2 November 17-19, 2021 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
Palace: Duterte’s senatorial bid... PAGE 1 serbisyo sa taong bayan (Duterte wanted to run for senator because he wants to continue serving the people),” he said. “He believes in his heart that he still can contribute to public service, no longer as President but now as senator if he wins in the national elections of 2022,” he added. Nograles further reiterated that Duterte is not running for senator to evade the ICC’s probe. “Wala pong pag-e-evade ng prosecution ito at lahat ng mga
batikos na narinig po natin ay wala pong katotohanan ang lahat ng akusasyon na ‘yan (There is no need to evade prosecution because all of the accusations are not true),” he stressed. According to Nograles, Duterte can contribute a lot in the Senate. “Ako po’y naniniwala na magiging malaki ang kontribusyon ni Pangulong Duterte sa Senado (I believe that President Duterte will have a huge contribution in the Senate),” he said.
On Monday, Nov. 15, Duterte filed his candidacy for senator via a representative. The decision came after his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced that she was running for vice president in the 2022 national elections under Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (LakasCMD). Meanwhile, Duterte will run under Pederalismo ng Dugong Dakilang Samahan (PDDS), replacing Mona Liza Visorde, who withdrew her COC for senator. n
PH remains closed to foreign tourists... PAGE 1 the Philippines under a tourist visa may only do so if they apply for temporary visitors’ visas and secure an entry exemption document (EED) from Philippine posts abroad.
“We advise the public to refer to our website and social media pages to keep themselves updated on our latest advisories on guidelines and requirements for international travelers,” he said.
Morente previously announced that the BI is ready for foreign tourists after presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said that the country will accept international tourists “in due time.” n
It’s official: Bongbong Marcos, Sara Duterte... PAGE 1 fortune favors use in the coming elections on May 9, 2022,” he added. Earlier in the day, DuterteCarpio admitted seeking the support of political parties for her and Marcos’s run for next year’s elections. Notably, the PDP-Laban, the political party of her father, President Rodrigo Duterte, allegedly rejected it. “My party made an alliance
and asked for support for Bongbong Marcos and me after I heeded your call. PDP rejected this, and we understand this,” Duterte-Carpio said, speaking in Filipino, in a video statement. “But I want to clarify: We are not destroying or staining anybody’s name. Nobody is being run over, nobody is being shortchanged, quarreled with, made to cry, or oppressed,” she added.
Asked to clarify the Davao City mayor’s statement about seeking the support of PDPLaban, Mayor Christina Garcia Frasco of Liloan in Cebu referred to Duterte-Carpio and Marcos as “the tandem.” Frasco is the spokesperson of Duterte-Carpio. “I believe that is clear from her statement,” Frasco added in reference to the alliance of Duterte-Carpio and Marcos Jr. n
Roque quits as Palace spokesman to pursue... PAGE 1 man sa Senado (We will go back to politics, to Congress, in the Senate. I want to be an action man in the Senate),” he said. Roque ended the press briefing with a video message from Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio endorsing him as senator. “Si Harry Roque, ang ating Palace spokesperson, ay magiging Senate action man (Harry Roque, our Palace spokesperson, will be a Senate action man),” said Duterte-Carpio. “Ibigay natin nang todo ang buong suporta natin para sa
kaniyang kandidatura para sa Senado (Let us give our full support for his Senate candidacy),” she added. Roque later filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator under the Peoples’ Reform Party (PRP) of the late Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Replacing him will be Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, who was designated by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte as presidential spokesperson for the time being. “He (Roque) will be running for senator. Alam mo, once you
file your certificate of candidacy, automatic ‘yan out ka sa gobyerno (you’re out of the government). No other formal ritual is needed except that when you file, tapos ka (you’re done). At that moment, you cease to be a government employee,” the Chief Executive said during his pre-taped public address. “So kung maaari ikaw na lang sana ang acting na muna (So if possible, you take over as acting spokesman) until we find a replacement. I do not want to burden you with so much,” he added. n
PARADE OF GIANTS. Giant figures made of papier-mâché parade along Quezon Avenue in Angono, Rizal for the Higantes Festival on Sunday, November 14 – the highlight of which are giant puppets with hands on their waists and usually with stern looks. The annual feast is in honor of St. Clement, the patron saint of fishermen. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
California encourages full family...
PAGE 1 To promote full family protection, CDPH and local partners are leading a week of action from November 15 to November 21 against the pandemic, which includes mobile vaccination clinics around the state and other outreach efforts to motivate all eligible family members to get vaccinated. Prominent California public health officials and leading medical experts are also discussing the importance of full family vaccination in appearances with media outlets and on social media events. The week of action is one part of California’s ongoing commitment to fighting this deadly virus. The state’s Vaccinate ALL 58 campaign recently launched a new media campaign to promote vaccinations for children ages 511 and will launch public service announcements featuring California Surgeon General Dr. Burke Harris and Dr. Ilan Shapiro this week. These videos are part of a multi-pronged media campaign that includes digital, social, radio, TV, print and out-of-home advertising, all aimed at reaching the state’s
most vulnerable communities to encourage vaccination and boosters. The state is also continuing its partnership with ethnic media, working with more than 200 non-English media outlets throughout the state to reach California’s diverse communities. This includes the release of Dr. Burke Harris’ “On the Record” ethnic media column urging parents and guardians to vaccinate their children ages 5-11 against COVID-19 ahead of holidays. Altogether, the partnership will result in tens of millions of opportunities for non-English speaking Californians to learn more about the importance of vaccines in November alone. Vaccinate ALL 58 is also continuing its robust partnerships with community-based organizations, working closely with them to address vaccine hesitancy through door knocking and outreach, scheduling vaccine appointments, and providing transportation options. To date, the state’s community-based network has connected with more than three million Californians through
phone banking, has canvased over 700,000 households, and facilitated or referred over one million appointments in vulnerable communities throughout the state. As the state heads into cooler months with more gatherings moving indoors, CDPH is strongly urging unvaccinated Californians to get vaccinated and those who are partially vaccinated to complete their vaccination series. Booster doses are also available to help Californians keep their immunity strong. All eligible individuals are encouraged to get a booster to protect themselves, their family and to celebrate the holidays together safely. CDPH also recommends Californians receive a flu vaccine, which can be administered on the same day as a COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is free for all Californians regardless of insurance and immigration status. Californians can visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 1-833-422-4255 to make an appointment, find a walkin clinic and learn more about eligibility. n
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FREE SHOTS. Dr. Andrew Buencamino (right), head of the Dasmariñas City Veterinary Office, leads the free anti-rabies vaccination for dogs and cats at Cardinal Village Phase 2 covered court in Barangay Salitran 3, Dasmariñas City, Cavite on Monday , November 15. Some 350 pet dogs and cats received jabs. PNA photo by Gil Calinga
Your out-of-pocket health care costs need not be a mystery by BERNARD
J. WOLFSON Kaiser Health News
IF you’ve ever had a serious illness or cared for someone who has, you know how quickly the medical bills can pile up: from labs, radiology clinics, pharmacies, doctors, different departments within the same hospital — some of them in your insurance network, others not. It can be extremely confusing, no matter how clever you are, to determine which bills you need to pay. If you’re sick, or have technological, cultural or language barriers — not to mention financial difficulties — navigating this maze can be especially intimidating. A California law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last month may help you sort through a tangle of medical bills to figure out what your health plan will cover and when the coverage kicks in. The law, SB 368, requires most state-regulated private-sector health plans to send enrollees updates, for every month in which they received care, showing how much they have paid toward their annual deductible — the amount a person must shell out before insurance begins to cover most of their care — and how close they are to reaching out-of-pocket
limits, the amount after which the insurer pays for 100% of care. The law, which takes effect in July, should help people with costly chronic conditions who need to keep better track of how much they owe, and healthy ones who rarely seek care but might suddenly encounter unexpected medical circumstances. “It’s not that hard to hit those maximums, and it doesn’t take a cancer diagnosis to get there,” says Dylan Roby, a professor of public health at the University of California-Irvine. “It could be one ER visit with a procedure. A broken leg could get you there pretty easily.” The new law requires health plans to send out-of-pocket updates via mail unless the insured opts for electronic delivery. The information must also be stored in a format that is accessible to customers at any time. SB 368 “is part of a larger need to provide transparency about individuals’ out-of-pocket risks,” says Roby. Consumers often are unaware, he notes, of what’s available for free under the Affordable Care Act, including preventive services like screening tests and immunizations. Most health plans offered through Covered
California, the state’s ACA marketplace, also must cover outpatient services, including imaging, specialist appointments and physical therapy, before the deductible is met. One potential pitfall of the new law, Roby observes, is that insurers can crunch numbers based only on the claims they’ve processed, and some doctors and other providers might take six months or more to file claims. That means the information plans send to enrollees could be outdated. At present, state law imposes no specific requirement on insurers to inform enrollees of their current financial liabilities, but some plans already do so — either in the “explanation of benefits” they send after care is received, or in response to a customer request. “This law makes an optional practice a requirement,” says state Sen. Monique Limón (DSanta Barbara), who authored the legislation. “And it’s a good practice.” The new law should be helpful to a growing number of people, given the increasing prevalence of health plans with ever-larger deductibles. Between 2012 and 2020, the percentage of California workers PAGE 4
When you GET VACCINATED you have greater protection against hospitalization and death.
