De Lima questions Chinese Duterte ‘in tears’ when 49ers lose to Rams Trump to bolster still STEALING FREE NEWSPAPER

national as gov’t official told to see psychiatrist nukes after treaty pullout supports Dutertes IS STILL A CRIME! AB 2612, PLESCIA CRIME PH NEWS | A2 PH NEWS | A4 SPORTS NEWS | A5 LEGAL AND LAW | B4 ENTERTAINMENT | B6

INDEX Business & Tech News...... A8 Community Awareness...... B3 Entertainment...... B6, B7, B8 Health & Lifestyle...... B5 Legal & Law...... B4 Opinion...... A6 PH News...... A2, A3, A4 Sports News...... A5 Star Access...... B2 Starliner...... B1 World News...... A9 WEEKLY ISSUE 70 CITIES IN 11 STATES ONLINE Vol. IX Issue 498 1028 Mission Street, 2/F, San Francisco, CA 94103 Email: [email protected] Tel. (415) 593-5955 or (650) 278-0692 October 25-31, 2018 After ICC, PH eyes withdrawal from parliamentary union By Daniel Llanto I FilAm Star Correspondent HE may soon withdraw its dent Vicente Sotto III. Arroyo said IPU should be membership from the Inter-Parliamentary punished for suggesting that the Philippines does TUnion (IPU) after the Geneva-based or- not protect the rights of its lawmakers. ganization (IPU) expressed deep concern over “Since this is the second time they did it (to the “persecution” and continued incarceration of my knowledge), I am recommending to the Senate, opposition Sen. Leila de Lima. which heads the delegation, that we withdraw our Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said she is membership (from) the IPU,” she told reporters. forwarding her recommendation to withdraw the Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (Photo: Facebook) Sen. Leila de Lima (Photo: Wikipedia) country’s membership from IPU to Senate Presi- TO PAGE A7 Litterbug marshals, penalties, Turkey’s Erdogan to island occupancy monitor to enforce preservation of new Boracay reveal ‘naked truth’ about Khashoggi murder By Lara Climaco I FilAm Star Correspondent ITTERBUGS trampled on the pristine URKISH President Recep Tayyip Erdo- beachfront of Boracay right on the first day gan is expected Tuesday to reveal what of its dry run, prompting the Department of The has said is the “naked truth” about the L murder of Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi con- Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to authorize citizen’s arrest on the island for littering. sulate in Istanbul -- a killing Ankara has said Members of the Compliant Association of was “savagely planned”. Boracay — composed of hotels, resorts, retail shops His speech comes as US President Donald and restaurants that have hurdled stringent regula- Trump said he was “not satisfied” with Riyadh’s tions on the island including obtaining environment explanation of the Washington Post contribu- tor’s death in a case has tarnished the image of compliance certificates (ECC) that would allow powerful Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin them to operate starting October 26, have also been Salman. deputized to serve as Boracay marshals. They are A tough critic of the Saudi Crown Prince, empowered to endorse to the police those refusing Khashoggi, 59, disappeared after he entered the to heed reminders about the anti-littering law. Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to col- Signages warning tourists “Kapag ikaw lect a document for his upcoming marriage. ay nagkalat, makukulong ka sa Pilipinas” and A few days later, a Turkish government translated in English, Chinese, Korean and other source said police believed he was murdered languages of frequent visitors will become visible by a team sent to Istanbul, and on October 17, along the road from the airports, DENR Usec. a Turkish newspaper said he was tortured and Benny Antiporda said at a press briefing in Bora- Trash bins, with labels of recyclable, food waste and non-recyclable, will be cay last October 19. distributed around Boracay to promote proper waste segregation among TO PAGE A9 President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (Photo: Twitter) visitors and residents of the island. (Photo: DENR Facebook page) TO PAGE A7 Japan relaxes residency status to allow Malacañang to appeal court ruling Pinoy workers in other industries disallowing arrest of Trillanes By Daniel Llanto I FilAm Star Correspondent By Macon Araneta I FilAm Star Correspondent ALACAÑANG upheld the court HE Philippine government is bracing ment, which took effect in 2008. ruling denying the Justice department’s itself as Filipino nurses, farmers, “Japan has accepted more than 2,200 motion to arrest President Duterte’s construction workers, shipbuilders Filipino candidates under JPEPA,” Japa- T arch-criticM Sen. IV but in the and those in the hospitality sector make a nese Ambassador Koji Haneda said. same breath, announced that the administration beeline for available jobs in Japan starting With the new Japanese policy of would question the decision in another venue. next year. employing at least 500,000 foreign workers Presidential spokesman , The Japanese government an- for the next six years from 2019 to 2025, who took over from , said while nounced it would accept at least Haneda said Japan will open its doors the Duterte administration respects the court’s 50,000 Filipino workers under its to more Filipino workers, mainly to ruling, the Justice department and the Office of new policy on residency status for serve its aging population. the Solicitor General would look into possible foreign workers in various indus- “Japan faces an aging society remedies with regard to the Senator’s case. tries in the next six years. and lacks labor force, while the The Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148 The new hires will join the 1.28 Philippines is abundant with young Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148 denied million foreign workers already in labor force with great potential,” a government petition to arrest Trillanes but up- Japan, based on data from its Min- said Haneda during the 44th Philip- held the legality of President Duterte’s Proclama- istry of Health, Labor, and Welfare pine Business Conference. tion 572, which voided the Senator’s amnesty. cited in various reports. The new policy effectively Judge Andres Soriano issued the resolution At present, Japan only hires lifts the ban on the recruitment of saying the Court had already dismissed the case in Filipino nurses and care work- foreigners for manual labor. 2011 and “finds no reason to disturb the doctrine ers due to special arrangements under the Japan-Philippines TO PAGE A7 TO PAGE A7 Economic Partnership Agree- Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV (Photo: Screengrab GMA Network) A2 FilAm Star OCTOBER 25-31, 2018 ph news De Lima urges Senate to probe appointment of Chinese national as Duterte’s economic adviser By Corina Oliquino I FilAm Star Correspondent ‘presidential economic adviser,’ complete with “He’s with Ambassador Zhao who is from (the) ANILA - In a statement on October the official seal of the Office of the President of military. You can’t fool him. That’s non-sense,” the 19, detained Sen. Leila de Lima urged the Philippines and the logo of his firm, Full Win President said according to Bulletin. Mthe Senate to investigate the appoint- Company. “In conformity with the requirement exacted ment of foreigners, particularly Chinese national “The Senator also said that the Chinese busi- from public officers to at all times maintain al- Michael Yang, to Government offices. nessman has reportedly hosted former Foreign legiance and loyalty to the Philippines, there is a In a report by , De Lima Affairs Sec. and Transporta- need to inquire into the citizenship of presiden- said she filed a resolution to urge her colleagues tion Chief in his office as presi- tial appointees as public office held by a foreign to look into Yang’s alleged appointment and to dential economic adviser,” the Philippine Star national is inimical to the public interest and “determine the extent of the businessman’s ‘of- reported. welfare,” De Lima explained according to The ficial engagement’ under the Duterte administra- Moreover, Duterte also disclosed Yang’s Philippine Star. tion.” close relations with Chinese Ambassador Zhao “More stringent penalties must be imposed Under her Senate Resolution 922, De Lima Jianhua. upon any foreign national who willfully, knowingly has asked the Senate if Yang’s appointment as Recently, the President has cleared the two and conspicuously usurps into public office,” De President ’s economic adviser of supposed drug links. Lima added. will affect national security. “Ito daw si isang Michael Yang na drug “Malacañang would not interfere in the affairs of “The independence of the State from foreign addict daw. Michael Yang, ang ambassador ng the Senate” control necessitates that the questionable citizen- China, diyan natutulog sa bahay niya. At saka Presidential Spokesman and Chief Legal Officer ship of a presidential adviser be authenticated, kasama ‘yan doon sa entourage ni Premier of Salvador Panelo said the Palace will not block any in- and the nature and scope of his influence over China,” Duterte said quiry and will not interfere with the Senate’s affairs. foreign policy be fully disclosed,” De Lima stated. Duterte also noted that Yang owns Davao “The President does not interfere with a Last October 9, President Duterte has denied City Los Amigos shopping center, explaining that co-equal branch of government. Neither does Yang is his economic adviser due to his Chinese Yang’s close ties with Chinese Ambassador to the he interfere with the functions and duties of its lineage. Philippines Zhao Jinhua and Chinese Premier Le members,” Panelo said, noting the President “re- Previously, Yang reportedly handed out Keqiang are proof that the tycoon does not have spects the separation of powers of the legislative business cards where he identifies himself as Michael Yang IV (Photo: Twitter) any record of illegal activities. and executive branches of government.” Facebook restores journalists’ page with anti-Duterte post

WO days after it posted a statement “We in Ejap find his pro- groups slammed Duterte after he issued a Responding to criticism against his state- critical of President-elect Rodrigo nouncement inappropriate, sweeping statement on how he would ments, the firebrand threatened to shun the TDuterte, Facebook on Tuesday re- most especially for some- address the media killings in the media throughout the whole duration of his stored the Economic Journalists Association one in his stature who’s Philippines, which is the second term. of the Philippines (Ejap) Facebook page. supposed to defend the most dangerous country for ‘That’s it. I don’t want to be interviewed. Last Saturday, Ejap posted a state- rule of law,” the group journalists in the world. If I commit a mistake, there will be more ment condemning Duterte’s tirades against said. In a press conference criticisms,” Duterte said. “So it’s better (if the media, saying that these pronounce- By noon of June last week, Duterte said: there’s) no interview, no criticisms, no wrong ments “cast doubts on the industry’s 4, the post had more “Even if you are a journalist, statements, no nothing. (I will just) shut up. aspirations.” than 500 views, 22 you are not exempted from I really don’t want it,” he told TV-5 reporter “Mr. Duterte’s recent pronouncement shares, less than 100 assassination if you’re a son France Noguera in a chance interview on justifying the killing of some practitioners likes and 1 comment. of a b***.” Sunday night. for alleged corrupt practices, however, casts But by Saturday eve- “Most of those killed Last week, the Facebook post of veteran doubts on the industry’s aspirations, unjus- ning, the Ejap Pilipinas were paid to take sides or journalist Ed Lingao was also taken down tifiably threatening the lives of journalists,” Facebook page became they got paid but they failed (to twice after it allegedly “violated Facebook a part of the statement read. inaccessible. deliver). Or they took money but community standards.” Ejap said that while journalists have It was only restored on still hit them,” he added. Lingao’s post aired his opposition against grown accustomed to being discredited by Tuesday morning after Ejap While these remarks sparked the burial of late President Ferdinand E. Mar- slighted parties, the statement of the Pres- reached out to Facebook representa- outrage from various press groups, the cos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani—a move ident-elect “can be construed as soliciting tives. anti-establishment President-elect remained supported by Duterte because the late dictator violence” against media practitioners. Various local and international media unapologetic. was also a soldier. (inquirer.net) OCTOBER 25-31, 2018 FilAm Star A3 ph news PH 2nd top destination – Tholons Duterte ‘in tears’ when 2018 Services Globalization Index told by UN commissioner Story and photo by Corina Oliquino I FilAm Star Correspondent to see psychiatrist

By William Casis I FilAm Star Correspondent

ANILA -- The Philippines regained its report said. second position from last year’s fourth The BPO industry, which propped up the Mas one of the five Super Cities, according Philippines with over 1.15 million to global strategic advisory firm Tholons and its working in it, is tagged as the country’s economic 2018 Services Globalization Index. lifeline. Under its Top 50 Digital Nations, the Philip- Along with remittances from overseas work- pines is second to India as it continues to domi- ers, the sector remains one of the top earners of nate the list. Brazil is closing in at third place. foreign exchange for the country. “Most of the services will get commoditized for the biggest leaders in services globalization Super Cities like US, UK, Canada, Europe, India, Philippines, In a report by ABS-CBN News, six cities from Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte (Photo: Facebook) East Europe, and Latin America,” the Index the Philippines have made it to the Top 100 Su- RESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on October controversial drug war and behavior, should “submit noted. per Cities, with Manila ranking second to India’s 22, revealed that he “was in tears” when himself to some sort of psychiatric evaluation.” The US, Canada, Russia, Mexico, Vietnam, Bengaluru. former United Nations High Commissioner Al Hussein made the remark after Duterte Colombia and South Africa are the other coun- “The Philippine capital, which ranked fourth P for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein told him threatened to slap UN special rapporteur Agnes tries in the top 10. in 2017, is followed by the Indian city of Mumbai, he should seek a psychiatrist for using profanities Callamard for criticizing his campaign against which ranked third,” the report stated. and for his improper behavior. illegal drugs. Business process outsourcing industry Meanwhile, other Philippine cities included “Their president (in the UN High Commis- “This is absolutely disgraceful that the presi- The index, which evaluates and ranks coun- in the list “all saw an improvement in their re- sion on Human Rights) said, ‘Duterte, you need dent of a country could speak in this way, using tries and cities based on availability and quality of spective rankings.” to see a psychiatrist’,” the President said in his the foulest of language against a rapporteur that talent in the area or the level of industry-related Cebu City ranked 11th from 12th in 2017 speech during a business forum. is highly respected,” said the 72-year old Presi- activity and organizational support, cost of doing while President Rodrigo Duterte’s “I was in tears. The people hurt me,” Duterte dent. business, infrastructure, innovation, and risk and hometown ranked 10, notched higher to 75th remember that incident as he again slammed the However, the President remained unapolo- quality of life, among others, noted “digital is now from 85th last year. International Criminal Court (ICC) for accusing getic for his campaign, saying human rights a critical element in disrupting and transforming Santa Rosa City in Laguna rose to 87th from him of committing crimes against humanity in advocates were ignorant. industries globally.” 100th in 2017 while Bacolod climbed to 89th connection with his government’s bloody war “They just don’t know how deep corruption “Clients are now seeking strategies to digi- from 97th. against illegal drugs. runs in this and how shallow is the human fragil- tally transform their businesses, leveraging new Moreover, the Visayan city of Iloilo, mean- Duterte related that he was then planning ity,” he said in the same speech. age technology like AI, mobility, analytics, cloud, while, is a newcomer to the list, landing at the to visit Jordan but he canceled it after recogniz- Duterte has been strongly criticized here and social media, blockchain and cybersecurity,” the 92nd spot. ing Al Hussein was the cousin of Jordanian King abroad for his campaign against drugs, a major Abdullah II that he recently met in September. platform when he campaigned for the presidency Negros farmers die in massacre; In March 2018, Al Hussein said Duterte, with his in the May 2016 elections. gov’t blames Reds, some farmers see military’s hand

