ni Sylvia. Nung in-offer sakin etong pelikula at nabasa ko yung script, mayron kaagad akong naramdamang awa at gigil,” she said. Among those who watched the movie premiere at the Cinemalaya film fest was Senator Risa Hontiveros, but Pokwang said that she was told that the movie will be shown at the House of Representatives to help lawmakers craft a law that would help make the process of securing government IDs more efficient in order to ease the burden of citizens. “Yung hinahanapan ka ng ID e kaya nga gusto mo kumuha ng ID kase wala kang ID. So sana magawan ng paraan ng mga nasa pwesto… Itong pelikulang ito ay napakaganda ng kwento, napapanahon. Eye-opener, ika nga. Happy ako na sa akin na-offer ang pelikula,” she added.
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LOS ANGELES ASIAN JOURNAL • SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2026 13
Cerritos' Inaugural Filipino American History Month Celebration Raises Funds for Mindanao Earthquake Re-build Efforts CERRITOS, CA. – For the first time, Cerritos will celebrate Filipino American History Month with a special musical concert, “Heritage & Harmony”. The annual nationwide commemoration of the importance of the October celebration - designated as such by Congress in 2009 – will take place on Saturday, October 10 at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. The concert is being sponsored by Athens Services and Century Engineers, Inc. “It is especially meaningful that this inaugural concert for Mindanao is being held at the Cerritos Center for the Performing as we celebrate Filipino American History Month,” explained Cerritos Mayor Lynda Provido Johnson. “As Cerritos’ first Filipina mayor, I am honored to see our city’s large Filipino American community come together in the spirit of bayanihan to celebrate our culture and talent while showing compassion and support for our Kababayans in Mindanao. ” The concert will feature mu-
sical performances by a wide variety of Filipino- American entertainers interspersed with presentations of Filipino-Americans who have made achievements in the fields of entertainment, sports, business and philanthropy, public service and other areas of society. Slated to perform are Garth Garcia (the Philippine “Prince of Pop”) who will perform a special pre-show segment along with members of Starlink Entertainment; Broadway newcomer Lucy Acuna; Janice Javier, finalist on Season 1 of “The Voice: Philippines” who was mentored by Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas; musical theater and concert performer Tina Braganza; R&B/pop/ soul duo Sheer Element; singer/songwriter Chris Chatman; and the Winner of “The Voice” Season 26, Sofronio Vasquez. Acclaimed and lauded musical director Troy Laureta (who has music directed for Andrea Bocelli, Ariana Grande and Nicole Sherzinger among others) will lead this stellar group of artists.
Finding Annie Batungbakal in Atasha Muhlach by Carlo Orosa The Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines — I went to watch “Bongga Ka, ’Day!” expecting to see a musical. What I didn’t expect was to see a young woman’s real-life journey reflected so uncannily in the character she was playing. Much has already been said about Atasha Muhlach and her casting as Annie Batungbakal. Even before the curtain went up, she had already been subjected to the scrutiny that comes with being the daughter of two of the country’s most recognizable stars, Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez. The word “nepo baby” was thrown around. There were questions about whether she deserved the role, whether she had auditioned, and whether she had enough experience to carry a major musical. There has also been speculation about whether Atasha actually auditioned for the role. I can speak only from what I personally know. When I informed Sam Concepcion about the audition, he told me that Atasha had also shown up to audition for director Chris Millado. That was how I came to know that she, too, had gone through the audition process. But that detail, interestingly, is not what stayed with me after watching the show. What stayed with me was Atasha herself. I had seen her during the rehearsal period, and I knew she was working — dance lessons, acting workshops, preparation and rehearsals. She was putting in the hours and doing what anyone serious about a craft has to do. And then I thought about Annie Batungbakal. Annie is a dressmaker working in a struggling fashion house, dreaming of something beyond the world she knows. She wants to enter Coco Banana — the glamorous, fashionable world that seems to represent everything she isn’t. And she gets rejected. She goes home hurt. She cries. But she doesn’t stay there. With encouragement from her mother, Annie gets up and decides to do something about it. She creates, works and pursues her dream. She discovers something within herself that perhaps she didn’t even realize was there. And eventually, she finds her place. Watching Atasha play Annie, I couldn’t help but see a remarkable parallel. Here was a young woman who, even before opening night, had already been told — at times quite harshly — that (perhaps) she didn’t belong. Yet, she didn’t walk away. She didn’t retreat from the challenge. She went to work. And that, for me, became more interesting above everything else. “Bongga Ka, ’Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical” is, after all, a “bongga” production based on the music of ‘70s OPM band Hotdog. It is colorful, energetic, entertaining and unapologetically extravagant. The entire company — from the creative team and choreographers to the performers — clearly poured enormous effort into bringing it to the stage. Sam, in particular, brings tremendous energy and support to the production, and it was wonderful to see how the entire company, led by Sam, Jackie Lou Blanco, KD Estrada, Air Paz Pabloco, Yani Lopez, Gerhard Krysstopher, Akie Cedilla and