WEAR A MASK when it can protect you & others.
GET TESTED & STAY HOME when you feel sick.
Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you MyTurn.ca.gov
833-422-4255
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LA County launches ‘United Against... PAGE 1 support inclusion and safety for all.” “The increase in hate crimes this past year reinforces the need to speak up and take a stand with United Against Hate Week. I am hopeful that initiatives like this, will empower residents with the ability to help create a turning point and a step in the right direction for Los Angeles County” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell. “In a County as large and diverse as ours, it is our humanity that holds us together and there is no reason why we cannot celebrate our differences. I will remain committed to supporting policies and initiatives that embrace compassion and respect for all. As we know from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” “It’s time to stand up and be counted,” said Supervisor Sheila Kuehl. “LA is seeing a sharp rise in racist, homophobic, and xenophobic crimes, and one good way to combat this tide of hate is to participate in the LA vs. Hate activities, which range from workshops to walkathons. Let LA know you stand for equity and inclusion.” “I am wholeheartedly committed to advocating for victims’ rights, and our County’s Unite Against Hate Week is an important campaign that raises awareness to ultimately help victims of hate who have been attacked in a variety of settings,” stated Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who oversees the County’s Fifth District. “Many public places such as our transportation systems are open and easily accessible to attacks by hate actors. As County leaders, we must focus our efforts into combatting hate at every possible touchpoint to keep the public safe.” “Our diversity has made LA County a global economic and cultural success,” said Otto Solórzano, Acting Director of WDACS. “It’s more important than ever that we stand together, united against hate. United Against Hate Week is an important reminder that we cannot remain silent in the face of hate, but instead we must act.” “Our United Against Hate Week may be more important than ever this year,” said Robin Toma, Executive Director of the
Human Relations Commission. Cognizant of the fact that the Commission’s Annual Hate Crime Report revealed an increase in reported hate crimes that reached the highest level in LA County since 2008, Toma noted that “LA vs Hate calls on everyone to do something, big or small, and become connected to the overwhelming numbers of us who are against hate and bigotry, and for love and embracing of the diversity in our County.” “From November 14-20, United Against Hate Week will invite LA County residents to take action against hate by going to www.lavshate.org/ united-against-hate-week and using the toolkits, participating in an event, and getting involved at the community level to fight acts of hate,” stated Dr. Debra Duardo, the Superintendent of the LA County Office of Education. “All school districts will be alerted to this event’s goals of providing safe schools, inclusive classrooms, and alerting staff to the dangers of bullying and bias.” “Participating in United Against Hate Week is another way L.A. Care is working to advance health equity,” said James Kyle, MD, Chief of Equity and Quality Medical Director, L.A. Care Health Plan. “The COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on health inequities in low-income communities of color, and it also exposed the ugly side of fear as hate incidents rose due to misplaced blame. United Against Hate Week shines a light on how we can change that dynamic. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to be as safe and healthy as possible.” “Blue Shield of California Promise has a long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and stands against racism of all forms,” said Sandra Rose, senior director of community & provider engagement of Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan. “The County of Los Angeles’ LA vs. Hate program is bringing critical dialogue and resources to communities we serve while giving community members tools to develop resilience. We are proud to support the program’s bystander training, mass meditation, and art
resiliency projects for local residents of all ages,” added Rose. The Executive Director of the LA Chamber of Commerce, Maria Salinas, noted that recent studies illuminated the disparate impact hate crimes have on minority-owned businesses. “The Chamber has several initiatives to promote policies that strengthen small business, expand opportunities for higher education to develop a 21st Century workforce capable of competing in a global economy, and that offer costeffective advances to promote economic growth and address climate change,” said Ms. Salinas. “United Against Hate Week helps to address all our signature policies, ensuring a safe, inclusive economic region for all.” “Inclusion and equity are vital to building healthy, resilient communities,” stated Maribel Marin, Executive Director, 211-LA. “United Against Hate Week provides cities the opportunity to build stronger connections that will lead to year-round engagement in LA County’s unique and diverse communities.” In response to the rise in hate, in 2018 the Board of Supervisors directed LACCHR to develop an initiative to prevent and respond to hate incidents in the County, which resulted in “LA vs. Hate.” The initiative has three components: (1) a community-driven public engagement campaign to encourage residents and organizations to unite against and report acts of hate; (2) the first government hotline (via 211) for reporting all acts of hate and providing assistance to hate victims; and (3) a network of community agencies that can address systemic prejudice by providing hate prevention and rapid response advocacy and services. Since launching in June 2020, “LA vs. Hate” content has been viewed over 468 million times and has been shared over 88 million times. Since September 2019, when LA vs. Hate and 211 began accepting calls to report hate, more than 1,400 calls have been received. The LA vs. Hate Coalition includes civic leaders, educators, LA County departments, artists, health plans, immigrant rights groups, and more. (AJPress)
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Democrats plan to expand Medicare hearing benefits. What can consumers expect? by Rachana
PRadhan Kaiser Health News
PRESIDENT Joe Biden’s mammoth domestic spending bill would add hearing benefits to the traditional Medicare program — one of three major new benefits Democrats had sought. The Biden administration appears to have fallen short of its ambition to expand dental and vision along with hearing benefits. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and other progressives have long pushed for more generous benefits for seniors. Citing the cost, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) opposed such expansion. Biden and Democratic leaders in Congress pared back the scope of the new benefits after the total budget bill — which funds health care and other domestic initiatives — was whittled from a proposed $3.5 trillion to $1.75 trillion to meet demands of the party’s moderates. The new hearing benefits would become available in 2023. Democrats have little room for maneuvering on the bill. They need all 50 Democratic senators to support it and can lose only three members of the House on a vote. Those tight margins have made for difficult negotiations and boosted the ability of any one lawmaker to set terms. The progressive and moderate wings of the party have been at odds on the deal for months, and negotiations are ongoing. Nonetheless, if the hearing proposal survives, it would be a significant change. Here are answers to questions seniors might have about the benefit. Q: What does the plan do? The draft legislation unveiled in the House proposes adding coverage to traditional Medicare that includes hearing assessment services, management of hearing loss and related treatment. About 36 million people are enrolled in original Medicare. Many of the private Medicare Advantage plans other seniors have opted to join
already offer similar hearing services. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, roughly 27 million seniors are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan this year. CMS projects that number will increase to 29.5 million next year. The new benefits include coverage of certain hearing aids for “individuals diagnosed with moderately severe, severe, or profound hearing loss,” and allows seniors enrolled in traditional Medicare to get a hearing aid for each ear every five years. The new benefits cover devices furnished after a written order from a physician, audiologist, hearing aid professional or other clinician. The Food and Drug Administration separately has moved to make hearing aids available over the counter, in a bid to make them cheaper. Q: Why are the benefits needed? Research has shown that hearing loss can undermine seniors’ overall quality of life, leading to loneliness, isolation, depression, anxiety, communication disorders and more. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Health Interview Survey, in 2019 nearly 1 in 3 people age 65 and over reported difficulty hearing even with a hearing aid. Biden administration officials said when unveiling the package last week that of seniors who could benefit from hearing aids, only 30% over age 70 have used them. Hispanic adults 65 and up were more likely than other demographic groups to report having severe hearing problems, the survey found. A KFF analysis from September found that the 4.6 million Medicare beneficiaries who used hearing services in 2018 paid $914 out-of-pocket on average. That figure includes seniors who receive benefits in traditional Medicare as well as people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. Q: How many people would
benefit? The total is still up in the air as Democrats continue to negotiate details, but it’s possible the number of beneficiaries could be in the millions. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 1 in 3 Americans ages 65 to 74 have hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. To date, there’s been an important distinction between seniors enrolled in traditional Medicare and those in Medicare Advantage plans. A research paper published by the Commonwealth Fund in February found that nearly all Medicare Advantage plans offered dental, vision and hearing benefits. Still, even with Medicare Advantage, seniors can struggle to afford care, and what is covered varies by the plan. The KFF analysis found that seniors in Medicare Advantage plans spent less out-of-pocket for dental and vision care than traditional Medicare enrollees in 2018, but there was no difference in spending on hearing care. Q: Will dental and vision benefits be added? Leaving dental and vision benefits on the cutting room floor will disappoint progressive lawmakers. “In Vermont and all over this country, you’ve got senior citizens whose teeth are rotting in their mouth, older people who can’t talk to their grandchildren because they can’t hear them because they can’t afford a hearing aid, and people can’t read a newspaper because they can’t afford glasses,” Sanders said on NBC earlier this year. “So to say that dental care and hearing aids and eyeglasses should be a part of Medicare makes all the sense in the world.” According to KFF, the 31.3 million Medicare beneficiaries who needed dental services in 2018 paid $874 out-of-pocket on average. The 20.3 million who needed vision care spent $230. n