By Daniel Llanto I FilAm Star Correspondent

GROUP of sugarcane farm workers in Lozande called on the National Bureau of Sagay, Negros Occidental that “occupied” Investigation, the Commission on Human Rights Aa portion of a sugarcane plantation for the (CHR) and civil society groups to get involved in purpose of tilling it was gunned down and nine the investigation. were killed in a massacre that the government The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas suspects could be the handiwork of communist (KMP) claimed that the victims were asleep rebels. in their bungkalan (farming site) when bullets But farmers’ organizations in the so-called rained on them. The bungkalan is said to be a Sugarlandia said they suspected the usual mili- common practice in the area where farmers enter tary operation secretly funded by rich sugar bar- large plantations as part of a unilateral land oc- ons to drive away farmers encroaching on their cupation activity . hacienda. KMP said the bodies of three of the victims The National Federation of Sugar Workers were also mercilessly burned by the attackers. (NFSW) and Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agri- “Some of the victims and farmers launching kultura (UMA) stated that they are holding the the collective land cultivation activity or bungka- Duterte administration and the military account- lan are long-time sugar plantation workers in the able for the killing. hacienda,” KMP added. “The Duterte regime has no land reform A “deeply perturbed” Malacañang vowed to program and not one of the more than 160 (extra- enforce the “full wrath of the law” against the per- judicial killing of peasants) in the country has petrators of the killing of nine sugar farm workers ever been resolved. Most if not all of these are due in Negros Occidental. to land conflicts,” UMA Chairman John Milton TO PAGE A7 Lozande said. A4 FilAm Star OCTOBER 25-31, 2018 ph news Sen. Koko Pimentel fights petition to disqualify him from May elections

By Macon Araneta I FilAm Star Correspondent Topacio said Zubiri’s entire term legally be- longs to Pimentel because the SET declared that F he will be required by the Commission on “We are very sure with our legal theory,” he was the rightful twelfth placer. He related Elections (Comelec), Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel said. that when the electoral tribunal annulled the IPimentel III said, his lawyers will answer in To bolster their preparedness to counter the proclamation of Zubiri, that was retro-active. due time the petition filed by lawyer Ferdinand disqualification charge, Pimentel pointed out He said this means that Pimentel was the Topacio to disqualify him from running in the that the Aratea and Latasa cases cited by Topa- one elected, not Sen. Zubiri. May 2019 elections. cio in his petition are not relevant. “It did not matter whether or not he was “However, Comelec may surprise us by He noted that the facts of these cases are able to serve all of the six years,” said Topacio, a dismissing the petition outright for being a nui- not similar. In Aratea, he said the candidate known ally of Pimentel. sance petition,” said Pimentel. really served three terms already and moreover, According to Topacio, he filed the disqualifi- But in any case, Pimentel assured that they was disqualified by final judgment in a criminal cation case out of his own accord. are ready and “we know the correct answer to case. He said doing so gives him “scant joy” when this issue.” In Latasa, he said the candidate served he had been friends with the Senator. He emphasized that Constitutional law, three terms as municipal mayor but ran again as “He is my friend. I just need to enforce the jurisprudence and the basic concept of fairness “city mayor” when the municipality was upgrad- law because I swore as a lawyer to uphold and are all on their side. ed to a city. defend the laws of the republic.” He said he “Hence we are very confident that we will In short, Pimentel, a bar top-notcher, was simply being consistent because when Pi- prevail,” said Pimentel who was the “earliest stressed that Topacio’s arguments are not even Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III (Photo: Twitter) mentel asked him to do research on this, he told bird” among those who filed their certificate of applicable to his situation. the lawmaker that he “cannot run anymore.” candidacy (COC) with the Comelec main office Topacio argued that Pimentel has already that the latter benefited from wholesale cheating The Commission on Elections is expected to in Intramuros, Manila, for seeking re-election in completed his two terms as senator since 2007 carried out by his party, the United Nationalist order the Senator to answer the petition. next year’s mid-term polls. and should not be allowed to run in 2019. Alliance. Pimentel and Topacio will then hold a con- Pimentel, who was re-elected in 2013, said During the 2007 elections, Pimentel was The Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) in 2011 ference and probable oral arguments before the he can still run in the coming mid-term elec- narrowly edged out by for ruled in favor of Pimentel’s election protest, en banc decides on the matter. tions because he did not complete his first term the twelfth and last Senate spot. allowing him to assume the remaining two years If the Comelec junks the case, Topacio said as senator. Pimentel contested Zubiri’s victory, alleging of Zubiri’s term. he will elevate it to the Supreme Court.

After subjecting Grab’s data to a regres- sion analysis and structural break tests, PCC Grab, Uber fined PHP 16M for merging confirmed that not only did rider promos and incentives to drivers decline, Grab’s pricing also By Lara Climaco I FilAm Star Correspondent started increasing. Prior to the merger with failure to maintain pricing policies, rider promo- Uber, Grab’s charges were on a flat or declining IDE-SHARING platforms Grab and pricing and related performance metrics. tions, driver incentives, service quality and related trend, according to PCC . Uber have been fined PHP 16 million by However, last October 17, PCC announced conditions, PCC said in its press release announc- “We note further that in addition to the Rthe Philippine Competition Commission its decision to penalize Grab and Uber for violat- ing the October 11 resolution against Grab and prejudice caused to the Commission’s review of (PCC) for proceeding with their merger when ing key provisions of its interim measures order Uber. the transaction, respondents’ violations, result- the agency had ordered them to keep the status (IMO), making it difficult for the Agency to “From a competition perspective, the lower ing in increased difficulty in booking rides, quo for the duration of its anti-trust review. conduct its merger review. Finding Grab and rate of increase in rider promos post-IMO could be longer wait times, increased driver cancellations PCC initiated the review in April after Grab Uber committing 10 acts of violation, PCC im- interpreted in two ways. On one hand, it may be an and decrease in completed rides also caused and Uber announced their merger in Southeast posed maximum penalties. Fines range from PHP indication of less aggressive behavior by Grab for direct harm to riders,“ it was stated in the PCC Asia, with Grab as the surviving entity in the 50,000 to PHP 2 million for each violation of the purposes of promoting exclusivity through rider resolution. region. The move elevated Grab to a virtual Philippine Competition Act. Grab was ordered promos. On the other hand, it could be a sign of Grab is subject to third-party monitoring for monopoly status in the Philippines, with 93 per- to pay PHP 8 million while Uber, PHP 4 million Grab exercising its increased market power over 12 months on its voluntary commitments to PCC. cent market share in a burgeoning ride-sharing of the total PHP 16 million in penalties. PCC said riders in light of Uber’s exit from the market. The International audit firm Smith & Williamson was industry. PCC eventually cleared the merger it imposed a lower penalty on Uber because the failure of Grab and Uber to maintain rider promos appointed earlier this month to track and audit in August despite competition concerns it had latter had to comply with a cease and desist order at the pre-transaction level creates the possibility the transport network vehicle service. flagged such as price increases and service de- from the Land Transportation Franchising and for alternative conclusions which caused difficulty PCC has warned that “unwinding of the terioration, upon Grab’s voluntary commitment Regulatory Board during the review period. on the part of the Commission in its review of the transaction” or disallowing the Grab-Uber to abide by service quality, fare transparency, Grab bore the brunt of the penalties for its transaction,” PCC said in the resolution. merger in the Philippines is one of its options. FilAm Star Concord @ The Veranda 2025 Classifieds Diamond Blvd, Concord, CA 94520 (650)278-0692 NOW HIRINGfor (415)593-5955 All Positions: Host(ess), Servers, Bussers, Food Runners, Prep/Line Cooks and Dishwashers, Bartenders and Assistant Managers All Shifts Available: Full-Time, Part-Time, Day and Evening. Flexible Schedules Base hourly pay rate (depends on position) and TABLE TIPPING System.

Apply Online: www.octopusrestaurantgroup.com/careers/ Or In-Person from 10:30AM to 6:00 PM (All Days) OCTOBER 25-31, 2018 FilAm Star A5 sports Rams too much news for 49ers, 39-10

Story and Photo by R. Mascardo

SANTA CLARA -- Rams running back Todd Gurley scored on a 7-yard run in the second Gurley scored three touchdowns and Jared Goff quarter after a fumble by Matt Breida and 1-yard threw two TD passes as the Los Angeles Rams run after a Johnson interception in the third. He took advantage of four take-aways and a blocked capped his fifth three-touchdown game of the punt to beat the San Francisco 49ers 39-10 last past two seasons with a 12-yard catch after JoJo October 20. Natson’s 36-yard punt return. The Rams dominated defensively with Beathard had 170 yards on 15-of-27 passing Aaron Donald recorded four sacks, a forced with one touchdown to go and two interception, fumble and a fumble recovery. while Rams quarterback Jared Goff went for Linebacker Cory Littleton had two sacks and 18-of-24 for 202 yards with two touchdowns and a blocked punt for safety. The turn-overs set up zero interception. 24 points for the Rams who scored big despite NEXT: 49ers visit Arizona Cardinals on gaining a season-low 331 yards of offense. Sunday October 28 North’s anthem played for South Still top draw Korea at U19 football tournament THE planned January fight between Manny (mixed martial arts)-boxing fights lately, Ultimate SOUTH Korean footballers were left dumb- later picked the wrong song file,” Gatot Widag- Pacquiao and Adrien Broner is being lined up for Fighting Championship (UFC) star Cody Gar- founded at an international tournament in do, media coordinator for the AFF U-19 Youth the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and could air as a brandt also wants in. Indonesia when organizers played the North’s Championship, told AFP Tuesday. pay-per-view event, according to US-based sports Garbrandt recently told tabloid news web- anthem instead. “The operator has (since) been replaced network ESPN. site TMZ Sports he would welcome a bout with Ahead of an AFC under-19 Championship and we have apologized to South Korea verbally Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KO) will be defending his Pacquiao qualifier against Jordan at the Patriot Candrab- and in writing.” World Boxing Association world welterweight title, “I would love that fight, yeah,” Garbrandt haga Stadium on the outskirts of Jakarta, the But he added that “somebody from the and making his return to the United States for the first said. South’s team lined up with their hands on their AFC should have monitored or guarded the time since his November 2016 win over Jessie Vargas. Garbrandt is the UFC’s top-ranked bantam- hearts. control room”. In his last two outings, the Filipino lawmaker weight fighter. The 27-year-old has an 11-2 record But instead of Seoul’s hymn-like anthem The mistake comes as a rapid diplomatic fought in Australia and Malaysia, losing a contro- in the promotion. versial decision to Jeff Horn and thrashing Lucas However, Garbrandt has lost each of his last “Aegukga”, North Korea’s national tune blared thaw takes hold on the peninsula, led by South Matthysse for his first stoppage win since 2009. two fights. out, leaving them stony-faced and silent. Korea’s dovish President Moon Jae-in who has Those fights aired on ESPN and ESPN+, and Both were to TJ Dillashaw, who defeated The South’s coaching staff told officials of met with the North’s Kim Jong Un three times Pacquiao-Broner may be worth enough money to Garbrandt at both UFC 217 in November 2017 and the mistake, and while the correct song was this year. go to pay-per-view. UFC 227 in August. then played, they protested after the game on North and South Korea formed unified Pacquiao is still one of the most recognizable Neither clash lasted more than two rounds. Monday evening. teams for some events at the Asian Games two stars in the sport, and Broner (33-3-1, 24 KO) still Seoul’s football authorities said Tuesday months ago, also hosted by Indonesia, and draws a lot of eyeballs whenever he fights, despite Boxing skills they will file a formal complaint with the Asian reached the women’s basketball final. his inconsistencies. Garbrandt and his companions noted in the Football Confederation (AFC). But the democratic South remains techni- Broner is 0-1-1 in his last two outings, a loss to video that he has a “strong” boxing background, “This is the first time that the North Korean cally at war with the communist North after the Mikey Garcia in July 2017, followed by a draw with which would make him an ideal candidate for anthem was played instead of Aegukga at any 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice Vargas in April. crossover fight. And few boxers carry more star official international match for any level of the instead of a peace treaty. “It is almost final but it is not yet there,” power than Pacquiao. It is not the first time sports organizers Pacquiao said recently, adding that the match was Pacquiao has not responded to Garbrandt’s national football team,” the Korea Football As- “90 percent” likely to push through. He added he challenge. sociation said in a statement. have been stumped by Korean politics. preferred to face the former four-division world The most high-profile crossover bout came The tournament’s local organizing commit- At the 2012 Olympics, North Korea’s champion either Jan. 12 or 19. in August 2017 when boxing legend Floyd tee blamed the error on the audio operator in women footballers walked off the pitch ahead Mayweather Jr. (50-0) defeated UFC star Conor charge of playing the anthem. of a group match in Glasgow when they were Another MMA dare McGregor, who made his debut in the ring. “During the rehearsal, the South Korean introduced next to images of the South Korean With a lot of talk about crossover MMA (inquirer.net) anthem was played. But somehow the operator flag.(inquirer.net) A6 FilAm Star OCTOBER 25-31, 2018 opinion PerryScope Street Talk

Deadly drug trade A challenge and an with China opportunity for political empowerment