STAR / File
John Lapuz, rallied around the show. But beyond the spectacle, I found myself watching Atasha carefully. And I found myself becoming proud of her. Not because she is a Muhlach. Precisely because being a Muhlach doesn’t appear to have made the journey any easier. In fact, being the child of famous parents can create another kind of burden. Before you even get the opportunity to prove yourself, people may already have decided why you got the opportunity in the first place. The only answer to that is work. You work harder. You learn. You listen. You improve. You show up. And you keep showing up. That is what I saw Atasha do. Was everything perfect? Of course not, nothing onstage ever is. And I don’t think a production should be judged solely on whether every element is flawless. What moved me was seeing someone young enough to have every reason to be discouraged choose instead to pursue the work. In that sense, Atasha didn’t simply play Annie Batungbakal. She seemed to live a little bit of Annie’s story. And perhaps that is the most beautiful thing about theater: sometimes, without intending to, an actor discovers that the character they’re playing is telling their own story, too. For anyone dreaming of entering show business — or, really, pursuing any dream — the lesson is simple. The industry can be unforgiving. Public opinion today can be immediate, loud and sometimes, merciless. Your background may open a door, or it may make people question why the door opened in the first place. But once you’re given an opportunity, what you do with it is up to you. Dreams don’t discriminate between the rich and the poor, the famous and the unknown. But the road toward those dreams can be very demanding. And perhaps the most important question isn’t always, “Why was I rejected?” It is: “What am I going to do about it?” Annie chose to act. Atasha chose to work. (And heck, she delivered and shone as a strong leading star of the show). Perhaps that is the real spirit behind the name “Batungbakal” — to be strong, to endure, to keep going. Sometimes, the most important step toward living a dream isn’t waiting for someone to believe in you. It is deciding to believe in yourself enough to keep moving. And that, more than anything else, is what I saw on that stage. I went to watch Annie Batungbakal. I left thinking about Atasha Muhlach — and about what it means to earn your place.
They will be joined by a talented team of co-hosts including Jennifer Paz (“Miss Saigon” and “Steven Universe”), Vincent Rodriguez III (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”), Ronson Provido (Filipino-American community leader) and Angela Grey (the first Filipino-American to wear the Miss America crown). “What I’m most looking forward to is honoring Filipino Americans who are making a meaningful impact, while enjoying a great lineup of performers who showcase the depth of our talent and culture,” explained Ellen Swing, Founder and Board Chair of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Cerritos and Gateway Cities. “Even more meaningful, this celebration gives us an opportunity to give back and support our Kababayans in Mindanao.” The celebration begins at 6:00pm in the CCPA lobby with “Where Street Meets Culture” featuring DJ Woodstock spinning favorites from the 80’s and 90’s, along with some high-energy popping and break-dancing performances by Shotime and Funny Bones. A special pre-show presentation by Garth Garcia and Starlink Entertainment takes the stage at 7:30pm followed by the main concert at 8:00pm. On June 8 of this year, a se-
ries of earthquakes, the strongest being 7.8, struck off the coast of southern Mindanao. Over 100 people perished in the aftermath with 1300 people sustaining injuries and costing the region a little over $1 billion in damages. The area continues to be ravaged by earthquakes although not of the magnitude of the June ones. “I’m very glad that we are able to help the citizens of Mindanao”, said producer/director Ted I. Benito. “It’s my hope that the talent we are bringing together on stage will translate into a hefty donation to the rebuild and recovery efforts in the homeland.” The net profits
of the “Heritage & Harmony” concert will be sent to “BayanihanPH”, the fiscal manager for the “United Sarangani” campaign which was begun by the Alpha Phi Omega Philippines, Inc. and their Gamma Theta Chapter. For more information and to donate, please go to www.bayanihanph.org. *** “Heritage & Harmony”: Celebrating Filipino American History Month – A Fundraiser for Mindanao Earthquake Disaster Relief Saturday, October 10, 2026 Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts 18000 Park Plaza Drive, Cer-
ritos, CA. 90703 6:00pm – DJ Woodstock with Shotime and Funny Bones in Lobby 7:30pm – Pre-Show Entertainment with Garth Carcia and Starlink Entertainment 8:00pm – Concert Featuring Lucy Acuna, Tina Braganza, Chris Chatman, Garth Garcia and Starlink Entertainment, Angela Grey, Janice Javier, Jennifer Paz, Ronson Provido, Sheer Element, Vincent Rodriguez III, Sofronio Vasquez and Troy Laureta (Musical Director). For tickets and more information, visit ccpa.cerritos.gov or Ticketmaster.com.
14 SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2026 • LOS ANGELES ASIAN JOURNAL
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