Your out-of-pocket health care costs... PAGE 3 with single coverage who had an annual deductible of $1,000 or greater quadrupled, to 54%. And among families enrolled in health plans with deductibles, 70% had deductibles of $2,000 or higher last year, compared with 31% eight years earlier. For the cheapest Covered California plans, the deductible this year is $6,300 for an individual and $12,600 for a family. And there’s a separate deductible for prescription drugs (the new law requires health plans to inform enrollees where they stand on all their deductibles). As deductibles rise, health plan members are seeing the financial protection of their insurance kick in later and later in the year. And in many cases, after meeting their deductibles they still need to spend a thousand or more before reaching out-of-pocket spending limits for the year. People with serious diagnoses such as cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosisorcysticfibrosisfrequently make such calculations. Stacey Armato, a 41-yearold mother of three in Hermosa Beach, California, has a 6-year-old son with cystic fibrosis, a serious progressive lung disease. Her son, Massimo, takes about a dozen medications, with costs well into the thousands of dollars each month. Armato and her family are luckier than many: They have good insurance that limits their total spending on Massimo’s
care to about $6,000 a year. But that is still enough to make them rethink spending plans at times. “I’m always going to prioritize my son’s care,” Armato says. She likes the new law. “I think transparency about how much a patient is spending and what their financial obligations are is really important,” she says. Some families coping with cystic fibrosis and other expensive illnesses face much starker trade-offs — choosing between treatment and paying their rent, for example. In those cases, it can be indispensable to know when the financial hemorrhaging will stop, easing pressure on the family budget. The new law can also be useful if you, like many people, postponed an elective surgery because of the pandemic — a hip replacement or cataract removal, for example — and want to reschedule it now. The best timing, financially speaking, will be when you are close to reaching your deductible and outof-pocket spending limit — or if you already have reached them. If you know where you stand, you can schedule the procedure for a time when your financial liability will be minimal. The law might also help people avoid paying money they don’t actually owe. “Sometimes when people see any kind of bill, they think they need to pay it,” says Jen Flory, a policy advocate at the Western Center on Law & Poverty, which supported the legislation. “So unless they understand that,
‘Oh, I reached my deductible, or my out-of-pocket max,’ people panic and do whatever they need to do to pay the bill. And it can be hard to get the money back from providers if they pay unnecessarily.” Although your insurer is not required to provide your out-ofpocket status until the law takes effect in July, you can still call the customer help line and ask for it — or for clarification about a bill. If you don’t get the answer you want, ask your health plan to tell you who regulates it, and call that agency. It would usually be the Department of Managed Health Care, at 888466-2219 or HealthHelp.ca.gov, or the California Department of Insurance, reachable at 800-9274357. If you need help sorting through heaps of medical bills, you could hire a professional patient advocate, who will typically charge you a percentage of the amount they save you. To find patient advocates in your area, log on to www.advoconnection.com To see if you qualify for free assistance, try the Patient Advocate Foundation (www. patientadvocate.org or 800-5325274), which helps people resolve unaffordable health bills and also provides disease-specific, needbased financial aid. This story was produced by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.n
Elderly Filipino man speaks out after...
PAGE 1 “There was no change in his expression. Nothing. He just pulled out the knife and started slashing. It was a complete surprise,” he said. “As soon as the knife started coming, I fell to the sidewalk, because I was bleeding like crazy,” he added. In a news release, the El Cajon Police Department noted Serra “had numerous life-threatening stab wounds and had been severely slashed across his face.” “The victim’s ear was nearly severed off and he had lost a significant amount of blood,” it said Thursday, Nov. 11. Additionally, the ECPD released a photo of the suspect: 24-yearold Ezekiel Valdivia, a convicted felon who is out on early release. Valdivia is described as a Hispanic man, 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighing around 180 pounds. He has black hair, brown eyes, and numerous tattoos on his body, including a large “V” tattoo on his face. Valdivia also has a history of as-
Jose Serra
sault, elderly abuse, and weapons charges. While police have not yet ruled if the attack on Serra was racially motivated, the Filipino American Community is urging officials to get involved. “Why did it take almost a week to get the word out that there is a dangerous man on the loose that had done this heinous crime,” said JoAnn Fields of the Filipino Resource Center. She added, “We have to hold
Photo courtesy of GoFundMe
people accountable. If we are going to stop the cycle of violence then we need not just see something but to say something.” Anyone with information on Valdivia’s whereabouts is urged to come forward and call El Cajon Police at 619-579-3311 or Crimestoppers at 888-580-8477. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Serra with the medical expenses as he recovers from his injuries. (Ritchel Mendiola/ AJPress)
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Dateline PhiliPPines
LIVING LEGEND. Six-time bowling World Cup champion Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno (left) receives framed commemorative stamps from Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio at the Manila Central Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio on Saturday, November 13. Nepomuceno is one of the featured Filipino greats in the Philippine Postal Corporation’s Living Legends: World-Renowned Filipinos stamps series. PNA photo by Rico H. Borja
PH lifts face shield mandate in areas under Alert Level 1-3 by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
THE Philippines has lifted its mandatory use of face shields in areas under Alert Level 1 to 3. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, November 15, approved the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) to drop the face shield requirement in certain areas. “Ang decision ko is okay, tanggalin nyo na yung shields. Pwede na ninyong (My decision is okay, you can remove the shields. You can), you dispense with the shields but not the mask),” he said in his pre-taped public address. However, the Chief Executive stressed that face masks will remain mandatory amid the pandemic, saying that COVID-19 “will be here for a long time.” “You have to obey what the government will tell you to do because it’s for the good of the country and for you. Sumunod lang kayo (Just obey),” added Duterte. Earlier that day, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea issued a memorandum saying face shields will be worn “on a volun-
Cebu residents wearing mask and face shields in public.
tary basis for areas under Alert Levels 3, 2, and 1.” On the other hand, face shields will remain mandatory for areas under Alert Level 5 and granular lockdowns. For areas under Alert Level 4, local government units and private establishments are given discretion to mandate use of face shields. “The above protocols are without prejudice to the continuing mandatory use of face shields in medical and quarantine facilities, and the required use thereof by
Philstar.com file photo
healthcare workers in healthcare settings,” the memo read. Currently, Metro Manila is under Alert Level 2 until Nov. 21. The IATF first issued the use of face shields outdoors in December last year. In September this year, Duterte limited the use of face shields in places that fall under the “3Cs” category: crowded, closed, and close contact. The Philippines is the only country in the world that requires using face shields in addition to masks. n
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Goodbye, face shield
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FeatURes
ON top of the face mask, the face shield aggravates difficulty in breathing and can be exceptionally uncomfortable in a poorly ventilated area on a hot day. Accusations of overpricing and sweetheart deals brokered by administration cronies intensified public distaste for the face shield. Last Monday, November 15, amid falling COVID-19 cases, President Duterte announced his approval of a recommendation to make the use of face shields voluntary in areas under Alert Levels 1 to 3 including Metro Manila, except in places such as hospitals. On Tuesday November 16, transport officials also lifted the face shield requirement in public utility vehicles. Health experts went along with the recommendation, but continued to encourage the voluntary use of face shields as added protection against COVID-19, especially in the so-called three Cs: closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places, and close-contact settings. While acknowledging the discomfort in wearing face shields, the health experts maintain that they provide a measure of protection for the eyes, which are entry points for viruses and other pathogens. The experts say the added protection is important especially as complacency spreads and people
stop using even masks in public places such as open markets. The shields can stop biological droplets such as those expelled in a sneeze from hitting the eyes, according to health experts, who point out that healthcare workers in COVID wards use medical goggles to protect their eyes. President Duterte himself is warning the public against complacency, amid reports of a new wave of COVID infections particularly in western Europe that is forcing a return to lockdowns. Scenes in Metro Manila since the region was eased to Alert Level 2 have shown people ignoring physical distancing, with many no longer wearing masks. In such environments, health experts say a face shield on top of a mask can reduce the risk of catching COVID. Even with the lifting of the face shield requirement, experts warn that under certain settings, you discard it at your own risk. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS MARK your calendar. Next year Monday, May 9, 2022, eligible citizens of the Philippines will be heading to the polls to vote for their new President, Vice President, Senators, Representatives, as well as their local government public officials headed by the Governor, Vice Governor, Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Councilmen/Councilwomen. This should be a very important milestone in our Motherland’s history for dual citizens like me who can now have our voices heard and help steer the nation to the right direction moving forward. Even if you are not a dual citizen, and you still have your family permanently living in the Motherland, you know that the election results will be consequential to their lives and livelihood in the Philippines. Or perhaps like me, you are also sending money every month to the Philippines to help your
Commentary DR. NADINE BURKE HARRIS,
SURGEON GENERAL OF CALIFORNIA OUR state experienced the most devastating point of the pandemic last winter. More than 21,000 Californians were hospitalized with COVID-19 in the last week of December, and we lost 18,518 mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers to this deadly virus in January. The light at the end of the tunnel felt out of reach. Today, we have the tools to help protect against another winter surge and avoid preventable hospitalizations and deaths: vaccines. More than 87 percent of eligible Californians have received at least one dose, and the FDA’s recent authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11 is a game changer. For the first time, whole families, from our young kids to our grandparents, can have protection against COVID-19. As California’s first Surgeon General, I am committed to making vaccination available to every eligible Californian. And as a mom of four boys, I am reassured that by having my children vaccinated, I am doing everything I can to keep them, our family and our community safe. The number of infections is increasing,largelyinunvaccinated people, who are 9.5 times more likely to be hospitalized and 18.2 times more likely to die from
Philstar.com photo