PERRY DIAZ GREG B. MACABENTA

will take advantage of their voting potential sooner It’s no wonder then that Duterte had given ITAS Delossantos Yamane is a Filipino- ITH the renewed relationship that’s rather than later. up. But how did it get to a point that within two American who is running for mayor growing between President Rodrigo The FilAm population is close to 5 million and Duterte and his Chinese counterpart Xi years, the illegal drug trade has taken a quantum of National City in San Diego County. W Yamane,D who is a licensed real estate broker, is a we have the highest rate of naturalization as US Jinping, there is a lot of goodwill that has been leap in spite of Duterte’s crusade against illegal tireless community worker. Every festival or fair citizens among the ethnic groups in America. That going on between the two countries. And with the drug? Definitely, something is wrong with the of the FilAm community and every civic initiative could be wielded as a potent voting bloc, if these forthcoming state visit of Xi to the Philippines, a picture. that the city mounts will likely have her among numbers could be harnessed. lot of bilateral activities are happening to ensure With the government’s emphasis on eliminat- the workhorses. She has also served as president Ditas Yamane is among the few individuals ing the drug users – more than 4,000 have been that the first state visit of a Chinese leader since of the local chamber of commerce and is chair of who appreciate the importance of political empow- killed to date – it is a mathematical impossibility the founding of the People’s Republic of China the city’s planning commission and the commit- erment. Political clout – more specifically voting (PRC) would be successful. to stop the illegal drug trade. Duterte, after three tee on government affairs of the Pacific Southwest clout and clout in terms of financial support for In Duterte’s letter to Xi extending his greet- months into his presidency, was shocked when he Association of Realtors. candidates – has resulted in advantageous legisla- ings on China’s 69th founding anniversary, he told realized that there were more than four million In theory, Yamane has a better than even tion and ordinances, as well as social services for Xi that their recent interactions have “borne much illegal drug pushers and users! Simply put, it’s chance of victory. National City is known as South- minority communities. In this regard FilAms are fruit.” “I look forward to welcoming you in Manila virtually impossible to stop the illegal drug trade ern California’s equivalent of Daly City and Vallejo being overlooked. soon and to discuss the path forward our coun- without exercising extreme measures. in terms of the size of the Pinoy population - close As in any political environment, the victorious tries and peoples to sustain our bonds and make it to 10,000 which account for over 17% of the city’s candidates invariably ask who helped them win, more meaningful,” Duterte said. Distribution hub residents. Yamane also has the endorsement of the who contributed to the campaign pot and who de- But all is not as rosy as the two leaders appear In my humble opinion, I believe that you outgoing, termed-out mayor, Ron Morrison. livered the swing votes. In terms of contributions to be in their exchanges. Underneath the serene cannot eradicate the drug problem by killing The problem is that only a small percentage of to political campaigns, FilAms are laggards. What diplomatic discourse, there are undercurrents the victims – the drug users. The drug problem National City Pinoys register to vote and an even the Chinese can raise in one night of fund-raising, that both sides tried so much to evade so as not to started at the top of the food chain – the foreign smaller number, around 1,500, actually go to the Pinoys can’t even deliver in a year. That lack of cause friction between the two countries. There drug manufacturers that are based in China. The polls. financial clout could be offset somewhat if Pinoys are two major issues that could disrupt their rela- Philippines has become the major distribution hub This is not unique to National City. Pinoys would only vote. But only a few do. Since we don’t scratch the candidates’ backs, they don’t bother to tionship: territorial dispute on the West Philip- because of the corruption in every level of the gov- are politically passive and only watch uncaring as scratch ours once they are in power. pine Sea (WPS) and illegal drugs. ernment structure. Corrupt government and local Chinese-Americans and other Asian ethnic groups The fact that it took a long time for Filipino The WPS dispute has led to a diplomatic officials protect the smugglers, shabu laboratories, run for elective office and win. You can almost World War II veterans to gain benefits for their standoff, which for now has avoided an outbreak and drug lords, who in turn bribe the corrupt hear them say, “So what?” military service under the US flag is one indication Customs, PDEA, and police officers. There are a number of reasons for this pas- of hostility that could lead to open conflict between of the lack of political influence of FilAms. It took The question is: How could Duterte stop or sivity. the two countries. With that in mind, neither years of dogged lobbying, while veterans were dy- country would bring their territorial dispute out prevent the Chinese drug manufacturers from First of all, most Pinoys are happy enough earning a living and being able to pay their bills. ing due to old age, before the US Congress and the in the open. To do so could have dire geopolitical distributing their illegal products from entering Many have two jobs (some, as many as three) and White House finally approved an appropriation for consequences that would draw the superpowers the Philippines? With the way Duterte’s “War on they don’t particularly care about volunteering in the men who fought bravely in Bataan, Corregidor into the fray. Drugs” is being waged, the government is losing. and other battle fronts. But here’s the rub: Since Duterte doesn’t have the community and adding to their burden. Secondly, political and elective positions in I once described their plight as The Second the power to stop the drug trade from China, he Pandemic drug situation America translate into a lot of work and very little Death March, should then focus in going after the smugglers The problem of illegal drugs is a different money - unlike Philippine politics which candi- But in a modest way, political awareness is who are the primary conduit between the Chinese animal. Duterte made a promise during the presi- dates and those in power use to enrich themselves gaining, especially among the young FilAms. It dential campaign in 2016 to get rid of corruption, manufacturers and the distribution chain. If he and to promote their business interests. took such a young Pinoy, Mike Guingona, to break drugs, and criminality in the country within three stops drug smuggling, then the war on drugs is Thirdly, there is hell to pay if a politician or into Daly City politics. He ran for city council and to six months. Two years later, the corruption, half won. The other half is how can he influence public official steals and is caught – and the likeli- won and served as mayor several times (the mayor drugs, and criminality are still the major problems and convince China’s leadership to stop the flow hood of being exposed, indicted and jailed is very is not elected but chosen from among council in the country. of the illegal drugs into the Philippines? And this high. Militant media and volunteer groups, as well members). In a recent speech in Malacañang, Duterte is where Duterte could use his friendship with Xi. as the American justice system, see to that. In fact, at the city level, more and more Pinoys have been running and winning in elections as said, “I told you that I will go after drugs and I But can Xi do it? Or, would he do it? And fourthly, FilAms who have held public members of the school board or as council mem- warned everybody because… what used to be This author believes that Xi can’t and office are wary of being accused of nepotism or fa- bers, even as mayors. The current mayor of Daly millions of transactions worth, it’s now billions.” wouldn’t do it. First, he can’t do it because the voritism. Former President Erap Estrada’s walang main ingredients – precursor chemicals -- to kama-kamaganak, walang kai-kaibigan mantra City is a FilAm, Juslyn Manalo. Myrna Lardizabal Evidently, Duterte’s “War on Drugs” – by his own de Vera is in the Hercules city council and has admission -- is a total failure. produce methamphetamine or shabu are legally would have had to become a reality in America, manufactured in China. China is a major source whether he liked it or not. President Donald served as mayor a couple of times, in a system of precursor chemicals necessary for the produc- Trump is beginning to find that out in the current similar to that of Daly City. In Vallejo, however, Who are the players? the FilAm city mayor, Bob Sampayan, was elected The illegal drug operation involves various tion of cocaine, heroin, crystal methamphetamine, probe of his financial dealings. which are used by many Southeast Asian and Pete Fajardo, who served as mayor of Carson to the post. In Milpitas, in Silicon Valley, former players, to wit: Foreign drug manufacturers, termed-out mayor Jose Esteves is running for the Pacific Rim nations. China produces over 100,000 City in Los Angeles County, found that out too, to smugglers, corrupt government officials, shabu same elective office again. Another FilAm, Henry metric tons of acetic anhydride each year. [Source: his grief. He was indicted and jailed over alleged laboratories, drug lords, corrupt Customs officials, Manayan, also served as mayor before Esteves. Wikipedia] hanky-panky in connection with city services. corrupt PDEA officials, corrupt police officers, However, FilAms are not yet ready for bigtime Secondly, Xi wouldn’t do it because it’s a It’s a completely different ballgame for Philip- drug pushers, and drug users. It’s a hierarchy politics. While Ben Cayetano of Hawaii became major legal drug manufacturing industry in China, pine politicians who are used to getting away with where all the players play a part in the distribu- overpricing, ghost employees and outright bribery the governor of Filipino descent, the closest thing tion network that has turned the Philippines into a which is controlled by the powerful Chinese Pinoys have come to a seat in the US Congress at Communist officials and the influential CEO’s of and extortion. They wouldn’t survive in America. country of drug-induced zombies. It’s destroying While FilAm community leaders talk loud and present is Bobby Scott of Virginia, whose grand- the country! long about the need for political empowerment mother was Pinay. Steve Austria of Ohio served TO PAGE A7 and while those who listen to them nod dutifully in agreement, there are very few signs that Pinoys TO PAGE A7

isolation ceiling imposed by a near complete lack As I See It of language, allowing her to blossom until she became known worldwide as a prolific author campaigning for women’s suffrage, workers’ rights, The Opinions expressed by our writers and and socialism, as well as many other progressive contributors do not in any way reflect the opinion Are disabled persons, causes. of the management of Fortune News Media Inc. Another known person with disability is Ste- phen Hawking. He is perhaps the world’s most fa- Fortune News Media Inc. old people still mous living physicist who specializes in cosmology Publisher and quantum gravity. Moving with his wheelchair, it didn’t stop him from lecturing widely, making Harvey Barkin employable? appearances on television shows such as Star Trek: Editor-in-Chief The Next Generation and The Simpsons — and planning a trip into orbit with Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic. Edwina Aniag ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO Ludwig van Beethoven, another successful Vice President for Marketing and Operations person with disability, grew up in Bonn, Germany in a very unhappy home. His abusive alcoholic Gary De Guzman VERYONE deserves the opportunity to cumstances, discrimination based on disability. father forced him to practice the piano who would Vice President for Community Relations be employed and enjoy meaningful work! Just to show you that disability is not a punish him mercilessly when he made mistakes. EThis is embodied in the Americans with hindrance to success, let’s recall, six of the most By the time he was twelve, he was earning a living Geoffrey Julian Disabilities Act (ADA). Don’t ever think you won’t successful people with disabilities. They include for his family by playing organ and composing. Creative and Production Manager get a job because you are disabled or you are old Albert Einstein (disability – dyslexia); Helen Adam He was eventually known as the greatest pianist of because the provisions in the ADA safeguards Keller (disability - blind and deaf); Stephen Hawk- his time. His first two symphonies are very much Atty. Crispin Lozano older adults and people with all kinds of disabili- ing (disability - motor neuron disease, a variant in the same style and form as those of composers Dr. Philip Chua ties and give them equal opportunities to work. of ALS and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis); Ludwig that came before him, most notably Franz Joseph Ben Lou / Perry Diaz Most people think that being seniors or those with van Beethoven (disability – deaf); Marla Runyan Haydn, his teacher. Federico Espiritu / Elpidio Estioko disabilities will limit their chances of employment. (disability – blind); and lately Jessica Cox (disabil- One of the women representing the Unites Columnists Not in America! ity - born armless). States in the 1500 meter track event at the 2000 A friend of mine, who is disabled but very tal- Despite their physical disabilities and hin- Olympics was Marla Runyan, despite the fact that ented and able individual, hops around our circle drances in life, they have achieved a lot of suc- she is legally blind. The American runner finished Macon Ramos-Araneta of friends and acquaintances asking for monetary cesses in their lives. These courageous people have seventh in her preliminary heat and rose to sixth Corina Oliquino / Lara Climaco help. The second time he came to me, I asked him revolutionized the world with their courage, deter- in the semifinals to qualify for the finals. In 1996, Daniel Llanto if he can work and will recommend him to a friend mination, strength, and extra-ordinary will. They Marla set several track and field records at the Correspondents who is looking for qualified personnel. He said no have overcome all the odds/obstacles they faced Paralympics in Atlanta, Georgia. The 31-year-old Jho Bule because he said he is disabled but the way I sense and never let their disabilities come in their path runner has been diagnosed with Stargardt disease, Photographer it, he is just plain lazy. So there was opportunity to succeed and set exemplary examples to others. a condition that leaves her with a limited ability lost and the second time around there was an Albert Einstein, despite having a learning to see what is in front of her. In Sydney, Marla Glenda Bule opportunity, I called him and recommended him disability, is the greatest scientist of the twentieth became the first legally blind athlete to compete in Event Coordinator to work and this time he agreed. He was accepted century and the greatest physicist of all time. He an Olympics. and up to now he is still working and happy work- fought his disability (dyslexia) and entered into Jessica Cox, (born in 1983 in Sierra Vista, ing in said company. the world of theoretical physics where he changed Arizona to William and Inez Cox) is the world’s For as long as the applicant is qualified, ca- the face of physics and science forever. His theory first licensed armless pilot, as well as the first @FilAmNewspaper pable and able to perform the functions he or she of relativity is said to be the most revolutionary armless black-belt in the American Taekwondo FilAm Star is published weekly by Fortune News Media Inc. is applying for, he or she should not be disqualified theory of physics which won him a Nobel Prize for Association. She was born without arms due to www.filamstar.com or disregarded for the position. ADA, which was his photoelectric effect theory in 1921. a rare birth defect. She brings message of hope signed into law by Pres. George W. Bush, prohibits Helen Adams Keller, deaf and blind, was an and perseverance to others. In an article written Headquarters: employers to disqualify people with disabilities American author, political activist and lecturer. by Hilary Hunt, she got this quote from Cox: “I 1028 Mission St., 2/F, San Francisco, CA 94103; to be employed. Of course this is easier said than She was the first deaf and blind person to earn a was actually born without both of my arms, and Tel. (650) 278-0692 or (415) 593-5955 done, but it is a law that has a wide-ranging civil Bachelor of Arts Degree. Together with Keller’s Email: [email protected] rights coverage that prohibits, under certain cir- teacher Annie Sullivan, they broke through the TO PAGE A7 OCTOBER 25-31, 2018 FilAm Star A7