May 9, 2022 is Election Day in the Philippines: How does the electoral process compare to the US? family back home. Our sense of history is another important reason why whatever happens to our Motherland is something we want to know more about because our life in the Philippines — good or bad — will always be part of who we are. So let us compare and contrast the Presidential Election in the Philippines and in the United States — our adoptive country. The Philippine Presidential Elections happen every six years. Here in the United States, we head to the polls to exercise our right and duty to vote every four years. There are pros and cons for both. If you are fortunate to have elected a good, honest, hardworking, effective, leader with integrity and brilliant vision, then six years in the Philippines seem too short and Philippine laws allow only one term for President. However, if the people elected an abusive, lawbreaker and divisive president, then six
years feels like eternity. Here in the U.S., the President can have a maximum of two consecutive terms. Those who did not live up to the expectations of the electorate, have not delivered on their campaign promises, did not protect the people and the Constitution and abused the power and public trust accorded to the Presidency become one term president. Here in the United States, there is a short list of former presidents who ran for office as president again after leaving office as president, and this does not include presidents who sought reelection to a consecutive term while still in office. Just like in the Philippines, there there have been a few US presidents who ran for a seat in Congress, or governor. Most of them, however, retire from public office and just do charitable works through their own foundation, write books, and if the Constitution and
democracy is threatened, some call out the sitting president. Here in the United States, the candidates for president and vice president are a TEAM belonging to the same party. They share the same ideology, policies, platform and visions for the country. The voters elect the President and along with this vote is the vote for the presidential candidate’s running mate. In contrast, the candidates for President and Vice President in the Philippines are elected separately in the ballot. I prefer our system here in the United States. The President and Vice President should be elected and sworn into office as a TEAM so they can work together toward fulfilling their campaign promises to the people. And if something happens to the President that will prevent him/her from fulfilling his/her duties and responsibilities like death or chronic serious illness (including mental incapacity), or be deposed from office through
impeachment, then the Vice President will carry out the programs and initiatives they were elected to fulfill for the people. This does not happen in the Philippines where the President and Vice President(VP) come from two different parties. Oftentimes, the VP is marginalized by the president for fear of being more popular than him/her and therefore, will diminish the chances of his/her party to hold on to power in the next election cycle. Differences and even animosity are also inevitable when the President and VP come from different parties because they have opposing views, visions, policies and programs to begin with. And if the VP exercises his/her Constitutional duty to call out the President for any violations of the law or of public morals and ethics, then this will not be taken well by the President and his/her party and will do everything to silence and
marginalize the VP. These are some major differences between the U.S. and Philippine President Elections. However, since both countries are democratic forms of government, then both should adhere to the principles of democracy enshrined in their respective Constitutions. But I will discuss more of that topic in future editions of this column. Abangan! *** 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.
*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos.
Vaccination protects children from the dangers of COVID-19 COVID-19 than fully vaccinated people. People of color are being hardest hit. We need all eligible Californians to get vaccinated or complete their vaccination series and get a booster as soon as they are eligible to help bring this pandemic to an end. As a pediatrician, I know how crucial vaccination is in protecting children against other preventable diseases like measles, mumps, and chicken pox. The COVID-19 vaccine, which is specially dosed for children ages 5-11, offers an essential layer of protection against this deadly virus. More than 700,000 children and adolescents in California have been infected with COVID19. There have been more than 6,500 pediatric hospitalizations in our state since July of last year, and we have lost 37 young lives since the start of the pandemic. Children can experience “long COVID” and the virus can also cause Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), in which a hyperactive immune system attacks the child’s body. Our state alone has seen 660 of these cases, half of whom had to be hospitalized in intensive care units. Vaccination not only helps prevent these troubling outcomes, but also reduces spread of the virus to our loved ones, such as grandparents and others with more vulnerable immune systems.
And as the state’s leader in efforts to train providers to identify and mitigate Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and childhood trauma, I know that the pandemic has taken a tremendous toll on our young people. They’ve struggled with social isolation, attending school virtually, as well as family stressors like job loss, food or housing insecurity, COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations and even the death of people they hold dear. Getting vaccinated provides kids a sense of security knowing they’re better protected and that they are protecting others from becoming infected, as well. It’s understandable that some parents still have concerns. I can assure them that the COVID-19 vaccine was demonstrated to be safe and highly effective in comprehensive clinical trials with more than 4,500 children ages 5-11, and is held to the same rigorous safety and effectiveness standard as all other vaccines in the U.S. In fact, the COVID-19 vaccines have gone through the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. vaccine history. Millions of youth ages 12-18 have already received the vaccine with only mild side effects. Serious side effects are rare, and the benefits of vaccination are shown to far outweigh the risks. There is no evidence, either in clinical trial data or among the millions
Unsplash photo by Kelly Sikkema
of women who have already received the vaccine, that it causes any fertility loss. In contrast, vaccination is allowing more of our state’s population to safely get back to the activities they love. Thanks to the safety measures in place, combined with high vaccination rates, our schools are safer than ever. Vaccinations have allowed kids 12-17 to rejoin sports teams, drama clubs and other activities – programs that provide
enrichment and help them grow into healthy adults. Our younger children deserve the same opportunities. These valiant little ones want to fully participate in life again. With the holiday gatherings and festivities approaching, this vaccine could not come at a better time. Protect your family. Call your pediatrician or a local health clinic to schedule your child’s vaccination appointment. You can also visit MyTurn.ca.gov
or call 833-422-4255 to find a vaccination site near you. *** 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.
*** Dr. Nadine Burke Harris is the Surgeon General of California. A pediatrician, she is at the forefront of the statewide campaign to reduce Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress by half in one generation.
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Robredo urges forgiveness, promotes Tulfo, Escudero, Cayetano top unity among people split by politics picks for Senate in new SWS poll by Gabriel
by Zacarian
Pabico lalu
Inquirer.net
MANILA — Vice President Leni Robredo has urged Filipinos, who may have been in conflict or disagreement with their friends and relatives due to their political stand, to start making amends, as people are hurt regardless of their beliefs. Robredo said this on Tuesday, as she noted the views of experts that there are hidden forces trying to make Filipinos fight each other, including in social media, as it would be easier to advance personal interest when people are divided. “Alam niyo, nitong mga nakaraang taon, nakita natin kung paano naghati-hati ang ating mga hanay. Lalo na sa social media, maraming masasakit na salitang binitawan. May mga magkakaibigan, pati na magakamamag-anak, na nag-away dahil sa posisyon sa pulitika,” she said in a video statement posted on her official Facebook page. (We have witnessed the past few years that people became divided, especially on social media, a lot of hurtful words were delivered. Friends and relatives became enemies because of political stance.) “Ang analysis ng mga eksperto, may mga puwersa na sadya tayong pinag-aaway. Dahil kapag
Sarao
Inquirer.net
Vice President Leni Robredo
watak-watak ang mga Pilipino, mas madaling maisusulong ang personal na agenda ng mga puwersang ito. Anuman ang dahilan, hindi maikakaila: nagkasakitan tayo,” she added. (Experts say there are people who really want people to be divided. Because when we are divided, they can easily advance their political agenda.) Robredo then reminded her supporters to engage other people of different political beliefs calmly and with respect, ahead of their Wednesday movements. “Nasaang panig ka man, gaano man kasigurado sa paninindigan mo, may nakasakit ng kapwa. Panahon na, tayo na ang magsimula, lumapit sa mga nakaalitan, kung may nakita sa social media na hindi naaayon sa mga pinaniniwalaan natin, magpali-
Photo coutesy of the OVP
wanag nang mahinahon at may respeto,” Robredo said. (Whatever side you are in, even if you are really sure of your political convictions, you have hurt someone. It is time for us to initiate reconciliation, approach other people, and when you see something untrue or something that does not coincide with our beliefs, explain in a calm and respectful manner.) “Magpakumbaba. Mangumusta, makipag-usap, hilumin ang mga sugat, buksan muli ang landas ng pagmamahal, ipaalala ang katotohanan, hindi natin kalaban ang ating kapwa,” she added. (Be humble. Ask them how they are doing, talk, heal all wounds, open the path for love, remind people of the truth, and remember that fellow Filipinos are not our enemy.) n
MANILA — Television personality Raffy Tulfo remains the top preferred senatorial aspirant in the 2022 national elections as Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero and Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano trailed close by in the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey made public Tuesday, November16. According to the new survey commissioned by Stratbase ADR Institute, Inc., 60 percent of 1,200 adult Filipino respondents picked Tulfo as their choice for senator, followed by Escudero with 51 percent and Cayetano – who jumped two spots from 5th place in the SWS survey released in October – with 50 percent. Coming in at the 4th spot was House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda with 45 percent and Senate Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri at 5th with 44 percent. It was a tie for former Vice President Jejomar Binay and Public Works and Highways chief Mark Villar as both garnered 40 percent at 6th place. Legarda, Villar, and Escudero were all ranked 2nd for having the same percentage points, in the SWS poll made public in October, which was conducted from September 12-16. Completing the so-called “Magic 12” in the recent SWS
SFIO to invest US$100M to develop land into a resort-like condotel property in Batangas City, Philippines SFIO has recently been named one of the “20 Promising Companies Everyone Should Know in 2021” by Global Business Leader Magazine. The joint venture project with Omnicor Industrial Estate & Realty Center Inc. has proven that it is worthy to be listed in one of the 20 promising companies. Omnicor Industrial Estate & Realty is a subsidiary of AbaCore Capital Holdings, a public listed company in the Philippines, plans to contribute land by the bay of Batangas where SFIO will develop the land into a resort with 500 units condotel owned by AbaCore Capital and PRIDE in Batangas City’s Montemaria.
Omnicor Industrial Estate & Realty Center Inc. is a corporation 100% owned Philippines Regional Investment Development Corporation (PRIDE). Meanwhile, PRIDE is 100% owned by AbaCore Capital holdings, Inc. This Joint venture project has given an aim to SFIO to establish a US$100M project and it is established in a strategic tourist spot in Montermaria, Batangas City, Philippines. The property is aimed to be structured as a resort condotel concept which predominantly targets tourists, pilgrims, expats, and the returnees of Filipino descent who want a short holiday or for permanent stay for retirement.
The purpose of the development is to position the two companies in the new tourism industry and prepare for postpandemic restrictions. Also, the project provides domestic visitors with a utility in the uncertainty of travel rules and regulations in the future. Also, a key highlight of the property is it being equipped of state-of-the-art smart building technology. This technology will be built by the Technology and Software development team of SFIO. The technology is beneficial to its users by enhancing the health, wellness, safety, and security of the guests. The duration of the project is
aimed to be accomplished in the next three years. According to Aba Core Capital, “the preselling of the units will commence once the permit is approved by the concerned government agencies.” SFIO and AbaCore agreed to be the preferred developer of the future project – the joint venture between SFIO and ABA will be the a first-ever experience. The companies are confident that the project will be a great success. This will enable them to grow and come together to build the greatest business relationship to support each party by efficiently achieving their goals. (Advertising Supplement)
survey were reelectionist Senator Risa Hontiveros at 8tht place (36 percent), former senator Jinggoy Estrada at 9th (33 percent), actor Robin Padilla at 10th (29 percent), veteran journalist Noli de Castro at 11th (28 percent), and reelectionist Senator Joel Villanueva at 12th (27 percent). However, de Castro has already dropped out of the May 2022 senatorial race.
The SWS survey released Tuesday was conducted on October 20-23, involving the interviews of 300 respondents each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. SWS said the survey had sampling error margins of ±3% for national percentages and ±6% for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao. n
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‘Lumpia with a Vengeance’ to screen at San Diego’s Comic-Con Special Edition on Nov. 26 I
N the midst of a remarkable film festival circuit run, “Lumpia With a Vengeance,” the popular, award-winning, Filipino American indie comedy feature, will be the centerpoint of an exclusive panel discussion and screening as part of Comic-Con Special Edition — the first in-person ComicCon in two years. The event will take place on Friday, November 26 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at SDCC Room 26AB. Directed by LA-based filmmaker Patricio Ginelsa and filmed primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, “Lumpia With A Vengeance” stars former UFC champion Mark Muñoz, April Absynth (STARZ “Blindspotting”), Katrina Dimaranan (Miss Philippines Universe Tourism 2021), Earl Baylon (Netflix “Tomb Raider”), Danny Trejo (“Machete”) and a talented ensemble and is a re-telling of Ginelsa’s first-ever microbudget feature titled, “Lumpia.” Preceding Friday’s Comic-Con Special Edition premiere screening will be a panel discussion on the unique path the film
underwent to production and the subsequent comic book the film inspired as a result. Concept artist Patrick Ballesteros and illustrator Gerald Pilare are among the panelists joining the filmmakers and special guests for the discussion moderated by Winston Emano. The panel and screening combination is a Comic-Con first for any Filipino film at the pop culture mega-gathering which annually draws hundreds of thousands of attendees. This year’s Special Edition marks the first in-person Comic-Con in two years. Cast and crew are expected to be in attendance for the panel, screening, postscreening Q&A Friday as well as appearances on the exhibit floor Saturday. “It’s an absolute dream to
screen at Comic-Con Special Edition,” said Lawrence Iriarte, the film’s executive producer. “Both Pat (director Ginelsa) and I are genuine comic book diehards who first attended Comic-Con in San Diego as fans eons ago, participated as exhibitors in subsequent years and now to be here presenting our film is just incredible.” The filmmakers are proud to point out that the majority of people who worked on the film -- both front of the camera and behind it -- are Filipino and Filipino American, a testament to the filmmaking talent that is within the community and a definite statement of inclusivity for Filipino-centric stories on film. A free, exclusive art print by Ballesteros will be distributed at the screening while special, variant editions
Herbert agrees to opening of cinemas; urges Filipinos to support local productions By
ricky calderoN ManilaTimes.net
FORMER Quezon City Mayor and Senatoriable Herbert Bautista did not run in the 2019 elections because he wanted to spend more time with his children. “Since they are grown-ups now, we talk about more adult topics,” said the actor, who is fondly called Bistek by his showbiz colleagues, in a recent interview with some members of the entertainment press. “In fact, I guess my children. In fact, I guess my children, the millennials are more rational. Iba na ang pananaw nila sa mga bagay. I learn from them,” he added. Bistek said he wanted to do a travel vlog with his sons while doing a tour of the many interesting places in our country. Friends advised him to go vlogging since everybody is doing it. But the pandemic derailed the said plan. When the pandemic struck, Bistek, in his own simple way, extended help to some residents in Quezon City and gave medicines to a hospital in Caloocan.
Herbert Bautista
ABS-CBN photo
“In our own little way, we hope we were able to assists in the needs of some of our kababayans. We have a group which extends help to those in need.” No one from his family and his own circle knew that he is running for the Senate. In his past interviews, he had always said that he will leave it to the party to decide. It was when Senate President Tito Sotto told that it is time for him to run for the senate that he made the
decision. He is such an industry stalwart that seeing movie workers lose their jobs from cinema closure during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic broke his heart. With the scheduled theater reopening on November 10, Senatoriable Herbert now urges the public to go out and support local productions that braved protocol restraints to provide them much-needed entertainment. Bistek is likewise encouraging the people to watch and support movies that will make up this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) line-up. Since the local TV and movie industry is closest to Senatoriable Herbert’s heart, he is planning to file bills that would benefit the industry and its workers will be on top of his priorities once elected to the Senate in the 2022 polls. In addition to this, Senatoriable Herbert is poised as well to push for bills and programs that would cater to and benefit locally produced products, such as food, fabric, etc., that would boost and strengthen overall national pride.
Ariella is latest beauty queen to turn bonafide drama actress By mJ
marfori Philstar.com
GONE are the days when beauty queens are cast as the leading lady in a sitcom or the damsel in distress. Now, we see them in groundbreaking roles such as how Cindy Miranda handled Maria, Adan and House Tour, and Kylie Verzosa in The Housemaid, among many others. Now, it’s Ariella Arida’s moment. She has been cast in the Philippine adaptation of More Than
Ariella Arida does serious acting in More Than Blue, the Philippine adaptation of a 2009 South Korean drama classic of the same title. Philstar.com photo
Blue, a South Korean drama classic released in 2009 and adapted in Taiwan in 2018. It was highly received, becoming the Taiwanese domestic highest-grossing film that year, with over $300M gross. The remake also received a warm response during the 23rd Busan International Film Festival. It became a worldwide phenomenon with blockbuster screenings in East Asian countries including China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore, and recorded as the highest-grossing Taiwanese film in those countries. Ariella will play Cindy, who will give away the love of her life to Yassi Pressman’s character Cream. This is the second project that Viva has trusted her with after Sarap Mong Patayin. “Grabe na realize ko na may kyeme pa pala ako parang noong nag-umpisa ako sa pageantry,” said she, “parang ganito rin ang feeling, pero buti na lang palaban ako. I got it out of the way and nabigay ko naman yung kailangan.” It has been eight years since her Bb. Pilipinas-Universe stint. Ariella is ready to take on a new chapter but even though she has been in the industry for some years now, she feels like she is just starting again with the amazing characters she is basking in. “I am discovering a different part of myself and I am so happy nakikita ko rin iyong ibang mga nag-beauty queen na binibigyan ng chance,” shared she. “I think it’s time din na we show what we’ve got at kaya namin. Nakaka-excite din iyong idea na makasama si Kylie and Cindy since nasa Continued on Page 9
of the movie’s comic book tie-in -- created independently by the filmmakers themselves -- will be available for purchase on the exhibit floor. “We’re still in a bit of pleasant, geeked-out disbelief,” said Ginelsa. “Comic book culture influence oozes out of every single
word, every single frame of our film and comic book. To screen at Comic Con Special Edition is a homecoming of sorts, merging our FIlipino and nerd communities together who love pop culture and Lumpia. Only at Comic-Con!” For up-to-the-minute updates on “Lumpia With
A Vengeance” programme and activities at Comic-Con Special Edition, please visit: lumpiamovie.com. Comic-Con Special Edition is a production of Comic-Con International. For badge and attendee information, please visit: https://comic-con.org/ ccse/attending-show.