After ICC...From Page A1 Litterbug...From Page A1

The IPU during its 139th Assembly in Ge- inhibited or retired. Littering is a criminal offense in the Philip- 18 local government officials for the mismanage- neva reiterated its call on Philippine authorities The IPU, an international organization com- pines, with violators liable for a fine or eight to 16 ment of Boracay, the DILG said. to release De Lima immediately and to abandon posed of parliaments of sovereign states, includ- hours of community service, he noted. “We offer you now a better Boracay. Boracay the legal proceedings against her. ing the Philippines, said it will send an observer Heeding the task force’s dire warnings since beaches are now a sight to behold and the entire While De Lima is in jail over drug-related to monitor and report on “fair trial standards” in last week about the “no booking, no entry” policy island will even be grander in the near future,” charges, the IPU stressed that the steps taken the hearing of De Lima’s cases. to be enforced on Boracay starting October 26, DENR Sec. was quoted in a DENR against her were in response to her vocal opposi- It also said it “regrets” that the Supreme Cebu Pacific has advised its passengers that they press release last October 17. tion to President Duterte’s war on drugs, includ- Court has not ruled on the motion for reconsid- will be asked to show proof of confirmed hotel The agency is planning on organizing tours ing her denunciation of his alleged responsibility eration filed by De Lima for her release. bookings before gaining entry to the island. “To around the island’s wetlands, which will be reha- for extra-judicial killings. But presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo avoid any possible inconvenience, we strongly ad- bilitated by corporate sponsors. The IPU also expressed deep concern over said the Office of the President regards IPU’s vise guests who are travelling or planning to go to San Miguel Corporation has adopted Wet- the revival of rebellion and coup d’état charges recent resolutions and decisions on the cases of Boracay Island starting October 26, 2018 to check land No. 3, where it will put up a floating board- against Trillanes even if he and his compan- De Lima and Trillanes as an “affront to the core” if their chosen hotel or resort has been certified walk, an amphitheatre, an observation deck and ions have been granted amnesty. The group of the Philippines’ state principles. compliant and permitted to operate,” the airline a butterfly farm. Local Ati folk will also be tapped said Duterte’s “exclusive preoccupation” with On the plan to withdraw from IPU, Senate said in its October 18 advisory. to manage a vegetable garden and fruit bearing Trillanes’ situation gave “serious weight” to the Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said, “Arroyo’s As of October 22, the Department of Tourism trees. Meanwhile, the Aboitiz Group is convert- allegation that this is an orchestrated attempt to proposal is despairing, defeatist and will be seen (DoT) has accredited 116 establishments, making ing the one-hectare lagoon in Wetland No. 4 into silence the Senator. by the world as a tacit admission that indeed, 5,677 rooms available when Boracay re-opens to a “linear urban park” where a plaza, boardwalk The group reiterated its call to the Philippine critical lawmakers are being persecuted under the the public. DoT accreditation is continuous — the and endemic species of plants and trees will government to free and exonerate opposition Sen. Duterte administration.” agency places establishments on its official list showcase biodiversity themes, according to the Leila de Lima “unless serious evidence is rapidly Arroyo, according to the Senator, “should after these have been cleared by the DENR and DENR. forthcoming.” mind her own and we will mind our own.” the Department of Interior and Local Govern- Boracay’s reopening comes with a host of The IPU Governing Council adopted the com- “I oppose the proposal of Arroyo that we ment (DILG). About 40 percent of Boracay hotels “do’s and don’ts” in line with the focus on sus- mittee on the human rights of parliamentarians’ withdraw from the IPU just because this global and resorts acquired their accreditation just last tainable tourism to save the island for future resolution expressing “deep concern” that De Lima body of parliamentarians expressed its concern October 19. generations. It is now being promoted as a family remains in pre-trial detention for over a year. over the political persecution of our fellow Sena- “The public is urged to avoid transactions destination where people can enjoy nature parks “The IPU Committee mission report clearly tors Leila de Lima and Sonny Trillanes,” he said. with establishments that have not yet secured the and take selfies there. shows that the steps taken against Sen. De Lima “It is folly for Speaker Arroyo to suggest that necessary clearances, permits and/or accredita- Visitors with accommodations in Stations 2 were in response to her vocal opposition to the IPU should be punished for performing its tion from the DoT, DENR and DILG, and thus and 3 will be ferried directly to temporary floating President Duterte’s war on drugs, including her mandate to protect fellow members of the legisla- have no assurance to re-open,” the secretaries of bridges set up in these areas. denunciation of his alleged responsibility for ture from abusive and over-reaching tendencies the three agencies said in a joint statement last On the beachfront, ambulant vendors will no extra-judicial killings, and that there is no serious of certain officials of the executive,” he added. October 19. longer be allowed to sell their wares or food. Fire evidence to justify the criminal cases against her,” Drilon, a former chairman of the IPU Com- “We are also strongly advising non-compli- dancers, multicolored lights and loud parties are the resolution read. mittee on Human Rights of Parliamentarians, ant establishments to delete or put on-hold all also prohibited beachside, where a 25+5 meter De Lima faces three drug-related charges said respect for human rights — not only of law- on-line promotions and related collaterals until easement is being enforced. No structure is al- against her in connection with the alleged makers but also of ordinary citizens — is “a basic compliance with the government regulations shall lowed within this easement area—including sun- drug trading in the New Bilibid Prison. All cas- pillar of democracy.” have been accomplished,” they added. bathing chairs, massage beds, tables or canopies. es are being heard by the Regional “We must all do our share to uphold civil and Civil suits will be pursued against non-com- Water activities will be suspended for about Trial Court Branch 205 after three judges who human rights as well as the rule of law, both here pliant establishments that are soliciting and/or two weeks until the DENR completes its marine previously handled De Lima’s cases either and abroad,” Drilon said. accepting bookings, the joint statement said. biodiversity assessment, which will determine A study done by the DENR has shown that where best to designate zones for activities such Boracay should host only 249 hotels and resorts as jet skiing and para-gliding to prevent harming Japan...From Page A1 in line with the island’s carrying capacity of marine life. 19,215 tourists per day or 6,405 tourist arrivals “Everything will be work in progress,” While they are waiting for the rules and regu- in Japan, or 12 percent of the total number of per day for an average stay of three days. This Antiporda said, assuring local folk that the inter- lations of this new scheme to be released, Haneda foreigners workers in that country. means there is an overcapacity of 181 establish- agency task force will conduct stakeholder con- said he personally estimates more than 50,000 Most of the Filipinos in Japan belong to ments, based on the number of existing hotels sultations for proposed policies and guidelines. workers from the Philippines will come to work in highly specialized fields, such as engineering and and resorts before the shutdown last April. Among the pending issues are the phase-out of Japan with this new work permit by 2025. the academe as Japan currently allows the hiring The opening of the Cagban Port to all tourist tricycles in favor of e-trikes; where ambulant ven- The Japanese ambassador said that the gov- of only highly-skilled foreign workers. traffic by October 26 is just the first of monthly dors, spas and other retailers displaced from the ernment of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will soon Under the new program, however, one in 10 beachfront could continue their activities; and the finalize its new rules for giving temporary resi- job openings starting the summer of 2019 will be launches being lined up by the Boracay Inter- dence to foreign manual laborers, as its parlia- filled by a Filipino. Agency Task Force, DENR Usec. Sherwin Rigor relocation of Boracay workers to the mainland, ment is set to deliberate during its extraordinary Haneda said that based on Japan’s initial announced during the October 19 press briefing. requiring them to leave the island when their session in autumn on the creation of a new resi- roll-out of the Basic Policy on Economic and Monthly milestones will be celebrated in Boracay shifts are done every day. dency status that would allow foreign workers in Fiscal Management and Reform 2018, Filipino until the island’s rehabilitation is completed, he The DENR has determined that there should a wider range of industries to stay for five years. workers are allowed to work in the nursing, said. only be around 55,000 persons on the island on Haneda also cited the three defining aspects of farming, construction, hospitality, and ship- DILG OIC-Sec. Eduardo Año said full reha- any given day based on its real carrying capacity. the Philippines and Japan’s economic partnership: building industries, while businesses in other bilitation could take two years. “Boracay is now The existing population in Boracay, including cooperation in infrastructure development, mutually industries — among them, manufacturing and very fresh and very orderly but of course there residents and workers, was 70,781 prior to the beneficial trade policies, and “people-to-people ties.” fisheries‚ have also asked the government to al- are still a lot of things to be done for the next two shutdown. Many of the illegal structures found He said there are 153,600 Filipino workers low them to hire foreigners. years,” Año was quoted in a DILG press release. encroaching on wetlands before the shutdown Administrative cases have been filed against were dormitories for workers. Perryscope... From Page A6 From Page A6 China’s drug manufacturing industry. But in a recent speech, Duterte cleared Yang, Malacañang... There are two ways to manufacture shabu: saying that Yang, who is the owner of the Davao of immutality of a final and executor judgment.” pendence of the Judiciary and it will continue to One is to smuggle ready-to-use shabu and the City Los Amigos (DCLA) stores in Mindanao, The Judge also said the court “finds and so do so. As we have said, the Executive Branch has second is to smuggle precursor chemicals in lesser cannot be involved in the illegal drug trade, cit- holds that Trillanes did file his amnesty applica- and will always bow down to the majesty of the law, quantity that can then be “cooked” with other lo- ing his ties to Zhao. “They said Michael Yang is tion in the prescribed form in which he also ad- and it will not think twice in doing the same for this cally and legally available chemicals – e.g., hydro- a drug addict. The Chinese ambassador sleeps in mitted guilt for his participation in the Oakwood particular case,” Panelo said in a statement. chloric acid, battery acid -- in secret shabu labo- his house, he’s even part of the entourage of the Mutiny, among others, and in which he further Trillanes declined to elaborate on the supposed ratories, protected by corrupt government, local, Chinese Premier,” Duterte reportedly said. But recanted all previous statements that he may pressure that Soriano went through before coming police officials. But it is hard to find the locations what that proves is that Yang is connected to high have made contrary to said admission.” up with the decision. “You know, it goes without of these secret labs because the operators have the Chinese officials, which makes one wonder: Would This ruling upends that of another court, saying. Filipinos are used to these pressures.” ability to relocate them easily or build new labs if his Chinese connection extend all the way to the Makati RTC Branch 150, in September, which Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said they’re exposed. Besides, corrupt local officials are Philippines’ officialdom? Is Yang untouchable? approved a similar Department of Justice motion Soriano’s ruling was “consistent with the rule of easily bribed to keep their mouths shut. With the influence that Zhao had with China’s and ordered the Senator arrested for a rebel- law, although the judge should have gone fur- powers-that-be, perhaps he can convince them to Chinese connection lion case over the 2007 Manila Peninsula siege. ther and declare Proclamation 572 as illegal and crack down on the importation of shabu or precur- Trillanes was arrested, booked and posted bail on without basis.” It is interesting to note that a recent news sor chemicals to the Philippines. With Xi scheduled September 25. Sen. Francis Pangilinan said, “We are thank- report has linked Chinese Ambassador to the Phil- to visit the Philippines in the coming months, it Panelo said the ruling of the Court suggests ful that Judge Soriano chose to uphold the rule ippines Zhao Jianhua to business tycoon Michael would be nice if he’d bring with him a commitment that Trillanes’ case is unique. He claimed that the of law and refused to embrace tyranny. As every Yang, who is suspected of being a drug dealer. to shackle the shabu manufacturers. It would cer- first jeopardy has not yet been validly terminated judge ought to do, they are to be true to their The report became an international cause célèbre. tainly curb the deadly drug trade with China. since the dismissal of the case for coup d’état was oath. This is one important battle won but the Imagine, a top Chinese diplomat involved in the At the end of the day, one has to remember based on a void executive grant. war to defend the rule of law continues.” drug trade? that the deadly drug with China follows the rule of “Therefore, existing legal remedies under the “I have to read the Court’s ruling to know It all began when Duterte had “declassified” supply and demand: Decrease the supply and the law may be availed of, considering especially the and understand how the judge reconciled the a PDEA dossier linking a group of former police- demand would eventually decrease, too. Con- said Court’s confirmation that Presidential Proc- seemingly conflicting issues. But whatever the men and government officials to a Davao-based versely, increase the supply and you create more lamation No. 572 (s. 2018) is legal,” the presiden- Judge’s reasoning is, it proves that our justice businessman allegedly involved in the illegal drug demand. tial spokesman said. system is functioning and is alive and well,” Sen. trade. Could that be Michael Yang? ([email protected]) Panelo said the affirmation of the validity Francis Escudero said. of the president’s proclamation signifies that the The latest court decision, however, means Duterte administration is “not engaged in the that the coup case against Trillanes dismissed in Street Talk...From Page A6 political persecution of its critics but is only en- 2011 would be reopened for trial. forcing the law against anyone who goes against The Makati courts were ordered by the one term in Congress but decided against running ally be adequately met and harnessed. its command.” Supreme Court to hear pleadings in order to for reelection. Perhaps by then, the remaining Filipino World “Compared to those personalities in the op- determine the factual issues surrounding the In California, where over 2 million Pinoys live, War II veterans who are still hoping to be united position, we will not unfairly appeal to the pity of Senator’s application for amnesty and admission there is only one person of Filipino descent in the with their families in America will finally see a fam- the public but will address this matter head on in state legislator, Rob Bonta. A promising candi- ily reunification bill passed in the US Congress by to guilt, which was the basis of President Rodrigo the proper forum,” Panelo said. date for state assembly, Mae Cendaña Torlakson a Pinoy senator and a Pinoy congressman. In the Duterte’s Proclamation 572, which voided his “The Palace respects the constitutional inde- (a niece of the late Minister of Information Greg meantime, we hope the FilAm community will wake amnesty ab initio (from the beginning). Cendaña) lost in a bruising contest. up and rally to the cause of a Pinay candidate for Hopefully, with the new generation of FilAms, mayor of National City and other FilAm hopefuls in like Ditas Yamana, the challenge and opportunities the coming November elections. Negros... From Page A3 in political empowerment in America will eventu- ([email protected]) Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said victims were not agrarian reform beneficiaries the Palace has ordered a thorough and impartial Castriciones also said he “strongly con- As I see it...From Page A6 probe on what he described as a “dastardly act.” demned the killing,” adding in a statement that “It appears in the investigation that the CPP- the Department “has always pushed for the NPA (is behind it)... some of the people there while people think that’s got to be a very difficult In October, Americans observe National peaceful resolution of land disputes between life, in reality I feel blessed. I have this wonderful Disability Employment Awareness Month were able to recognize those behind the massa- landowners and farmers through dialogues and opportunity to show the world what can be done,” (NDEAM) by paying tribute to the accomplish- cre,” Panelo told radio station dzXL. “Whatever mediation meetings.” said Cox. ments of the men and women with disabilities the reasons, it appears in the investigation that He stressed that the farmers with the NFSW I agree with the saying that when every- whose work helps keep the nation’s economy the CPP-NPA is behind the massacre.” had “no legal basis for occupation of ownership” one—including people who experience the most strong and by reaffirming their commitment The nine sugar farm workers – all members of the land they occupied briefly. difficult barriers to employment—has the chance to ensure equal opportunity for all citizens. of the Negros Federation of Sugarcane Work- Police investigators are reportedly looking to contribute, we give them the opportunity and Held each October, NDEAM is a national ers (NFSW) – had just finished setting up a land into land dispute as one of the possible motives we all benefit from it. Principal Deputy for Ad- campaign that raises awareness about disability cultivation area at Hacienda Nene in Barangay for the massacre. ministration for Community Living (ACL) Sharon employment issues and celebrates the many Bulanon, Sagay City when they were gunned Former Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri and varied contributions of America’s workers Lewis emphasized this on October 10, 2014 when down by unidentified assailants on the evening of Colmenares blamed government forces for the she said: “Among working-age adults, most of us with disabilities. It is a national campaign that October 20. incident, claiming that the military had branded would likely agree that employment is a critically raises awareness about employment issues for Defense Sec. cautioned land cultivation areas as communal farms that important part of our lives. Employment gives disabled people, and celebrates the many and those who would issue baseless statements or us a sense of purpose that comes with contribut- varied contributions of America’s workers with support the NPA, the armed wing of the commu- ing to something bigger, offers a sense of pride disabilities. accusations against the government, considering nist rebels. in accomplishment, and for many of us, it is an Let’s recognize people with all kinds of dis- that the investigation is still ongoing. He also accused the Duterte administration important part of our identity. Working provides abilities, together with seniors, who are contribut- Labor Sec. Silvestre Bello III said the at- of “quelling any form of protest by criminalizing opportunities for social interaction, chances to ing to the full development of our country! They tack was an act of “sabotage on the gains of the legitimate demands.” learn and grow, and exposure to new people and deserve the best accolade on earth! Duterte government in guaranteeing decent But Panelo dismissed his statements as new places. And, of course, it provides income (For feedbacks, comments… please email the work, job security and blissful life,” while Agrar- mere “propaganda” and blamed the communists through a paycheck” author @ [email protected]). ian Reform Sec. John Castriciones said the nine instead. A8 FilAm Star OCTOBER 25-31, 2018 business & picture in order to see the picture in whole. Military Debts, Payday loans and high interest When we are too close we cannot see the sides personal loans in our program too. This is tech news which are not in the line of vision. So back up exclusively available for Debt Aid Consulting look at the picture so we can analyze correctly clients. None of our competitors provide this and sort out a solution one step at a time which program. You are well protected. also translates to one bite at a time to eat the We only provide Federal Trade Commission elephant. compliant programs. 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independent board leadership that can provide said on the matter: “We do not believe that Public investment funds join call strong guidance and enforce real accountability,” requiring the chairman to be independent Kron also said. will provide appreciably better direction Facebook declined comment on the proposal and performance, and instead could cause for independent Facebook chair but noted that it has a lead independent director uncertainty, confusion, and inefficiency WASHINGTON – Four public investment Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs who represents shareholder interests. in board and management function and fund officials on Wednesday joined a call to added in the statement: “We need to see more In a regulatory filing last year, Facebook relations.” (inquirer.net) install an independent chairman at Facebook, accountability of Mark Zuckerberg to the board saying the move would improve governance of directors to restore investor confidence and and accountability at the world’s biggest social protect shareholder value.” network. Zuckerberg owns an estimated 17 percent of Cryptocurrency The state treasurers of Illinois, Rhode Facebook equity but a dual share class gives him Island and Pennsylvania and the New York City a majority of voting shares, making it difficult to comptroller – all of whom hold Facebook shares oppose him. – endorsed the proposal made earlier this year bitcoin marks 10 years Trillium, formed as a fund focused by Trillium Asset Management to separate the on socially responsible investing, said an roles of chairman and chief executive now held by independent chair would bring Facebook into line OCTOBER 31, 2008 marked the birth according to Noizat, as the controversial Mark Zuckerberg. with recommendations of corporate governance of bitcoin. Ten years on, the world’s first cryptocurrency then rocketed to more than Trillium made the proposal in June, saying experts, and said it would make the proposal at cryptocurrency is at the forefront of a complex $19,500 by the end of the year according to financial system viewed warily by markets and Bloomberg data. Facebook needs independent oversight following the annual shareholder meeting in May 2019. investors. That meant bitcoin had a total scandals over the hijacking of personal data on The investment firm noted that Google, From its first evocation amid a global capitalisation of more than $300 billion, tens of millions of users, manipulation of the Microsoft, Apple, Oracle, and Twitter have financial crisis, in a white paper written by according to the specialised website platform by foreign actors and the propagation separate CEO and chair roles, as do a large Satoshi Nakamoto, an unknown pseudonym, Coinmarketcap. of inflammatory rhetoric sparking violence in number of other publicly traded firms. bitcoin conveyed a political vision. By January 2018 the value of all Myanmar, among other issues. The group said a similar proposal made in The “abstract” set out in the paper for cryptocurrencies exceeded $800 billion, before “Facebook plays an outsized role in our 2017 received support of 51 percent of the votes bitcoin, currently worth about $6,400 per unit the bubble burst. society and our economy. They have a social cast when excluding the shares of 13 executives from a starting point of virtually zero, was for The concept of a digital currency has and financial responsibility to be transparent – and board members. “a purely peer-to-peer version of electronic progressed substantially thanks to bitcoin, that’s why we’re demanding independence and “We are entering a new phase of Facebook’s cash (that) would allow online payments to be cryptocurrency analyst Bob McDowall told accountability in the company’s boardroom,” said growth,” said Jonas Kron, a senior vice president sent directly from one party to another without AFP, pointing to the creation of 2,000 rivals. New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer in a at Trillium. going through a financial institution.” “It becomes more than a technological, statement released by Trillium. “At a time like this, we really need to have A decade on, this continues to be carried economic innovation. It almost becomes a out via a decentralised registry system known religion for some people,” he noted. as a blockchain. According to Anthony Lesoismier, co- Such ambition for a cryptocurrency was founder of investment fund Swissborg which fuelled by the bankruptcy of US investment offers portfolios based on blockchain, “the real bank Lehman Brothers in September 2008, an revolution has been on a philosophical level”. event that discredited the traditional system But for economist Nouriel Roubini, of “a small elite of bankers... (that) establishes decentralisation in crypto is a myth. monetary rules imposed on everybody”, “It is a system more centralised than according to Pierre Noizat, founder of the first North Korea. Miners are centralised, French bitcoin exchange in 2011. exchanges are centralised, developers are Following its creation, bitcoin evolved centralised dictators,” Roubini tweeted. for several years away from the public eye, If the initial idea was for bitcoin to grabbing the attention for the most part of facilitate payments, a majority of observers geeks and criminals -- the latter seeing it as a recognise that it is used above all as a store of way to launder money. value or as a speculative instrument owing to After bitcoin surpassed $1,000 for the first volatility in its value. time in 2013, it began to attract the attention of “You need 20 years for this kind of... financial institutions. technology to take hold completely,” said The European Central Bank compared it to Noizat, who is banking on faster transaction a Ponzi scheme, but Ben Bernanke, then head of speeds for bitcoin. the US Federal Reserve, hailed its potential. As it stands, about five to ten bitcoin transactions can be processed per second - A turbulent childhood - compared with several thousand for Visa cards. In early 2014, the cryptocurrency faced its Looking ahead, US market regulators are biggest crisis to date, with the hacking of the considering applications for bitcoin-based Mt. Gox platform, where about 80 percent of exchange-traded funds, which if approved all bitcoins were traded. by the Securities and Exchange Commission The result was a collapse in their value, would see the virtual currency become part of a leading to predictions of the virtual currency’s financial system it set out to bypass. death. “We must cross some bridges in the short It took until early 2017 for bitcoin’s price term” to generate the general public’s interest to fully recover. and trust, said Lesoismier, who described That marked the start of a “turning point” himself as both an “idealist” and “realist”. (AFP) Musk says LA Hyperloop tunnel to be unveiled December 10 ELON Musk’s Hyperloop ultra high-speed He subsequently paid a $20 million fine transport system will be unveiled in Los Angeles to settle after the US Securities and Exchange in early December with free test rides to the Commission accused the entrepreneur of . public, the entrepreneur announced. Another visionary entrepreneur, Richard “The first tunnel is almost done,” Musk said Branson, who like Musk also is involved in space on Twitter late Sunday night. “Opens Dec 10.” travel, is backing a Virgin Hyperloop One which Responding to comments on Twitter, Musk has been testing in Nevada and opened a research said there would be an opening event that night center in southern . and “free rides for the public next day.” Virgin Hyperloop One confirmed on Monday Musk’s venture, “The Boring Company,” that Branson is stepping down from its board has been pushing the underground system as of directors, saying the company “needs a more a futuristic concept that could radically speed hands-on chairman.” transport within and between cities. Branson’s seat on the board will go to In another tweeted response, Musk said the another Virgin Group executive. test tunnel has a top speed of 155 miles per hour No mention was made of a decision last week (250 kilometers). by Branson to suspend two directorships linked Supporters of the technology have discussed to tourism projects in Saudi Arabia following the a vision where a trip between Los Angeles and unexplained disappearance in Turkey of Saudi San Francisco might take 30 minutes instead of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. five or six hours. In a statement last week, Branson said also A hyperloop is a shuttle pod that travels on that his Virgin group would suspend discussions magnetic rails, somewhat like a train, but which with Saudi Arabia over proposed investment in runs in a tube with little or no air. In theory, Virgin Galactic, which is set to carry out its first hyperloops could allow travel faster than the space flight within weeks. speed of sound. “What has reportedly happened in Turkey In a presentation in Los Angeles in May, around the disappearance of journalist Jamal Musk said vehicles could reach downtown Khashoggi, if proved true, would clearly change LA from its international airport in under 10 the ability of any of us in the West to do business minutes, with a long-term objective of reaching with the Saudi government,” Branson said. over 300 miles an hour. Several startups have also taken to pursuing Hyperloop is one of Musk’s envelope-pushing the hyperloop idea after its feasibility was shared ventures, along with SpaceX and Tesla Motors. publicly in a white paper released by Musk about Shares of Tesla have fallen more than 30 percent five years ago. since August 7, when he infamously tweeted that Canadian company Transpod is working to he had funding lined up to take Tesla private. begin testing the system in France. (AFP) OCTOBER 25-31, 2018 FilAm Star A9 world news