Dante Basco and his fabulous Filipino family By Nathalie
tomada Philstar.com
HOLLYWOOD star Dante Basco makes his directorial debut in The Fabulous Filipino Brothers, a film that draws both inspiration and participation from his own Filipino-American family. Dante also stars in the film alongside his real brothers Darion, Dionysio and Derek. They all get the chance to shine in the film that is told through four vignettes. “I think, it was time for me to direct the film as a story that’s been in my mind, that I’ve been developing for a while. And it’s all based on intimate stories from my family. The whole film is based on true stories,” Dante told The STAR in a recent oneon-one interview. “And I was able to do what I — when I get to talk at film schools and drama schools — tell young filmmakers that if you want to write, write what you know, and that’s really what I did. My brother (Darion) and I wrote this film, its first draft, that’s how it all began.” The film tells the story of four brothers from Pittsburg, California as they prepare to reunite for a wedding. Along the way, they have individual experiences that challenge their beliefs on family, relationships and culture. The Fabulous Filipino Brothers is produced by Cignal Entertainment and will be available on Netflix worldwide, except for North America and Europe, starting tomorrow, Nov. 17. “We’ve developed a lot of films at the same time, and I’m thankful that when we were pitching films out, Cignal Enter-
tainment was very gracious to produce this film with me.” Dante has been the face of Filipino and Asian representation long before what he had described as the “golden age of Asian filmmaking” due to the successes of Parasite and Crazy Rich Asians. He entered the mainstream entertainment scene through the 1991 Hollywood blockbuster hit Hook. In the film directed by Steven Spielberg and topbilled by the late Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman, among other heavyweights, Dante starred as the leader of Neverland’s Lost Boys, Rufio. Before his breakout role in Hook, a San Francisco Chronicle feature article said that in 1986, Dante and his three brothers, chaperoned by their mother, moved to Los Angeles with $100 baon from their father and a “deadline of about a year to find success in the entertainment industry.” You could say that The Fabulous Filipino Brothers was borne out of his fabulous adventures and perhaps, misadventures with his brothers through the years. This film, he added, essentially started when “we were born.” “The thing about it is, I’ve known these guys, the Fabulous Filipino Brothers, my whole lives, so there’s no (singular event that) sparked it… Every story (vignette), everything yet, is based on one, if not a few things in our lives. If you’d ask each brother, they would know exactly where I’ve pulled each story from and how we changed it to be more like this story,” he said. Dante also looked back at how their collective experienc-
es in Hollywood ultimately led to the making of the film. “All of us brothers together, we’ve been in Hollywood for 35 years — dancing, acting, writing, poetry, everything. But all the experiences and everything we’ve done have led us up to making this movie right now. It’s unbelievable that, you know, the world’s gonna be able to see the film on Netflix and it’s exciting. But make no mistake, this started when we were children.” Given its autobiographical elements, the film naturally carries actual footage from when the brothers were touted as the “Filipino Jackson 5” and even officially recognized in Los Angeles as the “First Filipino Entertainment Family.” Asked how it felt to be revisiting their past through the movie, Dante shared, “It’s really, really beautiful. I think it starts with a conversation that I’m having with the film community, right? Because the generation that grew up with me and my brothers in the Filipino-American community, the kids that grew up in the ‘80s and ‘90s, (they) grew up watching me and us grow up through all the stuff we’ve done in television and film.” He continued, “We had a band that would go around. We were like, in our own way, the Filipino Jackson 5. For the Fil-Am (community), they knew who we were. They’ve known what the conversation was and those pictures (in the film) kind of give us a little bit of history of who these guys are, could have been. “But it’s interesting for peoContinued on Page 9
The Fabulous Filipino Brothers, produced by Cignal Entertainment, stars (from left) real-life brothers Dionysio, Derek, Darion and Dante Basco. The movie about a Filipino-American family is Dante’s directorial debut. Photo from Instagram/@dantebasco
Maymay overcomes fear of belting in song ‘Amakabogera’ By alex
Brosas Philstar.com
WITH already more than two million views, singer Maymay Entrata is thankful that her recent Wish Bus performance is an overwhelming success. “Hindi ko lubos na ma-explain’yung nararamdaman ko. Hindi ko in-expect ‘yung sobrang overwhelming na pagtanggap nila sa kanta kong ‘Amakabogera,’” Entrata said during the online press conference for her digital concert, Nov. 13. (I can’t fully explain what I feel. I didn’t expect the overwhelming response of people to my song “Amakabogera.”) Entrata’s digital concert, “Mpowered,” is streaming on Nov. 26 via KTX.ph, iWantTFC and TFC IPTV, with a rerun the next day, Nov. 27. What she was most happy about is the fact that the listeners knew the message of the lyrics. The singer is even more appreciative that listeners were able to understand the message of the song. “Doon ako mas natutuwa po kasi minsan talaga parang may mga insecurity tayo,” she said. (I am more happy about that because sometimes, it really seems we have insecurities.) With the song, Entrata wishes to help boost other people’s confidence, as the song is about a young woman who is confi-
Maymay Entrata
dent about who she is and what she has become. Meanwhile, when Entrata first learned about the song, her initial fear was how to give justice to it, because it has high notes. “Ang taas (niya) sa lahat ng kinanta ko. Kakayanin ko ba? Sobrang birit. Doon na ako nag-decide na hindi na puwedeng puchu-puchu ito. Kailangang makawala na ako sa hiya ko… ‘pag kumakanta ako,” she said. (It has high notes compared with all other songs I sang. Can I do this? It requires too much belting. That’s when I decided that I can no longer just settle for less. I need to break free
Donato Philstar.com
HEART Evangelista remains connected with acting as her work in I Left My Heart in Sorsogon will show starting tonight. Fans definitely miss her effortless beauty and amiable personality on the small screen. Heart fits any romance-comedy project, even with a dash of drama. It’s a sight to behold that Heart is again a part of a director’s “moving canvas.” Her character Celeste, described as a fashion designer
and socialite, is somehow close to her creative pursuits. Heart is known as a fashion icon that wears designer and luxury brands and a painter that captures images of women. At the core of it all, Heart is first and foremost an actress. “I feel like it’s time din with my life,” said Heart of giving her nod of approval to the GMA romance-drama series in a recent virtual media call, “and there (are) things that I will be doing. I’ll be leaving also for a while, so parang I felt that now is the time. I just really wanted to do something for Sorsogon
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 17, 2021
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Dante Basco and his...
From Page 8 ple outside the community to see it because you get to see, you know, these Filipino actors. You get to see four leading men that are Filipino, that are in the same family, that are totally different.” Dante further noted how important it is “in this new era of filmmaking — at this Asian golden era of filmmaking with Crazy Rich Asians and Parasite — for us to tell a Filipino story and add to what’s going on in the movement, and to give four Filipino leading men this whole thing.” PhotofromInstagram/@maymay Of course, they aren’t just any Filipino leading men; they from my shyness when I sing.) have a long history with the To achieve success, she industry that deserves to be sought the professional help shared to a wider audience of a vocal coach, one Ms. through this film. Jade, which she finds worth it Besides the Basco brothers, because she learned a lot from their only sister and parents are her about how to give life to also in The Fabulous Filipino the song. Brothers. Other actors come Before performing on Wish from their extended family, or Bus, Entrata admitted she was people they grew up and studso nervous, to the point that ied with, including actresses she felt like throwing up. She Liza Lapira and Cheryl Tsai, and had breathing exercises and comedian Joey Guila. also prayed. As the film had scenes shot Meanwhile, VIP and SVIP in the Philippines, Dante got to ticket holders of the concert will work with Solenn Heussaff who be able to enjoy a special Zoom plays a love interest. He was after-party admission with Enalso happy to have acted anew trata, and hosts DJ Jhai Ho and with veteran actor Tirso Cruz Edward Barber. III who played his father in the first Filipino-American film, The Debut, back in 2000. “Actually, I’ve been going back to the Philippines for a few years now, working with various artists from Jericho Rosales to Rhian Ramos,” he said, noting that Rhian was his co-star in for GMA na ang tagal ko na ring Empty By Design, which was di nagawa.” also co-produced by Cignal Similar to how she Entertainment. “So, I love being approaches her every piece of art that could see her work on it for months and take a year to finish, Heart put her stamp of dedication to her comeback show. “You know, to come up From Page 8 with a project that I will really Viva kami lahat.” make sure I will give my 101 Ariella is now doing her percent,” said she. “I don’t quarantine for an upcoming know if this might be my last, project in GMA 7. you’ll never know. I felt it was “Sanay na rin ako sa quarantime for me to do one and to make it really, really good. I just tine and minsan nga sinasabi ko sa sarili ko, ‘Wow! Umaarte na thought it was just the perfect talaga ako!’ Sunod-sunod ang Continued on Page 11 blessings!” she said.
Heart not leaving acting, just exploring creativity By Jerry
entertainment a part of that. That world also out there, the other artistas out there.” Dante, whose father’s side is from Pangasinan and his mother’s family is from Zambales, described each homecoming to the Philippines as beautiful and he wanted to reflect that in the vignette where his character gets to return to the country. “I really wanted to infuse all the romance and love, and the feeling that I feel like the warmth of going home and being accepted and being embraced by my homeland. And what wonder that is for a lot of us, being Filipinos abroad. “Whether you’re Filipino-American, Filipino-Australian and Filipino anywhere else in the world, of course, we’re very proud to be Filipinos. But the ability to go home and reconnect with just the community, the culture, the family is an experience that changes you. Even though that’s not what the vignette is ultimately about, I want that to be a part of that particular vignette. And, you know, just the magic of that all.” Interestingly, Hook, which gave Dante his first big showbiz break, is celebrating its 30th year this 2021. Since then, he has also become known for his voice-acting career, most notable of which are Prince Zuko from Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender and Jake Long from Disney Channel’s American Dragon: Jake Long. He now hosts a popular podcast Avatar: Braving the Elements, the official companion podcast for the world of Avatar from Nickelodeon. The 46-year-old shared his
thoughts about his Hollywood journey. “It’s amazing. Hook was 30 years ago, 1991, and now it’s 2021. It’s just crazy, you know, 30 years! It goes by so fast. I started off years before that as a breakdancer. It has been a wild ride in Hollywood, from breakdancer, to actor to voice actor to poet to writer-producer to now director, author and podcaster. But it’s been amazing.” Dante reflected on the current state of Asian representation in Hollywood: “Where we are as Asians in the industry, we’re in the highest profile we’ve been since the beginning of Hollywood. So, this is a pioneering time for Asians in pop culture media, of course, with the big bang of Crazy Rich Asians and then the Oscar-winning Parasite. “Even Shang-Chi is coming out, Marvel’s first Asian superhero. So, it’s really amazing times here in Hollywood. We all know each other. We’re all connected. We’re all inspired by each other. Me doing this film is really just adding a Filipino story to this movement. “Of course, before me, recently, Yellow Rose came out, a beautiful film. Jo Koy has his Easter Sunday film coming out. I’m very hopeful for what’s to come. There’s more Filipino filmmakers in the wings, making things and so I think the future’s bright for us as Filipinos and as Asians in the industry. It’s really a golden era at the moment and I don’t think it’s gonna stop anytime soon. We’re all trying to keep pushing this envelope, being inspired by each other.”
Ariella is latest beauty queen... Despite her very busy schedule though, Ariella hopes to catch up with the current Miss Universe Philippines Bea Luigi Gomez before she embarks on her journey in Israel for the Miss Universe 2021. “Sana maabutan ko siya, isa rin talaga sa mga gusto (ko) is talking to the girls before they
leave. I love mentoring,” said she. If in case she won’t get to talk to Bea before she leaves, Ariella said, “Just enjoy the moment and the journey because that’s what happened for me. Talagang nakatulong siya sa akin to be who I am now. Iyon din dapat malaman niya.”
community How bankruptcy helps when you’re stuck in debt
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - November 17, 2021
MANY people find themselves in the position of facing overwhelming debt, with constant calls from creditors and no apparent way out. For some, job loss sent them into a downward spiral, and they are now unable to pay their bills and meet their obligations. For others, a recent divorce or costly medical emergency drained their resources, leaving them in a very difficult financial situation. Since the pandemic began, one-third of small businesses have closed permanently. A lot are still struggling trying to keep their doors open, barely making enough to cover payroll and other business expenses. In situations like the above, bankruptcy can be used to turn your situation around before things get any worse. Unfortunately, a lot of people are fed all kinds of misinformation about bankruptcy and so they don’t even try to find out whether it’s appropriate for their situation. They may have heard that bankruptcy will only make their situation worse and/or that if they do file bankruptcy, it will take them forever to rebuild their credit. Sadly, some of this misinformation also comes from well-meaning friends and family who just tell you what they have heard from others, without verifying whether such information was even true or not. So, what often happens is that people who need help so badly end up doing NOTHING for fear of making a mistake. The important thing
Minding Your Finances Atty. rAymond BUlAon to remember is that no one solution fits every situation. Your financial situation should be carefully evaluated by an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who can help you understand the options you may have available. By doing this, you can make an informed choice in taking the steps needed toward financial recovery. As a bankruptcy attorney, I always see people who have been stuck in their financial suffering for years because of their inaction- when they could have acted much sooner before draining all their financial resources to keep their head above water. For example, I see people tap into their home equity, savings and retirement plans for quick cash to pay bills but end up filing bankruptcy anyway when the funds run out. The bankruptcy exemptions allow you to keep most assets, and it doesn’t make sense to deplete what you have if bankruptcy is inevitable. You can do much better by planning in advance if bankruptcy is a possibility for you, so that you can protect everything you have worked so hard for. Debt problems can happen to anyone and finding out what your legal options
to resolve them now rather than later will give your more options in the long run instead of waiting until your situation becomes a financial emergency. I understand that being in debt can be overwhelming and it can cause a lot of sleepless nights and constant worrying about the future. But things don’t have to be that way. There is no shame in filing bankruptcy if that is what you need to do to start over and provide a better future for yourself and your family. That is what the federal bankruptcy laws are for- to help people who can no longer help themselves. If filing bankruptcy is not advisable, it is also sometimes possible to negotiate with creditors directly and pay them a reduced amount. For example, once an account is 180 days late, I am often able to negotiate settlements for 30-60% of the original amount. This can be a win-win situation for all parties involved especially when creditors realize that they would rather get paid something instead of nothing if you were to file bankruptcy. ***
NOTE: Due to virus safety concerns, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE OR VIDEO to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems. *** 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. (Advertising Supplement)
Should you modify your child and spousal support obligation if you lose your job? Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes IF you have an existing child support or spousal support obligation (court order) and you are laid off from your job causing a major loss of income, you may want to consider modifying your existing child and spousal support order. You are not automatically relieved from your obligation to pay a court ordered child and spousal support just because you were laid off from your job. Some people have a mistaken belief that just because they lost their job, they are automatically off the hook from paying support. This is not the case. The support order remains in place until it is modified by a new support order. You will need to immediately file a Request for Order (motion) with the Court to modify the existing support order when there is a substantial change in your circumstance such as a loss of income. The support orders are generally based on the parties’ financial situation and custody arrangements at the time of the settlement or trial. If your income has gone down substantially from the time that
EMPLOYMENT
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 a 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. Also bear in mind that any unemployment benefits that you may be receiving will be considered as income available for support in the child support guideline calculation. 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. The Court will also look at the efforts you are making in trying to secure new employment under the current job market environment. If your income has gone down due to job lay off or unemployment, or if your hours were 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. Failing to immediately modify your child and spousal support obligation and not paying them would result to your support obligation accumulating as child and spousal support arrears. The supported spouse is entitled to the statutory interest on any unpaid support arrears. If the County Child Support Service Department is involved in enforcing the support, CSSD may suspend your passport, divers
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Two magical words Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond monette AdevA mAglAyA MANY years ago, on a visit to my father’s grave site on a quiet, lush, manicured patch of Forest Lawn Glendale, my husband, daughter and I trudged along several bronze memorial tablets of husbands and wives who lived in the 1850’s and died just before the mid-1900’s buried side by side. My daughter noted the pattern in the weathered bronze tablets of several generations ago. I commented that it is getting harder to find such longevity of devotion these days among younger married couples of the current generation. Call this the Age of Distraction for the “Selfies” generation. It seems we love ourselves far too much to the exclusion of others. Perhaps it is because society, as a whole, is engaged in far too many distractions and mired in too much self-absorption. Social media enables and encourages a popular culture that fosters self-love to the worrisome point of extreme narcissism. It has become a struggle for many couples just to stay together. One might argue that the generations before us didn’t have the same challenges that we are having. That is a valid point. It may have been a far simpler time compared to the complexities of modern life. And yet, a great number of the older generation leave behind lessons of love that result from devotion and fidelity. Surely, we can learn a lot about nurturing human relations from those who have gone before us. This I have learned from an older generation at an early age. Of all the powerful words in the English language, the words “Thank you” are like magic wands in helping transform human relationships, marriage in particular, happier. Not perfect … just happier. You don’t even have to say the words. You can acknowledge anything good done for you by your partner by a sweet gesture, a nod, a smile, a touch or anything else that works for you that says “thank you.” In short, don’t take your partner for granted. Whether you’ve been together 50 days or 50 years, those words never get old. If you want that most powerful emotion called love to live on, treat your partner like a gardener takes care of a plant. Most plants cannot survive without water, light, soil and other optimum conditions kept at a consistent basis. The human heart is like that. It grows strong and beautiful with constant, devoted care. Saying “thank you” to your partner in life as often license, garnish your bank accounts, and intercept any tax refunds due you by the federal or state government.