Turkey’s Erdogan...From Page A1 Trump...From Page B4 decapitated inside the consulate. Riyadh last week to discuss what happened to Signed in 1987, the INF resolved a crisis the United States and Russia to pursue talks to After more than two weeks of near silence, Khashoggi over Soviet nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles preserve the treaty and China calling on Wash- Saudi Arabia admitted on Saturday that Khashoggi “We cannot close this file until the crown targeting Western capitals. ington to “think twice.” was killed in an altercation at the consular office -- prince is brought to account and removed from his On Monday, Bolton discussed the fate of “The US and the Russian Federation need to an explanation rejected by friends and foes alike. post,” said Selvi. the treaty with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov remain in a constructive dialogue to preserve this Several senior members of Trump’s Republi- Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, a and spent “nearly five hours” in talks with Rus- treaty and ensure it is fully and verifiably imple- can Party said they believed Crown Prince Mo- smooth former envoy to Washington, appeared on sian Security Council chief Nikolai Patrushev, a mented,” said Maja Kocijancic, the EU spokes- hammed (L) was linked to the killing Fox News Sunday to blame a “rogue operation” by spokesman for the council told AFP. woman for foreign affairs and security policy. Trump, who had said he found Riyadh’s initial individuals who “exceeded their responsibilities” Speaking after his meeting with Patrushev, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua explanations credible, told reporters at the White and then “tried to cover up for it”. Bolton said the Russians had insisted that Mos- Chunying said a unilateral withdrawal from the House Monday: “I am not satisfied with what I With Khashoggi’s remains still missing, Turk- treaty “will have a multitude of negative effects.” have heard” since then, and expected to know ish police have found an abandoned car belonging cow did not violate the treaty. Bolton, however, said Britain, Japan, and more “very soon”. to the Saudi consulate in an underground car park “The position was very firmly announced by US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin mean- in the Sultangazi district of Istanbul, state media Russia that they did not believe that they were a number of other countries supported the US while met the Crown Prince behind closed doors said. breaching the INF treaty. In fact they said: ‘You are position. in Riyadh for talks while CIA Director Gina Haspel Erdogan said he would give new details on breaching the INF treaty,’” Bolton said in an inter- Analysts have warned that the latest rift headed for Turkey, although details of her trip Tuesday about Khashoggi’s disappearance view with Kommersant, a Russian broadsheet. between Moscow and Washington could have were not immediately clear. Erdogan has stopped short of directly pointing “You can’t bring somebody into compliance lamentable consequences, dragging Russia into White House advisor and Trump son-in-law the finger at Riyadh. Analysts say he preferred to au- who does not think they are in breach,” he said, a new arms race. Jared Kushner said he had urged Prince Moham- thorise the leak of incriminating information to pro- adding the treaty seems to have run its course. Putin last week raised eyebrows by saying med to be “fully transparent” stressing that “the government media to put pressure on the kingdom. The two men also discussed a possible Russians would “go to heaven” in the event of world is watching”. He has twice held telephone talks with King extension by five years of the New START arms nuclear war and that Moscow would not use The case has shone the spotlight on the Crown Salman on the crisis, interpreted by some as sidelin- control treaty, which expires in 2021, the Secu- nuclear weapons first. Prince, who was credited with spearheading a ing the ageing monarch’s son Prince Mohammed. rity Council said. “The aggressor will have to understand that reform drive but is now accused of having ordered Bolton told Kommersant that Washington retaliation is inevitable, that it will be destroyed Khashoggi’s murder -- a claim Riyadh denies. - ‘Justice must be served’ - wanted to “resolve the INF issue first.” and that we, as victims of aggression, as martyrs, And as further details of the killing contin- The timing of the controversy could not be The Russian foreign ministry released a pic- will go to heaven,” he said. ued to seep out, CNN broadcast images showing a worse for the crown prince as he prepares to host a ture of Lavrov talking to a grinning Bolton, and “They will simply croak because they won’t Saudi official playing a body double for Khashog- key investment summit Tuesday, overshadowed by said the two men discussed bilateral coopera- even have time to repent.” gi, wearing the journalist’s clothes, exiting the big name cancellations. tion, the fight against terror, and “maintaining The world’s nuclear arsenal, by country consulate. Dozens of executives from bankers Goldman strategic stability.” The Trump administration has complained Sachs and JP Morgan to ride-hailing app Uber Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected of Moscow’s deployment of Novator 9M729 - ‘Enemy of Turkey’ - to Western leaders like International Monetary missiles, which Washington says fall under the Omer Celik, spokesman of Erdogan’s ruling Fund chief Christine Lagarde have pulled out of claims that Moscow has violated the pact, instead treaty’s ban on missiles that can travel distances party, said the killing “was planned in an extreme- the three-day Future Investment Initiative (FII), accusing Washington of doing so, and called ly savage manner,” and that “there has been a lot dubbed “Davos in the desert”. Bolton’s upcoming meeting with Putin important. of between 310 and 3,400 miles (500 and 5,500 of effort to whitewash this”. Khashoggi timeline: the diplomatic fallout “There are more questions than answers,” kilometers). An Erdogan adviser, Yasin Aktay, wrote in the The chief executive of German industrial he told journalists. US-Russia ties are under deep strain over Yeni Safak daily that Riyadh’s version of events “feels conglomerate Siemens Joe Kaeser was the latest accusations Moscow meddled in the 2016 US like our intelligence is being mocked”. to cancel, saying “for now, the truth must be found - EU, China concerned - presidential election. The two states are also at The security official heading a team of 15 and justice must be served”. Diplomatic tensions between Moscow odds over Russian support for Bashar al-Assad’s Saudis allegedly sent to Istanbul, called the head of Meanwhile German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Washington are rising and Russia already regime in Syria’s civil war, and the conflict in Prince Mohammed’s office, Bader al-Asaker, “four said Berlin would not export arms to Riyadh “in warned the US move to withdraw from a Cold Ukraine. times after the murder”, the adviser added. the current situation,” despite Germany’s approval War-era nuclear pact is ‘dangerous’ Putin and Trump will both be in Paris on US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (L) met last month of 416 million euros’ ($480 million) Trump’s announcement has raised global November 11 to attend commemorations marking with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir in worth of arms exports in 2018. (AFP) concerns, with the European Commission urging 100 years since the end of World War I. (AFP) Saudi to hold to account all those behind Khashoggi killing SAUDI ARABIA’S cabinet on Tuesday said Khashoggi was killed after entering the prince, Mohammed bin Salman. subsequently blamed a “rogue operation” by it would hold accountable all those behind Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul on October After more than two weeks of vehe- individuals who “exceeded their responsibili- the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi “no 2 to pick up papers for his upcoming wedding to mently denying Khashoggi was dead, the ties” and then “tried to cover up for it”, speak- matter who they may be”. Hatice Cengiz, a Turkish citizen. Saudi government on Saturday said he ing on Fox News. The cabinet will “hold accountable all Saudi Arabia has come under fire from was killed in a fight inside the consulate Khashoggi was a US resident and had lived those who have failed in their duties no matter much of the international community over the and said the murder was not state-sanc- in self-imposed exile in Virginia since 2017, who they may be”, read a statement published murder of Khashoggi, a Washington Post colum- tioned. shortly after Prince Mohammed was appointed by the state-run SPA news agency. nist and critic of the kingdom’s powerful crown Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir heir to the throne. (AFP) More candidates in their own words THELMA B. BOAC School Board Trustee, Berryessa Union School District Educator, Professional Coach/Mentor Community Leader THELMA was born in the province of Bohol, Philippines. She came to America at the age of ten and lived with her adopted parents in Grover Beach, California. Her adopted father, a World War II veteran, was one of the original “manongs” who immigrated to America in the 1920’s. Thel- ma’s adopted mother, her own biological aunt, came to America as a young war widow. Both parents were active in community affairs. Thelma received her BA degree and Secondary Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University and MA degree in Educational Leadership from San Jose State University. Thelma retired after a 37 year-career in education. She continued her dedication to education at San Jose State Univer- sity and The National Hispanic University where she was an adjunct professor, supervising and training graduate students entering the teaching profession. Thelma currently is a professional expert coach to newly promoted principals and school administrators for the Santa Clara County Office of Education. Thelma is seeking re-election as well as one of the Most Influential Women in after a successful four-year term on the Berryessa the World, by the Filipina Women’s Network, a Union School District Governing Board of Trustees world-wide organization focusing on the advance- in San Jose, CA. She holds the distinction of being ment in the role of Filipina women throughout the the first Filipina to be elected and the only female world. She is one of the contributing authors of serving on the Board of Trustees, thus expand- the second and third books on Leadership called ing her influence and commitment to youth and DISRUPT 2.0 Filipina Women: Daring to Lead community. A sought-after educator and com- and DISRUPT 3.0 Filipina Women: Rising. She munity leader, Thelma has been the recipient of has been recognized by State legislative leaders, as many awards including being recognized as one of well as various community organizations for her the Most Influential Filipina Women in the U.S., dedication to public service. Gabriella Makstman MY NAME is Gabriella Makstman. I am a candidate for Daly City Council and I am asking for your vote. I am run- ning to be a representative of the immigrant communities in Daly City. I immigrated to the United States in 1988 from Latvia, a country in Eastern Europe that was under the dictatorship of the USSR. After my family escaped, I was lucky to grow up in San Francisco, graduate from Lowell High School and San Francisco State University. Now I want to give back to my community. I have lived in Daly City for most of my adult life and my husband and I are raising our two girls here. We are both passionate about public service. He is Chief Information Security Officer for the City and County of San Francisco. I am running for Daly City Council to make sure our streets are cleaner, our homes are safer, and that the city budget can support seniors, the youth and the immigrants. I am the best candidate for Daly City because I am the only candidate with 15 years of financial planning experience. I’ve worked for companies like Gap, Inc. and Williams- Sonoma, planning budgets and helping manage expenses. I will make sure Daly City is spending our money wisely. Please vote for me, Gabriella Makstman for Daly City Council! A10 FilAm Star OCTOBER 25-31, 2018 OCTOBER 25-31, 2018 FilAm Star B1 stellar events International Institute of the Bay Filipino Arts & Cinema International Area condemns proposed changes (FACINE) honors TFC for sharing to ‘public charge’ definition the vision of Filipino Cinema