*** 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
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“…And I think about those people who mean so much to me. And for so many years have made me so very happy. And I count the times I have forgotten to say “thank you” And just how much I love them.” — “Sometimes”, Richard & Karen Carpenter as you can, simply means you appreciate him. You are validating his worth as a person. Perhaps, being appreciated and shown respect, is next on the list of the most basic needs of a human being after the needs of food, clothing and shelter are met. The words may not come naturally to you and your partner may be stunned at first but go ahead. Give it a try and say “thank you.” Say it like you mean it. Look for the small gestures such as giving you a cup of coffee, opening your car door, doing housework, cleaning your car or filling up your gas tank. Just don’t take what he does for you as a given. Or how about taking the initiative yourself? If you do it long enough and often enough, he just might mirror your behavior. What goes around comes around. If he brings home the paycheck that pays for your family life, then treat him like a king. Often, the goodhearted partner will treat you like his queen. There are exceptions, of course. It is only the jerks and the jackasses who abuse their positions of strength. That holds true for both sexes. If there is constant, sincere appreciation shifting back and forth between partners, you are, in effect, cementing a foundation for a relationship that would be tough to crack even if a threat to your marriage, like a pretty, young vixen with mile-long legs comes along making a play for your partner. Likewise, a smooth talking, slick Pepe Le Pew character with washboard abs would smell more like Brad’s sweaty armpit and would have no chance with a woman who already has a man at home she can canoodle with. The same is true for men. Paul Newman simply explained why he remained faithful to Joanne Woodward, “Why fool around with hamburger when you have steak at home?” What is good for the gander is good for the goose. There may be scores of women out there right now who feel neglected by their spouses. Maybe there’s another woman or man waiting in the wings. But more often than not during this Age of Distraction, the disaffection is rooted in self-absorption. And there lies the problem. Women need, want and crave appreciation just as much as men, if not more. Self-love takes many forms — whether it is playing video games or social networking on FB, Twitter or Instagram
or some such platform on the internet for hours on end; binge drinking; gambling; watching or playing golf or any other sport; vain, selfobsession as a health nut or on becoming an Adonis bodybuilding hunk or going to the deep end of things, deviant sex and pornography. With few exceptions, obsession is unhealthy not only for the obsessed but also for those who live within his or her immediate orbit. Excessive time spent on these obsessions is time stolen from nurturing the love relationship. Watch out for these modernday distractions and addictions that are just too many to list. Admit them if you have them and break the bonds with firm resolve. If you want true love and happiness, strive for balance and moderation. In all cases of neglect, love is left to wither and die. Women who feel neglected, if driven to their limits, may throw all caution to the wind and look for love from the first opportunistic guy that comes along ready to engage in mild flirtation, an occasional dalliance or a full blown affair and gives them the attention and validation they crave. Such women can make disastrous, life-changing decisions that cause not only personal damage but also leave behind in the wake of a messy split, massive psychological, irreversible damage to children and other people involved in the couple’s life. Say “thank you” and mean it. Don’t just do it out of habit. Cut off the cellphone “umbilical cord” and make eye contact. Open your eyes and see the good in your partner. Wisdom, as they say, is knowing what to overlook. Rein in that critical sharp tongue. The tongue is a small yet powerful muscle that can lash out capable of slashing and burning a relationship forever. The effect is amplified a million times when you write it down or use the web to vent your fury. When you document your anger on paper and more frequently these days online, you have entered “scorched earth” territory. There is little chance of ever going back. (To be continued…) ***
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. *** 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 REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
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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.
*** Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya is SVP of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ asianjournalinc.
entertainment
Heart not leaving acting... From Page 9 time.” Heart, who is into creative collaborations, clarified that “(I’m) not naman taking a break (from showbiz), (but) just prioritizing a different angle in my career, I guess, in a way. And also personally, I’ve also been really working a lot and I feel that I just want to take a breather, a little bit lang, but I’m not gonna go anywhere. I’m still very, very out there. It’s just that I just want to concentrate on something.” Soon, that artistic endeavor will be generously revealed by Heart, who is happy with how I Left My Heart in Sorsogon came to be. “I was touched,” explained Heart why she got teary-eyed while watching the I Left My Heart in Sorsogon music video. “With the lock-in taping, you would see how the dynamics in taping (had been) changed by the pandemic and how hard everybody worked, we were all away from our loved ones. Talagang makikita mo yung pag-miss namin sa pamilya namin and how we’re all getting over that and how we’re all just working hard in this whole bubble. Ma-e-emotional ka talaga kapag nakita mo na maganda yung kinalabasan nang ginawa niyo. Nakakatuwa lang na iba talaga yung nagagawa ng group effort.” Director Mark Sicat dela Cruz could attest to it and the collaboration that actors like Heart showed in the entire newnormal taping of I Left My Heart in Sorsogon. “We were very collaborative,” said he. “I would ask (Heart), ‘How’s this?’ and if this is OK with her and she would also do the same. Yun yung ginawa namin para mas maganda yung portrayal niya as Celeste.” Aside from the romance that involves Celeste, and the men in her life, Mikoy and Tonito, played by Paolo Contis and Richard Yap, respectively, the series will give viewers a visual tour of Sorsogon. “Pinakita ko yung mga magagandang places, not only the places but also kung paano magsalita yung mga Bikolano and also the food,” added the director. So, viewers are in for some “eat and love” kind of entertainment. “I’ve worked with her many times,” said Paolo of his team-
T h e As ian Jou r n al MDWK MAGAZ IN E - November 17, 2021
Angel says entering politics not an option
By Alex
BrosAs Philstar.com
Heart Evangelista on starring in the Kapuso latest primetime series, I Left My Heart in Sorsogon. Photo from Instagram/@iamhearte
up with Heart. “Kuya nga niya ako sa pelikulang Trip. You really appreciate her professionalism, ang laki ng mina-ture niya as an actress and as a person. I didn’t expect her to be the leader that she (was) on set. She did little things for us that we all (appreciated).” For Richard, who worked with the actress for the first time, had this to say: “As you know, when I first came to GMA, I always said I wanted to work with Heart. This is a dream come true to me… ang sarap ka-trabaho si Heart and of course, the rest of the cast. Ang galing niya.” This speaks of the rapport among stars and the working team and the friendly environment they all created for themselves. “Wala kaming stage na nangapa para sa akin,” said Paolo. “We had to thank Heart for that kasi siya yung nag-bibind to us. She (made) sure na OK kaming lahat, she (made) sure na nakakapag-usap ang lahat. Sobrang naging (ma)dali. She (was) the earliest (to arrive on set), she (was) always ready. Siguro malaking bagay na ang unang lock-in taping namin ay sa Sorsogon, talagang malayo kami sa lahat at naka pag-bond kami ng maayos.” Richard also agreed with Paolo, saying: “Masaya kaming lahat on the set. I would like to thank Heart also. Since from the start,
kahit hindi kami magkakilala, first scene namin, she made sure na hindi ako naiilang. She was very accepting, open and welcoming. So parang nawala na kaagad yung parang tension na hindi kayo magkakilala and first time kayong magkaka-trabaho. Dun pa lang nakita ko na how good an actress and how good of a person Heart is. It was so easy right after that.” Like everybody in the team, Heart is excited to share the fruits of their labor, yes, with all her heart. “With what I’ve been through in life, parang ngayon lang talaga nagamit ang lahat ng aspect nang pinagdaanan ko sa buhay ko and how parang meticulously all are (in place) when it comes to each scene, each character and every accessory, every continuity of the accessory,” said she, “everything, we’re all so in the zone. I’m nervous in a good way because I’m excited na makita nila how we’ve all leveled up our game in terms of our craft and in terms like of the details… Na-excite ako para sa kanila (I’m excited for the viewers to see) how beautiful this project is. I really must say that with all my heart, I feel like this is the best thing I’ve ever been part of.” Heart indeed has never left acting. She just keeps on expanding her artistic horizons.
ACTRESS and philanthropist Angel Locsin reacts to netizens’ observation that there are more show biz celebrities running for public office this coming elections compared to the previous years. “I am not here to judge them because these people really do have the capabilities to help the Filipino people. We should not pull each other down because we are from the same industry,” she begins. “As it is, people think so little of us because we are actors.” ‘Different kind’ “If these people believe that they can truly help other Filipinos, then go ahead. If I would personally vote for them, I don’t know yet,” the actress says. “Maybe they agreed to run because they received offers. It’s also a possibility that people approached them with a promise not to worry about campaign expenses, that this will be taken care of. I also think other politicians invited show biz celebs to run because they
Angel Locsin
Inquirer.net photo
need known personalities in their political parties.” Angel further adds: “I personally don’t see myself being a politician. We all have
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strengths, and this isn’t one of mine. I don’t know how to create laws and policies. I’m used to taking action, but of a different kind.”