THE Trump administration’s proposed changes Immigrants are no more likely to participate in to public charge will have devastating consequences food assistance, Medicaid, and other government for immigrants who access government programs programs than those born in the United States, as they are legally entitled to. With the proposed shown in the Center for American Progress report. changes now published in the Federal Register If these changes to how public charge is and the public comment period open, IIBA asks defined are allowed to go into effect, the United the public to submit their comments against the States will signal that no longer are we a country for proposed changes to public charge, listed as “Inad- the most vulnerable but instead a country for the missibility on Public Charge Grounds,” as soon as rich and privileged. We must fight these changes possible at regulations.gov. and continue to welcome and protect those seeking These programs offer immigrant families essen- refuge and a better life for one’s family, regardless tial food security and healthcare as they build their of economic status. lives in the United States. Over 9.2 million children IIBA condemns these proposed changes and could be affected as immigrant families withdraw out calls on the public to join us in taking a stand. The of government programs for fear it will affect their public has until December 10th, 2018 to submit The gripping thriller, A Land Imagined, from Singaporean filmmaker Yeo Siew Hua ability to remain in the United States. their comments against the proposed changes at The administration has pushed a false nar- regulations.gov. All comments must be reviewed rative that immigrants overwhelmingly depend before the changes can go into effect. Your action The official Filipino submission for Best Foreign on the U.S. government over native born citizens. does make a difference. Language Film to the upcoming Academy Awards®, , is created by Filipino auteur Chito Roño

SAN FRANCISCO – The Striking Marriott Hotel workers Filipino Arts & Cinema Inter- national (FACINE), through its escalate protest on week 3 tireless director, Mauro Feria Tumbocon, Jr, honored TFC SAN FRANCISCO -- Outraged that executives going to win this fight the way we win every fight on Sunday for their continued at hotel corporation Marriott have yet to settle - with the solidarity and the resolve of working support to the ideals and values the strike going into its third week, more than people.” of FACINE. TFC supports and 3,000 community, labor, and religious sup- Workers on strike returned to the bargain- shares FACINE’s mission of porters and Unite Here Local 2 workers hit the ing table with Marriott recently but as company empowering emerging artists to create films that speak about streets to demand that Marriott make one job representatives dragged their feet, overwhelming Filipino Arts & Cinema International (FACINE) Director Mauro Tumbocon, Jr. (3rd from left) honors Filipino communities glob- enough for hotel workers and end the strike. community support and outrage at the company TFC, the Philippine American Writers and Artists, Inc. (PAWA) and inquirer.net. for their continued ally and promoting cinema as Since Marriott hotel housekeepers, bellmen, turned to action. Workers are fighting for Marriott support to FACINE. Cinematografo Festival and Exhibitions Director Miguel Sevilla (left) and PAWA a social document of Filipino President Edwin Lozada (2nd from left) receive their certificates. Evelyn Vargas-Knaebel (right) was cooks, dishwashers, and others walked out more to raise pay so that one full time job is enough to culture and heritage, and as on October 4, San Francisco residents, labor live on in these cities, for basic job security around recognized by FACINE with the Gawad Sulong Sine award, for paving the way for Filipino filmmakers medium of artistic expression. to be known worldwide. (Photo courtesy of Mitos Briones.) organizations, community groups, religious or- automation in the industry, and for an end to Cinematografo Festival ganizations, and major customers have pledged the unsafe workloads created by the so-called & Exhibitions Director Miguel Sevilla received the 8th is Signal Rock from the Philippines, from support: walking picket lines, donating to the “Green Choice” program. certificate on behalf of TFC. Other honorees are renowned Filipino auteur Chito Roño. This official strikers’ hardship fund, and moving events to “My job at Marriott is not enough to live the Philippine American Writers and Artists, Inc. Filipino submission for Best Foreign Language non-struck hotels. The recent mass demonstra- with dignity,” said Nicholas Javier, a server at (PAWA) and inquirer.net. Film at the upcoming Academy Awards® tells the tion was the first time that community members Marriott’s Westin St. Francis hotel. “I’m one rent Following on the heels of FACINE 25, FA- story of Intoy (Christian Bables) who is left to care – including major political allies, LGBTQ allies, payment away from living on the street, and I have CINE’s annual Filipino-American cine festival in for his parents when his sister moved out to work and dozens of aligned unions from the public, no real job security, so I feel like I’m living on a San Francisco, Cinematografo will also be holding overseas. The only way he could contact his sister private, and trades sectors – joined together in razor’s edge. I went on strike and I’m marching its second Cinematografo International Film Festi- and the outside world is by taking his cellular phone val from November 8-11, 2018 at the AMC Kabuki 8 and going up the strange rock formation known as support of Marriott hotel workers on strike. today because one job should be enough for Mar- in Japantown in San Francisco. “signal rock”. “When you pick a fight with the hotel work- riott hotel workers like me.” The festival’s theme this year is “Breaking The closing film is A Land Imagined from Sin- ers in this city, you pick a fight with the whole Striking Marriott workers are holding similar Down Walls,” which refers to breaking through bar- gapore’s Siew Hua Yeo, winner of the top prize in city,” said Anand Singh, President of Unite Here Saturday demonstrations in more than a half riers in film and story whether in terms of subject this year’s Locarno International Film Festival. This Local 2. “Our community is standing up and dozen other cities throughout the U.S., includ- matter, representation and cultural limitations. gripping thriller shows the dark side of the city-state fighting back to make one job enough. We are ing Oakland and San Jose. Cinematografo’s opening film on November of seedy underground of the working class. B2 FilAm Star OCTOBER 25-31, 2018

SF Mayor London Breed joined the celebration with Marjan Philhour, SF Philippine Consul General Henry Bensurto Jr, Government officials and other community leaders and organizations in commemoration of the Filipino American History Month in San Francisco held at SF City Hall last Friday, October 19, 2018.

Members of the Filipino American Coalition supported Filipino History Month with SF Consul Bensurto and Supervisor David Canepa

From left: Moose Weekes, Beverly Hayon Board President of Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc. (MNC), Zeus McClurkin, Santiago ‘Sam’ Ruiz, CEO of MNC, and Lila Carrillo, VP of Operations of MNC This is the first time the Harlem Globetrotters are coming to MNC’s, Precita Center that serves youth ages 5 – 25 with various educational & enrichment programs, recreational, diversion, prevention, and intervention programs. More than one out of every five (20.8%) students report being bullied (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2016) The Globetrotters bring “The ABCs of Bullying Prevention” to over 350 schools and youth centers annually. The Globetrotters designed the program in coordination with the National Campaign to Stop Violence. The program focuses on Action, Bravery, and Compassion, comprising the ABC’s. Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc, is a non-profit organization, focused on the wide range of multi-ethnic, cross-cultural human services that develops leadership and strengthens families to build strong, healthy and vibrant neighborhoods. MNC extends services to 12 neighborhood centers Happy birthday! Ren Angelo Vera Cruz in San Francisco’s Mission, Excelsior, Mission Bay, and Bayview-Hunter’s Point communities. will turn 7 on October 25.

Sacramento,and Vallejo, California On Oct 15, 2018 before a packed audience at the Filipino Community recently had their Congressional Center, seven living and 20 Gold Medal ceremonies deceased veterans were honored with the Filipino Veterans of World War II U.S. Congressional Gold Medal (CGM). Mrs. Luz G. Acacio proudly received the CGM from U.S. Army (Ret.) Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba on behalf of her late husband, Lauro B. Acacio. Lauro was the last known Bataan Death March survivor in Solano County in December 2016 when 70 WWII Veterans were honored by The American Legion Manuel L. Quezon Post 603. The CGM ceremony was hosted by US Representative Mike Thompson, Filipino Veterans Rozzana Verder-Aliga smiles while accepting the Congressional Gold Medal from U.S. Recognition and Education Army (Ret.) Lt. Gen. Edward Soriano on behalf of Benjamin C. Verder, her late father. Project, Filipino American National Ben served with the historic Hunters ROTC Guerrillas that helped pave the liberation Historical Society of Vallejo, Corpuz of the Philippines for General Douglas MacArthur. As more CGM ceremonies are being Event Services, Filipino Community planned, WWII Veterans or their next of kin are encouraged to go to www.filvetrep. of Solano County, and many donors org/application for information. and volunteers. OCTOBER 25-31, 2018 FilAm Star B3

PAID FOR BY FILIPINO AMERICAN COALITION-PAC#1282891 B4 FilAm Star OCTOBER 25-31, 2018 legal & law As for luxury and entertainment expenses, the Bankruptcy Basics bankruptcy courts will view these less favorably. Bankruptcy will actually improve your credit within one year because your unsecured Is child support Question: Is My Child’s Bank Accounts debts are discharged. Although the bankruptcy Safe from Bankruptcy? will be in your records for 10 years, not filing dischargeable in Answer: Bankruptcy can sometimes bankruptcy will make your credit even worse complicate the distinction between your assets until most of your debts are paid in full. and your children’s assets. If you’ve opened a If you are being sued by your creditors, Bankruptcy? bank account for your child’s birthday money, most money judgment can be eliminated in gift money from relatives, or funds for college bankruptcy. tuition, it’s important to make sure this account Collection actions continue and you can be BY ATTY. CRISPIN CADAY LOZANO is set up correctly. If the account is just under sued if you are in debt settlement. your name or if you’ve drawn money out to pay Chapter 7 will eliminate all unsecured your own bills, these funds could jeopardized by debts. If you are near retirement age, you must MOST people understand that a bankruptcy your bankruptcy filing. eliminate most of your debts. filing has emotional consequences for their Question: Does Bankruptcy Court Allow Opening accounts under the Uniform Bankruptcy will stop foreclosure actions. If entire family. Contributions to College Education? Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or the Uniform your trustee sale date is 10 days before, you can Answer: The consequences of Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) can help still file for bankruptcy. Question: Is Child Support Dischargeable bankruptcy could be uncertain if you contribute protect your child’s assets. These two methods If your salary is being garnished, you have a in Bankruptcy? funds towards a child’s college tuition or to a are convenient, less costly, and less complicated court case about debts or you are being harassed Answer: No. If you or an ex-spouse future college fund. In some cases, bankruptcy than their trust fund counterparts. In essence, by creditors, bankruptcy can stop garnishment, files for bankruptcy, debts resulting from child courts or creditors may attempt to disallow these the “giver” remains custodian of these accounts court cases, harassing creditors and eliminate support will not be discharged by bankruptcy. contributions, and prioritize their collection until the minor reaches majority. Once the the debt. In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, child support accounts above your children’s education. If money is transferred into these custodial Bankruptcy is cheaper, faster and safer obligations become top priority when assets are you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, accounts, it can’t be taken back--and thus is than debt settlement which has no guaranteed being liquidated. In a Chapter 13 bankruptcy it is strongly suggested you consult with a better protected when you file for bankruptcy. success. filing, child support payments will be structured bankruptcy lawyer to find out how your child’s If you think your child’s future could Preserve your health, eliminate stress and within the agreed repayment plan. education may be affected. be jeopardized by bankruptcy, a bankruptcy live a happy life by eliminating your debts which This bankruptcy protection for children When an individual files for bankruptcy, lawyer can examine all the details and clear any is the root of all problems. applies whether or not a debtor is behind on the court and creditors will attempt to limit confusion. Crispin Caday Lozano is an active member support payments. The good news is that ex- the amount of debtor expenses. Typically, Note: This is not a legal advice and of the State Bar of California, You can contact spouses may find it easier to fulfill their child the bankruptcy courts will allow necessary you need to speak to an attorney. The Law him at 1-877-456-9266. Email questions to support responsibilities since the bankruptcy expenses such as housing payments, utilities, Offices of Crispin C. Lozano has 19 years of [email protected] . Visit our website at www. may alleviate a majority of their debt burdens. food, transportation, and medical expenses. experience in bankruptcy cases. crispinlozanolaw.com Migrant caravan stops to rest in Mexico amid Trump threats

THOUSANDS of mainly Honduran migrants start cutting aid to Honduras, Guatemala and El blocked their passage. One 25-year-old migrant was killed Monday, heading to the United States -- a caravan Salvador for failing to stop the migrants, called Most of the migrants then swam or took rafts apparently when he fell off a vehicle that had let President Donald Trump has called an “assault the caravan a national emergency and alleged across the river, but one group had remained him hitch a ride, said state authorities in Chiapas. on our country” -- stopped to rest Tuesday after it was infiltrated by “Middle Easterners” and camped out on the bridge. Honduras reported another migrant died walking for two days into Mexican territory. members of the ultra-violent gang MS-13. “The (Mexican) foreign ministry argued Saturday when he fell off a vehicle while crossing Sleeping on cardboard boxes or plastic bags, Mexican Interior Minister Alfonso Navarrete we shouldn’t leave them there exposed to the Guatemala. the migrants set up a massive, impromptu camp vowed his country would not bow to “any elements,” national migration commissioner Caravan members also face the threat of in the southern town of Huixtla, 70 kilometers government that intends to provoke a hostile Gerardo Garcia told AFP. being robbed, kidnapped or killed by Mexican (45 miles) from the Mexico-Guatemala border. reaction in Mexico.” Another group of about 1,000 Hondurans has gangs that extort migrants on their journey. Many nursed bleeding feet mangled by days However, activists accused Mexico of meanwhile started a separate march across Guatemala, of walking in plastic shoes or flip-flops. violating the migrants’ rights by detaining anyone headed for Mexico and then the United States. - Caravan of children - “They’re exhausted,” said migrant rights who tried to apply for asylum. Humanitarian organizations estimate activist Rodrigo Abeja, of the group Pueblos Sin - Dangerous journey - that one-fourth of the caravan’s members are Fronteras (People Without Borders), which is - Swelling numbers - The Honduran ambassador in Mexico, Alden children, a representative of Save the Children accompanying the caravan. More than 7,000 people have now joined Rivera, said the main caravan planned to make told AFP. “They’re going to rest here today and the caravan, according to the United Nations, its way across Chiapas -- the southern state Guadalupe Del Carmen, 29, who is traveling tonight,” and then continue their journey north, including some Central Americans who were where it was Tuesday -- to Oaxaca, Veracruz and with her nine-year-old son, recounted the he told AFP. already in Mexico. Tamaulipas, where it would try to cross the US difficulty of the journey -- such as the moment The caravan has become a politically loaded Many of the migrants are fleeing poverty and border at McAllen, Texas. her son started to cry, “Mommy, I don’t want issue, with only two weeks to go before the United insecurity in Honduras, where powerful street That is the shortest possible route, he said -- to do this anymore” while crossing the Suchiate States votes in key midterm elections, in which gangs rule their turf with brutal violence. about 2,700 kilometers. River on a raft made of inner tubes. Trump is seeking to protect the Republican Late Monday, Mexico allowed another group But “it’s possible that, depending on the “He wanted to go back to Honduras. But I majority on Capitol Hill. of about 400 migrants to enter the country after reaction from the National Migration Institute explained we can’t go back, that the situation in Trump has taken to attacking the caravan they spent days packed onto a bridge over the and federal police (in Mexico), they could go our country is too difficult and that’s why we had regularly -- both on Twitter and on the campaign Suchiate River, which forms Mexico’s southern elsewhere,” he told a Mexican radio station. to run away,” she said quietly. trail -- firing up his conservative base with the border with Guatemala. The migrants -- who set out on October 13 from With a homicide rate of 43 per 100,000 anti-immigration rhetoric that helped get him The caravan had stormed through a series San Pedro Sula, Honduras -- have been traveling citizens, Honduras is one of the most violent elected in 2016. of border barriers Friday and flooded onto the on foot or hitching rides on passing cars and trucks, countries in the world, according to a Honduran On Monday, Trump said the US would bridge, but hundreds of Mexican riot police often crowding onto them with little to hold onto. university study. (AFP) Trump says US ready to bolster nuclear arsenal after vowing treaty pullout

RESIDENT Donald Trump said Mon- “Until people come to their senses, we will Bolton’s Moscow visit was planned before day the United States is ready to build build it up,” he said, referring to America’s Trump’s announcement that the US was Pup its nuclear arsenal after announc- nuclear stockpile. “This should have been done ditching the INF treaty ing it is abandoning a Cold War-era nuclear years ago.” Moscow was ready to work with the treaty, as Russia warned the withdrawal could “It’s a threat to whoever you want. And it United States to salvage the agreement, the cripple global security. includes China. And it includes Russia,” the US Russian Security Council said after a meeting Trump sparked concern globally at the president continued. “And it includes anybody between its chief Nikolai Patrushev and US weekend by saying he wanted to jettison the else who wants to play that game. You can’t do National Security Advisor John Bolton. three-decade-old Intermediate-Range Nuclear that. You can’t play that game.” Bolton, who is expected to meet Rus- Forces Treaty (INF) signed former US presi- “Until they get smart, there’s going to be sian President Vladimir Putin Tuesday, was dent Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, nobody that’s going to be even close to us.” visiting Moscow in the wake of Trump’s the last Soviet leader. announcement Saturday that he wants to do In explaining his decision, Trump told - Blow to security - away with the pact that bans intermediate- reporters in Washington that Russia had “not Russia however has warned that abandon- range nuclear and conventional missiles. adhered to the spirit of that agreement or to ing the agreement would be a major blow to the agreement itself.” global security. Pres. Donald Trump (Photo: Twitter) TO PAGE A9 “Why you may not want to put your children’s name on the deed to your home”

BY: ATTY. ROBERT L. FERRIS

SOME parents put their children’s names on the the property 17 years ago) resulting in no capital deed to their home so that when the parents die gains tax; the property will pass to their children without probate. Here are some things to consider before (3) If your child gets sued because he or she adding your children to your deed: caused a car accident in which someone was seriously injured, the injured party could go after (1) When you add your child’s name to your deed all of your child’s assets including your home the internal revenue service considers this a gift since your child is on the deed and owns a portion and a gift tax return should be filed; of your home.

(2) If your home has appreciated in value since (4) Once you add your child as a joint tenant you the time that you bought it and you “GIFT IT” to cannot remove him or her from the title: Only the your child, the child will not get a stepped-up tax child can transfer their share back to the parent. basis on the gifted portion of the property. For example, suppose you bought your home 17 years If you own a home you may want to consider ago for $100,000 and the house is now worth getting a trust which will not only avoid the pitfalls $900,000. If you add your child onto the deed discussed above but also avoid a costly probate. as a joint tenant and the child sells the property after you die, that sale could result in a $400,000 VISIT OUR OFFICE FOR A FREE 30-MINUTE capital gain, most of which will be taxable unless CONSULTATION ! ! ! certain exceptions apply. On the other hand, if the child simply inherits the property when you CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT AT (650) 488- die there is no gift and the child gets a stepped- 0431 up tax basis to $900,000 (the fair market value on the date you died, and not what you paid for WE SPEAK TAGALOG ! ! ! OCTOBER 25-31, 2018 FilAm Star B5 health & Health@Heart lifestyle

Warning: food people easily fall victims to them. much. Unless one is an insecure person and has low In the infomercials, some manufacturers self-esteem, these enlargers and enhancers are not or dealers even promise a “100% satisfaction or necessary. They are the character and the personality supplements money-back” guarantee. What these companies of the individual that truly count and matter. do is to deposit all sales proceeds in the bank, Worse is the cure-all tablets or beverages, which earn interest. By the time they refund the which are claimed to be good against several PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS customer’s money, if ever, and perhaps after a lot diseases, from acne to high blood pressure, of hustle, it will be at least 8 weeks, after they have immune diseases, allergies, diabetes, heart already earned the bank interest on the money disease, stroke, to athlete’s foot….and on and on. HE United States Food and Drug products marketed as “food supplements” that are of millions of customers. And this translates to But the most despicable of them all are those Administration (FDA) issued a public alert nothing but a scam, victimizing the unsuspecting, hundreds of millions of dollars in “extra” income “food supplements” that infer or suggest that they several years ago, warning consumers innocent, uninformed, and gullible consumers. for these companies. are effective cures against cancer. They are not T A good example of the scam is the so-called only baseless and unfounded claims, but lies that to “stop using Hydroxycut Products, dietary The manufacturers of these items hide under supplements used for weight loss as fat burners, the name “food supplements” to be exempt from “Oxygen Bar” that is seen in many shopping rob cancer patients of their dignity by giving them as energy-enhancers, as low carb diet aids, and the stringent scrutiny of governmental agencies malls and airports. For $10-$15 dollars, one false hope. for water loss under the Lovate and MuscleTech like the US-FDA, and similar agencies in other can sit on a stool and breathe in oxygen flowing The sage strategy for a healthy lifestyle is brand names.” countries. As food supplements, these products are through colorful fluid (whose cleanliness and doing daily exercise, eating a diet low in saturated The FDA reported that “thus far Hydroxycut then NOT considered as DRUGS and do not have sterility are suspect since the liquid is not changed fat, in cholesterol, and in carbohydrate (lo-carbs has been linked to at least one death and twenty to pass the super-strict and extensive laboratory from customer to customer). This is terrible and is in), maintaining a desired weight, abstaining three reports of serious health problems; and clinical investigation by these agencies. unhealthy. The ambient oxygen we breathe in is from tobacco and excess alcohol, taking regular consumers who use the products are at risk of However, while they advertise them as “food just right, healthy, and also free. Too much oxygen time out to relax, and taking whatever prescription serious liver injury. Some of the health problems supplements,” these manufacturers claim or is even bad for our lungs. medications, if any, as ordered by the physician. associated with the Hydroxycut products include infer that their products have medicinal or health Another is the popular Slim Tea or weight- We do not really need those “food jaundice, elevated liver enzymes (an indicator of benefits, or even effective against various diseases. loss tea. If that tea is all one drinks in a day, and supplements” to be healthy, attractive, and happy. potential liver problems), seizures, cardiovascular As such, they should be considered as drugs, and not eat, then one would lose weight. But if one These products are not only expensive but useless disorders, rhabdomyolysis (a type of muscle not food supplements. does not diet and controls the food intake, and and a waste of money and expectation. As we damage that can lead to other serious health But the sad part of it all is that, while the simply drink the Slim Tea, the result is obvious. have reported in the past, a few of them could also problems such as kidney failure) and liver damage manufacturers and merchants of this deception The other diet control beverages could also have have harmful side-effects, some serious or even requiring liver transplant.” enrich themselves with trillion dollar sales around chemicals in them that are unsafe for the kidneys fatal. Unfortunately, it may take time before these The report stated that “Hydroxycut, Lovate the world each year, the poor consumers are duped or liver, etc. adverse effects, or organ damage/failures, become and MuscleTech products are manufactured by into thinking that the very expensive version of Then there is the breast enlarger cream or manifest or evident. Lovate Health Sciences Inc., of Oakville, Ontario the “food supplements” (“designer” vitamins, lotion, or the penis-enhancer pill or lotion. These Let’s be smart and live a healthy lifestyle, and and distributed by Lovate Health Sciences USA weight-loss products, beauty aids, immune are all ineffective, useless, and nothing but a scam. stop contributing funds to the already filthy-rich Inc. of Blasdell, N.Y.Â.” All 14 Hydroxycut system boosters, whiteners, sex enhancers, etc) Let us be thankful for whatever we were blessed CEOs in this multinational trillion-dollar industry products were recalled. are better than the regular over the counter and with, and not mess around with mother nature too at an expense to our wallet, health, and safety. While the Hydroxycut products were cheaper versions. Most of them have no proven obviously legitimate products, the chemical good effects or advantage over the conventional formulation produced dangerous side-effects that household products people have been using five make them unsafe for consumption. Hence, the decades ago. The hype is so much, because of the Plastics have entered human recall. And there were others that followed. tremendous marketing blitz (print media, TV and On the other hand, there are hundreds of via internet) that uninformed or misinformed food chain, study shows

BITS of plastic have been detected in the faeces “Further studies are needed to assess the of people in Europe, Russia and Japan, according potential dangers of microplastics for humans.” to research claiming to show for the first time the Schwabl recruited five women and three Longer life linked to better widespread presence of plastics in the human men, aged 33 to 65, in Finland, the Netherlands, food chain. Britain, Italy, Poland, Russia, Japan and Austria. All eight volunteers in a small pilot study Each kept a week-long log of what they ate, cardiorespiratory fitness were found to have passed several types of and then provided a stool sample. plastic, with an average of 20 micro-particles per All consumed foods wrapped in plastic and NEW large-scale research published in the associated with the greatest benefit. 10 grams of stool, researchers reported Tuesday beverages in plastic bottles, and six ate seafood. Journal of the American Medical Association This finding was especially notable in at a gastroenterology congress in Vienna. None were vegetarians. has found that a higher level of cardiovascular older patients and those with hypertension. The scientists speculated that the tiny specks fitness is linked to a lower risk of death, In those over the age of 70, elite performers -- ranging in size from 50 to 500 micrometres - Health impacts unknown - especially in those with an extremely high level benefited from a nearly 30 percent reduced -- may been ingested via seafood, food wrapping, Scientists not involved in the study said of fitness. risk of mortality compared to high performers dust or plastic bottles. it was too limited in scope to draw any firm Carried out by researchers at Cleveland and for patients with hypertension, the elite A human hair is roughly 50 to 100 conclusions, especially about health impacts. Clinic in the United States, the new study looked performers again showed a nearly 30 percent micrometres in width. “I’m not at all surprised, or particularly at 122,007 participants who underwent exercise reduction in all-cause mortality compared to “In our laboratory, we were able to worried by these findings,” commented Alistair detect nine different types of plastics,” said treadmill testing to assess the association high performers. Boxall, a professor in environmental science at Bettina Liebmann, a researcher at the Federal between cardiorespiratory fitness and all-cause “We were particularly interested in the the University of York in Britain. Environment Agency, which analysed the mortality. relationship between extremely high fitness “Microplastics have been found in tap water, samples. bottled water, fish and mussel tissue, and even in Participants were divided into five fitness and mortality,” commented lead author Kyle The two most common were polypropylene beer,” he added. “It is therefore inevitable that at performance groups — elite, high, above Mandsager, M.D. “This relationship has never (PP) -- found in bottle caps, rope and strapping least some of these things will get into our lungs average, below average and low — with elite been looked at using objectively measured -- and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), present and digestive system.” performers defined as having aerobic fitness in fitness, and on such a large scale.” in drinking bottles and textile fibres. Much more research is needed, he said, the top two and half percent by age and gender, The study’s findings highlight the long- Together with polystyrene (utensils, cups, before we can determine the origin of plastics term benefits of exercise and fitness, even to and demonstrating fitness levels comparable to coolers) and polyethylene (plastic bags), they found in the gut, and especially whether they are extreme levels and regardless of age or existing those of endurance athletes. accounted for more than 95 percent of the harmful. disease. The authors added that healthcare The researchers also gathered data on particles detected. For Stephanie Wright, a researcher at King’s age and sex of participants, height, weight professionals should be encouraging patients “We were unable to establish a reliable College London, the real question is whether and body mass index, smoking status and to achieve and maintain high levels of fitness, connection between nutritional behaviour and plastics are accumulating in the human body. any medications or existing diseases such as a although they also noted that patients should exposure to microplastics,” said lead author “What is unknown is whether the history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes or always check with their healthcare provider Philipp Schwabl, a researcher at the Medical concentration of plastic being ingested is higher hypertension. before starting an exercise program. University of Vienna. than that coming out, due to particles crossing After taking into account these factors, the “Aerobic fitness is something that most In earlier studies on animals, the highest the gut wall,” she said. findings showed that increased cardiorespiratory patients can control. And we found in our concentrations of microplastics were found in the “There is no published evidence to indicate fitness was directly associated with reduced study there is no limit to how much exercise stomach and intestines, but smaller amounts have what the health effects might be.” long-term mortality. is too much,” said the senior author of the also been detected in blood, lymph and the liver. Global plastic production has grown rapidly, and In addition, the researchers also found study Wael Jaber, M.D. “Everyone should be “There are initial indications that is currently more than 400 million tonnes per year. that there with no limit to the positive effects encouraged to achieve and maintain high fitness microplastics can damage the gastrointestinal It is estimated that two to five percent of of aerobic fitness, with extreme aerobic fitness levels.”(inquirer.net) tract by promoting inflammatory reactions or plastics wind up in the ocean, where much of it absorbing harmful substances,” Schwabl said. breaks down into tiny particles. (AFP) HOROSCOPE KROSWORD (Source: PinoySuperCrossword) www.starlightastrology.com ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Secret affairs will only lead to deception. Be aware that you don’t Your mate could get on your nerves if he or she backs you into get anything for nothing. You should be trying to clear up legal an emotional comer or puts restrictions on your time. Travel will contracts that have been pending. You may experience setbacks promote new romantic en counters. Don’t overspend on luxury due to additional responsibilities with loved ones. items. You will be highly entertaining when in contact with your Your lucky day this week will be Saturday. lover. Your lucky day this week will be Monday. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You are best to be accommodating for the time being. Your emotional state could leave you vulnerable and Sudden romantic infatuations won’t be lasting. Organize all confused. You should get into some of those creative hobbies the responsibilities that have to be attended to and make sure that you always said you wanted to do. Take time to help children everyone knows what to do. Be cautious when dealing with with projects that may be too hard for them to do on their own. coworkers. You may not be able to help, but your support will be Your charm will mesmerize members of the opposite sex this favorable. week. Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday. Your lucky day this week will be Saturday.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Put some energy into getting back into shape. Listen to reason. You will have excellent ideas and you should be able to help Someone you least expect may not have your best interests your partner get ahead. You may jump from the frying pan at heart. You will reach the most people if you speak out at an into the fire if you make a move this week. Sudden changes regarding colleagues may surprise you. Be innovative. organizational function. Pleasure trips should be on your agenda. Your lucky day this week will be Saturday. Your lucky day this week will be Monday. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) CANCER (June 22-July 22) You should be traveling to that exotic destination you’ve been Opportunities to make money may interfere with your personal dreaming about. If you can, try to work out of your home this plans. There could be opposition or temper tantrums on the home week. Go out with friends who are positive and supportive. Your front. You will find that social activities will lead you into passionate ability to work with detail will bring recognition. meetings. Your mate may not have been honest with you. Your lucky day this week will be Friday. Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Residential changes, renovations, or moves are likely to I Don’t let siblings put pressure on you. You can persuade even disrupt your routine. You could experience delays in shipments the toughest opponents to think your way. Take the time to help or mail, and should be careful while traveling. This is a great those less fortunate. Arguments could prevail. day to get out and enjoy an entertaining evening with friends or lovers. Children could cost you more than you can afford. Your lucky day this week will be Sunday. Your lucky day this week will be Saturday.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Your personal secrets may be revealed if you let coworkers in Relationships will form if you get out and do things that you on your family dilemmas. Make plans to do the things you enjoy. enjoy. You will have excellent ideas and you should be able to Avoid being overly opinionated or you will alienate friends. Stay help your partner get ahead. You can come up with future trends out of other people’s affairs. in creative fields. Your ability to be practical in business will help. Your lucky day this week will be Friday. Your lucky day this week will be Thursday. B6 FilAm Star OCTOBER 25-31, 2018 entertainment Robin Padilla admits political dynasty problem — but still supports Sara and Baste Duterte

CELEBRITIES Ogie Diaz, Ethel Booba and Leah Navaro recently made use of their respective platforms to call out political dynasties. Action star Robin Padilla echoed their sentiments, but remains firm in his support of politicians who hap- pen to be from a particular political family: Sara and Sebastian “Baste” Duterte who are both running for local positions in the upcoming 2019 midterm elections. Padilla took to Instagram today, Oct. 23, to express his sentiment on what he acknowledged as “the biggest problem in the Philippines: political dynasty.” He made his post with the tag “Duterteism.” Uploading a photo of Baste holding his certificate of candidacy for Davao City vice mayor beside his sister, Sara, who will run for the post of Davao City mayor, Padilla expressed his support for the siblings despite his supposed anti-political dynasty stand. “Ang pinakamalaking problema dito sa Inangbayan ay ang (The biggest prob- lem in our motherland is) political dynasty,” he wrote. “But there is hope for us in this coming midterm elections though not with the unitary system of government but with the new breed of local leadership. I am for Sarah and Baste.” After reiterating his preference for “a revolutionary government with the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he reminded his fans that they should not be misled by his endorsement of candidates as he said he is only performing his duty as a tax-payer. He maintained that it is his right to choose the politicians who will Robin Padilla (Photo: Facebook) spend the tax he pays. (inquirer.net) ‘Wonder Woman’ sequel Ryan Cayabyab is now pushed back to summer 2020 National Artist for Music MUSICIAN, composer and con- LOS ANGELES — The world will have to wait ductor Ryan Cayabyab is the coun- a little longer for the “Wonder Woman” sequel, try’s newest National Artist for which will now arrive in theaters in summer Music, said singer and actress Lea 2020. Salonga on Tuesday via Twitter. Warner Bros. announced Monday that “Kay ganda ng ating musika… “Wonder Woman 1984” will now open on June dahil nariyan ka! Congratulations 5, 2020. The film starring Gal Gadot as the to our dearest Ryan Cayabyab, our Amazonian superhero had been slated for a country’s newest National Artist November 2019 release. for Music!!! Maraming salamat sa Patty Jenkins is returning as director and mga awiting iyong nilikha upang has teased fans with tidbits about the series’ mapaawit ang ating bansa!!!” Sa- time jump to the 1980s. longa said. The first “Wonder Woman” was a major Kay ganda ng ating musika… blockbuster for Warner Bros.’ DC Comics fran- dahil nariyan ka! Congratulations chise. The film earned more than $800 million to our dearest Ryan Cayabyab, our globally. The original became the most success- country’s newest National Artist ful live-action film directed by a woman. for Music!!! Maraming salamat sa The sequel would have been released a mga awiting iyong nilikha upang month after the “Joker” which is scheduled to mapaawit ang ating bansa!!!. (in- open on Oct. 4, 2019. (inquirer.net) Gal Gadot (Photo: Facebook) quirer.net) Ryan Cayabyab (Photo: Twitter) OCTOBER 25-31, 2018 FilAm Star B7 entertainment Bravante, Nathan’s mother who is kind but projects a strong personality; Ricardo Cepeda as Lorenzo Bravante, a Congressman and Ve- GMA Network showcases a new face ronica’s husband who has long pressured their son Nathan to get married; Maricris Garcia as Allison Bravante, older sister of Nathan and the only person who knows about his secret; Mat- of infidelity in Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko thias Rhoads as Daniel Lindberg, a Fil-Am who becomes Nathan’s “lover” but breaks up with WHAT if the person you loved the most is also a big blow when she discovers that he’s engaged him when he finds out that Nathan is married; the one who will bring you the greatest pain? to a mysterious and strikingly beautiful woman Phil Noble as Mama Krissy, a transgender who Beginning October 22, GMA Network brings named Venus, breathed to life by Thea Tolentino. will become Nathan’s confidante regarding his viewers a different face of infidelity with its newest Venus is also a single mother who said that she sexuality. Afternoon Prime series, “Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko.” got pregnant from her previous relationship. Under the helm of this series is director Mark Highly-talented Kapuso actress Kris Ber- Rachel feels that something isn’t right with Sicat dela Cruz. nal takes on the role of Rachel. She is beautiful, Venus. Eventually, she found out the truth: Venus Behind this engrossing drama is the creative simple and dreams of having a happy family. is a sexually reassigned woman who is no other team composed of Creative Director Roy Iglesias; Rachel meets Nathan, a smart businessman from than her former husband, Nathan. 2nd unit Director Jorron Lee Monroy; Concept a political family. Nathan marries Rachel out of Former husband and wife, now both fighting Creator Marlon Miguel; Headwriter Richard pressure from his conservative family but he is for the love of the same man. This is the intriguing ‘Dode’ Cruz; Creative Head RJ Nuevas; Writers unhappy and feels trapped. Deep down, he always and captivating premise of Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko. Marlon Miguel and Renato Custodio; Brain- knew he was gay, so he devised a way to fake his Playing a very special role in the series is Ka- stormers Erwin Bravo and Zita Garganera. death. The truth is he went abroad and took their puso actor as Nathan, Rachel’s hus- The program is another original creation of daughter with him. He undergoes sexual reas- band and a woman trapped inside a man’s body. the GMA Drama Group under the supervision of signment and facial feminization surgery in order Playing important characters in Rachel’s Senior Vice President for Entertainment Group to fully embrace the woman inside him. He left life are: Lotlot De Leon as Lupita Santiago, her Lilybeth G. Rasonable; Vice President for Drama without knowing that Rachel is pregnant with doting mother who really liked Nathan for her; Redgie Acuña-Magno; Assistant Vice President their second child. Rachel, after Nathan died, Devon Seron as Maya Santiago, Rachel’s younger for Drama Cheryl Ching-Sy; and Senior Program went to the province where she gave birth. sister and her confidante; Annalyn Barro as Tina Manager Camille Hermoso-Hafezan. Years later, Rachel meets the good-looking Santos, Rachel’s best friend who discovers that A love story and betrayal like no other. Don’t balikbayan Gavin, portrayed by returning Kapuso Nathan is cheating on her; Caprice Cayetano as miss Asawa Ko, Karibal Ko’s premiere this Oc- Rayver Cruz as he stars in his very first drama Nicole Bravante, Rachel and Nathan’s daughter. tober 22 via GMA’s flagship international chan- series in the Network. Rachel falls for him in- Joining them are the vital characters in nel GMA Pinoy TV. For the program guide, visit stantly but her prospect of happiness is met with Thea Tolentino & Rayver Cruz (Photo: Gma Network) Nathan/Catriona’s life: Jean Saburit as Veronica www.gmapinoytv.com. Carmina Villaroel and twins Mavy and Cassy Legaspi bring happier weekends in GMA’s Sarap, ‘di ba?

PREPARE for fun-filled Saturday mornings with about family, food and fun activities for help their mom entertain and bond the whole family as GMA Network brings to Fili- everyone. The twins, being the Gen Z with their guests. Viewers should pino homes its newest talk-variety show, Sarap, teens, will join their mom in the week- look forward to their adventures ‘Di Ba?, beginning October 27 on GMA Life TV. end morning chikahan about the latest and misadventures in their person- This program is hosted by no less than celeb- trends in music, pop culture, fashion, al vlogs or video blogs as they share rity mom, actress and TV host Carmina Villarroel and technology. what teens and children actually together with her talented twins Mavy and Cassy Carmina and her twins have been care about. The program will also Legaspi. successfully making it work for almost be a platform for sharing experi- Carmina, who is recognized as one of the 18 years now through their ability to ences, no matter what age group country’s well-loved endorsers and most admired relate with each other that’s why they you belong to. female personalities, returns to hosting but this are the perfect hosts of this program. The fun bonding would not be time, she will be joined by her children in this Carmina might not be a “millennial”, complete without the delicious and family-oriented program. and she may not be readily aware of healthy meals you can prepare for A platform for bridging gaps between the all the trends and lingo that kids these your picky children, your hungry parents and children, Sarap, ‘Di Ba? will show days use, but she knows how to observe, husband, or to simply satisfy your how family members can strengthen their rela- listen, and be interested in what Mavy own cravings! Learn new recipe tionship with each other. Carmina, being the Gen and Cassy are into. ideas from Carmina and the twins X mom, will keep televiewers happily entertained The twins will definitely be a breath while they share tips on parenting as she tackles relatable and more dynamic topics of fresh air to Kapuso viewers as they Carmina Villarroel together with her talented twins Mavy and Cassy Legaspi. (Photo: Gma Network) with their Kapuso celebrity guests.

VVIP SOLD OUT B8 FilAm Star OCTOBER 25-31, 2018 entertainment Gerald: Another soldier role in “Take Life” By Joseph Peter R. Gonzales IN his upcoming soap opera titled, “Take Life”, While shooting the scenes, everybody was in- This is not a re-telling of my former soap. Com- Gerald Anderson is playing the role of a soldier spired. We felt things will turn out positive spe- pared to ‘Tayong Dalawa’, this one focuses more and he’s glad that a Memorandum of Under- cially the viewership. I’m hats-off to our director on military life, what they and their families go standing was already signed between ABS-CBN (Richard Somes). His treatment to this TV offer- through in the name of national security. I can and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. ing is like a film.” say that the impact made by ‘Tayong Dalawa’ dur- “That’s right!” he says. “It feels great that The military is close to the handsome actor’s ing that time was strong. Many were inspired to we’ve just gotten the support of the AFP for this heart. Unknown to some, he is a lieutenant of the enter the military due to the show. I hope we will project. Both parties agreed to support each Philippine Coast Guard. This is the reason why achieve the same effect with ‘Take Life.’ Anyway, other in giving the Filipino audience a good and he feels confident of the alliance between the AFP as I’ve said, I feel confident with our material!” realistic program. We waited for so long for this and ABS-CBN for the soap. Meanwhile, the appealing actor expressed his to happen. I’m really happy with the partnership. “Our training will start anytime soon. Thanks admiration to girlfriend Bea Alonzo’s currently “On the part of the AFP, they can help a lot to our partnership with the AFP. I’m thrilled be- showing potboiler “First Love.” in training the cast members who are assigned cause I’m very much aware of the life of military “It’s such a nice movie, very heart-warming. military roles in the plot to give a more accurate people, what they go through, what their stories are. I even told her that I envy her since she shared portrayal. Meanwhile, ABS-CBN will serve as The demands of their job and their families. All of the screen with Aga (Muhlach) who is one of the perfect vessel in which the viewers can take a these the public could watch in ‘Take Life.’ So, as our iconic figures in the local ‘biz. I also dream glimpse on the colourful lives of military people.” early as now, I’m excited for the soap,” Gerald avers. of working with him in a silver screen project. He has already seen some rushes of the Interestingly, it can be remembered that he I’m certain that the movie is a grand treat to the scenes that were already shot and believes that already played a military part in one of his previ- viewing public. Imagine, two of our biggest and the show holds a lot of promise. ous shows, “Tayong Dalawa” opposite . award-winning actors in one film? Add to this “Actually, we haven’t shot any military How different is it from his latest offering? that they shot the film entirely in Canada. Wow! scenes yet, only the family scenes and it’s good. “Oh, the story is far different, that’s for sure. It’s really awesome, right?” ends Gerald. Gerald Anderson (Photo: Facebook) Angel Aquino, JC Santos topbill int’l film FILIPINO actors headline an international pro- Santos shared with the Inquirer: “I’ve been pore) as producers. duction, “Motel Acacia,” the second film of Malay- preparing a lot for this film. I am currently doing Filming will begin in the Philippines and sian-born scriptwriter-filmmaker Bradley Liew. research on it.” Slovenia by the end of November. Liew, whose debut film, “Singing in Grave- He related that it would be his first time to The technical and creative staff likewise yards,” premiered at the Critics’ Week section of work with a multinational cast and crew. “I am comes from diverse nations: Thai editor Lee the Venice Film Festival in 2016, has tapped the looking forward to see their work process. I am Chatametikool, South African composer Chris Philippines’ JC Santos and Angel Aquino, along excited to learn new things from them.” Letcher and the Philippines’ Benjamin Tolen- with indie regular Perry Dizon (in a cameo), to Is Aquino thrilled, tense or terrified to em- tino (coeditor), Larry Manda (cinematogra- act in the new movie. bark on this new adventure? pher) and Benjamin Padero and Carlo Tabije Aquino and Santos play pivotal roles in the “All of the above,” Aquino quipped. “After (production designers). thriller that is set in a snow-covered US town hearing it straight from Brad, what my character’s Liew, who now calls Manila his home with where immigrants vanish in a motel—ostensibly journey is, I became more daunted than anything wife Balbuena, remarked: “Southeast Asia is sacrificed to be devoured by a tree demon. else. I started imagining in my head scenes that still fighting to heal itself from the scars of Apart from Aquino and Santos, a stellar he had described to me. I could feel my stomach colonialism. This film may be horror in genre, ensemble from all over the world is also featured turn, twist and tighten from all the emotions that but the voice of this film is an attempt to chal- in the movie: Belgium’s Jan Bijvoet (“Embrace of I was feeling.” lenge a younger generation to see that there’s the Serpent”), Malaysia’s Bront Palarae (“Satan’s something very wrong with the world.” Slaves”), Thailand’s Vithaya Pansringarm (“Only Collaboration “Motel Acacia” was developed under God Forgives”), US/Australia’s Talia Zucker Angel Aquino (Photo: Twitter.com) The film is a collaboration among different Jerusalem Film Lab with script doctor Clare (“Lake Mungo”) and US/Australia’s Will Jaymes High-caliber thespians companies and countries: Black Sheep (Philip- Downs, EAVE Ties That Bind, Talents Tokyo, (“Beast”). Liew exclaimed that he was “incredibly pines), Mandarin Vision (Taiwan), White Light and was presented at BiFan’s NAFF IT Project Cowriter and producer Bianca Balbuena told excited” to collaborate with an international cast Post (Thailand), Studio Virc (Slovenia), Nukleus and the Berlinale Co-Production Market. It was the Inquirer that the team was still looking for of “high-caliber” thespians. “I want to see where Films (Croatia) and Tier Pictures (Singapore), also awarded the Talents Tokyo Next Masters another foreign actor to play the main antagonist. they will take their characters.” with Epicmedia (Philippines) and Potocol (Singa- development fund.(inquirer.net)